Total Amino Acid Levels Research Articles

Influence of Chlorpyrifos-methyl on the Biochemistry of Haemo-lymph and Fat Body of the Larva of Almond Moth, Ephestia cau-tella Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The almond moth, Ephestia cautella Walker larvae cause serious damage to wheat, maize, peanuts, pulse, cocoa beans, dried fruits etc. The haemolymph and fat body play major roles in the insect developmental physiology. Proteins and amino acids are important biochemical constituents of haemolymph and fat body of the insects. Changes in the total protein and total free amino acids level were studied in the haemolymph and fat body of third instar larvae of almond moth exposed to sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos-methyl. The sublethal concentrations i.e. 1, 2 and 4 ppm of chlorpyrifos-methyl caused a significantly dose-dependent reduction in the level of total protein and an associated enhancement in the total free amino acids level in haemolymph and fat body tissue of the E. cautella larvae. The maximum decrease in total protein level in haemolymph (37% of the control value) and fat body (46% of the control value) was observed in larvae treated with 4 ppm of chlorpyri- fos-methyl. The maximum enhancement in the total free amino acids level in haemolymph (175% of the control value) and fat body (172% of the control value) was observed in larvae treated with 4 ppm of chlorpyrifos-methyl. The imbalances of bio- chemical constituents resulted abnormalities in developmental physiology such as retention of old cuticle, lethargy, lose of body fluids and death.

자연산과 양식산 식용복어의 성분 비교

To identify the food component characteristics of seven edible pufferfishes (five wild pufferfishes including striped puffer Takifugu xanthopterus; eyespot puffer Takifugu chinensis; purple puffer Takifugu porphyreus; rough-backed puffer Lagocephalus wheeleri; and grass puffer Takifugu niphobles; and two cultured pufferfishes including yellow puffer Takifugu obscurus, and tiger puffer Takifugu rubripes) in Korea, the proximate, fatty/amino acid, chemical and taste compositions were investigated. The proximate compositions were not significantly different among the sampled pufferfishes, whereas grass puffer had lower moisture and crude lipid levels contents, and higher crude protein and ash contents than the other species. The total amino acid levels in wild and cultured pufferfishes were 14,941.6-16,427.9 mg/100 g, and the major amino acids were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, leucine, lysine and arginine. Regarding the fatty acid and mineral compositions, the major fatty acids included 22:6n-3, 16:0, 18:1n-9, 20:5n-3, 18:0, 20:4n-3, and 22:5n-3 in that order, and there was a little difference among the sampled pufferfishes. Grass puffer had a higher monoenes ratio, i.e., 16:1n-7 and 18:1n-9, and a lower polyenes ratio than the other pufferfishes. The main minerals detected K, P, Na, S and Ca. Regarding the taste-active compounds, the free amino acid contents of pufferfish extracts were 236.4-428.1 mg/100 g, consisting primarily of taurine, lysine, proline, glycine, alanine and arginine in that order. The amino nitrogen content of the pufferfishes was 84.5-156.4 mg/100 g, and there was a little difference among the species. As for taste intensity, the total taste value of the purple puffer was higher than that of the other pufferfishes.

Study of the chemical composition, proteolysis, volatile compounds, and textural properties of industrial and traditional Beaten (Bieno sirenje) ewe milk cheese

The objective of this study was to determine the gross composition, proteolysis, and volatile and texture profiles during ripening of industrial (IND) and traditional (TRD) Beaten (Bieno sirenje) cheeses made by using ewe milk. In the course of the analyses, statistical differences were determined in some physicochemical parameters, nitrogen fractions, and total free amino acid levels between TRD and IND types of cheese. Higher levels of proteolysis were observed in IND cheeses than in TRD cheeses during ripening. Levels of residual β- and αs-caseins were 72.2 and 48.7%, respectively, in 180-d-old TRD cheeses. However, the residual levels were 52.8% for β-casein and 18% for αs-casein in IND cheeses. Similar differences were noted for the reversed-phase HPLC peptide profiles of 2 types of cheeses. Also, higher concentrations of peptides were eluted in IND cheeses than in TRD cheeses during ripening. A total of 73 volatile compounds, including alcohols (16), esters (17), acids (14), terpenes (7), ketones (5), aldehydes (4), and miscellaneous (10) were identified. The IND cheeses contained higher levels of carboxylic acids, esters, alcohols, and terpenes than the TRD cheeses; however, the same levels of methyl ketones were determined in the 2 types of cheeses at the end of ripening. These may be due to some differences (e.g., pasteurization and scalding temperature, among other factors) in the manufacture of the 2 types of Beaten cheeses. The textural profile of Beaten cheeses showed that TRD production method resulted in firmer, less fracturable, and stiffer cheeses than the IND production method. In conclusion, the results suggest that the use of industrial production method (pasteurization of cheese milk and curd scalding at 70°C) in the manufacture of Beaten ewe milk cheese enriched the volatile profile of the cheese.

Protein and amino acid status before and after bariatric surgery: A 12-month follow-up study

BackgroundPatients with obesity submitted to bariatric surgery present altered ingestion of macronutrient and micronutrient levels and nutrients deficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein and amino acid nutritional status of obese adults before and after bariatric surgery, with emphasis on plasma free amino acids. MethodsThirty obese women were submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric shunt (bariatric surgery). Food and protein intake, anthropometric and bioimpedance data (body composition analysis), and serum total protein, albumin, and plasma amino acids levels were collected before the surgery (preoperative) and 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgical procedure. ResultsThe mean protein intake was 47±2 g/day. The total weight loss during the study period was 39±8 kg; the fat-free mass decreased 7±5 kg. The amino acid profile showed increased concentrations of most amino acids 3 months after surgery; at 6 months, glutamic acid, serine, arginine, alanine, methionine, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, and tyrosine concentrations decreased. The total protein and albumin concentrations dropped along the 12-month follow-up. ConclusionThe amino acid profile changes after RYGB are evidence that total protein and albumin levels may not be good indicators of protein profile after the surgery.

Periodic usage of low-protein methionine-fortified diets in broiler chickens under high ambient temperature conditions: effects on performance, slaughter traits, leukocyte profiles and antibody response

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of adding methionine supplements to low-protein diets and subsequent re-feeding with a normal diet on the productive performance, slaughter parameters, leukocyte profiles and antibody response in broiler chickens reared under heat stress conditions.During the whole experimental period (6-49 days), the birds were raised in battery cages located in high ambient temperature in an open-sided housing system. A total of 360 6-day-old male chickens were divided into six treatments in six replicates with ten chicks each. Six isoenergetic diets, with similar total sulfur amino acids levels, were formulated to provide 100 and 100 (control), 85 and 100 (85S), 70 and 100 (70S), 85 and 85 (85SG), 70 and 85 (70S85G), and 70 and 70% (70SG) of National Research Council recommended levels for crude protein during the starter (6-21 day) and grower (22-42 day) periods, respectively. Subsequently, all groups received a diet containing the same nutrients during the finisher period (43-49 day). The results showed that, under heat stress conditions, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio and performance index from day 6 to 49, breast and thigh yields and antibody titer against Newcastle disease in the birds fed diets 85S, 70S and 85SG were similar to those of birds fed control diet, whereas feeding diets 70S85G and 70SG significantly decreased the values of above-mentioned parameters. Additionally, diets 85S, 70S and 85SG significantly decreased mortality rate and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio compared with the control diet. In conclusion, the results indicate that supplementation of methionine to diets 85S, 70S and 85SG, and then re-feeding with a conventional diet is an effective tool to maintain productive performance and to improve health indices and heat resistance in broilers under high ambient temperature conditions.

Characterization of Populations of Turf‐Type Perennial Ryegrass Recurrently Selected for Superior Freezing Tolerance

ABSTRACTPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is an important turfgrass species used for lawns, sports fields, and recreational areas. Insufficient tolerance to subfreezing temperatures compromises its persistence in northern climates. A recurrent selection method, entirely performed indoors, was applied to two initial genetic backgrounds to generate populations putatively more tolerant to freezing (TF populations). The objective of the present study was to assess physiological and molecular responses after four cycles of selection (TF1–TF4). Freezing tolerance and cold‐induced metabolites were monitored in plants hardened to natural variations in temperatures in fall and winter in an unheated greenhouse. Recurrent selection improved freezing tolerance expressed as the lethal temperature for 50% of the plants (LT50) and the vigor of regrowth after freezing. Significant changes in the levels of total and individual cold‐induced carbohydrates (fructans) and amino acids (glutamine and proline) in crowns of hardened plants occurred in response to selection. Both groups of metabolites showed an opposite response to selection. The observation of DNA polymorphisms and progressive genetic differentiation between the initial populations and advanced cycles of selection suggests an impact of selection on allelic composition. Recurrent selection had a positive impact on freezing tolerance of perennial ryegrass through modifications in the molecular and genetic makeup of the populations.

Effects of Origins of Soybean Meal on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Fecal Microflora of Growing Pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of soybean meal (SBM) of different origin (Korea, India or Brazil) on performance, fecal microflora and economics of grower pigs. A total of 144 grower pigs (initial BW, 10.4 kg) were randomly allotted to six treatments on the basis of BW. Pig's diets containing SBM were formulated based on the total amino acid (TAA) or true ileal digestible amino acid (TIDAA) levels. Pigs fed domestic SBM diets had greater (p<0.05) overall ADG, ADFI and final body weight and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, GE and CP (phases I, II and III) than those fed diets containing SBM originated from India or Brazil. Moreover, greater (p<0.05) ADG, ADFI, feed /gain (F/G), and ATTD of DM, GE and CP were observed in response to diets formulated on a TIDDA basis when compared with those formulated on a TAA basis. The fecal microflora was not affected (p>0.05) by dietary treatments. The overall feed cost per kg body weight gain was less (p<0.05) for diets formulated using domestic SBM than for those containing SBM from India, while the feed cost per kg body weight gain was less (p<0.05) for diets formulated prepared on a TIDAA than a TAA basis. These results indicate that domestic SBM has better quality than SBM imported from Brazil or India and better performance was obtained when diets were formulated based on the true ileal digestible amino acid (TIDAA) content.

Toxicity of Triphenyltin Hydroxide to Fish

Triphenyltin (TPhT) is used worldwide in pesticide formulas for agriculture. Toxic effects of this compound to aquatic life have been reported; however, the biochemical response of fish exposed to different concentrations of TPhT hydroxide (TPhTH) was investigated for the first time in this study. The lethal concentration (LC50) of TPhTH to silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen, was calculated from an acute-exposure experiment (96h). In addition, acethylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in brain and muscle-as well as glucose, glycogen, lactate, total protein, ammonia, and free amino acids in liver and muscle-were evaluated in a chronic-exposure experiment (15-day exposure). Speciation analysis of tin (Sn) was performed in fish tissues at the end of both experiments using gas chromatography coupled to a pulsed-flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD). Concentrations of TPhT, diphenyltin, and monophenyltin (reported as Sn) were lower than limits of quantification (10σ criteria). Waterborne TPhTH concentration used through the experiment was also evaluated by GC-PFPD, and no degradation of this species was observed. The LC50 value for silver catfish juveniles was 9.73μgL(-1) (as Sn). Decreased brain and muscle AChE activities were observed in fish exposed to TPhTH in relation to unexposed fish (control). Liver glycogen and lactate levels were significantly higher in fish kept at the highest waterborne TPhTH concentration compared with the control. Liver and muscle glucose levels of fish exposed to all TPhTH concentrations were significantly lower than those of control fish. Silver catfish exposed to all TPhTH concentrations showed lower total protein values and higher total free amino acids levels in liver and muscle compared with controls. Total ammonia levels in liver and muscle were significantly higher for the highest TPhTH concentration compared with controls. In conclusion, TPhTH caused metabolic alterations in silver catfish juveniles, and the analyzed parameters can also be used as bioindicators for TPhTH contamination.

Non-volatile taste components of several cultivated mushrooms

Five species of dried mushrooms are commercially available in China, namely Agrocybe cylindracea, Pleurotus cystidiosus, Agaricus blazei, Pleurotus eryngii, and Coprinus comatus, and their nonvolatile taste components were studied. Trehalose (12.23–301.63mg/g) and mannitol (12.37–152.11mg/g) were considered as the major mushroom sugar/polyol in the five test species. The total free amino acid levels ranged from 4.09 to 22.73mg/g. MSG-like components contents ranged from 0.97 to 4.99mg/g. 5′-Nucleotide levels ranged from 1.68mg/g in P. eryngii to 3.79mg/g in C. comatus. Fumaric acid (96.11mg/g) in P. cystidiosus were significantly higher compared with the other mushrooms, and citric acid (113.13mg/g), as the highest of any organic acid among the five mushrooms, were found in A. blazei. Equivalent umami concentrations values in these five test mushrooms ranged from 11.19 to 88.37g/100g dry weight. A. blazei, C.comatus and A. cylindracea possessed highly strong umami taste.

English

A study was conducted to determine the effects of diet formulation type on broiler breeder performance of 50 to 64 weeks of age. 336 female and 48 male breeders in eight treatments with six replicates (7 females with a male) were used in the form of a randomized trial design 2&times;2&times;2 factorial. Eight experimental diets were formulated based on three factors: first factor included two levels of apparent and true metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn and TMEn) of feed, the second factor included two levels of total amino acids (TAAF) and digestible (DAAF) of feed and the third factor included two levels of broiler breeder hens requirements based on total amino acids (TAAR) and digestible (DAAR). The results show that egg weight was significantly different which was affected by diets formulation based on energy (P&lt;0.05). Diet formulation based on amino acids of feed and requirements had no effect on egg weight (P&gt;0.05). Treatment 3 (AMEn+DAAF+TAAR) was at the best level significantly different in egg weight 68.97 (g), egg production 62.45%, egg mass 43.1 (g/hen/day) and feed conversion ratio 3.59 (P&lt;0.05). Hatching eggs and hatchability was significantly different, which was affected by diet formulation based on energy, amino acids of feed and requirements (P&lt;0.05). This experiment shows that the type of formulation of diets had significant effects on broiler breeder performance. Key words:&nbsp;Broiler breeders, performance, digestible amino acids, fertility.

Effect of shade treatment on theanine biosynthesis in Camellia sinensis seedlings

Theanine synthetase (TS) is a key enzyme involved in theanine biosynthesis. In our recent study, it has been revealed that theanine biosynthesis derived from nitrogen metabolism in tea (Camellia sinensis) plants can be influenced by shading treatment. The expression patterns of CsTS protein in the roots and shoots of tea seedlings were examined by western blot using a self-prepared polyclonal antibody with high specificity and sensitivity. The effect of long-term shade treatment on the levels of theanine synthesis was also investigated using roots and shoots of tea seedlings. Levels of theanine and total free amino acids gradually increased in shoots, reaching their maximum after 22 days of treatment (DOT). The immunoblotting analysis suggested that CsTS protein levels increased gradually up to 22 DOT and expression remained at a high level, except after 1 DOT where levels were low in both roots and shoots. The increased theanine concentration we observed in the shading treatment may be due to increased nitrogen assimilation and reduced theanine catabolism under shade conditions.

Allosteric regulation of the calcium-sensing receptor in obese individuals

We have previously reported that the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) plays an important role in modulating lipid metabolism under low calcium conditions. The aim of this study was to identify possible regulators of CaSR and the mechanisms of action of CaSR in obese individuals. Subcutaneous fat samples were obtained from 10 obese and 10 non-obese males undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Visceral fat pads were obtained from 12 obese and 12 non-obese male rats. Serum lipid, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations, as well as the gene and protein expression of CaSR in the white adipose tissue of obese subjects and rats were determined. Serum total calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and amino acid levels in human subjects were measured. Intracellular calcium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in rat adipocytes were measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy and ELISA, respectively. The results revealed that serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), TNF-α, IL-6 and PTH levels were significantly higher in the obese individuals versus the controls. By contrast, serum vitamin D and amino acid concentrations were lower in the obese individuals versus the controls. In addition, intracellular calcium levels were higher, while cAMP levels were lower in the obese rat adipocytes compared with the control group. However, the gene and protein expression of CaSR in white adipose tissue did not differ between the obese groups and the controls. Thus, these results suggest that CaSR functions not through its expression, but rather through allosteric regulation in obese individuals.

Tolerance and avoidance responses to salinity and water stresses in Calotropis procera and Suaeda aegyptiaca

This study was designed to evaluate the response of 2 wild shrubs, Calotropis procera and Suaeda aegyptiaca, to salinity (100% seawater), drought, and waterlogging stresses. The 90-day-old plants were subjected to the stress treatments for 3 weeks, and growth and some physiological parameters were evaluated. The total plant dry mass of C. procera plants was reduced by 40%, whereas S. aegyptiaca was not significantly affected by salinity stress. Water deficit and waterlogging stresses significantly reduced the total dry mass of both species. Under all conditions, the root/shoot ratio in C. procera was 3-fold higher than in S. aegyptiaca. All applied stresses markedly increased leaf shedding in C. procera plants only. These plants appeared to have a higher salinity and waterlogging stress intensity index as manifested by chlorophyll levels lower than those in S. aegyptiaca. Under all conditions, Na^+ levels of S. aegyptiaca were twice those of C. procera plants. All stresses reduced the K^+/Na^+ ratio in C. procera leaves. On the other hand, S. aegyptiaca plants were able to maintain this ratio near control levels under salinity and drought stresses. Consequently, S. aegyptiaca leaves had higher partial osmotic pressure than C. procera. The proline and total free amino acids levels in C. procera were between 1.3- and 2-fold higher than in S. aegyptiaca. Among all amino acids, the common change in both species under all stresses was an accumulation of free proline and a decrease in methionine levels. The results revealed that the response of both species to salinity and water stresses included avoidance and tolerance mechanisms with some differences between them.

사료 단백질원으로 어분과 대두박 첨가에 따른 어린 흰다리새우(Litopenaeus vannamei)의 성장 및 체성분 변화

A 4-week feeding experiment was conducted with juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei to compare the growth of shrimp fed different protein sources: fish meal (FM) and soybean meal (SM). By the end of the experiment, the shrimp grew to g (FM) and g (SM). The food and protein conversion rates were significant (P and , respectively. The proximate compositions of the entire body and edible part of the shrimp were similar between FM and SM, except for crude protein. The total amino acid levels were slightly lower in SM than FM, but the difference was not significant. During the experiment, the total ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite concentrations increased continuously in both groups and were slightly higher in SM than FM. In conclusion, soybean meal as a substitute for fish meal results in satisfactory growth and survival of white shrimp.

An alkaline protease from Kocuria kristinae F7: properties and characterization of its hydrolysates from soy protein

An alkaline serine protease (SF1) from Kocuria kristinae F7 was purified. The molecular mass of the SF1 protease was estimated to be 57 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the first 14 amino acids of the SF1 protease showed low homology with bacterial proteases, suggesting that the enzyme had not been described previously. The SF1 protease exhibited maximal activity at pH 9.0 and 60 °C. The activity of the SF1 protease was enhanced by the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. It showed high stability in the presence of NaCl and ethanol. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analyses indicated that soybean protein isolates treated with the SF1 protease generated four principal new hydrophilic peptides. Mass spectrometry analyses indicate that the distribution of molecular weight of these peptides was from 0.705 to 1.305 kDa. Hydrolysis of soybean protein isolates with the SF1 protease increased the level of total free amino acids, essential amino acids and flavor amino acids. The SF1 protease may decrease the bitterness of soy protein hydrolysates. The results showed that the SF1 protease of Kocuria kristinae F7 appears to be good candidate enzyme for potential application in acceleration of fermented soybean food ripening.

Application of UHPLC for the simultaneous analysis of free amino acids and biogenic amines in ripened acid-curd cheeses

A new UHPLC method for the simultaneous determination of amino acids and biogenic amines in a single run, and its first application to profile ripened acid-curd cheeses was presented. After pre-column derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxy succinimidyl carbamate (AQC), 23 amino acids and 15 amines were separated in 9min only (12min total run time), and eluates monitored using their UV response at 249nm. Limits of detection (0.05-0.29mg/100g) and quantification (0.16-0.97mg/100g), repeatability for sample preparation (1.0-6.1% RSD) and method recoveries (83-120%) were found suitable for cheese analysis. In total, 47 acid-curd cheeses classified into sub-groups like cooked, Quargel-type or grey cheeses were analyzed for their free amino acid and amine (histamine, tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, and tryptamine) contents, which (as expected) were highlighted by a great variability. Total free amino acid levels ranged between less than 100 and more than 4000mg/100g (median 567mg/100g), implying that for some cheeses less or not ripened/fresh quark was used for production or, in contrast, a higher degree of proteolysis had occurred. For the sum of biogenic amines, median concentration was determined at 7.0mg/100g, while only 5% of all cheeses had levels higher than 161.9mg/100g. Thus, the obtained results suggest quite acceptable biogenic amine levels for (mostly underrated) ripened acid-curd cheeses, although partly exceptional high concentrations (>250mg/100g) were indeed observed in individual samples.

국내산 마른 김(Porphyra)의 생리활성 및 아미노산 조성 비교

【The physiological activities and amino acid compositions of dried lavers of Porphyra from the Jangheung, Seochen and Haenam coasts were determined. The ethanol extract of the Haenam dried laver exhibited the greatest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (56.1%), ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) value(86.5 mM) and total polyphenol content (3.51 ppm) of these dried laver products. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between the antioxidative activity and total polyphenol content of the laver products, suggesting that polyphenol compounds contribute to the antioxidant capacity in the ethanol extract of dried laver. However, there was no difference among the extracts in terms of cell proliferation activity. Fourteen combined amino acids were identified in oligopeptides from the dried laver products. Of the three extracts, that of the Haenam dried laver contained the highest levels of both free and total amino acids including alanine, glutamic acid, taurine, phosphoserine, and aspartic acid.】

Effects of elevated CO2 on the nutrient compositions and enzymes activities of Nilaparvata lugens nymphs fed on rice plants

Elevated CO(2) may reduce the tolerance of Nilaparvata lugen (N. lugens) to adverse environmental factors through the biological and physiological degeneration of N. lugens. In an artificial climate box, under 375 and 750 μL L(-1) CO(2) levels, the rice stems nutrient content, the nutrient content and enzyme activities of N. lugens nymph fed on rice seedlings exposed to ambient and elevated CO(2) were studied. The results showed that rice stems had significantly higher protein and total amino acid levels under ambient than elevated CO(2) levels. Nymphs had significantly higher protein levels in the ambient CO(2) treatment, while their glucose levels were significantly lower under ambient CO(2) conditions. Significantly higher trypsin activity was observed in nymphs grown in elevated CO(2). Significantly lower activities of the protective enzymes total superoxide dismutase and catalase were observed in the nymphs under ambient CO(2). Meanwhile, the activity of the detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase was significantly higher in the ambient CO(2) treatment. Measuring how energy and resources were allocated to enzymes in N. lugens nymphs under elevated CO(2) conditions can provide a more meaningful evaluation of their metabolic tolerances to adverse climatic conditions.

Influence of four host‐plants on feeding, growth and reproduction of Diacrisia casignetum (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

AbstractEffects of four host‐plants, sunflower, castor, jute and sesame, on feeding, growth and reproduction of Diacrisia casignetum Kollar (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) were studied under laboratory conditions (27 ± 0.5°C, 12 h light : 12 h dark, 65 ± 5% RH). Total larval developmental time of D. casignetum was highest on sesame than the other three host‐plants used in this study, but pupal duration was higher on sesame than sunflower but not for other dietary treatments. The longevity of females was generally longer than males. Male and female longevity was higher in sunflower than sesame (P &lt; 0.05), but it did not differ significantly among other treatments. Fecundity was highest in sunflower followed by castor, jute and sesame. The growth and development of D. casignetum were related to nutrient and phenol contents of these four host‐plants. Total carbohydrates and amino acids were present in rich quantities in sunflower when compared to other three host leaves, while nitrogen, protein and lipid contents were comparatively higher in sunflower and castor than jute and sesame. Phenol content was greatest in sesame, and least in castor and sunflower. Higher levels of total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen and amino acids including water content and lower phenol content of sunflower have influenced higher growth rate and fecundity of D. casignetum.

Indução e caracterização morfológica e bioquímica de calos de Hyptis leucocephala (Lamiaceae)

Hyptis leucocephala is an aromatic herb endemic to the Brazilian semiarid region, with antimicrobial, antifungal,cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV properties. In vitro cultivation makes the production of high genetic andsanitary quality cuttings possible for this species, allowing its sustainable exploitation. In the present study, the effect of 6-benzilaminopurine (BAP) and naftalenoacetic acid (NAA) on callus induction in leaf segments of this species anddifferent organic additives to WPM (Wood Plant Medium) for the callus induction was evaluated. The combination ofBAP and NAA allowed the induction of compact and undifferentiated calluses. The highest rate of callus formation andgrowth was obtained with the combination of 8.88 μM BAP and 21.48 μM NAA. Supplementing the culture medium withcoconut water, malt extract and yeast extract did not induce friable calluses. The levels of total sugars, reducing sugars,protein, and amino acids were reduced in calluses maintained in culture medium supplemented with coconut water, maltextract and yeast extract.