Euterpe Precatoria Research Articles

Optimization of Production Process of Alcohol Vinegar Macerated With Acai (Euterpe Precatoria) Using RSM to Add Colour and Functional Compounds to Vinegar

In Brazil, the alcohol vinegar is the cheapest vinegar found in the market and it has the lowest nutritional quality. The acai, a native Amazon fruit, is globally recognized as a super fruit and it is highly perishable. Research has been performed to deliver bioactive compounds and to substitute synthetic by the natural colourants in finished foods.

Morphology and Allometry of Juvenile Açaí Palms Under Cultivation Conditions in Central Amazonia

Two Amazonian species of açaí palm trees (Euterpe oleracea and Euterpe precatoria) are exploited in the commercial production of açaí pulp or juice. While E. oleracea benefits from developed cultivation technologies, E. precatoria lacks such advancements. Studies on the morphology and development of açaí palms under cultivation conditions can contribute to increasing the productivity of the species. The aim of this study was to carry out morphological characterization, assess growth and development in the juvenile phase of the plants, and obtain allometric models for E. precatoria and E. oleracea. Evaluations were conducted between 44 and 48 months post-planting. Allometric equations were formulated to accurately estimate leaf area. The results showed that E. oleracea begins reproduction earlier and exhibits greater growth in stem dimensions and leaf areas compared to E. precatoria, indicating that E. precatoria can be cultivated at higher planting densities. Allometric models, based on leaf length and width, effectively predicted individual leaf areas for both species, demonstrating their utility in optimizing cultivation strategies.

Establishment, Multiplication, and Biochemical Analysis of Embryogenic Lines of the Amazonian Palm Euterpe precatoria Mart. under Suspension Culture

The palm Euterpe precatoria holds great social, cultural, and environmental importance. The heart of palm and the fruit are the main products used for industrialization due to their energetic properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish a suspension cultivation protocol for the species using different explant sources. For this, eight lineages of E. precatoria embryogenic calluses were tested, with five in liquid medium Murashige and Skoog (MS) with 5 μM Picloram and three for comparison in semisolid medium MS with 20 μM Picloram and 5 μM 2iP. The growth curve was obtained by weighing the calli from 60 to 180 days of cultivation. The Gompertz model was applied, and growth kinetics were evaluated. At 100 days, the contents of total soluble sugars (TSSs) and total soluble proteins (TSPs) were determined. Principal components (PCA) were measured. According to the analysis of the data, the cultivation of E. precatoria lineages in liquid medium was successfully carried out, and the establishment was achieved. The model can be considered adequate since the R2 values found describe more than 90% of the growth kinetics of the lineages. In the liquid system, lineages L1 (from leaf explants and multiplied in semisolid medium—SM), L2 (from leaf explants and multiplied in SM), and L6 (from zygotic embryo explants and multiplied in liquid medium—LM) showed the shortest time to double the biomass accumulation. Multivariate analysis reveals a significant increase in masses in liquid cultures, represented by lineages L6 and L2. There was statistical difference in the amount of TSSs extracted; the highest TSS levels were observed in lineages cultivated in LM. The protein content found was very low, showing statistical differences among the lineages. In this work, the establishment and multiplication of embryogenic calli of E. precatoria are described for the first time, and they emerge as viable alternatives for the vegetative propagation of the species.

Uncovering the Potential for the Sustainable Commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products: Palm Fruits in Pando, Bolivia

Palm fruits are important non-timber forest products for rural people's livelihoods in the Amazon region, as many are nutritious foods and have the potential to generate income. However, in Pando, Bolivia, their commercialization is in most cases still underdeveloped. This study aimed to assess the potential of four palm fruits for sustainable commercialization and to identify their related promoting and hindering conditions. The palm fruits studied were açaí (Euterpe precatoria Mart), majo (Oenocarpus bataua Mart), motacu (Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng) and palma real (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.). We gathered data from 14 key informants using semi-structured online interviews, 10 community members using structured interviews, and literature. We analyzed the data with qualitative content analysis and a multi-criteria decision-making method. Açaí has the highest potential due to its high abundance, demand, and specialized institutional support, among others. Majo, with a medium potential, benefited from its similarities with açaí regarding harvesting and processing, but still has technical processing deficiencies. Palma real and motacu had low potential because of low demand and lack of knowledge regarding harvesting and processing. This study demonstrates the importance of considering multidisciplinary factors when assessing sustainable commercialization potentials.

Productivity of Açai Euterpe Precatoria and Production System Management Recommendations in the South Of The Amazonas

Objective: To investigate the productivity of the Amazon açaí Euterpe precatoria Mart in order to support recommendations for adapting management to increase productivity in the production system in southern Amazonas. Theoretical Framework: The demand for açaí justifies its domestication to increase productivity in addition to extractive production. In this context, difficulties arise due to the lack of knowledge about managing the species, which is required along with its domestication. Thus, knowledge that supports the supply of soil and nutritional conditions is required for E. precatoria, which is still little studied in terms of management. Method: The productivity assessment was carried out in an experiment whose ages of açaí groves planted side by side, 8, 9, 10 and 12 years old, constituted treatments. For each açaí grove age, randomized by the producer in the planning, 4 experimental plots were designed containing 3 trees spaced 3.0 m x 3.0 m, with 4 replications, totaling 16 experimental plots in randomized blocks. Results and Discussion: The results indicate the need to manage soil fertility to increase the productivity of açaí groves, which are obtained in conditions of low soil fertility, even for the 12-year-old açaí grove, selected as the most productive. Research Implications: This study presents practical and theoretical implications for the açaí palm in Amazonas, whose management is still in its infancy. It identifies low productivity of açaí groves and the need to insert nutrients not only through alternative practices with low economic and environmental impact. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the basis of future studies on the agricultural management of the Amazon açaí tree as a cultivable species.

Evaluation of the phenolic compounds of a beer with inclusion of acaí (Euterpe precatoria) pulp

Evaluation of the phenolic compounds of a beer with inclusion of acaí (<i>Euterpe precatoria</i>) pulp

Quantification of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in an infusion made from dried acaí (Euterpe precatoria) pulp

Quantification of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in an infusion made from dried acaí (<i>Euterpe precatoria</i>) pulp

Characteristics of the açai seed (Euterpe precatoria Martius) after thermal processing and its potential in soil-cement brick

The management of the açai palm, a species of the Euterpe genus, has grown in recent years mainly for the extraction of palm heart and the pulp of the fruit called açai. After the extraction of the’ pulp, there is a significant generation of residues, as the discarded seeds account for approximately 85% of the fruit. Therefore, this research aims to characterize the açai seed after fruit processing, as well as to evaluate the potential of thermally processed seed for use in soil-cement bricks. The seed morpho-anatomy tests were performed, including moisture content, loss of ignition, ash content, thermogravimetry, fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction of the ground seeds. Tests on thermally processed seeds included readings by X-ray diffraction and laser granulometry. After evaluating the properties of the ash, it was incorporated into soil-cement mixtures in proportions of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, replacing the clinker content of LC3 (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement). Based on the results obtained, soil-cement bricks were produced with a composition of 90% soil and 10% LC3, with the LC3 cement clinker being replaced by 20% açai seed ash. The results indicate the potential for the application of açai seed ash in soil-cement bricks on a practical scale, demonstrating that the ash enhances soil stabilization and increases the compressive strength of the soil-cement matrix due to its smaller particle size compared to that of the soil grains. This not only reduces the amount of cement required for the matrix but also offers environmental sustainability through the utilization of seed waste. The study underscores the potential of applying açai seed ash in the context of environmentally significant alternative technologies and sustainable practices, emphasizing the promise of the properties found in discarded açai seeds.

Mechanical strength and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of soil-cement: comparison between mixtures of soil with ASTM type III cement, LC3, and the incorporation of by products and agroindustrial residues

Soil stabilization with binders is based on the binder action on soil particles, in turn causing an improvement in the mechanical behavior of the soil. Thus, this study aims to analyze the mechanical and environmental properties of soil-cement mixtures using Portland ASTM type III cement as binders and comparing to LC3 (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement), as well as incorporating extra raw materials such as silica fume, fly ash, sugarcane bagasse ash (Saccharum officinarum L) and açai seed ash (Euterpe precatoria Martius). The mixtures of soil, binder, extra raw materials were performed manually, and the cylindrical specimens (100 mm internal ø) were molded based on the AASHTO Normal Test. The results showed that the highest values of compressive strength ranged between 10 and 11 MPa, which were recorded for reference, soil-LC³ and soil-LC-açai seed ash mixtures. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed using the CML 2001 method with the aid of the OpenLCA software. Additionally, it was observed that the main emissions and consequences for the environment were from mixtures containing higher clinker contents.

Genetic variability of wild palms Euterpe precatoria, Euterpe oleracea and Mauritia flexuosa with molecular markers ISSR

Wild palms constitute a group of plants of particular economic importance in the tropics, being a valuable source for obtaining construction materials, fabrics, fuel, food, ornamental and medicinal plants. Despite their economic, social, and environmental importance, the genetic variability existing in wild palms, mainly of the genus Mauritia and Euterpe, is unknown, which limits their potential use and the identification of promising genotypes to be included in recombination programs. The genetic variability of three wild palm species (Euterpe oleracea, Euterpe precatoria, and Mauritia flexuosa) was evaluated using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 51 genotypes were analyzed with seven ISSR primers, which generated a total of 153 bands, with a percentage of polymorphic loci of 90.24%. The cluster analysis revealed the formation of six groups at a similarity level of 37%, grouping the palm genotypes by species and geographical origin. Molecular variance analysis revealed that within group variations contributed more to genetic diversity (89%) than between group variations (11%). The average value of Fst was 0.20, demonstrating moderate genetic differentiation. The high genetic variability found in this study indicates the valuable genetic potential present in palm germplasm, which could be used for future improvement programs of the species.

Effect of gamma-irradiated chitosan to enhance antioxidant activity of Khai Mod Rin germinated brown rice

Khai Mod Rin has been certified as NSRC95001-1-3 grower community enterprise in Hua Sai district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The effect of γ-irradiated chitosan concentrations and soaking time was examined for a proper conditions of germination. The standard phytochemical screening method and quantitative analysis of DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, total phenols and flavonoids, were also evaluated. The Khai Mod Rin germinated brown rice (KMR-GBR) with the best antioxidant activity and highest in total phenolic and flavonoid contents was produced after exposure to γ-irradiated chitosan (500 ppm concentration) at room temperature for 36 h germination. Phytochemicals including alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarin, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were detected still the same as germination in water and pure chitosan. Evidently, γ-irradiation on chitosan can be used to enhance antioxidant activity during brown rice germination, which is a potential source of natural antioxidants for food processing.

Primeiro registro de Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell, 1893) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) em Euterpe precatoria Martius (Arecaceae) no Brasil

Euterpe precatoria Martius, 1824 is a palm tree of great socioeconomic importance for the northern region of Brazil, whose heart of palm and fruits are economically exploited. For the expansion of its cultivation in commercial plantations, there is a need to know the phytosanitary aspects of the crop, especially the associated insect pests. Thus, this work aimed was to record the scale insect Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell, 1893) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting E. precatoria. Populations of this species were observed on E. precatoria plants in Rio Branco, state of Acre, Brazil. Thus, this is the first record of N. nipae on single açaí palm tree in the state of Acre and Brazil. Due to the socioeconomic importance of this palm for the North region and the damaging potential of N. nipae, further studies are strongly recommended in order to determine the level of damage and control alternatives.

What We Know about Euterpe Genus and Neuroprotection: A Scoping Review.

The Euterpe genus (mainly Euterpe oleracea Martius, Euterpe precatoria Martius, and Euterpe edulis Martius) has recently gained commercial and scientific notoriety due to the high nutritional value of its fruits, which are rich in polyphenols (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) and have potent antioxidant activity. These characteristics have contributed to the increased number of neuropharmacological evaluations of the three species over the last 10 years, especially açaí of the species Euterpe oleracea Martius. The fruits of the three species exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways and other mechanisms, including the inhibition of the mTOR pathway and protection of the blood-brain barrier, all of them intimately involved in several neuropathologies. Thus, a better understanding of the neuropharmacological properties of these three species may open new paths for the development of therapeutic tools aimed at preventing and treating a variety of neurological conditions.

Comprehensive Characterization of Oils and Fats of Six Species from the Colombian Amazon Region with Industrial Potential.

The Colombian Amazon is a megadiverse region with high potential for commercial use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, constantly expanding and looking for new alternatives from natural resources; unfortunately, few characterization reports of its profitable non-timber species in Colombia have been conducted. This work aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of traditionally used species: Carapa guianensis (Andiroba), Euterpe precatoria (Asai), Mauritia flexuosa (Miriti), Astrocaryum murumuru (Murumuru), Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha Inchi), and Caryodendron orinocense H.Karst (Cacay). For this purpose, oil and fat quality indices, phytosterol, carotenoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol content, as well as density and refractive index, were measured to establish their quality level. Multivariate analysis showed four groups of samples; such differences were mainly due to the composition rather than quality indices and physical properties, especially the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. All species reported a precise composition, which makes them noninterchangeable, and Miriti oil arose as the most versatile ingredient for the industry. The Colombian Amazon region is a promising source of quality raw material, especially for oils/fats and unsaturated fatty acids; this resulted in the most interest for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic purposes.

CHEMICAL CONTROL OF Colletotrichum gloeosporioides ON SEEDLINGS OF SINGLE ASSAI PALM

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) is the main disease affecting single assai palm seedlings and, therefore, a limiting factor to the production of quality seedlings. So far, there are no fungicide recommendations for the control of C. gloeosporioides in Euterpe precatoria. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the action of fungicides, such as pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad, as a possible alternative for controlling anthracnose in single assai palm seedlings. The experiment was installed in the nursery at Embrapa Acre, in a randomized block design, with seven treatments (0 – 0.155 – 0.187 – 0.218 – 0.250 – 0.281 – 0.312 μl of fungicide), with four replications of five plants. Evaluations were conducted for ten months regarding seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass, and Dickson Quality Index. A visual scale ranging from 1 to 9 was used to assess the severity of the disease. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression analysis. Under the study conditions, the application of the active ingredient pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad reduced anthracnose severity by an average of 36.94% in single assai palm, providing better quality seedlings in the nursery.

FRUITS OF VEGETABLE EUTERPE AS A VALUABLE SOURCE OF FOOD AND BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS (REVIEW)

Vegetable euterpe (Euterpe oleracea) belongs to the Arecaceae family, grows in tropical and subtropical areas. The people call the fruits of acai. Of the wild species of Brazil, the most important are Euterpe oleracea, Euterpe edulis and Euterpe precatoria. A botanical description, a review of the chemical composition of secondary metabolites, a description of the biological and pharmacological activity of Euterpe oleracea are presented. The main biologically active compounds are anthocyanins (cyanidin–3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinosideo), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), tannins (catechin, gallic acid), phenylpropanoids (chlorogenic acid), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene). There is evidence of antioxidant, vasodilating, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antitumor activity. A wide variety of biologically active compounds that cause a multidirectional pharmacological effect in this plant makes vegetable euterpe a promising object for the development of pharmaceutical substances.

Effects of acai supplementation (Euterpe precatoria Mart) on muscle recovery markers after jump protocol

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the effects of acai supplementation (AS) on markers of muscle damage. Twelve men participated in the 21-day study. All performed the damage protocol (DP) in two moments, separated by 7 days. The DP consisted of 10 sets of 10 CMJs, with a recovery of 1 min between sets. The AS was performed for 7 days with 40 g/day of dehydrated acai (GA) or placebo (GP). Blood parameters (CK, LDH and Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity – TEAC) were evaluated at 0 h and 24 h. Ultrasound images (VL, RF and GM), DOMS in lower limbs and isometric peak torque (IPT) of knee extensors and flexors were evaluated at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after DP. A time–treatment interaction was observed for TEAC (p = 0.01), in which the GA presented increases of 11% after 24 h. Similarly, time–treatment interaction was observed for knee flexors IPT (p = 0.02), where GA showed superior recovery after 24 h (GA = 108 ± 23 vs. GP = 92 ± 24 N∙m) and 72 h (GA = 113 ± 31 vs. GP = 98 ± 26 N∙m). No significance was observed in the fatigue index for knee extensors (p = 0.75) and flexors (p = 0.89), indicating similar fatigue in both situations. We concluded that AS increased the TEAC and promoted faster recovery of the knee flexors IPT when compared to GP.

Development of alcohol vinegars macerated with ACAI (Euterpe precatoria Mart.) berries and their quality evaluations with emphasis on color, antioxidant capacity, and volatiles profile.

In this work, the Amazonian native acai fruit, a superfruit recognized worldwide, was used through a simple operation of maceration in alcohol vinegar to transform it into an attractive and functional product containing the acai natural colorant and its bioactive compounds. The variables studied were the proportion of alcohol vinegar to acai (8:2 and 1:1) and maceration period (7, 14, and 21 days). The final vinegar was subjected to the determination of color parameters, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS), total phenolics content (TPC), volatile compounds extracted by stir bar sorptive extraction and identified by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The alcohol vinegars macerated with acai presented the color according to the content of acai added and maceration period employed, whereas antioxidant capacity and TPC were comparable to vinegars elaborated from fruits and red wine. Sixty volatiles compounds classified into five chemical groups were identified. The principal volatile compounds which contributed to the aroma in the products were 3-methyl-1-butanol, phenylethyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, o-cymene, p-cymenene, isoamyl acetate, and ethyl acetate. The most attractive product regarding the parameters studied was obtained from the use of the proportion of 1:1 of alcohol vinegar:acai and maceration period of 14 days. This product retained the most similar color to acai in natura, the highest values for antioxidant capacity measured by ABTS and TPC while being rich in volatile compounds due to the contributions mainly of alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and terpenes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work demonstrates the feasibility to produce an alcohol vinegar with an attractive color and functional properties by the addition of acai resulting in to a wide spectrum of chemical compounds of acai through a very simple operation of maceration during 14 days of a proportion of 1:1 of alcohol vinegar:acai.

Genetic diversity and mating system of Euterpe precatoria in three localities along the lower Solimões River in Central Amazonia

Abstract Euterpe precatoria is a Neotropical palm from South and Central America and is hyperdominant in Amazonia, where it is increasingly important in the Brazilian market for açaí. Genetic diversity, population structure and mating system of E. precatoria were characterized with 10 microsatellite markers in three localities (Codajás, Manacapuru, and Manaquiri) along the lower Solimões River, Amazonas, Brazil. Leaves of 63 mature palms were collected, as well as fruits from 30 of these to analyze 20 seedlings per progeny. Genetic differentiation across localities was substantial (G S ′ = 0.304) for mature palms, suggesting that gene flow is restricted between localities due to isolation by distance. Inbreeding was significant in progenies from all populations (ranging from 0.059–0.076), but not for mature palms, suggesting selection for heterozygosity during maturation to the adult stage. The outcrossing rate was high (0.917–1.0), confirming that the species is predominantly allogamous. Matings were not random due to the occurrence of biparental inbreeding (0.021–0.079) and correlated matings (0.059–0.424), so open-pollinated progenies present mixtures of self-sibs, half-sibs, full-sibs, and self-half-sibs, resulting in mean effective population size within progenies (2.23–3.06) lower than expected for a random mating population. The mating system’s characteristics are those expected in a predominantly allogamous hyper-abundant palm and suggest that human management of these often-anthropogenic populations is unlikely to reduce genetic diversity in the short term if done in situ, as practiced by Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Intensification will require careful attention to maintain genetic diversity.

The impact of species complexes on tree abundance patterns in Amazonia.

The impact of species complexes on tree abundance patterns in Amazonia.