Leaf concentration of macronutrients in oil palm plants fertilized with phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in the Eastern Amazon

The concentrations of nutrients in the leaves allow a better understanding of the nutritional status of oil palm plants, making it a tool for diagnosing the origins of nutritional problems and assisting in fertilizer recommendations. In this sense, the objective of the current research was to evaluate the leaf concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S in the oil palm under fertilization with phosphate, potassium and magnesium in edaphoclimatic conditions of Eastern Amazon. The experiment was conducted at the AGROPALMA® Company in the municipality of Tailândia, state of Pará, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme 4 x 2 x 3 x 2, with four levels of phosphorus, two sources of phosphorus (natural phosphate and triple superphosphate), three levels of potassium and two levels of magnesium. Phosphorus fertilization increased the leaf concentrations of N, P, Ca and Mg, providing higher levels when triple superphosphate was applied. However, in adult oil palm plants (12 years old), there was different on leaf concentrations of N, P, K and S between phosphorus sources aphid. Potassium and magnesium fertilization only increased the leaf concentrations of K and Mg, respectively. Fertilization with P, K and Mg promotes adequate leaf concentrations of K, Ca, Mg e S in oil palm plants grown in the Eastern Amazon.

Digestive disorders associated with the consumption of palm fiber (Elaeis guineensis) in feedlot cattle / Distúrbios digestivos associados ao consumo de fibra de dendê (Elaeis guineensis) em bovinos criados em regime de confinamento

Digestive disorders in cattle are associated with the breeding system and feed provided to the animals. Abomasal compaction is primarily related to the ingestion of forage with elevated levels of lignin, low quality, and difficult digestibility. In addition, the excess of fibrous food in the diet can lead to phytobezoars that may be responsible for intestinal obstruction disorders. This study aimed to describe pathological and clinical aspects of an outbreak of digestive disorders associated with the consumption of palm fiber (Elaeis guineensis). The outbreak struck a herd of 499 animals raised in a feedlot system after a change in diet that included an increase in the amount of palm fiber. Forty (8.01%) animals showed clinical signs such as fattening and regurgitation during rumination, and 21 (4.2%) animals died later. The cattle affected presented with apathy, emaciation, dehydration, distended abdomen, incomplete or absent ruminal movements, and congestive mucosa. Three animals were submitted to necropsy, and distended rumen and reticulum has a large amount of brownish liquid, long and tangled vegetable fibers with sand and stones. In two animals, the omasum had many rounded structures measuring approximately 5cm in diameter, made of vegetable fiber (phytobezoars). Abomasum of animals had similar material to the rumen, and one animal had compressed content. In two animals, dilatation was observed in the small intestine, and in the opening, the total obstruction of the lumen by phytobezoar was observed. During the follow-up of the slaughter of 76 cattle, 15 (19.7%) had phytobezoars of different sizes in the omasum and abomasum. The increased amount of oil palm fiber in animal feeding favored the occurrence of compression abomasum and intestinal obstruction phytobezoa, causing significant economic losses.(AU)

Alguns distúrbios digestivos em bovinos podem estar associados ao sistema de criação e alimentação dos animais. Entre estes estão à compactação de abomaso e a obstrução intestinal por fitobezoários, ambas relacionadas principalmente com a ingestão de alimentos com altos níveis de lignina e, consequentemente, de difícil digestibilidade. Neste trabalho são descritos os aspectos clínicos e patológicos de um surto de distúrbios digestivos em bovinos associados ao consumo de fibra de dendê (Elaeis guineensis). O surto acometeu um rebanho de 499 bovinos, criados em sistema de confinamento, após uma mudança na dieta que incluiu o aumento na quantidade de fibra de dendê. Após a mudança 40 animais (8,01%) apresentaram diarreia, distensão abdominal e regurgitação durante a ruminação e 21 animais (4,2%) morreram. Os bovinos examinados clinicamente apresentavam sinais de apatia, emagrecimento, desidratação, abdômen distendido, movimentos ruminais incompletos e ausentes, além de mucosas congestas. Três animais foram submetidos à necropsia e observou-se rúmen e reticulo distendidos e com grande quantidade de líquido acastanhado, fibras vegetais longas e emaranhadas e presença de areia e pedras. Em dois animais o omaso continha grande número de estruturas arredondadas medindo aproximadamente 5cm de diâmetro, constituídas de fibras vegetais (fitobezoários). No abomaso dos animais havia material semelhante ao do rúmen, sendo que um animal apresentou conteúdo compactado e um deles também tinha fitobezoários. Em dois animais foram observadas dilatação e obstrução total do lúmen do intestino delgado por fitobezoários. Durante o acompanhamento do abate de 76 bovinos, 15 (19,7%) apresentavam fitobezoários de diferentes tamanhos no abomaso e omaso. O aumento da quantidade de fibra de dendê na alimentação dos animais favoreceu a ocorrência de casos de compactação de abomaso e obstrução intestinal por fitobezoários, ocasionando perdas econômicas significativas.(AU)

Oil palm age and genotype interfere with defoliator lepidopteran infestation

The state of Pará has oil palm plantings of different ages and distinct genotypes. The understanding of which factors influence the occurrence and abundance of defoliating caterpillars in palm groves is paramount for control strategies based on integrated pest management (IPM). This study quantified the effect of oil palm age independently, and that of oil palm age and genotype, on the occurrence and abundance of defoliating caterpillars. Data were collected from 1994­2014 and consisted of counting the average number of caterpillars/leaf/parcel. For Opsiphanes invirae and Talima sp., leaf 17 was sampled; for Acharia spp., Euclea sp., Euprosterna elaeasa, Natada sp., and Automeris liberia, leaf 25 was sampled. For Oiketicus kirbyi, Antaeotricha sp., and Brassolis sophorae no specific leaf was considered. Palm trees were classified into three groups: young palm trees (0­8 years after planting), adult palm trees (9­19 years after planting), and old palm trees (over 20 years after planting). Talima sp. showed the highest population peak followed by O. invirae, Acharia spp., Elaeis elaeasa and Euclea sp. This study concludes that genotype has an impact on the infestation by defoliating caterpillars. Also, oil palms at reproductive age are more prone to higher infestation levels than young trees. While population levels of defoliating caterpillars are low in general, outbreaks are frequent. Importantly, intraspecific genotypes are more vulnerable than interspecific genotypes to infestations by defoliating caterpillars. This study contributes to the bioecological knowledge on defoliating caterpillars on oil palm and therefore provides important information to strengthen integrated pest management practices.

Identification of QTLs in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) using SSR markers through association mapping

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a perennial vegetable and a high oil-yielding crop (4–6 t/ha). There is a large scope for increasing the oil yield by selecting elite planting material for breeding programme in germplasm evaluation, characterization and utilization. In the present study, a diverse range of 150 oil palm genotypes were characterized using 12 quantitative variables with 54 genomic microsatellite markers. A wide variation was observed in the morphological traits among indigenous populations. Highly significant and positive correlations were observed between vegetative dry matter (VDM) and total dry matter (TDM) (0.862), and height and height increment (0.838). The first two principal component analyses explained 67.7% of total variation among morphological traits. The genotypes IC0610001-59 (Pune-2) and IC0610001-60 (Pune-2) were found highly promising based on less height increment, more TDM with high yield. For the mapping study, general linear model (GLM) approach, quantitative-trait loci (QTL) for annual height increment, number of bunches, bunch yield and bunch index were linked to simple-sequence repeat (SSR) loci mEgCIR3649 with phenotypic variance of 15.08, 10.43, 11.74, 15.39. TDM and VDM were linked to mEgCIR0192 (27.34 and 24.19%), mEgCIR3684 (16.84 and 18.30%), SPSC00163 (18.8 and 15.39%) and mEgCIR0555 (16.47 and 18.81%), with at a significant threshold (P) level of B0.001 and by mixed linear model (MLM) approach. TDM was linked to mEgCIR0555 with phenotypic variance of 20.72%, bunch yield and bunch index were linked to mEgCIR2813 at phenotypic variance of 17.11% and 12.88%, respectively, at a significant threshold (P) level of B0.01.

Calidad durante el almacenamiento de huevos de gallinas alimentadas con dietas con aceite de palma / Egg quality during storage of eggs from hens fed diets with crude palm oil

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto del aceite crudo de palma (ACP) sobre la calidad del huevo almacenado por varios días a diferentes temperaturas. Materiales y métodos. Un total de 240 gallinas de 28 semanas se alimentaron con dietas con 30g/kg de aceite de soya (AS) o ACP. Después de 12 semanas, muestras de huevos se almacenaron durante 0, 4, 8 y 12 días a 4, 12 y 24°C. Las características de calidad del huevo fueron evaluadas. Resultados. El huevo y la albúmina de gallinas en la dieta con ACP fueron más pesados que aquellos en la dieta con AS (p<0.05). La alta temperatura de almacenamiento redujo el peso del huevo, albúmina y yema, unidades Haugh (UH), altura de la albúmina y la yema, pH y color (p<0.05), pero aumentó el ancho de la albúmina y la yema, y la longitud de la albúmina (p<0.05). A medida que aumentaba el tiempo de almacenamiento, el peso del huevo, el peso y la altura de la albúmina, y la altura de la yema, el pH y el color se redujeron (p<0.05). Sin embargo, el peso y el ancho de la yema, el ancho y la longitud de la albúmina aumentaron (p<0.05). La interacción aceite x tiempo de almacenamiento (p<0.05) indico que la altura de la albumina, UH y el color de la yema de los huevos de la dieta con ACP fueron mejores a los 12 días de almacenamiento que en la dieta con AS. Conclusiones. Las gallinas en la dieta con ACP tuvieron huevos y albuminas más pesadas que las de las de la adieta con AS. La calidad del huevo disminuyó conforme el tiempo y temperatura de almacenamiento se incrementó, pero, los huevos de las gallinas suplementadas con ACP tuvieron mejor calidad en algunas características a los 12 días de almacenamiento.

ABSTRACT Objective. Evaluate the effect of crude palm oil (CPO) on quality traits of eggs stored various days at different temperatures. Material and Methods. A total of 240 hens, 28 weeks of age were fed diets with 30 g/kg of soybean oil (SO) or CPO. After 12 weeks, sample of eggs were stored during 0, 4, 8 and 12 days at 4, 12 and 24 °C. Egg quality traits were evaluated. Results. Egg and albumen from hens in CPO diet were heavier than those in SO (p<0.05). High storage temperature reduced egg, albumen and yolk weights, Haugh units (HU), albumen and yolk heights, pH and color (p<0.05), but increased albumen and yolk widths and albumen length (p<0.05). As storage time increased, egg weight, albumen weight and height, and yolk height, pH and colour were reduced (p<0.05). However, yolk weight and width, albumen width and length increased (p<0.05). Oil x storage time interaction (p<0.05) indicated that albumen height, HU and yellowness of yolk from hens in CPO diets were better at 12 days of storage than for hens fed SO. Conclusions. Hens in CPO diet had heavier eggs and albumen than those in SO diet. Egg quality traits decreased as temperature and days of storage increased, but, eggs from hens supplemented CPO had better quality in some traits at 12 days of storage.

Trichospilus diatraeae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): development and reproduction in Lepidoptera palm oil pests / Trichospilus diatraeae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): desenvolvimento e reprodução em lepidópteros-praga da palma de óleo

Abstract Brazil is a leading palm oil producer, but the defoliating caterpillars Opsiphanes invirae Hübner Brassolis sophorae L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) can reduce the productivity of this crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development and reproduction of the parasitoid Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in pupae of these oil palm defoliators. Ten O. invirae or B. sophorae pupae with up to two days old were exposed each to 30 T. diatraeae females for 48 hours. Parasitism and emergence of the progeny of T. diatraeae were similar in pupae of both Lepidoptera defoliators. The life cycle of this parasitoid was shorter in O. invirae (21.50 ± 0.42 days) pupae than with those of B. sophorae (27.60 ± 1.80 days). The number of the progeny (669.00 ± 89.62) and dead immature (217.13 ± 58.18) of T. diatraeae were higher in B. sophorae pupae than in those of O. invirae with 447.83 ± 51.52 and 13.50 ± 5.23, respectively. The sex ratio and female and male longevity of T. diatraeae emerged from these hosts were similar. The reproductive traits, especially the number of individuals (offspring) of T. diatraeae were better with B. sophorae pupae than with those of O. invirae.

Resumo O Brasil é um dos principais produtores de óleo de palma, porém as lagartas desfolhadoras Opsiphanes invirae Hübner e Brassolis sophorae L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) podem comprometer a produtividade dessa cultura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento e aspectos reprodutivos do parasitoide Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) em pupas desses desfolhadores da palma de óleo. Dez pupas de O. invirae ou de B. sophorae com até dois dias de idade, foram expostas, cada uma, ao parasitismo por 30 fêmeas de T. diatraeae , por 48 horas. O parasitismo e a emergência da progênie de T. diatraeae foram semelhantes em pupas de ambas as espécies de lepidópteros desfolhadores da palma de óleo. O ciclo de vida desse parasitoide foi mais curto em pupas de O. invirae (21,50 ± 0,42 dias) que com as de B. sophorae (27,60 ± 1,80 dias). O número de progênie (669,00 ± 89,62) e de imaturos mortos (217,13 ± 58,18) de T. diatraeae foram maiores em pupas de B. sophorae que naquelas de O. invirae com 447,83 ± 51,52 e 13,50 ± 5,23, respectivamente. A razão sexual e a longevidade de fêmeas e machos de T. diatraeae emergidos desses hospedeiros foram semelhantes. As características reprodutivas, especialmente, o número de indivíduos (progênie) de T. diatraeae foram melhores com pupas de B. sophorae que com as de O. invirae .

Effect of Cultural Conditions on Biosurfactant Production by Candida sp. Isolated from the Sap of Elaeis guineensis

Aims: This study is aimed at determining the effect of cultural condition on biosurfactant production by Candida sp. isolates from saps of Elaeis guineensis. Methodology: Chemical analysis of the sap was carried out. Yeast isolates from the sap were screened for biosurfactant production based on emulsification index (E24), emulsification assay, haemolytic assay, oil displacement test, CTAB and tilted glass slide ability. The best biosurfactant-producing yeast isolate was identified based on its phenotypic, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics. The emulsification capacity of the produced biosurfactant on selected oils was studied. Optimum cultural and nutritional requirements (temperature, pH, inoculum concentration, nitrogen sources and carbon sources) for biosurfactant production by the isolate were determined. Results: The characteristics of the sap from Elaeis guineensis were reducing sugar (0.51 ± 0.03 mg/ml), alcohol (14.04 ± 0.15%), specific gravity (0.827±0.024), and pH (5.68±0.03). The crude biosurfactant produced displaced a thin film of crude oil on petri dish by 55 mm, and revealed high emulsification index (E24) of 52.5% using Olive oil as substrate compared to E24 of 60.6% by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Based on colonial, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics, the isolate SA2 was identified as Candida sp. The crude biosurfactant showed varying capacity in emulsifying the different oils that were examined. Optimization data revealed maximum biosurfactant production after 7 days of incubation, inoculum concentration of 10%, at temperature of 20ºC, pH of 2 with cassava peel as substrate. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated the capacity of Candida sp. from the sap of Elaeis guineensis to produce biosurfactant utilizing cassava peel as substrate. The use of cassava peel, which represents a low-cost substrate, is important in reducing the cost of biosurfactant production. Moreover, using yeasts from Elaeis guineensis make the production process ecologically friendly.

Report on outbreak and in vitro management of leaf spots disease caused by Pestalotiopsis sp. on oil palm seedlings in nurseries in Ghana

Aims@#Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is the most productive and the highest yielding edible oil crop in the world and economic crop cultivated in Ghana. In September 2017, an outbreak of leaf spot caused by Pestalotiopsis sp. on oil palm seedlings was reported for the first time in Ghana. The disease incidence reached 85%, assuming an epidemic situation. This study is geared towards developing appropriate management strategies by identifying phytopathogenic fungi that caused leaf spot on oil palm seedlings. @*Methodology and results@#Ten symptomatic leaves were picked per plot into sterilized plastic Ziploc bags and brought to laboratory. The leaves were washed under running tap water, cut into 1 cm pieces each, surface-sterilized with 10% sodium hypochlorite solution, rinsed three times in sterile distilled water and blotted on tissue paper (Gonthier et al., 2001). The sterilized samples were transferred aseptically onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) plate containing 0.5 mg/L of chloramphenicol and subcultured till pure culture was obtained. The result showed pure white colony which was concentric, cottony and velvety with slimy black dots of conidia mass on the tip of aerial mycelia. The fungus isolated and identified from the lesions on the leaf was Pestalotiopsis sp. and its pathogenicity confirmed. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The result from the study concludes that Pestalotiopsis sp. could infect E. guineensis, which developed the same symptoms observed naturally in the field after inoculation. The fungus was identified based on morphological characteristics.

Validation of the sampling methodology for Opsiphanes invirae caterpillars on oil palm plantations in the Brazilian Amazon / Validação da metodologia de amostragem para lagartas de Opsiphanes invirae em plantios de palma de óleo na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT: This study validated the use of leaf 17 on the sampling of Opsiphanes invirae Hübner (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) through the quantification of caterpillar abundance on the different spirals leaves, in comparison to leaf 17, and, on the apical, intermediate and basal leaf regions. This study was performed in the state of Pará, between March-2014 and March-2015. Results confirmed that leaf 17 is the most adequate method for monitoring this defoliator pest.

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa validou a utilização da folha 17, nas amostragens de Opsiphanes invirae Hübner )Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), através da quantificação da abundância de lagartas nas diferentes folhas que compõem os espirais em comparação com a folha 17, e, em diferentes regiões da folha (apical, intermediária e basal). O estudo foi realizado no Pará entre março de 2014 e março de 2015. Os resultados confirmam que a folha 17 é a mais adequada para ser utilizada no monitoramento desse desfolhador.

Identificación de estructuras de infección de Phytophthora palmivora en hojas de clones de palma de aceite Elaeis guinennsis Jacq / Identification of infection structures of Phytophthora palmivora in leaves of oil palm clones Elaeis guineensis Jacq

Este trabajo investigó el modelo de interacción planta-patógeno mediante discos de hojas de clones de palma de aceite inoculados en condiciones ex situ con un aislamiento de Phytophthora palmivora. Las inoculaciones se realizaron en condiciones controladas en cámara de crecimiento. En total, seis diferentes ortets fueron evaluados en seis tiempos de infección (2, 4, 6, 12, 24 y 48 horas postinfección, o hpi). Se determinó la presencia de estructuras de patogenicidad de P. palmivora como quiste, apresorio y tubos germinativos. Los quistes fueron identificados principalmente a las 2, 4 y 6 hpi. A partir de las 48 hpi no hubo presencia de zoosporas enquistadas para ningún ortet evaluado. En cuanto a los apresorios, estos se empezaron a desarrollar a las 4 horas de realizada la inoculación (siendo las 12 y 24 hpi los tiempos de mayor registro de estas estructuras). 121 Identificación de estructuras de infección de Phytophthora palmivora en hojas de clones de palma de aceite (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Méndez, K. et al. Introducción La Pudrición del cogollo (pc) es una de las principales enfermedades que afecta al cultivo de palma de aceite, destruyendo plantaciones desde 1964. En Colombia la enfermedad se presenta en las cuatro zonas palmeras y ha alcanzado proporciones epidémicas (Sarria et al., 2013a, 2016). A finales de 2004 en la Zona Suroccidental se registró un incremento en el número de casos, con un crecimiento exponencial de esta enfermedad, y a partir de 2007 se vieron afectadas más de 30.000 ha de cultivos de palma de aceite. En la Zona Central un comportamiento similar de la enfermedad fue registrado para la región de Puerto Wilches (Norte de Santander) entre 2009 y 2013, periodo en el cual se perdieron más de 40.000 ha como consecuencia de una epidemia de pc (Sanz, 2016). Por su parte, los productores de la Zona Norte actualmente hacen frente a la amenaza de una expansión epidémica de la pc con síntoma de hoja clorótica, la cual da cuenta de un estado avanzado de la enfermedad. Una amplia revisión del impacto de esta enfermedad desde sus inicios se encuentra en Benítez & García (2015), Sundram & Intan-Nur (2017) y Torres et al. (2016). La enfermedad de la Pudrición del cogollo es causada por el oomiceto hemibiótrofo P. palmivora (Sarria et al., 2008, 2013). Desde su identificación como agente causal de la pc en 2008, el Centro de Investigación en Palma de Aceite (Cenipalma) ha liderado diferentes investigaciones que han dado como resultado el desarrollo de estrategias de manejo integrado del cultivo de palma, así como la descripción del patógeno por medio de inoculación en condiciones in vitro en foliolos inmaduros de palma (Martínez et al., 2013, 2014a), entre otras. En cuanto a la presencia de esta enfermedad en otros cultivos, Mohamed-Azni et al. (2017) emplearon la técnica de foliolo inmaduro, logrando infectar foliolos de palma de aceite con P. palmivora aislada proveniente de cultivos de cacao y durián. Teniendo en cuenta que actualmente no se conocen fuentes probadas de resistencia de cultivares de Elaeis guineensis a la pc, y que un ciclo de mejoramiento genético de palma puede durar más de 25 años Por su parte, los tubos germinativos se encontraron a partir de las 48 hpi únicamente. Finalmente, se pudo establecer que el patógeno logra colonizar tejidos de foliolo no lignificados de clones de palma. Además, se encontró una relación entre el número de estructuras del patógeno con el comportamiento del cultivar de la palma donor (ramet)

Plant-pathogen model interaction was studied using leaf disks of oil palm clones inoculated ex situ with a Phytophthora palmivora isolate. The inoculation process was performed under growth chamber conditions. Six ortets were evaluated at six post-inoculation times (2, 4, 6, 12, 24 y 48 hours post infection, or hpi). Pathogen's infection structures as cyst, apressorium and germinative tubes were found. Cysts were identified mainly at 2, 4 and 6 hpi. After 48 hpi there were not any cysts for the evaluated ortets. The apresoria started to develop at 4 hpi, with the highest presence of these structures at 12 and 24 hpi. Germinative tubes were found only after 48 hpi. Therefore, it was established that the pathogen can colonize no-lignified tissue of oil palm clones. Finally, we found a relation between the pathogen's structures number and the response of the ortet related to its susceptibility and resistance response. Thus, it was found that the susceptible cultivar showed the highest number of germinative tubes

Trichospilus diatraeae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): development and reproduction in Lepidoptera palm oil pests

Abstract Brazil is a leading palm oil producer, but the defoliating caterpillars Opsiphanes invirae Hübner Brassolis sophorae L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) can reduce the productivity of this crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development and reproduction of the parasitoid Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in pupae of these oil palm defoliators. Ten O. invirae or B. sophorae pupae with up to two days old were exposed each to 30 T. diatraeae females for 48 hours. Parasitism and emergence of the progeny of T. diatraeae were similar in pupae of both Lepidoptera defoliators. The life cycle of this parasitoid was shorter in O. invirae (21.50 ± 0.42 days) pupae than with those of B. sophorae (27.60 ± 1.80 days). The number of the progeny (669.00 ± 89.62) and dead immature (217.13 ± 58.18) of T. diatraeae were higher in B. sophorae pupae than in those of O. invirae with 447.83 ± 51.52 and 13.50 ± 5.23, respectively. The sex ratio and female and male longevity of T. diatraeae emerged from these hosts were similar. The reproductive traits, especially the number of individuals (offspring) of T. diatraeae were better with B. sophorae pupae than with those of O. invirae.

Resumo O Brasil é um dos principais produtores de óleo de palma, porém as lagartas desfolhadoras Opsiphanes invirae Hübner e Brassolis sophorae L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) podem comprometer a produtividade dessa cultura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento e aspectos reprodutivos do parasitoide Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) em pupas desses desfolhadores da palma de óleo. Dez pupas de O. invirae ou de B. sophorae com até dois dias de idade, foram expostas, cada uma, ao parasitismo por 30 fêmeas de T. diatraeae , por 48 horas. O parasitismo e a emergência da progênie de T. diatraeae foram semelhantes em pupas de ambas as espécies de lepidópteros desfolhadores da palma de óleo. O ciclo de vida desse parasitoide foi mais curto em pupas de O. invirae (21,50 ± 0,42 dias) que com as de B. sophorae (27,60 ± 1,80 dias). O número de progênie (669,00 ± 89,62) e de imaturos mortos (217,13 ± 58,18) de T. diatraeae foram maiores em pupas de B. sophorae que naquelas de O. invirae com 447,83 ± 51,52 e 13,50 ± 5,23, respectivamente. A razão sexual e a longevidade de fêmeas e machos de T. diatraeae emergidos desses hospedeiros foram semelhantes. As características reprodutivas, especialmente, o número de indivíduos (progênie) de T. diatraeae foram melhores com pupas de B. sophorae que com as de O. invirae .

Scytalidium parasiticum sp. nov., a New Species Parasitizing on Ganoderma boninense Isolated from Oil Palm in Peninsular Malaysia

A mycoparasite, Scytalidium parasiticum sp. nov., isolated from the basidiomata of Ganoderma boninense causing basal stem rot of oil palm in Johor, Malaysia, is described and illustrated. It is distinct from other Scytalidium species in having smaller asci and ascospores (teleomorphic stage), longer arthroconidia (anamorphic stage), hyaline to yellowish chlamydospores, and producing a fluorescent pigment. The phylogenetic position of S. parasiticum was determined by sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacers and the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene regions. A key to identify Scytalidium species with teleomorphic stage is provided.

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Oil Palm Elaeis guineensis Fruit Extract on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycemic activity of oil palm Elaeis guineensis fruit extract on normal and Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was studied. The oil palm fruit extract (OPF) were administered orally at different concentrations (100, 200 and 500 mg kg-1 b.w.) in fasting and post-prandial rats. Hypoglycaemia was not observed in the group of normal rats treated with OPF. In fasting rats, OPF (500 mg kg-1 b.w.) has caused the blood glucose level (BGL) to reduce significantly. For post-prandial diabetic rats, the antihyperglycemic activity was observed after OPF treatment at concentrations 200 and 500 mg kg-1. Chronic OPF treatments (for 28 days) had increased the diabetic rat’s body weight and reduced BGL as well as improved plasma insulin secretion. The result of this study suggests E. guineensis palm fruit extract show evidence of antihyperglycemic properties from the reduction of the BGL in diabetic rats.

Diversidad y estructura genética de accesiones de palma de aceite (Elaeis guineesis Jacq.)provenientes de Camerún / Diversity and genetic structure of oil palm accession (Elaeis guineesis Jacq.) from Cameroon

La palma de aceite Elaeis guineesis Jacq. posee gran importancia debido al aceite que se extrae de sus frutos, del cual se obtienen derivados refinados de gran valor comercial como el biodiesel, entre otros. Esta investigación buscó determinar la estructura y diversidad genética de 311 muestras de palma de aceite proveniente de la República de Camerún mediante 10 marcadores microsatélite. Los resultados mostraron valores promedio para el número medio de alelos por locus de Na=8.433 y un número efectivo de alelos por locus de Ne=4.756; las diferencias entre estos valores permiten inferir que los 106 alelos encontrados para estas poblaciones son considerados alelos raros. Adicionalmente, el valor de diversidad genética fue alto (valor medio de He= 0.781) respecto a reportes de varios autores. La varianza molecular obtenida evidenció que el mayor porcentaje (80 %) se encuentra dentro de los individuos. Los análisis mostraron que no se definió ningún tipo de estructura poblacional, lo que permitió inferir un alto flujo genético entre las zonas geográficas, esto corroborado por los altos valores de diversidad genética obtenidos. Los 311 genotipos evaluados fueron definidos como una población natural heterogénea heterocigota, apta para favorecer el aumento de la base genética de las poblaciones cultivadas de palma de aceite.

Oil palm Elaeis guineesis Jacq. is of great importance because of the oil extracted from its fruits, whose refined derivatives are commercially valuable as biodiesel, among others uses. This study sought to determine the structure and genetic diversity of 311 oil palm samples from the Republic of Cameroon with 10 microsatellite markers. The results showed values for the average number of alleles per locus of Na= 8.433 and effective number of alleles per locus of Ne= 4.756; from the differences between these values, it can be inferred that the 106 alleles found for these populations could be considered rare alleles. Additionally the value of genetic diversity was high (mean value of He= 0.781) compared to reports of several authors. The obtained molecular variance showed that the highest percentage (80 %) was found within the individuals. The analysis did not show any defined population structure, which allowed us to infer a high gene flow among the geographic zones, corroborated it by the high genetic diversity values obtained. The 311 genotypes were defined as a heterogeneous heterozygous natural population suitable to increase the genetic base of oil palm cultivated populations.

Toxicity and antifeedant activity of essential oils from three aromatic plants grown in Colombia against Euprosterna elaeasa and Acharia fusca (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

Objective: To determine the biological effects of essential oils (EOs) isolated from Cymbopogon nardus, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon martinii grown in Colombia against two Lepidoptera larvae, common pests in the oil palm. Methods: Specimens were captured in the field and the antifeedant activity and dermal contact lethality of EOs were measured against Acharia fusca and Euprosterna elaeasa (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) at various concentrations 0.002-0.600 μL/cm

Nitrogênio mineral e microbiano do solo em sistemas agroflorestais com palma de óleo na Amazônia oriental / Soil mineral and microbial nitrogen in oil palm-based agroforestry systems in eastern Amazon

The success of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)-based agroforestry systems (oil palm-AFS) depends on sustainable soil management, especially of soil chemical and microbiological characteristics. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of oil palm-AFS on soil mineral and microbial nitrogen (N) in contrasting rainfall seasons. We evaluated different soil nitrogen (N) forms (microbial-N, nitrate, ammonium) and soil carbon concentration in oil palm-AFS with low and high diversity of species planted, which were compared with an adjacent 13-yr-old secondary forest. Most variables (total N, C:N ratio, microbial-N, microbial-N:total N ratio, ammonium, and net nitrification rate) varied only in response to rainfall seasonality. Soil C was significantly higher in the high diversity AFS (15.6 mg g-1) than in the secondary forest (13.0 mg g-1). In the rainy season, nitrate concentration (5.1 mg N kg-1 soil) was higher in the high diversity AFS than in other vegetation types; consequently, the average soil ammonium concentration (9.6 mg N kg-1 soil) was significantly lower in the high diversity AFS. Net N mineralization in the low diversity AFS (0.1 mg N kg-1 soil day-1) in the dry season was significantly lower than in other vegetation types. The soil variables were more sensitive to the rainfall seasonality than to the conversion of secondary forest to oil palm-based agroforestry systems.

O sucesso da produção de palma de óleo (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) em sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) na Amazônia está condicionado ao manejo sustentável do solo, em especial dos atributos químicos e microbiológicos. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o impacto de SAFs com palma de óleo sobre os teores de nitrogênio (N) mineral e microbiano do solo, em função da sazonalidade pluviométrica. Avaliamos diferentes formas de N do solo (N microbiano, nitrato, amônio), além da concentração de carbono (C) do solo, em SAFs com baixa e alta diversidade de espécies cultivadas, os quais foram comparados com uma floresta secundária adjacente de 13 anos de idade. Para a maioria das variáveis analisadas (N total, relação C:N, N microbiano, relação N microbiano:N total, amônio) houve diferença significativa somente entre as épocas de amostragem. A concentração média de C no solo sob o SAF com alta diversidade (15,6 mg g-1) foi maior do que na floresta (13 mg g-1). Na época chuvosa a concentração de nitrato no SAF com alta diversidade foi 5,1 mg (N) kg-1 (solo), maior do que nos demais tipos de vegetação, resultando em menor concentração média de amônio no solo sob esse SAF, cujo valor foi 9,6 mg (N) kg-1 (solo). A mineralização do N no SAF com baixa diversidade, na época seca, foi 0,1 mg (N) kg-1 (solo) dia-1, menor do que nos demais tipos de vegetação. As variáveis analisadas foram mais sensíveis à sazonalidade da precipitação pluviométrica do que à conversão de floresta secundária em SAFs com palma de óleo.

Cytotoxicity of methanol extracts of Elaeis guineensis on MCF-7 and Vero cell lines

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the cytotoxic effect of Elaeis guineensis methanol extract on MCF-7 and Vero cell.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated in by MTT assay. Cell morphological changes were observed by using light microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MTT assay indicated that methanol extract of the plant exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on MCF-7. Morphological alteration of the cell lines after exposure with Elaeis guineensis extract were observed under phase contrast microscope in the dose dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results suggest the probable use of the Elaeis guineensis methanol extract in preparing recipes for cancer-related ailments. Further studies on isolation of metabolites and their in vivo cytotoxicity are under investigation.</p>

Cytotoxicity of methanol extracts of Elaeis guineensis on MCF-7 and Vero cell lines

To investigate the cytotoxic effect of Elaeis guineensis methanol extract on MCF-7 and Vero cell. Methods: In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated in by MTT assay. Cell morphological changes were observed by using light microscope. Results: The MTT assay indicated that methanol extract of the plant exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on MCF-7. Morphological alteration of the cell lines after exposure with Elaeis guineensis extract were observed under phase contrast microscope in the dose dependent manner. Conclusions: The results suggest the probable use of the Elaeis guineensis methanol extract in preparing recipes for cancer-related ailments. Further studies on isolation of metabolites and their in vivo cytotoxicity are under investigation.

Contenido de poiiaminas libres en palmas afectaas por pudricion del cogollo enn las zonas central y occidental de Cloombia / Free olyamine coontent on oil palms aected by bud rot in the Colombiian central and western palm regions

La pudrición del cogollo (PC) es la principal enfermedad de la palma en Colombia. En las zonas palmeras Central (ZC) y Oriental (ZOR), las palmas enfermas pueden recuperarse naturalmente. En la Zona Occidental (ZOCC) el proceso de recuperación no es evidente. La recuperación de palmas está ligada a gran actividad meristemática que podría involucrar la acción de metabolitos como las poliaminas (PA). Este trabajo muestra la relación entre el contenido de poliaminas en el meristemo y la capacidad de recuperación de palmas con PC, en dos zonas agroclimáticas diferentes. Poliaminas extraídas del meristemo de palmas en ZC y ZOCC, fueron analizadas por HPLC. En ZC, donde existe recuperación espontánea, los niveles más altos de PA se presentan en palmas sanas y en recuperación y a medida que avanza la enfermedad la concentración desciende hasta un mínimo en el estado de PC inicial. Luego la concentración de PA aumenta hasta el estado de Buena Recuperación donde los valores de poliaminas son más altos que los de palmas sanas. En la ZOCC , el contenido de PA aumenta con la enfermedad llegando al máximo en plantas sin recuperación y el mínimo en plantas sanas. Las diferencias entre zonas pueden explicarse por los diferentes roles de las poliaminas en plantas. En la ZC la cantidad elevada de PA en palmas sanas o en recuperación funcionaría en la inducción de actividad meristemática, para la recuperación espontánea. En la ZOCC el aumento en el contenido de PA con la enfermedad puede estar relacionado con la producción de especies reactivas de oxigeno para defensa secundaria contra patógenos. A diferencia de lo observado en ZC , las plantas en ZOCC no pueden producir estructuras sanas que no sean re infectadas, por lo tanto los elevados contenidos de PA no están relacionados con la promoción de la actividad meristemática.

Bud Rot complex (BR) is the major disease of oil palm in Colombia . In the Central (ZC) and Eastern (ZE) oil palm regions, palms affected by BR are able to naturally recover. In the Western Region (ZW) the recovery process is not evident. Recovery of the palms is linked to high meristem activity, which could involve the promoting action of plant growth regulators such as polyamines (PA). This study shows the relationship between polyamine content and the capacity of palms to recover from BR in two regions with different agroclimatic conditions. Polyamines extracted from palms planted on ZC and ZW were analyzed by HPLC. On ZC where spontaneous recovery is present, the highest values were measured on healthy and recovery palms and with the progression of the disease, PA concentration decreased reaching a minimum point in the initial BR stage. From this point, PA concentration gradually increased until the Good Recovery stage in which PA values where higher than those found on healthy palms. In ZW , PA content increased with the disease, reaching the highest value in the affected palms without recovery, with the lowest values measured on healthy palms. The differences between regions might be related to the different roles polyamines play on plants. In ZC the increased amount of PA in healthy palms or in palms under recovery could have a major role in meristem activity induction, required for the spontaneous recovery. In the ZW, the increased of PA content with the disease could be related to the production of reactive oxygen species as a plant secondary defense mechanism due to the impossibility for the plants to, through the increment on meristem activity as the observed in the Central region, produce healthy structures which are not re-infected.

Germinação in vitro de pólen de híbridos interespecíficos entre o caiaué e o dendezeiro / In vitro pollen germination of interespecifics hybrids between caiaué and oil palm

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a germinação in vitro de pólen de híbridos interespecíficos entre o caiaué e o dendezeiro das variedades dura, pisífera e tenera. O percentual de germinação de pólen (PGP) dos híbridos variou de 54,8 a 58,3%. As médias dos híbridos e do caiaué (73,1%) não diferiram estatisticamente entre si, mas foram inferiores ao do dendezeiro (84,8%). A germinação de pólen dos híbridos ésuficiente para o sucesso na realização de cruzamentos, nos programas de melhoramento interespecífico entre as espécies caiaué e dendezeiro.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro pollen germination of interespecifics hybrids between caiaué and oil palm (varieties dura, tenera and pisifera). The percentage of pollen germination (PPG) of hybrids ranged from 54.8% to 58.3%. The averages of hybrids and caiaué (73.1%) did not differ statistically, but were lower than the oil palm (84.8%). The germination of pollen of hybrids is sufficient for the successful of crosses in interespecific breeding programmes between caiaué and oil palm.