Ananus Comosus Research Articles

Bioactive Compounds from Fruit Waste and Its Importance

Diseases are most dangerous and spread rapidly. Hundreds of the people are affected with bacteria, viral and fungal diseases and its prevention is difficult even though many drugs were developed. Fruits consists of phytochemicals, vitamins and dietary fibers that help in treating different diseases in man. Diets rich in fruits prevent man from dread full diseases like cancer, cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. Dumping of fruit waste from industries, commercial areas, houses and markets became serious environmental issue today. So utilization of the fruit waste rich in bioactive compounds can help to prevent the diseases and benefit the society. This paper reviews the bioactive compounds present in Ananus comosus (Pineapple), Malus domestica (Apple), Musa acuminata (Banana), Mangifera indica (Mango), Vitis vinifera (Grapes), Psidium guajava (Guava), and Manilkara zapota (Sapota) their extraction techniques and throws light on its benefits.

Mechanical characterization of alkaline treated Ananus Comosus and Musa Sepientum fibers reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

In this present investigation, pineapple and banana fibers were selected as reinforcement and extracted from Ananus Comosus and Musa Sepientum plants respectively. Pineapple and banana fibers are treated with 5% NaOH solution to remove non-cellulosic elements such as hemicellulose, lignin and waxy elements. Five different hybrid composites were designated as function of weight fraction of fibers and fabricated by compression moulding techniques. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and hardness are conducted as per ASTM standards. It was observed that, the composite with 20 wt% treated pineapple and 10 wt% treated banana could display higher mechanical properties than other weight fraction. The hybrid composite with more than or less than 20 wt% of pineapple fiber experiences fiber pullout, fiber breakage, micro cracks at interface and non-uniform distribution of fiber and matrix resulting in poor mechanical properties.

Multi Target Preservation as an Effective Post-harvest Processing Technology for the Chemical and Microbiological Stability of Pineapple (Ananus Comosus)

ABSTRACT Multi-target preservation involving pH, water activity, mild preservative, thermal treatment, and an effective packaging was used in combination to stabilize fresh pineapple cubes for room temperature storage up to two months. Bromelain, total phenolics, and flavonoid contents were quantified from different parts of pineapple and from three varieties Mauritius, Kew, and Queen. The highest quantity of bromelain was determined in pineapple crown (50.00 ± 0.6 GDU/g), followed in pulp (48.32 ± 1.00 GDU/g) for the Kew variety. Pineapple peel had the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents among all the varieties studied. The stabilized product was microbiologically safe, and the sensory analysis indicated an acceptable product. The economics of establishing a small processing plant was also studied to prove the profitability.

Perspective of Farm Gate Agroforestry Product in the Emergency of the Chepangs Community: A Case Study of Mega earthquake of Central Nepal

Agroforestry is one of the major sources of sustenance among the people of Nepal, and only one mode of livelihood at the Chepangs in present days. National Seismological Centre (NSC-Nepal), recorded mega earthquake (7.8 Mw) that hit the country on the 25th of April in 2015, and many of its aftershocks had catastrophic effects. As a result, big structures collapsed, which incurred great losses on fabrication, collection centers, schools, markets, and other potential government, and private service centers. Continue aftershocks, and after two weeks later another earthquake hit (6.3 Mw) jeopardize Chepangs food security in Makwanpur.
 This study was designed to find out the food security, and market situation of agroforestry product of the Chepang community in Raksirang (One of the Severely affected VDC in Makwanpur district) due to the earthquake. A total of 40 households (12 %) were selected as a sample size. Questionnaires, Focus Groups Discussion (FGD), Observation, key informant interview tool were applied, and detail information from District Disaster Response Committee (DDRC), and emergency support agencies (UNICEF, WFP, PLAN, TEAR Fund) were consulted for additional narrative information.
 The research illustrated that approx. 370 hectares of land, with agroforestry plantation, ruptured by the earthquake, caused severe damages to the household’s structure, and a loss of food-stock up to 2/3 portion. Instead of regular cereal (rice, maize, and vegetables) intake, banana (Musa paradisiaca) consumption was in high scale during the emergency period. The market price of rice increased by 18.9 % due to demand. Income variation found before, and after the disaster. Prior to earthquake, agroforestry-livestock product was accelerating, but after the earthquake, agroforestry remains the only one means of livelihood among Chepangs. Nearly, half of agroforestry production of banana (Musa paradisiaca), citrus (Citrus lemon), pineapple (Ananus comosus) and broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima) declined, which was ready to harvest within 2-3 weeks. Heavy demands of agroforestry product above lay high farm gate prices (Up to doubled) helps surveyed community to continue livelihood from its sale. Nearly, 75 % respondents migrated to safe location due to land rupture, ongoing aftershocks, and occurring landslides. Overall food security situation in this community is acute, and challenging for the days to come. Immediate, and long-term response through relief agency concerning food, shelter, and safe stocking of agroforestry product is required. Agroforestry plantation and technical support to increase production, and to balance the food security and livelihood for longer period are the upcoming challenges in the coming days.

EFFECTS OF LAND-USE CHANGE ON THE PROPERTIES OF TOP SOIL OF DECIDUOUS SAL FOREST IN BANGLADESH

This study examined the effects of land use change on the physico-chemical properties of top soil in the deciduous Sal forest of Bangladesh. Relatively less disturbed Sal (Shorea robusta Roxb. Ex Gaertn.) forest stands and the nearby stands those were converted into Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis Benth.) plantation and pineapple (Ananus comosus (L.) Merr.) cultivation were selected to examine the effects of land use change on soil properties. For each land use type, soil samples were collected from 4 locations, 50m distant from each other, as replicates. Soil samples were collected at 0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 cm depths. Soil moisture content, conductivity, pH organic C, total N and total P were determined as soil properties. Leaf litter of Sal, Acacia and pineapple was incubation for 90 and 180 days in independent identical soil in order to examine the effects of plant species through leaf litter on the soil chemical nutrient (N and P) status. Data showed that soil moisture content, conductivity and pH were significantly affected by land use but not by depth. However, soil organic C was affected by both land-use type (P< 0.02) and soil depth (P< 0.003), although no significant interactions appeared between these two factors. Soil total N and P did not differ between land use types but by depth and, N and P contents decreased with the increase of depth. Rates of nutrients (N and P) released from Sal, Acacia and pineapple did not differ significantly among them during incubation. Results of the present study reveal that properties of the top soil of the Madhupur Sal forest are different in their responses to the varying land uses. The findings of this study are thus relevant for the sustainable management of the deciduous Sal forest ecosystems.

Studies on prevalence of ascariasis in indigenous chickens in Gaibandha district and treatment by pineapple leaves extract

Ascariasis is very common in indigenous chicken causing retarded growth, low productivity and mortality. Considering the problem of Ascaridia galli in chickens, anthelmintic resistance, high cost and human health hazard of chemical anthelmintic the use of medicinal plant is an alternative choice. The study was conducted to determine the incidence of ascariasis in Polashbari upazilla of Gobindhaganj district during July to November 2012 and subsequently evaluated the efficacy of pineapple (Ananus comosus) leaves extract against ascariasis infected chickens. Out of 500 chickens examined for presence of A. galli infestation by faecal sample examination, 365 hens and 135 cocks. The 292 female (80%) and 119 male (88.15%) were found infected with A. galli. The highest infection rate 95.26% was found in 60 to 90 days of age group. Infected chickens were treated with pineapple leaves extract @ 1ml/kg body weight per OS for 7 consecutive days. The efficacy of anthelmintic treatment was evaluated by counting fecal egg per gram (EPG) compared with pretreatment values. Body weight and hematological changes of each chicken was recorded in pre and post treatment. In the untreated control chickens the average EPG increased from 300 ± 11.07 to 340 ± 13.96. The average EPG reduced from 300 ± 11.07 to 60 ± 7.40 within 28 days of pineapple treatment. The mean body weight gain in treated chicken was significantly (p<0.01) higher than the control. Pineapple leaves extract increased the TEC, Hb and PCV and decreased TLC and ESR values of chickens. But in control group TEC, Hb and PCV decreased and TLC and ESR values increased. It may be concluded that pineapple leaves extract treatment effectively reduced the ascariasis load in chicken and improved body weight.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(1): 157-163, April 2016

Continuous biosorption of Malachite Green by Ananus comosus (pineapple) leaf powder in a fixed bed reactor: experimental, breakthrough time and mathematical modeling

A continuous biosorption study was carried out using pineapple leaf powder as biosorbent in a fixed packed bed column for the removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution. The experimental data were fitted to three well-established adsorption models, namely, Adams-Bohart, Bed Depth Service Time and Thomas models. It was observed that the breakthrough time decreased with increasing flow rate and inlet dye concentration while it increased with increase in bed height. The Thomas model described the column biosorption behavior more efficiently than other adsorption model. The present findings suggest that biosorbent has potential capacity as an environment friendly and economical biosorbent for removal of MG.

Study on Marketing System and Value Addition of Pineapple Fruit (Ananus comosus) in West Bengal

This paper has analysed the prevailing marketing systems and activities of value-addition in pineapple fruit (Ananus comosus) using primary data collected from two major pineapple, growing districts of West Bengal during 2010–11. The study has found that raw fruits are marketed domestically and also exported. The measures of marketing efficiency (Shephard: 8.42 and Acharya: 2.42) have suggested that pineapple cultivation is highly remunerative, but marketing of raw fruits is not done properly (a small number of buyers fixing prices with visual inspection). Therefore, price variations at producers’ level are low (CV=8.55%). The producer's share is more than 66 per cent in consumer's price. Out of six marketing channels, two have the complete supply chain mechanism and only one channel is attached contractually with the private processing unit for which information seems to be limited for analysis. The processed products are also exported to the Asian and European countries. The sector has high capacity to provide employment in the rural areas. During lean season, the major demand for pineapple is fulfilled from North-East states, depriving the farmers of West Bengal to take advantage of this sector as reflected in near stagnation of pineapple area (CGR=-1.57%). The paper has suggested formation of pineapple growers’ marketing co-operatives, development of infrastructural facilities (transport and communications), primary markets, storage and handling facilities, subsidization of inputs, etc. Besides, appropriate R&D efforts for up-gradation of technology and quality of raw pineapple fruits in the area are needed to ensure sustainability of the sector and augmenting farm income in the area.

Therapeutic effect of Ananus comosus peel on breast cancer induced by 7, 12- dimethylbenz(α)anthracene

Ananus comosus , has demonstrated a wide variety of biological activities which make it a good plant source for the treatment of many oxidative stress mediated diseases. The present study was aimed to evaluate therapeutic potential by assaying the activities of liver marker and lysosomal enzymes in 7, 12 dimethylbenz(α)anthracene induced mammary cancer bearing rats. Animals were divided into five groups of six numbers each. Group 1 served as control, group 2 induced mammary carcinogenesis, group 3 and 4 were treated with plant extract and tamoxifen and group 5 served as animals treated with plant extract alone. All the animals were sacrificed after 30 days treatment, serum and mammary tissue are used for the analysis of liver marker and lysosomal marker enzymes using standard protocols. The rats were induced with mammary cancer by DMBA showed altered the levels of liver markers and lysosomal marker enzymes in serum and mammary tissue. On the other hand, oral administrations of ethanolic extract of Ananus comosus peel and standard drug tamoxifen to mammary cancer bearing rats for 30 days, those levels were brought back to near normal. The histology of mammary tissues inevitably supports the biochemical alterations and this was attributed due to the interaction of Ananus comosus peel through the induction or inhibition of metabolism and also the modulating property in the marker and lysosomal enzymes.

Earthworm Communities in the Pineapple (Ananus comosus) and Mixed Fruit Plantations of West Tripura, India

Present studies on the community characteristics of earthworms revealed the occurrence of 11 species of earthworms in the pineapple (Ananus comosus) and 14 species in the mixed fruit plantations of west Tripura (India). While 9 species of earthworms namely Drawida assamensis, Drawida papillifer papillifer, Drawida nepalensis, Kanchuria sp., Metaphire houlleti, Eutyphoeus gigas, Eutyphoeus scutarius, Eutyphoeus comillahnus and Pontoscolex corethrurus are of common occurrence to both the pineapple and the mixed fruit plantations, two and five earthworm species namely Kanchuria sumerianus, Eutyphoeus sp. and Metaphire posthuma, Perionyx excavatus, Lampito mauritii, Amynthus alexandri, Eutyphoeus gammiei are restricted to the pineapple and the mixed fruit plantations respectively. Earthworms were found mostly within 15 cm depth of soils having temperature 25–25.8 °C, moisture 18.8–22.4 %, water holding capacity 26–31.7 % and organic matter content 2.4–4.0 %. Mean earthworm densities (158 ind. m−2) was significantly higher (p < 0.01, t = 9.67) and biomass (36.67 g m−2) significantly lower (p < 0.01, t = −5.98) in the pineapple plantation than the mixed fruit plantation (density 93 ind. m−2, biomass 56 g m−2). High density value of earthworms in pineapple plantation is linked with dominance of D. assamensis and high biomass value in mixed fruit plantation was due to the higher relative abundance of larger species like E. gigas, E. scutarius, E. comillahnus and E. gammiei. Compared to the mixed fruit plantation, significantly (p < 0.05) higher index of dominance, lower index of diversity, species richness index and species evenness were recorded in the pineapple plantation.

Occurrence of Bioactive compounds in Ananus comosus (L.): A quality Standardization by HPTLC

ObjectiveAnanus comosus (L.) is belonging to the family Bromeliaceae used to cure various diseases. The present study is focus to evaluate the HPTLC fingerprinting analysis and phytochemical analysis of Ananus comosus peel. MethodsHPTLC fingerprinting profiles was done by using Hamilton syringe and CAMAG LINOMAT 5 instrument. ResultsAmong all solvents, most of the secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, flavanoid, phenol, tannins, steroids etc were present in ethanolic extract of Ananus comosus peel and the yield of plant extract in different solvents were analyzed, from which ethanolic extract gave 2.40g/100g. The quantitative assay was also analyzed in flavanoid, alkaloid, phenols, carotenoid and lycopene. HPTLC fingerprinting profile confirms the presence of phenols, flavanoid and alkaloid. ConclusionFrom the above results ethanolic extract of Ananus comosus peel can be used as therapeutic agents to treat various disorders caused by free radical and chemical substances due to presence of its secondary metabolites.

Bioextract production using distillery slop as a carbon source for the anaerobic digestion process

Distillery slop is the waste from alcohol manufacture, as from breweries or distilleries, which produce highly organic pollutants. This experiment studied bioextract that used distillery slop instead of molasses as a carbon source for the anaerobic digestion process. In this study, raw materials consisting of water spinach (Impomoea aquatica) residual, pineapple (Ananus comosus) residual, and fresh fish residual were used in the process to obtain the bioextract. The experiment was divided into three parts: a controlled experiment, mixed carbon sources (molasses and distillery slop), and a single carbon source (only distillery slop). The anaerobic digestibility of the bioextract was evaluated by a batch reactor at ambient temperature for a period of 90 days. The results of this study showed, by observing chemical oxygen demand (COD) at the initial and final processes, that the anaerobic digestive processes have a gradually decreasing rate throughout the fermentation period. The pH of the bioextract decreased at the beginning phase from pH 4 and increased to pH 7 in the last phase during the 90-day period. The results of a test with bean seeds showed compost maturity of over 80% following the organic fertilizer standard requirements of Thailand. With respect to variability, the optimal ratio generating the maximal compost maturity was 1:500 for the bioextract using only molasses as a carbon source and 1:250 for the bioextract using only distillery slop as a carbon source.

Postprandial glucose response to selected tropical fruits in normal glucose-tolerant Nigerians

The glycemic response to commonly eaten fruits in Nigeria has not been reported. Therefore, this study assessed the plasma glucose response to selected fruits in Nigeria. Ten normal glucose-tolerant subjects randomly consumed 50 g carbohydrate portions of three fruits: banana (Musa paradisiaca), pineapple (Ananus comosus), and pawpaw (Carica papaya), and a 50-g glucose load at 1-week intervals. Blood samples were collected in the fasting state and half-hourly over a 2-h period post-ingestion of the fruits or glucose. The samples were analyzed for plasma glucose concentrations. Plasma glucose responses were assessed by the peak plasma glucose concentration, maximum increase in plasma glucose, 2-h postprandial plasma glucose level, and incremental area under the glucose curve and glycemic index (GI). The results showed that the blood glucose response to these three fruits was similar in terms of their incremental areas under the glucose curve, maximum increase in plasma glucose, and glycemic indices (GIs). The 2-h postprandial plasma glucose level of banana was significantly higher than that of pineapple, P < 0.025. The mean ± SEM GI values were as follows: pawpaw; 86 ± 26.8%; banana, 75.1 ± 21.8%; pineapple, 64.5 ± 11.3%. The GI of glucose is taken as 100. The GI of pineapple was significantly lower than that of glucose (P < 0.05). Banana, pawpaw, and pineapple produced a similar postprandial glucose response. Measured portions of these fruits may be used as fruit exchanges with pineapple having the most favorable glycemic response.

Estimation of Main Constituents of Ananus comosus (Pineapple) Leaf Fiber and Its Photo-Oxidative Degradation

An estimation of main constituents of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) by conventional method was attempted and the values of 74.44% α-cellulose, 13.39% hemicellulose, 7.12% lignin, 2.89% pectic matter, and 0.58% aqueous extract were obtained. So, the main constituents of PALF are α-cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. The molecular weight of raw, bleached PALF and α-cellulose of PALF were 1.517 × 105, 1.303 × 105, and 1.225 × 105, respectively. Bleached PALF was dyed with two dyes, Direct Green 27 and Acid Orange 52. Maximum dye exhaustion was found to be 98.97% for Direct Green 27 under the conditions of 3% dye concentration, 5% electrolyte concentration, and 70°C temperature, and 93.27% dye exhaustion was found for Acid Orange 52, where dyeing conditions were 4% dye concentration, 6% electrolyte concentration, and 80°C temperature. Dyeing time was fixed for 60 min for both dyes. The color fastness of PALF on exposure to sunlight has also been studied. It was observed that color fastness of raw fiber is higher than bleached fiber. The degradation of PALF under sunlight was studied by tensile strength and molecular weight measurements. Bleached fiber exhibited lesser loss of tensile strength and molecular weight than raw fiber. Infrared spectra (IR) of PALF were measured for different exposure times under sunlight. The PALF containing higher α-cellulose has good characteristics, similar to materials of higher molecular weight. For this, it gives high tensile strength, more dyeability, and better color fastness properties.

Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of pineapple var. Queen using a novel encapsulation-based antibiotic selection technique

A protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of a local ‘elite’ Indian variety (Queen) of pineapple [Ananus comosus (L.) Merr, family Bromeliaceae] has been established using a standard transformation vector (pCAMBIA 1304). High transformation efficiency, expressed as the mean percentage of transgenic micro-shoots regenerated from initial callus explants (20.6%) was achieved using a novel encapsulation-based, antibiotic selection procedure. The Agrobacterium-infected micro-shoots derived from callus explants survived selection in high concentration of hygromycin (60 mg l−1 and beyond) in encapsulated alginate beads. The integration of transgene in hygromycin-resistant shoots and plants was confirmed by histochemical GUS assay, PCR amplification and Southern hybridization. It is possible to eliminate false antibiotic positives in pineapple transformation program to a large extent following this procedure.

In vitro binding of bile acids by bananas, peaches, pineapple, grapes, pears, apricots and nectarines

The in vitro binding of bile acids by bananas ( Musa × paradisiaca), peaches ( Prunus persica), pineapple ( Ananus comosus), grapes ( Vitis spp.), pears ( Pyrus communis), apricots ( Prunus armeniaca) and nectarines ( Prunus persica, nectarina) was determined using a mixture of bile acids secreted in human bile at a duodenal physiological pH of 6.3. Six treatments and two blank incubations were conducted, testing various fresh fruits on an equal dry matter basis. Considering cholestyramine (bile acid binding, cholesterol lowering drug) as 100% bound, the relative in vitro bile acid binding percentages on dry matter (DM), total dietary fibre and total polysaccharides basis were 2–9%, 15–101% and 10–101%, respectively. Bile acid binding, on a DM basis, for bananas was significantly ( P ⩽ 0.05) higher and that for nectarines significantly lower than those for peaches, pineapple, grapes, pears and apricots. The bile acid bindings for peaches and pineapple were similar and significantly higher than those for grapes, pears and apricots. Binding values for grapes and pears were significantly higher than apricots. These results point to the relative health promoting potential of bananas > peaches = pineapple > grapes = pears > apricots > nectarines, as indicated by their bile acid binding on a DM basis. The variability in bile acid binding between the fruits tested maybe related to their phytonutrients, antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins), structure, hydrophobicity of undigested fractions, anionic or cationic nature of the metabolites produced during digestion or their interaction with active binding sites. Animal studies are planned to validate in vitro bile acid binding of fruits, observed herein, to their healthful potential, atherosclerosis amelioration and cancer prevention.

Carbohydrate partitioning in the leaves of Bromeliaceae performing C3 photosynthesis or Crassulacean acid metabolism

Carbohydrate accumulation was measured in the leaves of 11 speciesrepresenting the three subfamilies of Bromeliaceae. In the Tillandsioideae the C3 species Vriesea carinata Wawra accumulated starch and sucrose while the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM)species Tillandsia tricolor Schlechtendal &amp; Chamissoaccumulated mainly starch. In the Pitcairnioideae the C3species Pitcairnia paniculata Ruiz &amp; Pavon and two CAM species Dyckia sp. andFosterella schidosperma Barker accumulated sucrose butnot starch. Of six CAM species in the Bromelioideae, threeCryptanthus zonatus (Visiani) Beer,Neoregalia spectabilis Moore andPortea petropolitana Wawra accumulated starch but notsoluble sugars while three (Ananus comosus Linnaeus,Orthophytum vagans M.B. Foster andNidularium bilbergioides Schultes filius) accumulatedstarch as well as soluble sugars. Carbohydrate accumulation patterns weresimilar for species within each subfamily in that the Pitcairnioideae speciesdid not accumulate starch but accumulated sucrose while species from theTillandsioideae and Bromelioideae all accumulated starch (some alsoaccumulated soluble sugars). Carbohydrate accumulation patterns were notsimilar for C3 species versus CAM species from thedifferent subfamilies. These data suggest that variations in carbohydratebiochemistry resulting from different evolutionary histories have a greaterinfluence on carbohydrate accumulation patterns in CAM bromeliads than theconstraints of the CAM pathway itself.

Patterns of Carbon Partitioning in Leaves of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Species during Deacidification.

Carbohydrates stored during deacidification in the light were examined in 11 Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species from widely separated taxa grown under uniform conditions. The hypothesis that NAD(P) malic enzyme CAM species store chloroplastic starch and glucans, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase species store extrachloroplastic sugars or polymers was disproved. Of the six malic enzyme species examined, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, and Vanilla planifolia stored mainly starch. Sansevieria hahnii stored sucrose and Agave guadalajarana did not store starch, glucose, fructose, or sucrose. Of the five phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase species investigated, Ananus comosus stored extrachloroplastic carbohydrate, but Stapelia gigantea, Hoya carnosa, and Portea petropolitana stored starch, whereas Aloe vera stored both starch and glucose. Within families, the major decarboxylase was common for all species examined, whereas storage carbohydrate could differ both between and within genera. In the Bromeliaceae, A. comosus stored mainly fructose, but P. petropolitana stored starch. In the genus Aloe, A. vera stored starch and glucose, but A. arborescens is known to store a galactomannan polymer. We postulate that the observed variation in carbohydrate partitioning between CAM species is the result of two principal components: (a) constraints imposed by the CAM syndrome itself, and (b) diversity in biochemistry resulting from different evolutionary histories.

A simple ion-exchange chromatographic determination of non-volatile organic acids in some Spanish exotic fruits

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) permits accurate determination of non-volatile acids in fruit. The Spanish exotic fruits assayed were kiwi fruits (Actinidia chinensis), cvs Hayward, Bruno, Monty and Abbot; mangoes (Mangifera indica), cvs Smith and Lippens; papayas (Carica papaya), cv Solo; pineapples (Ananus comosus), cv Smooth Cayenne; and bananas (Musa cavendishii), cv Enana. Sample preparation for HPLC analysis basically consisted of methanol extraction, followed by an easy clean-up with a C18 cartridge. Separation of the different acids was accomplised using an ion-exchange column and detection was monitored at 214 nm. Reproducibility of the minor organic acids was quite acceptable, and the procedure described offers a rapid analytical alternative to gas chromatography. Oxalic, oxoglutaric, citric, galacturonic, tartaric, ascorbic,l-malic, quinic, succinic, fumaric andd-malic acids can be quantified by this method.

Day Versus Night Application of Calcium Carbide for Flower Induction In Pineapple1

Abstract Virtually 100% flowering of the pineapple, Ananus comosus (L.) Merr., cv. Smooth Cayenne, was induced by night application of a small piece of dry calcium carbide into an adequate amount of water in the center of the plant. During daylight neither dry carbide nor acetylene solution resulted in high floral induction, except for applications just before or just after sunrise. A repeat application of dry carbide or acetylene solution 3–5 days following the first, increased the amount of flowering. Low floral induction with day applications was probably due to; a) larger amounts of acetylene required for floral induction during the day than at night; b) greatly reduced penetration of acetylene into the plant tissues; or c) combination of the 2 conditions. Although a second application might have provided only a limited additional amount of acetylene, this could have been sufficient to raise the level to that which would stimulate the biochemical processes of floral induction.