Eugenia Dysenterica Research Articles

Growth, Physiology and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Eugenia dysenterica DC under Varying Rates of Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

The production of high-quality seedlings and their use in commercial planting reduce pressure on natural areas. Eugenia dysenterica DC is a native fruit tree from the Brazilian Cerrado, whose nutritional requirements are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supplementation on the physiology, growth and nutrient uptake, and use efficiencies of E. dysenterica seedlings grown in glasshouse conditions. The following rates were used in separate experiments: 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg dm−3 N and 0, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mg dm−3 P. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block with four replications. The lowest N rate (50 mg dm−3) increased the stomatal conductance (gS) and, consequently, resulted in the highest transpiration (E), electron transport (ETR), and photosynthetic (A) rates. Also, rates of 50 mg dm−3 and 100 mg dm−3 N increased the Root Uptake Efficiency (RUE) and plant Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) for macronutrients and the RUE for micronutrients, stimulating plant growth. Phosphorous fertilization resulted in the maximum values for photosynthesis, electron transport rate, total dry mass, and NUE at the 200 mg dm−3 rate. The results of this study suggest that fertilization with 50 mg dm−3 N and 200 mg dm−3 P is suitable for the development of E. dysenterica seedlings.

Artropodofauna associada à cagaiteira (<i>Eugenia dysenterica</i> DC., Myrtaceae) em coleção de germoplasma ex situ em Goiás, Brasil

Eugenia dysenterica é uma espécie nativa do Cerrado com potencial para exploração econômica em função do seu uso na alimentação. No entanto, estudos são necessários para possibilitar a domesticação da espécie em plantio comercial. Atualmente, os frutos são obtidos a partir do extrativismo em áreas do Bioma Cerrado. A artropodofauna associada à Eugenia dysenterica é praticamente desconhecida. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a artropodofauna associada às folhas de Eugenia dysenterica. Avaliamos quinzenalmente a artropodofauna em plantas de Eugenia dysenterica na coleção de germoplasma ex situ da Escola de Agronomia, UFG. Para tanto, três ramos do terço médio foram amostrados em 16 plantas. Posteriormente, sete folhas/ramo foram selecionadas e analisadas sob microscópio estereoscópio. As cochonilhas foram os artrópodes mais abundantes em Eugenia dysenterica. A presença de folhas novas no mês de outubro coincidiu com a eclosão das ninfas da cochonilha Ceroplastes acutus e com o aparecimento de galhas foliares causadas por dípteros. A superfamília Coccoidea e a família Aleyrodidae foram classificadas como superabundantes e superfrequentes. Duas famílias de Thysanoptera foram encontradas: Thripidae e Phlaeothripidae. Com relação aos ácaros, as espécies fitófagas foram as mais abundantes, seguidas pelos ácaros predadores. As famílias Phytoseiidae e Tenuipalpidae foram as mais representativas nas amostras. Aleirodídeos, dípteros e a cochonilha Ceroplastes acutus estão associados à emissão de novas folhas da cagaiteira. Este é o primeiro relato de ocorrência de espécies de ácaros, tripes e da cochonilha Ceroplastes acutus em Eugenia dysenterica.

QUALITY OF CAGAITA POWDER BY FOAM LAYER DRYING METHOD AND DIFFERENT FOAMER AGENTS

ABSTRACT One of the factors that hinder the usability of Cerrado fruits is their perishable nature, requiring industrial processing to ensure prolonged shelf life. This study aims to determine the optimal foaming agent for industrial processing of this fruit, and to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of dried cagaita powder (Eugenia dysenterica DC) in foam layers at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C. The effectiveness of three foaming agents at various concentrations were tested, and suitable agents were identified based on a factorial analysis of density, expansion, and stability. The physicochemical characteristics of the powder, along with its vitamin A and C and total carotenoid content and antioxidant activity, were evaluated. Vitamin C levels and antioxidant activity decreased with increasing temperature, but were retained at levels significant enough to establish cagaita as an important source of this vitamin. Higher carotenoid and vitamin A concentrations were found in the powder prepared by drying at 60 and 70 °C. The foam layer drying process employed for processing cagaita pulp reported here proved suitable for maintaining desired physicochemical and bioactive qualities in the final powdered product.

α-Glucosidase and non-enzymatic glycation inhibitory potential of Eugenia dysenterica fruit pulp extracts

Considering the nutritional benefits of fruits on human health, this study aimed to screen 11 fruits found in the Brazilian Savanna for glycoside hydrolases inhibitors with antioxidant and anti-glycation properties. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of pulps were used in enzymatic assays to evaluate the inhibitory potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays) and anti-glycation (BSA-fructose model) capacities. Ethanol extracts of Campomanesia xanthocarpa, Byrsonima verbascifolia and Eugenia dysenterica had the lowest DPPH IC50 values (<0.25 mg/ml), while ethanol extracts of Genipa americana and B. verbascifolia had the highest ORAC values (>0.60 mmol trolox equivalents/g). The extracts of E. dysenterica showed potential to inhibit glycation (IC50 < 0.40 mg/ml) and α-glucosidase (IC50 < 20 μg/ml). Liquid-liquid fractionation of the extracts of E. dysenterica fruit pulp resulted in the ethyl acetate fraction showing higher antioxidant (DPPH IC50 10 μg/ml and ORAC 1.3 mmol trolox equivalents/g) and anti-glycation (IC50 0.10 mg/ml) capacities, and α-glucosidase inhibition activity (IC50 11 μg/ml). HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis suggested the presence of antioxidant molecules in E. dysenterica fruit pulp, such as ferulic and gallic acids, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol-pentosides. Non-conventional fruits found in the Brazilian Savanna, a global biodiversity hotspot, with antioxidant and anti-glycation properties, could be potential sources of nutraceuticals to combat oxidative stress, which is present in many pathologies. In addition, the capacity of E. dysenterica to inhibit α-glucosidase and non-enzymatic glycation makes it especially useful for in vivo studies related to diabetes mellitus.

Phytotoxic activity of extracts obtained from cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC. - Myrtaceae) on the growth of black-jack (Bidens pilosa L.)

Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica) is a native plant of the Cerrado with great economic, social and environmental importance. The objective of this work was to determine the phytotoxic potential of extracts of leaf and bark from the stem of E. dysenterica on the initial growth of B. pilosa (black-jack). The experiment was performed under laboratory conditions, and the extracts used were: leaf aqueous extract, leaf ethanolic extract, leaf hydroalcoholic extract 70:30, leaf hydroalcoholic extract 50:50, bark from the stem aqueous extract, bark from the stem ethanol extract, bark from the stem hydroalcoholic extract 70:30 and bark from the stem hydroalcoholic extract 50:50. All E. dysenterica leaf and bark from the stem extracts exerted inhibitory effects on the radicle and hypocotyl growth of black-jack seedlings. Thus, E. dysenterica leaf and bark from the stem extracts present high phytotoxic potential and may be useful in studies attempting to find new molecules with bioherbicidal function for controlling spontaneous plants.

Evaluation of oxidative stability of soybean methyl biodiesel using extract of cagaite leaves (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) as additive

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition of cagaita leaf ethanolic extract (EFC) on soybean methyl biodiesel samples and to compare the effect of oxidative degradation during the storage period of 120 days. The quercetin, a natural antioxidante, was added to biodiesel samples for comparison purposes. All samples, after addition, were stored at room temperature and protected from light. Oxidative stability was monitored by the induction period through the Rancimat ® method during the storage period of 120 days. It was also evaluated the antioxidant activity of the extract, by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method and the phenolic compounds content, by the method of Folin Cicateou. The phytochemical prospection of the extract indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins and steroids/triterpenoids, and FT-IR spectrum analysis showed bands of phenolic compounds. The 50 ppm solution of the extract showed the percentage of antioxidant activity of 96.52% and the content of phenolic compounds was 876.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (EAG)/g EFC. The EFC showed to be efficient in retarding the oxidation of biodiesel, since the induction period increased from 4.53 h to 6.04 h. After 120 days of storage, the samples with 800 ppm or more had the induction period higher than that recommended by EN 14214 and samples added with the extract were more effective in retarding the oxidation of biodiesel than quercetin, which is a known antioxidant and widely used, thus confirming the potential use of EFC to retard biodiesel oxidation.

Chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of native fruits of the Cerrado of northern Minas Gerais

Abstract This study aimed to chemically characterize the pulps of the tropical fruits araticum (Annona crassiflora), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), coquinho azedo (Butia capitata), cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica), and cajá (Spondias mombin), with a focus on antioxidant potential and microminerals. Calcium levels in the Araticum pulp are 9.35 mg/100 g and the iron content was 4.78 mg/100 g. In cagaita pulp, the calcium content was 15.35 mg/100 g and magnesium content was 66.00 mg/100 g. The iron content present in coquinho pulp was 11.47 mg/100 g and in cagaita it was 11.53 mg/100 g. The extracts with the highest contents of total phenolic compounds were araticum (433.80 mg GAE/g) and coquinho (173.5 mg GAE/g). Araticum pulp had the highest antioxidant potential because it had the lowest EC50 (0.04 mg/mL). The results presented here demonstrate the great potential of the fruits of the Cerrado in terms of rich mineral nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Hypotensive effect of Eugenia dysenterica leaf extract is primarily related to its vascular action: The possible underlying mechanisms.

Eugenia dysenterica (ED) leaves are used in Brazil to treat cardiac diseases; however, there are no scientific data describing the effects of this species on cardiac activity. To investigate the effect of ED aqueous leaf extract (EDLE) on hear rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) of anaesthetised rats and its underlying mechanism of action. EDLE was analysed, and its proanthocyanidin composition was determined. After performing dose-effect curves for EDLE on HR and MAP, EDLE-induced hypotension was evaluated before and after atropine (AT), L-N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), hexamethonium (HXT), indomethacin (IND), carbenoxolone (CBX), or nifedipine (NFD) administration. The effect of proanthocyanidin-depleted extract (EDLE/P-) was also determined and compared to that of the EDLE with proanthocyanidins. EDLE decreased the MAP in a dose-dependent manner; HR was decreased only with the highest and most toxic dose. Only CBX and NFD decreased EDLE-induced hypotension. Five polymeric series of proanthocyanidins were identified, which were mainly constituted by procyanidin and prodelphinidin units with B-type linkage and up to 12 flavan-3-ol units. EDLE/P- induced hypotension did not differ from that induced by EDLE. The cardiovascular effects of EDLE were primarily related to its vascular action. EDLE-induced hypotensive effect appeared to involve L-type calcium channel blockage as well as myoendothelial gap junction signalling. The higher molecular weight proanthocyanidins from EDLE are unlikely to contribute to its cardiovascular effect.

35 Ethanolic extracts of Cerrado plants in cryotolerance of invitro-produced bovine embryos

Invitro embryo culture induces excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that impair the quality of produced blastocysts, making them less cryotolerant. Supplementation of culture media with antioxidants would be an alternative to minimise these effects. The present study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extracts obtained from Brazilian Cerrado plants on the cryotolerance of invitro-produced embryos. Bovine ovaries from a slaughterhouse were used to obtain grade I and II oocytes, which were submitted to maturation, fertilization (Day 0), and invitro culture. After fertilization, zygotes were distributed into five groups: one fresh control group (GCont), cultured in high O2 tension (~21%), and four groups cryopreserved at Day 7: a control group subject to high O2 tension without extract supplementation (GDT); a group (G5%) cultured in low O2 tension (5%) without extract supplementation, and two groups cultured under high O2 tension, one supplemented with 0.01mgmL−1 of the ethanolic cagaita extract (Eugenia dysenterica; GCag) and another with 0.01mgmL−1 of murici extract (Byrsonima crassifolia; GMur). Only the expanded blastocysts (EB) of each group were submitted to the direct-transfer cryopreservation system, with slow freezing with ethylene glycol (Sanches et al. 2016 Theriogenology 85, 1147-1151). A total of 163 thawed embryos were evaluated 12, 24, and 36h post-thawing for re-expansion, hatching, and embryonic degeneration rate. In addition, after 12h of post-thaw culture, only the EB embryos were subjected to ROS measurement, quantified in confocal microscopy using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, and the rate of apoptosis was obtained by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling method. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, and the means were compared by TUKEY. A total of 133 EB were used (GCont: 20; GDT: 22; GCag: 35; GMur: 36; G5%: 20). Results are expressed as means±standard deviation. No differences were observed on re-expansion among treatments and time of culture. However, 24h post-thaw, hatching and degeneration rates differed between groups. The group GCont had a higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) hatching rate (47.5±10.3) than the GDT (14.4±6.7) and G5% (10.5±5.8) groups but was similar (P&amp;gt;0.05) to groups supplemented with extracts GCag (22.2±17.1) and GMur (17.5±17.5). Degeneration rate was higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) at 12h for the direct-transfer group (30.2±11.3) and similar among the others (GCont: 0; GCag: 16.8±12; GMur: 10.8±10.8; G5%: 11±11). Nevertheless, GCag had lower embryonic degeneration rates (20±16.7) than the others cryopreserved groups 24h after thawing (GDT: 37.7±5.5; GMur: 38.9±8.2; G5%: 41.3±14.4). Although ROS levels were similar among all groups (P&amp;gt;0.05), apoptosis rate was higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) in the GDT group (23.4±1.9) than in the GCont groups (10.6±1.3): GCag (10.8±1.1), GMur (10.1±1.1), and G5% (7.8±1.2). Therefore, supplementation of ethanolic extracts (0.01mgmL−1) of cagaita and murici improved the embryo quality by reducing the degeneration and apoptosis rates of cryopreserved embryos when compared with the group without supplementation (GDT). Such extracts may be an alternative to increase the cryotolerance of invitro-produced bovine embryos.

Emulsion incorporating Eugenia dysenterica aqueous extract entrapped in chitosan microparticles as a novel topical treatment of cutaneous infections

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has resulted in resistant strains of bacteria, especially of Staphylococcus aureus, which causes relevant skin diseases. With the objective to obtain a novel stable, safe and effective dermatological formulation for the treatment of these skin infections from a natural product, in this work we evaluated in vitro the activity of an aqueous extract of Eugenia dysenterica (EDA) to resistant strains of S. aureus and its cytotoxicity against skin cells. The extract was then entrapped into chitosan microparticles with further incorporation in a dermatologically acceptable formulation. The formulation had its stability evaluated and was tested to determine skin permeation of its biomarker, catechin, as well as its angiogenic activity. The EDA demonstrated effect against a series of S. aureus strains, particularly some resistant to current antibiotics. The extract also exhibited no significant cytotoxic effect on skin cells. Developed chitosan microparticles incorporated 70.1% of the catechin content from the EDA. The emulsion in which these microparticles were incorporated showed relative stability for 60 days at 6 °C. Also, this formulation increased catechin skin penetration and showed an angiogenic action. Therefore, it seems to be a promising alternative for topical treatment of skin infections caused by S. aureus.

Decomposed Buriti Stem and Nitrogen Application Rates on the Growth of Eugenia dysenterica DC (Myrtaceae) Seedlings

The effects of substrates formulated with different proportions of decomposed buriti stem (Mauritia flexuosa) and the application of nitrogen fertilizer rates in the production of cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) seedlings were investigated in this study. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, in a 3 &amp;times; 5 factorial: three substrates formulated from different proportions of decomposed buriti stem (0, 25 and 50%) with a clay loam soil (Oxisol), and five N fertilizer rates (0; 100; 200; 300 and 400 mg dm-3), with four replicates. At 60 days after emergence, the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, root length, dry matter accumulation of shoots, roots, and total, shoot:root dry matter ratio (SRR), height:diameter ratio (HDR), and Dickson quality index (DQI) were measured. The substrate containing soil and decomposed buriti stem in the proportion of 3:1 (v:v), in association with the application of N rates from 167 to 190 mg dm-3 is recommended for the production of cagaita seedlings, resulting in positive effects on plant growth and development as reported by higher PH, SRR, and HDR. The application of 154 mg dm-3 of N resulted in higher DQI of the cagaita seedlings.

Physical and Chemical Parameters of “Cagaita” (Eugenia dysenterica) at Different Maturity Stages

The cagaita fruit is widely distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado and is ideal for their sensory peculiarities, may be constituted in rich vehicle of vitamins and minerals, and its limited consumption to an essentially extractive process. This study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical parameters of cagaita fruit (Eugenia dysenterica) from the Cerrado biome, especially of Mato Grosso State. The selection of fruits was made by their condition, at different maturity stages: Stage 1, fruits with greenish to yellowish hulls; Stage 2, fully yellowish hulls fruits attached to the mother plant; Stage 3, intense yellow hulls fruits with detachment from the mother plant. The fresh weight for cagaita fruit was 9.62 g; the longitudinal and transverse diameters were 20.75 mm and 243.09 mm, respectively. The fruit can be considered a perishable fruit due to its high moisture content, around 88%, besides presenting significant protein (1.69%), compared to other fruits. Still has reduced lipid values (0.19%) and carbohydrates (7.4%), resulting in a fruit with low calorific value (36.6 kcal). The vitamin C index found was significant, around 55.02 mg.100g-1 in the ripe fruit. The cagaita fruit shows potential for industrialization due to low energy values and lipid and carbohydrate contents, as well as outstanding levels of vitamin C, which can contribute beneficially to health.

Macronutrient Omission Affects the Seedling Performance of Eugenia dysenterica DC., an Important Fruiting Species of the Cerrado Biome

Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) seedling production is currently important for the restoration of degraded areas of the Cerrado biome and to supply the demand for its fruits for regional food production. The plants of Cagaita have been described in the literature as resistant to nutrient-poor soils, but the studies remain inconclusive. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that initial E. dysenterica seedling development could be affected by the lack of specific nutrients. We planted seedlings of this species in complete hydroponic solution and under individual macronutrient omission of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. The development of macronutrient deficiency symptoms was visually monitored for 120 days after transplantation in response to the treatment solution, and growth characteristics and tissue contents of different macronutrients were determined. The omissions of Mg and P were the treatments with the strongest effects on seedling growth. The most commonly observed deficiency symptoms were chlorosis and necrosis, in addition to leaf purpling (P deprivation), impaired root hair development (Ca and S deprivation) and a reduced number of leaves (Mg and P deprivation). The macronutrients Ca and N were most accumulated in the shoots and roots of plants subjected to complete nutrient solution, showing the importance of the availability of these nutrients in the initial stages of seedling development for the production of healthy Cagaita plants, with greater viability in the field.

Sensory evaluation of fermented dairy beverages supplemented with iron and added by Cerrado fruit pulps

Abstract Anemia due to iron deficiency is the most common in the world being characterized as a significant public health issue. Therefore, its prevention and treatment are considered important before it becomes either chronic or grievous; the interventions with superior potential are the medical supplementation with iron salts as well as food mineral enhancement. The objectives of this study were to develop fermented dairy beverages supplemented with iron and added by Cerrado fruit pulps: cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica ), coquinho-azedo (Butia capitata), tamarindo (Tamarindus indica), and umbu ( Spondias tuberosa). In addition, the research intended to evaluate the acceptance of these beverages by children and adolescents from public schools in the city of Montes Claros (MG). The methodology consisted in the production of dairy beverages followed by the evaluation of their quality through physicochemical and microbiological analyses. Posteriorly, children and adolescents assessed the sensorial acceptance. The analyses performed presented satisfactory results for physicochemical and microbiological properties regarding the acceptance of the product. The cagaita and coquinho azedo based dairy beverages were the most accepted whether compared with tamarindo and umbu beverages. The fermented dairy beverage supplemented with iron and added by Cerrado fruits come up as a feasible alternative for dietary supplementation, and can promote beneficial effects in human health due to their sensorial acceptance.

Nocturnal floral scent profiles of Myrtaceae fruit crops

Communication between plants and nocturnal pollinators in low light conditions is mainly guided by floral scents, which is well documented for plants pollinated by bats, moths, and beetles. Just recently, nocturnal bees have been added to the list of pollinators known to respond to floral scents of their host plants. Little is known about the floral scent chemistry of plants visited and pollinated by nocturnal bees. Among these plants are economically important fruit crops of the family Myrtaceae. We aimed to analyze the nocturnal floral scent profiles of 10 species of Myrtaceae (only diurnal P. cattleianum was sampled after sunrise) and address the following questions: i) What are the main floral scent compounds emitted by the species? ii) Are the floral scent profiles similar to those described for other species pollinated by nocturnal bees? Floral scents were collected by dynamic headspace and analyzed by GC-MS (gas chromatography - mass spectrometry). The total amount of scent trapped ranged from 74 ng/flower/hour for Syzygium malaccense to 7556 ng/flower/hour for Eugenia dysenterica. A total of 46 floral scent compounds were detected in the samples with the most abundant compounds being the aromatics benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, methyl salicylate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, and benzyl acetate; the aliphatic compound 1-octanol; and the monoterpene linalool. The different species exhibited different relative scent patterns. Overall, the nocturnal scents of the studied species of Myrtaceae are dominated by aromatic compounds, which is in contrast to the scent profiles described for other plants pollinated by nocturnal bees.

Wild Brazilian species of Eugenia genera (Myrtaceae) as an innovation hotspot for food and pharmacological purposes.

The Myrtaceae is one of the most common plant families in Brazil, including >1000 species of native fruit spread from North to South, where around 50% of all species are endemic to the Atlantic Rain Forest Biome. Most Brazilian species belong to Eugenia, Campomanesia, Psidium and Myrciaria genera. In general, they are characterized by the presence of leaves opposite, simple, entire, with pellucid glands containing ethereal oils and produces berry-like, fleshy fruits with a wide diversity of beneficial characteristics. Several parts of these plants are widely used in regional folk medicine as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, to treat gastrointestinal disorders, and so on. Some species have already been studied and most of their metabolic effects are attributed to the presence of polyphenols, carotenoids as well as sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. In addition, the Myrtaceae family has great economic potential, because of the sensory characteristics which encourages their commercial exploitation plus the presence of phytochemicals which play an important role in managing several degenerative chronic diseases besides representing a hotspot of technological innovation for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. In this context, this review discusses about the importance of some Eugenia genera representatives such as Eugenia uniflora, Eugenia stipitata, Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia pyriformis and Eugenia dysenterica, emphasizing its profile of bioactive compounds as well as the knowledge of the nutritional and functional fruit potential, providing information for further studies aiming to stimulate the cultivation of Brazilian wild berries, for consumption and new food ingredients.

Phytochemical Characterization and Effect of Cagaita Leaf Extracts on Aspergillus Sp.

ABSTRACT Fungi of the genus Aspergillus may promote damage to the physiological quality of forest seeds, and plant extracts have been used to control microflora associated with these seeds. Thus, the aim of the present work was to perform the phytochemical characterization of ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from Eugenia dysenterica leaves (cagaita), as well as to evaluate the effect of these extracts on the development of Aspergillus sp. isolated from Hymenaea stigonocarpa seeds (jatoba-do-cerrado). For this, qualitative phytochemical analysis of extracts was carried out and their effect on Aspergillus sp mycelial growth, sporulation and spore germination was evaluated. As a result, phenols, hydrolysable tannins, flavonols, flavanones, xanthones, flavones, free steroids and saponins were found in both extracts, which could be used in the search for new antifungal compounds in the treatment of stored forest seeds, since extracts have secondary compounds that allow inhibiting Aspergillus sp mycelial growth.

Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Eugenia Dysenterica DC Essential Oil

Eugenia dysenterica DC is a native species from the Cerrado biome and can be found in several states of Brazil. This study evaluated the chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities from the essential oils of a population collected in São Paulo state. Essential oils were obtained by conventional means, and their compositions were analyzed by GC-MS. Screening assays for antimicrobial activity were carried out by the microdilution method and the antioxidant potential was assessed by the DPPH scavenging method. The GC-MS analysis indicated that 52.63% of the essential oil is composed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes and the major compound is (-)-elema-1,3,11(13)-trien-12-ol (24.86%). The antimicrobial assay indicated MIC 42.1 µg/mL for S. aureus and MIC &gt; 10000 µg/mL for the other tested microorganisms, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. The oil showed an IC50 of 5.4±0.632 mg/mL for in the DPPH assay. The essential oil had a different chemical composition from previous studies. The essential oil did not present a potent antioxidant activity. However, it can be considered a promising antimicrobial agent against S. aureus.

&lt;b&gt;Nutritional supplementation required by native Cerrado species development, in nursery

The ecological restoration of Cerrado ecosystems involves challenges pertinent to the fertilization of the substrate for seedlings in nursery, which are often produced by a single type of substrate. However, habitat heterogeneity suggests that the species may have different nutritional requirements. The objective was to assess the effect of substrate fertilization and nutritional supplementation by leaf in developing seedlings of Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. & Zucc. Eugenia dysenterica (Mart.) and DC Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos. The experiment was implemented in a 3x3 factorial completely randomized design (three types of substrates x three levels of foliar fertilization), with ten replicates. The treatments were tested by analysis of variance. For K. coriacea and H. impetiginosus, it is recommended to use a substrate composed of Soil + Manure (2:1), for E. dysenterica , it is recommended to use the complete substrate. Foliar fertilization is not recommended for all species. Regarding the soil analysis, organic matter, phosphorus and calcium were determinants in the formation of fertility groups for each of the major components of the Principal Component Analysis.

Overcoming the worst of both worlds: integrating climate change and habitat loss into spatial conservation planning of genetic diversity in the Brazilian Cerrado

Conservation strategies aiming to safeguard species genetic diversity in the Cerrado are urgent. The biome is an agriculture frontier and lost at least 50% of its natural capital since the early 1950s, with the highest rate of vegetation clearing among all Brazilian biomes. Here we match information on geographic range shifts in response to climate changes and habitat loss to define conservation priorities for species genetic diversity using Eugenia dysenterica, a widely distributed tree across the Brazilian Cerrado. We found a set of 27 optimal solutions in which a minimum of 12 out of 23 populations are necessary to represent all 208 alleles of the species. Environmental suitability predicted for 2050 was higher for populations in the southern region of the Cerrado, whereas the proportion of natural remnants around populations expected for 2030 was lower in this same region. Thus, it seems to be more conservative to adopt “in situ” strategies in the northwestern part of the species range to hold more genetic diversity in areas harboring high numbers of natural remnants, despite the likely reduction in climatic suitability. On the other hand, in the southern and southeastern region of the range, despite more stability from a climatic point of view, there was a serious constraint given the high levels of human occupation; in this case, “ex situ” strategies might be a better option for the species. Our results and proposed priorities enable different strategies for making an operational approach for conservation of genetic diversity. Adopting different prioritization strategies for stable and unstable regions (both in climatic suitability and natural remnants) in the future would allow, in principle, to avoid “the worst of both worlds” to achieve an efficient conservation program for the species.