Brazilian Caatinga Research Articles

Morphometric Investigation of a Species Complex in Mimosa Section Batocaulon Series Cordistipulae (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae)

Mimosa series Cordistipulae was created by Barneby in 1991, embracing species diagnosed by their small subshrubby habit and the presence of gland-tipped setae and trimerous flowers. Most species are endemic to Northeastern Brazil, and some possess characters deemed diagnostic which nonetheless overlap, making species identification difficult. Our study aimed to test species circumscriptions and sets of characters that could be applied to unequivocally distinguish the species. Twelve populations (225 individuals) were collected at nine localities, encompassing the Brazilian vegetation types Caatinga, Campos Rupestres and Restinga. Linear measurements of 38 floral and vegetative characters were measured and analyzed using Canonical Variate Analysis and cluster analysis. The first two canonical axes explained 41.4% and 18.9% of the variation and separated two populations of the group recently described as a new species. Vegetative characters are more informative for species delimitation than flower characters, and most groups are distinguished primarily by the number of pinnae pairs, number of leaflets per pinna and length of the leaf rachis. The species displaying the highest morphological similarity are M. misera, M. leptantha and M. minarum. The traditional morphometric approach was capable of objectively dealing with a type of variation that would be difficult to interpret by purely examining herbarium specimens.

Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Green Propolis from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome.

Green propolis, particularly from the unique flora of the Brazilian Caatinga biome, has gained significant interest due to its diverse chemical composition and biological activities. This study focuses on the chemical characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of Caatinga green propolis. Twelve compounds were isolated through different chromatographic techniques, including flavanones (naringenin, 7-O-methyleriodictyol, sakuranetin), flavones (hispidulin, cirsimaritin), flavonols (quercetin, quercetin-3-methyl ether, kaempferol, 6-methoxykaempferol, viscosine, penduletin), and one chalcone (kukulkanin B). Using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS), a total of 55 compounds excluding reference standards were tentatively identified, which include flavonoids, phenolic acids derivatives, and alkaloids, with flavonols, flavanones, and flavones being predominant. Antimicrobial testing against pathogens revealed that the crude extract exhibited low inhibitory activity, against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) (IC50: 148.4 and 120.98 µg/mL, respectively). Although the isolated compounds showed limited individual activity, a fraction containing sakuranetin and penduletin (Fraction 8) exhibited moderated activity against Cryptococcus neoformans (IC50: 47.86 µg/mL), while a fraction containing quercetin and hispidulin showed moderated activity against VRE (IC50: 16.99 µg/mL). These findings highlight the potential application of Caatinga green propolis as an antimicrobial agent, particularly against resistant bacterial strains, and underscore the importance of synergistic interactions between compounds in enhancing biological effects.

Genomic data support reticulate evolution in whiptail lizards from the Brazilian Caatinga.

Species relationships and speciation have traditionally been represented by phylogenetic trees, but not all evolutionary histories fit into bifurcating divergence models. Introgressive hybridization challenges this assumption by sometimes [or maybe often] leading to mitochondrial introgression, wherein one species' mitochondrial genome is entirely replaced by another's (mitochondrial capture). Such processes result in mitonuclear discrepancies, complicating species delimitation and phylogenetic inference. In our study, we used ultraconserved elements (UCE) and mitogenomic data to investigate the evolutionary history of the Ameivula ocellifera complex, a group of South American whiptail lizards widely distributed in arid environments, such as the Caatinga Domain in Brazil. Our focus was on understanding mitonuclear discordances, assessing reticulate evolution, evaluating species limits, and testing for adaptive mitochondrial capture that could explain a higher introgression in the mitochondrial genome compared to nuclear DNA. Our findings support the occurrence of an ancient reticulation event during the diversification of these lizards, driven by introgressive hybridization, leading to mitochondrial capture, and explaining mitonuclear discrepancies. Overall, we did not find clear evidence of positive selection across mitochondrial protein-coding genes suggesting adaptive mitochondrial capture of individuals with introgressed mtDNA. Thus, the genetic diversification and mitogenome evolution could be neutral, with selection against hybridization in the autosomal loci only, or even mediated by mitonuclear incompatibilities. Analyses of mtDNA genomes alongside network and species delimitation methods were crucial for identifying and validating individuals with introgressed mtDNA as a distinct species, demonstrating the potential of wide genome sampling and innovative analytical techniques for elucidating speciation processes in the presence of introgressive hybridization.

Species limits in Wiedomys (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) reinforce the South American São Francisco River as a biogeographic barrier

Abstract Red-nosed mice (genus Wiedomys) are restricted to the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, distributed along the São Francisco River (SFR). Until recently, Wiedomys was considered monotypic, but 2 species with poorly defined geographic and morphological limits have been recognized: W. cerradensis and W. pyrrhorhinos. Our study used morphological, phylogenetic, and cytogenetic analyses to review and detail species limits within the genus and test whether the SFR could be associated with divergence between lineages. This integrative approach indicated that the SFR delineates the geographic boundaries between species, with W. pyrrhorhinos on the right bank and W. cerradensis on the left bank. The species are reciprocally monophyletic and diverge in cranial size, nasal morphology, and facial pelage color pattern. Karyotypic differences between and within W. pyrrhorhinos and W. cerradensis were also detected, and new chromosome complements (2n = 62, FN = 96 and 2n = 62, FN = 88, respectively) were found. Divergence time (0.339 to 0.025 Ma) is concordant with the timing of diversification of other co-distributed vertebrate taxa, and close to a younger estimate for the formation of SFR’s recent lower course to the east coast. Therefore, our study considerably expands knowledge of the geographic range of the genus, diagnoses of species, karyotypic variability between and within species, and reinforces the role of SFR as an important vicariant barrier in northeastern Brazil.

Were Dry Forests widespread in the Pleistocene and what is their fate under climate change? A modelling approach using a specialist plant

Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTF) are deciduous and semideciduous seasonal forests that are geographically distant from each other in South America, but share multiple species in common. How did these disjunct species distributions arise and what changes in their distribution can be expected under climate change? Gymnanthes boticario, a SDTF specialist, is a perfect model to test these questions.Occurrence data were obtained from herbarium sheets and confirmed by the authors and/or taxonomic publications. We selected bioclimatic variables for past, current and future scenarios and modeled the potential distribution of Gymnanthes boticario for three paleoclimatic conditions and two future climate change scenarios. We found an unexpectedly large geographical extent of climate suitability for G. boticario during the Last Interglacial (LIG), forming a possible connection between the Brazilian dry Caatinga forests and the dry forests of Bolivia. In the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), our model shows a reduction in the extent of suitability compared to the LIG, making the suitable area more similar to that modelled for the current period. For all future climate change scenarios, we found a decrease in the total suitable area. The future scenario of SSP585 is most severe, with a loss of almost 60 % of G.boticario suitable areas. We show that during drier timeframes, dry forests likely became less geographically distant from each other, allowing migration between the two now isolated dry forests. This historic connectivity could explain the considerable number of species disjunctions between Caatinga and Bolivian dry forests. Our models indicate that the broadest distribution of SDTF may have occurred during the LIG, and not in the LGM as previously thought. Moreover, climate change models indicate that the future may be even more challenging than the current for SDTF habitats.

Evaluation of chemical constituents in Norantea guianensis aubl. Extracts, embryotoxicity, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential in Danio rerio

Norantea guianensis Aubl., commonly referred to as the parrot flower or macaw-tail vine, is a plant species found in the Brazilian Amazon, Caatinga, and Cerrado biomes. It is used in folk medicine for its anxiolytic properties, as well as its ability to alleviate headaches and reduce fever. Nevertheless, despite its therapeutic benefits, the impact on embryonic development has yet to be fully explained. The objective of this study was to evaluate chemical constituents by HPLC-DAD, UV–visible and classical phytochemistry and the LC50 of ethanolic extracts from the stem and leaves of N. guianensis in Danio rerio after 96 h and to investigate their effect on developmental morphology. The findings were then related to both Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the plant's chemical composition. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L concentrations of stem and leaves extracts. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the stem extract contained predominantly phenolic compounds, tannins, and anthraquinones, while the leaf extract contained alkaloids and flavonoids. The LC50 values for the stem and leaf extracts were 64.55 mg/L and 7.16 mg/L, respectively, being the stem extract was more toxic than the leaf extract. Induced malformations and alterations in the zebrafish development in different concentrations for both extract including pericardial edema, increased heart rate, spinal malformation and equilibrium disruption. Unlike to stem extract, the leaf extract delayed larval hatching and inhibited AChE activity. The findings indicate that the leaf extract possesses higher embryotoxicity and its use should be avoided during pregnancy.

Effects of Vegetable Cover on the Regeneration Process in Degraded Dry Forest in Brazil

ABSTRACTThe Brazilian Caatinga is among the most diverse dry forests in the world, yet half of its original coverage has been degraded. Natural regeneration is influenced by climatic and edaphic conditions, as well as the existing adult stratum. Despite its significance, this process remains poorly understood in the Caatinga. Thus, our study aimed to analyze how anthropogenic disturbance, vegetation cover, and soil properties affect the regenerating stratum under different levels of Caatinga vegetation cover. The research was conducted in the driest region of Brazil. The selected sites represent low (Area I) and high (Area II) normalized difference vegetation index. Six vegetable plots (50 × 20 m each) were delimited to study adult stratum, and four vegetable plots (10 × 10 m each) to regeneration stratum. Topsoil was sampled in all vegetable plots. Our results reveal interactions between soil characteristics and the adult and regenerating strata. Area II exhibited higher diversity and a greater number of exclusive species, while Area I was dominated by species more resistant to limiting conditions, such as Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart. & Zucc. The C and N content in the soil showed a positive and significant correlation with the diversity of the regenerating stratum. The data suggest that the area with less vegetation cover, richness, and diversity shows signs of desertification.

Predation of Chlorostilbon lucidus (Shaw, 1812) (Apodiformes: Trochilidae) hummingbird chicks by Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Polistinae: Polistini): A new predatory interaction documented in the Brazilian Caatinga

Non-aggressive interactions between Neotropical social wasps (Vespidae) and birds frequently occur but remain poorly understood. Typically categorized as commensalism, where birds benefit while no advantages for the wasps have been documented, the intricate dynamics of these associations have gone unexplored. These wasps, which are generalist feeders primarily relying on nectar, fruits, arthropods, and carrion, are seldom reported as vertebrate predators. In this study, we present a novel observation of the red social paper wasp, Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Polistinae: Polistini), preying on young glittering-bellied emerald hummingbirds - Chlorostilbon lucidus (Shaw, 1812) (Apodiformes: Trochilidae), opportunistically recorded in the urban area of Brazilian Caatinga biome. Predation occurred when a Polistes canadensis individual targeted a hummingbird's nest. This occurrence challenges the prevailing view of these associations and suggests that social wasps may play a more significant role as nestling predators than previously acknowledged, highlighting the need for further research.

Licuri (Syagrus coronata) Oil Cake as a Substrate for Collagenolytic Protease Production by Submerged Fermentation Using a Novel Strain of Penicillium citrinum Isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga

Licuri (Syagrus coronata) Oil Cake as a Substrate for Collagenolytic Protease Production by Submerged Fermentation Using a Novel Strain of Penicillium citrinum Isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga

Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from free-range chickens in the Caatinga biome.

Antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli is a global health challenge from a One Health perspective. However, data on its emergence in the Caatinga biome are limited. This biome is exclusive to the Brazilian Northeast and offers unique epidemiological conditions that can influence the occurrence of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. In this study, the carriage proportion, antimicrobial susceptibility, and population structure of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli were assessed in 300 cloacal swab samples of free-range chickens from three Brazilian states covered by the Caatinga biome. The results showed that 44 (14.7%) samples were positive for cephalosporin-resistant E. coli, and Paraíba state had the highest frequency of isolates (68.2%). Genes encoding cephotaximase-Munich or ampicillin class C (AmpC) enzymes were identified in 30 (68.2%) and 8 (18.2%) isolates, respectively, comprising 31 E. coli isolates. Overall, molecular typing by genome restriction using XbaI endonuclease followed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed four clusters from two properties of Paraíba state composed by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing and AmpC-producing E. coli carrying blaCTX-M-1-like and blaMIR-1/ACT-1 genes and belonging to different phylogenetic groups. There is a need to control antimicrobial resistance while taking into account the genetic diversity of the strains and their implications for animal and public health, especially in free-range chickens reared in the Brazilian Caatinga biome.

Relationship between season and spermatozoa traits of captive-reared agoutis from Brazilian semiarid.

For the development of efficient management and conservation strategies for wild rodent species, understanding the aspects related to their reproduction, including the interaction of this physiological function with the environment, is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of weather changes derived from a semiarid region's dry and rainy seasons on the epididymal sperm characteristics of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), a histricognath rodent, still little studied, which inhabits the Brazilian Caatinga. The sperm from the epididymal cauda of 14 agoutis were collected, seven individuals per season (dry and rainy). Samples were evaluated for kinetic parameters, membrane structural and functional integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphology, and morphometry. The environmental variables were measured: maximum air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and the total rainfall for dry and rainy seasons were, respectively, 36.2 and 34.1°C, 66.8 and 80.1%, 4.0 and 1.9m/s, 527.3 and 441.8 W/m2, and 0.2 and 517.7mm. There were strong correlations between some sperm parameters and environmental variables, mainly those related to the acquisition of sperm mobility. Sperm concentration and the number of sperm collected were higher in the dry (1028.7 sperm/mL × 10⁶ and 1361.2 × 106 sperm) than in the rainy season (758.9 sperm × 10⁶/mL and 714.6 sperm × 106). During the rainy season, there were fewer sperm defects, higher sperm metrics, and higher membrane structural integrity with mitochondrial activity. Regarding motility patterns, the increases during the rainy season stand out in total and progressive motility, VAP, VSL, VCL, and subpopulations of rapid sperm. In summary, our results suggest that the adverse climatic conditions of the dry season in the semiarid region, mainly high solar radiation and temperature, considerably impair the epididymal sperm quality of red-rumped agoutis. On the contrary, the largest amount of sperm was obtained during this season, probably due to compensatory and adaptive mechanisms of the species to enable its reproduction throughout the year.

From Genes to Stress Response: Genomic and Transcriptomic Data Suggest the Significance of the Inositol and Raffinose Family Oligosaccharide Pathways in Stylosanthes scabra, Adaptation to the Caatinga Environment.

S. scabra is an important forage and extremophilic plant native to the Brazilian Caatinga semiarid region. It has only recently been subjected to omics-based investigations, and the generated datasets offer insights into biotechnologically significant candidates yet to be thoroughly examined. INSs (inositol and its derivatives) and RFO (raffinose oligosaccharide family) pathways emerge as pivotal candidates, given their critical roles in plant physiology. The mentioned compounds have also been linked to negative impacts on the absorption of nutrients in mammals, affecting overall nutritional intake and metabolism. Therefore, studying these metabolic pathways is important not just for plants but also for animals who depend on them as part of their diet. INS and RFO pathways in S. scabra stood out for their abundance of identified loci and enzymes. The enzymes exhibited genomic redundancy, being encoded by multiple loci and various gene families. The phylogenomic analysis unveiled an expansion of the PIP5K and GolS gene families relative to the immediate S. scabra ancestor. These enzymes are crucial for synthesizing key secondary messengers and the RFO precursor, respectively. Transcriptional control of the studied pathways was associated with DOF-type, C2H2, and BCP1 transcription factors. Identification of biological processes related to INS and RFO metabolic routes in S. scabra highlighted their significance in responding to stressful conditions prevalent in the Caatinga environment. Finally, RNA-Seq and qPCR data revealed the relevant influence of genes of the INS and RFO pathways in the S. scabra response to water deprivation. Our study deciphers the genetics and transcriptomics of the INS and RFO in S. scabra, shedding light on their importance for a Caatinga-native plant and paving the way for future biotechnological applications in this species and beyond.

Flavonoids from Mimosa tenuiflora Green Propolis: Chemotaxonomy, Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammation, Anti‐Bacteria, Mosquito Larvicidal Activity, and In Silico Approach

AbstractPhytochemical study of green propolis alcohol extract of Brazilian Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir resulted in the separation of six flavonoids, including quercetin 3‐methyl ether (1) and 3,3′‐O‐dimethylquercetin (2), and four flavanones eriodictyol 5‐O‐methyl ether (3), 5,4′‐dihydroxy‐6,7‐dimethoxyflavanone (4), licoflavanone (5), and macarangaflavanone B (6). All these metabolites were first isolated from green propolis and the genus Mimosa. Metabolites 3–4 also established chemotaxonomic significance since they had never been observed in the bean family Fabaceae. Flavones 1–2 showed strong antioxidative activity against DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl) radicals with IC50 values of 12.40 and 16.23 μg/mL, respectively. All six isolates showed anti‐inflammatory effects against NO (nitric oxide) production in LPS (lipopolysaccharide)‐stimulated Raw 264.7 cells, in which the activity of flavone 1 was better than the standard dexamethasone (IC50 13.35 μg/mL). Flavonoids 1–3 also strongly controlled the growth of the Gram‐positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 with MIC values of 32–64 μg/mL. Six isolated flavonoids exhibited strong or moderate mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus fourth instar larvae with the 24 h LC50 values of 29.62–55.89 μg/mL. By in silico approach, compound 1 was a non‐toxic agent with an LD50 value of 5000 mg/kg.

The Fantastic Story of How Cacti Thrive in the Brazilian Caatinga

In the sunny and dry land of Brazil’s Caatinga, a group of plants called cacti lives and thrives even though it does not rain much. But how do they do it? This article will take you on an adventure, in which you will learn how cacti survive in such a tough place. The Cereus cacti are like water-saving wizards, storing water in their bodies. Their spikes, which look and act like armor, also help them catch raindrops. Cacti have a cool way of making food. They do it at night when it is not too hot, to prevent themselves from losing water in the heat of the day. Cacti also have friends, like bats and hummingbirds, that bring pollen from one plant to another, helping the cacti to reproduce. The Caatinga can be a tricky place, with hot days and not much rain, but the story of Brazilian cacti reminds us of nature’s fascinating diversity and how life can be strong and beautiful, even in a very dry place.

Wood anatomy of Tabaroa, a monotypic papilionoid legume genus narrowly endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga seasonally dry tropical forests

Wood anatomy of Tabaroa, a monotypic papilionoid legume genus narrowly endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga seasonally dry tropical forests

Inferring population trends of Syagrus coronata (Arecaceae) in areas under different management in Brazilian Caatinga using a transition matrix model

Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc. (Arecaceae), known as licuri, is a palm tree widely distributed throughout the Brazilian semi-arid, being currently vulnerable to extinction. Its fruits are exploited by both humans and animals, representing high sociocultural, economic, and ecological relevance. This palm tree is found in areas under different management intensity and land use; therefore, both medium and long-term ecological monitoring programs are essential to verify the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on the dynamic of their populations. Information on population structure and growth (λ) from 2018 to 2021 was obtained in 40 plots of 20 × 20 m (1.6 ha). Population matrix models based on five life stages (seedling, sapling, juvenile, immature adult, and reproductive adults) were obtained, in addition to information on fruit productivity and harvesting intensity. Individuals from the seedling stage predominated in both pasture and natural habitats. The populations from two habitats were stable (Pasture λ = 1.00 and Natural λ = 1.01); however, no transition occurred from earlier up to later stages. The population in the pasture was characterized by a low transition rate (recruitment of juveniles onwards), caused mainly by the pressure exerted by cattle. Our results suggest that the adult reproductive and seedling stages are the most important for the survival and growth of the populations. Harvest intensity had no effect on population growth, and only 16.65 % of the fruit annual production was collected. Therefore, fruit harvesting is sustainable, but the type of pasture management might compromise the future of the population. Management strategies ought to reduce the pressure exerted by livestock to increase the transition between stages and maintain the S. coronata populations over several years.

Growth regulators on shooting and adventitious rooting of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia adult stem cuttings

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, crucial for fencing and firewood in Brazil's Caatinga dry forest, presents a promising avenue for commercial propagation. The challenges faced in seed propagation, such as the scarcity of inputs and the difficulties in overcoming dormancy, highlight the advantages of vegetative methods. These methods emerge as a viable alternative, enabling uniform and large-scale production of clonal plantlets. This technique ensures consistent plant quality, which is crucial given the wide variety of uses for this species. Additionally, the use of plant growth regulators is critical to enhance the success of vegetative propagation, promoting the formation of robust roots and overall development of plants from cuttings of adult trees. Recognizing the significance of creating clonal forests of M. caesalpiniifolia and the necessity for understanding methods to expedite this endeavor, this study was designed to assess the shooting and adventitious rooting of stem cuttings sourced from adult M. caesalpiniifolia trees, examining the effects of auxinic agents. M. caesalpiniifolia cuttings were harvested through vegetative rescue from six randomly selected adult trees, treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at concentrations of 0, 1,000, 2,000, and 4000 mg L−1, using a completely randomized design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The evaluations included assessing root presence, number of shoots, vigor of clonal plantlets and plant survival under greenhouse conditions, shade house conditions, and full sun exposure. The study did not reveal any significant interaction between growth regulators and their concentrations under these conditions. IBA at intermediate concentrations enhanced root growth, while cuttings without growth regulators exhibited superior aerial development. A decrease in survival percentages with increasing concentrations of regulators was observed, while cuttings without regulators demonstrated better morphological development. The study suggests for large-scale nurseries, natural rooting and shoot formation in M. caesalpiniifolia cuttings may suffice for successful propagation without IBA or IAA.

Mammal diversity responses to anthropic, environmental, and seasonal changes within Caatinga seasonal dry forest landscapes

AbstractCaatinga's conservation and biodiversity are threatened due to the intensification of anthropic activities and climate change. The mammals have different responses to seasonal and anthropic changes, however particularly in Caatinga, these effects are still poorly understood. We assessed the influence of anthropic (distance from urban areas and wind farms), environmental (distance from water), and seasonal (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and land surface temperature (LST)) variables on the number of records and richness of medium and large‐sized mammals in Brazilian Caatinga. We used camera traps in 2016–2017 and 2018–2019, estimated the variation (cv) of NDVI and LST, and generated Euclidean distance maps to anthropic and environmental variables at 250, 500, and 1000 m spatial scales. We performed Generalized Linear Models, used the Akaike information criterion, and calculated model averaging to assess the strength and direction of effect and the uncertainties of the winner models, respectively. The distance from wind farms and maximum LST had a noticeable effect on the number of records and total richness. The distance from wind farms had a negative effect on the records of Dicotyles tajacu and a positive effect on the records of Leopardus pardalis and richness. The maximum LST had a negative effect on the records of L. pardalis and a positive effect on the records of Puma concolor and Cerdocyon thous. Our results emphasize that an unsustainable expansion of wind farms is likely to compromise mammal diversity. We found an opposite pattern for some species regarding LST. However, it is important to highlight that the conservation of vegetation areas on the top of mountains and springs, and the installation of artificial water sources are important strategies to mitigate the impacts of high temperatures on mammals' biodiversity in Caatinga.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

Instrumental and sensory tools to evaluate the production potential of a new type of sparkling wine from umbu (Spondias tuberosa)

Umbu is a native fruit from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome, which is a source of income for families involved in extractivism. This fruit is highly perishable and production losses have been experienced. The production of sparkling wine can be a strategy for better use and to add value to this fruit. Furthermore, consumers have been attracted to innovative beverages, produced with alternative raw materials and with an exotic and pleasant aroma. The potential for producing sparkling wine from umbu was evaluated through physical-chemical, instrumental (gas chromatography with detection by mass spectrometry and olfactometry) and sensory analyses (acceptance test, Just-about-right (JAR) scale, and penalty analysis). Both the base wine and the sparkling wine meet all regulatory physicochemical parameters. The volatile profile of umbu pulp contains mainly terpenes (55%), while esters predominated in the base and sparkling wines (32 and 33%, respectively). In sparkling wines, hexanoic acid (3114 mg L−1) and linalool (1266 mg L−1) were the major compounds. Among the 26 odor-active compounds of sparkling wines are mainly ethyl esters with fruity aroma (acetate, decanoate, and 2-phenylacetate; OSME area: 4.8, 4.8, and 5.0%, respectively), and terpenes with floral notes (p-cymene, geranic oxide and linalool; OSME area: 8.5, 7.4, and 6.9%, respectively). The acceptance and purchase intention tests endorsed the commercialization expectation, although JAR scale and penalty analysis showed that the umbu aroma and sweetness may be improved. The potential of umbu for the production of sparkling wines has been proven, which satisfies the current market demand for innovative beverages.

Plants in the caatinga possess multiple adaptative leaf morphoanatomical traits concurrently, a pattern revealed from a systematic review

Plants in seasonally dry forests, such as the Caatinga in Brazil, possess adaptive characteristics to endure prolonged periods of drought and intense sunlight. However, few studies have delved into understanding, as proposed here, the convergence of these traits based on morphoanatomical features. Therefore, based on a systematic review, we investigated the morphoanatomical traits of Caatinga plant's leaves in terms of their occurrence and frequency among species, as well as their combinations. This review encompasses data from 69 species distributed across 24 botanical families, with 13 species exclusive to the Caatinga. Through this review, we present the most common morphoanatomical leaf traits of Caatinga plants, discussing their functional significance in dry forests. Traits such as uniseriate epidermis, tector trichomes, amphistomatia, dorsiventral mesophyll and crystals were the most prevalent. Additionally, traits not typically described as advantageous for semi-arid regions, such as stomata at the same level and/or above common epidermal cells, were identified. Our review unveils the significant sharing of morphoanatomical leaf characteristics among Caatinga plants, with the observation of three clusters associated with these traits, composed of subshrub, shrub, arboreal and/or herbaceous species. The shared traits underscore the evolutionary association between traits and the environment. Finally, this comprehensive overview of these traits allows us to understand the dynamics of Caatinga plants and serves as a foundation for future analyses of the varying vulnerability of plants within each cluster to climate change.