Composition of stingless bee honey: Setting quality standards

Compositional data from 152 stingless bee (Meliponini) honey samples were compiled from studies since 1964, and evaluated to propose a quality standard for this product. Since stingless bee honey has a different composition than Apis mellifera honey, some physicochemical parameters are presented according to stingless bee species. The entomological origin of the honey was known for 17 species of Meliponini from Brazil, one from Costa Rica, six from Mexico, 27 from Panama, one from Surinam, two from Trinidad & Tobago, and seven from Venezuela, most from the genus Melipona. The results varied as follows: moisture (19.9-41.9g/100g), pH (3.15-4.66), free acidity (5.9-109.0meq/Kg), ash (0.01-1.18g/100g), diastase activity (0.9-23.0DN), electrical conductivity (0.49-8.77mS/cm), HMF (0.4-78.4mg/Kg), invertase activity (19.8-90.1IU), nitrogen (14.34-144.00mg/100g), reducing sugars (58.0-75.7g/100g) and sucrose (1.1-4.8g/100g). Moisture content of stingless bee honey is generally higher than the 20% maximum established for A. mellifera honey. Guidelines for further contributions would help make the physicochemical database of meliponine honey more objective, in order to use such data to set quality standards. Pollen analysis should be directed towards the recognition of unifloral honeys produced by stingless bees, in order to obtain standard products from botanical species. A honey quality control campaign directed to both stingless beekeepers and stingless bee honey hunters is needed, as is harmonization of analytical methods. © 2007 Asociación Interciencia.

Preliminary selection of acerola genotypes in Brazil

Introduction. Breeding studies for acerola (Malpighia glabra) improvement aim at obtaining plants that produce fruits with uniform chemical and physical attributes, including high levels of vitamin C, which can provision the market with fresh fruit and frozen pulp. High variability in fruit quality is observed in Brazilian acerola crops, especially those propagated by seeds. In this context, the objective of our research was to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of Brazilian acerola genotype fruits. Materials and methods. Sixteen acerola genotypes were studied in Jaboticabal, São Paulo State, Brazil. A completely randomized design with sixteen treatments and six replications was adopted. Each treatment was represented by one genotype. Several parameters related to fruit quality, such as width, length, weight, pulp percentage, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), [SS / TA] ratio and vitamin C content, were evaluated in fruits of the acerola genotypes. The results were submitted to variance analyses, the Tukey test and cluster analysis. Results and discussion. There was a statistical difference between the acerola genotypes studied. Three of them stood out as natural sources of vitamin C. In spite of fruit size, two acerola genotypes were found to have potential for fresh fruit production. In a general form, genotypes that presented a high [SS / TA] ratio had low vitamin C content. Conclusion. The acerola genotypes studied in Jaboticabal presented high variability, forming eleven groups in relation to fruit quality parameters. © 2007 Cirad/EDP Sciences All rights reserved.

Dinâmica da regeneração do subsolo de áreas degradadas dentro do bioma Cerrado

The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical and chemical conditions of revegetated subsoil in degraded areas in a Cerrado biome and to verify which plants promote better conditions for soil recovery. The research was conducted in the remaining area of the hydroelectrical plant site at Ilha Solteira (SP). The experimental design was a completely randomized with five treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of: natural regeneration area, brachiaria area, Pinus sp. area, exposed soil area and Cerrado grassland (used as control). The following soil characteristics were appraised: porosity; density, stability of aggregates, infiltration rate, temperature, exchangeable cations, organic matter, pH and potential acidity. The results show that Pinus is not a good species to recover the chemical attributes of the subsoil. The revegetated areas need to be improved in their physical attributes to allow a better development of the vegetation. Brachiaria and the natural regeneration were the most promising treatments, presenting results similar to natural Cerrado.

Effect of milk treatment on acidification, physicochemical characteristics, and probiotic cell counts in low fat yogurt

The effect of milk treatment (heat, high hydrostatic pressure - HHP, or combined heat and HHP) on acidification, physicochemical characteristics, and probiotic cell counts in low fat yogurt was studied. All samples were analyzed for fermentation time, pH, titratable acidity, total solids, water-holding capacity, syneresis, Hunter L*, a*, and b* values, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum. The application of HHP combined with thermal treatment resulted in yogurt gels with attractive physicochemical characteristics and high water-holding capacity. In addition to this, the milk treatment did not affect the probiotic bacteria growth. The balance of strains in the starter culture and level of inoculation influenced the yogurt fermentation and properties. The use of combined heat and HHP to treat milk before yogurt fermentation could be an alternative process for obtaining high quality, additive-free healthy products.

Polimorfismo da beta-lactoglobulina não afeta as caracterí sticas físico-químicas e a estabilidade do leite bovino

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of beta-lactoglobulin polymorphism, breed and seasonality on physico-chemical characteristics and stability of bovine milk. Six Holstein-Zebu (H-Z) and five Holstein dairy herds were selected, of which 660 Holstein and 293 crossbred Holstein-Zebu milk and blood samples were collected, adding up 953 samples, distributed in two collecting periods at rainy and two at dry seasons. Each milk sample was analyzed for titratable acidity, pH, freezing point and milk ethanol stability, at the following ethanol concentrations: 70, 76, 80 and 84GL. Individual blood samples were submitted to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the determination of beta-lactoglobulin polymorphism. No effect of beta-lactoglobulin polymorphism was observed in physico-chemical characteristics of milk, in both studied breed. Breed effect for Holstein and H-Z, respectively, was observed on titratable acidity (16.16 and 17.07°D, while effect of seasonality (for rainy and dry seasons, respectively) was also observed on freezing point (-0.5411 and -0.5376°H). Effects of breed and seasonality on milk stability were observed (Holstein-Zebu milk was less stable on dry season), however, no effect of beta-lactoglobulin on milk stability was observed.

Tree species composition and environmental relationships in a Neotropical swamp forest in Southeastern Brazil

We examined the relationships between topography, soil properties and tree species composition in a Neotropical swamp forest in southeastern Brazil. Plots were sampled in the forest, encompassing three different soil ground water regimes along the topographical declivity. All non-climbing plant individuals with trunk height >1.3 m were sampled. A canonical correspondence analysis-CCA-of the species-environmental relationships grouped tree species according to drainage and chemical soil conditions. A total of 86 species were found, being 77 species in the inferior, 40 species in the intermediate and 35 species in the superior topographic section. Some species were among the 10 most abundant ones, both in the overall sampled area and in each topographical section, with alternation events occurring only with their abundance position. However, substantial differences in floristic composition between sections were detected in a fine spatial scale, due to higher number of species, diversity index (H′) and species unique (exclusives) in the inferior topographic section. These higher values can be attributed to its higher spatial heterogeneity that included better drained and seasonally waterlogged soils, higher soil fertility and lower acidity. The increase of the soil water saturation and the uniform conditions derived from the superficial water layer has led to a lower number of species and an increase on the palm trees abundance in the intermediate and superior sections. Our results showed that at a small spatial scale niche differentiation must be an important factor related to the increase of the local diversity. The wide distribution of the most abundant species in the studied area and the increase of local diversity corroborate the pattern of distribution of species in larger scales of swamp forests, in which the most abundant species repeat themselves in high densities in different remnants. However, the floristic composition of each remnant is strongly variable, contributing to the increase of regional diversity. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Resposta do manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivado em solos corrigidos com calcário e escória silicatada: Caracterí sticas agronômicas e produção de matéria seca

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Avaliação microbiológica e físico-química de leites uht produzidos no Estado do Paraná - Brasil

The present work analyzed 150 UHT whole milk samples from three different brands, commercialized in city of Palotina (Paraná, Brazil), between October of 2004 and February of 2005. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria counting results were compared to the Agriculture Ministry of Brazil official standards (RTIQ) for UHT milk. 36 (24%) of the sample presented higher mesophilic bacteria counting according to the standards. Also, were proceeded physic-chemical analyses of those samples. 7.3% of the acidity results, 29% of crude fat and 50.7% of dry matter without fat were disagreeing to RTIQ. All samples accorded to the standards for cryoscopy and alcohol stability tests.

Hemoglobin polymorphism and hematological profile of Geoffroy's side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus, Testudines) in the northwestern region of São Paulo State, Brazil

Complete blood counts and hemoglobin isoform data were gathered from 36 specimens of the turtle species Phrynops geoffroanus from the northwestern region of São Paulo State, Brazil. They were collected in an urban area. The hemoglobin profiles were obtained after red blood cell lysis and by electrophoretic migration in alkaline pH, acid pH, and neutral pH buffer. The hemoglobin components were confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Erythrogram analysis included hematocrit, total hemoglobin concentration, total red blood cell count, and red blood cell indices. The leukogram included a total white blood cell count and a calculation of the percent values of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, heterophils, and azurophils. HPLC analysis revealed three hemoglobin components; the first with a concentration of 5.5%, the second was a major component with an average concentration of 67.1%, and the third with a concentration of 28.5%. The hematological profile obtained for these specimens allowed us to establish a pattern for P. geoffroanus in São Paulo State Northwestern region. The average hematocrit values were 22.5% for females and 24.0% for males. For total hemoglobin, we found average values of 6.66 g/dL in females and 7.22 g/dL in males. The number of white blood cells was 2725 x 103/μL for females and 2775 x 103/μL for males. There was a predominance of heterophils, eosinophils, and monocytes in both sexes. No significant differences were found between males and females for hematological profile. The hematological results were compared to literature data for other Chelonia. They were similar to what is known for fresh water turtles. © FUNPEC-RP.

Leaf spray fertilization of boron and zinc on productivity and fruit quality of Japanese pear tree

The cultivation of fruit plants from temperate climate in tropical or subtropical regions can be a good income alternative for the producer. However, due to the little existent information about cultivation of those fruit plants, the producers use imported techniques of other producing areas, or even an association of practices used for other fruit plants, pointing out the leaf spray fertilization of micronutrients without appropriate scientific base. In this context, the objective of this study was to verify the effect of the leaf spray fertilization of B and Zn on productivity and fruit quality of Japanese pear tree. The experiment was conducted from 2004 to 2005, in Ilha Solteira, in northwestern São Paulo State-Brazil. The climate is, according to the Köpppen Classification, tropical wet and dry (Aw). The 'Okusankichi' cultivar, grafted on Pyrus communis L. rootstock was used as well as doses of 110 g.ha-1 of B and 250 g.ha-1 of Zn in each application. The treatments were: T1. water, T2. boric acid, T3. zinc sulfate, T4. T2 + T3, T5. boric acid + urea + citric acid + EDTA, T6. zinc sulfate + urea + citric acid + EDTA, T7. T5 + T6, T8. boric acid + urea + citric acid + EDTA + sodium molibdate + sulfur + calcium chloride, T9. zinc sulfate + urea + citric acid + EDTA + Fe sulfate + Mn sulfate + Mg sulfate and, T10. T8+T9. A randomized blocks design was used and the averages were compared by Tukey test. In the first crop the mixture of boric acid with quelating agents were efficient to supply B to the plants and zinc sulfate plus quelating agents were efficient to increase Zn leaf content. However, the productivity and the fruit quality were not influenced by the leaf spray of B and Zn. In the second crop the leaf content of B and Zn and the productivity were not influenced by the leaf spray; the boric acid and the zinc sulfate with or without quelating agents increased the contents of total soluble solids and, the boric acid with or without quelating agents increased the contents of total titratable acidity.

Fig tree orchard formation using organic fertilization

The present work aimed at evaluating the effects of cattle manure fertilization on the growth and yield of fig trees. The cultivar 'Roxo de Valinhos' was used. One-, two-, three-and four-year-old trees were treated with cattle manure containing 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of the recommended nitrogen level per plant. The experiment was carried out using randomized blocks with 7 treatments, 5 replicates and 5 plants per experimental plot. The evaluated characteristics were: plant height, stem diameter, secondary branch length and diameter, yield per plant (kg plant-1), besides some quality characteristics of fruits such as pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids and texture. Manure application enhanced plant growth and fruit production. Significant differences were observed only for soluble solids content, pH and texture, which varied according to the crop cycle. After four crop cycles (2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06), the best results (about 5.0 kg of fruits per plant) were obtained with 100% of the recommended nitrogen dose, which corresponded to 14.3 kg of cattle manure per plant, in the last crop cycle (2005/2006).

Caracterização de requeijão cremoso potencialmente prebiótico pela adição de inulina e proteína de soja

Requeijão is a typical Brazilian cheese and exhibits a significant consumption in the domestic market and presents high potential for functional foods. In this study the physicochemical characterization of requeijão cheese added of dairy cream, hydrogenated vegetal fat, soy protein isolate and inulin was carried out. For the requeijão cheese making it was used: Lactic mass, sodium chloride, melting salt, starch, whey protein concentrate, xanthan gum, nisin and water. Dairy cream (2.0; 4.0 and 6.0%), hydrogenated vegetable fat (6.0; 8.0 and 10.0%), soy protein isolate - SPI (0.5; 1.0 and 1.5%) and inulin (3.8; 5.05 and 6.3%) were added, according to the trial. The formulated products presented 6.26 to 6.38 of pH value, 0.24 to 0.39% of acidity, 7.29 to 10.04% of protein, 1.62 to 1.77% of ashes, 12.5 to 21.3% of fat, 39.8 to 66.1% of fat dry matter and 28.63 to 35.56% of total solids. The developed requeijão cheeses added of soy protein isolate and inulin are feasible alternatives for healthy foods and potentially prebiotics.

Mango flower induction in the brazilian northeast Semi-arid with gibberellin synthesis inhibitors

Mangoes in the Brazilian semi-arid stands out in the national scenario due to high yields and fruit quality, and also to the possibility of all-year production taking advantage of the climatic conditions as well as management technique (irrigation, pruning and growth regulators application) for plant growth and blossom control. Paclobutrazol soil drench applied is normally used for production management of mangoes. This research deals with the evaluation of the effect of foliar applied growth regulators to mango, cultivar 'Kent', as regard to their efficiency for blossom management, in order to allow off season mango production. Three growth regulators (prohexadione-Ca, trinexapac-ethyl and chlormequat chloride) were foliar applied, at two dosages and compared to paclobutrazol applied as soil-drench. In order to compare the effects of the treatment, data were recorded related to panicle emission (percentage and length), period of time until blossom and production, yield (number and plant weight) and post-harvest quality of the fruit (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, firmness, flesh and skin color and appearance). The results showed that prohexadione-Ca and chlormequat chloride induced a 15-day early harvest, while paclobutrazol, alone or combined with prohexadione-Ca, allow to harvest 25 days in advance, when compared to trinexapac-ethyl and control trees. Growth regulators foliar applied and paclobutrazol applied as soil-drench delayed mangoes fruit ripening in post-harvest.

Alface americana fertirrigada com diferentes doses de ácido fosfórico e hidróxido de potássio

Fertirrigation with phosphoric acid has been considered as an option to avoid drips from clogging. In some cases, this acid cause soil acidification and it can be substituted bypotassium hydroxide. This study had the objective of evaluating the effects of different phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide doses, applied via fertirrigation, on soil fertility, plant nutrition and lettuce yield, compared to the conventional fertilization system. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse, in the College of Agricultural Sciences, FCA/UNESP, Botucatu-SP-Brazil. The experimental design was the completely randomized block, with 6 treatments and 4 replications. Treatments consisted of the combinations of doses (25% and 50% of the recommended complete dose for the lettuce) and application ofcomplete dose (100%) of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applied via fertirrigation, and a control (conventional fertilization system). The results showed that P and K availability in soil and nutrient concentration in plants were affected by treatments. Low phosphorus and potassium doses, applied via fertirrigation, were not efficient for the appropriate development of lettuce plants. The results showed that agronomic characteristics and commercial lettuce were affected by doses and application systems, especially the treatment with application of P and K full dose fertirrigation.

Atributos químicos do solo sob plantio direto afetado por sistemas de culturas e fontes de adubação

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)