Fruit Preferences Research Articles

A consumer-oriented approach to define breeding targets for molecular breeding.

Flavor is a crucial aspect of the eating experience, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for fruits with enhanced quality. Modern fruit breeding programs prioritize improving quality traits aligned with consumer tastes. However, defining fruit-quality attributes that significantly impact consumer preference is a current challenge faced by the industry and breeders. This study proposes a data-driven approach to statistically model the relationship between fruit-quality parameters and consumers' overall liking. Our primary hypothesis suggests that the interplay between fruit-quality attributes and consumer preferences may reach a critical value, serving as new empirical benchmarks for fruit quality. Using extensive historical datasets accounting for sensory, biochemical, and genomic information described in blueberry, we first demonstrated that multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) could be used to identify specific values of fruit-quality traits that significantly affect consumer perception by using nonlinear spline regressions on estimating threshold points. We harnessed genomic information and carried out genomic selection (GS) for five fruit-quality traits evaluated on the original scale and after classified via the MARS approach. This study provides a pioneering consumer-centric and data-driven approach to defining fruit-quality standards and supporting molecular breeding that has broad applications to breeding programs from any species.

Population dynamics of sympatric Phortica spp. and first record of stable presence of Phortica oldenbergi in a Thelazia callipaeda-endemic area of Italy

BackgroundFive species of the Phortica genus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) are known in Europe and the Middle East. Among these, Phortica variegata and Phortica okadai are better known for their role as vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda. Other species, such as Phortica semivirgo and Phortica oldenbergi, have been studied less. Given the paucity of data about these Phortica spp. vectors, we explored the population dynamics and ecology of Phortica spp. in an area highly endemic for T. callipeada (Manziana, Rome, Central Italy).MethodsPhortica spp. flies were collected over a 3-year period (2018–2020) during their active season (April–October) with a sweep net while hovering around fermenting fruits or a human operator acting as baits. Collected flies were morphologically identified and tested for a T. callipeada infection and for the presence of Wolbachia, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Population dynamics of species collected was associated to environmental drivers through generalized additive models.ResultsOf the 5564 flies collected, 90.8% were P. variegata, 9.1% were P. oldenbergi, 0.05% were P. semivirgo, and one specimen was P. okadai. Only P. variegata scored molecularly infected with T. callipeada throughout the 3-year sampling period (1.8%). Phortica oldenbergi, observed consistently during the entire sampling period, exhibited a marked preference for fruit traps, contrasting with the lachryphagous activity of P. variegata. Analysis of environmental drivers of P. oldenbergi and P. variegata population dynamics indicated temperature, wind speed, and pressure as significant factors. In addition, Wolbachia pipientis endosymbiont was detected in P. oldenbergi and P. okadai.ConclusionsFor the first time, this study analysed several ecological aspects of Phortica species coexisting in a T. callipeada endemic area, highlighting different behaviors in the same environment and their vectorial role. Notably, this is also the first report of the presence of P. oldenbergi in Italy and P. okadai in Europe, underscoring the importance of extensive sampling for detecting potential vectors and alien species with direct implications for vector-borne disease epidemiology.Graphical

Longitudinal Analysis of Sweet Taste Preference Through Genetic and Phenotypic Data Integration.

Understanding the genetic basis of sweet taste preference is crucial for potential implications in diet-related health outcomes, such as obesity. This study identified genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with sweet taste preferences over time. Data from the American Nurses' Health Study (NHS1) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) cohorts were analyzed. Using tools like PLINK and METAL for genetic associations and FUMA for functional annotation, the study identified eight SNPs associated with sweet taste preferences. Notably, rs80115239 and rs12878143 were identified as key determinants of the highest and lowest associations with sweet taste preferences, respectively. Individuals with the rs80115239 (AA) genotype displayed a higher preference for sweet tastes, including chocolate and cake, but a lower preference for physical activity, fruits, and vegetables, particularly in females from the NHS1 cohort, linking this genotype to a higher obesity risk. Conversely, those with the rs12878143 (CC) genotype preferred fruits, vegetables, coffee, and tea, with a lower preference for sweetened beverages, but the correlation with obesity risk was less clear due to inconsistent data. In conclusion, these findings highlight the genetic influences on sweet taste preference and their potential role in personalized dietary recommendations and obesity management strategies.

Individual and Household Characteristics Influencing Clients’ Preferences for Fruits and Vegetables: A Survey of Food Pantries in a Rural State

Individual and Household Characteristics Influencing Clients’ Preferences for Fruits and Vegetables: A Survey of Food Pantries in a Rural State

Artificial intelligence driven definition of food preference endotypes in UK Biobank volunteers is associated with distinctive health outcomes and blood based metabolomic and proteomic profiles

BackgroundSpecific food preferences can determine an individual’s dietary patterns and therefore, may be associated with certain health risks and benefits.MethodsUsing food preference questionnaire (FPQ) data from a subset comprising over 180,000 UK Biobank participants, we employed Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) approach to identify the main patterns or profiles among participants. blood biochemistry across groups/profiles was compared using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test. We applied the Limma algorithm for differential abundance analysis on 168 metabolites and 2923 proteins, and utilized the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to identify enriched biological processes and pathways. Relative risks (RR) were calculated for chronic diseases and mental conditions per group, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.ResultsBased on their food preferences, three profiles were termed: the putative Health-conscious group (low preference for animal-based or sweet foods, and high preference for vegetables and fruits), the Omnivore group (high preference for all foods), and the putative Sweet-tooth group (high preference for sweet foods and sweetened beverages). The Health-conscious group exhibited lower risk of heart failure (RR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.79–0.93) and chronic kidney disease (RR = 0.69, 95%CI 0.65–0.74) compared to the two other groups. The Sweet-tooth group had greater risk of depression (RR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.21–1.34), diabetes (RR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.01–1.31), and stroke (RR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.15–1.31) compared to the other two groups. Cancer (overall) relative risk showed little difference across the Health-conscious, Omnivore, and Sweet-tooth groups with RR of 0.98 (95%CI 0.96–1.01), 1.00 (95%CI 0.98–1.03), and 1.01 (95%CI 0.98–1.04), respectively. The Health-conscious group was associated with lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., C-reactive Protein) which are also known to be elevated in those with common metabolic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease). Other markers modulated in the Health-conscious group, ketone bodies, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP), and Growth Hormone 1 were more abundant, while leptin was less abundant. Further, the IGFBP pathway, which influences IGF1 activity, may be significantly enhanced by dietary choices.ConclusionsThese observations align with previous findings from studies focusing on weight loss interventions, which include a reduction in leptin levels. Overall, the Health-conscious group, with preference to healthier food options, has better health outcomes, compared to Sweet-tooth and Omnivore groups.Graphical

Gender differences in adolescent food preferences and their association with parent food preferences: data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS).

Food preference is an important factor that affects one's eating behavior and dietary intake. Parent food preferences and food choices may influence children food preferences. This study is aimed to describe gender differences and time trends of Chinese adolescent food preferences and to explore the association between adolescent and their parent food preferences. The data were drawn from four waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) conducted between 2006 and 2015. Participants were asked to indicate their degree of preferences for five food categories (fast food, salty snack food, fruits, vegetables, and soft/sugary drinks) using a 5-point Likert scale (from "dislike very much" to "like very much"). Logistic regression was performed to determine the association of food preferences between adolescents and their parents. Adolescent preferences for unhealthy foods were significantly higher than those of adults. Adolescent food preferences for fruits and vegetables decreased slightly over nine years, and there were gender differences in healthy food preferences (girls > boys, P < 0.05). Regardless of boys or girls, adolescent food preferences for healthy foods (fruits and vegetables) were significantly associated with both their fathers (OR: 3.64-4.58 for boys and 2.71-4.39 for girls) and mothers (OR: 2.13-4.11 for boys and 3.07-5.66 for girls) food preferences. For fast food and salty snack food preferences, boys appeared to be influenced greater by their fathers than girls, while girls appeared to be influenced greater by their mothers than boys. The present study reveals a high degree of unhealthy food preferences among Chinese adolescents and a gender-specific association of fast food and salty snack preference between Chinese adolescents and their parents. Our results may be useful for interventions to reduce adolescent unhealthy food preferences and intakes.

The association between food preferences, eating behavior, and body weight among female university students in the United Arab Emirates.

This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between lifestyle, eating habits, food preferences, consumption patterns, and obesity among female university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Approximately 4,728 participants, including both Emirati and Non-Emirati students (International Students). Data collection involved face-to-face interviews and anthropometric measurements, showing an interrelated relationship between food preferences and obesity among female university students. While sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits contribute to obesity, this study uniquely focuses on the role of food preferences and food consumption patterns in body weight status. The findings reveal a significant correlation between the intake of high-sugar beverages-such as milk, juices, soft drinks, and energy drinks-and an increased risk of overweight and obesity among both Emirati and Non-Emirati populations. Notably, milk consumption was particularly associated with obesity in non-Emirati populations (F = 88.1, p < 0.001) and with overweight status in Non-Emiratis (F = 7.73, p < 0.05). The consumption of juices and soft drinks was linked to obesity. Additionally, a significant preference for fruits and vegetables among overweight and obese students was observed, indicating a trend toward healthier food choices. However, there was also a clear preference for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as processed meats, sweets, and salty snacks. Fast food items like burgers, fried chicken, fries, pizza, shawarma, chips, and noodles were significantly correlated with increased body weight status, especially shawarma, which showed a notably high correlation with both obesity and overweight statuses (F-values of 38.3 and 91.11, respectively). The study indicated that food choices shape weight-related outcomes is important for designing effective strategies to promote healthier dietary patterns.

The m6A reader SlYTH2 negatively regulates tomato fruit aroma by impeding the translation process

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a fundamentally important RNA modification for gene regulation, whose function is achieved through m6A readers. However, whether and how m6A readers play regulatory roles during fruit ripening and quality formation remains unclear. Here, we characterized SlYTH2 as a tomato m6A reader protein and profiled the binding sites of SlYTH2 at the transcriptome-wide level. SlYTH2 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation and promotes RNA-protein condensate formation. The target mRNAs of SlYTH2, namely m6A-modified SlHPL and SlCCD1B associated with volatile synthesis, are enriched in SlYTH2-induced condensates. Through polysome profiling assays and proteomic analysis, we demonstrate that knockout of SlYTH2 expedites the translation process of SlHPL and SlCCD1B, resulting in augmented production of aroma-associated volatiles. This aroma enrichment significantly increased consumer preferences for CRISPR-edited fruit over wild type. These findings shed light on the underlying mechanisms of m6A in plant RNA metabolism and provided a promising strategy to generate fruits that are more attractive to consumers.

The Association Between Preference and Consumption of Vegetables and Fruits on Health and Non-Health University Students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Fiber content in vegetables and fruits has benefits in preventing various diseases. Lack of consumption of vegetables and fruit can be influenced by various factors, such as preference factors. The difference of preference among students may impact their consumption status. This study aimed to identify the association of preferences with the consumption of vegetables and fruits among health and non-health students.: This was a cross-sectional study with 272 subjects and the data was taken by systematic random sampling. Data were collected using the online FFQ questionnaire which was conducted during November-December 2020 in Alma Ata University Yogyakarta. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test using SPSS v.23. This study showed that there was no difference between vegetable and fruit preferences among students (p&gt;0.05). There were differences in the type of vegetable consumption (p = 0.049), and there was no difference in the type and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among health and non-health students (p&gt;0.05). This study concluded that there was no difference in preference, type of fruit consumption, the frequency of vegetables, and fruit consumption among health and non-health students. However, there were differences in the types of vegetable consumption among health and non-health students. These findings suggested that the habit of consuming vegetables and fruits needs to be improved as part of their lifestyle.

Preference of hypothenemus hampei for coffee fruits according to state of maturation and infestation

The coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) remains the most important coffee pest worldwide. Coffee fruits emit a mixture of volatiles, which function as insect attractants. Y-tube olfactometry tests allowed us to determine insect response to coffee fruits in different developmental stages: green, underripe, mature-ripe and overripe. The ripe fruits showed the highest levels of insect attraction, up to 30% more than the other stages. Additionally, insect attraction to fruits previously infested with H. hampei for 3 and 24 h vs. noninfested fruits was tested. The infested and noninfested ripe fruits showed the same levels of attraction. The overripe and green fruits infested for 3 h showed 12% greater insect attraction. The green fruits infested for 24 h showed 20% more attraction. When evaluating insect attraction to the methanol:ethanol alcohol mixture vs. the fruits, the alcohols showed greater insect attraction than all developmental stages except the ripe fruits. The understanding of H. hampei behavioral characteristics and preferences for coffee fruits in different developmental and infestation stages will allow the design of better insect control strategies.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) fruit consumption and preference by cloud forest birds: Implications for woody native species regeneration

Secondary forests from abandoned shade coffee plantations are commonly found close to Neotropical cities. These peri-urban forests provide important environmental services; however, their abandonment and proximity to the city can promote an increase of exotic species that could potentially change the structure and function of the system by creating novel ecosystems. The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a tree native to Asia and is recognized as a potentially invasive species in the tropical montane cloud forest region of Central Veracruz, Mexico. We analyzed the consumption of and preference for loquat fruits in cloud forest frugivorous birds. In November 2020, we established six feeding stations with camera traps in a peri-urban cloud forest fragment in Xalapa, Mexico. To determine which bird species could consume and disperse E. japonica, fruits of this and another four native species (Psychotria nervosa, Hoffmannia excelsa, Picramnia antidesma, and Xylosma flexuosa) were exposed separately. After 444 camera-days, we recorded eight frugivorous bird species, seven of which consumed E. japonica fruits. Chlorospingus flavopectus was the only species to present a level of loquat fruit consumption greater than that expected by chance. We conducted experiments to assess whether the birds preferred to consume E. japonica fruits compared to those from three native species (Cestrum miradorense, P. nervosa, and X. flexuosa) that were offered simultaneously. All bird species exclusively consumed E. japonica fruits when contrasted against P. nervosa or X. flexuosa. The only native species fruits that were consumed were those of C. miradorense, although the birds also preferred to consume loquat fruits rather than this native species. The loquat therefore represents an important food resource and could act to influence the consumption and dispersal of native cloud forest plant species. The implications for cloud forest management are discussed.

Apple fruit preference and food mile problems under halal supply chain

PurposeThis study aims to uncover apple preference and consumption in Indonesia, to disclose the risk of non-halal contamination of apples and the importance of maintaining the halal integrity of apples along the supply chain and to uncover the impacts of food miles of apples along supply chain segmentation.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted mixed research methods under a fully mixed sequential dominant status design (QUAN → qual). Data were collected through a survey in some Indonesian provinces (N = 396 respondents). Samples were collected randomly from individual consumers. The qualitative data were collected through interviews with 15 apple traders in Indonesia. Data were analysed using crosstab, chi-square and descriptive analysis.FindingsFirst, Muslim consumers believe in the risk of chemical treatment of apples because it can affect the halal status of apples. Second, Indonesian consumers consider the importance of halal certification of chemical-treated apples and the additives for apple treatments. Third, the insignificance of domestic apple preference contributes to longer food miles at the first- and middle-mile stages (preference for imported apples). Fourth, apple consumption and shopping distance contribute to the longer food miles problem at the last-mile stage. Fifth, longer food miles have negative impacts, such as emissions and pollution, food loss and waste, food insecurity, financial loss, slow development of the local economy and food unsafety.Practical implicationsThis research has implications for the governments, farmers, consumers (society) and business sectors.Originality/valueThis study proposes a framework of food miles under a halal supply chain (halal food miles) to reduce the risk of food miles and improve halal integrity. The findings from this research have theoretical implications for the development of the food mile theory, halal food supply chain and green supply chain.

Examining Sociodemographic Factors, Reasons, and Barriers in the Diversity of Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Undergraduate Students.

The transition from adolescence to university life represents a crucial period during which dietary choices can significantly influence long-term health outcomes. While the benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (FVs) are widely acknowledged, there remains a noticeable gap in research concerning the factors influencing the consumption of specific FV varieties among university students. This study aimed to investigate the factors and barriers influencing the diversity of fruit and vegetable intake among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study involving 542 undergraduate students (with an average age of 20.6 ± 0.1 years and a body mass index of 21.3 ± 0.2 kg/m2) was conducted at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, between February and September 2022. Most students showed a preference for tropical fruits with inedible peels (88.2%) and Brassicaceae vegetables (91.0%), whereas lower consumption was observed for citrus fruits (19.7%) and Fabaceae vegetables (43.7%). Sociodemographic factors and cooking methods significantly influenced FV intake, with non-consumption associated with male students, independent living, lower BMI, and advanced academic years. A lower quality of life was found to be correlated with a higher proportion of students who did not consume vegetables. Barriers to inadequate fruit intake included busy lifestyles, while taste preference emerged as the primary reason for fruit consumption. Busy lifestyles and perceived healthiness were identified as the main barriers and reasons for vegetable intake. The study highlights the importance of implementing strategies and improvements in the university environment to promote diverse FV consumption and encourage healthy dietary behaviors among students.

COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE A CONCENTRAÇÃO DE COMPOSTOS FENÓLICOS E FLAVONOIDES COM O PREÇO DE FRUTAS NATIVAS E EXÓTICAS DO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO

Brazilian flora has great diversity, and the fruit market represents an activity of great economic importance for the country. Ingestion of phenolic compounds, derived from fruits, is associated with various types of benefits, and pathological prevention. In this sense, the present study made the price survey and the literature review on the phenolic and flavonoids content in six native fruits (cashew, seriguela, umbu, juá, cajá and pitomba) and in eight exotic fruits (acerola, star fruit, coconut, breadfruit, soursop, custard apple, sapodilla, tamarind) to the Brazilian Northeast. The survey was based on the evaluation of prices published on digital platforms of Northeastern Food Centers and the concentrations of total phenols and flavonoids were obtained through literature review. No statistical difference was observed between the mean concentration values of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in native and exotic fruits, but a difference close to R$ 2.00 was observed between the average price of native and exotic fruits, being natives the cheapest ones. Thus, native fruits are a source of lower cost and have the same nutritional value of flavonoids and total phenols of exotic fruits. However, there is a market and buyer preference for exotic fruits for production and taste reasons.

GUEST`S PREFERENCES FOR DIFFERENT FOODS AT HOTEL’S BREAKFAST: RESULTS OF AN ON-LINE SURVEY

Consumer choice and satisfaction are very important for the hotel industry. For guests, food has a big impact on satisfaction and so does breakfast. The objective of this work is to know what the preferences of guests in a hotel breakfast are and how this varies according to their characteristics. An online questionnaire was sent using social media to hotel guests (n=626). Most respondents live in Europe (62%) and they prefer fruit juices (37%) and pastries (37%) while non-European residents suggested fruits (58%) and dairy products (39%) as the main preferences. Respondents aged over 55 years old have also preferences for fruits and dairy products, whereas guests aged 18-34 prefer pastries. For families traveling with children, bread was preferred for breakfast. Moreover, guests between the ages of 18 and 34 prefer lactose-free foods; and vegans or vegetarians or guests between the ages of 35 and 54 prefer gluten-free foods; whereas those 35 or younger prefer sugar foods. Most women prefer lactose-free food and non-Europeans give more importance to low-carbohydrate food while Europeans prefer lactose-free food and vegetarians or vegans. Breakfast is a meal valued by guests. Knowing the preferences of the guests following the profile of each one will be an asset for hotel projects that can satisfy and retain their customers. As far as we are aware, this is the first assessment of travellers about their preferences in hotels breakfast.

Analisis Preferensi Konsumen Buah Kiwi pada Hypermart di Kota Surabaya

This study examines the consumer preferences for kiwi fruit at Hypermart. The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of consumers of kiwi fruit, analyze the attributes of kiwi fruit that are considered by consumers, and analyze the level of consumer satisfaction when buying kiwi fruit at Hypermart. In this study, using the purposive sampling technique, we obtained as many as 50 respondents. The analysis used is descriptive analysis, Fishbein, and Likert scale analysis. The results of this study are: 1) The characteristics of kiwifruit consumers are dominated by women, aged 21–30 years; the latest education is a bachelor's degree (S1); they work as private employees with a monthly income of &gt; 5,000,000. 2) The most important attribute to be considered by consumers is the taste attribute, and consumers give a positive attitude towards all attributes of kiwi fruit. In addition to the taste attribute, the other two attributes that are considered by consumers are benefits and nutritional content. 3) Consumers give very satisfied responses when shopping for kiwi fruit at Hypermart. Among the six elements of the proposed statement, the one most highly satisfied by consumers is the quality of the kiwi fruit at Hypermart.Keywords: Attributes, Characteristics, Consumer Preference, Consumer Satisfaction, Kiwi Fruit

Evaluation of smallholder farmers’ use of indigenous knowledge in Ethiopian avocado (Persea americana Mill.) production and fruit preference criteria

BackgroundAvocado is a versatile fruit that has been farmed for its flavor, nutritional worth, and socioeconomic benefit in Ethiopia and other parts of the world. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate smallholder farmers’ indigenous knowledge of avocado production, harvesting, repinning, preference, management, and utilization in southern Ethiopia.MethodsData were collected from 295 avocado farmers using participatory research evaluation instruments and techniques. The descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe results of this study demonstrated that smallholder farmers, who vary in age, education, and ethnicity, have a wealth of indigenous knowledge in the areas of production, fruit preference, postharvest handling, and avocado use. Based on their long-term experience in cultivating this crop, farmers determined the best avocado races using different fruit quality traits such as size, color, and appearance. The findings revealed that the three most preferred qualities that can influence consumers’ impressions while buying or consuming avocados were fruit size, skin color, and flesh taste. The findings also demonstrated a significant positive association between farmers’ age and the amount of seedlings they produced (Spearman’s rho, rs = 0.604, p < 0.01). Furthermore, our results showed that younger farmers with higher education grow improved avocado varieties but have less experience with seedlings production, indicating a decline in indigenous knowledge about growing seedlings, particularly among young and more educated people in the study areas.ConclusionFindings indicated a need for creating awareness for avocado farmers about modern agronomic practices through a participatory technique to expand avocado seedling farming for future use. The results from this study call for geneticists or researchers to conduct further research on the genes associated with the most essential qualities (e.g., fruit size, skin color, taste, etc.) chosen by avocado farmers or consumers to recommend them for future breeding purposes.

European consumers' preferences for fresh fruit and vegetables – A cross-country analysis

Although fresh fruit and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet, their per capita consumption in Europe is below the recommended minimum intake. This study investigates 14 product attributes of fresh fruit and vegetables in a European cross-country analysis. Based on an online survey conducted in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Norway (n = 3093), an object-case Best-Worst Scaling approach was applied. Results revealed both international and country-specific preference characteristics. Best-Worse scores revealed that freshness and taste scored highest in all five countries, while knowledge of the producer was considered the least important attribute. The study also derived three consumer segments by applying cluster analysis, with each segment assessed according to socio-demographic profiles. The novelty of the study is to offer a cross-country analysis of fresh fruit and vegetable consumption patterns in multiple European countries based on the Best-Worst Scaling approach and international segmentation. Managerial implications are proposed.

Volatilome Analysis of Soursop Fruits for the Determination of Kairomone Components That Attract the Annonaceae Fruit Weevil (Optatus palmaris Pascoe).

Soursop possesses the largest fruit size of the Annona genus. However, this species is threatened by the Annonaceae fruit weevil (Optatus palmaris), which can cause the destruction of whole soursop fruits. Recently, the potential of semiochemicals for the management of this insect is highlighted, and its aggregation pheromone has been elucidated. This pheromone works well only when mixed with soursop volatiles. Thus, the aim of this research was to determine specific kairomone components to potentiate the aggregation pheromone of this Annonaceae fruit weevil. This task was carried out via volatilome analysis of soursop fruits, which was correlated with the biological activity of the identified volatiles. The GC-MS analysis of aroma collections of mature soursop fruits and flowers, determined using multivariate data analysis, confirmed a volatile differentiation between these organs. The volatile variation between fruits and flowers was reflected in weevils' preference for mature fruits instead of flowers. Moreover, weevils' response to soursop fruits increased with more mature fruits. This was correlated with volatile changes throughout the phenological stages of soursop fruits. The two volatiles most correlated with weevils' attraction were benzothiazole and (E)-β-caryophyllene. These volatiles only evoked a response when mixed and potentiated the attraction of the aggregation pheromone. Thus, these two volatiles are active kairomone components with the potential for being used in combination with the aggregation pheromone of Annonaceae fruit weevils in field trials.

Diet of the vulnerable White-browed guan Penelope jacucaca (Galliformes Cracidae) in two contrasting Caatinga fragments in Northeastern Brazil

Diet studies of cracids have highlighted the group’s significance as seed dispersers and the impact of their disappearance from natural environments. However, the diet of Penelope jacucaca remains largely unknown, limiting our understanding of its natural history and potential ecosystem services. In this study, we investigated the diet of P. jacucaca in two Caatinga fragments with varying levels of preservation using fecal material analysis. The diet of the species consisted primarily of fruits, flowers, and leaves, comprising a total of 22 food items. The number of seeds found in individual fecal samples exhibited a negative correlation with individual seed masses. The species demonstrated a preference for zoocoric fruits of different sizes from the local vegetation. The diet varied between the sampled areas, suggesting that P. jacucaca exhibits dietary flexibility based on local vegetation. However, it is also possible that fragmentation affects the nutritional value of the species’ diet. Due to its large body size, the White-browed guan can ingest a wide variety of fruits, including larger ones, incorporating seeds that are rarely explored by other birds. We propose that plant species with “large” seeds (> 15 mm), such as Ziziphus joazeiro, Brosimum gaudichaudii, and Ximenia americana, would be mainly negatively affected by the absence of P. jacucaca in the studied areas. The decline in the population of this important seed disperser in the region is likely to have negative implications for the viability of many zoocoric plants, thereby posing a threat to the vegetation of the studied fragments.