Stenocereus Stellatus Research Articles

Microencapsulation of pitaya juice (Stenocereus stellatus) by spray drying using mixtures of fructans, whey protein, and modified starch as carrier agents

Microencapsulation of pitaya juice (Stenocereus stellatus) by spray drying using mixtures of fructans, whey protein, and modified starch as carrier agents

Chemical Profile of Polyphenolic Compounds Present in the Red and White Varieties of Tunillo (Stenocereus stellatus) Fruit

Tunillo is a pre-Hispanic fruit native to the Mixtec region of Mexico. This fruit has been shown to have an antihyperglycemic effect, an effect associated with the content of total polyphenols; however, the chemical profile of this type of compounds present in the juice is not known, For this reason, the objective of this work was to determine the polyphenols present in the juice of tunillo (Stenocereus stellatus) of the red and white varieties by means of high performance liquid chromatography techniques and the presence of the main functional groups by infrared spectroscopy. It was found that gallic acid is the most abundant simple polyphenol in the white tunillo juice while chlorogenic acid is the most abundant in the red tunillo juice, being the white tunillo juice the one containing the highest amount of rutin and catechin. In conclusion, the chemical profile of the tunillo fruits shows differences in the content of polyphenols and flavonoids, so the routes of secondary metabolism and functional activity must be different.

DIVERSIDAD DE COMUNIDADES DE LEÑOSAS DEL BOSQUE TROPICAL SECO EN PITAYERAS DE LA SIERRA DE HUAUTLA, MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background. </strong>Pitayeras are traditional agroforestry harvesting systems that have been poorly studied but can harbor a diversity of trees and shrubs as in tropical dry forest (TDF). <strong>Objective. </strong> We described the diversity of woody communities<strong> </strong>in <em>Pitayeras</em> of the Sierra de Huautla to identify their importance in the conservation of TDF species. <strong>Methodology. </strong>150 plots with a defined area (10 x 10 m) divided into three <em>Pitayeras</em> (Plain, Hillside, and Orchard) were sampled. All individuals with a diameter ≥ 1 cm were quantified, and all species were identified. The alpha (H ', <sup>0</sup>D, <sup>1</sup>D, <sup>2</sup>D) and the beta (Bray-Curtis) diversity were estimated. A tree classification was performed to classify the plant communities of the <em>Pirayeras</em>. <strong>Results. </strong>57 species and 22 families were identified, which Fabaceae, Burseraceae, and Cactaceae were the most diverse. The most dominant species were <em>Euphorbia schlechtendalii</em>, <em>Stenocereus stellatus</em> and <em>Mimosa polyantha</em>. La Huerta was the most diverse <em>Pitayera</em>, while the Plain had the least diversity. The Plain and Orchard were the most similar <em>Pitayeras</em>. <strong>Implications</strong>. The diversity of trees and shrubs of the <em>Pitayeras</em> might be associated with particular edaphic, climatological and management conditions; however, these socio-ecological elements were not monitored. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> The <em>Pitayeras</em> harbor a diversity of trees and shrubs similar to the DTF of the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve and other parts of Mexico.</p>

Evolution under domestication of correlated characters in populations of Stenocereus stellatus (Pfeiff.) Riccob., under different forms of management in central Mexico: genetic diversity, damage, and defense mechanisms

Across the process of domestication, human selection produces changes in target attributes as well as changes that are not necessarily desired by humans due to pleiotropic or linked genes. In this paper we addressed, correlated changes between genetic diversity, damage level, defense mechanisms (resistance and tolerance), and fitness due to the domestication process of Stenocereus pruinosus (Otto ex Pfeiff.) Buxbaum and Stenocereus stellatus (Pfeiff.) Riccobono, an endemic columnar cactus of south-central Mexico. One hundred eighty individuals of S. stellatus from wild, in situ managed, and cultivated populations of Valle de Tehuacán and Mixteca Baja, Puebla, were sampled, and attributes including damage level, defense mechanisms and fitness (number of fruits) were measured. The DNA of 176 individuals was extracted to amplify and analyze five microsatellites in order to estimate genetic diversity and structure. As expected, cultivated populations showed a significantly higher damage level, as well as lower resistance and genetic diversity. Depending on the form of management, correlations between genetic diversity and the rest of the attributes exhibited different patterns. In wild populations, genetic diversity was positively correlated with damage and negatively with resistance; in situ managed populations exhibited the opposite pattern, and in cultivated populations, no correlations were found between these attributes. We propose a hypothetic model of human selection to explain the variation in these correlations. No differences in genetic diversity and tolerance were detected between regions; however, the populations of Valle de Tehuacán exhibited more damage and more resistance. In both regions, populations showed a positive correlation between fitness and resistance and a negative correlation between damage and resistance, suggesting the existence of a defense mechanism to ensure fitness. Also, non-regional differentiation suggests an eventual gene flow due to pollinators, human movement of branches, or a common ancestry before the domestication process.

Chemical composition of juice and antihyperglycemic studies in seed of the prehispanic fruit tunillo (Stenocereus stellatus) collected in Oaxaca, Mexico

Tunillo, or pitaya of august (Stenocereus stellatus) is a prehispanic fruit, endemic to the Mixteca region in Mexico and to which a lot of medicinal properties have been associated. However, there are few scientific studies regarding its characterization and use. For these reasons, in this study we carried out a chemical characterization of the juice of four-color variants as well as determine the antihyperglycemic capacity of seed. Physical and chemical characterization were carried out in juice of fruits of Stenocereus after a preselection based on pulp color. Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, organic acid and betalains were quantified in juice and antihyperglycemic capacity was measured in seed. Physicochemical parameters in juice were similar in the 4 variants; regarding the content of pigments, the red variant showed the highest values as well as the highest organic acids. However, the white, orange, and red variants showed better antihyperglycemic capacity. Red tunillo is the best candidate for obtaining pigments and its higher organic acids content correlates with its lower acceptance by the local population. The seeds of the white, orange, and red colors showed promising anhyperglycemic capacity, which suggest that they should be considered for the development of antidiabetic treatments. These results contribute to the use of compex matrices considered waste products of the fruits. This would undoubtedly increase their commercial value.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant capacity, and anti-hyperglycemic effect of Stenocereus stellatus fruits from the arid Mixteca Baja region of Mexico

The tunillo (Stenocereus stellatus [Pfeiffer] Riccobono) is a relatively little known cactus fruit with a significant pharmacological potential. However, all currently known variants are identified visually mostly on the basis of pulp color. Differences in chemical composition and pharmacological properties also remain largely unknown. Support vector machine classifiers were applied to UV–Visible spectra of liquid samples to obtain the following, color-based categories of tunillo fruits: A1-white, A2-red, A3-purple, and A4-orange. The spectrum of A2-red could be duplicated by combining those from A3-purple and A4-orange, while UPGMA-based hierarchical clustering of psbA-trnH and matK suggested that certain differences in color might actually have a genetic basis. The pigment quantification established A2-red and A3-purple as the most suitable candidates for the extraction of betalains and complex colored matrices, respectively. A2-red also had the highest content of phenols and flavonoids and displayed a noticeable anti-hyperglycemic effect.

Manejo de la vegetación, domesticación de plantas y origen de la agricultura en Mesoamérica

A model of domestication of plants in Mesoamerica based on selective management of plant populations and communities by silvicultural practices is analyzed. Archaeological and ethnobotanical information suggests that intentional manipulation of vegetation by Mesoamerican peoples has occurred in past and present times in order to control availability of useful plants. Forms of management of plant communities or populations have included tolerance, protection and enhancement of individual plants of particular species during clearance of vegetation and other ways of perturbation. Processes of artificial selection (selection in situ) may be carried out through these forms of plant management. These processes may cause significant morphological differences between wild and managed populations as illustrated by the cases discussed here of Anoda cristata, Crotalaria pumila, Leucaena esculenta and Stenocereus stellatus. Processes of artificial selection in situ are mechanisms of incipient domestication of plants which appear to have been carried out in Mesoamerica, perhaps since pre-agricultural times, and that could contribute to explain the processes that led to the origins of agriculture in this region.

Seed removal in a tropical North American desert: an evaluation of pre- and post-dispersal seed removal in Stenocereus stellatus.

To determine seed removal influence on seed populations, we need to quantify pre- and post-dispersal seed removal. Several studies have quantified seed removal in temperate American deserts, but few studies have been performed in tropical deserts. These studies have only quantified pre- or post-dispersal seed removal, thus underestimating the influence of seed removal. We evaluated pre- and post-dispersal seed removal in the columnar cactus Stenocereus stellatus in a Mexican tropical desert. We performed selective exclosure experiments to estimate percentage of seeds removed by ants, birds and rodents during the pre- and post-dispersal phases. We also conducted field samplings to estimate abundance of the most common seed removers. Birds (10-28%) removed a higher percentage of seeds than ants (2%) and rodents (1-4%) during pre-dispersal seed removal. Melanerpes hypopolius was probably the main bird removing seeds from fruits. Ants (62-64%) removed a higher percentage of seeds than birds (34-38%) and rodents (16-30%) during post-dispersal seed removal. Pogonomyrmex barbatus was probably the main ant removing seeds from soil. Birds and ants are the main pre- and post-dispersal seed removers in S.stellatus, respectively. Further studies in other S.stellatus populations and plants with different life forms and fruit types will contribute to evaluate seed removal in tropical American deserts.

Post-harvest Preservation of Cactus Fruits Produced in Semidesertic Areas of Oaxaca by Biopolymer Coatings

AbstractThe pitaya (Stenocereus pruinosus) and sweet xoconostle (Stenocereus stellatus) are Cactaceae fruits with local distribution, due to their perishability and microbial decay with postharvest life from 3 to 5 days. Thus, the objective of this research was to apply chitosan based coatings: commercial chitosan (CQ), chitosan produced by biological-chemical method (Q) and Q grafted to hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in an emulsion with entrapment neem oil (N) (NMQ-g-H). Application in field was carried out in Santa Gertrudis Cosoltepec, in the Mixteca area of Oaxaca, which is a deforested region with eroded soil. QC, Q and NMQ-g-H at 10±5°C and 75±5% relative humidity extended the postharvest life of fruits by 15 days. Q was obtained by thermochemical heterogeneous deacetylation from chitin extracted from a lactic fermentation of shrimp wastes, therefore there is an additional benefit, due to the decrease of wastes produced in coastal area by obtaining value-added products that served as coatings for prolong postharvest life of fruits produced in Mixteca Region of Oaxaca.

Comparative Analysis of Betalain Content in Stenocereus Stellatus Fruits and Other Cactus Fruits Using Principal Component Analysis

Stenocereus stellatus fruits from Puebla, Mexico, with red, purple, yellow, and white pulp were characterized regarding their total betalain content, and physicochemical properties. The total betalain content was 856.07–2968 µg per gram of pulp dry weight. Using principal component analysis, the levels of pigments in S. stellatus fruits were compared with 32 samples from other cactus fruits. As a result, three confidence intervals for total betalain content (μg g−1) were calculated: low (<1208), medium (2935–3288), and high (4488–9248). Thus, the cactus fruits can be categorized as a poor, good, and excellent source of betalain pigments.

Consecuencias de la domesticación de Stenocereus stellatus en el tamaño de las semillas y en la germinación en un gradiente de estrés hídrico

Stenocereus stellatus es una cactácea columnar de importancia ecológica y cultural en el Valle de Tehuacán; sus frutos se colectan en poblaciones silvestres, pero también existe manejo silvícola y cultivo de plantas de esta especie en sistemas agroforestales. Investigaciones previas documentaron divergencias morfofi siológicas y genéticas entre poblaciones silvestres y manejadas, ocasionadas por selección artificial y limitaciones al flujo génico entre poblaciones. En esto último podrían influir diferencias en patrones de germinación y establecimiento de semillas en plántulas silvestres y cultivadas en bosques y ambientes manejados. Se probó la hipótesis de que la selección artifi cial por frutos grandes favorece un mayor tamaño de las semillas en plantas cultivadas, las cuales presentarían mayor tasa de germinación en condiciones de alta humedad, pero serían más susceptibles a estrés hídrico que las semillas de plantas silvestres. Se evaluó el peso de frutos y semillas y su tasa de germinación en un gradiente de humedad (0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8 y -1.0 Megapascales) en poblaciones silvestres y cultivadas. Los frutos cultivados y sus semillas fueron significativamente más pesados (54.616 ± 1.547 g, 0.190 ± 0.017 g, respectivamente) que los frutos y semillas silvestres (37.023 ± 1.122 g, 0.15 3± 0.005 g, respectivamente). Los análisis de devianza mostraron diferencias signifi cativas en el inicio (X2 = 1,639.0, gl = 4; X2 = 236.31, gl = 1, respectivamente) y la velocidad de germinación (X2 = 20.91, gl = 4), asociadas al tipo de manejo y al potencial hídrico (las semillas cultivadas fueron más susceptibles al estrés que las silvestres). La selección artifi cial que favorece frutos grandes parece haber infl uido indirectamente en el incremento de tamaño de las semillas, y las condiciones ambientales de los sitios manejados podrían haber influido en una mayor susceptibilidad a estrés hídrico.

Managing diversity: Domestication and gene flow in Stenocereus stellatus Riccob. (Cactaceae) in Mexico.

Microsatellite markers (N = 5) were developed for analysis of genetic variation in 15 populations of the columnar cactus Stenocereus stellatus, managed under traditional agriculture practices in central Mexico. Microsatellite diversity was analyzed within and among populations, between geographic regions, and among population management types to provide detailed insight into historical gene flow rates and population dynamics associated with domestication. Our results corroborate a greater diversity in populations managed by farmers compared with wild ones (HE = 0.64 vs. 0.55), but with regional variation between populations among regions. Although farmers propagated S. stellatus vegetatively in home gardens to diversify their stock, asexual recruitment also occurred naturally in populations where more marginal conditions have limited sexual recruitment, resulting in lower genetic diversity. Therefore, a clear-cut relationship between the occurrence of asexual recruitment and genetic diversity was not evident. Two managed populations adjacent to towns were identified as major sources of gene movement in each sampled region, with significant migration to distant as well as nearby populations. Coupled with the absence of significant bottlenecks, this suggests a mechanism for promoting genetic diversity in managed populations through long distance gene exchange. Cultivation of S. stellatus in close proximity to wild populations has led to complex patterns of genetic variation across the landscape that reflects the interaction of natural and cultural processes. As molecular markers become available for nontraditional crops and novel analysis techniques allow us to detect and evaluate patterns of genetic diversity, genetic studies provide valuable insights into managing crop genetic resources into the future against a backdrop of global change. Traditional agriculture systems play an important role in maintaining genetic diversity for plant species.

Frugivory diet of the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae), in the Tehuacán Valley of Central Mexico

Resumen The lesser long nosed bat Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae), is a migratory species highly specialized for nectar and pollen consumption. Although they can consume fruits of columnar cactus (Family Cactaceae, tribes Pachicereeae and Cereeae), this habit has not been studied sufficiently to know the importance of this frugivory. Available information shows that this bat can consume actively fruit of columnar cactus, and indeed seven of these fruits have been cited as part of their diet in North America. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether other cactus fruits are edible for them. In Tehuacan Valley, located in south central Mexico L. yerababuenae co-occur with 21 species of cactus that produce sweet, juicy and soft fruits, with small seeds appropriate to be eaten by the long-nosed bat. We conducted one study to determine the identity of cacti fruits eaten by L. yerababuenae, through the identification of seeds deposited as guano and obtained in the Obispo cave (municipality of Santiago Chazumba, Oaxaca). Seeds of all species of cactus that inhabit Tehuacan Valley were identificated in guano. We recollected 31,895 seeds inside the cave, but more than the 84% corresponded to four species of cacti seeds: Isolatocereus dumortieri, Stenocereus pruinosus, Stenocereus stellatus and Neobuxbaumia macrocephala. The species Escontria chiotilla, Pachicereus hollianus, Hilocereus undatus, Pachicereus fulviceps and Stenocereus treleasei, were rare and they had less than 20 seeds in the sample. So results obtained suggest that L. yerababuenae, may eat fruits as an important part of its diet, and probably serves as an important disperser of columnar cactus in dry environments of South Central Mexico.

Bacterial community structure in the rhizosphere of three cactus species from semi-arid highlands in central Mexico

The nature reserve of Tehuacan-Cuicatlan in central Mexico is known for its diversity and endemism mainly in cactus plants. Although the xerophytic flora is reasonably documented, the bacterial communities associated with these species have been largely neglected. We assessed the diversity and composition of bacterial communities in bulk (non-rhizospheric) soil and the rhizosphere of three cactus plant species: Mammillaria carnea, Opuntia pilifera and Stenocereus stellatus, approached using cultivation and molecular techniques, considering the possible effect of dry and rainy seasons. Cultivation-dependent methods were focused on putative N(2)-fixers and heterotrophic aerobic bacteria, in the two media tested the values obtained for dry season samples grouped together regardless of the sample type (rhizospheric or non-rhizospheric), these groups also included the non-rhizospheric sample for rainy season, on each medium. These CFU values were smaller and significantly different from those obtained on rhizospheric samples from rainy season. Genera composition among isolates of the rhizospheric samples was very similar for each season, the most abundant taxa being α-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Interestingly, the genus Ochrobactrum was highly represented among rhizospheric samples, when cultured in N-free medium. The structure of the bacterial communities was approached with molecular techniques targeting partial 16SrRNA sequences such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and serial analysis of ribosomal sequence tags. Under these approaches, the most represented bacterial phyla were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. The first two were also highly represented when using isolation techniques.

Plantas silvestres útiles y prioritarias identificadas en la Mixteca Poblana, México

Uno de los factores de la producción sostenible de los bosques tropicales es la conservación de sus especies vegetales silvestres útiles, cuyo estado puede ser evaluado inicialmente a través del conocimiento tradicional local. El objetivo de este trabajo fue contribuir a la elaboración de un inventario de plantas útiles y, mediante valoración socioeconómica y ecológica, determinar prioridades de conservación en la Mixteca Poblana, México. Se realizaron 14 entrevistas y un taller participativo en dos comunidades del municipio de Chietla, Puebla, México. Se registraron los usos de las especies reconocidas, la importancia socioeconómica y el potencial ecológico de cada planta considerada relevante y se aplicó un análisis de factores principales. En ambas comunidades se reconocieron nueve categorías de uso, destacando las combustibles, las medicinales, las alimenticias y las de construcción. En Huajotitlán se reportaron 139 especies útiles, ubicando a palo dulce (Eysenhardtia polystachya), pitaya (Stenocereus stellatus) y palma (Brahea dulcis) como adecuadas para planes de manejo y aprovechamiento; las especies prioritarias para reforestación fueron cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens), cuatomate (Solanum glaucescens), nanche (Byrsonima crassifolia), quina (Hintonia latiflora) y rabo de iguana (Havardia acatlensis). En Buenavista se reportaron 126 especies útiles, de las cuales pitaya y palma fueron percibidas como importantes para su manejo y aprovechamiento; ciruela (Spondias purpurea), palo dulce y árnica (Colubrina triflora) fueron identificadas como apropiadas para reforestación. El análisis de factores principales confirmó la importancia de las especies en cada comunidad.

CULTIVO in vitro DE PITAYO (Stenocereus stellates [Pfeiffer] Riccobono)

The pitayo (Stenocereus stellatus) is a cactus native to Mexico that is prized for its fruits, which have unique organoleptic characteristics. It is propagated by cuttings taken from mature, usually wild plants, causing deforestation of natural areas. The objective of this study was to identify the optimum ctyokinin type and dose, plus sucrose concentration, to obtain a greater number of pitayo plants in vitro. Seeds from ripe fruits were used to obtain seedlings to initiate plant growth. For shoot multiplication, seedlings measuring 2 to 3 cm in height and divided into 1-cm sections were used. MS medium with 3 % sucrose was used. Three cytokinins (kinetin, 6-benzyladenine, and 2-isopen¬tenyladenine) at five concentrations (2.2, 4.4, 8.8, 17.6 and 35.2 μM) were evaluated. For shoot growth, MS medium with sucrose (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 %) was used. In plant acclimatization, the effect of the sucrose concentration used for in vitro shoot growth was assessed. It was found that the concentration of 17.6 μM 6-benzyladenine caused shoot formation in all explants, with eight shoots per explant. The shoots achieved the greatest height when grown in 3 and 4 % sucrose. Over 92 % of the plants transplanted to substrate survived acclimatization.

In situ Management and Domestication of Plants in Mesoamerica

Background and AimsEthnobotanical studies in Mexico have documented that Mesoamerican peoples practise systems of in situ management of wild and weedy vegetation directed to control availability of useful plants. In situ management includes let standing, encouraging growing and protection of individual plants of useful species during clearance of vegetation, which in some cases may involve artificial selection. The aim of this study was to review, complement and re-analyse information from three case studies which examined patterns of morphological, physiological and genetic effects of artificial selection in plant populations under in situ management in the region.MethodsInformation on wild and in situ managed populations of the herbaceous weedy plants Anoda cristata and Crotalaria pumila, the tree Leucaena esculenta subsp. esculenta and the columnar cacti Escontria chiotilla, Polaskia chichipe and Stenocereus stellatus from Central Mexico was re-analysed. Analyses compared morphology and frequency of morphological variants, germination patterns, and population genetics parameters between wild and managed in situ populations of the species studied. Species of columnar cacti are under different management intensities and their populations, including cultivated stands of P. chichipe and S. stellatus, were also compared between species.Key ResultsSignificant differences in morphology, germination patterns and genetic variation documented between wild, in situ managed and cultivated populations of the species studied are associated with higher frequencies of phenotypes favoured by humans in managed populations. Genetic diversity in managed populations of E. chiotilla and P. chichipe is slightly lower than in wild populations but in managed populations of S. stellatus variation was higher than in the wild. However, genetic distance between populations was generally small and influenced more by geographic distance than by management.ConclusionsArtificial selection operating on in situ managed populations of the species analysed is causing incipient domestication. This process could be acting on any of the 600–700 plant species documented to be under in situ management in Mesoamerica. In situ domestication of plants could be relevant to understand early processes of domestication and current conditions of in situ conservation of plant genetic resources.

Pitaya (Stenocereus stellatus) fruit growth is associated to wet season in Mexican dry tropic

Pitaya (Stenocereus stellatus) fruit growth is associated to wet season in Mexican dry tropic

Effectiveness of bats as pollinators of Stenocereus stellatus (Cactaceae) in wild, managed in situ, and cultivated populations in La Mixteca Baja, central Mexico

Stenocereus stellatus is an endemic, self-incompatible, columnar cactus found in central Mexico where many of its wild populations have been fragmented. As an economically important species of fruit-producing cactus, S. stellatus occurs in wild, managed in situ, and cultivated populations. The objectives of this study were to determine the effective pollinators of S. stellatus, to compare pollinator visits and reproductive parameters among the three types of populations, and to determine if nectar feeding-bats are moving among populations. Effective pollinators were the nectarivorous bats Choeronycteris mexicana, Leptonycteris curasoae, and L. nivalis. Fewer total visits per flower per night and fewer visits by Choeronycteris were observed in cultivated populations, while the opposite pattern was observed for Leptonycteris. One aggressive interaction was filmed in which Choeronycteris was physically displaced by Leptonycteris, and Choeronycteris visits were significantly affected by Leptonycteris visits. Cultivated populations received more pollen grains and had more fruit set. Variation in pollinator visits between different populations and the consequent effects on reproductive success were likely a result of competition between bat species, and differences in foraging and in sensitivity of bat species to human populations. Three marked L. curasoae traveled 15 km from their roosting site to their foraging area, and one visited cultivated and managed populations, suggesting that this species may be particularly important in moving pollen among populations.

Triterpenoid saponins from cultural plants of Stenocereus stellatus (Cactaceae)

A new triterpenoid saponin, named stellatoside A (1), and a known saponin (2), were isolated from cultural plants of the cactus Stenocereus stellatus (Ludwig G. K. Pfeiffer) V. Riccobono. The structure of 1 was determined to be a stellatogenin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-β-d-glucuronopyranoside by spectroscopic methods. This is the first study to examine the substances of the cultural plants of cacti.