Edible Tree Research Articles

Advances in genomics of cashew tree: molecular tools and strategies for accelerated breeding

Cashew is the second most important edible tree nut crop after almonds. It is cultivated in more than 30 countries due to economic and nutritional importance. The global demand for cashew is increasing rapidly every year. Like in other perennial tree species, genetic improvement of cashew by traditional breeding is slow and unpredictable due to the long juvenile phase, high degree of heterozygosity, lack of juvenile-mature traits correlations and large size of the mature plant. Additionally, most of the yield and agronomic traits are genetically complex which complicate its breeding. Recently, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) and high-throughput genotyping technologies have expedited the pace of development of genomic tools and resources for genomics-orphan crops like cashew. The genomics advancements allow designing novel molecular breeding technologies with the potential for enhancing genetic gains and accelerating crop improvement, which is of utmost importance in the breeding of long juvenile species like cashew. In this review article, we describe the breeding objectives, advances in construction of linkage map, QTL dissection and development of genomic sequence resources in cashew. It is followed by a description of designing different genomics-based tools and strategies for accelerating the cashew breeding to quickly develop superior cultivars.

Neuroprotective Effects of Euonymus alatus Extract on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice

Euonymus alatus is considered to elicit various beneficial effects against cancer, hyperglycemia, menstrual discomfort, diabetic complications, and detoxification. The young leaves of this plant are exploited as food and also utilized for traditional medicine in East Asian countries, including Korea and China. Our preliminary study demonstrated that ethanolic extract from the Euonymus alatus leaf (EAE) exhibited the strongest antioxidant enzyme-inducing activity among more than 100 kinds of edible tree leaf extracts. This study investigated whether EAE could attenuate the cognitive deficits caused by oxidative stress in mice. Oral intubation of EAE at 100 mg/kg bw or higher resulted in significant improvements to the memory and behavioral impairment induced via i.p. injection of scopolamine. Furthermore, EAE enhanced the expression levels of hippocampal neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor in mice, activated the Nrf2, and the downstream heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) a quintessential antioxidant enzyme. As rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinose) was abundantly present in EAE and free quercetin was able to induce defensive antioxidant enzymes in an Nrf2-dependent manner, our findings suggested that quercetin derived from rutin via the intestinal microflora played a significant role in the protection of the mouse hippocampus from scopolamine-induced damage through BDNF-mediated Nrf2 activation, thereby dampening cognitive decline.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Wild Edible Fruit Tree Species in Lowland Areas of Ethiopia

This study aimed to provide baseline information about wild edible tree species (WETs) through surveying of different ethnic groups in dryland areas in Ethiopia. Here the data about WETs are scant, and WETs status is unexplained under the rampant habitat degradation. Use forms, plant parts used, status, ethnobotanical knowledge, conservation needs as well as those threats affecting WETs were reviewed. The study identified 88 indigenous wild edible plants, of which 52 species were WETs. In most cases, fruits were found as the dominant use part, and they were used as raw but were occasionally cooked and preserved. Roots and bark uses are also reported from Ximenia americana and Racosperma melanoxylon respectively. June, July and August were critical periods observed for food shortage in most of the regions. However, in the Gambella region, food shortages occurred in most months of the year. The respondents in this region suggested that WETs could potentially provide them with enough food to make up for the shortage of food from conventional agricultural crops. From the respondents’ perception, Opuntia ficus-indica, Carissa edulis and Ficus vasta were among the most difficult to locate species, and they also received the highest conservation attention. Because of the variety of WETs and existing different threats, a management strategy is required for future conservation, as WETs are vital for the livelihood of local communities and are also necessary to devise a food security strategy for Ethiopia. The lesson obtained could also be useful in other dryland parts in developing countries with similar contexts.

Modeling forage potential for red deer (Cervus elaphus): a tree-level approach

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are mixed feeders that consume both herbaceous and woody plants. As a consequence, intensive browsing on trees where red deer populations are particularly dense often leads to serious conflicts between the interests of forestry and hunting stakeholders. Therefore, understanding the density of deer that forest system can bear requires the ability to measure amount of potential forage provided by non-commercial tree species within a stand that serve as forage. Our objective was to build models that estimate forage potential (i.e., maximum biomass edible and accessible for consumption by red deer per tree) based on tree size [i.e., stem base diameter (d0)]. We developed models for three tree species commonly consumed by red deer in Central Europe, aspen (Populus tremula), goat willow (Salix caprea) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia). To construct models of forage potential, we harvested 380 young (age of 2–15 years) trees on 14 sites in the Western Carpathians of Slovakia. Tree biomass was first divided into three components (stem bark, branches and foliage), each of which was subdivided into edible and non-edible portions based on branch diameter and height from the ground and then dried and weighed. We then quantified edible biomass by tree species, tree component and season (growing vs. dormant). The total amount of tree mass (forage potential) that could be consumed by red deer generally increased with tree size, but the relative contributions of different tree components varied by tree size, tree species and season. Our models predicted that the maximum forage potential per tree was ~ 500 g in aspen, 350 g in goat willow and 300 g in rowan in summer, and nearly 500 g in aspen, 300 g in goat willow and 250 g in rowan in winter. Together with theoretical knowledge and practical experience, our forage potential models can be used to help forest and wildlife managers both to better measure edible tree biomass for red deer populations and how edible tree biomass might be used to minimize the risk of deer damaging commercially valuable trees.

Occurrence and Molecular Identification of Wild Yeasts from Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia.

Yeasts are common inhabitants of most fruit trees’ rhizospheres and phyllospheres. Wild yeasts are the major driving force behind several modern industrial biotechnologies. This study focused on determining the occurrence and frequency of wild yeasts associated with domestic and wild edible tree barks, fruits, and rhizosphere soil samples collected over two seasons (i.e., spring and summer) in South West Ethiopia. A total of 182 yeast strains were isolated from 120 samples. These strains belonged to 16 genera and 27 species as identified based on the sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (26S) ribosomal RNA gene. Candida blattae, Pichia kudriavzevii, Candida glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida humilis were the most dominant yeast species isolated from the bark samples. Only Pichia kudriavzevii was regularly detected from the bark, rhizosphere, fruit, and sugarcane samples. The retrieval of yeasts from bark samples was more frequent and diverse than that of soil, fruits, and sugarcane. The frequency of detection of yeasts during the spring was significantly higher than in the summer season. However, there was no significant seasonal variation in the frequency of detection of yeast species between the rhizosphere and phyllosphere samples.

Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of the Edible Tree Peony Flower and Underlying Mechanisms of Preventive Effect on H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage in Caco-2 Cells.

The entire phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of different organs of the edible tree peony flowers (Fengdan Bai (FDB)) were analyzed. HPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF-MS/MS) analyses of individual phenolic compounds revealed that the petal and stamen contained higher levels of flavonoid glycosides than other organs (p < 0.05). Kaempferol-3,7-di-O-glucoside was the dominant flavonoid in these two organs, however, the calyx and ovary contained higher contents of gallic acid derivatives than other organs (p < 0.05). Hexa-O-galloyl-glucose was the dominant species in the calyx and ovary. At the same concentration of total phenolic extract (TPE), the stamen had the highest protection effect on Caco-2 cell oxidative damage induced by H2O2. The antioxidant effect was attributed to potent antioxidant capability; restored redox state due to the increased expression of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and improved barrier function of Caco-2 cell owing to increased zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), CLDN3 (Claudin 3), and occludin mRNA expression. As a new resource food, the edible tree peony flower is a potential functional food material and natural antioxidants resource.

Nutraceutical potential of tree flowers: A comprehensive review on biochemical profile, health benefits, and utilization.

A numerous types of tree flowers are present in nature and few of them such as Rhdodendron, Bauhinia, Mahua, Gulmohar, Palash, Sesbania, Woodfordia, Simbal, etc. are being utilized traditionally as food and medicine by the localities of India. These flowers are rich in phytochemical (flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, carotenoids, tannins, saponins) and possessing numerous health benefits (antioxidant activity, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer activity, anti-diabetic activity, hepatoprotective activity). However, because of the low availability (i.e. short blooming period and at limited places) and poor post-harvest life, these flowers are commonly utilized by the local people as food and medicines during their respective flowering times only. A few attempts have been made toward the utilization of some tree flowers (Mahduca longifolia, Rhododendron arboretum), but others are still unexplored and need to be exploited to achieve food and nutritional security as well increase the opportunity of employment and improvement in the socio-economic status of the local tribes. Therefore, to achieve this, the present review was aimed to review and document the status of common edible tree flowers, their phytochemicals potential and, health benefits as well as their utilization as food and medicines.

Food tree species consumed during periods of food shortage in Burkina Faso and their threats

Aim of study: Edible products from tree species were identified in Burkina Faso and their contribution to the diet in the lean season was assessed. The main threats affecting most consumed food tree species were also documented.Area of study: Six villages across two phytogeographic regions of Burkina FasoMaterial and methods: Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews, including a 7-day dietary intake recall targeting women; semi-structured interviews targeting key male informants.Main results: The number of edible tree products consumed was found to vary according to phytogeographic region and ethnic group. A few tree species played a disproportionally greater role in the diet and were characterized by very high frequency of consumption by the majority of households in both phytogeographic regions and across ethnicities: Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa and Vitellaria paradoxa. These species are not critically endangered at country level but they are perceived as scarcely available at local level. Considering that the main threats on priority tree species (fires, drought, pest and diseases) vary across regions, to maintain sustainable sources of nutrients in the landscape, mitigation measures should be diversified and adapted to local pressures.Research highlights: Priorities for conservation are emerging clearly, but research efforts should also target underutilized tree species for their potential to diversify nutrient-poor diets.

Edible nuts deliver polyphenols and their transformation products to the large intestine: An in vitro fermentation model combining targeted/untargeted metabolomics

The fate of polyphenols from edible tree nuts was investigated using a simulated in vitro intestinal fermentation system. The digested food matrix was fermented for 48 h and the changes in the phenolic profiles were evaluated by both untargeted UHPLC-QTOF and targeted UHPLC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The untargeted metabolomics approach allowed us to monitor the comprehensive changes in phenolic profiles from 0 up to 48 h of in vitro fermentation. Multivariate statistics (i.e., orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis) applied to this untargeted data allowed us to identify the most discriminating phenolic metabolites and to further understand the colonic transformation pathways involved. In particular, 13 putatively identified compounds derived from flavonoids, lignans and phenolic acids were found to have the highest discrimination potential. Six phenolic metabolites were then quantified by means of targeted metabolomics (using a UHPLC-Orbitrap). These metabolites included 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hippuric acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid and protocatechuic aldehyde. Using the targeted data, a clear matrix effect was observed over time, with an increase of some phenolic metabolites moving from 8 to 48 h of in vitro fermentation. Based on these data, catabolic pathways for colonic microbial degradation of flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, tyrosols and lignans are proposed. Our findings show that edible tree nuts deliver polyphenols to the colon, where several microbial transformations occur that lead to smaller phenolic metabolites being observed. Furthermore, we found that the combined use of targeted and untargeted metabolomics can be particularly effective for investigating the fate of polyphenols in the large intestine.

First Report of Leaf Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum karstii on Tea-Oil Trees (Camellia oleifera) in China

Tea-oil tree（Camellia oleifera）, one of the most important ligneous edible trees，is native to China. In August 2016, infected leaves of Ca. oleifera with symptoms of anthracnose were obtained from tea-oil tree plantations in Changsha city of China (28°06′N; 113°02′E). Symptoms consisted of round or irregularly shaped lesions that initially appeared as red-brown spots and often coalesced into larger, dark-brown lesions in the leaf margin or tip. The centers of the lesions were gray-white with purple-brown borders, surrounded by a yellowish green halo where black dots would appear later. Colletotrichum sp. was isolated and cultured on solid medium PDA from surface-disinfected (75% ethanol) leaf samples. A pure culture of isolate HUNTJLYC8 was obtained using the single-spore isolation method and cultured on PDA. Colonies on PDA were grey in surface and dark brown in reverse. The average mycelial growth rate was 9.2 mm per day (n=7). Conidia were aseptate, cylindrical, hyaline, straight, obtuse apex, with a d...

Cashews whole and splits classification using a novel machine vision approach

Cashew is a high-value and the third largest edible tree nut that is universally consumed as a snack or included in food preparations. Classification of whole and split cashews in industries is carried out manually by visual inspection and hand-picking, which is time-consuming, tedious, challenging, and laborious. A machine vision methodology of capturing cashew shadows and associated image processing ImageJ plugin to classify cashews into whole and splits were developed and tested. The developed classification algorithm was based on a novel idea of using surface grayscale-intensity-profile for split-up cashews and object shadows for split-down and whole cashews. Out of several features derived from grayscale-intensity-profile values, the “length of curve” best classified the split-up cashews from others. The challenge of classifying the whole and split-down cashews was addressed by a new “shadow to total-area ratio.” An accuracy of 100 % was achieved by the algorithm. A process scale-up by increasing the height and power of light source was also proposed. The promising results suggest that the developed algorithm can be coupled with a suitable hardware system to perform accurate classification of the whole and split cashews.

Benefits and risks for Melanesian households from commercialising Canarium indicum

AbstractThis research note discusses the benefits and risks for Melanesian households arising from attempts to increasingly commercialise Canarium indicum, an edible tree nut indigenous to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Qualitative data were generated during workshops and interviews with Canarium industry stakeholders about the impacts associated with a series of interventions designed to encourage further commercialisation of Canarium. The findings are organised according to three dimensions that elucidate the social implications of industry development for local communities: (i) income and growth; (ii) equity; and (iii) voice and choice. Broader distribution of benefits within and between countries, as well as among supply chain actors, requires a stronger policy response at regional (Melanesia) and national scales, equitable gender representation to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities, and delegation of decision‐making power to the appropriate level to facilitate effective community participation and their links with other stakeholders. Thus, it remains to be seen whether Canarium‐related benefits arising from its commercialisation can be sufficiently reliable compared with either other sources of income (e.g. existing employment opportunities for those located near urban areas) or utilising the resource for subsistence purposes.

Analysis of the Fresh Pulps of B orassus aethiopum Fruits of Gulu District, Uganda

Borassus aethiopum Mart-locally known as Tugu by a tribe called Acholi in Uganda is an edible wild fruit tree species greatly valued for its multipurpose uses, fruits inclusive. This tree species is being wantonly destroyed, yet there is no adequate documentation on them. This study determined the nutrient contents in the pulps of its fresh fruits both on fresh matter (FM) and dry matter (FM) basis. The contents were determined using standard procedures prescribed for each nutrient. The potassium, sodium, and calcium contents on FM basis were respectively 42.6mg/100g, 12mg/100g) and 33.6mg/100g. The contents of zinc, iron and magnesium on FM basis were low with all values below 1.00mg/100g. No phytates were detected in these pulps on both FM and DM basis. The study revealed appreciable contents of nutrients in the fresh pulps, making it useful source for supplementing nutrient deficiencies within the community. Further studies are thus recommended to determine the availability of these nutrients in the body when consumed.

Phytochemical and medicinal properties on Strychnos-nux-vomica (L)

Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae) is a deciduous tree that grows in tropical areas and is distributed throughout India and Southeast Asia. The dried seed of this plant S. nux vomica has been applied clinically in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. S. nuxvomica is a non edible tree with a strong content of two poisonous alkaloids, strychnine and brucine. S. nux-vomica which belongs to the family loganiaceaalso called Kanjiram is a medium-sized tree. Other names of S. nux-vomica are Kanjiram, Kuchla, Kupilu. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloid, carbohydrate, tannin, steroid, triterpenoid and glycoside in the extract. Seeds of Nux vomica used as nervine tonic, alexiteric, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, digestive, purgative and stimulant. Detoxified S. Nux vomica seeds used in various Ayurvedic drugs like Agnitundi vati, Navjeevan Rasa and vishatinduka vati as an important ingredient. This study presents a review on the Phytochemical and Medicinal properties of S.nux vomica L.

English

In Senegal, Detarium senegalense J.F. Gmel. (ditax in Wolof) is one of the most important &para;important forest fruit species. &para;However, exploitation of the edible fruit is based on local people&rsquo;s knowledge. Only trees whose fruits are consumed by animals are exploited. &para;To identify them, a chemical comparison of edible and toxic forms was done in order to highlight differences between both forms. Dichloromethane leaf extracts from toxic and edible trees were analyzed by gas chromatography. Phenolic profile and volatile compounds from fruits extracts were studied respectively by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Cytotoxicity effect of fruits extracts was evaluated on murine macrophage cells J774 A1. GC-analysis of dichloromethane leaf extracts revealed the presence of lupenone and lupeol only in toxic extracts. 6&rsquo;-O-galloyl-epiheterodendrin and isovaleronitrile were detected in toxic pulp. However, no cytotoxic effect was found in our conditions. This study has given the opportunity to identify within the same species, compounds which could differentiate both edible and toxic forms. Nevertheless further studies are needed to better understand which compounds are responsible for toxicity in the toxic form. Key words: Ditax, Detarium senegalense, toxicity, lupeol, lupenone, cyanogenic glycoside, isovaleronitrile.

Influence of habitat fragmentation on bundance of Mazama temama at different scales in the cloud forest

Brocket deer inhabit two of the most threatened ecosystems in Mexico: the cloud forest and tropical evergreen forest, due to the lack of studies little is known about their current condition. However it is believed that it is threatened by various factors among them hunting, loss and fragmentation of habitat. In this paper we established a conceptual model a priori about the relationships between deer and their habitat where we included elements of microhabitat and landscape to determine how it affects the abundance and distribution of brocket deer in the mountains of the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. We selected 14 different forested sites, in each we established two transects 250 m long where the relative abundance of tracks was estimated. During April 2011 to March 2012 three sampling visit were made in each transect. In the transects we measured: forest structure, protective cover, low tree and shrub layer. For each site we considered the size and shape of the fragments and their matrix. To determine which variables influenced the abundance of tracks we used general linear regression models. 352 brocket deer tracks were recorded in 21 km of linear transects. The average relative abundance was 16.76 tracks/km. More tracks were found in sites with higher tree density 0.4 trees / m2, 60 % canopy cover, 70 % protection cover for fawns and 50 % for adults, higher linear density 0.5 ind / 25m and shrub richness of more than four species. The abundance of deer had a positive linear relationship with the density of tree coverage to protect adults and brocket deer importance value of edible trees (P < 0.001). The estimated abundance of tracks was higher than the reported in other sites. Our data suggest that the sites C2, C4 and C7 were better suited for deer use and possibly their movements to other sites attracted by some crops, but more specific studies would be necessary like radio-telemetry to test this assumption. This research indicated that brocket deer behaves like a forest specialist, as their abundance and welfare depends on food availability, habitat quality in terms of forest cover and the remoteness of settlements, which are generally the best preserved and most inaccessible fragments.

Role of Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus Brünnich, 1782 (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) as a seed disperser in urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan

This 1-year study, extending from January to December 2011, was conducted to investigate the role of the Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) as a seed disperser in Lahore, Pakistan. Ejecta of the species from two roosting sites, i.e. Jinnah garden and Lalazar garden, was collected and the plant seeds were extracted from bat boluses and guano. Various seeds of edible trees and forest plantation species extracted from ejecta of P. Giganteus included areca palm (Areca catechu), coromandel ebony (Diospyros melanoxylon), Indian gaabh (D. Peregrina), lemon-scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), mahwa (Madhuca longifolia), Indian lilac (Melia azedarach), cajeput tree (Melaleuca leucadendra), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), guava (Psidium guajava), and janbolanum plum (Syzygium jambolanum). Measurements of the extracted seeds' length (mm), diameter (mm), and weight (g) were taken and the seeds of jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) were found the longest (40 mm) with the maximum average diameter (50 mm) while the rambutan (N. Lappaceum) seeds were the heaviest (3.4 g). It can be concluded from the present study that P. Giganteus is a seed disperser and transporter of heavier seeds as heavier seeds are mammal-dependent for their dispersal.

Phytochemical analysis and in-vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous methanolic extract of Strychnos nux vomica leaves

Strychnos nux vomica is a non edible tree with a strong content of two poisonous alkaloids, strychnine and brucine. Qualitative phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of the aqueous methanolic extract of its leaves were studied. Alkaloids, triterpenes, oils & fats, phenol, tannins and flavonoids were present. Escherichia coli Enterobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas showed susceptibility but Salmonella typhimurium survived the inhibition. Minimal inhibitory concentration of the extract for E. coliafter an overnight incubation was found to be 0.25 mg. In the present study the antibacterial activity of Strychnos nux vomica leaves showed inhibitory effects on selective bacteria which could be used to control these microbes.

Endogenous knowledge and human disturbance impact on abundance of two underutilized wild edible tree species in southern Benin

This study assessed endogenous knowledge and impact of human disturbance on the abundance of two underutilized wild fruit tree species: Drypetes floribunda (Müll. Arg.) Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae) and Mimusops andongensis Hiern. (Sapotaceae) in the Lama Forest Reserve (LFR) in southern Benin. A survey was conducted with 145 randomly selected people amongst the surrounding communities of LFR in order to assess the endogenous knowledge of the species. One hundred square plots were established in the forest for characterizing species abundance in different habitats according to human disturbance degree. Results indicated that this species has multiple uses and either local knowledge on their uses or their organ plant uses depend on social factors. A densities assessment suggests a negative effect of human disturbance on the abundance of both species. Results support the need to envisage conservation and sustainable use strategies as perspective policies.

Investigation Species of Edible Tree and Medicinal Plants in Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University

Investigation Species of Edible Tree and Medicinal Plants in Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University