Morphoagronomic characterization of Lantana camara L. germplasm / Caracterização morfoagronômica de germoplasma de Lantana camara L

The medicinal and aromatic species Lantana camara is a bush that receives a lot of interest regarding ornamental use. However, due to its condition of invasive plant in natural environments, it suffers constant eradication attempts, which causes genetic erosion of the species. To work around this problem, a sample of the genetic variability of L. camara was saved in the Active Germplasm Bank of medicinal and aromatic plants of the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS). This study aimed to evaluate morphoagronomically 22 accessions of L. camara, collected in 15 municipalities in the state of Sergipe. To carry out morphoagronomic characterization, morphological and agronomic traits were analyzed. Phenotypic variability among the accessions of the L. camara collection for all the analyzed morphological quantitative and agronomic characteristics was observed. The means ranged from 4.91 to 6.90 cm for leaf length; from 2.81 to 5.03 cm for leaf width; from 1.32 to 1.87 for the leaf length/width ratio; from 9.59 to 22.98 mm2 for leaf area; from 99.00 to 215.00 cm for crown diameter; from 85.67 to 214.33 for plant height; and from 1.08 to 2.43 cm for stem diameter. Most accessions presented erect form. The mean number of flowers per inflorescence varied from 12 to 38 flowers. For the agronomic traits, we observed that the dry mass ranged from 49.86 to 649.04 g.plant-1. The mean content of essential oil ranged from 0.13 to 0.26% and yield between 0.10 and 1.55 mL.plant-1. The most divergent phenotypic accessions were LAC-001 (São Cristóvão) and LAC-038 (Moita Bonita) and the ones with the lowest divergence were LAC-004 (Itaporanga D'ajuda) and LAC-019 (Siriri). Thus, it was observed that the variables were efficient to differentiate the accessions and suggest the existence of genetic variability among them.

A espécie aromática e medicinal Lantana camara, é um arbusto muito usado para ornamentação. Devido à sua condição de planta invasora em ambientes naturais, sofre com tentativas de erradicação constantes, o que ocasiona erosão genética da espécie. Para contornar essa problemática, uma amostra da variabilidade genética da L. camara está sendo conservada no Banco Ativo de Germoplasma (BAG) de Plantas Medicinais e Aromáticas da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Assim, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar morfoagronomicamente 22 acessos de L. camara, coletados em 15 municípios do estado de Sergipe. Para caracterização morfoagronômica, variáveis morfológicas e agronômicas foram analisadas. Observou-se variabilidade fenotípica entre os acessos da coleção de L. camara para a maioria das características morfológicas quantitivas e agronômicas. A média para comprimento de folha variou de 4,91 e 6,90 cm; largura de folha de 2,81 a 5,03 cm; relação comprimento/largura de 1,32 a 1,87; área folia de 9,59 a 22,98 mm²; diâmetro da copa de 99, 00 a 215,00 cm; altura de planta de 85,67 a 214,33 cm; diâmetro do caule de 1,08 a 2,43 cm; A maioria dos acessos apresentou porte ereto. O número médio de flores por inflorescências variou de 12 a 38. Para as características agronômicas observou-se que a massa seca variou de 49,86 a 649,04 g.planta-¹. A média para teor de óleo essencial variou de 0,13 a 0,26% e o rendimento entre 0,10 a 1,55 mL.planta-¹. Os acessos mais divergentes fenotipicamente foram LAC-001 (São Cristóvão) e LAC-038 (Moita Bonita) e os que apresentaram a menor divergência foram LAC-004 (Itaporanga D'ajuda) e LAC-019 (Siriri). Dessa forma, nota-se que as variáveis foram eficientes para diferenciar os acessos e sugerem a existência de variabilidade genética entre eles.

Morpho-agronomic characterization of Varronia curassavica germplasm conservated "Ex situ" / Caracterização morfoagronômica de germoplasma de Varronia curassavica conservado "Ex situ"

Varronia curassavica Jacq. is a medicinal and aromatic plant native to Brazil. The essential oil of this species is valued by the pharmaceutical industry due to its bioactive substances containing anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to morpho-agronomically characterize 27 accessions of the collection of V. curassavica of the Active Germplasm Bank of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the Federal University of Sergipe. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design with three replications. The morphological characterization occurred in the field, by evaluating the variables plant height; canopy width; canopy shape; stem diameter; stem color; leaf blades width, length, and length/width ratio; leaves, petals, and sepals color. The agronomic characterization was performed using the essential oils extracted from dried leaves by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. Leaves dry matter yield per plant and essential oil yield and content were also evaluated. The accessions showed great variation for leaves color, with different shades of green, which allowed separating them into dark green leaf and light green leaf plants. Plant height values ranged from 101.33 cm (VCUR-801) to 345.33 cm (VCUR-701). The clustering analysis of the traits revealed seven distinct groups. The accessions VCUR-103 and VCUR-001 were the most divergent, whereas the accessions VCUR-401 and VCUR-404 were the most similar. The morpho-agronomic characterization of V. curassavica accessions provides a correct description of the species by pointing out perspectives for genetic improvement, besides optimizing the conservation process. KEYWORDS: Cordiaceae. Medicinal plant. Aromatic plant. Essential oil. Domestication. Genetic breeding INTRODUCTION Brazil is rich in plant biodiversity (SOUZA et al., 2010). However, in recent years, its biodiversity has undergone accelerated destruction,mainly affecting the natural vegetation. This fact is due to agricultural expansion, fires, logging, extractivism, and uncontrolled urban growth. All these changes have posed a great threat to several plant species in the country (OLIVEIRA, 2010). An alternative for the maintenance and conservation of endangered species is the formationof collections in Active Germplasm Banks, which holds base collections for the conservation of a broad plant genetic variability, enabling biodiversity maintenance (SILVA et al., 2012). Varronia curassavica Jacq. (ex Cordia verbenacea DC.)] is a medicinal and aromatic plant native to Brazil, belonging to the Cordiaceae family (GASPARINO; BARROS, 2009). It occurs from Central America to southern Brazil (LORENZI; MATOS, 2008) in a wide range of habitats, such as beaches, restinga, forests, and cerrado (WANDERLEY et al., 2002). V. curassavica has stood out both in folk medicine and in the pharmaceutical industry, mainly due to the anti-inflammatory substances present in its essential oil (PASSOS et al., 2007; PARISSOTO et al., 2012; PIMENTEL et al., 2012). The effectiveness of V. curassavica is recognized by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). The plant is included in the List of the Unified Health System (SUS) and the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS) (BRASIL, 2011). Due to its therapeutic properties, several studies have been developed aimed at the selection Received: 14/05/18 Accepted: 20/11/19

Varronia curassavica Jacq. é uma planta medicinal e aromática nativa do Brasil. O óleo essencial desta espécie é utilizado pela indústria farmacêutica por conter substâncias bioativas com propriedades anti-inflamatórias. Objetivou-se caracterizar morfoagronomicamente 27 acessos da coleção de V. curassavica do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Plantas Medicinais e Aromáticas da Universidade Federal de Sergipe. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com três repetições. A caracterização morfológica foi realizada em campo, por meio da avaliação da altura da planta; largura da copa; formato da copa; diâmetro do caule a 10 cm do solo; cor do caule; largura, comprimento e relação comprimento/largura das lâminas foliares; e cor das folhas, pétalas e sépalas. A caracterização agronômica foi realizada a partir dos óleos essenciais extraídos de folhas secas por hidrodestilação em aparelho Clevenger. Foi avaliado o rendimento de massa seca das folhas por planta e o teor e rendimento do óleo essencial. Grande variação foi observada entre os acessos para a coloração das folhas, as quais apresentaram diferentes tonalidades de verde, sendo possível separá-las entre plantas com folhas verde-escuro e plantas com folhas verde-claro. Para a variável altura de planta, os valores variaram de 101,33 cm (VCUR-801) a 345,33 cm (VCUR-701). Sete grupos distintos foram formados na análise de agrupamento realizada a partir dos caracteres avaliados. Os acessos VCUR-103 e VCUR-001 foram os que se mostraram mais divergentes, enquanto que os mais semelhantes foram os acessos VCUR-401 e VCUR-404. A caracterização morfoagronômica dos acessos de erva-baleeira permitirá a realização de uma correta descrição da espécie, apontando perspectivas para o melhoramento genético, além de possibilitar a otimização do processo de conservação.

Essential oil composition of the Balkan endemic Thymus longedentatus (Degen & Urum. ) Ronniger / Composición del aceite esencial de Thymus longedentatus (Degen & Urum. ) Ronniger endemic de los Balcanes

The chemical composition of essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of the Balkan endemic species Thymus longedentatus was studied by GC-MS. Twenty eight compounds, consisting 98.2% of the total components were detected in amounts exceeding 0.1%. The oil was characterized by relatively high concencentration of oxygentated monoterpenes (78.7%), among which citral isomers neral (27.5%) and geranial (30.3%) were the principal ones. In addition, 1,8-cineole (7.8%), trans-ß-ocimene (7.5%), and ß-myrcene (3.7%) were detected in significant ammounts. Germacrene D (4.4%) was found to be the main sesquiterpene in the essential oil.

Se estudió mediante GC-MS la composición química del aceite esencial obtenido de las partes aéreas de Thymus longedentatus, especie endémica de los Balcanes. Se detectaron veintiocho compuestos, que representaban un 98,2% del total de compuestos y que se encontraban en cantidades superiores al 0,1%. El aceite se caracterizó por una concentración relativamente alta de monoterpenos oxigenados (78.7%), entre los cuales los isómeros de citral, neral (27.5%) y geranial (30.3%) eran los principales. Además, se detectó 1,8-cineol (7,8%), trans-ß-ocimeno (7,5%) y ß-mirceno (3,7%) en cantidades significativas. Se encontró que Germacreno D (4.4%) es el principal sesquiterpeno en el aceite esencial.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants’ Productivity and Sustainability Monitoring Framework

Aims: To establish a programmatic framework facilitating all stakeholders harmonize their approaches and methodologies in ensuring sustainable management of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Study Design: Combination of semi-structured interviews, questionnaire, and direct observation research methods. Place and Duration of Study: Selected towns and villages in South Western States of Nigeria between January 2010 and June 2012. Methodology: ‘Participatory approach’ adopted to explore individual perceptions, values and attitudes through in-depth interviewing and administration of semi-structured questionnaires with open-ended pertinent questions for all stakeholders’ joint inputs. 413 stakeholders (General Practitioners with Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) knowledge, CAM practitioners with biomedicine knowledge, pharmacists, MAPs consumers, and community members), 127 Parks and Gardens government officials, 58 conservation scholars/researchers, and 14 legal practitioners on MAPs conservation were interviewed to perform stakeholder analysis. Model-driven engineering tools were used to create the static behaviour aspects of MAPs management. A logistic productivity and sustainability potential of a village medicinal plants harvesting was simulated with a written software. Results: CAM practitioners demanded appropriate information on the sustainable use of MAPs. Regulatory/government body ensured stakeholders’ compliance with the laws governing harvesting of MAPs, while reducing or avoiding policies/political changes that could result in MAPs’ loss. Doctors/nurses showed interest seeking integration of conventional medical practice with MAPs-based therapies. Pharmacists expressed interest exploring MAPs for new therapeutics. Scholars/researchers demanded research grants/funding from governments and their research findings’ implementation. Conclusion: Coordination among different stakeholders, significant involvement of the parks management, improvement in national education standards, and a legal framework that provides a basis for co-management agreements that constitute critical success factors needed to implement viable and sustainable conservation agreements within the program. MAPs’ productivity and sustainability demand individual and collective responsibilities from all stakeholders for better management of ecosystem and public health in a viable option using a ‘participation model’.

Content and chemical composition of the essential oil of Myrcia lundiana Kiaersk In different drying times / Teor e composição química do óleo essencial de Myrcia lundiana Kiaersk em diferentes tempos de secagem

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the leaves drying time on the content and chemical composition of the essential oil of M. lundiana. Treatments consisted of drying times of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 days, at 40o C, in a forced-air-circulation oven. Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation using the Clevenger apparatus, and chemical composition analysis was performed by GC-MS/FID. The drying process of M. lundiana leaves did not cause significant variations in the oil content, ranging from 1.18 to 1.51%. Nerolic acid was the major compound, ranging from 27.8% (at six days of drying) to 35.64% (at ten days of drying). The compound 1,8-cineole was identified as the second major compound of the essential oil, ranging from 9.04% to 14.01%. Other major compounds found in the essential oils were -terpineol (7.12-8.41%), -pinene (5.08- 9.03%), Z--trans-bergamotol (5.40-7.57%), and caryophyllene oxide (4.12-7.11%). One day of leaves drying at 40°C was sufficient to reach the recommended foliar moisture level without significantly altering the content and chemical composition of the essential oil of M. lundiana or the contents of the major compounds of the essential oil.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tempo de secagem das folhas no teor e na composição química do óleo essencial de M. lundiana. Testaram-se os tempos 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 e 10 dias de secagem das folhas a 40o C em estufa com circulação forçada de ar. Os óleos essenciais foram obtidos por hidrodestilação, utilizando o aparelho Clevenger, e a análise da composição química foi realizada através de CG-MS/FID. A secagem das folhas de M. lundiana não provocou variações significativas no teor de óleo, variando de 1,18 a 1,51%. O ácido nerólico foi o composto majoritário, variando de 27,8% no sexto dia de secagem a 35,64% no décimo dia de secagem. O composto 1,8-cineol foi identificado como o segundo componente principal do óleo, variando de 9,04% a 14,01%. Outros componentes observados no óleo essencial foram -terpineol (7,12-8,41%), -pineno (5,08-9,03%), Z--trans-bergamotol (5,40-7,57%) e óxido de cariofileno (4,12-7,11%). Um dia de secagem das folhas a 40 oC foi o suficiente para atingir o nível de umidade foliar recomendado, não alterando significativamente o teor e a composição química do óleo essencial de M. lundiana e nem os teores dos componentes majoritários do óleo essencial.

Study on peel components and juice quality of three mandarin hybrids (Citrus reticulata) on sour orange rootstock cultivated in Ramsar, Iran / Estudio sobre los componentes de la cáscara y la calidad del jugo de tres híbridos de mandarina (Citrus reticulata) en patrones de naranja agria cultivados en Ramsar, Irán

The peel components and juice quality of three mandarin hybrids were investigated in this study. Peel components were extracted using the cold-press method and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. Total soluble solids, total acid, pH value, ascorbic acid as well as density were determined in juice obtained from mandarin hybrids. Twenty-six, thirty-five and nineteen peel components were identified in Fortune, Robinson and Osceola respectively including: aldehydes, alcohols, esters, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and other components. The major components were limonene, γ-terpinene, (E)-ß-ocimene, ß-myrcene, sabinene, linalool and α-Pinene. Among the three scions examined, Fortune showed the highest content of aldehydes and Robinson showed the highest content of TSS. This study shows that scion has a profound influence on aldehyd and TSS that are important to quality improvement.

Los componentes de la cáscara y la calidad del jugo de tres híbridos de mandarina fueron investigados en este estudio. Los componentes de la cáscara fueron extraídos por el método de prensado en frío y se analizaron mediante GC-FID y GC-MS. el total de sólidos solubles, acidez total, pH, ácido ascórbico, así como la densidad se determinaron en el jugo obtenido a partir de híbridos de mandarina. Veintiséis, treinta y cinco y diecinueve componentes de la cáscara de Fortuna, Robinson y Osceola respectivamente fueron identificados, incluyendo: aldehídos, alcoholes, ésteres, monoterpenos, sesquiterpenos y otros componentes. Los componentes principales eran limoneno, γ-terpineno, (E) -ß-ocimeno, ß-mirceno, sabineno, linalool y α-pineno. Entre los tres vástagos examinados, Fortune mostró el mayor contenido de aldehídos y Robinson mostró el mayor contenido de SST. Este estudio muestra que el vástago tiene una profunda influencia en aldehído y SST que son importantes para mejorar la calidad.

In Vitro Mid-Term Conservation of Acorus calamus L. via Cold Storage of Encapsulated Microrhizome

ABSTRACT In vitro rhizome production, encapsulation and cold storage of Acorus calamus were attempted for its propagation and ‘true-to-type’ conservation. Shoot cultures were initiated using underground rhizome buds, on 6-benzyladenine (BA) containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Maximum microrhizome production was observed in presence of 33.3 µM BA, on modified MS medium containing 6% sucrose, 100 mg/L citric acid and 1 g/L polyvinyl pyrrolidone-40. Synthetic seeds were produced from regenerated microtubers by encapsulation in calcium alginate beads. These synthetic seeds were stored in complete darkness at 100C temperature for different durations for mid-term conservation. After cold storage, synthetic seeds were re-cultured in vitro, 100% survival was recorded after the storage of 1, 3 or 6 months; and 80% survival was observed after the storage of 12 months. The microrhizomes were produced roots in 4.9 µM indole-3-butyric acid containing half strength MS medium. All the regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to field after acclimatization. It is the first report on successful one year in vitro cold storage of A. calamus.

Morphological characterization of pollens from three Apiaceae species and their ingestion by twelve-spotted lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) / Caracterização morfológica de três espécies de Apiaceae e sua ingestão pela joaninha de doze pintas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract Larvae and adults of certain species of predator lady beetles feed on pollen, guaranteeing their survival, and at times, reproduction in the absence of preferred prey. Palynology, therefore, may contribute in the investigation of botanical families visited by these predators in order to obtain this floral resource. There are records of the visitation of Apiaceae flowers by Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer, 1775 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), but not the ingestion of their pollen grains by this lady beetle. The external morphology of pollen grains of three Apiaceae aromatic species (Anethum graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) was characterized, and it was evaluated the ingestion of these pollens by fourth instar larvae and adults of C. maculata upon confinement along with flowers of these Apiaceae for 24 and 48 hours. The pollen grains of those species presented similar external morphology. In the two times of exposure, the larvae ingested the same amount of pollen from the three Apiaceae species, and the amount of C. sativum pollen ingested was the same between larvae and adults. The amount of A. graveolens pollen grains ingested by the adults was significantly greater than the pollens of C. sativum and F. vulgare, in 24 hours, with the opposite occurring in 48 hours. In the first 24 hours, the adults ingested more A. graveolens pollen than the larvae, with the opposite occurring with F. vulgare. There was no significant difference in the amount of Apiaceae pollen ingested between larvae and adults in 48 hours. The results suggest that the pollen-eating habits of certain aphidophagous lady beetles may be crucial in their preservation within agro-ecosystems.

Resumo Larvas e adultos de certas espécies de joaninhas predadoras podem se alimentar de pólen, garantindo a sua sobrevivência, e, às vezes, a reprodução na ausência da presa preferencial. Palinologia, portanto, pode contribuir na investigação de famílias botânicas visitadas por estes predadores a fim de obter esse recurso floral. Há registros da visitação de flores de Apiaceae por Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer, 1775 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), mas não da ingestão de seus grãos de pólen por essa joaninha. A morfologia externa de grãos de pólen de três espécies aromáticas de Apiaceae (Anethum graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) foi caracterizada e avaliou-se a ingestão desses polens por larvas de quarto instar e adultos de C. maculata em confinamento com flores dessas Apiaceae por 24 e 48 horas. Os grãos de pólen dessas espécies apresentaram morfologia externa semelhante. Nos dois tempos de exposição, as larvas ingeriram a mesma quantidade de pólen das três espécies de Apiaceae, e a quantidade de pólen de C. sativum ingerida foi semelhante entre as larvas e adultos. A quantidade de grãos de pólen de A. graveolens ingerida pelos adultos foi significativamente maior do que a dos polens de C. sativum e F. vulgare, em 24 horas, com o oposto ocorrendo em 48 horas. Nas primeiras 24 horas, os adultos ingeriram mais pólen de A. graveolens do que as larvas, ocorrendo o oposto com F. vulgare. Não houve diferença significativa na quantidade de pólen de Apiaceae ingerida entre as larvas e adultos em 48 horas. Os resultados sugerem que o hábito de alimentar de pólen de certas joaninhas afidófagas pode ser crucial para a sua preservação dentro dos agroecossistemas.

Organic fertilization and composition of oregano essential oil / Fertilización orgánica y composición de aceite esencial de orégano

Origanum vulgare L. better known as oregano or marjoram in Europe and Brazil is a herbaceous plant which determines long-range chemical and morphological diversity. The composition of essential oil of herbs like oregano, depends on different factors such as climate, geographical origin, harvest season, nutrition that can significantly affect the oil production and quality. The objective of this work was investigate the oregano oil production and composition in differents conditions of crops and seasons in Cerrado of Brazil. The experimental was a randomized block design (RBD) in a factorial 2 x 2 x 2 with five replications, two systems of planting (greenhouse and field), two types of fertilizers (mineral and organic) and two seasons (autumn and spring). The results of essential oil presented the same composition for all the treatments. However, the relative proportion of some chemical constituents was altered according to the planting in greenhouse or in field and organic or mineral fertilizer. Carvacrol, terpinene, ortho-cymene were the major constituents. The spring season and the field conditions favored better essential oil yield and carvacrol production.

Origanum vulgare L. mejor conocido como orégano o mejorana en Europa y Brasil es una planta herbácea que presenta una gran diversidad química y morfológica. La composición del aceite esencial de hierbas como el orégano, depende de diversos factores tales como el clima, la procedencia geográfica, época de la cosecha, la nutrición que pueden afectar significativamente la producción de aceites y su calidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar la producción de aceite de orégano y composición en diferentes condiciones de los cultivos y las estaciones en Cerrado de Brasil. La parte experimental consistió en bloques al azar (RBD) en un diseño factorial 2 x 2 x 2 con cinco repeticiones, dos sistemas de siembra (invernadero y de campo), dos tipos de fertilizantes (minerales y orgánicos) y dos estaciones (otoño y primavera). Los resultados del aceite esencial presentan la misma composición para todos los tratamientos. Sin embargo, la proporción relativa de algunos componentes químicos se modificó de acuerdo con la siembra en invernadero o en el campo y abono orgánico o mineral. Carvacrol, terpineno, orto-cimeno fueron los principales constituyentes. La temporada de primavera y las condiciones de campo favorecieron el rendimiento de aceite esencial y una mejor producción de carvacrol.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)：a precious spice

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes. Clove is native of Indonesia but nowadays is cultured in several parts of the world including Brazil in the state of Bahia. This plant represents one of the richest source of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and posses great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agricultural applications. This review includes the main studies reporting the biological activities of clove and eugenol. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of clove is higher than many fruits, vegetables and other spices and should deserve special attention. A new application of clove as larvicidal agent is an interesting strategy to combat dengue which is a serious health problem in Brazil and other tropical countries. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies were also mentioned. The different studies reviewed in this work confirm the traditional use of clove as food preservative and medicinal plant standing out the importance of this plant for different applications.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): a precious spice

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes. Clove is native of Indonesia but nowadays is cultured in several parts of the world including Brazil in the state of Bahia. This plant represents one of the richest source of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and posses great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agricultural applications. This review includes the main studies reporting the biological activities of clove and eugenol. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of clove is higher than many fruits, vegetables and other spices and should deserve special attention. A new application of clove as larvicidal agent is an interesting strategy to combat dengue which is a serious health problem in Brazil and other tropical countries. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies were also mentioned. The different studies reviewed in this work confirm the traditional use of clove as food preservative and medicinal plant standing out the importance of this plant for different applications.

Organic and mineral fertilization and chemical composition of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) essential oil

Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae, is an herb with great growth prospects in the cosmetic industry due to its essential oil. In order to improve its production, it is necessary to study related agricultural practices. This study evaluated the effect of organic and mineral fertilization on the chemical composition of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil. The assay was conducted at the "Fazenda Experimental do Glória" of the Federal University of Uberlândia, and essential oil extraction and GC/MS analyses were completed by the Centre for Research and Development on Plant Genetic Resources of the Campinas Agronomic Institute. The assay was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The tested treatments were six types of fertilization (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 kg.m-2 of cattle manure and mineral fertilizing with 60 g.m-2 of NPK 4-14-8 + 4 g.m-2 of boric acid) with four replications. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation in a modified Clevenger apparatus. The chemical composition was analyzed by GC/MS. The essential oil presented the same compounds for all treatments; however, the relative proportion of some chemical constituents was altered according to the treatment. Neral, geranial, and citronellal were the major constituents.

Micropropagação e aclimatização de gerânio (Pelargonium graveolens L. ) / Micropropagation and acclimatization of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. )

O gerânio (Pelargonium graveolens L.) é uma planta medicinal e aromática nativa do sul da África, cujo óleo essencial é amplamente empregado nas indústrias de perfumaria e cosmético, além de ser usado como terapêutico. Avaliou-se o efeito da luminosidade e dos reguladores de crescimento BAP e ANA na multiplicação in vitro e o uso de diferentes substratos na aclimatização de mudas micropropagadas. Foram avaliadas as concentrações 0; 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0 mg L-1 de BAP, 0; 0,1 e 0,5 mg L-1 de ANA e duas condições de luminosidade (ausência e presença de luz), em esquema fatorial 4x3x2; para a aclimatização foram utilizados quatro substratos, pó de coco + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + calcário (1 g L-1) (PCBC); pó de coco + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + calcário (1 g L-1) + vermiculita (1:1) (PCBCV 1:1); pó de coco + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L­-1) + calcário (1 g L-1) + vermiculita (PCBCV 2:1) e vermiculita e adição semanal de sais MS (VS). Para a micropropagação de P. graveolens a utilização de 1,3 mg L-1 de BAP e 0,5 mg L-1 de ANA é eficiente na regeneração direta de plantas de gerânio, sendo a condição de escuro a mais indicada por proporcionar o maior número de brotos por explante. Para a aclimatização das mudas de gerânio, os melhores resultados foram obtidos em mudas aclimatizadas no substrato vermiculita com adição semanal de sais de MS seguido do substrato PCBCV 1:1.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant native to the south of Africa and whose essential oil is widely used by perfume and cosmetic industries, as well as in therapeutics. The effect of luminosity and growth regulators BAP and NAA on in vitro multiplication was evaluated, together with the use of different substrates on the acclimatization of micropropagated seedlings. The evaluated concentrations were 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg L-1 BAP; 0, 0.1 and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA; and two luminosity conditions (absence and presence of light), in a 4 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. For acclimatization, four substrates were tested: coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) (CDBL); coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) + vermiculite (1:1) (CDBLV 1:1); coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) + vermiculite (CDBLV 2:1); and vermiculite with weekly addition of MS salts (VS). For P. graveolens micropropagation, the use of 1.3 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA is efficient for the direct regeneration of geranium plants, and the dark condition is the most suitable since it provides a larger number of shoots per explant. For the acclimatization of geranium seedlings, the best results were obtained with seedlings acclimatized in the substrate vermiculite with weekly addition of MS salts, followed by the substrate CDBLV 1:1.

Produção de biomassa e óleo essencial de alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis L. ) em função da altura e intervalo entre cortes / Biomass production and essential oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L. ) in function of the height and interval between the cuts

O alecrim é planta exótica e o interesse no seu cultivo tem crescido ao longo dos anos, pois pode ser utilizado tanto para fins medicinais como aromáticos; no entanto, o conhecimento fitotécnico sobre a espécie é bastante limitado. Dessa forma, o trabalho objetivou avaliar a influência da altura de corte e do intervalo destes sobre a produção de biomassa e no rendimento do óleo essencial de alecrim. O experimento foi realizado no Instituto Agronômico, em Campinas - SP, no período de janeiro de 2006 a julho de 2007. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com 8 tratamentos em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, sendo duas alturas de corte (20 e 40 cm) e quatro intervalos entre cortes (60, 80, 100, 120 dias) e três repetições. Foram avaliadas as características altura da planta, massa seca da parte aérea, rendimento e qualidade do óleo essencial. Observou-se que maiores intervalos entre cortes proporcionaram maior altura da planta e maior massa seca da parte aérea. O rendimento e a qualidade do óleo essencial não foram afetados ao longo do período experimental.

Rosemary is an exotic plant and the interest in its cultivation has been growing along the years, because it can be used for medicinal or aromatic ends, however the agricultural knowledge about the species is quite limited. The goal of this research was to evaluate the influence of the cutting height and of the interval of these cuts on the biomass production and on the yield of the rosemary essential oil. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomical Institute, in Campinas - SP, from January 2006 through July 2007. It was organized in a completely randomized design with 8 treatments in a 2 x 4 factorial system, with two cutting heights (20 and 40 cm) and four intervals between cuts (60, 80, 100, 120 days) and three replications. Characteristics such as plant height, dry mass of the aerial part, yield and quality of its essential oil were evaluated. It was observed that longer intervals among cuttings provided longer height of the plant and greater dried mass of the aerial part. The yield and the quality of the essential oil were not affected throughout the experimental period.

Concentrações de citocinina e carvão ativado na micropropagação de pimenta-do-reino / Cytokynin concentrations and activated charcoal on black pepper micropropagation

A pimenta-do-reino (Piper nigrum) tem grande importância para a economia do Norte do Brasil. A pimenta-do-reino é propagada principalmente por estaquia que, além de ser pouco eficiente, pode possibilitar a propagação da doença fusariose. Dessa forma, testes para verificar a eficiência da micropropagação são pertinentes. O objetivo do trabalho foi testar concentrações de BAP - 6-benzilaminopurina (0,5, 1,5, 3,0 e 4,5mg L-1) e a adição de carvão ativado a 0,2 por cento ao meio de cultura na micropropagação de pimenta-do-reino. O meio de cultura foi composto de sais e vitaminas de Murashige & Skoog, 3 por cento de sacarose e 8g L-1 de ágar. Foram utilizados como explantes ápices caulinares de plântulas da cultivar "Bragantina" germinadas in vitro. Os tratamentos foram avaliados em esquema fatorial 4x2, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Após 45 dias no estabelecimento, foi avaliado o número de brotos, mas não foi observada diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, considerando-se os dois fatores e a interação entre eles. Após 45 dias no primeiro subcultivo, foram avaliados o número de brotos e de explantes (segmentos nodais). A interação entre BAP e carvão ativado teve efeito significativo para número de brotos e de explantes, sendo que o carvão influenciou o efeito das concentrações de BAP. A concentração de 0,5mg L-1 de BAP na ausência de carvão ativado gerou maior número de brotos e de explantes. O carvão ativado não é necessário na fase de proliferação de gemas de pimenta-do-reino da cultivar "Bragantina".

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) has great importance for the Northern Brazil’s economy. Black pepper is mainly propagated by mass propagation, which is not very efficient and may spread fusariosis. Thus, micropropagation efficiency tests are pertinent. The objective of this research paper was to test BAP - 6-benzilaminopurine concentrations (0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5mg L-1) and activated charcoal at 0.2 percent addition to the culture medium for black pepper’s micropropagation. Culture medium was composed of Murashige & Skoog’s salts and vitamins, 3 percent sucrose and 8g L-1 agar. Shoot tips from Bragantina black pepper seedlings germinated in vitro were used as explants. Treatments were evaluated in a 4x2 factorial scheme in a fully randomized design. Forty-five days after establishment, the number of shoots were evaluated, but there was no significative difference between treatments, considering the two factors and the interaction between them. Forty-five days after the first subculture, the number of shoot and explants (nodal segments) were evaluated. Interaction between BAP and activated charcoal had a significative effect on the number of shoots and explants, however, activated charcoal had an influence on BAP concentrations. The concentration of 0.5mg L-1 generated the highest number of shoots and explants. Activated charcoal is not necessary during the Bragantina black pepper shoot bud proliferation phase.