Cactus Species Research Articles

INSIGHT INTO ANTI-CORROSION EFFECT OF MAMMILLARIA PROLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT AS A GREEN INHBITOR FOR MILD STEEL IN HCl SOLUTION

In this study, it was aimed to examine the adsorption and corrosion behaviours of the aqueous extract of Mammillaria prolifera, a cactus fruit, in 1.0 M HCl solution using experimental methods such as potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Mammillaria prolifera is a cactus species from the Cactaceae family, commonly known as Texas nipple cactus. Experiments were realized for aqueous extracts of four different Mammillaria prolifera fruits. The results indicate that the aqueous extract solution of cactus fruit has outstanding anti-corrosive performance of over 90% at the optimum concentration of 0.120% (w/v). In addition to electrochemical experiments, FE-SEM surface images were taken as another indicator of high inhibition. The results showed that the mild steel surface immersed in the inhibited electrolyte solution at 298 K after one-hour exposure did not contain cracks, pits or deformations compared to the inhibitor-free surface. As a result, experimental measurements and FE-SEMsurface images support each other.

Light and Ethephon Overcoming Seed Dormancy in Friar's Crown (Melocactus zehntneri, Cactaceae), a Brazilian Cactus.

Seed germination in Melocactus and other cactus species is hampered by dormancy. However, most studies failed to achieve high seed-germination rates, suggesting a complex mechanism of dormancy in Cactaceae. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether factors such as light and phytoregulators overcome the dormancy in the seeds of the friar's crown cactus (Melocactus zehntneri). Two consecutive experimental sets were designed: one with seed germination under filter paper conditions and different wavelengths and Photosynthetically Photon Flux Densities (PPFDs); and one in vitro experiment using a culture medium to evaluate the influence of different phytoregulators, such as gibberellic acid (GA3), benzylaminopurine (BAP) and ethephon (ET), both in the germination of seeds of M. zehntneri. Seeds of M. zehntneri are positive photoblastic. Red light and gradual increases in PPFD resulted in the highest germination rates (60.8-61.7%) and germination speed index (4.4-4.5). In vitro seeding in culture media increased the germination percentage to 76% in control without phytoregulators. Ethephon showed a major effect in releasing the germination of dormant seeds of M. zehntneri, totaling 98% of seeds germinated under in vitro conditions, while GA3 and BAP showed minor or no effect on germination. The present study resulted in an efficient in vitro technique for germination and a better understanding of cacti seed dormancy.

Cholla cactus wood (Cylindropuntia imbricata): Hierarchical structure and micromechanical properties

The Cholla cactus is a species of cacti that survives in arid environments and produces a unique mesh-like porous wood. In this article, we present a comprehensive investigation on the hierarchical structure and micromechanical properties of the Cholla cactus wood. Multiple approaches consisting of X-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, nanoindentation, and finite element simulations were used to gain insight into the structure, property, and design principles of the Cholla cactus wood. The microstructure of the Cholla cactus wood consists of different components, including vessels, rays, and fibers. In the present study, we quantitatively describe the structure of each of these wood components and their likely functions, both from the perspective of biological and mechanical behavior. Nanoindentation experiments revealed for the first time that the cell walls of the fibers exhibit stiffness and hardness higher than those of rays. Furthermore, the idea of making porous, thin-walled cylinders was abstracted from the design of vessel elements, and the structures inspired by this principle were studied in tensile and torsional loading conditions using finite element simulations. Finite element simulations revealed that the utilization of a larger volume of material to carry the load leads to an increase in toughness of these structures, and thus suggested that the pores should be architected to maximize the distribution of load. Statement of significanceThe Cholla cactus wood possess a unique hierarchical structure that enables it to thrive in arid environments. Our correlative microscopy approach reveals incredible strategies that individual wood components exhibit to enable the survival of Cholla cactus in extreme environments. The present work quantifies the microstructure and mechanical properties of this very interesting natural system. We further investigate a design principle inspired by the vessel elements, one of the wood components of Cholla cactus, using finite element simulations. The study presented here advances our understanding of the structural significance of Cholla cactus and potentially other desert plants and will further help design architected structural materials.

Macromineral status, water balance and kidney function of goats fed two cactus cladodes species

The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of diets with two cactus cladodes species on macrominerals metabolism, water balance, and kidney function markers of feedlot goats. Thirty-six castrated male undefined breed goats (19.0 ± 2.81kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, in three dietary treatments: diet containing Tifton-85 hay as exclusive roughage (control), diet with partial replacement (75%) of Tifton-85 hay by Miúda cactus cladodes (Nopalea) or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana cactus cladodes (OEM) (Opuntia), with twelve replicates per treatment. The feedlot lasted 100 days. Dietary and total Ca and Mg intakes were higher (P = 0.001) in goats fed cactus cladodes, regardless of species. The faeces of animals fed the control diet had twice (P = 0.049) as much K compared to the diet containing OEM cactus cladodes. Only OEM cactus cladodes caused increase (P = 0.001) in urinary Ca concentration, in relation to animals fed control diet. Goats fed cactus cladodes showed, on average, 45.8% more (P = 0.001) serum Mg. Diets containing cactus cladodes induced lower (P = 0.001) voluntary water intake and higher (P = 0.001) body water retention. The values of creatinine (P = 0.006) and total protein (P = 0.008) in the urine were affected by diets. For the given duration of the experiment, the partial replacement (75%) of Tifton-85 hay by cactus cladodes in diets for goats is recommended because it improves intake of macrominerals calcium and magnesium, and increase body water retention, without impairing kidney function.

Maternal Environment and Priming Agents Effect Germination and Seedling Quality in Pitaya under Salt Stress

Lack of water and salinity are common problems in many parts of the world. Therefore, some types of cacti can present as promising crops. Therefore, the ability of cactus species to survive and adapt under natural stress conditions should be evaluated. The experiment was aimed at evaluating the effect of salt stress on germination and emergence of pitaya seeds obtained from different species (Hyloceresu undatus (Haw.) Britton and Rose and Hylocereus polyrhizus (Lem.) Britton and Rose), priming with plant growth regulators, namely salicylic acid (SA), oxalic acid (OA) and mepiquat chloride (MC). The experiment had a completely randomized design with a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial scheme corresponding to two pitaya cultivars (white- and red-fleshed), four NaCl concentrations (0, 2500, 5000 and 10,000 ppm), and three PGRs (150 ppm/MC, SA, OC). According to the results, the maternal environment of the seed was important in salt stress resistance, while seeds matured in the environment with red fruit flesh were more tolerant to salt stress. Although Pitaya species are relatively salt-tolerant, growth (about 30%) was significantly reduced above 2500 ppm and germination (about 45%) above 5000 ppm. Germination percentage stood out as the most important trait determining seed quality and had positive effects on the germination stress tolerance index (r: 0.63), seedling length (r: 0.74) and fresh seedling weight (r: 0.56). This is the first study of how maternal environment affects germination and seedling quality under saline conditions in Hylocereus. The results obtained may contribute to pitaya cultivation and breeding.

Geography, climate and shifts in host plants distribution explain the genomic variation in the cactus moth

Landscape heterogeneity and the host plant use are factors suggested to play determinant roles in shaping the evolutionary history of herbivorous insects. However, the role of the reconfiguration of host plants distributions linked to Quaternary climate oscillations as drivers of contemporary population genetic structure is still poorly understood. Here, we formally examine the relative contribution of such factors on intraspecific diversification using the South American cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, an herbivore insect specialized in the use of cacti as host plants. We assessed genomic variation using genome-wide SNPs and mitochondrial data in populations sampled across a broad geographical gradient where moths feed on different cactus species. We integrated demographic simulations and ecological niche modeling into a landscape genomics framework, to test alternative hypotheses of past and current population connectivity for both C. cactorum and its host plants. Regions exhibiting higher genomic diversity were evaluated for congruence with areas where suitable climatic conditions remained stable through time. Our results revealed that past spatial configuration of suitable habitat conditions and shifts of host plants distributions are the factors that better explain the intraspecific diversification. Genomic data also supported the hypothesis that areas of long-term habitat stability served as refugia for C. cactorum, enabling the maintenance of high levels of genetic diversity over time. Overall, our study highlights the importance of integrating inter-specific interactions and their spatio-temporal dynamics to better understand the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors driving the diversification processes in herbivorous insects with broad geographical and restricted host ranges.

Pollen morphology of columnar cacti from Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico

The most important centre of diversity and endemism of columnar cacti in Mexico is the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (Puebla-Oaxaca states). The aims of this paper are (1) to provide a detailed description of the recent pollen morphology of 19 registered species that are found in this valley and (2) to develop a synoptic table to differentiate groups of species. This synoptic table is based on morphological features of pollen grains and the density of structural and sculptural elements observed using light and scanning electron microscopy. All analysed pollen grains were stenopalynous: isopolar monads, large, tricolpate with perforate tectate exine (sexine-nexine ratio 1:1), columellate structure with pattern of columellae distribution and spinulose sculpture. The spinules were always wider than they were tall. Although the 19 species of columnar cacti analysed in this study show highly similar types of pollen grains, we were able to characterise each of them with combined microscopy techniques.

Assessment of nutritional value and investigation of biological activities of Hylocereus costariscensis

Hylocereus costariscensis (Dragon fruit), an edible cactus species of the Cactaceae family, is rich in essential nutrients like antioxidants, dietary fibers, minerals, and vitamins. The aim of the study was to analyze the proximate composition and investigate the biological activities of the edible parts (flesh and seed) of H. costariscensis cultivated in Bangladesh. Air-dried fruits were successively extracted by n-hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol. The moisture and ash contents of the fruits were found to be 85.95 ± 0.53% and 0.99 ± 0.02%, respectively. UV and FT-IR spectral analysis showed the presence of different functional groups, which might be due to the presence of fatty acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. The total carbohydrate content was 10.52g/100g as determined by the modified Molisch method. Fatty acid analysis revealed the presence of octanoic acid (5%), palmitic acid (16%), octadecanoic acid (41%), cis-9-oleic acid (29%), and linoleic acid (6%). The total phenolic content of different extracts was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteau method, and the value was found to be higher in the methanol extract (151.05 ± 0.34 mg GAE/g) than in the other two extracts. Total flavonoid content and total antioxidant content were determined by the aluminum chloride method and the phosphomolybdate assay, respectively. The methanol extract exhibited the highest activities (91.54 ± 0.22 mg QE/g and 40.08 ± 0.21 mg AAE/g, respectively) among all extracts in both cases.

Dragon fruit farming by-products as an important source of several glycosylated flavonoids

Plants are globally used as an alternative for conventional drugs in treatment of many diseases. A significant proportion of medicinal properties of plants is addressed to antioxidant constituents as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The genus Selenicereus, known as dragon fruit, has about 15 species of epiphytic or hemiepiphytic cactus with hotspots in the tropical region of Mexico. Recently, these plants have been the focus of pharmacological studies due to the antioxidant activity of its fruits. Although many studies have investigated the biological activities of fruits, few studies investigated the chemical constituents and biological activities of cladodes. Despite the little knowledge about cladodes, it has been already observed to have higher antioxidant activities and other biological activities than the fruits. Besides this, cladodes are by-products resulting from the year-round pruning. Another important point about studies involving dragon fruit is that none of them identify the variety that is being used. As it is a commercial plant, it has many varieties created by artificial selection and hybridization such as many other food plants. In this study we found that varieties from the same species showed quantitative and qualitative differences in the metabolite profile using LC-MS. Metabolite profile from Cerrado (Selenicereus setaceus) was closer to Branca (Selenicereus undatus) than Thick King (S. setaceus), as well as Golden (S. undatus) was closer to Thick King than Branca. These results show that it is essential to identify varieties that are being used in the studies, whereas studies that attempt to replicate the experiments or use these plants for phytopreparations are prone to mislead.

Computational study on the torsional properties of bioinspired tubular metamaterials

Taking two cacti species as source of bioinspiration and tubular metamaterials are developed and studied under torsion. A flower-like cross section and a void distribution are the two bioinspired characteristics used for the design of tubular metamaterials. The geometrical parameters that define the two bioinspired characteristics are identified. Changes in torsional stiffness due to varying these parameters are studied using finite element simulations. The shape of the tubular metamaterials cross section had a larger influence on their torsional stiffness compared to the void distribution. Results presented could serve as a guide for the design of tubular metamaterials with tuned torsional stiffness.

Effect of cactus species in the diets of dairy goats on feed efficiency, milk yield, and milk and cheese composition

This study evaluated the effect of cactus species in dairy goats’ diets on feed efficiency, milk yield, and milk and cheese composition. Ten Saanen dairy goats averaging 50.0 ± 10.1 kg of body weight and 3.5 kg/day of milk were randomly assigned to treatments in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design, with 14 days for diet adaptation and five days for sample collection. The experimental diets included: control (500 g/kg of Tifton-85 hay + 500 g/kg concentrate); NC (150 g/kg of hay + 350 g/kg of Nopalea cochenillifera + 500 g/kg concentrate); NC:OS (150 g/kg of hay + 235 g/kg Nopalea cochenillifera + 115 g/kg Opuntia stricta + 500 g/kg concentrate); OS:NC (150 g/kg hay + 235 g/kg Opuntia stricta + 115 g/kg Nopalea cochenillifera + 500 g/kg concentrate); and OS (150 g/kg hay + 350 g/kg Opuntia stricta + 500 g/kg concentrate). All the treatments contained 500 g/kg of concentrate. Including cactus cladodes increased (P < 0.05) the intake and digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates and reduced (P < 0.05) the intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. Furthermore, it increased (P < 0.05) milk yield despite the absence of a difference in dry matter intake. The lowest (P < 0.05) protein and total solids concentrations were observed in the OS treatment milk. The levels of C18:1t10 and CLA in milk were similar (P > 0.05) in the control and NC diets but lower (P < 0.05) for the OS diet. Cactus cladodes increased (P < 0.05) the contents of medium-chain fatty acids (FA) and reduced (P < 0.05) the long-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids in milk. Diets with cactus cladodes increased (P < 0.05) the protein content and pH of the cheese. The cactus cladodes inclusion in the diets of lactating goats, in the proportions studied, increases milk yield and improves the composition and sensory attributes of "coalho" cheese

A review of the entomofauna associated with decaying cacti in New World deserts

Abstract Cactus species are well represented in arid and semiarid environments, where they sometimes even dominate the landscape, forming true cactus forests. In this review, we summarize for the first time the importance of cactus species as a wood resource for a neglected saproxylic (dead wood-dependent) entomofauna associated with decomposing and decomposed tissues in arid and semiarid environments. The complex decomposition process of cactus species is discussed in depth. We provide a checklist of the entomofauna living in decaying and decayed cacti, in which insects represented 93% of the species recorded. In particular, Coleoptera (41.5%) and Diptera (43.8%) orders together represented 85% of the insect species recorded. The family Drosophilidae made up 50% of studied Diptera species because the drosophilid–cactus–yeast complex has been widely studied during recent decades. However, we found that during the last 2 decades, there has been increasing interest in investigating the diversity of arthropods in this saproxylic habitat in Mexico, with a special focus on Syrphidae (Diptera) and Coleoptera, the former for their role in the decomposition process. Disentangling the role of the insects associated with decaying cactus is a challenge when it comes to understanding the function of xeric saprophagous insects in this environment. One frontier in this research area is to find whether decomposed stems in xeric soils would act as “islands” of fertility due to the amount of nitrogen which could be recuperated from these microecosystems. Further research is needed to understand the ecological succession of the entomofauna playing a role in the decomposition process of cactus species in semiarid environments.

Adaptative Strategies in Gymnocalycium Species (Cactaceae) and the Presence of Ectomycorrhizae Associated with Survival in Arid Environments.

The Cactaceae family makes use of different strategies, both physiological and biochemical, for anatomical adjustments that allow them to grow and reproduce in arid environments. Morphological studies of Gymnocalycium have been scarce, and the anatomy and phytochemistry are still largely unknown. The aim of the present work was to analyze the structural, physiological, and biochemical features of Gymnocalycium marianae and G. oenanthemum, two endemic species of arid regions in Argentina. The anatomic structure, biomass, and photosynthetic pigments, as well as phenolic compound contents, were analyzed in the stem, spine, and root of both species. G. marianae showed stems with deeper substomatal chambers and a more developed photosynthetic tissue than G. oenanthemum. The spines of G. oenanthemum showed higher biomass, thicker epidermal and subepidermal cell walls, and a higher content of phenolic compounds than those of G. marianae. Ectomycorrhizae were observed for the first time in roots in both species. Roots of G. marianae showed high colonization, biomass, and content of phenolic compounds. Both species showed abundant mucilaginous fibers in the stem and root. Finally, these results show the strategies associated with the survival in xeric environments of two cacti species at risk of extinction. They could be useful for the development of ex situ conservation programs.

Increased Zygote-Derived Plantlet Formation through In Vitro Rescue of Immature Embryos of Highly Apomictic Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae).

O. ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus) is an important forage and food source in arid and semiarid ecosystems and is the most important cactus species in cultivation globally. The high degree of apomixis in the species is a hindrance in plant breeding programs where genetic segregation is sought for the selection of superior genotypes. To understand if in ovulo embryo rescue could increase the proportion of zygotic seedlings, we compared the mature seed-derived seedlings with those regenerated from in vitro embryo rescue at 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 post-anthesis days (PADs) in four Italian cultivars. The seedlings were classified as apomictic or zygotic based on molecular marker analysis using inter-sequence single repeat (ISSR) primers. Multiple embryos were recovered from all the cultured immature ovules, and plantlets were regenerated and acclimatized to the field post hardening, with success rates ranging from 62% ('Senza spine') to 83% ('Gialla'). The level of polyembryony differed among cultivars and recovery dates, with the highest being 'Rossa', producing 4.8 embryos/ovule at 35 PADs, and 'Gialla', the lowest, with 2.7 at 40 PADs. The maximum number of embryos observed within a single ovule was 14 in 'Trunzara bianca'. ISSR analysis revealed that ovule culture at 35 PADs produced the highest percentage of zygotic seedlings in all the cultivars, from 51% ('Rossa') to 98% ('Gialla'), with a high genotype effect as well. Mature seeds produced much fewer seedlings per seed, ranging from 1.2 in 'Trunzara bianca' to 2.0 in 'Rossa' and a lower percentage of zygotic seedlings (from 14% in 'Rossa' to 63% in 'Gialla'). Our research opens a pathway to increase the availability of zygotic seedlings in O. ficus-indica breeding programs through in ovulo embryo culture.

Opuntia plants nutritive and medicinal value: a review

The scientific name Opuntia identifies a succulent plant native to Mexico. It is now widespread in the United States, South America and the Mediterranean basin, where it has found a suitable terrain for naturalization. It is a species of cactus popularly known as Nopal in Mexico and “Fico d’India” in Italy. Cladodes, the branched leaves of the plant, are paddle shaped and covered in short spines that enable it to absorb even the tiniest drop of water. A specific and well known type of Opuntia, called Opuntia ficus-indica, can be recognized by its typical yellow flowers and is appreciated for its fleshy fruit with a pleasant taste, rich in nutrients but low in calories. It is used as a foodstuff and in particular to produce juices, jellies and other edible products. The O. ficus-indica is also well known as a source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus and in smaller quantities of other minerals and various essential nutrients, including antioxidants. The cladodes are the part of the plant from which the extract is used to aid weight control and as a cosmetic ingredient with an emollient and soothing action. The spongy tissues of the cladodes contain high concentrations of high molecular weight polysaccharides, which are relevant for the specific properties commonly attributed to this common succulent plant. This review presents several medicinal benefits, which can be obtained using cladodes, fruits and flowers of the different Opuntia species.

First Report of Fusarium oxysporum Causing Stem Rot on Mammillaria humboldtii in China.

Mammillaria humboldtii found in Mexico is a short-globose ornamental cactus species of the Cactaceae family, which has gained increasing popularity in China. It is characterized by tuberculate stems, dimorphic areoles, small pink flowers and pitted seed cell walls. The populations of wild M. humboldtii are critically endangered and are now of international conservation concern. In July 2021, stem rot symptoms were observed on M. humboldtii in a commercial greenhouse located in Zhangzhou (117°39'44.0064″E, 24°28'3.7236″N), Fujian Province (southern China). The typical symptoms were water-soaking, rotting and wilting on the stem, eventually leading to necrosis of the plants within 20 to 30 days. The vascular system of infected stems and roots showed a reddish-brown discolouration. The disease affected approximately 10% of 1000 plants. Fungi were isolated from the diseased stems of 26 samples, which were chopped into small pieces (5 × 5 mm), surface-sterilized with 75% ethanol for 40 s, and placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). After seven days of dark culture at 28°C, morphologically similar fungal isolates with whitish aerial mycelium and purple pigment were observed. On carnation leaf agar (CLA), isolates produced sickle and slightly curved macroconidia with three to four septa, measuring 12.8 to 27.9 × 1.9 to 3.8 μm (n = 15), and unicellular, ovoid to elliptical microconidia measuring 3.8 to 7.7 × 1.4 to 2.5 μm (n = 30). Smooth walled chlamydospores were terminal or intercalary, single or in pairs, measuring 9.2 to 13.1 μm (n = 15) in diameter. For molecular identification, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA (Schoch et al. 2012), translation elongation factor-1α (EF1-α) (Maryani et al. 2019) and gene coding endopolygalacturonase 1 (PG1) (Hirano et al. 2006) of the representative isolate FJMH7 were amplified, purified and sequenced. BLASTn analysis of the ITS, EF1-α and pg1 sequences (GenBank accession numbers: ON832660, ON843495 and ON843496) showed 100%, 99.70% and 98.96% identity with F. oxysporum (GenBank accession numbers: KX611626, OM801797 and KF437345), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the the concatenated ITS and EF1-α sequences and pg1 genes placed isolate FJMH7 with F. oxysporum reference strains in the phylogenetic trees. Based on morphological identification and sequence analysis, this isolate was identified as F. oxysporum. For the pathogenicity assay, six 6-month-old healthy plants of Mammillaria humboldtii were inoculated by dipping roots in a conidial suspension (106 conidia/mL) of isolate FJMH7 cultured in Bilai's medium for three days. Six noninoculated plants treated with Bilai's medium served as a control. Plants were transplanted into pots filled with sterilized soils and placed in a glasshouse at 25°C. After 15 days, all the inoculated plants exhibited rot symptoms on stems, which were similar to those observed in the commercial greenhouses. All inoculated plants were dead 30 days after inoculation. Control plants did not show any symptoms. F. oxysporum was reisolated and confirmed based on morphology and sequencing. No fungi were reisolated from control plants. To fulfil Koch's postulates, the pathogenicity assay was repeated twice with the same results. To date, F. oxysporum isolates have been reported on golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) (Polizzi et al. 2004), night-blooming cereus (Hylocereus undatus) (Wright et al. 2007), apple cactus (Cereus peruvianus monstruosus) (Garibaldi et al. 2011), Schlumbergera truncate (Lops et al. 2013), Astrophytum ornatum (Quezada-Salinas et al. 2017) and Nopalea cochenillifera (Santiago et al. 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. oxysporum on M. humboldtii in China, indicating that this pathogen could cause wilt and rot disease on different cactus hosts.

New Functional Foods with Cactus Components: Sustainable Perspectives and Future Trends.

The growing interest in a healthy lifestyle has contributed to disseminating perspectives on more sustainable natural resource management. This review describes promising aspects of using cacti in the food industry, addressing sustainable, nutritional, and functional aspects of the plant's production. Our study provides an overview of the potential of cacti for the food industry to encourage the sustainable cultivation of underutilized cactus species and their commercial exploitation. The commercial production of cacti has advantages over other agricultural practices by mitigating damage to ecosystems and encouraging migration to sustainable agriculture. The application of cactus ingredients in food development has been broad, whether in producing breads, jellies, gums, dyes, probiotics, and postbiotic and paraprobiotic foods. However, in the field of probiotic foods, future research should focus on technologies applied in processing and researching interactions between probiotics and raw materials to determine the functionality and bioactivity of products.

Cactus height increases the modularity of a plant–frugivore network in the Caatinga dry forest

AbstractCacti fruits are key resources to many frugivorous animals in Neotropical arid and semiarid regions. However, most studies have focused on a particular animal group or cacti species, but few have explored the overall interactions of such species at the community level. Here we monitored frugivory on five cacti species using camera traps that sampled diurnal and nocturnal interactions. We investigated the structure of interactions with bird, mammal, and reptile frugivores in the Brazilian Caatinga dry forest. We hypothesized that the height of cacti limit interactions with different types of frugivores, which would result in highly structured and modular interaction networks. In 2929 camera‐days, we recorded 23 vertebrate species feeding on cacti fruits, including seven new records, all determined to be primary seed dispersers. As predicted, the cacti‐frugivore network was modular and non‐nested, with the two shortest cacti species grouped in a module dominated by interactions with reptiles and non‐flying mammals. The tallest cacti species were dominated by frugivory interactions with birds and had comparatively less interaction diversity than shorter cacti species. Our results support the contention that cacti are keystone species in semiarid ecosystems where they produce small‐seeded fleshy fruits year‐round.

Potential of parasitoids to control Diaspis echinocacti (Bouché) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on Opuntia spp. cactus pear

BackgroundDiaspis echinocacti (Bouché) is a major pest of cactus pear species worldwide. Over the past three years, this scale insect has seen increasing interest regarding its spread and importance, as well as the efficacy of its primary parasitoids Aphytis debachi Azim, and Plagiomerus diaspidis Crawford, as biocontrol agents. Infestation of cactus pear plants by D. echinocacti and parasitism rates of its two parasitoids were evaluated in fields in Zemamra-Morocco, for three years (2020–2022). Infested cladodes were collected and incubated in the laboratory (27 ± 1 °C) for parasitism study.ResultsInfestation of cactus pear plants by the cochineal increased continuously during the study period to reach 66% in 2022. Parasitism rates were lowest in 2020 and increased thereafter to 74.10 and 38.38% in 2022 for P. diaspidis, and A. debachi, respectively. The most abundant parasitoid was P. diaspidis. The functional response and mutual interference of P. diaspidis and A. debachi attacking D. echinocacti second instar nymphs were studied in the laboratory. Logistic regression for both parasitoids tested had a negative linear parameter indicating a type II functional response. Attack rates were 0.73 and 0.60 and handling times were 0.09 and 0.06 h for P. diaspidis and A. debachi, respectively, were estimated using Holling's disk equation. Search efficiency decreased significantly from 0.060 to 0.002 for P. diaspidis and from 0.067 to 0.003 for A. debachi when the parasitoids density increased from 1 to 8.ConclusionsParasitism potential, functional response and mutual interference of P. diaspidis and A. debachi attacking D. echinocacti were reported. The results of this investigation suggest that both P. diaspidis and A. debachi had the potential to effectively control infestations of D. echinocacti on cactus pear plantations.

Environmental gradualism explains variation in pollination systems of columnar cacti: Phylogenetic and trait evolution analyses

AbstractAimThe geographical dichotomy hypothesis (GDH) states several flowering plant groups have specialized pollination systems in tropical areas where resources are more reliable and pollinator communities tend to be more stable, than in extratropical areas. Our main goal was to understand the scope of the GDH and/or gradual environmental variation considering the evolutionary history of the pollination traits.LocationNeotropical tropics and adjacent extratropics.Major taxa studiedColumnar cacti.MethodsUsing a database composed of ~54 columnar cacti species (31.7% of the global columnar cactus species), four complex traits were analysed: pollination syndromes, reproductive systems, type of anthesis, and duration of anthesis. We conducted generalized linear models (GLMs), phylogenetic regressions, evolutionary trait optimization, and multivariate models with 19 bioclimatic variables and potential evapotranspiration.ResultsWeak phylogenetic signal was detected for all traits, giving consistent results between GLMs and phylogenetic regression analysis. The pollination syndrome and duration of anthesis varied with latitude, in contrast to the reproductive system and the type of anthesis. In the Southern Hemisphere, the pollinators were more diverse and the duration of anthesis was longer. Different evolutionary paths between hemispheres were detected and optimization showed a complex pattern in the evolution of traits, suggesting high homoplasy with multiple transformations by convergence and/or parallelism. The environmental models showed thermic seasonality may be at the core of the latitudinal variation of the pollination system.Main conclusionsWe did not detect a geographical dichotomy in pollination systems of the cacti, but rather a gradual change in different pollination attributes. Therefore, instead of a GDH, we propose an environmental gradient hypothesis (EGH). Environmental variables may be explaining the variation detected in pollination system traits by conditioning floral properties (morphology, phenology), diversity and distribution of pollinators, and/or coevolution occurrence. The complexity implied in these traits is consistent with high homoplasy levels and a differential evolutionary history between the hemispheres.