Prediction of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Bananas during Ripening Using Non-Destructive Parameters as Input Data.

Vegetable quality parameters are established according to standards primarily based on visual characteristics. Although knowledge of biochemical changes in the secondary metabolism of plants throughout development is essential to guide decision-making about consumption, harvesting and processing, these determinations involve the use of reagents, specific equipment and sophisticated techniques, making them slow and costly. However, when non-destructive methods are employed to predict such determinations, a greater number of samples can be tested with adequate precision. Therefore, the aim of this work was to establish an association capable of modeling between non-destructive-physical and colorimetric aspects (predictive variables)-and destructive determinations-bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity (variables to be predicted), quantified spectrophotometrically and by HPLC in 'Nanicão' bananas during ripening. It was verified that to predict some parameters such as flavonoids, a regression equation using predictive parameters indicated the importance of R2, which varied from 83.43 to 98.25%, showing that some non-destructive parameters can be highly efficient as predictors.

Natural occurrence of Beauveria caledonica, pathogenicity to Cosmopolites sordidus and antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense.

BACKGROUND: Entomopathogenic fungi can provide a set of ecological services, such as suppressing arthropod pests and plant pathogens. In this study, novel indigenous Beauveria caledonica (Bc) strains were isolated from naturally infected banana weevils (Cosmopolites sordidus) occurring in commercial banana plantations in Brazil. RESULTS: The prevalence of infection by Bc strains on field-caught C. sordidus ranged from 1.3% to 12.9%. Similar to the Beauveria bassiana strains tested, none of the Bc strains caused more than 50% weevil mortality at a concentration of 1 × 108 conidia ml-1 . Bc strain CMAA1810 caused the highest mortality in C. sordidus and had enhanced insecticidal activity when formulated with an emulsifiable oil. In paired co-culture assays, this same strain showed a significant growth-inhibitory effect on the causal agent of Fusarium banana wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, Foc) of twofold magnitude compared with the control. Cell-free crude filtrates derived from the red-pigmented culture broth of Bc (CMAA1810) strongly reduced Foc conidial viability, and this inhibitory activity was inversely related to the age of the Bc culture. Crude concentrated filtrates from 4-day-old cultures exhibited the strongest antifungal activity (13-fold) compared with untreated Foc conidia. The abundant compound identified in the crude filtrate of Bc was oosporein (1,4-dibenzoquinone) present at a concentration of 0.829 ± 0.018 mg g-1 dry matter, and the antifungal activity of the filtrate was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that Bc strains might have the potential to manage both C. sordidus and Foc, two of the major phytosanitary problems in banana crops worldwide. Further research under field conditions using suitable formulations of virulent Bc strains in combination with the metabolite oosporein is needed to evaluate their efficacy in the management of C. sordidus and Foc in banana plantations. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Musa sp. Leaves Extract Ameliorates the Hepato-Renal Toxicities Induced by Cadmium in Mice.

Heavy metals intoxication causes several health problems that necessitate finding new protective and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Musa sp. leaves extract (MLE) on hepato-renal toxicities induced by cadmium (Cd) in male mice. The phytochemical screening, metal chelating activity (MCA), and the median lethal dose (LD50) of MLE were determined. Fifty CD-1 male mice were used and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with MLE (1000 to 5000 mg/kg b.wt) for MLE LD50 determination. Another 50 mice were used for evaluating the effect of MLE on Cd toxicity. Blood samples were collected for hematological, liver, and kidney functions assessments. Liver tissue homogenates were used for determination of oxidant/antioxidant parameters. Liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological and molecular investigations. MLE showed potent in vitro antioxidant activities. The MCA and LD50 of the MLE were 75 µg/mL and 3000 mg/kg b.wt, respectively. MLE showed beneficial therapeutic activity against hepato-renal toxicities in Cd-intoxicated mice, evidenced by improving the hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations.

In Vitro Propagation and Acclimatization of Banana Plants: Antioxidant Enzymes, Chemical Assessments and Genetic Stability of Regenerates as a Response to Copper Sulphate.

Developing a successful protocol for banana in vitro culture is a guarantee for the mass propagation of pathogen-free, high-quality, true-to-type planting materials with low production costs. The current work aimed to investigate the influence of increasing copper levels in an MS medium on endophytic bacterial contamination; shoot multiplication; rooting and the acclimatization of in vitro cultured banana; minerals and chlorophyll content; antioxidant enzymes activity; electrolyte leakage; and the genetic stability of banana regenerants. Four different concentrations of copper sulphate (0.025 as a control, and 30, 60, and 120 mg L-1) were examined. The growth of the endophytic bacteria was inhibited at 60 mg L-1 of copper sulphate which recorded zero contamination, without a significant difference at 120 mg L-1. However, 0.025 mg L-1 of copper sulphate was optimal for the maximum shoot number and shoot length (10 shoots and 6 cm, respectively) without significant differences at 30 mg L-1. The root length of banana plantlets was significantly enhanced at 30 mg L-1 of copper sulphate but without significant differences to the control, regarding the number of roots (9.92 cm and 3.80 roots, respectively). In vitro plants were acclimatized successfully at 30 mg L-1 of copper sulphate with 100% survival. The uptake of minerals, antioxidant enzyme activity and electrolyte leakage was improved because of the copper sulphate, but the chlorophyll level decreased. RAPD profiling showed polymorphism in only one plant treated with 60 mg L-1 of copper sulphate, with an average of 1.8%. The genome template stability percentage was almost 100% for all treated plants.

Molecular identification and evolutionary relationships between the subspecies of Musa by DNA barcodes.

BACKGROUND: The banana (Musa sp., AAA) genome is constantly increasing due to high-frequency of somaclonal variations. Due to its large diversity, a conventional numerical and morphological based taxonomic identification of banana cultivars is laborious, difficult and often leads to subject of disagreements. RESULTS: Hence, in the present study, we used universal DNA barcode ITS2 region to identify and to find the genetic relationship between the cultivars and varieties of banana. Herein, a total of 16 banana cultivars were PCR amplified using ITS2 primer pair. In addition, 321 sequences which were retrieved from GenBank, USA, were used in this study. The sequences were then aligned using Clustal W and genetic distances were computed using MEGA V5.1. The study showed significant divergence between the intra- and inter-specific genetic distances in ITS2 region. BLAST1 and Distance methods proved that ITS2 DNA barcode region successfully identified and distinguished the cultivar and varieties of banana. CONCLUSION: Thus, from the results of the present study, it is clear that ITS2 is not only an efficient DNA barcode to identify the banana species but also a potential candidate for enumerating the phylogenetic relationships between the subspecies and cultivars. This is the first comprehensive study to categorically distinguish the economically important banana subspecies and varieties using DNA barcodes and to understand its evolutionary relationship.

Plantains: Gluco-friendly usage.

Plantains are a staple food for a large proportion of the world's population. Rich sources of carbohydrates, they are considered taboo by most diabetes care providers. For persons living with diabetes, however, they are a preferred food item. This multi country authored article discusses the nutritional and culinary qualities of plantains. It discusses how to consume the fruit in a glucose-safe manner, by reducing the glycaemic load and total caloric load due to a low glycaemic index. Simple ways of modifying plantain preparation and serving are suggested, to help patients take this foodstuff without impacting glucose control.

Micromonospora musae sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from roots of Musa species.

Two novel actinobacterial strains, MS1-9T and NGC1-4, were isolated from roots of Musa (ABB) cv. 'Kluai Namwa', collected from Chachoengsao province, and Musa (ABB) cv. 'Kluai Chang', from Suphan Buri province, Thailand, respectively. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene (98.0 to 98.9% similarity), gyrase subunit B (gyrB) gene and whole-genome sequences emphasised that the strains MS1-9T and NGC1-4 showed closely related with Micromonospora peucetia DSM 43363T, M. krabiensis JCM 12869T and M. avicenniae DSM 45758T, respectively. Strains MS1-9T and NGC1-4 contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan. Whole-cell sugars were glucose, xylose, mannose, and ribose. The acyl type of peptidoglycan was glycolyl. MK-10(H6), MK-9(H6), and MK-10(H8) were presented as the major menaquinones. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositol were detected as predominant phospholipid profiles. The major cellular fatty acids consisted of iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C17:0 and C17:0. The DNA G+C content of strains MS1-9T and NGC1-4 were 72.2 and 72.3mol%, respectively. Draft genome sequences indicated by ANI values and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation analysis asserted that the strains MS1-9T and NGC1-4 should be represented as a novel species within the genus Micromonospora for which the name Micromonospora musae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MS1-9T (=JCM 32149T=TISTR 2659T).

Distribution, Contents, and Health Risk Assessment of Cadmium, Lead, and Nickel in Bananas Produced in Ecuador.

In this study, cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) contents were analyzed in sixteen banana composite samples from different commercial establishments from eleven Ecuadorian production provinces using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations (fresh weight) in the samples collected (9.3-47.3 µg·kg-1 for Cd, 16.1-105.6 µg·kg-1 for Ni, and 36.9-538.0 µg·kg-1 for Pb) were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and target carcinogenic risk (CR) associated with dietary exposure to these potentially toxic metals. Cd and Ni results showed that every sample had EDIs lower than the oral reference dose and THQ values lower than 1, demonstrating that there was no non-carcinogenic risk related to the exposure to Cd and Ni. In the case of Pb, two EDIs results were higher than the reference dose, also their corresponding THQ values were higher than 1. The lead CR in all samples was less than 1 × 10-4, the upper limit used for acceptable cancer risk. Thus, there is no significant health risk to the consumer associated with bananas with contamination levels of Cd, Ni, but there is Pb risk for toddlers (12 kg of body weight) intake comparable to the one detected in the present study.

Physiological response, antioxidant enzyme activities and conservation of banana treated with ethanol vapor.

Ethanol can inhibit ethylene and retard decay of several fruit. However, the effect of ethanol on ethylene and oxidative stress has not yet been observed in bananas. In this work, the effect of ethanol (vapor phase) on physiology and conservation of the banana cv. 'Prata' was investigated. Initially, a group of bananas was analyzed during 8 h of exposure to ethanol, and then another group of bananas was exposed to ethanol for 4 h and then analyzed during 12 days of storage. Ethanol and ethylene concentrations, respiration rate, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, physico-chemical characteristics and fruit decay were evaluated. Ethanol reduced ethylene production and respiration rate of the banana only when it reached 4 h of exposure, and this was associated with a maximum absorption of ethanol in the fruit peel. Ethanol increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities from fruit peel only in the first 2 h of exposure to ethanol, i.e. ethanol did not generate significant oxidative stress. During storage, ethanol inhibited ethylene production and was also able to delay fruit decay, but it was not able to influence the respiration rate, conversion of sugars, and fresh weight loss of the fruits. This study showed that ethanol vapor has an inhibitory effect on ethylene metabolism, but it has no potential to control post-harvest ripening of the banana cv. 'Prata'. On the other hand, ethanol delays decay, and this extends fruit shelf life, which is commercially advantageous.

Simulating stress condition through compaction in banana plant cultivated In vitro / Mulação de estresse por compactação em bananeiras cultivadas In vitro

Banana cultivation is an agricultural activity practiced in different regions and constantly subjected to abiotic stresses that limit its productivity. To treat the effect of these stresses research can be undertake by simulating them in vitro since it limit the effect of the external factor in the experiment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to simulate the compaction in banana plant cultivated in vitro using Phytagel. To realize the experiment, we used MS culture medium with two distinct consistency added in the testing tubes. In the bottom part was added 10 mL of culture medium with consistency of jellification: 1.8, 2.8, 3.8, 4.8 and 5.8 g L-1 of Phytagel. Over this culture medium was added 5mL of half MS with consistency standard 1.8 g L-1 of Phytagel. Posteriorly, the planting materials from cultivar Grand Naine, BRS Vitória and BRS Princesa were inoculated in the growth medium. After 30 days of culture the plant materials were submitted for agronomic and physiological evaluation. The result showed non-significant difference among the compaction factors on physiological parameters however variety Grand Naine presents better performance in this character. Besides variety Grand Naine increased the rate of photosynthesis under compaction. This behaviour probably occurred due to overcoming the effect of stress by the variety. Therefore, it can be concluded that the cultivar Grand Naine is superior to cultivars BRS Vitória and BRS Princesa since it produces superior performance on rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration under simulated compaction conditions that favor the accumulation of plant biomass.

A bananicultura é uma atividade agrícola difundida em diferentes áreas e constantemente sujeita a estresses abióticos, os quais limitam sua produtividade. Para sanar o efeito dos estresses abióticos pesquisas podem ser simuladas in vitro, pois devido à característica de ambiente controlado pode proporcionar efeito puro do fator de estresse. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi simular a compactação em bananeiras cultivadas in vitro mediante o uso de Phytagel. Para instalação do experimento utilizou-se o meio de cultura MS em duas consistências distintas, adicionadas a tubos de ensaios. Na parte inferior desses, adicionou-se 10 mL do meio de cultura com distintas consistências de geleificação: 1,8; 2,8; 3,8; 4,8 e 5,8 g L-1 de Phytagel. Sobre este meio de cultura foi adicionado mais 5 mL de meio MS, mas na consistência padrão de 1,8 g L-1 de Phytagel. Posteriormente foram inoculados propágulos das cultivares Grand Naine, BRS Vitória e BRS Princesa. Aos 30 dias de cultivo o material vegetal foi submetido a avaliações fitotécnicas e fisiológicas. Observa-se que as variáveis fitotécnicas não foram significativas para o fator compactação e que a cultivar Grand Naine obteve maior desempenho nessa característica. Observa-se também que a cultivar Grand Naine aumenta sua taxa fotossintética mediante a compactação. Esse comportamento provavelmente ocorre visando a superação desse estresse e explica porque as variáveis fitotecnicas não são comprometidas. Portanto, conclui-se que a cultivar Grand Naine é superior as cultivares BRS Vitória e BRS Princesa, porque mediante a simulação de compactação apresenta superioridade em taxa fotossintética, condutância estomática e transpiração, favorecendo o acumulo de biomassa vegetal.

Utilization of unconventional lignocellulosic waste biomass for the biosorption of toxic triphenylmethane dye malachite green from aqueous solution.

Biosorption potential of novel lignocellulosic biosorbents Musa sp. peel (MSP) and Aegle marmelos shell (AMS) was investigated for the removal of toxic triphenylmethane dye malachite green (MG), from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were performed to study the biosorption characteristics of malachite green onto lignocellulosic biosorbents as a function of initial solution pH, initial malachite green concentration, biosorbents dosage, and temperature. Biosorption equilibrium data were fitted to two and three parameters isotherm models. Three-parameter isotherm models better described the equilibrium data. The maximum monolayer biosorption capacities obtained using the Langmuir model for MG removal using MSP and AMS was 47.61 and 18.86 mg/g, respectively. The biosorption kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fitted the experimental data, indicated the MG biosorption using MSP and AMS as chemisorption process. The removal of MG using AMS was found as highly dependent on the process temperature. The removal efficiency of MG showed declined effect at the higher concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2. The regeneration test of the biosorbents toward MG removal was successful up to three cycles.

Physicochemical characterization of banana fruit by univariate and multivariate procedures / Caracterização físico-química de frutos de bananeira por procedimentos uni e multivariados

Breeding genotypes need to be characterized and evaluated in different soil and climatic conditions. There are few studies on association between characters evaluated and their contribution to banana genetic diversity, being essential to guide genetic breeding programs. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characters of banana genotypes, to estimate associations between characters, to determine the relative importance of characters to study on genetic dissimilarity, and to indicate new genotypes to coastal plain region of Sergipe. Fruits from thirteen genotypes were used: Prata (FHIA-18, BRS Platina, PV94-01, BRS Garantida, YB42-47, Pacovan, and Prata Anã), Maçã (BRS Princesa, BRS Tropical, and Maçã), Ibota (Caipira), Gros Michel (Bucaneiro), and Mysore (Thap Maeo). The experimental design was randomized blocks, with thirteen genotypes and three replications. There is physicochemical variability of fruits between genotypes of same genomic group and subgroup, and between hybrids originated from same progenitor. Content of total sugars has greater contribution to genetic diversity among the genotypes, followed by fruit mass and pulp mass, and starch content in two cycles. Associations between fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit mass and pulp mass in two production cycles based on phenotypic correlation are highly significant. Hybrids FHIA-18, PA94-01, YB42-47, and BRS Tropical, BRS Princesa, and Bucaneiro cultivars are promising for recommendation on coastal plain regions.

Genótipos melhorados necessitam ser caracterizados e avaliados em diferentes condições edafoclimáticas. Existem poucos estudos sobre a associação entre os caracteres avaliados e sua contribuição para a diversidade genética da banana, sendo imprescindíveis para orientar programas de melhoramento genético. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar os caracteres físico-químicos de frutos de genótipos de bananeira, estimar as associações entre caracteres, determinar a importância relativa dos caracteres para o estudo da dissimilaridade genética e indicar novos genótipos para a região de Tabuleiros Costeiros de Sergipe. Foram utilizados frutos de treze genótipos: tipo Prata (FHIA-18, BRS Platina, PV94-01, BRS Garantida, YB42-47, Pacovan e Prata-Anã), Maçã (BRS Princesa, BRS Tropical e Maçã), Ibota (Caipira), Gros Michel (Bucaneiro) e o Mysore (Thap Maeo). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com treze genótipos e três repetições. Existe variabilidade físico-química dos frutos entre os genótipos do mesmo grupo genômico e subgrupo, e entre híbridos originados da mesma genitora. O teor de açúcares totais apresenta maior contribuição para a diversidade genética entre os genótipos, seguido da massa do fruto com e sem casca e teor de amido nos dois ciclos. As associações entre comprimento do fruto, o diâmetro, massa do fruto e da polpa nos dois ciclos de produção com base na correlação fenotípica são altamente significativas. Os híbridos FHIA-18, PA94-01, YB42-47 e as cultivares BRS Tropical, BRS Princesa e Bucaneiro são promissores para recomendação nos Tabuleiros Costeiros.

Sheep fed with banana leaf hay reduce ruminal protozoa population.

A ciliate protozoa suppression can reduce methane production increasing the energy efficiency utilization by ruminants. The physicochemical characteristics of rumen fluid and the profile of the rumen protozoa populations were evaluated for sheep fed banana leaf hay in replacement of the Cynodon dactylon cv. vaqueiro hay. A total of 30 male sheep were raised in intensive system during 15 days of adaptation and 63 days of experimental period. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design that included six replicates of five treatments with replacement levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of the grass vaquero for the banana leaf hay. Samples of fluid were collected directly from the rumen with sterile catheters. Color, odor, viscosity, and the methylene blue reduction potential (MBRP) were evaluated and pH estimated using a digital potentiometer. After decimal dilutions, counts of genus protozoa were performed in Sedgewick Rafter chambers. The averages of pH, MBRP, color, odor, and viscosity were not influenced by the inclusion of the banana leaf hay. However, the total number of protozoa and Entodinium spp. population significantly decreased at 75 and 100% inclusions of banana leaf hay as roughage.

Two banana cultivars differ in composition of potentially immunomodulatory mannan and arabinogalactan.

Banana (Musa acuminata and M. acuminata x M. balbisiana) fruit cell walls are rich in mannans, homogalacturonans and xylogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I, and arabinogalactans, certain forms of which is considered to have immunomodulatory activity. The cultivars Nanicão and Thap Maeo represent two widely variants with respect to compositional differences in the forms of these polysaccharides. Nanicão has low amounts of mannan in the water-insoluble and water-soluble fraction. Both cultivars have high amounts of water-soluble arabinogalactan. These commelinoid monocots lack the (1→3),(1→4)-ß-d-glucans of grasses, but Thap Maeo has higher amounts of non-starch glucans associated with wild species than does Nanicão. High amount of callose was found in both cultivars. As immunomodulatory activity is associated with the fine structure and interaction of these polysaccharides, breeding programs to introgress disease resistance from wild species must account for these special structural features in retaining fruit quality and beneficial properties.

Cultivation Versus Molecular Analysis of Banana (Musa sp.) Shoot-Tip Tissue Reveals Enormous Diversity of Normally Uncultivable Endophytic Bacteria.

The interior of plants constitutes a unique environment for microorganisms with various organisms inhabiting as endophytes. Unlike subterranean plant parts, aboveground parts are relatively less explored for endophytic microbial diversity. We employed a combination of cultivation and molecular approaches to study the endophytic bacterial diversity in banana shoot-tips. Cultivable bacteria from 20 sucker shoot-tips of cv. Grand Naine included 37 strains under 16 genera and three phyla (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes). 16S rRNA gene-ribotyping approach on 799f and 1492r PCR-amplicons to avoid plant organelle sequences was ineffective showing limited bacterial diversity. 16S rRNA metagene profiling targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region after filtering out the chloroplast (74.2 %), mitochondrial (22.9 %), and unknown sequences (1.1 %) revealed enormous bacterial diversity. Proteobacteria formed the predominant phylum (64 %) succeeded by Firmicutes (12.1 %), Actinobacteria (9.5 %), Bacteroidetes (6.4 %), Planctomycetes, Cyanobacteria, and minor shares (<1 %) of 14 phyla including several candidate phyla besides the domain Euryarchaeota (0.2 %). Microbiome analysis of single shoot-tips through 16S rRNA V3 region profiling showed similar taxonomic richness and diversity and was less affected by plant sequence interferences. DNA extraction kit ominously influenced the phylogenetic diversity. The study has revealed vast diversity of normally uncultivable endophytic bacteria prevailing in banana shoot-tips (20 phyla, 46 classes) with about 2.6 % of the deciphered 269 genera and 1.5 % of the 656 observed species from the same source of shoot-tips attained through cultivation. The predominant genera included several agriculturally important bacteria. The study reveals an immense ecosystem of endophytic bacteria in banana shoot tissues endorsing the earlier documentation of intracellular "Cytobacts" and "Peribacts" with possible roles in plant holobiome and hologenome.

Wild Banana Seed Phytobezoar Rectal Impaction Causing Intestinal Obstruction.

Wild banana (Musa acuminata subsp. microcarpa) seed phytobezoar rectal impaction in adult is a rare entity. Here, we report a 75-year-old male with dementia who presented with lower abdominal pain, per-rectal bleeding and overflow faecal incontinence. Our investigation discovered a large wild banana seed phytobezoar impacted in the rectum causing intestinal obstruction, stercoral ulcer and faecal overflow incontinence. In this article, we discuss the patient's clinical findings, imaging and management. The culprit plant was identified and depicted. This may be the first report of its kind. Public consumption of these wild bananas should be curtailed. It is hoped that this report would increase the awareness of such condition and its identification.

Microencapsulação de frutos de Musa cv. Vitória / Frutas microencapsulación de Musa cv. Vitória / Microencapsulation of fruits of Musa cv. Vitória

Introdução: Musa sp., Musaceae, conhecida como bananeira, abundante no Brasil sendo utilizada para fins alimentares. Objetivos: microencapsular extratos de frutos de Musa sp. visando o desenvolvimento de material-prima enriquecida de polifenóis para formulação de alimentos funcionais. Métodos: os frutos de Musa cv. Vitória foram fornecidos pelo Incaper (Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa, Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural). Empregou-se extrato hidroalcóolico acidificado de frutos de banana. Determinações de polifenóis totais, taninos e flavonoides foram realizadas por método colorimétrico de Folin-Ciocalteau e complexação com cloreto de alumínio. A avaliação do potencial antioxidante foi realizada por ensaio de redução do radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Microencapsulação realizada com dois biopolímeros. Fez-se uma análise de conservação de fenólicos com os microencapsulados. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05) e pelo teste de Mann-Whitney (p < 0,05). Resultados: a quantificação de fenólicos totais foi de 251,98 ± 0,1 mg/g de amostra e de taninos foi de 179,89 ± 0,01 mg/g de amostra. O teor de flavonoides totais foi abaixo do limite de quantificação. A atividade antioxidante por redução do radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl teve CI50 > 5 mg/mL. A quantificação inicial nas microcápsulas em goma arábica de polifenóis totais e apresentou-se maior quando comparada à maltodextrina. Após o armazenamento do material, 12 dias, a -5 ºC, a goma arábica preservou os polifenóis e taninos em comparação à maltodextrina. Conclusões: pode-se empregar o extrato Musa cv. para matéria-prima como fonte de fenólicos totais e taninos. Em comparação dos biopolímeros utilizados, demonstrou-se que a maltodextrina tem menor capacidade de conservação de fenólicos totais e taninos(AU)

Introducción: Musa sp., Musaceae, conocido como plátano, abundante en Brasil se utiliza para fines alimenticios. Objetivos: microencapsular extractos de frutas microencapsulado de Musa sp. para el desarrollo de la materia prima enriquecida con polifenoles para la formulación de los alimentos funcionales. Métodos: los frutos de Musa cv. Vitória fueron proporcionados por Incaper (Capixaba Instituto de Investigación, Asistencia Técnica y Extensión Rural), Espírito Santo, Brasil. Preparación del extracto hidroalcohólico acidificado de frutos de plátano verde. Determinación de polifenoles totales, taninos y flavonoides fueron realizadas por colorimétria de Folin-Ciocalteu y complejación con cloruro de aluminio. Se realizó la evaluación del potencial antioxidante mediante el ensayo de reducción radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo. La microencapsulación se realiza con dos biopolímeros. Hubo un análisis de la conservación fenólico con microencapsulado. Los resultados fueron sometidos a análisis de varianza y las medias se compararon mediante la prueba de Tukey (p <0,05) y pela prueba de Mann-Whitney (p <0,05). Resultados: la cuantificación de fenoles totales fue 251,98 ± 0,1 mg/g de muestra y taninos fue 179,89 ± 0,01 mg/g de muestra. El contenido total de flavonoides estaba por debajo del límite de cuantificación. La actividad antioxidante por reducción radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo tenía IC50> 5 mg/mL. La cuantificación de los polifenoles totales y taninos que comienzan con el material microencapsulado acacia presentado sea mayor que con maltodextrina. Después del almacenamiento del material a -5 °C se cuantificó fenoles totales y taninos. La cuantificación de la maltodextrina ha demostrado una mayor pérdida de metabolitos. Conclusiones: se puede emplear el extracto de Musa cv. para materia-prima como fuente de fenoles totales y taninos. En biopolímeros de comparación utilizado, se demostró que la maltodextrina tiene una menor capacidad para preservar fenoles totales y taninos(AU)

Introduction: Musa sp., Musaceae, known as banana, abundant in Brazil being used for food purposes. Objectives: To microencapsulate fruit extracts of Musa cv. Vitória, for the development of raw material enriched with polyphenols for formulation of functional foods. Methods: The fruits of Musa cv. Vitória were provided by Incaper (Capixaba Institute of Research, Technical Assistance and Rural Extension). We applied acidified hydroalcoholic extract of banana fruit. Determinations of total polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids were performed by colorimetric method of Folin-Ciocalteu method and, complexation with aluminum chloride. Evaluation of antioxidant activity assay was performed by reduction of the radical 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Microencapsulation performed with two biopolymers. There was a phenolic analysis with conservation microencapsulated. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey test and by Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05). Results: The quantification of total phenolics and tannins was 251.98 ± 0.1 mg / g sample and 179.89 ± 0.01 mg / g sample, respectively. The total flavonoid content was below the limit of quantification. The antioxidant activity by DPPH had IC50 > 5 mg / mL. The initial quantification in microcapsules in gum arabic total polyphenols and was higher compared to maltodextrin. After storage of the material 12 days, -5 °C, gum arabic preserved polyphenols and tannins compared to maltodextrin. Conclusion: Can use the Musa cv. extract for raw materials as a source of total phenolics and tannins. In comparison of biopolymers used, it was demonstrated that the maltodextrin has a lower retention capacity for total phenolics and tannins(AU)

Effects Due to Rhizospheric Soil Application of an Antagonistic Bacterial Endophyte on Native Bacterial Community and Its Survival in Soil: A Case Study with Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Banana.

Effective translation of research findings from laboratory to agricultural fields is essential for the success of biocontrol or growth promotion trials employing beneficial microorganisms. The rhizosphere is to be viewed holistically as a dynamic ecological niche comprising of diverse microorganisms including competitors and noxious antagonists to the bio-inoculant. This study was undertaken to assess the effects due to the soil application of an endophytic bacterium with multiple pathogen antagonistic potential on native bacterial community and its sustenance in agricultural soil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was employed as a model system considering its frequent isolation as an endophyte, wide antagonistic effects reported against different phytopathogens and soil pests, and that the species is a known human pathogen which makes its usage in agriculture precarious. Employing the strain 'GNS.13.2a' from banana, its survival in field soil and the effects upon soil inoculation were investigated by monitoring total culturable bacterial fraction as the representative indicator of soil microbial community. Serial dilution plating of uninoculated control versus P. aeruginosa inoculated soil from banana rhizosphere indicated a significant reduction in native bacterial cfu soon after inoculation compared with control soil as assessed on cetrimide- nalidixic acid selective medium against nutrient agar. Sampling on day-4 showed a significant reduction in P. aeruginosa cfu in inoculated soil and a continuous dip thereafter registering >99% reduction within 1 week while the native bacterial population resurged with cfu restoration on par with control. This was validated in contained trials with banana plants. Conversely, P. aeruginosa showed static cfu or proliferation in axenic-soil. Lateral introduction of soil microbiome in P. aeruginosa established soil under axenic conditions or its co-incubation with soil microbiota in suspension indicated significant adverse effects by native microbial community. Direct agar-plate challenge assays with individual environmental bacterial isolates displayed varying interactive or antagonistic effects. In effect, the application of P. aeruginosa in rhizospheric soil did not serve any net benefit in terms of sustained survival. Conversely, it caused a disturbance to the native soil bacterial community. The findings highlight the need for monitoring the bio-inoculant(s) in field-soil and assessing the interactive effects with native microbial community before commercial recommendation. varying interactive or antagonistic effects. In effect, the application of P. aeruginosa in rhizospheric soil did not serve any net benefit in terms of sustained survival. Conversely, it caused a disturbance to the native soil bacterial community. The findings highlight the need for monitoring the bio-inoculant(s) in field-soil and assessing the interactive effects with native microbial community before commercial recommendation.

How endogenous plant pararetroviruses shed light on Musa evolution.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Banana genomes harbour numerous copies of viral sequences derived from banana streak viruses (BSVs) - dsDNA viruses belonging to the family Caulimoviridae.These viral integrants (eBSVs) are mostly defective, probably as a result of 'pseudogenization' driven by host genome evolution. However, some can give rise to infection by releasing a functional viral genome following abiotic stresses. These distinct infective eBSVs correspond to the three main widespread BSV species (BSOLV, BSGFV and BSIMV), fully described within the Musa balbisiana B genomes of the seedy diploid 'Pisang Klutuk Wulung' (PKW). METHODS: We characterize eBSV distribution among a Musa sampling including seedy BB diploids and interspecific hybrids with Musa acuminate exhibiting different levels of ploidy for the B genome (ABB, AAB, AB). We used representative samples of the two areas of sympatry between M. acuminate and M. balbisiana species representing the native area of the most widely cultivated AAB cultivars (in India and in East Asia, ranging from the Philippines to New Guinea). Seventy-seven accessions were characterized using eBSV-related PCR markers and Southern hybridization approaches. We coded both sets of results to create a common dissimilarity matrix with which to interpret eBSV distribution. KEY RESULTS: We propose a Musa phylogeny driven by the M. balbisiana genome based on a dendrogram resulting from a joint neighbour-joining analysis of the three BSV species, showing for the first time lineages between BB and ABB/AAB hybrids. eBSVs appear to be relevant phylogenetic markers that can illustrate theM. balbisiana phylogeography story. CONCLUSION: The theoretical implications of this study for further elucidation of the historical and geographical process of Musa domestication are numerous. Discovery of banana plants with B genome non-infective for eBSV opens the way to the introduction of new genitors in programmes of genetic banana improvement.

Improvement of polyvinyl alcohol properties by adding nanocrystalline cellulose isolated from banana pseudostems.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) isolated from banana pseudostems fibers (BPF) of the Pacovan variety were used as fillers in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) matrix to yield a nanocomposite. The fibers from the external fractions of the BPF were alkaline bleached and hydrolyzed under acidic conditions (H2SO4 62% w/w, 70 min, 45 °C) to obtain CNCs with a length (L) of 135.0 ± 12.0 nm and a diameter (D) of 7.2 ± 1.9 nm to yield an aspect ratio (L/D) of 21.2. The CNCs were applied to PVOH films at different concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% w/w, dry basis). With higher concentrations of CNCs, the water-vapor barrier of the films increased, while the optical properties changed very little. Increasing the concentration of the CNCs up to 3% significantly improved the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite.