Methane emission, intake, digestibility, performance and blood metabolites in sheep supplemented with cupuassu and tucuma cake in the eastern Amazon.

The use of co-products as a feed supplement for ruminants makes livestock sustainable and optimizes the use of available areas and animal performance. Furthermore, when cakes are used, the residual fat composition can influence ruminal metabolism and methane (CH4) production. This study aimed to assess the effects of a diet containing cupuassu (CUP; Theobroma grandiflorum) and tucuma (TUC; Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.) cakes on intake, digestibility, serum metabolites, performance, and CH4 emissions in confined sheep in the Amazon. Approximately 28 animals, Dorper-Santa Inês, castrated, with an average initial live weight (ILW) of 35 ± 2.3 kg, were distributed in metabolic cages, in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and seven replications: (1) Control (C40), without the addition of Amazonian cake and with 40 g of ether extract (EE)/kg of dietary dry matter (DM); (2) CUP, the inclusion of the CUP cake and 70 g of EE/kg; (3) TUC, the inclusion of the TUC cake and 70 g of EE/kg; and (4) Control (C80), without the addition of Amazonian cake and with 80 g of EE/kg of dietary DM, with roughage to concentrate ratio of 40:60. The use of the TUC cake as a feed supplement reduced the intake of DM, crude protein (CP), and EE compared to the inclusion of the CUP cake (p < 0.05); however, it increased the intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) by 32% (p < 0.01). The highest averages of DM (732 g/kg) and CP (743 g/kg) digestibility were presented in C40, while the highest digestibility of NDF was presented in TUC (590 g/kg). Albumin levels stayed above and protein levels were below the reference values, and the C40 diet also obtained below results for cholesterol, triglycerides and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) (P < 0.05). Sheep fed CUP (91 g) and TUC (45 g) had lower daily weight gains (DWGs) than those fed with diets without the inclusion of cakes (C40 = 119 g; C80 = 148 g), and feed efficiency (FE) was also lower in CUP (84) and TUC (60) diets than in C40 (119) and C80 (137) diets. CH4 emissions were lower in animals fed TUC (26 L/day) and higher in C40 (35 L/day); however, TUC resulted in higher CH4 emissions in grams/body live weight (BW) gain/day (353 g/BW/day) vs. 183 g/BW/day (C40), 157 g/BW/day (C80), and 221 g/BW/day (CUP). The supplementation with cakes did not improve intake, digestibility and performance, did not compromise blood metabolites and did not reduce the enteric CH4 emission in confined sheep in the Amazon; however, the use of CUP cake showed similar results to the control treatments and did not increase CH4 emissions, as occurred with the inclusion of TUC cake.

Emerging Lipids from Arecaceae Palm Fruits in Brazil.

Arecaceae palm tree fruits (APTFs) with pulp or kernel rich in oil are widely distributed in six Brazilian biomes. APTFs represent a great potential for the sustainable exploitation of products with high added value, but few literature studies have reported their properties and industrial applications. The lack of information leads to underutilization, low consumption, commercialization, and processing of these fruit species. This review presents and discusses the occurrence of 13 APTFs and the composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and potential applications of their 25 oils and fats. The reported studies showed that the species present different lipid profiles. Multivariate analysis based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) indicated a correlation between the composition of pulp and kernel oils. Myristic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acids are the main saturated fatty acids, while oleic acid is the main unsaturated. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds are the main bioactive compounds in APTFs, contributing to their high oxidative stability. The APTFs oils have a potential for use as foods and ingredients in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries. However, more studies are still necessary to better understand and exploit these species.

Cold plasma technique as a pretreatment for drying fruits: Evaluation of the excitation frequency on drying process and bioactive compounds.

The present work aims to evaluate the effect of different excitation frequency (200, 500 and 800 Hz) of cold plasma technique as a pretreatment for drying tucumã. SEM images showed changes on the pretreated tucumã's surface, favoring the drying rate and diffusivity of water as well as reducing the drying time. Marginal variation of color and reduced drying time were observed in the samples treated using 200 and 800 Hz. The pretreatment improved the concentration of phenolic (45.3 mg GAE g-1) and antioxidant compounds (799.8 µM ET) (p-value < 0.05). Carotenoids were more sensitive to the drying time, presenting significant degradation at 500 Hz. For this reason, the propose pretreatment based on the application of cold plasma technique for drying foods can preserve/improve their nutritional quality.

Murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) meal as an additive to elephant grass silage / Torta de murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) como aditivo en el ensilado de pasto elefante / Torta de murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) como aditivo em silagens de capim elefante

Abstract Background: Tropical grasses, such as elephant grass, have high moisture content during its ideal phenological state for silage. High moisture content hinders proper preservation and reduces the nutritive value of silage due to secondary fermentation and production of effluents. Adding feed materials with high dry matter content, such as murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) meal, is a potential alternative to improve silage yield. Objective: To determine the effects of including murumuru meal (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28%) on the fermentative characteristics, microbiological activity, aerobic stability, and chemical composition of elephant grass silages. Methods: A completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates was used. Elephant grass was collected at 60 d of age, minced, and homogenized with murumuru meal. The mass was placed in experimental 15-L silos. The silos were collected and analyzed 45 d later. Results: Effluent production decreased (p<0.05) as the proportions of murumuru meal in silage increased. A quadratic effect (p<0.05) was observed on dry matter recovery. An increase (p<0.05) was observed in dry matter content, a decrease (p<0.05) in the neutral detergent fiber content, and an increase (p<0.05) in the non-fibrous carbohydrate content with the inclusion of murumuru meal. Conclusions: Addition of murumuru meal improves chemical composition and does not affect the fermentative characteristics of elephant grass silage, while it reduces effluent losses. Nevertheless, the inclusion of murumuru meal in the elephant grass silage decreased the time of aerobic stability.

Resumen Antecedentes: los pastos tropicales, tales como el pasto elefante, tienen alto contenido de humedad cuando están en su estado fenológico ideal para ensilar. Esto dificulta su adecuada preservación en el silo, reduciendo el valor nutritivo del ensilaje debido a fermentaciones secundarias y generación de efluentes. Una posible solución sería incluir materiales con alto contenido de materia seca, tales como la torta de murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru). Objetivo: determinar el efecto de la inclusión de torta de murumuru (0; 7; 14; 21 y 28%) sobre las características fermentativas, microbiológicas, estabilidad aeróbica y composición química de los ensilajes de pasto elefante. Métodos: se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar, con cinco tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. El pasto elefante fue colectado a los 60 días de edad, luego picado y homogeneizado con la torta de murumuru. La masa fue colocada en silos experimentales con capacidad de 15 L. Luego de 45 días de ensilado, los silos fueron abiertos y las muestras fueron colectadas para su posterior análisis. Resultados: hubo reducción (p<0,05) en la producción de efluentes a medida que se incrementó la proporción de torta de murumuru en el ensilado. Se observó un efecto cuadrático (p<0,05) en la recuperación de materia seca. Hubo aumento (p<0,05) en los contenidos de materia seca con la adición de torta de murumuru. Se observó disminución (p<0,05) en el contenido de fibra detergente neutra y aumento (p<0,05) de carbohidratos no fibrosos. Conclusión: La adición de torta de murumuru mejora la composición química, reduce las perdidas por efluentes y no afecta las características fermentativas de ensilado de pasto elefante. Sin embargo, la inclusión de la torta de murumuru en el ensilado de pasto elefante disminuye el tiempo en estabilidad aeróbica.

Resumo Antecedentes: capins tropicais, como por exemplo o capim-elefante apresentam alto teor de umidade quando possuem produtividade compatível e estão no estádio fenológico adequado para ensilagem. Isso dificulta a adequada preservação no silo, ocasionando a redução do valor nutritivo da silagem devido a fermentações secundárias e a produção de efluentes. Uma possível solução seria o uso de aditivos com alto teor de matéria seca, como bolo de murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru). Objetivo: determinar o efeito da inclusão da torta de murumuru (0; 7; 14; 21 e 28%) na ensilagem de capim-elefante sobre as características fermentativas, microbiológicas, estabilidade aeróbia e a composição química das silagens. Métodos: utilizou- se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. O capim-elefante foi colhido aos 60 dias de idade, o mesmo foi picado e homogeneizado à torta de murumuru. A massa foi ensilada em silos experimentais com capacidade de 15 L. Após 45 dias de ensilagem, os silos foram abertos e amostras foram coletadas para posteriores análises laboratoriais. Resultados: houve redução (p<0,05) na produção de efluentes à medida que se elevaram as proporções da torta de murumuru na ensilagem. Observou-se efeito quadrático (p<0,05) na recuperação de matéria seca. Houve aumento (p<0,05) nos teores de matéria seca com a adição da torta murumuru. Observou-se diminuição (p<0,05) nos teores de fibra em detergente neutro e aumento (p<0,05) nos teores de carboidratos não fibrosos. Conclusão: torta de murumuru como aditivo melhora a composição química, reduz perdas principalmente por efluente e não afeta as características fermentativas de silagens de capim- elefante. Entretanto, a inclusão da torta de murumuru na ensilagem de capim-elefante diminui o tempo em estabilidade aeróbia.

Astrocaryum aculeatum fruit improves inflammation and redox balance in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated macrophages.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The fruit of Astrocaryum aculeatum G.Mey. (tucumã) is highly consumed by riverside communities in the Amazonian region. These communities have recently been shown to have increased longevity and reduced prevalence of age-related morbidity. Tucumã, which is locally used in their diet and traditional medicine may contribute to these features. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of A. aculeatum extract against phytohemagglutinin-induced inflammation in cell cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays, gene expression of interleukins IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and thiols were employed, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with phytohemagglutinin to mimic inflammation. RESULTS: The extract of A. aculeatum fruit inhibited macrophage proliferation (P < 0.05), arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase (P < 0.001), increased antioxidant defenses (P < 0.01), reduced oxidative stress (P < 0.01), and modulated genes related to the inflammatory response (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that A. aculeatum fruit has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities. These beneficial effects of tucumã on cells are also likely to be seen in vivo, thereby suggesting that its extract is a suitable therapeutic adjuvant in the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Microwave-activated carbons from tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) seed for efficient removal of 2-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions.

Activated carbons (ACs) prepared from tucumã seed (Astrocaryum aculeatum) were used for 2-nitrophenol removal from aqueous solutions. The ACs were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, TGA, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity balance, and total of acidic and basic groups. The ACs showed to have hydrophilic surfaces and they presented high specific surface areas (up to 1318 m2 g-1). In batch optimization studies, maximum removal was obtained at pH 7, contact time of 30 min, adsorbent dosage 1.5 gL-1 and temperature of 50°C. The general-order kinetic model and Liu isotherm model best fit the kinetic and equilibrium adsorption data with a maximum adsorption capacity of 1382 mg g-1 at 50°C. Effect of temperature and thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption processes of 2-nitrophenol onto ACs are dependent on temperature and are exothermic and spontaneous, respectively. About the applicability of the ACs for treating simulated effluents, the tucumã seed-activated carbon showed an excellent outcome in the treatment of simulated effluents, evidencing its high efficiency for phenolic compound adsorption. Tucumã seed-ACs showed to be cost effective and highly efficient adsorbents for efficient removal of 2-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions.

Structural diversity of alkali-soluble polysaccharides from the fruit cell walls of tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum), a commelinid monocotyledon from the family Arecaceae.

The polysaccharide compositions of primary and secondary cell walls of members of the family Arecaceae in the commelinid clade of monocotyledonous plants have previously been found to be distinguishable from other commelinid families, and to be more similar to those of non-commelinids. However, few studies have been conducted. We aimed to extract and characterize the main cell-wall polysaccharides in the fruit pulp of tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum), a member of Arecaceae family. Hemicellulosic polysaccharides extracted by alkali from the fruit pulp were present in greater proportions (6.4% yield) than water-extracted ones (3.0% yield). Thus, the former was analyzed using monosaccharide composition, methylation, molecular weight determination and 13C-NMR data. The tucumã alkaline extract presented a highly ramified acidic galactoarabinoxylan (53.7%), a linear (1 â†’ 5)-linked α-L-arabinan (27.8%), a low branched glucuronoxylan (14.1%) and small portions of a xyloglucan (4.4%). The major polysaccharide found in A. aculeatum (acidic galactoarabinoxylan) is similar to those found in other commelinid plants such as grasses and cereals.

Life history traits influence the strength of distance- and density-dependence at different life stages of two Amazonian palms.

Background and Aims: Natural enemies are known to be important in regulating plant populations and contributing to species coexistence (Janzen-Connell effects). The strength of Janzen-Connell effects (both distance- and density-effects) varies across species, but the life history traits that may mediate such a variation are not well understood. This study examined Janzen-Connell effects across the life stages (seed through adult stages) of two sympatric palm species with distinct phenologies and shade tolerances, two traits that may mediate the strength and timing of Janzen-Connell effects. Methods: Populations of two common palm species, Attalea phalerata and Astrocaryum murumuru , were studied in Manu National Park, Peru. Seed predation experiments were conducted to assess Janzen-Connell effects at the seed stage. In the post-seed stages, spatial point pattern analyses of the distributions of individuals and biomass were used to infer the strength of distance- and density-effects. Key Results: Seed predation was both negative distance- and density-dependent consistent with the Janzen-Connell effects. However, only seedling recruitment for asynchronously fruiting Attalea phalerata was depressed near adults while recruitment remained high for synchronously fruiting Astrocaryum murumuru , consistent with weak distance-effects. Negative density-effects were strong in the early stages for shade-intolerant Attalea phalerata but weak or absent in shade-tolerant Astrocaryum murumuru. Conclusions: Distance- and density-effects varied among the life stages of the two palm species in a manner that corresponded to their contrasting phenology and shade tolerance. Generalizing such connections across many species would provide a route to understanding how trait-mediated Janzen-Connell effects scale up to whole communities of species.

Indirect interactions among tropical tree species through shared rodent seed predators: a novel mechanism of tree species coexistence.

The coexistence of numerous tree species in tropical forests is commonly explained by negative dependence of recruitment on the conspecific seed and tree density due to specialist natural enemies that attack seeds and seedlings ('Janzen-Connell' effects). Less known is whether guilds of shared seed predators can induce a negative dependence of recruitment on the density of different species of the same plant functional group. We studied 54 plots in tropical forest on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, with contrasting mature tree densities of three coexisting large seeded tree species with shared seed predators. Levels of seed predation were far better explained by incorporating seed densities of all three focal species than by conspecific seed density alone. Both positive and negative density dependencies were observed for different species combinations. Thus, indirect interactions via shared seed predators can either promote or reduce the coexistence of different plant functional groups in tropical forest.

Amazonian Native Palm Fruits as Sources of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds.

The Amazon region has many sources of fruits, especially native ones not yet explored, but which have some potential for use, as is the case with certain palms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the content of bioactive compounds and total antioxidant capacities of fruits from native palms from the Brazilian Amazon. The fruits of five palm species (bacaba, buriti, inajá, pupunha, and tucumã) were evaluated for levels of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, yellow flavonoids, total carotenoids, and total extractable polyphenols, as well as the total antioxidant capacities. The fruits had high contents of extractable total polyphenols, especially bacaba and tucumã (941.56 and 158.98 mg of galic acid·100g(-1)), total carotenoids in the case of tucumã and buriti (7.24 and 4.67 mg·100g(-1)), and anthocyanins in bacaba (80.76 mg·100g(-1)). As for the antioxidant capacity, bacaba had the highest total antioxidant activity by the Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC) (194.67 µM·Trolox·g(-1)), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (47.46 g·pulp·g(-1) DPPH), and ß-carotene/linoleic acid (92.17% Oxidation Inhibition (O.I) methods. Bacaba phenolic profile revealed the presence of cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and other flavonoids. The palm fruits studied can be considered good sources of bioactive compounds, some containing higher amounts than that of commonly consumed fruits. Total extractable polyphenols and anthocyanins were directly correlated to antioxidant activity in these fruits.

Crecimiento por ramificación basal en dos especies de palmeras huicungo, Astrocaryum carnosum y A. huicungo

El proceso de ramificación basal de Astrocaryum carnosum y A. huicungo es descrito y su frecuencia y expresión estructural es analizado en el nivel poblacional. Dos poblaciones de palmeras fueron utilizadas en este estudio, A. carnosum del valle del Alto Huallaga y A. huicungo del valle del Alto Mayo. Los sistemas de ramificación subterráneos fueron examinados y dibujados. Para ambas especies, se establecieron 25 cuadrantes de 20x20 m, en los cuales se contó el número de individuos solitarios y cespitosos, y para estos últimos se registró el número de ejes que conformaban el individuo. Los ejes tanto de los individuos solitarios como de los cespitosos se repartieron por estadio de desarrollo (plántula/juvenil-1/juvenil-2/adulto). El proceso de ramificación basal comienza en individuos al estadio juvenil-2, no se observó en juvenil-1, ni en plántula. A. huicungo presentó mayor densidad de ejes producido por ramificación basal que A. carnosum. Este proceso de ramificación en las dos especies por formaciones de clones a partir de rizomas cortos permite una explotación óptima del espacio y asegura la continuidad de la población en el tiempo. Sin embargo su papel en la propagación espacial de la población es muy reducido, siendo los rizomas de muy poca extensión.

The basal branching process of Astrocaryum carnosum and A. huicungo is described and its rate and structural expression at the population level is analyzed. Two populations of palms were used in this study, A. carnosum from the Alto Huallaga valley and A. huicungo from the Alto Mayo valley. Branching systems underground were exposed and drawn. For both species, it was established 25 quadrants of 20x20m, in which were counted (i) the number of solitary and caespitose individuals, and (ii) the numbers of axes composing the caespitose individuals. The axes of solitary and caespitose individuals were distributed by growth stages (seedling/juvenile-1/juvenile-2/adult). Seedling and juvenile-1 are not caespitose, basal branching starts in juvenile-2. A. huicungo presents a higher density of axes produced by basal branching than A. carnosum. This branching process in both species by formations of clones from short rhizomes allows an optimized exploitation of space and ensures the continuity of the population over time. However, its role in the spatial propagation of the species is very limited by the shortness of the rhizomes.

Impact of forest fragment size on the population structure of three palm species (Arecaceae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest / Impacto del tamaño del fragmento de bosque en la estructura de la población de tres especies de palmas del Bosque Atlántico Brasileño

The main threats to natural populations in terrestrial ecosystems have been widly recognized to be the habitat fragmentation and the exploitation of forest products. In this study, we compared the density of the populations and the structure of three tropical palm species, Astrocaryum aculeatissimum, Euterpe edulis and Geonoma schottiana. For this, we selected five forest fragments of different sizes (3 500ha, 2 400ha, 57ha, 21ha and 19ha) where palms were censused in nine 30x30m plots. We tracked the palms survival from 2005 to 2007, and recorded all new individuals encountered. Each individual was assigned in one of the five ontogenetic stages: seedling, infant, juvenile, immature and reproductive. The demographic structure of each palm species was analyzed and compared by a generalized linear model (GLM). The analysis was performed per palm spe-cies. The forest fragment area and the year of observation were explanatory variables, and the proportion of individuals in each ontogenetic class and palm density were response variables. The total number of individuals (from seedlings to reproductives, of all species) monitored was 6 450 in 2005, 7 268 in 2006, and 8 664 in 2007. The densities of two palm species were not influenced by the size of the fragment, but the population density of A. aculeatissimum was dependent on the size of the fragment: there were more individuals in the bigger than in the smaller forest fragments. The population structure of A. aculeatissimum, E. edulis, and G. schottiana was not altered in the smaller fragments, except the infants of G. schottiana. The main point to be drawn from the results found in this study is that the responses of density and population structure seem not to be dependent on fragment size, except for one species that resulted more abundant in bigger fragments.

Uno de los principales riesgos que corren las poblaciones naturales de los ecosistemas terrestres es la fragmentación de hábitat y la explotación de los recursos forestales. Aquí hemos comparado la densidad de las poblaciones y el estado estructural de tres especies de palmeras, Astrocaryum aculeatissimum (Schott) Burret, Euterpe edulis Mart. y Geonoma schottiana Mart., en fragmentos de diferente tamaño. Las palmas fueron censadas en nueve cuadrantes de 30x30m en cinco fragmentos de bosque de diferente tamaño (3 500ha, 2 400ha, 57ha, 21ha y 19ha). Realizamos el seguimiento de la sobrevivencia de las palmas entre 2005-2007, y registramos todos los nuevos individuos encontrados. Cada individuo fue designado dentro de alguno de los siguientes cinco estadíos ontogenéticos: plántula, infantil, juvenil, inmaduro y reproductivo. La comparación de la estructura demográfica fue analizada usando Modelos Lineares Generalizados (GLM). Estos fueron utilizados para cada especie por separado, con el área del fragmento de bosque y el año como variables explicativas, así como proporción de individuos en cada estadío ontogenético y densidad de las palmeras como variables de respuesta. El número total de individuos monitoreado (desde semillas hasta adultos reproductivos, para todas las especies) fue 6 450 en 2005, 7 268 en 2006 y 8 664 en 2007. La densidad de población para dos especies de palmas no fue influenciada por el tamaño del fragmento, excepto para Astrocaryum aculeatissimum, cuya densidad dependió del tamaño del fragmento. Hubo más individuos en los fragmentos mayores que en los fragmentos menores. La estructura de la población de A. aculeatissimum, E. edulis y G. schottiana no se vio alterada en los fragmentos pequeños, excepto para G. schottiana en estado infante. El punto principal que se desprende de los resultados encontrados en este estudio es que la respuesta de la densidad y estructura de la población parece no ser dependiente del tamaño de fragmento, excepto para una especie que es más abundante en los fragmentos mayores.

Antimicrobial activity of Amazon Astrocaryum aculeatum extracts and its association to oxidative metabolism.

Several compounds present in fruits as polyphenols are able to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. These proprieties are relevant mainly in tropical areas, as Amazonian region where infectious are highly prevalent. Therefore, this study investigated the antimicrobial activity of tucumã Amazonian fruit against 37 microorganisms. The potential role of oxidative metabolism imbalance was also studied as causal mechanism of antimicrobial activity. The results showed antibacterial effect of pulp and peel tucumã hydro-alcoholic extracts on three Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes) and antifungal effect against Candida albicans. The antimicrobial contribution of main chemical compounds (quercetin, rutin, ß-carotene and gallic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids) found in tucumã extracts was also investigated showing an inhibitory effect depending of the organism mainly by quercetin in bacteria and rutin in C. albicans. Analysis of kinetic of DNA releasing in extracellular medium by fluorescence using DNA Pico Green assay(®) and reactive oxygen species production (ROS) showed potential oxidative imbalance contribution on tucumã inhibitory effect. In B. cereus and C. albicans this effect was clear since after 24h the ROS levels were higher when compared to negative control group. In conclusion, tucumã extracts present antimicrobial activity to four microorganisms that have large problems of drug resistance, and the possible mechanism of action of this Amazon fruit is related to REDOX imbalance.

Propagação in vitro de tucumã do Amazonas / In vitro propagation of Astrocarium aculeatum

O gênero Astrocaryum possui um grande número de espécies com potencial alimentício e produtoras de óleos. A espécie mais utilizada, o tucumã do Amazonas, é consumida em larga escala nos estados da região norte do Brasil e originado do extrativismo vegetal. Embriões zigóticos de sementes maduras e imaturas de tucumã do Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey) foram inoculados em meio de cultivo semi-sólido de Murashige e Skoog (MS) suplementado com vitaminas. Os embriões sobreviventes foram transferidos para o mesmo meio MS suplementado com 0,0; 1,0; 3,0 e 5,0mg L-1 de BAP, obtendo-se taxa crescente de brotação, sendo as mais eficientes as doses de 3,0 a 5,0mg L-1.

There is a large number of species within the genus Astrocaryum with the potential for use as food and for oil production. The most used species, tucumã do Amazonas, is consumed on a large scale in the States in the northern region of Brazil, originating from extractivism. Zygotic embryos of mature and immature tucumã do Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey.) seeds were inoculated in a semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium supplemented with vitamins. The surviving embryos were transferred to the same MS medium supplemented with 0.0; 1.0; 3.0 and 5.0mg L-1 of BAP, obtaining an increasing rate of shoot formation.

Propagação in vitro de tucumã do Amazonas

There is a large number of species within the genus Astrocaryum with the potential for use as food and for oil production. The most used species, tucumã do Amazonas, is consumed on a large scale in the States in the northern region of Brazil, originating from extractivism. Zygotic embryos of mature and immature tucumã do Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey.) seeds were inoculated in a semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium supplemented with vitamins. The surviving embryos were transferred to the same MS medium supplemented with 0.0; 1.0; 3.0 and 5.0mg L-1 of BAP, obtaining an increasing rate of shoot formation.

O gênero Astrocaryum possui um grande número de espécies com potencial alimentício e produtoras de óleos. A espécie mais utilizada, o tucumã do Amazonas, é consumida em larga escala nos estados da região norte do Brasil e originado do extrativismo vegetal. Embriões zigóticos de sementes maduras e imaturas de tucumã do Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey) foram inoculados em meio de cultivo semi-sólido de Murashige e Skoog (MS) suplementado com vitaminas. Os embriões sobreviventes foram transferidos para o mesmo meio MS suplementado com 0,0; 1,0; 3,0 e 5,0mg L-1 de BAP, obtendo-se taxa crescente de brotação, sendo as mais eficientes as doses de 3,0 a 5,0mg L-1

Propagação in vitro de tucumã do Amazonas

There is a large number of species within the genus Astrocaryum with the potential for use as food and for oil production. The most used species, tucumã do Amazonas, is consumed on a large scale in the States in the northern region of Brazil, originating from extractivism. Zygotic embryos of mature and immature tucumã do Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey.) seeds were inoculated in a semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium supplemented with vitamins. The surviving embryos were transferred to the same MS medium supplemented with 0.0; 1.0; 3.0 and 5.0mg L-1 of BAP, obtaining an increasing rate of shoot formation.

O gênero Astrocaryum possui um grande número de espécies com potencial alimentício e produtoras de óleos. A espécie mais utilizada, o tucumã do Amazonas, é consumida em larga escala nos estados da região norte do Brasil e originado do extrativismo vegetal. Embriões zigóticos de sementes maduras e imaturas de tucumã do Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey) foram inoculados em meio de cultivo semi-sólido de Murashige e Skoog (MS) suplementado com vitaminas. Os embriões sobreviventes foram transferidos para o mesmo meio MS suplementado com 0,0; 1,0; 3,0 e 5,0mg L-1 de BAP, obtendo-se taxa crescente de brotação, sendo as mais eficientes as doses de 3,0 a 5,0mg L-1

Propagação in vitro de tucumã do Amazonas

There is a large number of species within the genus Astrocaryum with the potential for use as food and for oil production. The most used species, tucumã do Amazonas, is consumed on a large scale in the States in the northern region of Brazil, originating from extractivism. Zygotic embryos of mature and immature tucumã do Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey.) seeds were inoculated in a semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium supplemented with vitamins. The surviving embryos were transferred to the same MS medium supplemented with 0.0; 1.0; 3.0 and 5.0mg L-1 of BAP, obtaining an increasing rate of shoot formation.

O gênero Astrocaryum possui um grande número de espécies com potencial alimentício e produtoras de óleos. A espécie mais utilizada, o tucumã do Amazonas, é consumida em larga escala nos estados da região norte do Brasil e originado do extrativismo vegetal. Embriões zigóticos de sementes maduras e imaturas de tucumã do Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey) foram inoculados em meio de cultivo semi-sólido de Murashige e Skoog (MS) suplementado com vitaminas. Os embriões sobreviventes foram transferidos para o mesmo meio MS suplementado com 0,0; 1,0; 3,0 e 5,0mg L-1 de BAP, obtendo-se taxa crescente de brotação, sendo as mais eficientes as doses de 3,0 a 5,0mg L-1

Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em quatro espécies de palmáceas na Amazônia: ocorrência e considerações taxonômicas

The purpose of this study was to denominate correctly the aphid that attack native Amazonian palms in the Eastern Amazon and describe its infestation. The monitoring of insect-pests on seedlings and mature plants allowed the identification of Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel, 1901) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae: Cerataphidini). Earlier reports erroneously identified the species as Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval, 1867). It is recommended the application of monitoring of this species on palm trees.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi designar o nome correto do afídeo que ataca palmáceas nativas amazônicas e descrever sua infestação. O monitoramento de insetos-praga em mudas e em plantas adultas permitiu a identificação de Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel, 1901) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae: Cerataphidini). Relatos anteriores identificaram erroneamente a espécie como Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval, 1867). Recomenda-se o monitoramento dessa espécie em palmáceas.

Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em quatro espécies de palmáceas na Amazônia: ocorrência e considerações taxonômicas / Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in four Amazonian palm species: occurrence and taxonomic considerations

O objetivo deste trabalho foi designar o nome correto do afídeo que ataca palmáceas nativas amazônicas e descrever sua infestação. O monitoramento de insetos-praga em mudas e em plantas adultas permitiu a identificação de Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel, 1901) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae: Cerataphidini). Relatos anteriores identificaram erroneamente a espécie como Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval, 1867). Recomenda-se o monitoramento dessa espécie em palmáceas.

The purpose of this study was to denominate correctly the aphid that attack native Amazonian palms in the Eastern Amazon and describe its infestation. The monitoring of insect-pests on seedlings and mature plants allowed the identification of Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel, 1901) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae: Cerataphidini). Earlier reports erroneously identified the species as Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval, 1867). It is recommended the application of monitoring of this species on palm trees.

The role of seed mass on the caching decision by agoutis, Dasyprocta leporina (Rodentia: Agoutidae)

It has been shown that the local extinction of large-bodied frugivores may cause cascading consequences for plant recruitment and overall plant diversity. However, to what extent the resilient mammals can compensate the role of seed dispersal in defaunated sites is poorly understood. Caviomorph rodents, especially Dasyprocta spp., are usually resilient frugivores in hunted forests and their seed caching behavior may be important for many plant species which lack primary dispersers. We compared the effect of the variation in seed mass of six vertebrate-dispersed plant species on the caching decision by the red-rumped agoutis Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758 in a land-bridge island of the Atlantic forest, Brazil. We found a strong positive effect of seed mass on seed fate and dispersal distance, but there was a great variation between species. Agoutis never cached seeds smaller than 0.9 g and larger seeds were dispersed for longer distances. Therefore, agoutis can be important seed dispersers of large-seeded species in defaunated forests.