Toxicological effects of acute and repeated doses (180 days) of fruits from Malpighia emarginata (acerola) in rodents.

Malpighia emarginata has a high amount of vitamin C with pharmacological or food preservation potential. However, despite its wide use and application possibilities its toxicity in repeated doses and for a long time (6 months) has not yet been studied. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and repeated doses from fruits of this plant. The extract was produced with the pulp (EMe) of the lyophilized fruit and submitted to chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (HPLC and ESI-IT-MSn). In the acute test, the EMe was administered orally and parenterally to rodents (mice and rats) for 14 days, at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Subsequently, the repeated dose toxicity test was administered orally for 180 days at doses of 50, 300 or 1000 mg/kg. The HPLC assay revealed a high concentration of vitamin C (16.3%), and spectroscopic analyses pointed to the presence of five other polyphenolic compounds. In the acute test, the plant extract showed no apparent toxicity or lethality in rodents. The LD50 was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg and falls into category 5 (low toxicity). In the repeated dose assay, there was no evidence of toxicity, and no differences were observed in water intake, food, weight development, or behavior of the animals in relation to the vehicle group (water). However, hematological and biochemical evaluations pointed out some nonconformities in the levels of cholesterol, leukocytes, and neutrophils of the male rats, but overall, these results did not reveal significant toxicity. Therefore, the Level of Unobserved Adverse Effects (NOAEL) was 1000 mg/kg. Together, the results suggest that the extract obtained from the fruits of M. emarginata does not present representative toxicity in rodents.

Maltodextrin as a Drying Adjuvant in the Lyophilization of Tropical Red Fruit Blend.

Guava, pitanga and acerola are known for their vitamin content and high levels of bioactive compounds. Thus, the preparation of combinations of these fruits comprises a blend with high nutraceutical potential, yielding a strong and attractive pigmentation material. In this study, the influence of different proportions of maltodextrin on the lyophilization of a blend of guava, acerola and pitanga was evaluated considering not only the physicochemical, physical and colorimetric parameters but also the bioactive compounds in the obtained powders. The blend was formulated from the mixture and homogenization of the three pulps in a ratio of 1:1:1 (m/m), then maltodextrin was added to the blend, resulting in four formulations: blend without adjuvant (BL0), and the others containing 10% (BL10), 20% (BL20) and 30% (BL30) maltodextrin. The formulations were lyophilized and disintegrated to obtain powders. The powders were characterized in terms of water content, water activity, pH, total titratable acidity, ash, total and reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, lycopene, color parameters, Hausner factor, Carr index, angle of repose, solubility, wettability and porosity. All evaluated powders showed high levels of bioactive compounds and the increase in maltodextrin concentration promoted positive effects, such as reductions in water content, water activity and porosity and improved flow, cohesiveness and solubility characteristics.

Tropical Red Fruit Blend Foam Mat Drying: Effect of Combination of Additives and Drying Temperatures.

Foam mat drying is a widely used technique for liquid products because it has a number of advantages; however, for an efficient process, the choice of additives and temperatures is extremely important. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of additives and drying temperatures on the powders obtained from the blend of tropical red fruits, such as acerola, guava, and pitanga. The foam formulations were prepared by mixing the pulps of the three fruits in equal proportions (1:1:1), all added with 6% albumin and 1% stabilizing agent: E1, gum Arabic; E2, guar gum; E3, gelatin. The combinations were subjected to beating, and subsequently, they were dried in an oven with forced air circulation at four temperatures (50 to 80 °C), with a mat thickness of 0.5 cm. The obtained powders showed low levels of water and water activity and high levels of bioactive compounds, colors with a predominance of yellow, intermediate cohesiveness, poor fluidity, and solubility above 50%. The best temperature for obtaining the powders was 60 °C. The formulation that produced the best results for the production of the tropical red fruit blend powder was the combination of albumin and gelatin.

Physicochemical Aspects, Bioactive Compounds, Phenolic Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Tropical Red Fruits and Their Blend.

The combination of fruit pulps from different species, in addition to multiplying the offer of flavors, aromas and textures, favors the nutritional spectrum and the diversity of bioactive principles. The objective was to evaluate and compare the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, profile of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of pulps of three species of tropical red fruits (acerola, guava and pitanga) and of the blend produced from the combination. The pulps showed significant values of bioactive compounds, with emphasis on acerola, which had the highest levels in all parameters, except for lycopene, with the highest content in pitanga pulp. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified, being phenolic acids, flavanols, anthocyanin and stilbene; of these, eighteen were quantified in acerola, nine in guava, twelve in pitanga and fourteen in the blend. The blend combined positive characteristics conferred by the individual pulps, with low pH favorable for conservation, high levels of total soluble solids and sugars, greater diversity of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity close to that of acerola pulp. Pearson's correlation between antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid content, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids for the samples were positive, indicating their use as a source of bioactive compounds.

Acerola fruit by-product alleviates lipid, glucose, and inflammatory changes in the enterohepatic axis of rats fed a high-fat diet.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) by-product (ABP) has various bioactive compounds with hypoglycaemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The ABP effects on the biochemical changes in the enterohepatic axis caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) remains unclear. This study assessed whether the ABP or fenofibrate administration for 28 days interferes in lipid, glucose, or inflammatory changes in the enterohepatic axis of rats fed HFD. ABP induced in the rats fed HFD a reduction in body weight, serum lipids, blood glucose, and liver fat accumulation; increased insulin tolerance, and faecal bile acid excretion; regulated organic acid synthesis, faecal and colonic microbial growth; reduced M1 macrophage and increased M2 macrophage infiltration in the colon and liver, respectively. The fenofibrate did not improve the lipid or glucose alterations in enterohepatic axis of rats fed HFD. ABP has functional/nutraceutical potential in treating HFD-induced metabolic disorders with beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, and reduction of inflammation.

Untargeted metabolomic profile of recovered bioactive compounds by subcritical water extraction of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) pomace.

The untargeted metabolomics approach was used to compare the chemical profiles of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) pomace extracts. The effect of drying the raw material before subcritical water extraction (SWE) at different temperatures on the yield, phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated. The results were compared with those obtained via Soxhlet and the findings suggest that SWE saves time (15 min) and solvent for extracting valuable components as compared to Soxhlet (6 h). An increase in temperature significantly improved the extraction yield (23.9 to 33.4 %), phenolic content (119.1 to 362 mgGAEg-1), and antioxidant activity, and higher values were obtained with SWE as compared to Soxhlet. The most abundant compounds detected by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS were ascorbic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. The investigation of different moisture contents in the SWE showed promising results for eliminating the drying operation, saving time and energy, and obtaining highly concentrated phenolic-rich by-products.

Dairy drink fermented with chia seed and acerola syrup: physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characterization / Bebida láctea fermentada com semente de chia e xarope de acerola: caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e sensorial

This research aimed to develop a fermented dairy beverage using whey as a dairy base with chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) and acerola syrup (Malpighia emarginata) and to evaluate physicochemical parameters (pH, water activity, total soluble solids, acidity, syneresis), proximate composition (moisture, ash, proteins, milk fat, carbohydrates, and energy value), ß-carotene, ascorbic acid, microbiological and sensory parameters. The acidity results ranged from 1% to 1.27%; pH from 3.86 to 4.11; soluble solids from 15.67 to 21.6; water activity from 0.93 to 0.99; syneresis from 46.67 to 68.08; they presented satisfactory conditions for thermotolerant coliforms. Salmonella spp. showed cell viability of L. acidophilus: E4 (2.9 x 107 to 9.7 x 107 ) and E8 (1.3 x 107 to 8.6 x 107), however Bifidobacterium spp. did not show any viability. The drinks had a good acceptance rate by the tasters (7.0). The humidity results were from 74.21% to 74.34%; ash from 0.42% to 0.55%; proteins from 2.93% to 2.99%, milk fat from 1.47% to 0.93%; carbohydrate from 20.97% to 21.19%; energy value from 108.83% to 105.09% and ß-carotene from 12.33% to 8.19%; and ascorbic acid ranged from 222.23 (mg/100g) to 418.10 (mg/100g). It is concluded that formulated dairy drinks are considered a viable alternative for the food industry, with the differential of including chia seed and acerola pulp, due to their good sensory acceptance, physical-chemical stability, satisfactory sensory analysis, microbiological standards suitable in the 21-day storage period.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi desenvolver uma bebida láctea fermentada utilizando o soro de leite como base láctea com semente de chia (Salvia hispanica L.) e xarope de acerola (Malpighia emarginata), avaliar parâmetros físico-químicos (pH, atividade de água, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez, sinérese), composição centesimal (umidade, cinzas, proteínas, matéria gorda láctea, carboidratos e valor energético), ß-caroteno, ácido ascórbico, parâmetros microbiológicos e sensorial. Os resultados de acidez variaram de 1% a 1,27%; pH de 3,86 a 4,11; sólidos solúveis de 15,67 a 21,6; atividade de água de 0,93 a 0,99; sinérese de 46,67 a 68,08. Apresentaram condições satisfatórias para Coliformes termotolerantes e Salmonella spp., apresentou viabilidade celular de L. acidophilus: E4 (2,9 x 107 a 9,7 x 107) e E8 (1,3 x 107 a 8,6 x 107), porém Bifidobacterium spp. não apresentou viabilidade. As bebidas tiveram bom índice de aceitação pelos provadores (7,0). Os resultados de umidade foram de 74,21% a 74,34%; cinzas de 0,42% a 0,55%; proteínas de 2,93% a 2,99%, matéria gorda láctea de 1,47% a 0,93%; carboidrato de 20,97% a 21,19%; valor energético de 108,83% a 105, 09% e ß-caroteno de 12,33% a 8,19%; e o ácido ascórbico variou de 222,23 (mg/100g) a 418,10 (mg/100g). Conclui-se que as bebidas lácteas formuladas são consideradas uma alternativa viável para indústria de alimentos, com o diferencial da inclusão da semente de chia e polpa de acerola, devido a sua boa aceitação sensorial, estabilidade físico-química, análise sensorial satisfatória, padrões microbiológicos adequados durante o período de estocagem de 21 dias.

Acerola shoot proliferation induced by a phytoplasma enclosed in the subgroup 16SrIII-F

Acerola bushes were observed showing symptoms of shoot proliferation, generalized stunting, yellowing and decline. Since these symptoms are typically induced by phytoplasmas, this survey was carried out with the aim of detecting, identifying and classifying the supposed phytoplasma present in symptomatic bushes. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and asymptomatic samples and used in nested PCR conducted by the primer pairs R16mF2/mR1 followed by R16F2n/R2. Amplifications of expected genomic fragments of 1.2 kb revealed the presence of phytoplasma in 73 % of the symptomatic samples. Molecular analyses, using computer-simulated RFLP patterns, similarity coefficient calculation and phylogenetic analysis allowed for classifying the bacterium as a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni' - related strain (subgroup 16SrIII-F). The phytoplasma induced the same symptoms in healthy acerola plants inoculated by grafting and showed molecular identity with the strain identified in naturally infected bushes. Although various strains belonging to distinct subgroups within the 16SrIII group have been previously identified in Brazil, this is the first report of the presence of a representative of the 16SrIII-F subgroup in the Brazilian agroecosystem. Considering that phytoplasmas can be systemically distributed throughout the plant and acerola plants are vegetatively propagated, it is recommended that propagation material be obtained from mother plants free of the pathogen.

Brazilian varieties of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) produced under tropical semi-arid conditions: Bioactive phenolic compounds, sugars, organic acids, and antioxidant capacity.

Acerola fruit has gained prominence for its high nutraceutical value, associated with high levels of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds. The objectives of this study were to analyze the chemistry composition and antioxidant capacity in seven Brazilian varieties of acerola. All acerola genotypes were harvested at the red ripe maturity stage, and the fruit were subjected to metabolite analyses by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The varieties presented high levels of ascorbic acid and malic acid. The main sugars observed in acerola were glucose and fructose. Cyanidin-3-rhamnoside was the main phenolic compound in the fruit (149-682 mg/kg FW), which had higher concentration in the varieties BRS 235-Apodi, BRS 236-Cereja, and BRS 237-Roxinha. Other phenolic compounds also observed in the fruit were quercetin-3-glucoside, isorhamnetin, catechin, procyanidin A2, naringenin, hesperidin, chlorogenic acid, and trans-resveratrol. In conclusion, the observed wide range of acerola nutraceutical properties was related to the high genetic variability among genotypes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Brazil is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of acerola, with commercial orchards distributed all over the country. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, about eighteen registered varieties of acerola have been produced in the country. Among them are the varieties developed by Breeding Programs at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). Despite the great diversity of studies about acerola composition, only a few studies have focused on analyzing specific varieties. Therefore, limited information is currently available on the profile of metabolites of commercial interest in acerola varieties, such as sugars, organic acids and some phenolics. This study showed that acerola nutraceutical properties was highly dependent on the genotype.

Crop yield and physical and chemical characteristics of acerola clones grown in the Alta Paulista region, Brazil / Produtividade e características físico-químicas de clones de acerola cultivados na região Alta Paulista

This paper aimed to evaluate crop yield and physical and chemical characteristics of acerola (Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Mociño ex DC) clones grown in the Alta Paulista region, Brazil. The evaluation comprised 7 clones, namely: Olivier, BRS 238-Frutacor, BRS 236-Cereja, BRS 235-Apodi, BRS 237-Roxinha, Okinawa, and Waldy-CATI 30, studiedfrom October 2018 to April 2019. Crop yield was analyzed based on the accumulated production of 12 harvests, with fresh mass expressed in kg fruit·plant-1. Considering the capacity of30 harvests per plant within the complete cropping period, total fruit mass (in kg fruit·plant-1) and crop yield (in tha-1) were estimated. Samples were collected from 4 of the 12 harvests in order to determine average fruit mass (g); average fruit size, fruit height/diameter ratio, and pulp yield (%). Regarding fruit pulp, the analysis consisted of quantifying the soluble solids, expressed in degrees Brix, and the technological index (i.e. pulp yield x °Brix/100). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with 7 treatments and 4 repetitions. The obtained data were statistically processed by analysis of variance using the F test, and the means were compared using the Tukey’stest at the 0.05 significance level. The study concluded that, given the soil and weather conditions of the Alta Paulista region, Olivier, Apodi and Frutacor are the clones mainly recommended for the agro-industrial market, being the Olivier cultivar the first option among the three and appearing in a greater proportion in the area of the commercial orchard studied. Regarding the acerola production for fresh consumption, Olivier and Roxinha are the most suitable clones. Olivier stands out for its good fruit yield, adequate physical and chemical characteristics, and easy manual harvesting.

Objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade e características físico-químicas de clones de acerola cultivados na região Alta Paulista. Avaliou-se 7 clones: Olivier, BRS 238-Frutacor, BRS 236-Cereja, BRS 235-Apodi, BRS 237-Roxinha, Okinawa e Waldy-CATI 30, no período de outubro de 2018 a abril de 2019. Analisou-se produção acumulada de 12 colheitas, sendo expressa a massa fresca em kg de frutos.planta-1. Seguindo a premissa de 30 colheitas por planta ao longo de uma safra completa, estimou-se a produção total de frutos em kg frutos planta-1e a produtividade em t ha-1. Em 4 das 12 colheitas, foram retiradas amostras para avaliação da massa média do fruto (g); tamanho médio do fruto, relação altura: diâmetro e rendimento de polpa (%). Na polpa foram quantificados os sólidos solúveis expressos em ° Brix e o índice tecnológico (rendimento de polpa x °Brix/100). Como delineamento experimental utilizou-se blocos ao acaso, com 7 tratamentos e 4 repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância para o Teste F e as médias comparadas pelo Teste Tukey ao nível de 5% de significância. Concluiu-se que nas condições de clima e solo da região Alta Paulista recomenda-se o plantio dos clones Olivier, Apodi e Frutacor principalmente visando o mercado agroindustrial, sendo o clone Olivier a primeira opção e em maior proporção na área de implantação do pomar comercial. No cultivo de acerola voltado para consumo in natura indicam-se clones Olivier e Roxinha. O clone Olivier se destaca pela boa produtividade, características físico-químicas adequadas e facilidade de colheita manual dos frutos.

Crop yield and physical and chemical characteristics of acerola clones grown in the Alta Paulista region, Brazil / Produtividade e características físico-químicas de clones de acerola cultivados na região Alta Paulista

This paper aimed to evaluate crop yield and physical and chemical characteristics of acerola (Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Mociño ex DC) clones grown in the Alta Paulista region, Brazil. The evaluation comprised 7 clones, namely: Olivier, BRS 238-Frutacor, BRS 236-Cereja, BRS 235-Apodi, BRS 237-Roxinha, Okinawa, and Waldy-CATI 30, studiedfrom October 2018 to April 2019. Crop yield was analyzed based on the accumulated production of 12 harvests, with fresh mass expressed in kg fruit·plant-1. Considering the capacity of30 harvests per plant within the complete cropping period, total fruit mass (in kg fruit·plant-1) and crop yield (in tha-1) were estimated. Samples were collected from 4 of the 12 harvests in order to determine average fruit mass (g); average fruit size, fruit height/diameter ratio, and pulp yield (%). Regarding fruit pulp, the analysis consisted of quantifying the soluble solids, expressed in degrees Brix, and the technological index (i.e. pulp yield x °Brix/100). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with 7 treatments and 4 repetitions. The obtained data were statistically processed by analysis of variance using the F test, and the means were compared using the Tukeystest at the 0.05 significance level. The study concluded that, given the soil and weather conditions of the Alta Paulista region, Olivier, Apodi and Frutacor are the clones mainly recommended for the agro-industrial market, being the Olivier cultivar the first option among the three and appearing in a greater proportion in the area of the commercial orchard studied. Regarding the acerola production for fresh consumption, Olivier and Roxinha are the most suitable clones. Olivier stands out for its good fruit yield, adequate physical and chemical characteristics, and easy manual harvesting.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade e características físico-químicas de clones de acerola cultivados na região Alta Paulista. Avaliou-se 7 clones: Olivier, BRS 238-Frutacor, BRS 236-Cereja, BRS 235-Apodi, BRS 237-Roxinha, Okinawa e Waldy-CATI 30, no período de outubro de 2018 a abril de 2019. Analisou-se produção acumulada de 12 colheitas, sendo expressa a massa fresca em kg de frutos.planta-1. Seguindo a premissa de 30 colheitas por planta ao longo de uma safra completa, estimou-se a produção total de frutos em kg frutos planta-1e a produtividade em t ha-1. Em 4 das 12 colheitas, foram retiradas amostras para avaliação da massa média do fruto (g); tamanho médio do fruto, relação altura: diâmetro e rendimento de polpa (%). Na polpa foram quantificados os sólidos solúveis expressos em ° Brix e o índice tecnológico (rendimento de polpa x °Brix/100). Como delineamento experimental utilizou-se blocos ao acaso, com 7 tratamentos e 4 repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância para o Teste F e as médias comparadas pelo Teste Tukey ao nível de 5% de significância. Concluiu-se que nas condições de clima e solo da região Alta Paulista recomenda-se o plantio dos clones Olivier, Apodi e Frutacor principalmente visando o mercado agroindustrial, sendo o clone Olivier a primeira opção e em maior proporção na área de implantação do pomar comercial. No cultivo de acerola voltado para consumo in natura indicam-se clones Olivier e Roxinha. O clone Olivier se destaca pela boa produtividade, características físico-químicas adequadas e facilidade de colheita manual dos frutos.(AU)

Chloroplast pigments and photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry under salt stress and potassium-phosphorus fertilization / Pigmentos cloroplastídicos e eficiência fotoquímica da aceroleira sob estresse salino e adubação com potássio-fósforo

The objective of this study was to evaluate chloroplast pigments and photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu as a function of irrigation water salinity and potassium-phosphorus fertilization combinations in the second year of cultivation. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment in Campina Grande, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in randomized blocks, in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water ECw (0.6, 1.4, 2.2, 3.0 and 3.8 dS m-1) and four combinations of potassium-phosphorus fertilization (100/100, 85/85, 60/60 and 45/45% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation for the second year of cultivation 200 g of K2O and 120 g of P2O5 per plant per year) with three replicates. Irrigation with saline waters hampered the biosynthesis of chloroplast pigments and the photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu in the second year of cultivation. Water salinity from 2.6 dS m-1 reduced the maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence, and quantum efficiency of photosystem II of West Indian cherry plants cv. BRS 366 Jaburu. Fertilization with 60/60 and 85/85% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation promotes an increase in the synthesis of chlorophylls a and b, respectively, in the first and second production cycles of the second year of cultivation. Supply of 85/85% of the K2O/P2O5(AU)

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar os pigmentos cloroplastídicos e a eficiência fotoquímica da aceroleira cv. BRS 366 Jaburu em função da salinidade da água de irrigação e combinações de adubação com potássio-fósforo no segundo ano de cultivo. A pesquisa foi realizada em ambiente protegido, em Campina Grande-PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, sendo cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,6; 1,4; 2,2; 3,0 e 3,8 dS m-1), e quatro combinações de adubação com potássio-fósforo (100/100; 85/85; 60/60 e 45/45% de K2O/ P2O5, da recomendação para o segundo ano de cultivo) com três repetições. A combinação de 100/100% correspondeu a 200 g de K2O e 120 g de P2O5 por planta por ano). A irrigação com águas salinas prejudicou a biossíntese de pigmentos cloroplastídicos e a eficiência fotoquímica da aceroleira cv. BRS 366 Jaburu no segundo ano de cultivo. A salinidade da água a partir de 2,6 dS m-1 diminuiu a fluorescência máxima, variável e eficiência quântica do fotossistema II das plantas de aceroleira cv. BRS 366 Jaburu. A adubação com 60/60 e 85/85% da recomendação de K2O/P2O5 promovem aumento na síntese de clorofila a e b de acerola, respectivamente, no primeiro e segundo ciclos produtivos do segundo ano de cultivo. O fornecimento de 85/85% da recomendação de K2O/P2O5 promoveu aumento na florescência máxima e variável nas plantas submetidas a salinidade da água de 0,6; 2,2 e 3,8 dS m-1 no segundo ciclo e reduziu a fluorescência inicial independentemente do nível salino no primeiro e segundo ciclo produtivo da acerola.(AU)

Chloroplast pigments and photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry under salt stress and potassium-phosphorus fertilization / Pigmentos cloroplastídicos e eficiência fotoquímica da aceroleira sob estresse salino e adubação com potássio-fósforo

The objective of this study was to evaluate chloroplast pigments and photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu as a function of irrigation water salinity and potassium-phosphorus fertilization combinations in the second year of cultivation. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment in Campina Grande, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in randomized blocks, in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water ECw (0.6, 1.4, 2.2, 3.0 and 3.8 dS m-1) and four combinations of potassium-phosphorus fertilization (100/100, 85/85, 60/60 and 45/45% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation for the second year of cultivation 200 g of K2O and 120 g of P2O5 per plant per year) with three replicates. Irrigation with saline waters hampered the biosynthesis of chloroplast pigments and the photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu in the second year of cultivation. Water salinity from 2.6 dS m-1 reduced the maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence, and quantum efficiency of photosystem II of West Indian cherry plants cv. BRS 366 Jaburu. Fertilization with 60/60 and 85/85% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation promotes an increase in the synthesis of chlorophylls a and b, respectively, in the first and second production cycles of the second year of cultivation. Supply of 85/85% of the K2O/P2O5

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar os pigmentos cloroplastídicos e a eficiência fotoquímica da aceroleira cv. BRS 366 Jaburu em função da salinidade da água de irrigação e combinações de adubação com potássio-fósforo no segundo ano de cultivo. A pesquisa foi realizada em ambiente protegido, em Campina Grande-PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, sendo cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,6; 1,4; 2,2; 3,0 e 3,8 dS m-1), e quatro combinações de adubação com potássio-fósforo (100/100; 85/85; 60/60 e 45/45% de K2O/ P2O5, da recomendação para o segundo ano de cultivo) com três repetições. A combinação de 100/100% correspondeu a 200 g de K2O e 120 g de P2O5 por planta por ano). A irrigação com águas salinas prejudicou a biossíntese de pigmentos cloroplastídicos e a eficiência fotoquímica da aceroleira cv. BRS 366 Jaburu no segundo ano de cultivo. A salinidade da água a partir de 2,6 dS m-1 diminuiu a fluorescência máxima, variável e eficiência quântica do fotossistema II das plantas de aceroleira cv. BRS 366 Jaburu. A adubação com 60/60 e 85/85% da recomendação de K2O/P2O5 promovem aumento na síntese de clorofila a e b de acerola, respectivamente, no primeiro e segundo ciclos produtivos do segundo ano de cultivo. O fornecimento de 85/85% da recomendação de K2O/P2O5 promoveu aumento na florescência máxima e variável nas plantas submetidas a salinidade da água de 0,6; 2,2 e 3,8 dS m-1 no segundo ciclo e reduziu a fluorescência inicial independentemente do nível salino no primeiro e segundo ciclo produtivo da acerola.

Fruit quality of west indian cherry irrigated with saline waters under combinations of nitrogen/potassium fertilization / Qualidade de frutos de aceroleira irrigada com águas salinas sob combinações de adubação nitrogenada / potássica

West Indian cherry stands out among the fruits cultivated for the pharmacological and alimentary importance, but its quality can be affected by irrigation water salinity and fertilization management. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation water of different salinities and combinations of nitrogen and potassium fertilization on the physical and physico-chemical quality of bioactive compounds in West Indian cherry fruits. The experiment was carried out in the field, using lysimeters of 60 L, in the Experimental Area of the Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia Agroalimentar (CCTA) of Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Pombal, PB, in a randomized block design, with treatments arranged in a 5 x 4 factorial scheme, referring to five irrigation water salinities (ECw): 0.3, 1.3, 2.3, 3.3 and 4.3 dS m-1 and four combinations (C) of doses of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K2O): C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O; C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O; C3 = 130% N + 100% K2O and C4 = 160% N + 125% K2O, of the recommended dose for West Indiancherry, with three replicates and one plant per plot consisting of a lysimeter. The cv. Flor Branca grafted on cv. Junco was used in the study. The increase in salinity of irrigation water reduced the size, weight and vitamin C content of the fruits, but, the combinations of N and K fertilization did not affect fruit shape and the content of anthocyanin, carotenoids, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids and fruit flavor. Fertilization combinations consisting of C1 and C2 treatments promoted the largest fruit size under irrigation with ECw of up to 1.3 dS m-1 and greater mass accumulation. Fertilization doses above C2 combinations negatively affected fruit quality.

A aceroleira se destaca entre as fruteiras cultivadas pela importância farmacológica e alimentícia de seus frutos, porém sua qualidade pode ser afetada pela salinidade da água de irrigação e o manejo da adubação. Neste sentido, objetivou-se com o trabalho estudar o efeito de diferentes salinidades da água de irrigação e de combinações de adubação nitrogenada e potássica sobre a qualidade física, físico-química e de compostos bioativos em frutos de aceroleira. O experimento foi conduzido em campo, usando lisímetros de 60 L, na Área Experimental do Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia Agroalimentar (CCTA) da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Pombal, PB, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso e esquema fatorial 5 x 4, referentes a cinco níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação (CEa): 0,3; 1,3; 2,3; 3,3 e 4,3 dS m-1 e quatro combinações (C) de adubação nitrogenada e potássica: C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O; C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O; C3 = 130% N + 100% K2O e C4 = 160% N + 125% K2O da dose recomendada para aceroleira, com três repetições e uma planta por parcela constituída de um lisímetro. Estudou-se a cv. Flor Branca enxertada sobre porta-enxerto da cv. Junco, sendo a qualidade dos frutos avaliada entre 260 e 295 dias após o transplantio. O incremento na salinidade da água de irrigação reduziu o tamanho, o peso e o teor de vitamina C nas acerolas, porém, assim como as combinações de adubação de N e K, não afetaram o formato de frutos e os teores de antocianinas, carotenoides, pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis totais e o sabor dos frutos. As combinações de adubação C1 e C2 proporcionaram o maior tamanho de frutos pela irrigação com CEa de até 1,3 dS m-1 e promoveram maior acúmulo de massa. Doses de fertilização acima da combinação C2 afetaram negativamente a qualidade dos frutos mesmo em plantas irrigadas com água de baixa salinidade.

Transcriptome analysis of acerola fruit ripening: insights into ascorbate, ethylene, respiration, and softening metabolisms.

KEY MESSAGE: The first transcriptome coupled to metabolite analyses reveals major trends during acerola fruit ripening and shed lights on ascorbate, ethylene signalling, cellular respiration, sugar accumulation, and softening key regulatory genes. Acerola is a fast growing and ripening fruit that exhibits high amounts of ascorbate. During ripening, the fruit experience high respiratory rates leading to ascorbate depletion and a quickly fragile and perishable state. Despite its growing economic importance, understanding of its developmental metabolism remains obscure due to the absence of genomic and transcriptomic data. We performed an acerola transcriptome sequencing that generated over 600 million reads, 40,830 contigs, and provided the annotation of 25,298 unique transcripts. Overall, this study revealed the main metabolic changes that occur in the acerola ripening. This transcriptional profile linked to metabolite measurements, allowed us to focus on ascorbate, ethylene, respiration, sugar, and firmness, the major metabolism indicators for acerola quality. Our results suggest a cooperative role of several genes involved in AsA biosynthesis (PMM, GMP1 and 3, GME1 and 2, GGP1 and 2), translocation (NAT3, 4, 6 and 6-like) and recycling (MDHAR2 and DHAR1) pathways for AsA accumulation in unripe fruits. Moreover, the association of metabolites with transcript profiles provided a comprehensive understanding of ethylene signalling, respiration, sugar accumulation and softening of acerola, shedding light on promising key regulatory genes. Overall, this study provides a foundation for further examination of the functional significance of these genes to improve fruit quality traits.

Biology and fertility life table of Bactrocera carambolae on grape and acerola

ABSTRACT Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae), native of Southeast Asia, is present in Brazil but restricted to Amapá, Pará and Roraima, where it has quarantine pest status. The possible dispersion to other fruit producing regions of Brazil could cause damages, including for exportation, due to quarantine restrictions imposed by fruit importing countries. The objective of this work was to describe the biological parameters and calculate the fertility life table of B. carambolae on grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions. The mean number of punctures and the mean number of eggs per female on grapes were 1.48 ± 0.05 and 9.87 ± 0.36, respectively. The mean number puparia per fruit was 0.1 ± 0.02 (grape) and 0.5 ± 0.10 (acerola). The pupal viability was 82.4% (grape) and 70.6% (acerola). The mean time ± SE of one generation, in days, was 25.8 ± 1.10 (grape) and 19.7 ± 0.21 (acerola). The mean fecundity was 1663.8 ± 501.01 (grape) and 206.9 ± 26.21 (acerola) with eggs viability of 5.6% (grape) and 12.5% (acerola). The mean longevity, in days, was 77.3 ± 12.13 on grape and 82.4 ± 4.24 on acerola. The study found that B. carambolae completes its biological cycle on grape and on acerola leaving offspring.

Aceitabilidade de sorvete de acerola em diferentes tempos de armazenamento / Acceptability of acerola ice cream in different storage times

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar sensorialmente um sorvete com incorporação de 40% de polpa de acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC). O sorvete foi produzido com a polpa de acerola incorporada na calda após a maturação da mesma. Para produção do sorvete foi utilizado uma produtora com batimento e aeração, até –7 °C. O sorvete foi fracionado e armazenado sob congelamento a -18º C e então avaliado quanto a presença de micro-organismos patogênicos e quanto a sua aceitação sensorial e intenção de compra, com 7 e 57 dias de armazenamento. Conclui-se que o sorvete de acerola foi aceito sensorialmente pelos provadores, apresentando atributos sensoriais com escores médios acima de 7,17, intenção de compra ≥ 71,28% e excelente índice de aceitabilidade sensorial (≥ 84,88), com até 57 dias de armazenamento.(AU)

Estudo do efeito da liofilização sob as características físicoquímicas e de cor em extrato aquoso de acerola / Study of the effect of freeze drying under physical-chemical characteristics and color in aqueous extract of acerola

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da liofilização da polpa de acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC). Polpa de acerola foi produzida de acerolas maduras obtidas no mercado da cidade de Sobral (Ceará). Após produção, a polpa foi dividida em duas porções e congelada, uma das porções seguiu para o processo de liofilização. As polpas foram diluídas separadamente em água destilada até padronização dos sólidos solúveis em 3,80 ºBrix, resultando em extratos aquosos de acerola, in natura e liofilizado reconstituído. Foram avaliados os parâmetros físico-químicos nos extratos: umidade, cinzas, pH, acidez e cor instrumental. Pode-se concluir que a liofilização dessa polpa preserva algumas características físico-químicas avaliadas, no entanto ocorre modificações em componentes que podem ser evidenciados pela mudança na acidez e na coloração.

Aceitabilidade de sorvete de acerola em diferentes tempos de armazenamento / Acceptability of acerola ice cream in different storage times

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar sensorialmente um sorvete com incorporação de 40% de polpa de acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC). O sorvete foi produzido com a polpa de acerola incorporada na calda após a maturação da mesma. Para produção do sorvete foi utilizado uma produtora com batimento e aeração, até –7 °C. O sorvete foi fracionado e armazenado sob congelamento a -18º C e então avaliado quanto a presença de micro-organismos patogênicos e quanto a sua aceitação sensorial e intenção de compra, com 7 e 57 dias de armazenamento. Conclui-se que o sorvete de acerola foi aceito sensorialmente pelos provadores, apresentando atributos sensoriais com escores médios acima de 7,17, intenção de compra ≥ 71,28% e excelente índice de aceitabilidade sensorial (≥ 84,88), com até 57 dias de armazenamento.

Crescimento e acúmulo de nutrientes em mudas de aceroleiras em função da aplicação de diferentes doses de nitrogênio e potássio / Growth and accumulation of nutrients by barbados cherry seedlings in the function of the application of different doses of nitrogen and potassium

Com o objetivo de estudar o efeito de doses de nitrogênio (N) e potássio (K) no crescimento e acúmulo de nutrientes na parte aérea de mudas de aceroleira (Malpighia emarginata D.C), instalou-se um experimento em casa de vegetação na Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei - UFSJ em Sete Lagoas, MG, utilizando-se mudas oriundas do processo de estaquia. Utilizou-se o esquema fatorial 4 x 4, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três repetições e três plantas por parcela. Os fatores consistiram de quatro doses de N (0, 200, 400 e 600 mg dm-³) e quatro doses de K (0, 100, 200 e 300 mg dm-³). Aos 110 dias após o transplantio, as mudas foram avaliadas quanto ao comprimento de parte aérea e raiz, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e Índice de Qualidade de Dickson, posteriormente foram colhidas, secas em estufa a 65 °C para a obtenção da matéria seca da parte aérea, raiz e total, sendo trituradas para a determinação da concentração de nutrientes. Foram determinadas as quantidades acumuladas de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Zn, Fe e Mn na matéria seca da parte aérea. As doses isoladas de N e K influenciaram as variáveis de crescimento e aumentaram as quantidades acumuladas de P, K e Zn, sendo as quantidades acumuladas dos demais nutrientes afetadas apenas pelo N. O acúmulo dos nutrientes nas mudas seguiu a ordem decrescente N>Ca>Mg>P>S>K>Mn>B>Zn>Fe.

In order to study the effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) rates on the growth and nutrient accumulation of shoot shoots (Malpighia emarginata DC), an experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions at Federal University of São João Del Rei - UFSJ in Sete Lagoas, MG, using seedlings from the cutting process. A 4 x 4 factorial scheme was used in a randomized complete block design with three replications and three plants per plot. The factors consisted of four doses of N (0, 200, 400 and 600 mg dm-³) and four doses of K (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg dm-³). At 110 days after transplanting, the seedlings were evaluated for root length, root diameter, stem number, leaf number and Dickson Quality Index, and were then harvested, oven dried at 65 °C to obtain the material dry matter of the aerial part, root and total, being crushed for the determination of the concentration of nutrients. The accumulated amounts of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn in the shoot dry matter were determined. The isolated doses of N and K influenced the growth variables and increased the accumulated amounts of P, K and Zn, the accumulated amounts of the other nutrients being affected only by N. The accumulation of nutrients in the seedlings followed the decreasing order N> Ca> Mg> P> S> K> Mn> B> Zn> Fe.