Ecological-niche modeling reveals current opportunities for Agave dryland farming in Sonora, Mexico and Arizona, USA.

For centuries, humans occupying arid regions of North America have maintained an intricate relationship with Agave (Agavoideae, Asparagaceae). Today Agave cultivation, primarily for beverage production, provides an economic engine for rural communities throughout Mexico. Among known dryland-farming methods, the use of rock piles and cattle-grazed areas stand out as promising approaches for Agave cultivation. Identifying new cultivation areas to apply these approaches in Arizona, USA and Sonora, Mexico warrants a geographic assessment of areas outside the known ranges of rock piles and grasslands. The objective of this study was to predict areas for dryland-farming of Agave and develop models to identify potential areas for Agave cultivation. We used maximum entropy (MaxEnt) ecological-niche-modeling algorithms to predict suitable areas for Agave dryland farming. The model was parameterized using occurrence records of Hohokam rock piles in Arizona and grassland fields cultivated with Agave in Sonora. Ten environmental-predictor variables were used in the model, downloaded from the WorldClim 2 climate database. The model identified potential locations for using rock piles as dryland-farming methods from south-central Arizona to northwestern Sonora. The Agave-grassland model indicated that regions from central to southern Sonora have the highest potential for cultivation of Agave, particularly for the species Agave angustifolia. Results suggest that there are many suitable areas where rock piles can be used to cultivate Agave in the Sonoran Desert, particularly in the border of southeastern Arizona and northwest Sonora. Likewise, cattle-grazing grasslands provide a viable environment for cultivating Agave in southern Sonora, where the expanding bacanora-beverage industry continues to grow and where different Agave products (e.g., syrups, fructans, saponins, and medicinal compounds) can potentially strengthen local economies.

Weak crassulacean acid metabolism and other xerophytic adaptive traits in the genus Beaucarnea Lem. (Asparagaceae).

The genus Beaucarnea (Asparagaceae) has economic value as an ornamental plant but also has ecological importance. Nonetheless, habitat, physiological traits and growth parameters of this genus remain largely unknown. We characterized the environmental ranges of Beaucarnea inermis, B. gracilis and B. pliabilis; and screened for the presence of physiological adaptations to drought (biomass allocation, presence of crassulacean acid metabolism [CAM] and its effect on plant water use). We performed experiments in 3- and 5-year-old nursery-grown plants of the three species, measured dry mass accumulation in leaves/stems/roots and screened for CAM using gas exchange, titratable acidity and δ13 C. We performed a second experiment on the water and light use responses of B. pliabilis under drought treatment. We found that B. gracilis was limited to xerophytic scrubs (precipitation >400 mm yr-1 ), while B. pliabilis and B. inermis (precipitation >500 and 700 mm year-1 , respectively) inhabited dry forests. Beaucarnea gracilis had the lowest dry mass and allocation to leaves, while B. inermis showed the opposite pattern. Only B. pliabilis exhibited small but significant acid fluctuations, characterized as weak CAM, along with high proline content. Acid concentration contributed in 2.7% of the daily carbon during the wet season but represented most of the carbon in the dry season, under closed stomata and had an important contribution to osmolality. Thus, CAM is described for the first time in the genus Beaucarnea, but was only present in one of three species, warranting exploration of this metabolism in the remaining species of this genus.

High genetic diversity and low structure in an endemic long-lived tree, Yucca capensis (Asparagaceae).

Endemic species distributed in fragmented habitats are highly vulnerable to extinction because they may have low genetic diversity. However, some life-history traits can mitigate the effect of genetic drift on populations. We analysed the level and distribution of genetic variation and ancestral population size of Yucca capensis, a long-lived endemic plant of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Its populations are scattered across a habitat that is suffering accelerated transformation. We used six nuclear microsatellites to genotype 224 individuals from 17 locations across the entire species' geographic range. We estimated polymorphisms, heterozygosity and genetic structure. We also evaluated the ancestral and recent effective size and time since the population started to change. We found high heterozygosity, high polymorphism and low differentiation among locations, suggesting a panmictic population across the range. We also detected a large ancestral effective population size, which suffered a strong reduction in the Mid-Holocene. Despite changes in environmental conditions caused by habitat modification, the high diversity and low differentiation in Y. capensis may result from its large ancestral effective size and life-history traits, such as plant longevity, clonal growth and mating system, which reduce the rate of loss of genetic variation. However, the dependence on a specialist pollinator that displays short flight range can reduce gene flow among the plant populations and could, shortly, lead them into an extinction vortex.

Understanding the Biosynthetic Changes that Give Origin to the Distinctive Flavor of Sotol: Microbial Identification and Analysis of the Volatile Metabolites Profiles During Sotol (Dasylirion sp.) Must Fermentation.

In northern Mexico, the distilled spirit sotol with a denomination of origin is made from species of Dasylirion. The configuration of the volatile metabolites produced during the spontaneous fermentation of Dasylirion sp. must is insufficiently understood. In this study, the aim was to investigate the composition of the microbial consortia, describe the variation of volatile metabolites, and relate such profiles with their particular flavor attributes during the fermentation of sotol (Dasylirion sp.) must. Ascomycota was the phylum of most strains identified with 75% of total abundance. The genus of fermenting yeasts constituted of 101 Pichia strains and 13 Saccharomyces strains. A total of 57 volatile metabolites were identified and grouped into ten classes. The first stage of fermentation was composed of diesel, green, fruity, and cheesy attributes due to butyl 2-methylpropanoate, octan-1-ol, ethyl octanoate, and butanal, respectively, followed by a variation to pungent and sweet descriptors due to 3-methylbutan-1-ol and butyl 2-methylpropanoate. The final stage was described by floral, ethereal-winey, and vinegar attributes related to ethyl ethanimidate, 2-methylpropan-1-ol, and 2-hydroxyacetic acid. Our results improve the knowledge of the variations of volatile metabolites during the fermentation of sotol must and their contribution to its distinctive flavor.

Insects associated with the genus Agave spp. (Asparagaceae) in Mexico.

We present a synthesis of the insects reported associated with plants of the genus Agave L. (Asparagaceae) in Mexico, through a detailed review of published records. This work includes two checklists: the first include the species of insects collected in Agave, name of their hosts, their geographical distribution, notes on their biology and, references. Natural enemies of the insects associated with agaves are included in the second checklist with their geographical distribution, insect species host and, references. We found 273 species of insects collected in different Agave species. These species belong to 63 families and 7 orders. The orders of insects with the highest number of species are Coleoptera with 118 species and, Hemiptera with 65. The natural enemies of insects collected in agaves were 98 species from 18 families and 6 orders. The genera Aphytis and Encarsia (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) grouped the largest number of natural enemies of insects that were recorded in Agave with 15 and 10 species, respectively. Insects were collected from 42 species of Agave, of which 25 are endemic to Mexico. This study provides biological information on Mexican insects captured in Agave and, their natural enemies. The need for the conservation of these plants and associated insects is highlighted.

Healing of Gladioulus grandiflora corms and Fusarium oxysporum infection.

Gladiolus grandiflorus L. is highly susceptible to Fusarium and losses caused by this disease varies from 60% to 100%. Injuries caused during harvest, transport and inadequate storage, facilitate infection. The dynamics of wound healing can reduce infection by Fusarium. The objective was to characterize the wound healing in corms of G. grandiflora stored under refrigeration and how it affects the entry and establishment of F. oxysporum f. sp. gladioli infection. Corms were wounded and stored at 12 ± 4°C and relative humidity of 90 ± 5%. Cell damage, fresh weight loss, respiration, phenolic compounds, tissue darkening, suberization, lignification and resistance to infection were evaluated. Wounds on corms caused transepidermal damage with collapse and cell death. Physiological (increased loss of mass and respiration) and biochemical changes (deposition of lignin and suberin, enzymatic activity) occurred in the cells neighboring those death by the injury. The injury caused gradual darkening of the tissue, injured and neighbor. Fusarium oxysporum infection decreased with wound healing. The healing of injured G. grandiflora corms stored at 12ºC occurs from the 3rd day after injury by the accumulation of suberin, lignin, and melanin, inhibiting F. oxysporum f. sp. gladioli infection.

Chemical, physical and mineralogical attributes of the soils of the Sertanejo pediplain in the sisal-growing areas of the semiarid Bahia / Atributos químicos, físicos e mineralógicos de solos do Pediplano Sertanejo cultivado com sisal no semiárido baiano

Information and available knowledge of the soils of the Sertanejo pediplain are relatively scarce and restricted to survey data. Researches about soil characterization and classification contributes to the knowledge of different soil orders within a region and allows information to be obtained systemically based on the physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of the soil. This study aimed to evaluate the genesis of the Sertanejo pediplain soils, through the characterization of the chemical and mineralogical properties and classification of the soils of the sisal-growing region. Five soil profiles located in Araci, Retirolândia, St. Dominic, and Valente, cities located in the sisal-growing areas of the Bahia semiarid region, were studied, described morphologically, and analyzed for chemical (pH H2O and KCl, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Al3+, H+ + Al3+, P, and TOC) and mineralogical attributes. Most evaluated soil classes were formed by lithological discontinuity of material. The main processes involved in the formation of such soil classes were: cumulization, accretion, and lessivage. The mineralogy of the clay fraction observed was complex and included a variety of minerals, with a predominance of kaolinite and bayerite. In addition, we also found goethite and illite in most of the studied profiles, both in the sediment, horizons P1 C2, and in the crystalline horizon P1 Cr, P2 Bi, P3 2Cr, and P5 Bi. The soils were classified up to the fourth category level, as Entisol Eutrophic Inceptisol (RRE), Alfisols Haplic typical Eutrophic (SXE), and Inceptisols Ta Eutrophic vertissólico (CXve).(AU)

As informações e o conhecimento disponível sobre os solos presentes no Pediplano Sertanejo são relativamente escassas, restringindo-se a informações produzidas pelos levantamentos em nível exploratório ou de reconhecimento. Pesquisas pedológicas sobre caracterização, mineralogia e classificação de solos, contribuem para o conhecimento das diversas ordens de solo de uma região e permitem sistematizar informações sobre os atributos físicos, químicos e mineralógicos dos solos. Este estudo objetivou determinar as propriedades químicas e mineralógicas, bem como a classificação de solos do Pediplano Sertanejo, representativos da região sisaleira. Cinco perfis de solos localizados nos municípios de em Araci, Retirolândia, São Domingos e Valente pertencentes à região sisaleira, semiárido baiano, foram abertos, descritos morfologicamente e analisados nos seus atributos químicos (pH em água e KCl, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Al3+, H+ +Al3+, P e C) e mineralógicos. A maioria das classes de solos avaliadas são formadas por descontinuidade litológica. Os principais processos envolvidos na formação das classes de solos foram: cumulização, agradação e lessivagem. A mineralogia da fração argila observada é complexa e composta de uma variedade de minerais, com predomínio da caulinita e bayerita. Além destes, também foram encontrados goethita e ilita na maioria dos perfis estudados, tanto no sedimento, nos horizontes P1 C2, como no cristalino, horizontes P1 Cr, P2 Bi, P3 2Cr e P5 Bi. Os solos foram classificados, até o quarto nível categórico, como: Neossolo Regolítico Eutrófico léptico (RRe); Planossolo Háplico Eutrófico típico (SXe) e Cambissolo Háplico Ta Eutrófico vertissólico (CXve).(AU)

Chemical, physical and mineralogical attributes of the soils of the Sertanejo pediplain in the sisal-growing areas of the semiarid Bahia / Atributos químicos, físicos e mineralógicos de solos do Pediplano Sertanejo cultivado com sisal no semiárido baiano

Information and available knowledge of the soils of the Sertanejo pediplain are relatively scarce and restricted to survey data. Researches about soil characterization and classification contributes to the knowledge of different soil orders within a region and allows information to be obtained systemically based on the physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of the soil. This study aimed to evaluate the genesis of the Sertanejo pediplain soils, through the characterization of the chemical and mineralogical properties and classification of the soils of the sisal-growing region. Five soil profiles located in Araci, Retirolândia, St. Dominic, and Valente, cities located in the sisal-growing areas of the Bahia semiarid region, were studied, described morphologically, and analyzed for chemical (pH H2O and KCl, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Al3+, H+ + Al3+, P, and TOC) and mineralogical attributes. Most evaluated soil classes were formed by lithological discontinuity of material. The main processes involved in the formation of such soil classes were: cumulization, accretion, and lessivage. The mineralogy of the clay fraction observed was complex and included a variety of minerals, with a predominance of kaolinite and bayerite. In addition, we also found goethite and illite in most of the studied profiles, both in the sediment, horizons P1 C2, and in the crystalline horizon P1 Cr, P2 Bi, P3 2Cr, and P5 Bi. The soils were classified up to the fourth category level, as Entisol Eutrophic Inceptisol (RRE), Alfisols Haplic typical Eutrophic (SXE), and Inceptisols Ta Eutrophic vertissólico (CXve).

As informações e o conhecimento disponível sobre os solos presentes no Pediplano Sertanejo são relativamente escassas, restringindo-se a informações produzidas pelos levantamentos em nível exploratório ou de reconhecimento. Pesquisas pedológicas sobre caracterização, mineralogia e classificação de solos, contribuem para o conhecimento das diversas ordens de solo de uma região e permitem sistematizar informações sobre os atributos físicos, químicos e mineralógicos dos solos. Este estudo objetivou determinar as propriedades químicas e mineralógicas, bem como a classificação de solos do Pediplano Sertanejo, representativos da região sisaleira. Cinco perfis de solos localizados nos municípios de em Araci, Retirolândia, São Domingos e Valente pertencentes à região sisaleira, semiárido baiano, foram abertos, descritos morfologicamente e analisados nos seus atributos químicos (pH em água e KCl, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Al3+, H+ +Al3+, P e C) e mineralógicos. A maioria das classes de solos avaliadas são formadas por descontinuidade litológica. Os principais processos envolvidos na formação das classes de solos foram: cumulização, agradação e lessivagem. A mineralogia da fração argila observada é complexa e composta de uma variedade de minerais, com predomínio da caulinita e bayerita. Além destes, também foram encontrados goethita e ilita na maioria dos perfis estudados, tanto no sedimento, nos horizontes P1 C2, como no cristalino, horizontes P1 Cr, P2 Bi, P3 2Cr e P5 Bi. Os solos foram classificados, até o quarto nível categórico, como: Neossolo Regolítico Eutrófico léptico (RRe); Planossolo Háplico Eutrófico típico (SXe) e Cambissolo Háplico Ta Eutrófico vertissólico (CXve).

Improving the Organoleptic Properties of a Craft Mezcal Beverage by Increasing Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester Contents through ATF1 Expression in an Engineered Kluyveromyces marxianus UMPe-1 Yeast.

Mezcal, a traditional beverage that originated in Mexico, is produced from species of the Agavaceae family. The esters associated with the yeasts utilized during fermentation are important for improving the organoleptic properties of the beverage. We improved the ester contents in a mezcal beverage by using the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus, which was engineered with the ATF1 gene. ATF1 expression in the recombinant yeast significantly increased compared with that in the parental yeast, but its fermentative parameters were unchanged. Volatile-organic-compound-content analysis showed that esters had significantly increased in the mezcal produced with the engineered yeast. In a sensory-panel test, 48% of the panelists preferred the mezcal produced from the engineered yeast, 30% preferred the mezcal produced from the wild type, and 15 and 7% preferred the two mezcal types produced following the routine procedure. Correlation analysis showed that the fruitiness/sweetness description of the mezcal produced using the ATF1-engineered K. marxianus yeast correlated with the content of the esters, whose presence improved the organoleptic properties of the craft mezcal beverage.

Influência de Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. sobre a sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução de Subulina octona (Brugüiére, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae) / Influence of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. on the survival, growth and reproduction of Subulina octona (Brugüiére, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae)

Subulina octona is a terrestrial mollusc found in gardens andplantations which may act as intermediate host for helminths and as vector for various pathogens. Furcraeafoetida is a naturalized plant, commonly used as ornament or as hedge. It has steroidal saponins on its secondarymetabolism, which are promising substances for mollusc control. The use of vegetal molluscicides has beenstudied for pest control since they are not as aggressive for both men and the environment and they may bea less toxic alternative for controlling these animals. This study aimed to analyze the influence of F. foetida onthe survival, growth and reproduction of S. octona. In order to assess the effect of the aqueous extract of thesap of F. foetida, the direct contact and indirect contact bioassays were used on S octona eggs, immatures andadults in laboratory conditions. Phytochemical analysis of F. foetida sap indicated presence of saponin in theleaves. The aqueous extract of F. foetida sap influenced on the survival and hatching of eggs in direct contact(without subtract) and indirect contact (with subtract); on the other hand, it had no influence on the growthor reproduction of S. octona. Immature and adult mortality rates were 100% in direct contact assays, and therewas significant difference for indirect contact assays regarding blank and negative control groups, which makesF. foetida sap a promising option for S. octona control.

Subulina octona é um molusco terrestre encontrado em jardins e culturas agrícolas, pode atuar comohospedeiro intermediário de helmintos e como vetor de vários patógenos. Furcraea foetida é uma planta naturalizada,muito usada para a ornamentação e cerca viva. Possui em seu metabolismo secundário saponinasesteroidais que são substâncias promissoras no controle de moluscos. O uso de moluscicidas de origem vegetaltem sido estudado para o controle de pragas, pois agridem menos o ambiente e ao homem, podendo ser uma alternativa menos tóxicas para o controle desses animais. O presente trabalho como objetivo avaliar a influênciade F. foetida sobre a sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução de S. octona. Para avaliar o efeito do extratoaquoso da seiva de F. foetida, foram utilizados o teste de contato direto e contato indireto sobre ovos, jovense adultos de S. octona em condições de laboratório. A análise fitoquímica da seiva de F. foetida acusou a presençade saponina nas folhas. O extrato aquoso da seiva de F. foetida influenciou na sobrevivência e eclosão deovos no contato direto (sem substrato) e contato indireto (com substrato), por outro lado, não influenciou nocrescimento e na reprodução de S. octona. A mortalidade de jovens e adultos foi de 100% para os tratamentosdo experimento com contato direto e houve diferença significativa para os tratamentos do experimento comcontato indireto em relação ao controle branco e o negativo. Tornando a seiva de F. foetida, promissora para.

Influência de Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. sobre a sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução de Subulina octona (Brugüiére, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae) / Influence of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. on the survival, growth and reproduction of Subulina octona (Brugüiére, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae).

Subulina octona is a terrestrial mollusc found in gardens andplantations which may act as intermediate host for helminths and as vector for various pathogens. Furcraeafoetida is a naturalized plant, commonly used as ornament or as hedge. It has steroidal saponins on its secondarymetabolism, which are promising substances for mollusc control. The use of vegetal molluscicides has beenstudied for pest control since they are not as aggressive for both men and the environment and they may bea less toxic alternative for controlling these animals. This study aimed to analyze the influence of F. foetida onthe survival, growth and reproduction of S. octona. In order to assess the effect of the aqueous extract of thesap of F. foetida, the direct contact and indirect contact bioassays were used on S octona eggs, immatures andadults in laboratory conditions. Phytochemical analysis of F. foetida sap indicated presence of saponin in theleaves. The aqueous extract of F. foetida sap influenced on the survival and hatching of eggs in direct contact(without subtract) and indirect contact (with subtract); on the other hand, it had no influence on the growthor reproduction of S. octona. Immature and adult mortality rates were 100% in direct contact assays, and therewas significant difference for indirect contact assays regarding blank and negative control groups, which makesF. foetida sap a promising option for S. octona control.(AU)

Subulina octona é um molusco terrestre encontrado em jardins e culturas agrícolas, pode atuar comohospedeiro intermediário de helmintos e como vetor de vários patógenos. Furcraea foetida é uma planta naturalizada,muito usada para a ornamentação e cerca viva. Possui em seu metabolismo secundário saponinasesteroidais que são substâncias promissoras no controle de moluscos. O uso de moluscicidas de origem vegetaltem sido estudado para o controle de pragas, pois agridem menos o ambiente e ao homem, podendo ser uma alternativa menos tóxicas para o controle desses animais. O presente trabalho como objetivo avaliar a influênciade F. foetida sobre a sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução de S. octona. Para avaliar o efeito do extratoaquoso da seiva de F. foetida, foram utilizados o teste de contato direto e contato indireto sobre ovos, jovense adultos de S. octona em condições de laboratório. A análise fitoquímica da seiva de F. foetida acusou a presençade saponina nas folhas. O extrato aquoso da seiva de F. foetida influenciou na sobrevivência e eclosão deovos no contato direto (sem substrato) e contato indireto (com substrato), por outro lado, não influenciou nocrescimento e na reprodução de S. octona. A mortalidade de jovens e adultos foi de 100% para os tratamentosdo experimento com contato direto e houve diferença significativa para os tratamentos do experimento comcontato indireto em relação ao controle branco e o negativo. Tornando a seiva de F. foetida, promissora para. (AU)

A Rapid and Reliable Method for Total Protein Extraction from Succulent Plants for Proteomic Analysis.

Crassulacean acid metabolism plants have some morphological features, such as succulent and reduced leaves, thick cuticles, and sunken stomata that help them prevent excessive water loss and irradiation. As molecular constituents of these morphological adaptations to xeric environments, succulent plants produce a set of specific compounds such as complex polysaccharides, pigments, waxes, and terpenoids, to name a few, in addition to uncharacterized proteases. Since all these compounds interfere with the analysis of proteins by electrophoretic techniques, preparation of high quality samples from these sources represents a real challenge. The absence of adequate protocols for protein extraction has restrained the study of this class of plants at the molecular level. Here, we present a rapid and reliable protocol that could be accomplished in 1 h and applied to a broad range of plants with reproducible results. We were able to obtain well-resolved SDS/PAGE protein patterns in extracts from different members of the subfamilies Agavoideae (Agave, Yucca, Manfreda, and Furcraea), Nolinoideae (Dasylirion and Beucarnea), and the Cactaceae family. This method is based on the differential solubility of contaminants and proteins in the presence of acetone and pH-altered solutions. We speculate about the role of saponins and high molecular weight carbohydrates to produce electrophoretic-compatible samples. A modification of the basic protocol allowed the analysis of samples by bidimensional electrophoresis (2DE) for proteomic analysis. Furostanol glycoside 26-O-ß-glucosidase (an enzyme involved in steroid saponin synthesis) was successfully identified by mass spectrometry analysis and de novo sequencing of a 2DE spot from an Agave attenuata sample.

Steroidal Saponins from Furcraea hexapetala Leaves and Their Phytotoxic Activity.

Four new steroidal saponins (1-4) along with 13 known saponins were isolated from the leaves of Furcraea hexapetala. The new compounds were identified as (20R,22R,25R)-3ß-hydroxy-5α-spirostan-12-one 3-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-ß-d-galactopyranoside} (1), (25R)-3ß-hydroxy-5α-spirost-20(21)-en-12-one 3-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-ß-d-galactopyranoside} (2), (25R)-5α-spirostan-3ß-ol 3-O-{ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-ß-d-galactopyranoside} (3), and (25R)-5ß-spirostan-3ß-ol 3-O-{ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-ß-d-galactopyranoside} (4) by spectroscopic analysis, including one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques, mass spectrometry, and chemical methods. The phytotoxicity of the isolated compounds against the standard target species Lactuca sativa was evaluated. Structure-activity relationships for these compounds with respect to phytotoxic effects are discussed.

New Homoisoflavanes, a New Alkaloid and Spirostane Steroids from the Roots of Herreria montevidensis Klotzsch ex Griseb. (Herreriaceae).

The roots of the South American vine Herreria montevidensis Klotzsch ex Griseb. (Herreriaceae) are used in traditional medicine by several Amerindian groups of the Paraguayan Chaco. Little is known on the chemistry of the plant, despite its widespread use across the South American Chaco. From the ethyl acetate/methanol 1:1 extract of the roots, four new and one known homoisoflavanoid, two flavan derivatives, a stilbene, a new alkaloid, and three new and four known spirostane steroids were isolated. The corresponding structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and spectrometric means. The homoisoflavonoids of the plant are related to compounds isolated from the Dracaenaceae (formerly Agavaceae) sources of the Chinese crude drug Dragon's Blood. The new alkaloid is a novel skeleton that can be used as a chemical marker of Herreria. The spirostane steroids suggest chemotaxonomic relations with the Liliales. This is the first comprehensive report on the chemistry of a South American Herreria species.

Compactação ruminal e obstrução intestinal em bovinos, associadas ao consumo de Agave sisalana Perrine (Agavaceae) / Ruminal indigestion and intestinal obstruction in cattle associated with consumption of Agave sisalana Perrine

A compactação dos pré-estômagos é um transtorno digestivo resultante da ingestão de forragem de baixa qualidade, rico em lignina e com baixos níveis de energia e proteína digerível, associada ou não a restrição hídrica. O acúmulo de vegetais ricos em fibras indigeríveis pode levar também a formação de fitobezoares, causando transtornos digestivos e obstruções intestinais. Objetivou-se com este trabalho descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e as alterações clínico-patológicas de um surto de alterações digestórias em bovinos alimentados com Agave sisalana. O rebanho acometido era formado por 22 animais adultos, criados de forma semiextensiva, que, devido a escassez de forragem, receberam no cocho, quase que exclusivamente, durante dois meses, o caule do A. sisalana cortado manualmente. Seis vacas apresentaram diminuição do apetite, distensão abdominal, redução dos períodos de ruminação e da produção de fezes. Um animal foi encaminhado ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. O diagnóstico presuntivo de compactação ruminal e obstrução intestinal foi dado pela epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e análise de fluido ruminal. Na necropsia observou-se rúmen, retículo e omaso repletos, com conteúdo fibroso e ressecado constituído por fibras de A. sisalana. No abomaso observou-se a presença de conteúdo pastoso e esverdeado a acastanhado. Em todos os pré-estômagos e no abomaso havia fitobezoares, que mediam entre 4 e 12 cm de diâmetro. No duodeno um fitobezoar obstruía parcialmente a luz do órgão, com a porção anterior repleta de conteúdo e a posterior vazia. Conclui-se que a alimentação com caules de A. sisalana por longos períodos causa compactação de pre-estômagos e formação de fitobezoares.(AU)

Indigestion due to compaction of the ruminal content is a digestive disorder resulting from low-quality forage intake, rich in lignin and with low levels of energy and digestible protein, with or without water restriction. The accumulation of plant residues rich in indigestible fibers can also lead to formation of phytobezoars, causing digestive disorders and intestinal obstructions. The objective of this paper was to describe the epidemiology and the clinical and pathological changes of an outbreak of indigestion and other digestive disorders in cattle fed Agave sisalana. The affected herd consisted of 22 adult cattle reared in a semi-extensive system, which ingested almost exclusively stalks of A. sisalana manually cut for two months. Six cows showed decreased appetite and rumination, abdominal distension, and reduced production of dried feces. One animal was referred to the Veterinary Hospital. The presumptive diagnosis of indigestion was made by the epidemiologic data, clinical signs, and laboratory evaluation. At necropsy, the rumen, reticulum and omasum were filled with fibrous and dried A. sisalana content. A viscous, greenish brownish content was present in the abomasum. Numerous phytobezoars were found in the pre-stomachs and abomasum measuring 4-12cm in diameter. One phytobezoar was partially obstructing the duodenum, with the cranial part of the organ filled with intestinal content, and the caudal portion was empty. It is concluded that the administration of A. sisalana stalks for long periods may cause indigestion due to ruminal compaction and formation of phytobezoars.(AU)

Compactação ruminal e obstrução intestinal em bovinos, associadas ao consumo de Agave sisalana Perrine (Agavaceae) / Ruminal indigestion and intestinal obstruction in cattle associated with consumption of Agave sisalana Perrine

A compactação dos pré-estômagos é um transtorno digestivo resultante da ingestão de forragem de baixa qualidade, rico em lignina e com baixos níveis de energia e proteína digerível, associada ou não a restrição hídrica. O acúmulo de vegetais ricos em fibras indigeríveis pode levar também a formação de fitobezoares, causando transtornos digestivos e obstruções intestinais. Objetivou-se com este trabalho descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e as alterações clínico-patológicas de um surto de alterações digestórias em bovinos alimentados com Agave sisalana. O rebanho acometido era formado por 22 animais adultos, criados de forma semiextensiva, que, devido a escassez de forragem, receberam no cocho, quase que exclusivamente, durante dois meses, o caule do A. sisalana cortado manualmente. Seis vacas apresentaram diminuição do apetite, distensão abdominal, redução dos períodos de ruminação e da produção de fezes. Um animal foi encaminhado ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. O diagnóstico presuntivo de compactação ruminal e obstrução intestinal foi dado pela epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e análise de fluido ruminal. Na necropsia observou-se rúmen, retículo e omaso repletos, com conteúdo fibroso e ressecado constituído por fibras de A. sisalana. No abomaso observou-se a presença de conteúdo pastoso e esverdeado a acastanhado. Em todos os pré-estômagos e no abomaso havia fitobezoares, que mediam entre 4 e 12 cm de diâmetro. No duodeno um fitobezoar obstruía parcialmente a luz do órgão, com a porção anterior repleta de conteúdo e a posterior vazia. Conclui-se que a alimentação com caules de A. sisalana por longos períodos causa compactação de pre-estômagos e formação de fitobezoares.(AU)

Indigestion due to compaction of the ruminal content is a digestive disorder resulting from low-quality forage intake, rich in lignin and with low levels of energy and digestible protein, with or without water restriction. The accumulation of plant residues rich in indigestible fibers can also lead to formation of phytobezoars, causing digestive disorders and intestinal obstructions. The objective of this paper was to describe the epidemiology and the clinical and pathological changes of an outbreak of indigestion and other digestive disorders in cattle fed Agave sisalana. The affected herd consisted of 22 adult cattle reared in a semi-extensive system, which ingested almost exclusively stalks of A. sisalana manually cut for two months. Six cows showed decreased appetite and rumination, abdominal distension, and reduced production of dried feces. One animal was referred to the Veterinary Hospital. The presumptive diagnosis of indigestion was made by the epidemiologic data, clinical signs, and laboratory evaluation. At necropsy, the rumen, reticulum and omasum were filled with fibrous and dried A. sisalana content. A viscous, greenish brownish content was present in the abomasum. Numerous phytobezoars were found in the pre-stomachs and abomasum measuring 4-12cm in diameter. One phytobezoar was partially obstructing the duodenum, with the cranial part of the organ filled with intestinal content, and the caudal portion was empty. It is concluded that the administration of A. sisalana stalks for long periods may cause indigestion due to ruminal compaction and formation of phytobezoars.(AU)

[Interpopulation reproductive synchrony of Agave cocui (Agavaceae) in Venezuela]. / Sincronía reproductiva interpoblacional de Agave cocui (Agavaceae) en Venezuela.

Agave cocui (Agavaceae) is a species with broad distribution in arid and semiarid areas of Venezuela and Colombia. Despite of its ecological importance as a source of food for wildlife, and its economic value for production of a spirit drink, studies on the reproductive ecology of the species are relatively rare. In this study, we conducted a one-year evaluation of the flowering and fruiting phenology of A. cocui in the eight representative localities of the species' distribution in Venezuela. Within each study site, we chose an area with a minimum of 50 reproductive individuals and followed their reproductive phenophases with the help of binoculars, using six qualitative cathegories (emerging reproductive stalk, flowers, inmature fruits, mature fruits, bulbils and dry stalk) every two months. Emergence of the reproductive stalk in most of the examined populations began in September (rainy season), although this event delayed two months in a few populations. We detected significant negative correlations between precipitation and the percentage of flowering occurrence in four of the eight populations. Floral resources are available for flower visitors during approximately five months of the year (January-May). In most populations production of flowers initiated in January (dry season), and for Western Venezuela and Andean regions, the flowering main peak occurred in January. Localities from the Central and Eastern Coast exhibited the flowering peak in March, showing a delay of approximately two months with respect to other populations. Beginning of fruit set varied among localities from January to May; however, peak production of mature fruits concentrated in May, and fruit occurrence varied broadly between 5.2 and 85%. Bulbil production was detected in all populations and varied greatly among them (maximum percentage per population: 26.19-92.10%). High flowering synchronicity (Phenophase Overlapping Index: 0.756 and 0.999) was observed among all populations monitored in Western Venezuela, including the Andean localities. This condition might facilitate the existence of a nectar corridor from the Western Coast and nearby islands, to the Andean arid patches, which could be potentially used by nectar-feeding bats and birds dependent on agave flowers during part of the year.

Sincronía reproductiva interpoblacional de Agave cocui (Agavaceae) en Venezuela

Interpopulation reproductive synchrony of Agave cocui (Agavaceae) in Venezuela. Agave cocui (Agavaceae) is a species with broad distribution in arid and semiarid areas of Venezuela and Colombia. Despite of its ecological importance as a source of food for wildlife, and its economic value for production of a spirit drink, studies on the reproductive ecology of the species are relatively rare. In this study, we conducted a oneyear evaluation of the flowering and fruiting phenology of A. cocui in the eight representative localities of the species’ distribution in Venezuela. Within each study site, we chose an area with a minimum of 50 reproductive individuals and followed their reproductive phenophases with the help of binoculars, using six qualitative cathegories (emerging reproductive stalk, flowers, inmature fruits, mature fruits, bulbils and dry stalk) every two months. Emergence of the reproductive stalk in most of the examined populations began in September (rainy season), although this event delayed two months in a few populations. We detected significant negative correlations between precipitation and the percentage of flowering occurrence in four of the eight populations. Floral resources are available for flower visitors during approximately five months of the year (January-May). In most populations production of flowers initiated in January (dry season), and for Western Venezuela and Andean regions, the flowering main peak occurred in January. Localities from the Central and Eastern Coast exhibited the flowering peak in March, showing a delay of approximately two months with respect to other populations. Beginning of fruit set varied among localities from January to May; however, peak production of mature fruits concentrated in May, and fruit occurrence varied broadly between 5.2 and 85%. Bulbil production was detected in all populations and varied greatly among them (maximum percentage per population: 26.19-92.10%). High flowering synchronicity (Phenophase Overlapping Index: 0.756 and 0.999) was observed among all populations monitored in Western Venezuela, including the Andean localities. This condition might facilitate the existence of a nectar corridor from the Western Coast and nearby islands, to the Andean arid patches, which could be potentially used by nectar-feeding bats and birds dependent on agave flowers during part of the year. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1359-1370. Epub 2011 September 01.

cocui (Agavaceae) es una especie de amplia distribución en zonas áridas y semiáridas de Venezuela y Colombia. A pesar de su importancia ecológica como fuente de recursos para la fauna silvestre y de su potencial valor económico como materia prima para la producción del licor “Cocuy de Penca”, los estudios sobre su ecología reproductiva son muy escasos. En este estudio se evaluó la fenología de floración y fructificación de A. cocui en ocho localidades de Venezuela. La fase reproductiva se inició al finalizar el periodo de lluvias. Las flores se producen durante cinco meses. Para la Región Noroccidental del país y los Andes los máximos de floración ocurrieron en enero, mientras que las localidades en la costa central y oriental exhibieron un desface de cerca de dos meses, a principios de marzo. La mayor sincronía floral ocurrió entre todas las poblaciones censadas en el occidente del país, incluyendo las localidades andinas. Dicha sincronía reproductiva potenciaría la conformación de un corredor de néctar para aves y murciélagos, que se extendería desde el Norte de Falcón, en la Costa Occidental, hasta los bolsones andinos, en el Suroeste del país.

Characterization of calcium oxalate biominerals in some (non-Cactaceae) succulent plant species.

The water-accumulating leaves of crassulacean acid metabolism plants belonging to five different families were investigated for the presence of biominerals by infrared spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. Spectroscopic results revealed that the mineral present in succulent species of Agavaceae, Aizoaceae, and Asphodelaceae was calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite, CaC2O4 x H2O). Crystals were predominantly found as raphides or solitary crystals of various morphologies. However, representative Crassulaceae members and a succulent species of Asteraceae did not show the presence of biominerals. Overall, these results suggest no correlation between calcium oxalate generation and crassulacean acid metabolism in succulent plants.

A GIS-based comparison of the Mexican national and IUCN methods for determining extinction risk.

The national systems used in the evaluation of extinction risk are often touted as more readily applied and somehow more regionally appropriate than the system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We compared risk assessments of the Mexican national system (method for evaluation of risk of extinction of wild species [MER]) with the IUCN system for the 16 Polianthes taxa (Agavaceae), a genus of plants with marked variation in distribution sizes. We used a novel combination of herbarium data, geographic information systems (GIS), and species distribution models to provide rapid, repeatable estimates of extinction risk. Our GIS method showed that the MER and the IUCN system use similar data. Our comparison illustrates how the IUCN method can be applied even when all desirable data are not available, and that the MER offers no special regional advantage with respect to the IUCN regional system. Instead, our results coincided, with both systems identifying 14 taxa of conservation concern and the remaining two taxa of low risk, largely because both systems use similar information. An obstacle for the application of the MER is that there are no standards for quantifying the criteria of habitat condition and intrinsic biological vulnerability. If these impossible-to-quantify criteria are left out, what are left are geographical distribution and the impact of human activity, essentially the considerations we were able to assess for the IUCN method. Our method has the advantage of making the IUCN criteria easy to apply, and because each step can be standardized between studies, it ensures greater comparability of extinction risk estimates among taxa.