Genetic variability of cocoa from the amazon basin: implications for genetic conservation

The cocoa and chocolate production chain involves US$60 billion annually and three million farmers around the world, in an area exceeding nine million hectares. The use of wild germplasm will enable to generate new disease- and pest-resistant cultivars and ability to adapt to changing environments. Here we evaluated 145 cocoa accessions, originated from nine Amazonian basins, based on eight fruit traits. Univariate anova showed significant differences (p<0.05) for all traits. For seven traits, the variance component within basins was higher (81.5%, on average). Therefore, it is recommended that the collection of wild accessions prioritize a larger number of plants from a few populations of the most divergent basins. The multivariate analyses revealed a greater divergence between the Ji-Paraná-RO and Solimões/Amazonas-PA basins (27.69) and a greater similarity between Alien clones-PER and Solimões/Amazonas-AM (0.66) in relation to their populations. They also revealed that the accessions differentiation occurred according to the river basin system. These results allowed elucidate the genetic structure and distribution of cacao populations. In addition, strengthen the importance of collecting and conserving germplasm to preserve genetic resources.

Obtención y caracterización fisicoquímica de un sustrato nutritivo hecho a partir de cáscaras de cacao para la producción de plántulas de hortalizas / Obtaining and physicochemical characterization of a nutritive substrate made from cacao shells for the production of vegetable seedlings

En el beneficiado del cacao se producen una gran cantidad de residuos, las mazorcas generalmente son desechadas dentro de los mismos cultivos y genera problemáticas como la proliferación de insectos y microorganismos patógenos. De estos desechos las cáscaras son las de mayor relevancia. La Escuela de Ingeniería Química de ITCA-FEPADE evaluó añadirle valor a este subproducto, incorporando desechos de cáscara de cacao en la formulación de un sustrato para el cultivo de plántulas de hortalizas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue obtener un sustrato orgánico que sirva de soporte material y nutritivo a partir de cáscaras de cacao criollo. La biomasa vegetal se caracterizó teniendo en cuenta parámetros como el porcentaje de humedad, pH, porcentaje de cenizas, contenido de potasio, nitrógeno y fósforo. Se ejecutaron pruebas comparativas de formulación del sustrato, siembra, cultivo y crecimiento de las plántulas de hortalizas de tomate y pepino, obteniendo como resultado la fórmula óptima de un sustrato y abono orgánico y el mejor medio de desarrollo. De los resultados obtenidos se concluye que, a partir de un adecuado procesamiento y aprovechamiento de las cáscaras de cacao, se puede transformar este desecho en un producto biomaterial alternativo que genera una opción de bioprospección agroindustrial. Los valores obtenidos en la caracterización fisicoquímica de las cáscaras de las mazorcas, dependen de condiciones como el tipo de suelo, variables agrometeorológicas, calidad de agua, abono y especie de la planta de cacao. El escenario de siembra condiciona el desarrollo óptimo de las plántulas; los factores como requerimiento de agua, distribución de nutrientes y estabilidad de las plántulas, se ven afectados por la relación del espacio de germinación. Como resultado de la caracterización fisicoquímica, se obtuvo: pH de 5.7, cenizas 18.83%, humedad 73.56%, celulosa 21.39%, lignina 39.81%, nitrógeno total 0.02%, fósforo total 0.02% y ausencia de potasio.

In the cacao beneficiation, a large amount of waste is produced, generally, the cacao pods are discarded within the same crops and generate problems such as the proliferation of insects and pathogenic microorganisms. The shell are the most relevant this waste. In Escuela de Ingeniería Química of ITCA-FEPADE the incorporation of cacao shell waste in the formulation of a substrate for growing vegetables was evaluated because the giving benefit to these by-products. The objective of this research was to obtain a substrate that serves as material and nutritional support for vegetable seedlings, from creole cacao shells. The vegetal biomass was characterized taking into account parameters such as moisture percentage, pH, ash percentage, potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus content. Subsequently, comparative tests of formulation, planting and growth of vegetable tomato and cucumber seedlings were carry out, obtaining as result, the optimal formula for the substrate and the best development environment. It concludes that, through an adequate processing and use of the cacao shell, it is possible to transform a waste into an alternative biomaterial product that generates an agro industrial bioprospecting option. The values obtained in the physicochemical characterization of the shells of cacao pods depend on conditions such as soil type, agrometeorological variables, water quality, fertilizer and cacao plant species. The planting environment determines the optimal development of the seedlings, factors such as water requirement, nutrient distribution and seedling stability seems affected because relation of the germination space. The results of the characterization were a pH of 5.7, ashes 18.83%, humidity 73.56%, cellulose 21.39%, lignin 39.81%, total nitrogen 0.02%, total phosphorus 0.02%, and total phosphorus 0.02% and an absence of potassium.

Effect of organic fertilization and pruning on cacao yield in Cundinamarca, Colombia / Efecto de la fertilización orgánica y la poda sobre la producción de cacao en Cundinamarca, Colombia

ABSTRACT Cacao has high social importance in Colombia but requires cultivation techniques that improve its productivity, especially in the production of organic cacao. Pruning and organic fertilizers were assessed as treatments to increase the bean yield in an old cacao crop in Cundinamarca. The positive effects of organic fertilizer application and pruning on the pod morphometry and bean yield were established. The application of organic fertilizers with pruning, in general, increased the length and circumference of cacao pods. A negative correlation (R=-0.618) was found among the relative chlorophyll contents in leaves at the end of the harvest period and with the number of pods per tree. A positive correlation (R=0.748) was obtained between the fresh weight of pods and the dry weight of beans. No correlation was established between the relative chlorophyll contents in leaves and the bean dry weight. Pruning plus organic fertilization increased the total dry weight of beans per tree at almost 15 %, which makes pruning with organic fertilizer application the best tool for increasing yield in organic cacao production in old plantations in Cundinamarca.

RESUMEN El cultivo de cacao tiene una alta importancia social en Colombia, pero requiere la implementación de técnicas de cultivo que mejoren su productividad, principalmente, en la producción de cacao orgánico. La poda y los fertilizantes orgánicos fueron evaluados, como los tratamientos para incrementar el rendimiento de cacao, en una plantación antigua en el departamento Cundinamarca. La aplicación de fertilizantes orgánicos y la poda tuvieron efectos positivos sobre la morfometría del fruto y el rendimiento del cacao. La aplicación de fertilizantes orgánicos con poda, en general, aumentó la longitud y el diámetro de frutos de cacao. Se encontró una correlación negativa (R=-0,618) entre el contenido relativo de clorofila en hojas al final del período de cosecha y el número de frutos por árbol. Se obtuvo una correlación positiva (R=0,748) entre el peso fresco de frutos y el peso seco de semillas. No se estableció correlación entre el contenido relativo de clorofila en hojas y el peso seco de semillas. La poda más fertilización orgánica aumentó el peso seco total de semillas por árbol, en casi un 15 %, lo que convierte la poda con aplicación de fertilizante orgánicos en una herramienta para aumentar el rendimiento de cacao orgánico en antiguas plantaciones, en el departamento Cundinamarca.

Proximal chemical evaluation, antioxidant content and fatty acids in fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar (Theobroma cacao L. Criollo cultivar)

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the proximal chemical composition, antioxidant activity assays with total phenol, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl, 2'2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, iron reducing antioxidant power, and the fatty acid composition of fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar. The fermented and dried cocoa beans were purchased, roasted (115 °C for 5 min) and homogenized. The mixture was brought to its melting point (58 °C for 5 min). In the cocoa pulp bar there was an increase in lipids (53.0%). The roasted affected the concentration of ashes (3.38-2.98%). Total phenol (1.8, 1.5 and 1.3 mg AEG kg-1), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (65.8, 64.4 and 65.0 μmol ET kg-1), 2'2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (3.60, 3.00 and 2.30 μmol EAC kg-1) and iron reducing antioxidant power (0.09, 0.07 and 0.06 mg Fe2+ kg-1) presented significant differences (p<0.05) in the fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar respectively, however, the changes were minimal. The cocoa pulp bar had a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acid (89.2%), where oleic (48.6%) was predominated. Therefore, the cocoa pulp bar is a food with an important antioxidant content, moreover, it has a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acid, which is desirable in the diet.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la composición química proximal, el contenido de antioxidantes con los ensayos de fenoles totales, 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazil, Ácido 2'2-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico), sal de diamonio y poder antioxidante reductor del hierro, y la composición de ácidos grasos en los granos de cacao fermentados y secos, granos de cacao tostados y barra de pulpa de cacao. Se compraron los granos de cacao fermentado y seco y se tostaron (115 °C durante 5 min), y se homogeneizaron. La mezcla se llevó a su punto de fusión (58 °C durante 5 min). En la barra de pulpa de cacao hubo un aumento de lípidos (53,0%). El tostado afectó la concentración de cenizas (3,38 - 2,98%). En los resultados de fenoles totales (1,80, 1,50 y 1,30 mg AEG kg-1), 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazil (65,8, 64,4 y 65,0 μmol ET kg-1), Ácido 2'2-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico), sal de diamonio (3,6, 3,0 y 2,3 μmol EAC kg-1) y poder antioxidante reductor del hierro (0.09, 0.07 y 0.06 mg Fe2+ kg-1) presentaron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en los granos de cacao fermentados y secos, granos de cacao tostados y barra de pulpa de cacao respectivamente, sin embargo, los cambios fueron mínimos. La barra de pulpa de cacao presentó una mayor concentración de ácidos grasos insaturados (89%), donde predominó el oleico (48,6%). Por lo tanto, la barra de pulpa de cacao es un alimento con importante contenido en antioxidantes, además, tiene una mayor concentración de ácidos grasos insaturados, lo que es deseable en la dieta.

AISLAMIENTO E IDENTIFICACIÓN DE Lactobacillus spp. (LACTOBACILLACEAE) RESISTENTES A Cd(II) Y As(III) RECUPERADOS DE FERMENTO DE CACAO / Isolation and identification of Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillaceae) resistant to Cd(II) and As(III) from fermented cocoa

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue aislar e identificar a partir de cacao fermentado en Caldas Colombia, bacterias con potencial de aplicación en procesos biotecnológicos, como la detoxificación de cadmio (Cd(II)) y arsénico (As(III)) en el organismo humano. En total se recuperaron 36 aislados de los cuales se recuperaron 11 en presencia de 1,0 mg/L de Cd(II) y 25 en presencia de 0,1 mg/L de As(III). Su identificación molecular determinó que la mayoría de los aislados son del género Lactobacillus. Los ensayos de crecimiento en presencia de diferentes concentraciones de los elementos evaluados permitió determinar que gran parte de los aislamientos presentan resistencia a mayores concentraciones de As(III) (300 mg/L) que de Cd(II) (10 mg/L). En ensayos de tolerancia a la acidez (pH 2,5) se encontró que la cepa tipo Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1055, junto con los aislamientos nativos L. plantarum A19, A26 y C16, mostraron la mayor tolerancia, por lo que se seleccionaron para evaluar su tolerancia a condiciones de salinidad. Las bacterias evaluadas mostraron crecimiento en concentraciones de hasta 4 g/L de sales biliares. Se concluye que los L. plantarum evaluados en este trabajo tienen un gran potencial para futuros ensayos en los que se busque demostrar la disminución de la bioaccesibilidad de Cd(II) y As(III) en condiciones in vitro del sistema digestivo humano debido a su resistencia a altas concentraciones de estos elementos y su tolerancia a condiciones de acidez y salinidad. Esto, junto con el reconocido potencial probiótico que tienen estos microorganismos, permitirá a futuro su uso en procesos biológicos de mitigación de Cd(II) y As(III).

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to isolate and identify from fermented cocoa in Caldas Colombia, bacteria with potential application in biotechnological processes such as detoxification of cadmium (Cd(II)) and arsenic (As(III)) in the human organism. In total, 36 isolates were obtained, from which 11 were recovered in the presence of 1.0 mg/L of Cd(II) and 25 in presence of 0.1 mg/L of As(III). Molecular identification showed most isolates belong to the genera Lactobacillus. Minimum inhibitory concentration assays, in presence of different concentrations of the elements, allowed to determine that the majority of isolates have resistance to higher concentration of As(III) (300 mg/L) than Cd(II) (10 mg/L). Acidity tolerance assays at pH 2.5 showed that type strain Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1055, and native isolates L. plantarum A19, A26, and C16, presented the highest tolerance, thus they were selected to evaluate their tolerance to salinity conditions. The evaluated bacteria could grow in bile salts up to 4 g/L. It is concluded that the evaluated L. plantarum have great potential to be used in assays in which bioaccessibility of Cd(II) and As(III) is diminished under in vitro conditions of the human digestive system, due to its resistance to high concentrations of the elements and tolerance to acidic and high bile salt conditions. These facts, together with the recognized probiotic potential of these microorganisms, may allow their future use in biological processes to mitigate Cd(II) and As(III).

Heavy metals content in soils and cocoa tissues in Magdalena department Colombia: emphasis in cadmium / Contenido de metales pesados en suelos y tejidos de cacao en el departamento del Magdalena, Colombia: énfasis en cadmio / Teor de metais pesados em solos e tecidos de cacau no departamento de Magdalena, Colômbia: ênfase no cádmio

ABSTRACT Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a species originating from the humid tropics. Over 70,000 km2 worldwide is dedicated to growing cocoa, and approximately 30% of its global production is concentrated in the equatorial regions of Central and South America, the Antilles and tropical Asia. The demand for cocoa is growing significantly but the presence of cadmium (Cd) in the species is a potential problem limiting its commercialization. The present study determined the Cd, Ni, Pb and Cr content in two cocoa-producing regions in northern Colombia. Foliage (leaf, bean and shell) and soil were analyzed. The mean Ni, Pb and Cr content in the plant tissue did not exceed the maximum permissible limits set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The mean Cd content in the beans was 0.51 mg kg-1 in region 1 and 0.66 mg kg-1 in region 2, which are considered risky per reports from the European Union and restrict the product's export. These results serve as a reference for future research on cocoa.

RESUMEN El cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) es una especie originaria de los trópicos húmedos. Más de 70,000 km2 en todo el mundo están dedicados a su cultivo y aproximadamente el 30% de su producción mundial se concentra en las regiones ecuatoriales de América Central y del Sur las Antillas y Asia tropical. La demanda de cacao está creciendo significativamente, pero la presencia de cadmio (Cd) en la especie es un problema potencial que limita su comercialización. El presente estudio determinó el contenido de Cd, Ni, Pb y Cr en dos regiones productoras de cacao en el norte de Colombia. Se analizaron el tejido (hoja, frijol y cáscara) y el suelo. El contenido medio de Ni, Pb y Cr en el tejido vegetal no excedió los límites máximos permisibles establecidos por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) de los Estados Unidos. El contenido medio de Cd en los frijoles fue de 0,51 mg kg-1 en la región 1 y 0,66 mg kg-1 en la región 2, que se consideran riesgosos según los informes de la Unión Europea y restringen la exportación del producto. Estos resultados sirven como referencia para futuras investigaciones sobre el cacao.

RESUMO O cacau (Theobroma cacao L) é uma espécie originária dos trópicos úmidos. Mais de 70.000 km2 em todo o mundo são dedicados à sua cultura e aproximadamente 30% de sua produção global está concentrada nas regiões equatoriais da América Central e do Sul, Antilhas e Ásia tropical. A demanda por cacau está crescendo significativamente, mais a presença de cádmio (Cd) nas espécies é um problema potencial que limita sua comercialização. O presente estudo determinou o teor de Cd, Ni, Pb e Cr em duas regiões produtoras de cacau no norte da Colômbia. A folhagem (folha, feijão e casca) e o solo foram analisados. O teor médio de Ni, Pb e Cr no tecido vegetal não excedeu os límites máximos permitidos estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental dos Estados Unidos (EPA). O conteúdo médio de Cd nos grãos foi de 0,51 mg kg-1 na região 1 e 0,66 mg kg-1 na região 2, que são considerados de risco por relatórios da União Europeia e restringem a exportação do produto. Esses resultados servem como referência para futuras pesquisas sobre cacau.

Simultaneous selection of cupuassu tree and Brazilian mahogany genotypes in an agroforestry system in Pará state, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate and select progenies and matrices of cupuassu-tree siblings, and to select Brazilian mahogany matrices with superior characteristics to be used in agroforestry systems (AFS). Twenty-five full cupuassu tree sibling progenies and one Brazilian mahogany half-sibling progeny were evaluated. The study was conducted for 14 years in a commercial property in Tomé Açu, Pará State, Brazil. The number of fruits and fruit yield per plant, as well as the rate of plants with symptoms of witches' broom disease, were used as response variables for cupuassu. For mahogany, the following response variables were used: total height, commercial height, crown height, diameter at breast height and commercial wood volume. There were five cupuassu tree progenies with interesting characteristics to be used in AFS. Based on the high values observed in the selection accuracy and heritabilities, a good potential for the selection of promising individuals in the cupuassu tree population is inferred. Based on the ranking of genotypic values and their agronomic performance, 10 matrices of cupuassu tree were selected. For Brazilian mahogany, three matrices showed excellent silvicultural performance. The matrices of these two species should be propagated vegetatively in order to evaluate clonal tests. (AU)

Anti-depressant activities of Theobroma cacao Extract on Reserpine-induced Depression in Female Wistar Rats.

Background: Depression is one of the most commontypes of neurological disorder, which is a markedpattern of disturbances in emotional behavior, memoryand hedonic processing. Aim and Objectives: Toinvestigate the role of ethanolic extract of Theobromacacao seed on the prefrontal cortex of female Wistarrats following reserpine-induced depression. Materialand Methods: Thirty-six (36) female Wistar rats wereused for this study. They were divided into six (A - F)groups (n = 6). Group A- control, Group B - 0.2 mg/kgreserpine, Group C - 10 mg/kg fluoxetine, Group D -500 mg/kg Theobroma cacao seed extract, Group E -0.2 mg/kg reserpine + 500mg/kg Theobroma cacaoseed extract, Group F - 0.2 mg/kg reserpine + 10mg/kgfluoxetine. Animals were euthanized via cervicaldislocation after the last day of administration and theprefrontal cortex and hippocampus were excised andfixed in 10% formalin solution for routine histologicalprocessing while the part used for biochemical assaywere homogenized in phosphate buffer beforecentrifugation. Results: Morphological alteration andreduced population of prefrontal cortex andhippocampus neurons, reduced protein synthesis, poorbehavioral patterns, reduced neurotransmission andinduction of oxidative stress in reserpine exposedanimal. Conclusion: Theobroma cacao seed extractwas able to mitigate these aberrations.

First record of the cacao plume moth Michaelophorus nubilus (Felder & Rogenhofer) (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) in Mexico

Abstract We report field infestation under natural conditions by the cacao plum moth, Michaelophorus nubilus (Felder & Rogenhofer) on leaves of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvaceae) for the first time in Southern Chiapas, Mexico. The larvae of M. nubilus damages new "flushing" or light green leaves from buds, from either the main or lateral branches of cacao plants.

Concentration of collagen fibers in the musculature of broiler chickens fed with cupuacu seed by-product / Concentração de fibras colágenas na musculatura de frangos alimentados com farinha de cupuaçu

In this essay, we quantify the concentration of collagen fibers in broiler chickens exposed to increasing concentrations of cupuacu seed by-product. Collection of material was carried out in five chickens per treatment at 70 days old in the groups: control, 5% and 10% inclusion of cupuacu seed by-product. Fragments of Thoracic Pectoralis (PT) and Iliotibial lateralis (ITL) muscles were prepared for light and electronic microscopy. The amount of collagen fibers in the muscle groups was 1.08±0.61% in the PTC group; 6.24±2.58% in PT5% and 7.30±2.75% in PT10%. In the Iliotibial Lateralis groups, the results were 6.96±3.14% in the ITLC; 7.43±4.22% in the ITL5% and 8.66±2.35% in ITL10%. The amount of collagen fibers in the ITL5% and ITL10% groups showed no significant statistical difference. However, when compared to the ILTC group, there was a significant statistical difference. The PT muscle responds to standard nutritional changes, unlike the ILT muscle, which requires a high-nutrient formulation. The use of 5% cupuacu seed by-product has proven to be a viable alternative source of animal feed, as it promotes an increase in the concentrations of collagen fibers in the musculature of broiler chickens and is possibly the determining factor in meat texture.(AU)

Neste estudo, foram quantificadas as concentrações de fibras colágenas de frangos expostos a crescentes concentrações de farinha de cupuaçu. A coleta de material foi realizada em cinco animais por tratamento, aos 70 dias de idade, nos grupos: controle, inclusão de 5% e de 10% de farinha de cupuaçu. Fragmentos dos músculos peitoral torácico (PT) e iliotibial lateral (ITL) foram preparados para microscopia de luz e eletrônica. A quantidade de fibras colágenas nos grupos foi: 1,08±0,61% no grupo PTC; 6,24±2,58% em PT5% e 7,30±2,75% em PT10%. Nos grupos iliotibial lateral, os resultados foram: 6,96±3,14% no ITLC; 7,43±4,22% no ITL5% e 8,66±2,35% em ITL10%. A quantidade de fibras colágenas nos grupos ITL5% e ITL10% não apresentou diferença estatística significativa. No entanto, quando comparados ao grupo ILTC, houve diferença estatística significativa. O músculo PT responde a mudanças nutricionais padrão, ao contrário do músculo ILT, que requer alta formulação nutricional. O uso de 5% de farinha de cupuaçu provou ser uma fonte alternativa viável de alimentação animal, pois promove um aumento nas concentrações de fibras de colágeno na musculatura de frangos de corte e é possivelmente um fator determinante na textura da carne.(AU)

Diversity of yeasts during fermentation of cocoa from two sites in the Brazilian Amazon

The purpose of this study was to identify the yeasts involved in spontaneous fermentation of cocoa from the Brazilian Amazon region. The fermentation process was carried out experimentally with cocoa seeds from two sites (Medicilândia and Tucumã), State of Pará, northern Brazil, during a six-day period. Totals of 44 yeasts were isolated from Medicilândia and 29 from Tucumã. Molecular identification was carried out by sequencing the D1/D2 region fragment of the rRNA 26S gene, expanded with universal primers for the NL1GC and LS2 eukaryotes. Pichia manshurica and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were identified in Medicilândia and five yeast species (Pichia fermentans, P. kudriavzevii, P. manshurica, S. cerevisiae and Zygosaccharomyces bailii) were identified in Tucumã. The results showed that P. manshurica and S. cerevisiae may have potential for use as starter cultures in future studies to improve the quality of cocoa seeds fermented in the Brazilian Amazon region. (AU)

A proposta deste estudo foi identificar as leveduras envolvidas na fermentação espontânea de cacau da Amazônia brasileira. A fermentação foi realizada em Medicilândia e Tucumã, Pará, Brasil, durante 6 dias. Em total foram obtidos 44 isolados de leveduras de Medicilândia e 29 de Tucumã. A identificação molecular foi realizada por sequenciamento do fragmento da região D1/D2 do gene rRNA 26S, amplificado com primers universais para eucariotos NL1GC e LS2. Em Medicilândia, foram identificadas Pichia manshurica e Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Em Tucumã foram identificadas cinco espécies (Pichia fermentans, P. kudriavzevii, P. manshurica, S. cerevisiae e Zygosaccharomyces bailii). Os resultados sugerem que P. manshurica e S. cerevisiae podem ter potencial para uso como culturas starter em estudos futuros, para melhorar a qualidade das sementes de cacau fermentadas na Amazônia brasileira.(AU)

Soil patterns and foliar standards for two cocoa clones in the States of Espírito Santo and Bahia, Brazil / Padrões de solo e normas foliares para dois clones de cacau cultivados nos Estados do Espírito Santo e Bahia, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to establish soil patterns and foliar standards for clonal crops of cocoa CCN51 and PS1319 in the Atlantic regions within the northern Espírito Santo and southern Bahia States. Samples were collected from September to October 2015, in 45 high productive plots, being 23 plots of clone CCN51 and 22 of clone PS1319. Sufficiency ranges for soil and foliar standards were recommended for cocoa clones CCN51 and PS1319 planted in the Northern Espírito Santo and Southern Bahia states. Differences in the contents of foliar macronutrients K, Ca, Mg, S and micronutrients Fe and Mn, were verified between clones CCN51 and PS1319. Differences reported for standards from different geographical regions confirmed that these standards need to be regional and specific for different cocoa clones.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer padrões de solo e padrões foliares para culturas clonais de cacau CCN51 e PS1319 nas regiões do Atlântico no norte do Espírito Santo e no sul da Bahia. As amostras foram coletadas de setembro a outubro de 2015, em 45 parcelas de alta produtividade, sendo 23 parcelas do clone CCN51 e 22 do clone PS1319. As faixas de suficiência para solo e padrões foliares foram sugeridas para os clones de cacau CCN51 e PS1319 plantados no norte do Espírito Santo e no sul da Bahia. Diferenças nos teores dos macronutrientes foliares K, Ca, Mg, S e micronutrientes Fe e Mn foram verificadas entre os clones CCN51 e PS1319. As diferenças relatadas para padrões de diferentes regiões geográficas permitem confirmar que esses padrões precisam ser regionais e específicos para diferentes clones de cacau.

Antibacterial activity of the cream preparation from Theobroma cacao L. Pod Aqueous extract

Background and Objectives@#While Theobroma cacao L has long been utilized in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, it was also found to possess antibacterial activity. The beans comprise 10% of the fruit, while the remaining 90%, consisting of pods, is considered waste. It was reported that the pods possess antibacterial activity, and if utilized for this purpose, T. cacao pods will no longer be considered as waste. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the cream formulated from the aqueous extract of T. cacao L pods. @*Methods@#The milled T. cacao pods were extracted using distilled water at 4°C for 24 hours. The crude extract was subjected to liquid-liquid partitioning using hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. Phytochemical screening was performed to identify the constituents present in the extract and its fractions. The extract and its fractions were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Determination of IC50 using 3,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) Reduction Assay was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The extract with the highest yield and the highest antibacterial activity were formulated into a cream. T. cacao cream was evaluated with quality control tests for creams and emulsions. Acute skin irritation test was performed on the T. cacao cream to assess skin irritability upon application on adult male albino rabbits.@*Results@#T. cacao crude extract and its fractions possessed antibacterial activity. Among the fractions tested, n-butanol fraction had the highest activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa. There was a significant difference between the fractions tested on the three bacterial strains (p<0.05). Although n-butanol fraction had the highest activity, the actual yield obtained after extraction was 0.95%. Since T. cacao aqueous extract also exhibited good antibacterial activity, it was chosen for the formulation study. There was no significant difference between the IC50 of the T. cacao crude extract and the IC50 of T. cacao cream, hence formulating it into a cream did not affect the antibacterial activity of the extract. @*Conclusion@#T. cacao pod extract, as well as its fractions, possessed antibacterial activity against three bacterial strains. The T. cacao cream produced was a water-in-oil, non-irritant cream with antibacterial activity, and with acceptable physical attributes.

Efecto de inoculantes bacterianos edáficos mixtos en el desarrollo temprano de cultivares mejorados de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) en un sistema agroforestal tradicional del norte de Oaxaca, México / Effect of mixed edaphic bacterial inoculants in the early development of improved cocoa cultivars (Theobroma cacao L.) in a traditional agroforestry system of Oaxaca, Mexico

El cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) es nativo de América del Sur y representa uno de los recursos «bioculturales¼ más significativos de Mesoamérica, ya que es una región donde se domesticó y tuvo relevancia como bebida ritual y como moneda en muchas culturas prehispánicas hasta la llegada de los españoles, quienes difundieron su uso en el mundo y lo convirtieron en una de las mercancías «commodity¼ más consumidas. Mediante este trabajo se propone una alternativa para atender la problemática de las plantaciones a través de la introducción de una diversidad amplia de cultivares de cacao en sistemas agroforestales tradicionales, en sinergia con la inoculación de bacterias edáficas fijadoras de nitrógeno y solubilizadoras de fósforo insoluble. En una parcela agroforestal tradicional se introdujeron plantas de cacao injertadas de cuatro cultivares y se dispusieron 3 tratamientos: aplicación de biofertilizante, aplicación de fertilizante químico y testigo. Se registraron la altura, el diámetro basal, el número de hojas y el número de ramas a los 2 y 12 meses, y se caracterizó la población de microorganismos asociada alrededor del tallo bajo la copa de las plantas. Los resultados de crecimiento muestran un buen potencial para los 4 cultivares estudiados y se observó que la biofertilización generó efectos significativos en algunos de los indicadores de crecimiento de las plantas de cacao. Así, las asociaciones vegetales en un sistema agroforestal podrían ser favorables para potenciar el desarrollo de frutos y resistencia a plagas y enfermedades.

Cocoa plant (Theobroma cacao L.) is native from South America and it represents one of the most significant "bio-cultural" resources of Mesoamerica, since it is a region where it was domesticated and had a relevance as ritual drink and as currency in many pre-hispanic cultures until the arrival of the Spaniards who spread its use worldwide, and became it one of the most consumed commodity goods. Through this research, an alternative is proposed to address the problem of cultivars through the introduction of a wide variety of cocoa plants in traditional agroforestry systems, in synergy with the inoculation of nitrogen-fixing and insoluble phosphor solubilizing edaphic bacterial consortia. Four cultivars of improved grafted cocoa plants were introduced in a traditional agroforestry plot and three fertilization treatments were applied: application of biofertilizer, application of chemical fertilizer and control. Measurements of height, stem diameter, number of leaves and branches were recorded at 2 and 12 months after planting and rhizosphere microbial populations were characterized. Growth results showed good potential for all studied cultivars and it was observed that biofertilization foresees significant effects in some of the growth indicators of cocoa plant. Thereby, plant associations in an agroforestry system could be favorable to promote fruit development and resistance to pests and diseases.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization and compatibility among genotypes to select elite clones of cupuassu / Caracterização fenotípica, genotípica e compatibilidade entre genótipos para seleção de clones elite de cupuaçuzeiro

ABSTRACT The expansion of the genetic base of cultivated materials is an ongoing activity of the cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) breeding program. However, the parents involved need to be genotypically and phenotypically characterized to ensure compatibility of crossings, as well as to assist in the selection of more promising individuals for hybridization. This study aimed to identify and select T. grandiflorum clones that are compatible and genetically divergent using tools such as the estimates of genotypic, phenotypic, and combined distances, as well as the compatibility rates among clones. The genetic distance analysis of the clones was performed with 14 heterologous microsatellite primers of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) that amplify the DNA of cupuassu. Phenotypic characterization was based on 14 variables related to fruit production. The joint dissimilarity matrix was obtained by means of the sum of the phenotypic and molecular dissimilarity matrices. The intra- and inter-clonal compatibility was estimated through controlled crossings. A low correlation was noted between the dissimilarity matrices based on the molecular and agronomic data. As for compatibility, all clones were self-incompatible, with different compatibility rates when crossed. The compatibility index was strongly influenced by the degree of relationship of the clones. It was possible to identify and select the most promising sets of cupuassu clones to be used in breeding programs, despite their genetic relationship.

RESUMO A ampliação da base genética dos materiais de cultivo é trabalho contínuo do programa de melhoramento genético do cupuaçuzeiro (Theobroma grandiflorum). Há necessidade, entretanto, que os parentais envolvidos estejam caracterizados fenotípica e genotipicamente, para auxiliar na escolha dos indivíduos que serão hibridizados, bem como para garantir os mecanismos de rastreabilidade e proteção das cultivares. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar e selecionar clones de cupuaçuzeiro inter-compatíveis e geneticamente divergentes, utilizando como ferramentas as distâncias genotípica, fenotípica e combinada mistas, assim como as taxas de compatibilidade entre os clones. Estimativas das distâncias genéticas entre os clones foram realizadas com base em 14 iniciadores microssatélites heterólogos de cacaueiro (Theobroma cacao) que amplificam o DNA do cupuaçuzeiro. Para a caracterização fenotípica foram empregadas 14 variáveis ​​relacionadas à produção de frutos. A matriz de dissimilaridade conjunta foi obtida por meio da soma das matrizes de dissimilaridade fenotípica e molecular. A compatibilidade intra e inter-clonal foi estimada através de cruzamentos controlados. Houve uma baixa correlação entre as matrizes de dissimilaridade com base nos dados moleculares e agronômicos. Quanto à compatibilidade, todos os clones foram auto-incompatíveis, contudo, compatíveis entre si, com diferentes taxas. O índice de compatibilidade foi fortemente influenciado pelo grau de relacionamento dos clones. Foi possível identificar e selecionar os conjuntos de clones de cupuaçuzeiro mais promissores para ser usados em melhoramento genético, apesar da ocorrência de relação genética entre eles.

Alcaloides y polifenoles del cacao, mecanismos que regulan su biosíntesis y sus implicaciones en el sabor y aroma / Cacao alkaloids and polyphenols: Mechanisms that regulate their biosynthesis and its implications on the taste and aroma

El sabor y aroma de los granos de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) fueron las principales razones que promovieron su domesticación y uso alimentario por los pueblos precolombinos de Mesoamérica. Incluso hoy día, la calidad sensorial determina la clasificación entre cacaos finos y a granel. Muchos compuestos químicos de las almendras son responsables de la calidad sensorial, pero sobresalen los polifenoles y los alcaloides, compuestos que de manera directa inciden en el sabor y palatabilidad de las almendras y de manera indirecta sobre los precursores de aroma. Los alcaloides están asociados con el amargor. Su concentración está relacionada con la variedad y se modifica con el procesamiento. Los polifenoles son responsables, junto con otras moléculas de la astringencia (poco deseable en chocolates), pero también de propiedades antioxidantes deseables por los consumidores. En esta revisión se abordan aspectos de la biosíntesis de estas importantes moléculas en las almendras de cacao, de las implicaciones en el sabor y aroma, así como los cambios que ocurren durante el procesamiento de las mismas(AU)

The flavor and aroma of cacao (Theobroma cacao) beans were the main reasons that promoted its domestication and food-use by pre-Columbian peoples of Mesoamerica. Polyphenols and alkaloids are compounds that directly affect the flavor of the cocoa beans and indirectly on the flavor precursors. The alkaloids are associated with bitterness; its concentration is related to the cultivar and its modifying through the processing. Polyphenols molecules are responsible together with other molecules of the astringency (not desirable in chocolate), but also are responsible for antioxidant properties, very desirable by consumers. This review focuses on aspects of the biosynthesis of these important molecules in cocoa beans as well as implications in taste and flavor. The changes of these molecules that occur during processing are also approached(AU)

Effects of habitat management on different feeding guilds of herbivorous insects in cacao agroforestry systems / Efecto del manejo de hábitat en diferentes gremios alimentarios de insectos herbívoros en sistemas agroforestales de cacao

AbstractHuman pressure on natural habitats increases the importance of agroforests for biodiversity conservation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of cacao traditional cultivation system (CTCS) on the conservation of the herbivorous insect community when compared with a monodominant rubber agroforest, a type of agricultural system for cacao cultivation. The insects were sampled in three habitats in Southeastern Bahia, Brazil: native forests, CTCS and rubber agroforests. In each habitat, 18 plots of 10 m2 were established, and the structural measures were collected and herbivorous insects were sampled with a Malaise/window trap. The diversity of folivorous decreased with the simplification of vegetation structure, but species composition was similar among habitats. In addition to a decrease in the availability of resources in monodominant rubber agroforests, the latex present in these systems have limited the occurrence of species that cannot circumvent latex toxicity. The diversity of sap-sucking insects was similar among habitats, but species composition was similar only in the CTCS and native forest, and it was different in the rubber agroforest. We observed turnover and a higher frequency of individuals of the family Psyllidae in the rubber agroforest. The biology and behavior of Psyllids and absence of natural enemies enable their diversity to increase when they are adapted to a new host. We observed a shift in the composition of xylophagous insects in the rubber agroforest compared to that in other habitats. Moreover, this agroforest has low species richness, but high individual abundance. Latex extraction is likely an important additional source of volatile compounds discharged into the environment, and it increases the attraction and recruitment of coleoborers to these sites. We concluded that CTCS has an herbivorous insect community with a structure similar to the community found in native forests of the region, and they present a more interesting conservation strategy when compared to rubber agroforests. We also emphasized the potential risk of local pest outbreaks in rubber agroforests for both the rubber and associated cacao trees. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 763-777. Epub 2016 June 01.

ResumenLa presión humana sobre los hábitats naturales aumenta la importancia de los sistemas agroforestales para la conservación de la biodiversidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el papel del sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao en la conservación de la comunidad de insectos herbívoros en comparación con el agrobosque monodominante de caucho, un tipo de sistema agrícola para el cultivo de cacao. Los insectos fueron muestreados en tres hábitats en el sureste de Bahia, Brasil: bosque nativo, sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao y agrobosque de caucho. En cada hábitat, se establecieron 18 parcelas de 10 m2, se tomaron medidas estructurales y se muestrearon los insectos herbívoros con una trampa tipo Malaise. La diversidad de folívoros disminuyó con la simplificación de la estructura de la vegetación, pero la composición de especies fue similar entre hábitats. Además se presentó una disminución de la disponibilidad de recursos en agrobosques de caucho, el látex presente en estos sistemas han limitado la aparición de especies que no pueden evadir la toxicidad de látex. La diversidad de insectos chupadores de savia fue similar entre los hábitats, pero la composición de especies fue similar sólo en el sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao y el bosque nativo, y diferente en el agrobosque de caucho. Hemos observado que hay una mayor frecuencia de individuos de la familia Psyllidae en el agrobosque de caucho. La biología y el comportamiento de los psílidos y ausencia de enemigos naturales permiten que su diversidad aumente cuando se adaptan a un nuevo huésped. Hemos observado un cambio en la composición de los insectos xilófagos en el agrobosque de caucho en comparación con la de otros hábitats. Por otra parte, este agrobosque tiene una baja riqueza de especies, pero gran abundancia individual. La extracción de látex probablemente es una fuente adicional importante de compuestos volátiles que son vertidos en el ambiente, y aumenta la atracción y el reclutamiento de curculiónidos en estos sitios. Hemos llegado a la conclusión de que el sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao tiene una comunidad de insectos herbívoros con una estructura similar a la comunidad que se encuentra en los bosques nativos de la región, y presenta una estrategia de conservación más interesante si se compara con los sistemas agroforestales de caucho. También hicimos hincapié en el riesgo potencial de aparición de plagas locales en sistemas agroforestales de caucho, tanto para el caucho como para los árboles de cacao asociados.

Diversidade genética estimada com marcadores entre sequências simples repetidas em cultivos comerciais de Cupuaçuzeiro / Genetic diversity estimated using inter-simple sequence repeat markers in commercial crops of cupuassu tree

RESUMO:Quinze primers ISSR (entre sequências simples repetidas) foram utilizados para avaliar a diversidade genética entre e dentro de pomares comerciais de Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) K. Schum. Para isso, foram analisados sessenta indivíduos, distribuídos nos três cultivos. Um total de 102 bandas foi amplificado, com uma porcentagem de 52,0% de polimorfismo em nível de espécie e média de 6,8 alelos por primer ISSR. A média do Índice de Conteúdo Polimórfico (PIC) foi de 0,55. Em relação aos índices de diversidade gênica de Nei (H) e de Shannon (I), os cultivos analisados apresentaram os valores: SAR H = 0,114 e I = 0,177; SSL H = 0,108 e I = 0,162 e SEC H = 0,104 e I = 0,156, considerados valores de moderados a baixos. A AMOVA revelou 34,91% da variância total entre os cultivos e 65,09% dentro deles. Os marcadores moleculares ISSR revelaram que há diversidade genética dentro de cada cultivo comercial estudado, portanto é possível selecionar genótipos superiores que poderão ser utilizados para originar cultivos mais uniformes. Esse resultado tem sido considerado de grande relevância, por fornecer ferramentas para a implementação de programas de melhoramento e delineamento de estratégias de conservação ex situ e in situ.

ABSTRACT:Fifteen ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeat) primers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity among and within commercial crops of T. grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) K. Schum. For this, 60 specimens were analyzed, distributed in three crops. A total of 102 bands were amplified, with a polymorphism percentage of 52.0% at species level and an average of 6.8 alleles per ISSR primer. The average for polymorphism information content (PIC) index was 0.55. In relation to the genetic diversity index of Nei (H), and Shannon (I), crops analyzed showed the following values: : SAR H = 0,114 e I = 0,177; SSL H = 0,108 e I = 0,162 e SEC H = 0,104 e I = 0,156, considered moderate to low values. AMOVA showed 34.91% of total variance among the crops, and 65.09% within them. The ISSR molecular markers revealed that there is genetic diversity within each commercial crops studied, thus is possible to select superior genotypes that can be used to give more uniform crops. This result has been considered of great relevance, to provide tools for breding implementation programs and design conservation strategies ex situ and in situ.

Efeito dos compostos fenólicos do camu-camu e do cupuaçu no desenvolvimento da obesidade e diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Effects of camu camu and cupuassu phenolic compounds on obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus development

A incidência da obesidade e do diabetes do tipo 2 tomou proporções epidêmicas nos últimos anos, atingindo bilhões de indivíduos em todo o mundo. A descoberta de formas inovadoras capazes de reduzir as alterações metabólicas associadas a estas doenças é fundamental para minimizar o seu impacto na qualidade de vida da população e na economia dos países. Muitos estudos têm demonstrado que os compostos bioativos de alimentos possuem efeitos benéficos à saúde. O camu-camu e o cupuaçu são frutas nativas da região amazônica com potencial agroeconômico ainda inexplorado, que contêm um grande número de compostos fitoquímicos que podem atuar sobre o metabolismo corporal. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos dos compostos fenólicos de extratos do camu-camu e do cupuaçu no desenvolvimento da obesidade e do diabetes tipo 2 em ensaios in vivo e in vitro, e identificar os possíveis metabólitos envolvidos nestes efeitos. Os extratos ricos em compostos fenólicos da polpa comercial destes frutos foram extraídos em fase sólida, caracterizados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE/DAD) e avaliados quanto à inibição da atividade de enzimas digestivas in vitro. Os extratos obtidos foram então testados em duas diferentes concentrações (2,25 e 4,5 mg de equivalentes de catequina/Kg de peso corporal para o cupuaçu; 7 e 14 mg de equivalentes de ácido gálico/Kg de peso corporal para o camu camu) em um modelo animal de obesidade e resistência insulínica induzida por dieta com alto teor de lipídios e sacarose em camundongos C57BL/6J. Foram investigados os efeitos destes compostos sobre as homeostases glicídica e lipídica através de análises séricas, testes de tolerância à insulina e à glicose e conteúdo de lipídios hepáticos e fecais. O extrato do camu camu apresentou flavonóis, ácido elágico e elagitaninos em sua composição. A suplementação com o extrato de compostos fenólicos do camu camu reduziu o ganho de peso corporal e diminuiu a intolerância à glicose e à insulina, independente da dose administrada. No entanto, a administração destes extratos não apresentou efeitos sobre o metabolismo lipídico. Estes resultados foram associados a um possível efeito de saciedade, com consequente redução da ingestão da dieta e da glicolipotoxicidade, e com um efeito anti-inflamatório devido à diminuição dos níveis de proteína C reativa. Já o extrato de cupuaçu apresentou flavanóis, flavonas e proantocianidinas em sua composição. A suplementação com o extrato de cupuaçu na maior dose testada melhorou a homeostase da glicose e principalmente dos lipídios, protegendo o tecido hepático dos danos causados pela dieta com alto teor de lipídios e sacarose. Estes efeitos foram associados à inibição de enzimas digestivas, com consequente menor absorção de lipídios provenientes da dieta, reduzindo assim a resistência à insulina no fígado, a hiperglicemia e a dislipidemia. Ainda, foi avaliada a distribuição de metabólitos no trato gastrointestinal de camundongos após a administração aguda do extrato de cupuaçu. Foi possível identificar a complexa mistura de polifenóis presentes no extrato de cupuaçu ao longo do trato gastrointestinal, que posteriormente foi metabolizada pela microbiota. Entre os metabólitos encontrados estão as agliconas hipolaetina e isoscutelareína, e os metabolitos microbianos da epicatequina como o 3,4-diHPP-2-ol e a 5-(3,4-dihidroxiphenil)-γ-valerolactona. De acordo com estes resultados, as diferenças na composição de compostos fenólicos encontradas entre os extratos das duas frutas foram responsáveis pelos diferentes resultados nos protocolos in vivo e a identificação dos metabólitos microbianos possibilita o conhecimento dos compostos possivelmente implicados nos efeitos benéficos. Novos estudos podem contribuir para um melhor entendimento dos mecanismos, bem como quais metabólitos estão associados aos efeitos benéficos que os compostos presentes nestas duas frutas apresentaram neste estudo

The incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes reached epidemic proportions in recent years, arriving to billions of people around the world. The discovery of innovative ways that can reduce the metabolic abnormalities associated with these diseases is essential to minimize its impact on the population's quality of life and the economy of the countries. Many studies have demonstrated that food bioactive compounds have beneficial health effects. Camu-camu and cupuassu are native fruits of the Amazon region with unexplored agroeconomic potential, which contain a large number of phytochemical compounds that can act on body metabolism. Thus, the objective of this study was verify the effects of phenolic compounds of camu-camu and cupuassu extracts on the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes in vivo and in vitro, and identfy the possible metabolites involved in these effects. The phenolic compound-rich extracts were obtained from commercial frozen fruit pulps by solid phase extraction, characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/DAD) and evaluated for inhibition of digestive enzymes activities in vitro. Then, the extracts were tested at two different doses (2.25 and 4.5 mg catechin equivalents/kg body weight for cupuassu; 7 and 14 mg of gallic acid equivalents/kg body weight for camu camu) in an animal model (C57BL/6J mice) of obesity and insulin resistance induced by high fat high sucrose diet. The effects of extract supplementation on glucose and lipid homeostasis were assessed by serum analysis, insulin and glucose tolerance tests in mice, and contents of fat in liver and fecal samples. Camu camu extract presented flavonols, ellagic acid and ellagitannins in its composition. Supplementation with camu camu phenolic extract reduced weight gain and decreased glucose and insulin intolerance independent of the dose administered. However, no effects on lipid metabolism were found. These findings were associated with a possible effect of satiety with a consequent reduction in energy intake and glicolipotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cupuassu extract presented flavanols, flavones and proanthocyanidins in its composition. Supplementation with cupuacu extract at the highest dose improved glucose homeostasis and plasmatic lipid levels, protecting the liver tissue from damage caused by diet rich in lipids and sucrose. These effects were associated with inhibition of digestive enzymes, with consequent lower absorption of lipids from the diet, thereby reducing the insulin resistance in the liver, the hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, the distribution of metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract of mice was evaluated after acute administration of cupussu extract by HPLC-ESI-QTOF. We identified the complex mixture of polyphenols present in cupuassu extract along the gastrointestinal tract, which was subsequently metabolized by the intestinal microbiota. Among detected metabolites are hypolaetin and isoscutellarein aglycones and microbial metabolites of epicatechin as 3,4-diHPP-2-ol and 5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-γvalerolactone. According to these results, the differences in the composition of phenolic compounds found between the two fruit extracts were responsible for the different effects in vivo and identification of microbial metabolites enables the knowledge of the compounds potentially implicated in the beneficial effects. New studies can contribute to a better understanding of the metabolism and mechanisms of action

Antibacterial Activity of Phytoalexins from Infected Theobroma cacao L.

Aims: To study the antimicrobial activities of the compounds produced due to reactions of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) with Phytophthora palmivora during infection. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria and the Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria between September, 2009 and July, 2011. Methodology: Phytophthora palmivora was used to infect healthy cocoa pods. The phytoalexins were extracted using solvent extraction and purified using standard methods. Agar diffusion and paper disc methods were used to study the antibacterial activities of the compounds extracted. Results: Two major compounds were subsequently isolated, purified and characterized as FC-3- B21 and FC-4-B22 using the 1HNMR and 13CNMR as well as the 2D cosy data. Compound FC-3-B21 was characterized as 7,8,9,-trihydroxy-2,8-dihydroxy naphtha-10-one while FC-4-B22 was characterized as ester of glycerol: Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, were all sensitive to 7,8,9,-trihydroxy-2,8- dihydroxy naphtha-10-one even at 20 mg/ml. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the least sensitivity with 2.0 mm zone of inhibition at 20 mg/ml and 12 mm at 100 mg/ml while B. subtilis was the most sensitive with zone of inhibition of 4.0 mm at 20 mg/ml and 21.0 mm at 100 mg/ml. With FC-4-B22 (ester of glycerol) using paper disc method, P. aeruginosa was the most resistant with no zone of inhibition at 20 mg/ml. Meanwhile, S. aureus was the most sensitive with zone of inhibition of 3.0 mm at 20 mg/ml. However, B. subtilis exhibited a zone of 15.0 mm at 100 mg/ml. Using the agar diffusion method, 7,8,9,-trihydroxy-2,8-dihydroxy naphtha-10-one showed an appreciable effect on the tested pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the least sensitive with the zone of inhibition of 3.0 mm at 20 mg/ml and 8.0 mm at 100 mg/ml while S. aureus was the most sensitive to the extract at 20 mg/ml with the zone of inhibition of 6.0 mm at 100 mg/ml. Bacillus subtilis was most sensitive to the extract at 100 mg/ml with the zone of inhibition of 19.0 mm. Testing the efficacy of ester of glycerol using agar diffusion method, P. aeruginosa showed the least resistance while B. subtilis was the most sensitive. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that the two novel compounds exhibited differential antibacterial activities towards the test bacteria.