ABSTRACT
Abstract The non-native African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), is widely distributed in altered Neotropical environments, where hummingbirds are important pollinators. We investigated the assemblage of hummingbirds which fed on its nectar and described their behavior, to understand possible influences of the exotic tree on the territorial behavior in an altered environment in southeastern Brazil. Seven species fed on flower resources, mainly Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832), and Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). Visiting time was positive correlated with number of flowers accessed, but in most visits, hummingbirds get the nectar by pillage, instead of frontal access. Flower availability varied throughout months; however, we found no evidence of significative correlation between available flowers and number of agonistic encounters. Despite a high number of animal-plant interactions and a strong territorialism of some species observed in African tuliptree foraging site, there may be other plants at local scale influencing the behavioral patterns observed.
Resumo A tulipa africana, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), é uma árvore não nativa amplamente distribuída em ambientes Neotropicais alterados, onde os beija-flores são importantes polinizadores. Investigamos a assembleia de beija-flores que se alimentam do néctar e descrevemos seus comportamentos para compreender possíveis influências da árvore exótica sobre o comportamento territorial em um ambiente alterado no sudeste do Brasil. Sete espécies se alimentaram de recursos florais, principalmente Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832) e Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). O tempo de visita foi correlacionado positivamente com o número de flores acessadas, mas na maioria das visitas os beija-flores obtiveram o néctar pela pilhagem, em vez do acesso frontal. A disponibilidade de flores variou ao longo dos meses; no entanto, não encontramos evidências de correlação significativa entre flores disponíveis e número de encontros agonísticos. Apesar do grande número de interações entre plantas e animais e um forte territorialismo de algumas espécies observadas no local de forrageamento, pode haver outras plantas em escala local influenciando os padrões comportamentais observados.
Subject(s)
Animals , Bignoniaceae , Birds , Brazil , Flowers , Feeding Behavior , Plant NectarABSTRACT
Aim: The study aimed to identify and document major honey bee flora, their blooming seasons (floral calendar), density and frequency, beekeeping potential areas, and place radius for the major bee flora of the Al-Baha region.Methodology: To identify the honey bee flora of al-Baha region, 420 quadrates were established in different seasons and ecological zones. Plants as honey bee forages were identified through observation of the foraging of honey bees on the flowers for nectar or/and pollen. The density and frequency of each plant was calculated, density and radius maps for major honey bee plants were made using the Arc-Map. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was carried out for major honey bee plants using MVSP software. Results: The results showed that more than 550 species of flowering plants were recorded in the study areas, of which 204 plant species belonging to 58 families were identified as honey bee plants. However, only 9 species were found to be an important source of major honeys in the region. The largest number (13%) of honey bee plants was recorded for the family Asteraceae, followed by Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Mimosaceae each with 13 (6.4%), 11 (5.4%), 11 (5.4%) and 10 (4.9%) plants, respectively. Each of the remaining families had 1 to 8 species. Interpretation: The radius maps, as well as the blooming periods of honey bee flora will guide beekeepers to move their colonies during the peak flowering periods
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Abstract Ants are known to feed on a variety of plant resources. Nevertheless, there are very few reports in the literature on ants using flower parts. Here, we describe how two Odontomachus chelifer (Latreille) ants teared and removed a part of an inner tepal of a Neomarica candida (Hassl.) (Iridaceae) flower at the restinga sandy forest in the Cardoso Island State Park, Brazil. To determine which part of the perianth attracted these ants, we performed two independent two-choice field assays: tepals (inner and outer tepals) were cut in two parts (basal and apical), with contrasting colors, which were offered to ants leaving a colony. Our results show that ants significantly preferred to remove or lick the basal part of the inner tepal. Based on the knowledge of N. candida's floral anatomy, we hypothesize that ants were attracted by the nectar produced by trichomatic nectaries at the basal part of the inner tepals. These tepal parts containing nectar are likely to be used as an alternative food resource amid the scarcity of arthropods usually preyed or scavenged by O. chelifer, since the restinga forest is known as an arthropod-poor habitat.
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ABSTRACT: The addition of Cerrado fruits to juice and nectar formulations is an interesting alternative for the beverage industry, as it allows developing innovative products containing nutritive and bioactive compounds. Thus, the objective of this study was to produce mixed nectar of orange and uvaia, using orange nectar as a control, and to evaluate physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of beverages during the storage. Mixed nectar formulations were prepared with the addition of uvaia pulp and orange juice, while the orange nectar was made with fruit juice, and the addition of mineral water and commercial sucrose. Resulting nectar was bottled in sterilized glass bottles, immediately closed and heat-treated in a water bath at 90 °C for 5 minutes. Then, bottles containing the beverages were cooled and stored at room temperature for the physicochemical (Brix, pH, total acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing sugars, and phenolic compounds) and microbiological (total coliforms, molds and yeasts, and lactic acid bacteria) characterization. Total soluble solids and reducing sugars contents increased during storage for the mixed nectar formulations. Higher total acidity and lower pH levels were observed for the mixed nectar throughout the storage. Although, the mixed nectar exhibited higher ascorbic acid content, this parameter was significantly reduced during the storage. Concentration of phenolic compounds was higher for the mixed nectar, which increased with the addition of uvaia pulp to the formulation. Lactic acid bacteria counts remained at reduced levels for all formulations analyzed, while yeasts and total coliforms populations increased in the control formulation during the storage.
RESUMO: A introdução de frutos do cerrado em sucos e néctares é uma alternativa interessante para as indústrias de bebidas, pois permite desenvolver produtos inovadores, com importantes fontes nutritivas e bioativas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar formulações de néctar misto de laranja e uvaia e uma formulação de néctar de laranja (controle), para então serem avaliadas as características físico-químicas e microbiológicas das bebidas, durante o período de armazenamento do produto. As formulações de néctar misto foram preparadas com adição de polpa de uvaia e suco de laranja, enquanto o néctar de laranja foi elaborado com o suco da fruta, sendo adicionados água mineral e sacarose comercial na composição de cada produto. O néctar resultante de cada tratamento foi envasado em garrafas de vidro esterilizadas, sendo imediatamente tampadas e submetidas a um tratamento térmico em banho-maria a 90 ºC por 5 minutos. Posteriormente, as embalagens foram resfriadas e armazenadas a temperatura ambiente para a determinação das características físico-químicas (Brix, pH, acidez total, ácido ascórbico, açúcares redutores e compostos fenólicos) e microbiológicas (coliformes totais, bolores e leveduras e bactérias láticas) da bebida. O teor de sólidos solúveis totais e a porcentagem de açúcares redutores foram maiores durante o armazenamento, para o néctar misto com maior proporção de uvaia. Observou-se maiores valores de acidez total e menor pH para o néctar misto ao longo do armazenamento. O néctar misto apresentou maiores concentrações de ácido ascórbico, entretanto, este parâmetro foi significativamente reduzido durante o período de estocagem. A concentração de compostos fenólicos foi superior para o néctar misto, sendo esta, porporcional a adição de polpa de uvaia na composição da bebida. As contagens de bactérias láticas manteve-se a níveis reduzidos para todas as formulações analisadas, enquanto as populações de bolores e leveduras e coliformes totais foram aumentadas durante o armazenamento para a formulação controle.
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Informo sobre el comportamiento de robo de néctar del colibrí pico cuña, Schistes geoffroyi (Trochilidae) en la flor campanulada neotropical, Centropogon granulosus (Campanulaceae). Muchas especies de Centropogon se caracterizan por tener una flor tubular curvada de distintas formas y probablemente especializadas para ser polinizadas por los colibríes de pico curvo (Eutoxeres), como es evidente a partir de la curvatura tanto de la flor como del pico. Debido a la exclusividad de este mutualismo, el robo de néctar ha sido ocasionalmente documentado en Centropogon. Aquí amplío el estudio de robo de néctar de Centropogon incluyendo a Schistes geoffroyi. Esta expansión puede ser un indicador de la alta especialización entre el mutualismo de Centropogon y el colibrí de pico curvo, siendo esta más susceptible al robo de néctar de lo que pensaba previamente. Esto genera preguntas acerca de la evolución de la especialización y parasitismo en este grupo tropical, tanto de las campanuladas como de los colibríes.
I report on nectar robbing behavior of the wedge-billed hummingbird, Schistes geoffroyi (Trochilidae) on the Andean bellflower, Centropogon granulosus (Campanulaceae). Many species of Centropogon are characterized by an abruptly curved corolla tube which is likely specialized for pollination by sicklebill hummingbirds (Eutoxeres), as evident from the matching curvature of flower and bill. Nectar robbing has been documented for some Centropogon spp., but not for sicklebill pollinated C. granulosus. Given recent developments and interest in the Centropogon-sicklebill mutualism, it is pertinent to document any natural history observations that may underlie the ecology and evolution of this pollination system. The establishment of wedge-billed hummingbird as a nectar robber of C. granulosus calls for a new assessment of the ecology and evolution of the highly specialized Centropogon-sicklebill mutualism.
Subject(s)
Animals , Birds , Campanulaceae , Pollination , Flowers , Plant NectarABSTRACT
El presente trabajo informa sobre las plantas alimenticias utilizadas por 19 especies de mariposas diurnas (Lepidoptera) que ocurren en el Centro de Investigaciones Allpahuayo-Mishana y la Comunidad Campesina de San Rafael, Loreto, Perú. Se reportan 23 especies y 1 híbrido de angiospermas empleadas por las mariposas investigadas. Veintiún plantas eran hospedadoras de las larvas y 5 nectaríferas de los adultos; Passiflora coccinea Aubl. y Passiflora edulis Sims eran a la vez hospederas y nectaríferas. Las familias de plantas más utilizadas por las mariposas en estado larval fueron Solanaceae, Passifloraceae, Fabaceae y Aristolochiaceae.
This work reports the food plants utilized by 19 species of butterflies from Allpahuayo-Mishana Research Center and the Community of San Rafael, Loreto, Peru. We report 23 plant species and one hybrid of angiosperms used by the butter flies. Larval host plants were 21 species and five were adult nectar sources. Two species were both host plant and nectar source: Passiflora coccinea Aubl. and Passiflora edulis Sims. The most frequently used plant families were Solanaceae, Passifloraceae, Fabaceae and Aristolochiaceae.
ABSTRACT
Abstract The non-native African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), is widely distributed in altered Neotropical environments, where hummingbirds are important pollinators. We investigated the assemblage of hummingbirds which fed on its nectar and described their behavior, to understand possible influences of the exotic tree on the territorial behavior in an altered environment in southeastern Brazil. Seven species fed on flower resources, mainly Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832), and Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). Visiting time was positive correlated with number of flowers accessed, but in most visits, hummingbirds get the nectar by pillage, instead of frontal access. Flower availability varied throughout months; however, we found no evidence of significative correlation between available flowers and number of agonistic encounters. Despite a high number of animal-plant interactions and a strong territorialism of some species observed in African tuliptree foraging site, there may be other plants at local scale influencing the behavioral patterns observed.
Resumo A tulipa africana, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), é uma árvore não nativa amplamente distribuída em ambientes Neotropicais alterados, onde os beija-flores são importantes polinizadores. Investigamos a assembleia de beija-flores que se alimentam do néctar e descrevemos seus comportamentos para compreender possíveis influências da árvore exótica sobre o comportamento territorial em um ambiente alterado no sudeste do Brasil. Sete espécies se alimentaram de recursos florais, principalmente Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832) e Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). O tempo de visita foi correlacionado positivamente com o número de flores acessadas, mas na maioria das visitas os beija-flores obtiveram o néctar pela pilhagem, em vez do acesso frontal. A disponibilidade de flores variou ao longo dos meses; no entanto, não encontramos evidências de correlação significativa entre flores disponíveis e número de encontros agonísticos. Apesar do grande número de interações entre plantas e animais e um forte territorialismo de algumas espécies observadas no local de forrageamento, pode haver outras plantas em escala local influenciando os padrões comportamentais observados.
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Introdução: o maracujá é uma fruta cuja polpa pode ser utilizada na preparação de sucos, sorvetes, vinhos, licores ou doces. O estado de maturidade do vegetal, que é um dos fatores mais importante na qualidade do produto final e o pH da polpa e do néctar do maracujá amarelo, são, para o mercado, características fundamentais. Objetivo: analisar o pH da polpa e do néctar do maracujá amarelo, e realizar a análise sensorial do néctar do maracujá amarelo de uma Recebido em: 21/0652017 amostra selecionada. Método: as amostras foram higienizadas pri meiramente com detergente neutro sempre em contado com água corrente. Foram usados 20 ml de polpa de maracujá e diluído para que o phmetro pudesse identificar a medida de pH. A análise sensorial foi realizada apenas pela descrição das características sensoriais pelo grupo de alunos provadores. Resultados: a média do pH da polpa foi 4,28 e para o néctar, 3,8. A análise do ácido cítrico na polpa foi de 7,96% e no néctar. Os provadores, na porcentagem de 99% referiram que gostaram e comprariam a bebida caso disponível no mercado. Conclusão: observa-se então que o elevado pH para um produto na qual se visava a formulação do néctar teve ótimo aproveitamento. Contudo o pH ácido diminui a acidez do produto, deixando de certa forma um equilíbrio que infelizmente pode ser facilmente desfeito. Ambas as medições de pH da polpa e do néctar se mostraram elevadíssimo, já as medições de acidez por não ter um parâmetro legislativo para resguardar a quantidade máxima, considerou-se dentro dos padrões.
Introduction: passion fruit is a fruit whose pulp can be used in the preparation of juices, ice creams, wines, liqueurs or sweets. The state of maturity of the vegetable, which is one of the most important factors in the quality of the final product, and the pH of the yellow passion fruit pulp and nectar, are fundamental characteristics for the market. Objective: to observe the pH of the yellow passion fruit pulp and nectar, and to perform the sensory analysis of yellow passion fruit nectar from a selected sample. Method: firstly, samples were sanitized with neutral detergent always counted with running water. 20 ml of passion fruit pulp and diluted were used so that the phmetro could identify the pH measure. Sensory analysis was performed only by the description of the sensorial characteristics by the group of student tasters. Results: the mean pH of the pulp was 4.28 and for the nectar, 3.8. The citric acid analysis in the pulp was 7.96% and in the nectar. The tasters, in the percentage of 99% mentioned that they liked and would buy the drink if available in the market. Conclusion: It was observed that the high pH for a product in which the formulation of the nectar had a good use. However the acidic PH decreases the acidity of the product, leaving in a way a balance that unfortunately can be easily undone. Both measurements of pH of the pulp and nectar were very high, since the acidity measurements for not having a legislative parameter to protect the maximum quantity was considered within the standards.
Subject(s)
Passiflora , Hydrogen-Ion ConcentrationABSTRACT
El Agraz (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz), es una baya que posee alta capacidad antioxidante debido a su contenido de compuestos polifenólicos como antocianinas, ácidos fenólicos y flavonoides. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la composición proximal inicial y el efecto en las características fisicoquímicas (pH, °Brix, acidez titulable (AT)), actividad antioxidante y antiproliferativa de néctares elaborados a partir de agraz liofilizado, almacenados du- rante 42 días. Se prepararon dos néctares: NA (sacarosa) y NB (aspartame), se evaluó cambio en pH, °Brix y AT cada7días durante el almacenamiento. Se determinó contenido de fenoles y antocianinas totales mediante Folin-Ciocalteau y método diferencial de pH, respectivamente, actividad antioxidante mediante FRAP y ORAC. Se analizó la actividad antiproliferativa con sulforodamina B en células SW480 (adenocarcinoma de colon). Los resultados mostraron que ambos néctares presentaron estabilidad en °Brix, pH yAT y el NB presentó menor aporte calórico. El contenido de fenoles totales aumentó durante el almacenamiento. El contenido de antocianinas y capacidad antioxidante se redujo significativamente (p<0,05). NA presentó mejor actividad antiproliferativa a las 72h, con un porcentaje de inhibición del crecimiento celular a una concentración de 1g/mL de 63,50% (IC50=0,6g/mL). Se puede concluir que NA presentó mayor capacidad antiproliferativa y NB mejor actividad antioxidante, que aunque disminuyó significativamente durante el almacenamiento, continuó siendo alta comparada con estudios reportados en la literatura. Para productos realizados a partir de bayas del género Vaccinium. Se requieren estudios adicionales in vivo que permitan comprobar su eficacia quimiopreventiva y dilucidar mecanismos moleculares de acción para beneficio de la salud humana, demostrando su potencial funcional descrito hasta ahora in vitro(AU)
Effect of storage time on the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant and antiproliferative nectar of unripe (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz). Agraz (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) is a berry that has high antioxidant capacity due to its content of polyphenolic compounds as anthocyanins, phenolic acids and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial proximal composition and the effect on the physicochemical characteristics (pH, ° Brix, titratable and acidity (TA), antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of nectars made from unripe lyophilized and stored for 42 days. Two nectars were prepared: NA (sucrose) and NB (aspartame), was evaluated change in pH, °Brix and AT every 7 days during storage. It was determined and total phenols content by Folin-Ciocalteu anthocyanins and pH differential method, respectively, antioxidant activity by FRAP and ORAC. Antiproliferative activity with sulforhodamine B in SW480 cells (colon adenocarcinoma) were analyzed. The results showed that both were stable nectars ° Brix, pH and changes in AT. The NB has lower calories. The content of total phenols increased during storage. The anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity was significantly reduced (p <0.05). NA presented better antiproliferative activity at 72 h, with a percentage of inhibition of cell growth at a concentration of 1g / ml of 63.50% (IC50 = 0.6 g/mL). It can be concluded that NA had a higher antiproliferative capacity and NB better antioxidant activity than even decreased significantly during storage, remained high com- pared to studies reported in the literature. Further studies "in vivo" to verify their chemopreventive efficacy and elu- cidate molecular mechanisms of action for the benefit of human health, showing their functional potential described so far "in vitro" are required(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Vaccinium , Plant Nectar/analysis , Polyphenols , Antioxidants , Food Storage , Diet, Food, and Nutrition , Nutritive ValueABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the effects of bama nectar in kidney-yang deficienct mice and on the mating ability and sperm counts of normal mice. Methods:The weight, body temperature, locomotor activity, cold-resistant,genital organ coefficient and lipid peroxidation of the hydrocortisone-induced kidney-yang deficient mice were detected. The genital organ ccoefficient, immune organ co-efficient and erectile function of the ovariectomized mice were detected. The mating ability and the sperm counts of normal mice were measured. Results:Compared with the model group, bama nectar obviously increased the weight, body temperature and locomotor ac-tivity of the hydrocortisone-induced kidney-yang deficient mice, and improved the locomotor activity, the organ coefficient of seminal vesicle, prostate gland, preputial gland and epididymis. Furthermore, bama nectar significantly increased the SOD activity in serum and reduced the level of MDA in serum when compared with the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, bama nectar could increase the organ coefficient of foreskin and thymus gland in the ovariectomized mice, and shorten the erec-tile latency (P<0. 05). Compared with the normal group, bama nectar improved the mating ability and the sperm counts of the male mice (P<0. 05 or P<0. 01). Conclusion:Bama nectar has beneficial effects on invigorating kidney and strengthening yang.
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Vaccinium meridionale es una planta silvestre productora de frutos comestibles en las áreas montañosas del norte de Suramérica. Sin embargo, no hay información suficiente sobre su sistema reproductivo, lo cual es fundamental para su manejo y conservación dado que sus frutos son extraídos de forma no sostenible y hay un creciente interés en establecer la especie como cultivo. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron estudiar la biología floral y reproductiva de V. meridionale en condiciones naturales y analizar la importancia de los polinizadores en su reproducción. Para esto se realizaron observaciones y experimentos para describir su morfología y fenología floral, viabilidad de polen, receptividad de estigma, relación polen óvulo y producción de néctar. Para estudiar su sistema reproductivo se realizaron experimentos de emasculación, exclusión de polinizadores y polinización manual (autopolinización y polinización cruzada). El estudio se realizó con dos poblaciones silvestres de V. meridionale ubicadas en los departamentos de Cundinamarca y Boyacá, en la Cordillera Oriental de Colombia. Se encontró que aunque las flores tienen anteras poricidas la liberación del polen se da fácilmente sin vibración. V. meridionale presenta un gran despliegue y larga longevidad floral y hay un sesgo en la producción de néctar hacia la función femenina. Se estimó una relación polen/óvulo de 571±133, lo que clasifica a la especie como xenógama facultativa. Este resultado coincidió con los experimentos de polinización ya que en las dos poblaciones estudiadas las plantas produjeron frutos por agamospermia, autogamia y xenogamia. No obstante, se observó una fuerte depresión por endogamia manifestada en altas tasas de aborto de frutos producidos por autogamia a diferencia de los frutos provenientes de polinización cruzada que fueron retenidos por la planta desde su formación. Los rasgos florales presentados por la especie se consideran mecanismos para favorecer un gremio más diverso de visitantes florales que sólo los insectos capaces de polinización por vibración. Además, estos rasgos florales pueden aumentar la probabilidad de polinización y disminuir la geitonogamia. Igualmente la depresión por endogamia sugiere que la especie busca mantener el entrecruzamiento como su principal estrategia reproductiva. Por lo tanto, los polinizadores, en particular las abejas son fundamentales para la reproducción de V. meridionale y en consecuencia su conservación es esencial para mantener la variabilidad genética y oferta de frutos de esta especie.
Vaccinium meridionale is a wild plant producing edible fruits in the mountain areas of Northern South America. However, the fruits of this species has been under an unsustainable extraction and there is a growing interest of establishing this species as a crop; nevertheless, the information about its breeding system is scarce, which is essential for its sustainable management and conservation. This research aimed to study the floral and reproductive biology of V. meridionale in natural conditions, and to analyze the importance of pollinators on its reproduction, in two wild populations of V. meridionale in the states of Cundinamarca and Boyacá, in the Oriental Cordillera of Colombia. For this, we have made different observations and experiments to describe its flower morphology, floral phenology, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, pollen-ovule ratio and nectar production. To study its reproductive system, we performed experiments of flower emasculation, pollinator exclusion and hand pollination (self-and cross-pollination). We found that although the flowers have poricidal anthers, the release of pollen could occur easily without vibration. V. meridionale shows a large floral display, long floral longevity and has female-biased nectar production. The pollen-ovule ratio was of 571±133, which classified the species as facultative xenogamy. This result agreed with the pollination experiments because the plants produced fruits by agamospermy, selfing and outcrossing. However, we registered a strong inbreeding depression, observed in high rates of fruit abortions, after self-pollination. Unlike of self-pollinating fruits, the plant retains those produced by cross-pollination since its formation. The floral traits showed by this species are mechanisms to favor a more diverse guild of floral visitors than only insects able to buzz-pollination. In addition, these floral traits may enhance the pollination probability, and reduce geitonogamy. Moreover, the inbreeding depression suggests that V. meridionale promotes outcrossing as its main reproductive strategy. Therefore, pollinators, particularly bees, are essential for this species reproduction and conservation, and are critical in the maintenance of its genetic variability and fruits production.
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The sugar mango is a small Colombian cultivar with low fiber content, good aroma and flavor. This research evaluated antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH) of the fruit at different ripening stages classified by visual inspection and CIELab scale. Nutritional and sensory characteristics and ORAC value were measured in the ripe fruit. Sensorial characteristics of two mango nectars sweetened with sucrose and sucralose using ripe fruit were determined by affective acceptance test and Hedonic scale. Results showed that classification by visual inspection coincided with the CIELab scale for all ripening stages. The green mango has 45% more flavonoids than the mature one. The carotenoid content, DPPH and FRAP values were similar in the different ripening stages. Sucralose sweetened nectar was accepted by 94.9% compared with that sweetened with sucrose (89.1%). Results indicate that mango sugar fruit and nectar present antioxidant capacity, bioactive and nutritional compounds with potential health benefits.
El mango de azúcar es una variedad colombiana pequeña, de escasa fibra, buen aroma y sabor. Esta investigación evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del fruto en diferentes estados de maduración por FRAP y DPPH clasificados por inspección visual y escala CIELab. Las características nutricionales y el valor ORAC se determinaron en el mango maduro. Las características sensoriales de dos formulaciones (sacarosa y sucralosa) con mango maduro se determinaron por prueba afectiva de aceptación y escala Hedónica. Resultados: la clasificación por inspección visual coincidió con la escala CIELab. El mango verde tiene 45% más flavonoides que el maduro. El contenido de carotenoides, valores DPPH y FRAP fueron similares en los diferentes estados de maduración. El 94% de los panelistas aceptaron el néctar con sucralosa comparado con el endulzado con sacarosa (89,1%). Los resultados indican que el mango de azúcar y un producto tipo néctar poseen capacidad antioxidante, compuestos bioactivos y nutricionales beneficiosos para la salud.
Subject(s)
Mangifera , Taste Perception , Plant Nectar , Antioxidants , Food AnalysisABSTRACT
Krapfia weberbaueri Standl. & J. F. Macbr. es una especie endémica del Perú, categorizada como vulnerable y distribuida en los departamentos de Ancash, Huánuco, Junín y San Martín. El presente trabajo reporta las observaciones sobre el desarrollo reproductivo de esta especie bajo condiciones controladas de luz y temperatura (12 horas de luz/12 horas de oscuridad y 12 °C día y 8 °C noche). Plantas completas en estado reproductivo fueron recolectadas en la Cordillera Blanca (Ancash) donde forma parches entre los 4200 y 4800 m de altitud. Los datos morfométricos de los órganos florales fueron registrados cada dos o tres días con un vernier y se evaluó la producción de néctar a lo largo del desarrollo de la flor. Asimismo se evaluó la viabilidad de los granos de polen y la receptividad del estigma. Krapfia weberbaueri tiene flores muy llamativas de 24 a 47 mm de longitud, que desde la antesis hasta el inicio de senescencia se mantienen receptivas aunque en mayor medida en la flor madura, etapa en la cual la dehiscencia de estambres y liberación de los granos de polen alcanza el 100%. Este periodo suma un total de 13 días. La producción del néctar se inicia en la flor madura y continua hasta la senescencia total de los pétalos. La viabilidad de los granos de polen varió de 78 a 97% y el éxito de producción de aquenios fue 38 a 62%. Se puede señalar que la polinización es favorecida por la posición final de las anteras sobre los estigmas, producción del néctar, moderada presencia y desplazamiento de ácaros y áfidos y la posición pendular de la flor.
Krapfia weberbaueri Standl. & J. F. Macbr. is an endemic species from Peru, categorized as vulnerable, and distributed in the departments of Ancash, Huanuco, Junin and San Martin. This work reports the reproductive development of the species under controlled conditions of light and temperature (12 hours light/12 hours darkness, 12 °C during light hrs and 8 °C during dark hrs). Entire plants at reproductive stage were collected at Cordillera Blanca (Ancash), where it is found forming patches, at an elevation of 4200 to 4800 m. The species has large and showy flowers, which from anthesis to the onset of senescence remain responsive, however at a greater extent in the mature flower, stage at which the dehiscence of stamens and release of pollen grains reaches 100%. This period lasts a total of 13 days. Nectar production begins when the flower matures and continues until the total senescence of petals. The viability of the pollen grains varied from 78 to 97% and success in achene production was 38-62%. It may be noted that pollination is favored by the final position of anthers over the stigmas, nectar production, moderate presence and movement of mites and aphids, and the pendulous position of the flower.
ABSTRACT
Birds play crucial role on the pollination of many plants. However, little is known about the interactions between nectarivorous neotropical birds and exotic Angiosperms. S. nilotica is an exotic African plant widely used in Brazilian urban landscaping. However, it has been poorly studied in relation to its interactions with Neotropical birds. In this way, we studied the feeding nectar strategies and the interspecific antagonistic behaviours among nectarivorous Neotropical birds to verify the bird contributions to the S. nilotica pollination. The study was conducted from May 2008 to April 2011, but only in months of S. nilotica flowering (April to May). From 148 hours of sampling we identified 16 species feeding nectar on S. nilotica: 13 hummingbirds (Trochilidae), Aratinga aurea (Psittacidae), Tangara palmarum (Thraupidae) and Coereba flaveola (Coerebidae). Eupetomena macroura was the most frequent (96.88%), followed by Chlorostilbon lucidus (78.13%) and Coereba flaveola (59.38%). Most birds obtained nectar by punching at the base of the corolla, except for A. aurea that obtained the nectar by the upper opening of the petals in 100% of its visits, Heliomaster furcifer (95.65%), F. fusca (95%) and A. nigricollis (70.27%). Despite E. macroura also obtains nectar only by punching at the base of the corolla, it showed the highest level of legitimate visits. Antagonistic events were more frequent in E. macroura (58.65%), Florisuga fusca (11.04%) and Amazilia fimbriata (10.87%), being E. macroura dominant in all events. These results showed E. macroura plays an important role on this plant being the most important bird as a potential pollinator. Moreover, other birds contribute partially to the S. nilotica pollination. Most probably it is a result of recent Neotropical bird interactions with this African plant.
As aves representam um grupo ecologicamente importante nas interações animais-flores na região Neotropical, onde desempenham respeitável papel na polinização de diversas angiospermas. Entretanto, pouco se conhece sobre a organização das comunidades e as interações bióticas entre animais/plantas em ambientes urbanos. Como exemplo, S. nilotica, planta exótica africana amplamente explorada para fins de paisagismo urbano, têm sido pouco estudada em relação às suas interações com aves. Assim, analisamos quais espécies de aves visitam S. nilotica, o tipo de exploração dos recursos nectarívoros pelas aves e o comportamento antagonístico intra e interespecífico das aves que visitaram esta planta. O estudo foi realizado de maio de 2008 a abril de 2011, nos meses de florescimento de S. nilotica (abril a maio). Foram totalizadas 148 horas de amostragem e identificadas 16 espécies se alimentando de néctar, 13 beija-flores (Trochilidae), Aratinga aurea (Psittacidae), Tangara palmarum (Thraupidae) e Coereba flaveola (Coerebidae). As aves mais frequentes foram Eupetomena macroura (96,88%), Chlorostilbon lucidus (78,13%) e Coereba flaveola (59,38%). A frequência de visitas foi maior no período matutino, exceto para E. macroura, H. longirostris e T. palmarum. A maioria das aves obteve o néctar através de rompimento na base da corola (orifícios), com exceção de A. aurea que obteve néctar pela abertura superior entre as pétalas em 100% de suas visitas e H. furcifer (95,65%), F. fusca (95%) e A. nigricollis (70,27%). Eventos antagonísticos foram mais acentuados em E. macroura (58,65%), Florisuga fusca (11,04%) e Amazilia fimbriata (10,87%), sendo E. macroura dominante durante os eventos. Os resultados demonstram que E. macroura é a ave dominante em S. nilotica e a que se apresenta com maior potencial para sua polinização. Entretanto, as outras aves contribuem parcialmente como potenciais polinizadoras de S. nilotica. Muito provavelmente isto é resultado de uma interação recente entre as aves neotropicais e esta planta Africana.
Subject(s)
Animals , Birds , Bignoniaceae , Plant Nectar , Pollination , Urban AreaABSTRACT
A indústria de alimentos utiliza a análise sensorial como ferramenta essencial no desenvolvimento, otimização, controle de qualidade e análise do potencial mercadológico de novos produtos. A alta pressão hidrostática (APH) é uma tecnologia inovadora que permite manter a qualidade dos alimentos em termos nutricionais e sensoriais, bem como o frescor natural e aumentar a sua vida útil. A APH não afeta ligações covalentes, portanto são mínimos os efeitos nos constituintes químicos responsáveis pela cor, sabor e conteúdo nutricional. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito da APH aplicada à polpa de mamão nos atributos sensoriais do néctar. Para tal, polpa controle (sem tratamento), pasteurizada (92°C 40s-1) e pressurizada (300MPa 5min-1 25°C-1) e quatro marcas comerciais de polpa de mamão congeladas foram utilizadas para preparar os sete respectivos néctares. Estudos iniciais foram realizados para determinação da quantidade de água e açúcar “ideal” a serem adicionadas à polpa para o preparo do néctar, de acordo com a resposta dos consumidores. As sete amostras foram analisadas por 12 provadores selecionados e treinados, utilizando a Análise Descritiva Quantitativa (ADQ). Os resultados mostraram que os néctares das amostras controle e pressurizada foram similares quanto aos atributos sensoriais, tendo sido caracterizadas pela presença de grumos, sabor característico de mamão, consistência e aroma característico de mamão.
The food industry uses the sensory evaluation as an essential tool in the development, optimization, quality control and the analysis of new product potential market. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is an innovative technology that allows retaining the nutritional and sensory food quality, as well as the natural freshness, and extends product shelf life. The HHP does not affect covalent bonds; therefore, it has little effect on chemical constituents responsible for the color, flavor and nutritional content. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of HHP applied to the papaya pulp on sensory attributes of papaya nectar. Control (without treatment), pasteurized (92°C 40s-1) and pressurized papaya purée (300MPa 5min-1 25°C-1) and four commercial papaya frozen purées available in the market were used to prepare the seven respective papaya nectars. Preliminary studies were carried out to determine the amount of water and sugar to be added to the purée, according to the consumer preference. The seven samples were evaluated by 12 selected and trained panelists using the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA). The results showed that the nectars of control and pressurized samples were similar regarding sensory attributes having been characterized by the presence of lumps, characteristic flavor of papaya, consistency and characteristic aroma of papaya.
ABSTRACT
El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar marcadores palinológicos que permitieran caracterizar el origen geográfico y botánico de mieles provenientes de los departamentos de Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Santander y Magdalena. Se realizaron análisis melisopalinológicos de 184 muestras de miel procedentes de 131 apiarios. Se determinaron diferencias significativas entre tipos de mieles mediante un análisis discriminante y comparando la composición de especies entre las muestras. En total se encontraron 297 especies distribuidas en 69 familias, dentro de las cuales las más representativas fueron Mimosa sp., Cecropiasp., Eucalyptus sp., Piper sp. y Quercus humboldtii . Las familias más importantes fueron Fabaceae, Asteraceae,Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae, Fagaceae, y Melastomataceae. Se lograron determinar seis grupos de mieles diferenciadas por su origen geográfico: altiplano Cundiboyacense, Medio Chicamocha, Sumapaz, Bajo Chicamocha, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta y provincia Comunera; también se encontraron diferencias entre las mieles de las regiones andinas y subandinas. Dentro de los tipos de mieles diferenciadas por origen botánico predominaron las mieles monoflorales de Trifolium Pratense, Coffeaarabica, Eucalyptus sp., Inga sp. y Heliocarpus americanus, mieles oligoflorales de asteráceas y mezclas de mielato de Q. humboldtii y néctar floral (Eucalyptus sp. tipo Brassicaceae, asteráceas). La información de este trabajo junto con la obtenida en análisis fisicoquímicos y sensoriales servirá de base para que los apicultores puedan solicitar la denominación de origen de estas mieles.
The aim of this work was to find palynological markers which permit differentiate honeys from the departments of Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Santander and Magdalena, by its geographical and botanical origin. Melissopalynological analyses were made of 184 honey samples obtained from 131 localities. A discriminant analysis and comparisons between the species composition of honey samples were made to find geographical and botanical origin differences. A total of 297 pollen species distributed in 69 families was found, being Mimosa sp., Cecropiasp., Eucalyptus sp., Piper sp. and Quercus humboldtii the most representatives. The major families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae, Fagaceae and Melastomataceae. Six honey groups differentiated by its geographical origin were found: Altiplano Cundiboyacense, Medio Chicamocha, Sumapaz, Bajo Chicamocha, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Comunera Province. In a broader scale, honeys from the Andean and sub-Andean regions could be differentiated as well. Between the honey types differentiated by its botanical origin, the most important were monofloral honeys of Trifolium Pratense, Coffeaarabica, Eucalyptus sp., Inga sp. and Heliocarpus americanus, Asteraceae oligofloral honeys and mixtures of Q. humboldtii honeydew and floral nectar (Eucalyptus sp., Brassicaceae Type, Asteraceae). This information in addition to the obtained by physicochemical and sensorial analysis, may be the basis to acquire honeys´ origin denomination.
ABSTRACT
O presente estudo objetivou desenvolver néctares de cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.), caracterizá-los quanto aos parâmetros microbiológicos, sensoriais e químicos e verificar a estabilidade do produto durante o armazenamento. Quatro formulações de néctar contendo 20, 30, 40 e 50% de polpa foram desenvolvidas e avaliadas microbiológica (coliformes totais e termotolerantes, bolores, leveduras e Salmonela spp) e sensorialmente (teste de aceitação). A formulação mais aceita foi avaliada quanto ao conteúdo de sólidos solúveis (SS), pH, acidez titulável (AT), relação SS/AT, umidade, proteínas, lipídios, carboidratos, fibra alimentar total (FAT), cinzas, carotenoides e ácido ascórbico (AA), verificando-se a estabilidade do produto armazenado sob congelamento (-18ºC/90 dias) e refrigeração (5ºC/72 horas). Não foi observada a presença dos micro-organismos pesquisados nas quatro formulações desenvolvidas. As formulações com 40 e 50% de polpa apresentaram maior aceitação para os atributos cor, sabor e impressão global. O néctar contendo 50% de polpa apresentou SS de 11,43 ºBrix, pH de 3,59 e relação SS/AT de 19,37. Verificou-se (em 100 g) AT de 0,59 g de ácido cítrico; 85,75 g de umidade; 0,29 g de proteínas; 0,27 g de lipídios; 12,93 g de carboidratos; 0,68 g de FAT; 0,08 g de cinzas; 55,31 kcal; 0,25 mg de carotenoides e 19,6 mg de AA. Durante o armazenamento não foram observadas alterações estatisticamente significativas nos valores de SS, AT, pH, carotenoides e AA. O néctar de cagaita atendeu as características químicas e os padrões microbiológicos estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira, alcançou boa aceitação dos consumidores e apresentou excelente estabilidade durante o armazenamento.
Subject(s)
Microbiological Techniques , Grassland , Food Storage , Plant Nectar/analysis , Food Analysis , Food Microbiology , FruitABSTRACT
Quillaja saponaria Mol. (Quillajaceae) is one of the most important melliferous species in Chile, mainly as a source of monofloral honey. Honey made by A. mellifera presents biological activity against pathogens and antioxidant capacity associated with the presence of phenolic compounds deriving from the nectar, as a result of bee honey foraging. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds from the floral nectar of Q. saponaria and the honey made in apiaries in the central zone, and compare the composition of the chromatographic profiles of nectar and honey to known phenolic compounds. The results obtained by HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection) showed a similar profile of phenolic compounds, in which gallic acid, myricetin, rutin, quercetin and naringenin were identified. The phenolic compounds detected could be used as a reference for future studies for determining potential chemical markers of this honey, complementing the present identification of honeys by determining their botanical origin. The identification of bioindicators of the floral origins for honey of this species could provide added value to honey commercialization by certifying the botanical origin of their chemical features and biological attributes.
Subject(s)
Honey/analysis , Phenols/analysis , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Nectar/chemistry , Quillaja/chemistry , Antioxidants , Biological Factors , Biomarkers/chemistry , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Gallic Acid/chemistryABSTRACT
Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) Roem. & Schult., Convolvulaceae, is a weed that infests agricultural areas and is toxic to cattle. In spite of its toxicity, the leaves of this plant are used in traditional remedies in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The present work describes the leaf anatomy of I. asarifolia and characterizes the exudates of its secretory structures. The leaves have a unistratified epidermis composed of ordinary cells with straight to slightly sinuous anticlinal walls and thin cuticles. Paracytic stomata are found on both surfaces of the leaves at the same level as the ordinary epidermal cells. Trichomes producing polysaccharide secretions occur on the petiole and leaf blade and are considered colleters. The mesophyll is dorsiventral and the vascular bundle of the central vein is bicollateral. Two opposed nectaries occur on the petiole near the leaf blade. Each nectary is composed of a small canal with internal ramifications and numerous secretory trichomes. The laticiferous glands are articulated, not anastomosed, and are composed of large diameter cells with thin cell walls. The secretions of the laticiferous glands are lipidic.
ABSTRACT
Interpopulation reproductive synchrony of Agave cocui (Agavaceae) in Venezuela. Agave cocui (Agavaceae) is a species with broad distribution in arid and semiarid areas of Venezuela and Colombia. Despite of its ecological importance as a source of food for wildlife, and its economic value for production of a spirit drink, studies on the reproductive ecology of the species are relatively rare. In this study, we conducted a oneyear evaluation of the flowering and fruiting phenology of A. cocui in the eight representative localities of the species’ distribution in Venezuela. Within each study site, we chose an area with a minimum of 50 reproductive individuals and followed their reproductive phenophases with the help of binoculars, using six qualitative cathegories (emerging reproductive stalk, flowers, inmature fruits, mature fruits, bulbils and dry stalk) every two months. Emergence of the reproductive stalk in most of the examined populations began in September (rainy season), although this event delayed two months in a few populations. We detected significant negative correlations between precipitation and the percentage of flowering occurrence in four of the eight populations. Floral resources are available for flower visitors during approximately five months of the year (January-May). In most populations production of flowers initiated in January (dry season), and for Western Venezuela and Andean regions, the flowering main peak occurred in January. Localities from the Central and Eastern Coast exhibited the flowering peak in March, showing a delay of approximately two months with respect to other populations. Beginning of fruit set varied among localities from January to May; however, peak production of mature fruits concentrated in May, and fruit occurrence varied broadly between 5.2 and 85%. Bulbil production was detected in all populations and varied greatly among them (maximum percentage per population: 26.19-92.10%). High flowering synchronicity (Phenophase Overlapping Index: 0.756 and 0.999) was observed among all populations monitored in Western Venezuela, including the Andean localities. This condition might facilitate the existence of a nectar corridor from the Western Coast and nearby islands, to the Andean arid patches, which could be potentially used by nectar-feeding bats and birds dependent on agave flowers during part of the year. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1359-1370. Epub 2011 September 01.
cocui (Agavaceae) es una especie de amplia distribución en zonas áridas y semiáridas de Venezuela y Colombia. A pesar de su importancia ecológica como fuente de recursos para la fauna silvestre y de su potencial valor económico como materia prima para la producción del licor “Cocuy de Penca”, los estudios sobre su ecología reproductiva son muy escasos. En este estudio se evaluó la fenología de floración y fructificación de A. cocui en ocho localidades de Venezuela. La fase reproductiva se inició al finalizar el periodo de lluvias. Las flores se producen durante cinco meses. Para la Región Noroccidental del país y los Andes los máximos de floración ocurrieron en enero, mientras que las localidades en la costa central y oriental exhibieron un desface de cerca de dos meses, a principios de marzo. La mayor sincronía floral ocurrió entre todas las poblaciones censadas en el occidente del país, incluyendo las localidades andinas. Dicha sincronía reproductiva potenciaría la conformación de un corredor de néctar para aves y murciélagos, que se extendería desde el Norte de Falcón, en la Costa Occidental, hasta los bolsones andinos, en el Suroeste del país.