Stenocereus Griseus Research Articles

Use of natural mucilage extracted from the Stenocereus griseus (Cardón Guajiro) plant as a coagulant in the treatment of domestic wastewater

Coagulants can be extracted from vegetal material and applied in the treatment of wastewater. These coagulants are derived from seeds, leaves, bark, roots and fruits. This study focuses on the use of the mucilaginous extract of Stenocereus griseus (known as Cardón Guajiro) for removal of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids, turbidity and color in domestic wastewater from a pumping station in the city of Cartagena (Colombia). The optimal dose of S. griseus extract was determined by a pitcher test employing an E&Q F6-300 digital flocculator. All physicochemical tests were carried out following the specifications of the standard methods for wastewater (APHA). When 1400 mgL-1 of natural coagulants were used in the sewage treatment, the turbidity obtained was 29.57 TNU, representing removal of 67.24%, considering the initial turbidity. This parameter decreases until 68.61 PCU, for a 72.12% removal at the same coagulant dosage regarding the color. It must be noted that significant statistical differences were found between all tested doses of the coagulant. The mucilaginous extract of S. griseus exhibited useful properties in the primary treatment of domestic wastewater.

Identification of Compounds With Vasoactive Properties in a Pitaya Juice Extract (Stenocereus griseus)

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study is to identify the vasoactive compounds present in the pitaya juice extract (PJE) and evaluate its effect using in vivo and in vitro models. Methods First, the pitaya juice was obtained from the fruit of Stenocereus Griseus, centrifuged to obtain PJE. Six hundred mL of PJE was frozen until its use and other 600 mL was lyophilized and stored. The lyophilized PJE was analyzed by HPLC-PAD. The wavelengths for detection in the PAD system were 535 and 480 nm for betalains, and 370 and 280 nm for phenolic compounds. On the other hand, the vasoactive effect of PJE was evaluated in isolated rings of thoracic aortas, with (n = 5) and without endothelium (n = 5), of male Wistar rats (250–350 g) previously contracted with phenylephrine (10 mM to 10 μmol/L), followed by the administration of a concentration of 20 mg/mL of lyophilized PJE and 1 mL physiological solution, as a control (30 min of treatment). Results The profiling of lyophilized PJE by HPLC-PAD showed 16 types of betalains and 31 types of phenolic compounds, which will be analyzed by mass spectrometry. Isolated aortic rings (in presence and absence of the endothelium) administered with PJE showed 8-fold greater vasodilation compared to the control (54.3% ± 14.1 vs 6.7% ± 3.7), suggesting that the compounds present in the PJE may exert a vasodilator effect, of which its action mechanism will be investigated. Conclusions Pitaya juice extract contains vasoactive compounds such as betalains and phenolic compounds, which could be responsible for PJE exerting a vasodilator effect that was observed in assays of isolated rat aortic rings. Funding Sources 1. Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) 2. Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A.C. (IPICYT).

Nephroprotective Effect Assessment From Arid Lands Fruits Extracts in an Experimental Model With Cisplatine-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to assess the nephroprotective effect of Escontria chiotilla, Myrtillocactus geometrizans, and Stenocereus griseus extracts. Methods Forty male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly divided into 8 groups. The vehicle (V) and cisplatin (CP) groups were administered (i.p.) with saline solution 0.09% and a dose of 6.5 mg/Kg, respectively. Three groups were administered by gavage (p.o.) with 4 mL/24hr during 7 days of each extract Escontria chiotilla (J), Myrtillocactus geometrizans (G), and Stenocereus griseus (P). The rest of the groups were administered with CP plus J, G, or P at same doses. Fruit extracts were administrated 72 h before and after CP administration. In the end, blood samples were collected from aorta and both kidneys were removed to carry out physiological and biochemistry studies. The serum creatinine (Cr) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels were determined. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were quantified in kidney tissue. For the statistical analysis, an ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni's multiple comparisons test was performed. A P ≤ 0.05 value was considered statistically significant. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. Results Rats from the CP group had elevated levels of Cr and BUN serum, and MDA renal levels vs. V. The Cr and BUN serum were significantly reduced in groups with fruit extracts (0.58 ± 0.01, 0.66 ± 0.03, 0.57 ± 0.03 vs. 1.4 ± 0.06; and 22 ± 1.2, 26 ± 3.5, 20 ± 2.1 vs. 58 ± 4.8 with J, G and P vs CP, respectively) same effect was observed in MDA levels where reduction of 55, 64, 66% with J, G and P, was seen. Conclusions Our results showed that extracts from dry land fruits had nephroprotective effects in the CP nephrotoxicity model by reduction of the serum creatinine, BUN and MDA levels. Those effects had almost the same magnitude, however, is a need to perform more experiments to know the mechanisms involved. Funding Sources IPICYT-CONACYT.

Postharvest effects of 1-MCP and Chitosan/Oleic acid coating in Pitaya (Stenocereus griseus H.)

Pitaya (Stenocereus griseus H.) is an exotic fruit produced in some regions of Mexico, where it is mainly consumed fresh and valued in local markets. Its pulp has an intense red color, sweet flavor, small and easily chewable seeds, and compounds with antioxidant capacity, such as betalains and phenolics, which confer the fruit an important nutraceutical value. Therefore, in selected markets, the price of pitaya is considered high. However, pitaya has big spines that cause consumer rejection, due to the possibility of puncture. The spines also make it difficult to handle pitaya and cause mechanical damages. These circumstances make it indispensable to remove the spines from the fruit, but collaterally, the shelf-life is decreased, and consequently, its commercialization in distant markets is more difficult. It has been reported that postharvest treatments, such as application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and chitosan (Ch) coatings added with hydrophobic components like oleic acid (OA), aid in preserving the quality of several horticultural products, but this effect has not been studied in pitaya. In the present study, the effects of 1-MCP (4.2 µL L-1) and/or a coating prepared with 9.1 g L-1 of Ch + 6.4 mL L-1 of OA (CO) were evaluated over the quality of pitayas, which were previously despined (D) during refrigeration (11 ± 1 °C; 93 ± 2 % relative humidity (RH)) for 15 d. The quality parameters studied were respiration pattern, ethylene production, weight loss, titratable acidity, skin firmness, and total soluble solids (TSS). It was found that the respiration rate and ethylene production corresponded to the climacteric type, independently of the treatment.
 The refrigeration conditions, minimized notoriously the weight loss of the fruits of practically all treatments. CO alone maintained the quality parameters and delayed the appearance of fungi, extending the shelf-life of despined pitayas up to 15 d. However, 1-MCP alone was not capable of preserving the evaluated quality parameters. The best treatment was D+CO+1-MCP, since it reduced notoriously the respiration and ethylene production rates, and inhibited loss of skin firmness, TSS, and acidity of the fruit. The results obtained herein are a progress in the limited knowledge of the postharvest physiology of pitaya fruit. More research is needed to deepen this knowledge and to optimize the postharvest handling of pitaya, in order to develop its market at global level for the benefit of producers and consumers.

Identification of Compounds with Vasoactive Properties in a Pitaya Juice Extract (Stenocereus griseus)

Identification of Compounds with Vasoactive Properties in a Pitaya Juice Extract (Stenocereus griseus)

Stenocereus griseus (Haw) pitaya as source of natural colourant: technological stability of colour and individual betalains

SummaryStenocereus griseus pitaya has been evaluated as potential natural colourant on the basis of tristimulus colorimetry, differential colorimetry, and individual betalains, not previously conducted in conjunction with this raw material. Different technological treatment conditions were reproduced based on different pHs, temperatures and storage time. According to the results, cold temperatures (4 °C) maintained for longer the initial colour characteristics (L*, and hab) of the extracts, whereas hab modifications began from the commencement of treatment at room temperature. Highly acidic extracts (pH 4) were the most stable samples in the light of the lower hab and changes over time, even at room temperature. Betanin, isobetanin, betanidin and 2‐decarboxy‐neobetanin were more affected by temperature, whereas the content of the minor betalains significantly (P < 0.05) varied when pH was modified. Moreover, visually appreciable and quantitative colour changes (Δ > 3) were observed among all pH values and temperatures.

How do young cacti (seeds and seedlings) from tropical xeric environments cope with extended drought periods?

Tropical dry forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the Neotropics and climatic projections suggest that frequency and duration of drought episodes could increase and threaten them even more. The aim of this study was to: 1) evaluate germination success under different water soil conditions, 2) analyze seedling survival and transpiration rate under prolonged water shortage and 3) measure gas exchange to determine the photosynthetic metabolism (CAM vs. C3) at seedling stage on three common cactus species, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Melocactus curvispinus and Stenocereus griseus, at Tatacoa, a tropical dry forest remnant in Colombia. Seed germination decreased as soil water potential decreased for all species. At seedling stage, all species have a strict water regulation strategy, showing low transpiration rate even when well-watered. This water saving strategy could explain the 100% seedling survival observed in all species during 6 months of water deprivation. All species had nocturnal CO2 fixation, consistent with them being CAM, but S. griseus presented also C3 behavior as it was growing up. Our findings indicate that all species can withstand water deprivation for eight months, and only under prolonged drought scenarios, recruitment may be reduced because of a decrease in germination and seedling survival.

Species delimitation in the Stenocereus griseus (Cactaceae) species complex reveals a new species, S. huastecorum.

The Stenocereus griseus species complex (SGSC) has long been considered taxonomically challenging because the number of taxa belonging to the complex and their geographical boundaries remain poorly understood. Bayesian clustering and genetic distance-based methods were used based on nine microsatellite loci in 377 individuals of three main putative species of the complex. The resulting genetic clusters were assessed for ecological niche divergence and areolar morphology, particularly spination patterns. We based our species boundaries on concordance between genetic, ecological, and morphological data, and were able to resolve four species, three of them corresponding to S. pruinosus from central Mexico, S. laevigatus from southern Mexico, and S. griseus from northern South America. A fourth species, previously considered to be S. griseus and commonly misidentified as S. pruinosus in northern Mexico showed significant genetic, ecological, and morphological differentiation suggesting that it should be considered a new species, S. huastecorum, which we describe here. We show that population genetic analyses, ecological niche modeling, and morphological studies are complementary approaches for delimiting species in taxonomically challenging plant groups such as the SGSC.

Ecología de la anidación de Crocodylus acutus (Reptilia: Crocodylidae) en Bahía Portete, La Guajira, Colombia

C. acutus is cataloged in critical danger in Colombia. We studied its population at Bahia Portete, in order to survey the nesting activities and to obtain valuable information for a conservation management program. This study was undertaken with the participation of the Wayuü community using the Agreement Conservation Model, and took place during July 2007, August 2008, June and August 2009, and March to August 2010 and 2011. Sampling surveys were made by the use of transects along the coast, in order to find nests. For each nesting area found, we recorded the nests biometrics, eggs and hatchlings, fertility of the eggs and reproductive events. We explored a total of 55.12 km, and determined four nesting areas. Colonial nesting and the environmental variables were factors that affected the hatchling success. From the total of nests found, 37 % were oriented towards North, and 48 % were built next to Stenocereus griseus. Juyi island substrate was mostly constituted by sand (71.9 %, 71.44 %). The average number of eggs by nest was 28.42 ± 6.63, the largest egg diameter was 71.84 ± 3.54 mm, the average nest weight was 81.54 ± 9.99 g, and the hatchlings presented an average length of 25.47 ± 1.16 cm. For this specific site in Colombia, the reproductive period begins in March and ends in August. The few areas of nesting and the 95 % fertility suggest the performance of a conservation management program for this species at Bahía Portete.

Short-wave ultraviolet-C light effect on pitaya (Stenocereus griseus) juice inoculated with Zygosaccharomyces bailii

Fresh pitaya (Stenocereus griseus) juice was inoculated with Zygosaccharomyces bailii to be processed using a continuous ultraviolet-C light (UV-C) (57μW/cm2) system. Inoculated and uninoculated juices were processed at selected flow rates (16.49, 23.78, and 30.33mL/s) and treatment times (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30min). Untreated, inoculated, and uninoculated pitaya juices were stored at 4°C during 25days. Microbiological (yeasts plus molds and total counts) and physicochemical (pH, total soluble solids, color, phenolic compounds, betalains, and antioxidant activity) characteristics were evaluated in fresh and processed juices. The net change in color increased as treatment time increased, reaching a maximum value of 3.9. A substantial reduction of phenolic compounds (11.6%), betalains (14.6%), and antioxidant activity (37.0%) were observed in juice treated at 30.33mL/s during 30min. A reduction of 1.8log cycles of Z. bailii was observed at the highest UV-C light treatment.

Ultraviolet-C Light Effect on Pitaya (Stenocereus griseus) Juice

Pitaya (Stenocereus griseus) juice, obtained from fresh pitayas, was processed using a continuous ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light (57 µW/cm 2 ) system. Juice was processed at five flow rates (0.46, 3.28, 6.57, 16.49 and 30.33 mL/s) and five treatment times (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min). Fresh juice was used as control. Some physicochemical (pH, total soluble solids, color, and betalains), antioxidant (total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity), and microbiological (aerobic mesophylls bacteria and yeasts plus molds) characteristics were assessed in fresh and UV-C processed juices. It was observed that the UV-C treatments did not affect pH and total soluble solids in juice. The total change in color (E) increased as treatment times increased; however, E values were reduced at high flow rates. The betalains and total phenolic compounds contents were reduced as flow rates and treatment times increased; consequently, the antioxidant activity lessened in juice. A maximum reduction of 2.11 and 1.14 log cycles was observed for mesophylls and yeasts plus molds, respectively, in the UV-C light treated pitaya juice.

Molecular analysis and pathogenicity of the Cladophialophora carrionii complex, with the description of a novel species.

Cladophialophora carrionii is one of the four major etiologic agents of human chromoblastomycosis in semi-arid climates. This species was studied using sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA, the partial β-tubulin gene and an intron in the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene, in addition to morphology. With all genes a clear bipartition was observed, which corresponded with minute differences in conidiophore morphology. A new species, C. yegresii, was introduced, which appeared to be, in contrast to C. carrionii, associated with living cactus plants. All strains from humans, and a few isolates from dead cactus debris, belonged to C. carrionii, for which a lectotype was designated. Artificial inoculation of cactus plants grown from seeds in the greenhouse showed that both fungi are able to persist in cactus tissue. When reaching the spines they produce cells that morphologically resemble the muriform cells known as the “invasive form” in chromoblastomycosis. The tested clinical strain of C. carrionii proved to be more virulent in cactus than the environmental strain of C. yegresii that originated from the same species of cactus, Stenocereus griseus. The muriform cell expressed in cactus spines can be regarded as the extremotolerant survival phase, and is likely to play an essential role in the natural life cycle of these organisms.

Spatial Associations, Size–Distance Relationships and Population Structure of Two Dominant Life Forms in a Semiarid Enclave of the Venezuelan Andes

The role of three thorny legume species as nurse plants and competitive relationships with columnar cacti were evaluated in a semiarid enclave of the Venezuelan Andes. Abundance and size of three columnar cacti species (Stenocereus griseus, Cereus repandus and Pilosocereus tillianus) under isolated shrubs of three thorny legumes species (Prosopis juliflora, Acacia farnesiana and A. macracantha) were recorded and compared with open areas. Using size–distance data we inferred the intensity of intra- and interspecific competition between both life forms in a “cardonal” (xeric zone) and “espinar” (mesic zone) of the enclave. Sixty-one columnar cacti were found beneath the three thorny legume species (92%), while only 5 cactus individuals were found in open areas (8%). Comparison of observed and expected number of cactus individuals shows that S. griseus and C. repandus are significantly associated with isolated shrubs of A. farnesiana and A. macracantha. Although P. juliflora contributed more than 40% of the total legume plant cover, the number of columnar cacti under its isolated shrubs was significantly lower than would be expected by chance. In all, 19 of 21 possible plant–plant combinations between and within columnar cacti and legume shrubs were recorded (espinar: 18, cardonal: 13, common combinations: 12). In both zones, intra- and interspecific combinations among columnar cacti species were relatively high (positive correlation between the sum of neighbour plant sizes and the distances separating them). Our results strongly suggest, at least for case of S. griseus and C. repandus, that these columnar cacti species require nurse plants for their establishment. The results on interference need still support from further research. We discuss the effects of plant–plant positive interactions on natural regeneration of these columnar cacti.

Digestibility of columnar cacti pollen grains in the glosophagine bats Glossophaga longirostris and Leptonycteris curasoae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

We examined the protoplasmic assimilation of columnar cacti pollen grains in two species of Venezuelan desert glosophagine bats, Glossophaga longirostris and Leptonycteris curasoae, by determining the amount of empty (digested) pollen grains found in their fecal samples. To determine the amount of empty pollen grains, the fecal samples were stained to differ between empty and full (non-digested) pollen grains. The number of empty and full pollen grains observed in the fecal samples were corrected using the amount of aborted pollens present (before anthesis) in flowers of the columnar cacti species (Subpilocereus repandus, Stenocereus griseus and Pilosocereus tillianus) used by bats as food in the study site; G. longirostris and L. curasoae digested 64.2% and 71.3% of all the pollens fed, respectively. These high values confirm the importance of pollen in the diet of these bats, given its high nitrogen level.

Physicochemical character and food value of two Venezuelan cactus fruits

AbstractProperties of fruits of two wild species of two columnar cacti, cardon dato (Stenocereus griseus) and cardon lefaria (Cereus repandus) are reported. The fruits seem to have good potential as food and feed in Venezuelan arid zones. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd

Population genetic structure of Venezuelan chiropterophilous columnar cacti (Cactaceae)

We conducted allozyme surveys of three Venezuelan self-incompatible chiropterophilous columnar cacti: two diploid species, Stenocereus griseus and Cereus repandus, and one tetraploid, Pilosocereus lanuginosus. The three cacti are pollinated by bats, and both bats and birds disperse seeds. Population sampling comprised two spatial scales: all Venezuelan arid zones (macrogeographic) and two arid regions in northwestern Venezuela (regional). Ten to 15 populations and 17-23 loci were analyzed per species. Estimates of genetic diversity were compared with those of other allozyme surveys in the Cactaceae to examine how bat-mediated gene dispersal affects the population genetic attributes of the three cacti. Genetic diversity was high for both diploid (P(s) = 94.1-100, P(p) = 56.7-72.3, H(s) = 0.182-0.242, H(p) = 0.161-0.205) and tetraploid (P(s) = 93.1, P(p) = 76.1, H(s) = 0.274, H(p) = 0.253) species. Within-population heterozygote deficit was detected in the three cacti at macrogeographic (F(IS) = 0.145-0.182) and regional (F(IS) = 0.057-0.174) levels. Low genetic differentiation was detected at both macrogeographic (G(ST) = 0.043-0.126) and regional (G(ST) = 0.009-0.061) levels for the three species, suggesting substantial gene flow among populations. Gene exchange among populations seems to be regulated by distance among populations. Our results support the hypothesis that bat-mediated gene dispersal confers high levels of genetic exchange among populations of the three columnar cacti, a process that enhances levels of genetic diversity within their populations.

PHENOLOGY, POSTHARVEST PHYSIOLOGY AND MARKETING OF PITAYA (STENOCEREUS GRISEUS, L.) AS A SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE

To understand properly the production process and characteristics that allow a plant to be sustainably exploited it is necessary to obtain information derived from several disciplines A long-term project on Stenocereus griseus, a cactus species traditionally used and commercialized in SW Mexico, has been initiated, using a multidisciplinary approach, following the product from the mother plant to commercialization in order to assess true sustainability in the exploitation of this resource. Individual plants were identified and labeled, to track their development through time and correlate annual production with environmental factors. Fruit development has been studied to establish a harvest index. Studies on firmness, respiration, physiological weight loss, extractable juice, °Brix, pH, titratable acidity and vitamin C, as well as reducing sugars and a proximal analysis were made to determine quality, postharvest handling and refrigerated storage potential. A commercial evaluation was also made to predict the economic value of this potential crop. Results indicated that the more young branches the plant has the more fruits it could produce. It is suggested that experiments in pruning should be undertaken as a next phase. Characterization of fruits was made to select the best varieties for establishment. °Brix showed to be the best parameter to determine time of harvest. The fruit loses its spines 24 hours after harvest. Vitamin C decreases from 14.5 mg to 2.5 mg during the storage period. Results of proximal analysis are shown for the three most common types of fruits found in the Region of La Mixteca, Oaxaca. Commercial analysis shows that fresh fruits are suitable for exploitation.

Effect of ingestion by bats and birds on seed germination of Stenocereus griseus and Subpilocereus repandus (Cactaceae)

Effects of seed passage through digestive tracts of principal animal dispersers (bats and birds) on seed germination were investigated for two columnar cactus species, Stenocereus griseus and Subpilocereus repandus. In general, seeds ingested showed more rapid germination times and higher overall germination rates than untreated seeds. The bat Glossophaga longirostris, and the birds Mimus gilvus and Tachyphonus rufus seem to be the most efficient cacti dispersers in terms of quality of treatment. The increment of germination speed and particularly the decrease of imbibition time, could favour the probability of germination in dry areas such as arid and semi-arid environments.

The reproductive phenology of three sympatric species of columnar cacti on Curaçao

The phenological response by three sympatric species of columnar cacti of the semi-arid island of Curaçao (Stenocereus griseus, Subpilocereus repandus, and Pilosocereus lanuginosus) to recent rainfall was investigated during 21 months. Rainfall is the climatic cue most likely to affect bud formation on Curaçao, and each species of cactus responded differently to it. Pilosocereus lanuginosus started budding immediately after rainfall, whereas Stenocereus griseus responded negatively with abortions and cessation of bud production within 2–3 weeks after rain. Subpilocereus repandus showed no response to rain within one month. Despite a long period of temporal overlap (81% overlap) between the budding/flowering activity of Subpilocereus repandus and that of Stenocereus griseus, buds and/or flowers on Stenocereus griseus appeared more than a month earlier than on Subpilocereus repandus.The effect of plant size on phenology and how anthropogenic disturbance may affect cactus resource availability to nectar-feeders and frugivores were also examined. The larger the individual tree within a species, the more flowers were produced and the earlier the tree started to flower. Thus, the indiscriminate removal of columnar cacti for urban development can drastically affect the timing and availability of resources to threatened pollinators and other nectar-feeders, as well as to frugivores and omnivores.

Estudio Fenológico de Cactáceas en el Enclave Seco de la Tatacoa, Colombia1

Abstract A one-year phenological study of three columnar cacti, Stenocereus griseus (Haw.) Britton & Rose, Pilosocereus sp., Cereus hexagonus (L.) Mill., and a decumbent cactus Monvillea cf. smithiana (Britton & Rose) Backeberg., was carried out in the Andean arid region of La Tatacoa, Colombia. Pollinators and/or dispersers of the cacti species also were studied monthly, and fecal samples were collected for the identification of pollen and seeds. The flowering of all species was prolonged and showed bimodal, multimodal, or irregular patterns. Fruiting in all species also was prolonged and followed flowering with a lag of less than two months. Although there were no simple correlations between rainfall and flowering or fruiting, flower production during the dry season was higher for S. griseus, while Pilosocereus sp. and C. hexagonus showed higher flower production during the wet season. Fruit production was also seasonal, with higher production during the wet season for S. griseus and C. hexagonus. The p...