Maclura Pomifera Research Articles

Carbohydrate-independent antibiofilm effect of Bothrops jararacussu lectin BJcuL on Staphylococcus aureus

The antivirulence approach to fighting biofilm-based infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a promising therapy that has been studied extensively. Here, we compare the antibiofilm activity of a purified lectin from Bothrops jararacussu venom (BJcuL) and commercial lectins obtained from Triticum vulgaris (Wheat Germ Agglutinin, WGA), Bandeiraea simplicifolia BS-II, and Maclura pomifera. Only WGA had antibiofilm activity, although no effect was seen on pre-formed biofilms. The pre-incubation of WGA and BJcuL with their preferential sugars inhibited the biological activity of WGA, but not that of BJcuL, suggesting that biofilm disruption does not involve carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that BJcuL promotes modulation of expression of S. aureus genes involved in biofilm formation. Light microscopy revealed cocci and small cell clusters after biofilm formation in the presence of BJcuL, showing that the lectin treatment was unable to completely disrupt biofilm structure. Exposing the free cells to 50 times the minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin or ciprofloxacin did not prevent biofilm reestablishment, although inhibition was stronger than in the control (no lectin). This disruption of the biofilm architecture can expose the bacterial cell and may facilitate clearance by the immune system.

Interaction of Insect Size and Bacillus thuringiensis on Larval Mortality of Palpita quadristigmalis and Endoparasitoid Emergence

Pest management in ornamentals and landscaped areas relies largely on synthetic pesticides, which usually are non-selective and may negatively impact human health, natural enemies and pollinators. It is important to develop integrated, biorational management plans for ornamentals. Palpita quadristigmalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was observed in northeastern Mexico in 2017 causing severe defoliation and branch dieback of privet, Ligustrum sp. (extensively grown there as hedge and shade trees). We assessed the effect of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (toxin crystals and spores) on privet leaves upon mortality and foliage consumption by P. quadristigmalis larvae, as well as the effect of Bt on larval parasite emergence. Larvae of three different instars (4th, 5th and 6th) were exposed to three concentrations of B. thuringiensis (DiPel®, Bayer) (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g/L) in the laboratory. Mortality increased while foliage consumed (as total area and percent) decreased in response to increasing Bt concentrations. At 48h, mortality values of 65.0-97.5% were observed across Bt-exposed larvae; also, there was a maximum of 2.5% foliar area consumed by all Bt-exposed larvae, compared to foliage consumed by unexposed larvae. Overall, 1.7 % of larvae used in these tests (Bt-exposed and control) were parasitized (Braconidae 25%, Ichneumonidae 12.5% and Tachinidae 62.5%). Bt apparently did not have negative effects on insects that naturally parasitize larvae of P. quadristigmalis. Bacillus thuringiensis-based products can have significant potential for the management of P. quadristigmalis larvae.

Batch Adsorption of Synthetic Dye by Maclura Pomifera, a New Eco-Friendly Waste Biomass: Experimental Studies and Modeling

Abstract The removal of Methylene blue (MB) from aqueous medium using alkaline modified Maclura pomifera (NaOH-MMP) has been studied in this work. Results showed that a pH value of 6 was favorable for the adsorption of MB. Rate constants of pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and nth kinetic model were determined to analyze the dynamic of the adsorption process; they showed that adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order and nth kinetic models. The Sips isotherm model was found to be the most relevant to describe MB sorption onto NaOH-MMP with a correlation factor R2 > 0.999. The adsorption capacity of NaOH-MMP was found to be 160 mg g−1 at 25 °C, confirming its biosorbent efficiency for the removal of MB dye from aqueous solutions. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the MB adsorption onto adsorbent was feasible in nature, spontaneous, and exothermique.

Vibration Monitoring of the Mechanical Harvesting of Citrus to Improve Fruit Detachment Efficiency.

The introduction of a mechanical harvesting process for oranges can contribute to enhancing farm profitability and reducing labour dependency. The objective of this work is to determine the spread of the vibration in citrus tree canopies to establish recommendations to reach high values of fruit detachment efficiency and eliminate the need for subsequent hand-harvesting processes. Field tests were carried out with a lateral tractor-drawn canopy shaker on four commercial plots of sweet oranges. Canopy vibration during the harvesting process was measured with a set of triaxial accelerometer sensors with a datalogger placed on 90 bearing branches. Monitoring of the vibration process, fruit production, and branch properties were analysed. The improvement of fruit detachment efficiency was possible if both the hedge tree and the machinery were mutually adjusted. The hedge should be trained to facilitate access of the rods and to encourage external fructification since the internal canopy branches showed 43% of the acceleration vibration level of the external branches. The machine should be adjusted to vibrate the branches at a vibration time of at least 5.8 s, after the interaction of the rod with the branch, together with a root mean square acceleration value of 23.9 m/s2 to a complete process of fruit detachment.

Green Brains & Ground Sloths: A Paleoecology-Based Exercise in Hypothesis Formation

In organismic biology, the formation of ecological and evolutionary hypotheses on the basis of observable morphologies is a central element of research, and by extension of teaching and learning. Often it is necessary to take account of complex combinations of factors, some of which may be far from obvious. In the work described here, hypothesis formation and testing was exercised and studied in a learner-centered and object-based manner using an anachronistic, seemingly “nonsensical” plant, Maclura pomifera (Moraceae), in which the link between structure and function only becomes clear when considering past faunistic environments. The element of the unexpected and the allure of the large animals is thought to add to epistemic curiosity and student motivation to engage in the study of plants.

Semi-synthetic isoflavones as BACE-1 inhibitors against Alzheimer’s disease

BACE-1 is considered to be one of the targets for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We here report a novel class of semi-synthetic derivatives of prenylated isoflavones, obtained from the derivatization of natural flavonoids from Maclura pomifera. In vitro anti-AD effect of the synthesized compounds were evaluated via human recombinant BACE-1 inhibition assay. Compound 7, 8 and 13 were found to be the most active candidates which demonstrates good correlation between the computational docking and pharmacokinetic predictions. Moreover, cytotoxic studies demonstrated that the compounds are not toxic against normal and cancer cell lines. Among these three compounds, compound 7 enhance the activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on A549 cancer cells and increases the activity of P-gp ATPase with a possible role on the efflux of amyloid-β across the blood- brain barrier. In conclusion, the present findings may pave the way for the discovery of a novel class of compounds to prevent and/or treat AD.

Fluorometry of natural latex from Maclura pomifera

Maclura pomifera is a small tree that produces rot-resistant wood and a strange fruit called an Osage orange which is bright green. The fruits contain a high content of latex with strong fluorescence in UV light, similar in color to the green-yellow fluorescence of uranyl glass. Measurements were made using a computer-assisted microscope with grating mono chromators in both excitation and emission pathways. A photomultiplier was calibrated using a tungsten illuminator, then a mercury illuminator was used to measure the fluorescence emission spectrum: the peak was at 530 nm (green-yellow). A xenon illuminator was used to measure the fluorescence excitation spectrum: the peak was at 380 nm (UV).

Erysiphe diffusa causing powdery mildew on Mimosa caesalpiniifolia in Brazil: A soya bean pathogen found on an important native Brazilian tree

AbstractMimosa caesalpiniifolia: Fabaceae (sansão‐do‐campo or sabiá, in Brazil) is a small tree or shrub native to the Brazilian semi‐arid forest and widely used as a hedge plant in Brazil. Although of economic relevance, little is known of fungal pathogens infecting this plant. Recently, plants growing in an urban situation at Ouro Preto, and also on the roadside in Viçosa (state of Minas Gerais, Brazil), were found to be severely attacked by a powdery mildew which led to progressive leaf blight and serious defoliation. Based on morphology and molecular phylogenetic analysis of nuclear rDNA sequences, the fungus was identified as Erysiphe diffusa—a pathogen best known attacking soya bean, particularly in highland plantings.

The morphological and anatomical studies of inflorescence, flower, embryo and fruit development in Maclura pomifera (Moraceae)

Maclura pomifera, a dioecious tree species, is recognized by its orange-like fruits and has a fascinating history and varied economic uses. The morphology and anatomy of female inflorescence, flowe...

Multilocus gene characterization of phytoplasmas in 16SrII-D subgroupassociated with Coreopsis grandiflora little leaf disease in India

In September 2018 symptoms of little leaf were observed in Coreopsis grandiflora located in flower nurseries at IARI campus, New Delhi. Little leaf and phyllody symptoms were also observed on nearby growing ornamental hedge plants belonging to Duranta genus and in a weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). Amplicons of ∼1.25 kb were consistently amplified with nested PCR assays using DNA extracted from the symptomatic Coreopsis, Duranta and Parthenimum samples, while no amplification was observed with any of the asymptomatic samples of the same species. Leafhoppers (Empoasca sp.) collected from the nurseries of Coreopsis were also found phytoplasma positive using the same nested PCR protocol. BLAST and pair wise sequence comparison of the R16F2n/R2 region of 16S rRNA gene of C. grandiflora little leaf (CGLL), Duranta sp. little leaf (DLL), P. hysterophorus phyllody (PHP) and Empoasca sp (Em) revealed 99.8% sequence identity with the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australasia’ sequence. Phylogeny and virtual RFLP analysis with iPhyclassifier confirmed the affiliation to ‘Ca. P. australasia’, subgroup 16SrII-D of all these phytoplasma strains. Amplicons of the expected size were also consistently amplified from these strains with primers specific to 16SrII group of SAP11, imp and tuf genes. All the amplified products were sequenced and confirmed the phytoplasma affiliation to 16SrII-D subgroup. This is the first report of 16SrII-D group phytoplasma presence in C. grandiflora showing little leaf disease.

Studies on Natural Cosmetic R & D – From Laboratory to Prototype Product

Cosmetic sector has been developing day by day and more products based on scientific search are released to the market. In this sector, particularly natural cosmetics are in a great demand, which also raises the need for more effective and safe products. Being one of the most important biodiversity spots in the world due to its rich flora, it must be a target for Turkey’s national economy to use plant species in cosmetic preparation as well as branding for our country’s promotion. For this purpose, we have been working on R&D of natural cosmetics using our own herbal sources to produce cosmetics with anti-wrinkle and skin bleaching effect. In this regard, we started to screen over 100 plant species for their anti-wrinkle and skin bleaching potential in our laboratory by enzyme inhibitory assays against tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase using ELISA microtiter methods. The active extracts were subjected to activity-guided fractionation and isolation and then, compounds responsible for the aforementioned inhibitions were elucidated. The active inhibitory molecules were proceeded to in silico assays using molecular docking techniques. According to our preliminary screening results, the extracts from Vitis vinifera , Camellia sinensis , Cotynus coggygria , Maclura pomifera , and Geranium glaberrimum were found to be the most active extracts, from which we prepared several cosmetic formulations under the brand name Vitabel. In this paper, summary of our extensive studies on cosmetic R & D conducted in our laboratory which were finalized with prototype cosmetic samples. Our findings indicate that plants are notable biosources for cosmetic research.

Effects of seed viability and pre-treatments on seed germination of two indigenous species—Strychnos cocculoides Baker and Guibourtia coleosperma (Benth.) Leonard in Namibia

Strychnos cocculoides Baker (Monkey orange) and Guibourtia coleosperma (Benth.) Leonard (False mopane) are two socio-economically important indigenous species for rural communities in the northern regions of Namibia. The exploitation of these indigenous species is causing rapid declines in the goods and services produced. In addition, nursery experiments to assist the germination of these indigenous woodland trees are limited. This study aimed at investigating the effects of six pre-treatments [control, cold water (15 °C), warm water (50 °C), hot water (90 °C), scarification and chemical with 32% HCl] on the seed germination of both species. Prior to the pre-treatments, sample seeds were tested for viability using the tetrazolium and rag doll tests. This was conducted to determine whether the seeds used in this study were viable and had a germination potential. For both species, over 80% seeds were viable with the tetrazolium test. Germination results indicated a significant difference between the six pre-treatments, which was more pronounced for S. cocculoides than for G. coleosperma. For S. cocculoides seeds, warm water (80%), cold water (70%) and control (untreated seeds) (63%) yielded greater percentages of germination than hot water (40%), scarification (3%) and HCI-chemical (0%) after 7 weeks of germination. For G. coleosperma seeds, warm water (83%), cold water (80%), control (80%) and hot water (70%) produced the highest percentage of germination, compared to chemical (67%) and scarification (67%) pre-treatments. The control, cold and warm water pre-treatments showed germination of S. cocculoides seeds within 3 weeks of sowing, while for other treatments, seeds only germinated 4 weeks after sowing. Guibourtiacoleosperma untreated and warm water-treated seeds germinated earlier (week 2) compared to the other pre-treatments, for which germination only occurred during week 3. Therefore, the study recommends warm water as an ideal pre-treatment to promote germination in S. cocculoides and G. coleosperma species. Potential future studies could investigate effect of different temperatures and photoperiods on the germination percentage of the two species.

Seed Dispersal in Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera) by Squirrels (Sciurus spp.)

The Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) is considered anachronistic because it has no known seed disperser. However, anecdotal observations suggest squirrels (Sciurus spp.) may act as dispersers as they move fruits away from parent plants and through the prolonged handling time required to access the seeds. Our aim was to determine if squirrels potentially disperse Osage orange seeds in this manner by presenting Osage orange seeds and fruits in the presence and absence of sunflower seeds (whole and shelled), which squirrels are known to consume readily. We found, although squirrels preferred sunflower seeds, they readily consumed the Osage orange seeds and moved the fruits when multiple food sources were available. However, when fruits were presented alone, we found a small number of fruits were moved and these were moved only a short distance. Our results suggest that while squirrels occasionally show interest in Osage orange fruits, they do not typically disperse M. pomifera seeds via fruit handling. We therefore conclude anecdotal observations of squirrels feeding on seeds represent uncommon events, supporting the hypothesis that M. pomifera is anachronistic.

Monkey orange fruit juice improves the nutritional quality of a maize-based diet

This paper studied the nutritional impact of the use of juice from Strychnos cocculoides (monkey orange) in a maize-based porridge. Monkey orange juice is traditionally used to supplement maize porridge - a staple breakfast cereal especially for vulnerable groups. Monkey orange fruits contain high amounts of micronutrients and phenolic compounds and are widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The valuable components can be efficiently extracted by traditional and pectinase maceration techniques. The bioaccessibility of minerals and main phenolic compounds in maize porridge (5 g maize meal) supplemented by monkey orange juice (100 ml) were assessed after in-vitro digestion together with the kinetics of starch degradation. Caffeic and protocatechuic acids exceeded 100%, and chlorogenic acid 81% bioaccessibility after simulated intestinal digestion. Rutin was undetected after the simulated intestinal phase due to precipitation in the pellet. In-vitro bioaccessibility of minerals ranged from 12 to 62% in monkey orange enriched porridge. A 50–70% decrease of starch hydrolysis was observed at the end of the simulated intestinal digestion of monkey orange maize porridge confirming the known potential of phenolic compounds to decrease the glycaemic index of starch-rich foods. Consequently monkey orange juice appeared a suitable ingredient to enrich staple maize porridge thanks to its micronutrients and health benefit potential. Similar relationships of other fruits and starchy foods warrant study as a means to improve the nutritional quality of the diets of malnourished populations.

Fabrication of Natural Fiber Composites Consisting of Osage Orange Seed flour Reinforced with Non-woven Hemp Mats

Natural fiber composites (NFC) were fabricated using a matrix consisting of an aqueous slurry of Osage orange (Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Schneid. family Moraceae) seed meal (OOSM) (50, 75 or 100 g L− 1) reinforced with non-woven hemp mats (450, 650, 800, 1000, 1200, or 1350 g m− 2 surface densities). OOSM behaves as a thermoset adhesive/resin similar to soy flours. Non-woven mats of 7.6 cm W × 17.8 cm L of various surface densities were soaked in aqueous slurries for 30 min under vacuum and then directly hot pressed at 185 °C and 4.3 MPa for 4:30 min. NFCs matrix:reinforcement percentages varied depending on the surface density of the hemp mat employed. NFCs were evaluated for their mechanical, physical and dimensional stability properties. The OOSM slurry matrix was found to be as effective as matrices generated from soy flour or soy protein isolate slurries. The influence of various temperatures for processing was also evaluated.

5-Hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-8,8-dimethyl-6-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)pyrano[2,3-h]chromen-4-one

Natural and semi-synthetic compounds are being studied as novel phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and lower urinary symptoms. Maclura pomifera is a source of flavonoids, one of the main classes of molecules investigated for these purposes. The extraction of the natural isoflavone osajin and its modification to obtain a semi-synthetic derivative are described in this short note. 1H and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectroscopic characterization of the title compound are also hereby provided. Two-dimensional (2D) nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) NMR, supported by in silico conformational studies, was used to achieve a complete assignment of the proton signals, assessing the correct chemical structure of the compound. Heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectroscopy (HSQC) and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) NMR experiments were performed to assign 13C chemical shifts. Calculated chemical properties and preliminary in silico docking suggest that this molecule might be a promising candidate as PDE5 inhibitor.

Preparation of soy protein hydrolysates with antioxidant activity by using peptidases from latex of Maclura pomifera fruits

A partially purified proteolytic extract prepared from Maclura pomifera latex was employed in hydrolyzing a soybean-protein isolate (4.2 mg/mL). The hydrolysis-product formation, monitored by tricine–sodium-dodecyl-sulfate–polyacrylamyde-gel electrophoresis and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, indicated that after 10 min of reaction the main soybean proteins disappeared. The maximum degree of hydrolysis was 36.2% after a 180-min digestion. The 90-min hydrolysate presented an IC50 of 31.6 ± 0.2 µg/mL, and a trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of 157.6 and 176.9 µmoles TE per g of peptide determined by two different methods. Analysis by matrix-assisted–laser-desorption-ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), followed by the application of bioinformatics tools, enabled the deduction of fourteen theoretical peptide sequences containing antioxidant amino acids at >60%, none of which sequences had been previously reported as antioxidants. Finally, we consider that this 90-min hydrolysate would constitute a promising ingredient in the manufacture of functional foods.

Desenvolvimento, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da videira em consórcio com culturas de cobertura

The use of permanent or partial vegetative cover of the soil in the vineyards can influence the production and the quality of the grape. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the development of the grapevine productivity as well as the qualitative characteristics of ‘Isabel’ grape, in consortium with soil cover plants. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Itapuranga, GO, and consisted of six treatments established in a randomized block design, in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, in five replications. The first factor consisted of a plant species cover the soil: Jack Beans (Canavalia ensiformis L. DC), lab-lab (Dolichos lab lab L.) and spontaneous plants. In the second factor, there were two pruning seasons of the grapevine crop, based on the sowing of the cover crops. In other words, the first pruning season in the vine was performed 25 days after sowing (DAS) of the cover plants and the second pruning season in the vine was performed at 55 DAS. In three crop cycles, the soil cover plants consortium with the grapevine does not influence the morphological variables, the productivity, the variables associated with the productivity and the qualitative characteristics of the grape. Different times of pruning influence the productivity and the associated variables in the grape crop. The pruning at 25 days after sowing of the cover plants presented better results for the morphological variables and qualitative characteristics of the grape. Therefore, for the local conditions and for the evaluated time, use of hedge plants did not influence the production of the vines as well as the quality of the grape. However pruning times can affect the development of the vine, reflecting its productivity and quality.

Desenvolvimento, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da videira em consórcio com culturas de cobertura

The use of permanent or partial vegetative cover of the soil in the vineyards can influence the production and the quality of the grape. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the development of the grapevine productivity as well as the qualitative characteristics of ‘Isabel’ grape, in consortium with soil cover plants. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Itapuranga, GO, and consisted of six treatments established in a randomized block design, in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, in five replications. The first factor consisted of a plant species cover the soil: Jack Beans (Canavalia ensiformis L. DC), lab-lab (Dolichos lab lab L.) and spontaneous plants. In the second factor, there were two pruning seasons of the grapevine crop, based on the sowing of the cover crops. In other words, the first pruning season in the vine was performed 25 days after sowing (DAS) of the cover plants and the second pruning season in the vine was performed at 55 DAS. In three crop cycles, the soil cover plants consortium with the grapevine does not influence the morphological variables, the productivity, the variables associated with the productivity and the qualitative characteristics of the grape. Different times of pruning influence the productivity and the associated variables in the grape crop. The pruning at 25 days after sowing of the cover plants presented better results for the morphological variables and qualitative characteristics of the grape. Therefore, for the local conditions and for the evaluated time, use of hedge plants did not influence the production of the vines as well as the quality of the grape. However pruning times can affect the development of the vine, reflecting its productivity and quality.

Dust Reduction Efficiency of a Single-Row Vegetative Barrier (Maclura pomifera)

Little is known about the dust removal efficiency of common vegetative barriers. This study of blowing dust reduction was conducted on one of the most common vegetative barriers used for wind erosion control in Kansas and the U.S. Great Plains, the deciduous tree species (Osage orange). A dust generator and distributor were fabricated to generate dust particles for determining the dust removal efficiency of a single-row Osage orange barrier. Simultaneous upwind and downwind dust concentrations were measured using mini-vol samplers for total suspended particulates (TSP) at heights of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 m above the ground. Measurements were made using two towers located at upwind and downwind distances equal to the height of the barrier. Particle size distribution (PSD) analysis of the initial generated dust showed that most particles were large (GMD = 102.8 µm), while about 5% of the dust was particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) and 15% was less than 10 µm (PM10). Laser diffraction analysis of particles from the sample filters was used to determine the dust reduction efficiency of the barrier. Results showed that dust reduction was significantly related to reduction in wind speed at lower heights, causing an overall decrease in dust concentration as particles passed through the barrier. Concentrations of larger particles (~100 µm) were also reduced relative to smaller particles when dust passed through the barrier. The data also showed that 4.5 m above the ground, near the crown of the canopy, was most efficient at removing the PM2.5 (15% to 54%) and PM10 (23% to 65%) fractions of the generated dust. Keywords: Generated dust, Osage orange, PM2.5, PM10, TSP, Wind erosion.