Pequi Research Articles

Genetic diversity and correlation between morphological traits of pequi fruits (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) with and without thorns at the endocarp

Morphological characteristics of pequi fruits (Caryocar brasiliense) allows us to obtain information for the conservation, breeding, and detect genetic variability. Thus, the aims of this research were to characterize the genetic diversity of Caryocar brasiliense that produce fruits with and without thorn at the endocarp; determine the important characters in the study of genetic diversity, and to estimate phenotypic and genotypic correlations. 80 fruits with thorns and 90 fruits without thorns were evaluated. Data were used for analysis: Euclidian distance as a measure of dissimilarity and the Tocher method for delimitation of groups; Principal Component Analysis, and genotypic and phenotypic correlations. Genetic dissimilarity of C. brasiliense ranged from 0.066 (B6-D6) to 0.908 (A14-B3). Tocher method allowed dividing the matrices into three groups, the dendrogram into five groups, and the principal components allowed the distribution in 8 groups. We observed 15 significant correlations for characters of fruit with thorns and 31 correlations for characters of fruit without thorns. The weight of the fruit (with thorns) and the pyrene yield (without thorns) are relevant correlations for production. The groupings generated allowed the classification of the matrices into distinct sets. Allowed the identification of potential producers plants that could be used in breeding programs.

Changes in galling insect community on Caryocar brasiliense trees mediated by soil chemical and physical attributes.

The nutrient stress hypothesis predicts that galling insects prevail on host plants growing in habitats with soils of low nutritional quality. Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) is host to four different leaf-galling insects. These insects have the potential to cause a reduction in the production of C. brasiliense fruits, an important source of income for many communities in Brazil. We studied the effects of soil physical and chemical characteristics on the abundance, species richness, and diversity of galling insects and their natural enemies on C. brasiliense trees growing under three different soil conditions. Our data corroborate the hypothesis that in nutritionally poor (e.g., lower phosphorus content) and worse physical textures (e.g., sandy) soils, host plants support higher species richness and diversity of galling insects. However, the abundance of Eurytoma sp. (the most common gall in C. brasiliense), was correlated with a higher phosphorus concentration in the soil (better nutritional condition). The percentage of galled leaflets and the area of leaflets occupied by Eurytoma sp galls were higher in the more fertile soil. In this soil, there was greater abundance, species richness, and diversity of parasitoids of Eurytoma sp. (e.g., Sycophila sp.) and predators (e.g., Zelus armillatus). Our data indicate the importance of habitat quality in the composition of the galling insect community and the impact of soil properties in mediating the distribution of these insects in C. brasiliense.

Recycled Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb.) Shell Ethanolic Extract Induces Apoptosis in Canine Osteosarcoma Cells

Abstract Osteosarcoma is a mesenchymal cancer associated with high mortality in dogs and in humans. The biodiversity-rich Cerrado, the predominant biome in the Midwest region of Brazil, is native to locally appreciated fruits such as pequi (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb). Although this plant has been frequently used in folk medicine, the pharmacological properties of pequi fruit shells have not been fully evaluated. Thus, this study aimed to determine the cytotoxic activity of ethanol extract of recycled pequi shells on canine osteosarcoma cells in vitro. Cells were cultured and treated with final extract concentrations of 0, 0.029 µg/µL, 0.29 µg/µL, and 2.91 µg/µL for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Cell viability assay using trypan blue exclusion method and tetrazolium reduction method, cell survival assay, and double labeling with annexin V and propidium iodide were performed in the treated osteosarcoma cells. These allowed the determination of IC50, survival fraction, and type of cell death, respectively. Pequi shell ethanol extract at a concentration of 2.91 µg/µL showed the greatest inhibition of osteosarcoma cell growth in vitro, resulting in a 71.80% decrease in growth compared to the control. The mean IC50 was 155.2 μg/mL at 72 hours. The calculated survival fractions showed that cell growth at 72 hours was 3.33% lower in cells treated with 2.91 µg/µL extract. Results from the double labeling experiment suggest that apoptosis was the predominant type of cell death in cells treated with 2.91 µg/µL extract. These results demonstrate that ethanol extract of recycled pequi shells promotes apoptosis in canine osteosarcoma cells.

Air layering in Caryocar brasiliense - effect of stem diameter

ABSTRACT: Seed propagation of pequizeiro (Caryocar brasiliense) has many disadvantages, including low germination rates and high genetic variability of the resulting plants. Therefore, vegetative propagation techniques, such as the air layering process, are potentially important for this species. This study evaluated the effects of stem diameter and parental plant on the air layering efficacy of pequizeiro. The air layering process was carried out in mid-December 2019, in the following stem diameters: less than 15 mm; 15-19 mm; 20-24 mm; 25-29 mm and above 29 mm. The treatments comprised four replicates of 10 air layers. After 3 months, the percentages of survival, callus formation and rooting were evaluated, in addition to the rooting vigor. The percentages of survival and callus formation observed in the air layering, regardless the parental plant, were higher than 85%, showing the high potential of this technique in the propagation of pequizeiro. The callus differentiation rate in roots varied between the parental plants. Considering the evaluated parameters, stem diameters ranging from 20 to 24 mm are the most suitable ones for the air layering process in pequizeiro. These results indicated the high potential of the air layering technique for the commercial propagation of pequizeiro.

Distribution of galling insects and their parasitoids on Caryocar brasiliense tree crowns.

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) is widely distributed in the Brazilian savanna and its fruits are used by humans for food, production of cosmetics, lubricants, and in the pharmaceutical industry. This plant is damaged by galling insects. Number of these galling insects and their parasitoids was recorded, in the field (galls) and in the laboratory (adults emerged from the galls), from three C. brasiliense crown heights, during three years. Numbers of adults of Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), galling insect (younger attack) and Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) (a parasitoid of Eurytoma sp.), were greater on the apical parts of C. brasiliense tree crowns. Numbers and groups of Eurytoma sp. globoid galls (older attack) were higher in the median and basal crown parts. The numbers of Eurytoma sp. galls were higher on apical part of C. brasiliense tree crown and also of their parasitoids.

Biochar from Caryocar brasiliense as a soil conditioner for common bean plants

ABSTRACT: In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of organic waste in agriculture. In this way, was aimed with this study to evaluate the biochar from pequi shell (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) on the soil chemical properties and on the production and nutrition of common bean plants. The experiment was carried out in pots with soil (4 dm3 ~ 5,44 kg), in a completely randomized experimental design, 4 x 3 + 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. The treatments were four doses of biochar (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 % v/v), three different particle size (G1, <0.5 mm; G2, 0.5-1,0 mm and G3, 1.0-2.0 mm) and two control treatments, one without and another with addition of soil corrective acidity. The biochar from pequi shell acted as a corrective of soil acidity and as a source of potassium for the plants. However, in higher doses of biochar there was a decrease in bean plants production due to nutritional imbalances.

Early Germination of Pequi Seeds and Post-Planting Seedling Performance in the Northwestern of Rio de Janeiro

With the aim of using rustic species such as pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) for the rational management of degraded areas of Northwestern state of Rio de Janeiro, two experiments were sequentially conducted. In the first, seed dormancy breaking was evaluated in an experiment conducted in a completely randomized design, with six treatments, three replicates and 10 seeds per plot. Treatments were combinations of seeds with or without scarification + gibberellic acid (GA) or water. Forty-five days after sowing, 73% germination was observed in treatment mechanical scarification + GA (MS+GA). In the second experiment seedlings obtained from treatment MS + GA were evaluated in the field, concurrently with a control. At 20 and 44 months, both treatments presented the same biometric characteristics and sixty-one months after planting, flowering began. Scarification following by treatment with GA anticipates seedlings production and did not compromise the performance of these seedlings in the post-planting period.

Development and Chemical Characterization of Pequi Pericarp Flour (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) and Effect of in vitro Digestibility on the Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds

The pequi pericarp corresponds to the largest portion of the fruit and has a high nutritional value, but it is discarded as an agro-industrial residue. The present study aimed to prepare and characterize flours from the pequi pericarp in terms of their proximate composition, its antioxidant potential before and after the in vitro digestibility process and chemical profile, aiming at the full use of this fruit. The samples of pequi pericarp flours from the cities of Sete Lagoas, Paraopeba and Felixlândia were analyzed. The profile of chemical compounds present in the flours was determined using paper spray mass spectrometry. The in vitro simulated digestion technique was used to verify the stability of the phenolic compounds and the maintenance of the antioxidant capacity of the samples. The flours from the pequi pericarp showed to have higher levels of protein, ash and dietary fiber, compared to the data described in the literature for the pulp of the fruit. The analysis of paper spray mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 46 chemical compounds including amino acids, sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds. The analysis of the main components showed that there was no chemical variation among the fruits from the cities studied. Through the in vitro digestibility technique, it was possible to observe an increase in the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, contributing to increase the already significant antioxidant capacity of the samples. It was concluded that the pequi pericarp flour has the potential to be used as a food ingredient due to the high bioaccessibility of its bioactive compounds, capable of reducing the risk of developing diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Seasonal mite population distribution on Caryocar brasiliense trees in the Cerrado domain.

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees have a wide distribution in the Cerrado, and it is protected by federal laws. The need to monitor and understand pest damage to crops and forests is a major motivation for the study of population distribution. The mites (Acari) population distributions on C. brasiliense are unknown. We studied seasonal mite population distribution and their ecological indices on C. brasiliense trees in Cerrado areas during three years. Greatest number of Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae), and diversity and species richness on leaves of C. brasiliense occurred in the autumn; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) on leaves in the autumn and winter; Histiostoma sp., and Proctolaelaps sp. in fruits in the summer. No significant effect of season was observed in the abundance of Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) and Acaridae. The populations of Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 negatively correlated with temperature. Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 correlated negatively with rainfall and Eutetranychus sp. and Proctolaelaps sp. positively with sunlight. The period with low rainfall and relative humidity increases the phytophagous mites and their predators, especially Agistemus sp.. The Tetranychus sp. and Histiostoma sp. species may become pests in C. brasiliense in the Cerrado domain.

Efficacy of Caryocar brasiliense Camb. and Annona crassiflora Mart. leaves in the reduction of biotransferred Escherichia coli from Lactuca sativa L. leaves to polypropylene

The antimicrobial activity of Caryocar brasiliense and Annona crassiflora leaves extracts was evaluated against Escherichia coli strains through a sensitivity test by the agar diffusion method and by the evaluation of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) by the microdilution technique followed by plating. The sanitizing efficiency of these extracts in reducing E. coli cells biotransferred from L. sativa leaves to polypropylene surfaces was evaluated after an exposure time of 5 minutes. All strains were sensitive to antibacterials and the formation of an inhibition halo was observed for the extracts against all strains tested. The C. brasiliense extract showed better antimicrobial action against E. coli strains, with a MIC of 1.09 mg/mL, while the MIC of A. crassiflora extract was 5.58 mg/mL. No MBC was found for plant extracts. The strains were not able to form biofilms under the conditions studied, however, there was biotransfer and adhesion of E. coli to polypropylene. The highest counts of E. coli cells biotransferred and, consequently, adhere to the polypropylene coupons were observed when 5 log CFU/mL was inoculated, with a mean count of 4.53 ± 0.66 log CFU/cm2. It was verified that the treatment with the extract solutions in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) totally reduced the number of E. coli cells adhered to the polypropylene coupons. The results obtained indicate that the use of extracts from both species as antibacterials is promising.

Tolerance of Hymenaea courbaril L. to glyphosate.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the glyphosate on Hymenaea courbaril L. A randomized block design with five replications was implemented. Each experimental unit was composed of one plant in a 5 L container. The treatments were 0 "control"; 96; 240; 480; and 960 g ha-1 "corresponding to 10, 25, 50, and 100% of the commercial dose of glyphosate recommended for Caryocar brasiliense crop, respectively". The evaluations were performed at 24 h and 60 days after application. Visual and anatomical evaluations did not change regardless of the dose, while the histochemical evaluation showed an accumulation of starch grains in leaf tissues. There was an increase in the photosynthetic rate, in the electron transport rate, and in the effective quantum yield of photosystem II at 24 h after application. At 60 days after the application of the treatments, the photosynthetic rate showed a slight decrease and the transpiratory rate showed quadratic behavior. An increase in plant height was observed up to the dose of 480 g ha-1, a linear increase in stem diameter and a decrease in the number of leaves with increasing glyphosate doses. These results show that the cuticle protected the plant, and that the little absorbed glyphosate increased photosynthesis and transpiration to favor the plants. We can conclude that the H. courbaril species is able to survive after contact with glyphosate during the evaluated time, with no visual and/or anatomical damage, showing increases in growth and physiological characteristics for the tested doses.

English

The interest and search for natural active principles with therapeutic properties from plants are growing, given their potential for use by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, the objective of this review was to carry out a systematic analysis of scientific productions that have explored some therapeutic potential of Caryocar brasiliense. The methodology of the preferred reporting items was adopted for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA). Articles published in the period from 2009 to 2019 in the Web of Science and Bireme were selected and evaluated. The descriptors used were C. brasiliense, extract, and therapeutic. After applying the exclusion criteria, 25 studies were selected, elucidating a miscellany of therapeutic potentials for pequi, such as antioxidant, antifungal, antibiotic, antineoplastic, neuroprotective, regulation of blood pressure as well as analysis of the toxicity of different parts of the plant. It was verified that the pulp extract was the most used for therapeutic purposes, mainly orally. Toxicological studies have shown low toxicity for all parts of the plant, in high doses. The therapeutic benefits observed consisted mainly of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antiparasitic, and blood pressure control activities. Key words: Caryocar brasiliense, extracts, systematic review, therapeutic potential.

Dehydration of pequi slices (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) by infrared: Modeling and effective diffusion coefficient

AbstractOne of the ways to enable and preserve the quality of an agricultural product is through its dehydration. Drying by infrared radiation has been gaining great attention from the industry, as it promotes better heating uniformity, conferring better quality characteristics when compared to traditional drying methods. Thus, this study aimed to model the drying kinetics of pequi slices, subjected to drying by infrared radiation. Pequi fruits (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), harvested manually in different stages of maturation (green and ripe), with initial moisture contents of 1.06 and 2.20 kga kgdm−1, were used for the green and ripe fruits, respectively. The fruits were peeled and cut into slices approximately 40 mm long and 2 mm thick. The slices were subjected to the infrared drying process under the temperatures of 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95°C. During drying, the effective diffusion coefficient was evaluated. Among the mathematical models that were adjusted to the experimental data, the modified Henderson and Pabis model satisfactorily described the period of decreasing drying rate of pequi slices. During the drying process, the diffusion coefficient increased linearly with temperature, ranging from 8.15 × 10−10 to 1.76 × 10−9 m2 s−1 for green pequi slices and 1.01 × 10−9 to 2.04 × 10−9 m2 s−1 for ripe pequi slices.Practical applicationsPequi fruit is characterized as an important native product of the Brazilian Cerrado, being a considerable source of income for the producing regions. Due to seasonality, there is a need to store the fruits. Thus, this study aims to help researchers and the pequi processing industry, proposing an alternative for marketing in the dehydrated fruit form, by infrared drying, to enable and preserve the quality of the product.

OCCURRENCE OF INSECT PESTS IN FRUITS OF Caryocar brasiliense (CARYOCARACEAE) IN THE NORTH OF MINAS GERAIS

ABSTRACT Caryocar brasiliense Camb. is a typical species from the Cerrado that represents a relevant income for the population where the fruit is produced. The ocorrence of insect pests provokes damage in the fruit and making its commercialization unfeasible. Then, this study aimed to identify the pest insect the fruit and the pit; to compare the morphological features of the fruit and pit and the damage caused by insects among mother plants and their origins and correlate the fruit and pit morphological features with the damage caused by the insects. Three different origins were evaluated, 12 mother plants by origin and ten fruit by mother plant. All the fruit were opened, checked for the insect damage and the fruit and pit morphological variables were determined. The insects that caused damage to the pequi embryo were identified as Carmenta sp. (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) and Amblycerus sp (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The probability analysis showed significant effect on the mother plants and origins for the percentage of fruit and pit attacked where the location of Laje Velha obtained the lowest rates of the insect attack. The fruit and pit of the Fruta de Leite were bigger and heavier than the others, while the correlations among the predation rate and the other morphological variables of the fruit and pit were not significant. Amblycerus sp. and Carmenta sp. may be considered potential pests of pequi, with the risk of compromising the pequizeiro populations and the regional economics.

SEASONAL VARIATION OF PHENOLS AND FLAVONOIDS IN NON-GALLED AND GALLED LEAVES OF CARYOCAR BRASILIENSE (CARYOCARACEAE)

Introduction: Galling insects manipulate the development of their host plants. Galls are rich in secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds and terpenes. Caryocar brasiliense acts as a host of galling insects. Few studies report the impacts of this plant-insect interaction on the species' morphology, physiology, and secondary metabolism. Objective: The purpose of this study was to verify if there is a correlation between the levels of total phenols and flavonoids in C. brasiliense leaf extracts and environmental variables, such as temperature and precipitation, throughout the year, and to evaluate how galling insects can interfere in this seasonality. Methods: Ethanol extracts from leaves were obtained by soxhlet extraction. The main classes of secondary metabolites were detected by phytochemical prospecting. The levels of total phenols and flavonoids were quantified by the Folin-Dennis tests and complexation reaction with aluminum chloride, respectively. Pearson 's correlation coefficient shows that the levels of phenols and flavonoids were correlated with the average monthly maximum temperatures and precipitation accumulation, respectively, recorded in Gurupi - Tocantins. Results and Discussion: Phytochemical prospecting indicated flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenes, steroids, and alkaloids in both extracts. In C. brasiliense, the samples of healthy leaves suffered a greater variation in the levels of phenols (68.39±2.3 to 279.34±3.1 mg GAE g-1 extract) and flavonoids (164.06± 3.0 at 269.03±3.6 mg QE g-1 extract) compared to leaf samples with galls. A strong positive correlation was found between the contents of total phenols and maximum temperatures and a strong negative correlation with precipitation through Pearson's correlation. Conclusions: The variations observed in the levels of phenols and flavonoids in the extracts of C. brasiliense seem to be related to abiotic factors and the herbivory promoted by the galling insect.

Light and electron microscopies reveal unknown details of the pollen grain structure and physiology from Brazilian Cerrado species.

Pollen grains have a relatively simple structure and microscopic size, with two or three cells surrounded by the protective sporoderm at maturity. The viability and efficiency of pollen transport from anther to stigma depends on pollen physiological properties, especially the relative water content of the vegetative cell. Pollen transport is a crucial fate for most angiosperms that depends on biotic pollinators and studies focusing on understanding the morpho-physiological properties of pollen grains are still scarce, especially to tropical open physiognomies as the Brazilian Cerrado. Therefore, we investigate some structural and physiological aspects of pollen grains from six native species naturally growing in one Cerrado area: Campomanesia pubescens (Myrtaceae), Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae), Erythroxylum campestre (Erythroxylaceae), Lippia lupulina (Verbenaceae), Pyrostegia venusta (Bignoniaceae), and Xylopia aromatica (Annonaceae). We selected dehiscent anthers and mature pollen grains to analyze (1) the anther wall and pollen microstructure, (2) the pollen water status at the time of anther dehiscence, and (3) the pollen chemical compounds. In all analyzed species, the anther and pollen developed in a successfully way, and except for Caryocar brasiliense, all species were able to emit pollen tubes in the germination tests. As expected for a dry and open environment, most species dispersed their pollen grains in a partially dehydrated form, as indicated by our harmomegathy experiment. As indicated by our study, the pollen ability in preventing dissection, maintaining its viability in a dry and hot environment during its transport from anther to stigma, may be related to the sporoderm apertures and to the reserve compounds, mainly carbohydrates in the form of hydrolysable starch grains.

Chemical and antioxidant characterization, sensory and shelf-life analysis of cereal bars with almonds from pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.)

The study aimed to know how almonds from Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), a byproduct of this fruit from Brazilian Cerrado, can be used to improve value to cereal bars. To respond to this question, the study characterized pequi almonds and cereal bars with pequi, and evaluate sensory acceptance. The preparation of cereal bars enriched with pequi almonds consisted of 3 formulations: standard (0%, pequi almond), formulation A (12.5% almond) and formulation B (25.0% almond). The best results were obtained through drying kinetics for the use of almonds in the formulations. Later, they were subjected to physicochemical analyses: moisture, ash and lipids, pH and soluble solids, crude fiber, proteins, sugar content and color index (L*, a* and b*), antioxidant capacity and sensory analysis which relied on 108 consumers. The blind test was applied and the information was used to evaluate the attributes: color, taste, texture, overall impression and purchase intention. Pequi almond obtained: 27.99% of fibers, 29.62% of proteins and 35.36% of lipids (composed mainly of oleic acid 57.65%, followed by 27.43% of palmitic acid). The results showed that the sensory acceptance for the consumers increased when they found out that the cereal bars contained pequi. Regarding the blind test (without information on the product), it was concluded that consumers appreciate new products with this fruit from the cerrado.

The effect of organic compost of Caryocar brasiliense waste against Meloidogyne javanica in two vegetable crops

Summary Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are responsible for various significant crop losses, which require taking integrated control measures. The present study aimed to identify a possible sustainable approach to the management of Meloidogyne javanica in vegetable crops using an organic compound based on pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit residues. A pot experiment was conducted using cultivars of tomato and lettuce susceptible to M. javanica, with three amendments including inorganic fertiliser, cattle manure and five doses of organic compost with pequi residues. All treatments were inoculated with second-stage juveniles of M. javanica to simulate the root-knot nematode disease in field conditions. Increasing doses of organic compost with pequi residues from 5 kg m−3 to 30 kg m−3 promoted a significant decrease in the nematode population in both cultures evaluated. Organic compost (30 kg m−3) reduced the numbers of galls and eggs of M. javanica by 41.6 and 46.5% in tomato roots, and by 80.3 and 59.2% in lettuce roots, respectively, compared with non-treated control. Organic compost also increased crop development considerably. In general, there was a 43.0% increase in plant development compared to non-treated control. Hence, organic compost of pequi residues could be an alternative to toxic chemical nematicides and recommended as eco-friendly management of M. javanica in vegetable crops.

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado as a rich source of carotenoids with pro-vitamin A activity

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. is the best-known fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado. This fruit has yellow pulp containing several carotenoids and has a strong and exotic flavor; however, its composition may vary due to factors such as genotypic differences, seasonality, cultivation forms, climatic and soil characteristics, maturation stage, type of storage and processing. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the chemical composition of carotenoids with pro-vitamin A activity of C. brasiliense fruits from 18 Brazilian municipalities. The vitamin A value expressed as μg Retinol Activity Equivalent (RAE) in the fresh fruit and carotenoid profile were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (HPLC- DAD). The main carotenoids found were β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. High variation in vitamin A values were observed, especially among the fruits from Gato-Preto-MA with (1.4 μg RAE/100 g fresh fruit) and Januária-MG (719 μg RAE/100 g fresh fruit). PC1 and PC2 explored about 98.80% of the data variance in the multivariate analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and organized the C. brasiliense fruits in three clusters by decreasing vitamin A values. The fruits from the municipalities of Januária, Japonvar, Arinos, Salinas and Montes Claros showed higher carotenoid content.

Not only exotic grasslands: The scattered trees in cultivated pastures of the Brazilian Cerrado

Cultivated pastures occupy 30% of the Brazilian Cerrado. Most pastures have low productivity, demanding intensification. Pasture intensification, as conventionally proposed, promises conservation by land sparing. However, it does not embrace silvopastoral systems, a type of intensification that enhances carbon balance and in situ biodiversity conservation. In the Cerrado, silvopastoral systems would be easily established because pastures with native trees are commonly found in the landscape. In this study, we estimated the density of scattered trees using RapidEye satellite data in 200 cultivated pastures (48,519 ha). We also identified tree species by establishing 93 field plots distributed along 15 ecoregions in the Cerrado biome. We expected that the density of trees would vary in function of farm size, age of the pasture, intensification of pasture management and biophysical variables. Mean scattered tree density was 3.52 tree ha−1 (± 2.93 SD), and it was higher in ecoregions with lower and more concentrated rainfall. The most frequent tree species were those with high commercial values, such as the Myracrodruon urundeuva timber tree (aroeira) and the Caryocar brasiliense fruit tree (pequi). The average above-ground carbon stock of native Cerrado trees in pastures was estimated in 1.2 Mg ha−1 (± 1.2 SD). Our study shows that there are productive pastures with high tree density and species richness, which could be used as models for sustainable intensification strategies in different ecoregions of the Cerrado.