Why extensive research and development did not promote use of peach palm fruit in Latin America

Agroforestry Systems - Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) was domesticated as a fruit crop by the first Amazonians in traditional Neotropical agroforestry systems, but research and development...     

The potential use of the pejibaye palm in agroforestry systems

The pejibaye's potential for the small holder, especially in an agroforestry environment, is summarized: the fruit can be a significant addition to the family diet and income, both directly and as animal feed; on farm processing of the fruit for baking and other culinary uses has great potential and excedents can be marketed; small scale palmito production can also play an important part in the diet and farm income; oil production may be interesting after improved varieties are developed. The pejibaye's ecological requirements and limitations, its agronomic requirements and practices for small-scale production and its role in agroforestry systems are discussed. A list of Latin American researchers and germplasm contacts is given.     

In vitro screening of biocontrol and biodegradation potential of selected hymenomycetes against Ganoderma boninense and infected oil palm waste

The antagonistic and enzymatic activities of non‐pathogenic hymenomycetes naturally occurring on oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) trunks were assessed to determine their potential as biocontrol agents against G. boninense. Twenty‐five Basidiomycota were isolated on a Ganoderma‐selective medium and identified using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. The three fungi with potentially higher antagonistic activity against G. boninense, based on the percentage inhibition of radial mycelial growth (PIRG) in dual culture, were Pycnoporus sanguineus (84%), Trametes lactinea (82%) and Grammothele fuligo (81%). In addition to these three isolates, Lentinus tigrinus and a Rigidoporus sp. were also able to invade sterilized oil palm blocks previously colonized by G. boninense despite having lower PIRG values. Colonization of oil palm blocks by G. fuligo, P. sanguineus, Rigidoporus sp., T. lactinea and L. tigrinus resulted in mass losses of 32.50, 30.78, 27.64, 25.20 and 19.33%, respectively, probably due to an ability to produce one or more lignocellulolytic enzyme. Further work is needed to determine the enzymatic degradation potential of these fungi under natural conditions and their possible use in the prevention of colonization of oil palm by G. boninense.     

Response of in vitro obtained oil palm and interspecific OxG hybrids to inoculation with Phytophthora palmivora

Bud rot (BR) disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora is the most devastating disease in oil palm cultivation in America. Oil palms that survived BR epidemics were found in areas highly devastated by the disease; these palms were introduced into Cenipalma's in vitro micropropagation (cloning programme). A severity scale was developed for in vitro palms from five ortets inoculated with two different P. palmivora isolates. Then, eight ortets of Elaeis guineensis and two ortets of the OxG interspecific hybrid were evaluated in two inoculation trials under chamber growth conditions. The clone performance response was consistent with that reported in the field for the corresponding ortets, and two contrasting ortets, one susceptible (ortet 57) and one resistant (ortet 34) were identified. We monitored and compared defence responses to P. palmivora in the contrasting ortets. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after inoculation with the pathogen was observed, with higher accumulation of H₂O₂ in the resistant plants. Catalase (CAT) activity in resistant plants increased after inoculation with the pathogen from 24 hr post‐infection (hpi) and remained high during the observation time. In the susceptible ortets, there was a significant increase on catalase activity only at 48 hpi. Peroxidase (POS) activity increased in clones from both susceptible and resistant ortets, but the increase was much greater in the susceptible ones. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity increased in response to inoculation, and these increases were greater in clones of the susceptible ortet than in clones of the resistant ortet.     

甜柿组培苗生根条件的研究

采用正交试验方法,研究了基本培养基、激素种类及浓度和暗培养对甜柿品种上西早生、富有和次郎组培苗生根的作用效果。结果表明,1/2 MS为最适基本培养基,最佳的激素浓度与配比为IBA 1.0 mg/L IAA1.0 mg/L,暗培养5 d对组培苗的生根有很大的促进作用。在此条件下,甜柿组培苗的生根率达到90%以上,3个品种的平均根条数约3.5。     

Regional variation in forest health under long-term air pollution mitigated by lithological conditions

Forest defoliation and discoloration have been monitored extensively in Europe over the past decade, yet the number of published studies seeking to interpret these data in light of environmental parameters such as lithology and airborne pollution are few. In this study we summarize and compare data on defoliation and discoloration of Norway spruce dominated stands from three regions of the Czech Republic that differ in their lithology. In the Šumava and Krkonoše regions these measures increased over the monitoring period, which is interpreted as an effect of residual soil acidification. At Beskydy, a general stability in forest health parameters was observed. Regional differences are attributed to underlying lithography—the greater calcium carbonate content of the flysch bedrock at Beskydy provides better buffering against acid deposition. These results are supported by evidence of similar trends in atmospheric pollution (ambient air concentrations and deposition) between Beskydy and the Krkonoše region and higher sulphur inputs than at Šumava. Stand elevation and age, collected as explanatory variables, did not affect this interpretation. Additionally, in the Krkonoše region forest health data were examined for four soil type categories (extreme, acidic, enriched and nutritive) specific to forest conditions in the Czech Republic. Simple time series analysis of defoliation and discoloration demonstrated that extreme and acidic soils accounted for the majority of the increasing trend of forest decline in Krkonoše. However, multivariate non-linear regression analysis using elevation and stand age revealed that defoliation was not significantly different between acidic and nutritive soil type categories; rather, this was an artefact of the experimental design. The implications of the research are that acidic and nutritive soil type categories respond similarly to acid deposition while enriched, the most nutrient rich type category is most resistant. As such our results support the interpretation that lithology is a factor mitigating forest decline in Norway spruce dominated forests in the Czech Republic. Our results have implications for zonation strategies like those being used in Krkonoše National Park which seek to prescribe specific restoration measures based upon abiotic factors for acid-damaged forests.     

In vitro tests to evaluate potential biological activity in natural substances

The biological activity of polysaccharides from the mycelia of 40 Basidiomycetes was studied using an uncommon toxicity test technique, the planaria bioassay, and the better known potato disk bioassay. The results showed the utility of this duo of 'in vitro' tests as a preliminary screening of the toxicity of substances that are present in aqueous fungal extracts.     

Modeling the long-term natural regeneration potential of woodlands in semi-arid regions to guide restoration efforts

Understanding forest regeneration at sites previously used for agriculture underlies the establishment of science-based woodlands management policies. This is especially relevant in semi-arid areas, where the tree cover is critical in ameliorating the effects of aridity and in preventing desertification and land degradation. Natural regeneration in semi-arid areas occurs very slowly, which in part explains why it has hardly been studied. In the present work, we sought to devise a method to predict the natural regeneration potential of woodlands in semi-arid areas, to be used in guiding restoration efforts. Specifically, we evaluated holm oak coverage at a long-term ecological research site and then designed and validated a model to predict the natural regeneration of holm oak based on a few environmental variables. Unlike available studies, we obtained long-term information on tree regeneration (making use of >60 years of aerial photography) and climate (using long-term climate and microclimate data). We found that microclimate, measured using the potential solar radiation as a proxy, was a key driver of natural regeneration: after 60 years of agricultural abandonment, less sun-exposed areas attained a tree cover >90 %, whereas in more sun-exposed areas it remained below 20 %. We then used the model to map the natural regeneration potential, first in the study area and then in an area where holm oak plantations had been unsuccessfully introduced. In the latter case, the model successfully predicted the failure of this reforestation effort. Our results support the use of this model by decision makers to optimize management practices, as it will encourage the concentration of efforts in areas more prone to successful reforestation and allow the identification of areas more likely to benefit from natural regeneration processes.     

四数九里香种子自然萌发和离体萌发条件筛选

为提高四数九里香种子萌发率,研究了最佳浓硫酸处理种子的时间及不同激素处理对四数九里香种子自然萌发的影响,以完整种子和带胚子叶作为外植体,研究不同质量浓度的6-BA、NAA、IBA、GA3对外植体生长的影响,及不同质量浓度活性炭对外植体褐化的影响。结果表明,浓硫酸最佳处理时间为1 min;用200×10-6的IBA处理过的种子发芽率最高,达50%;其次是50×10~(-6)和150×10~(-6)的NAA,其萌发率均为45%;外植体在添加2.5 mg/L 6-BA、0.2 mg/L IBA、0.1 mg/L GA3或0.2 mg/L NAA的培养基上诱导率较高,活性炭为1.5 g/L时外植体褐化程度最低;四数九里香胚培养的最佳培养基为添加2.5 mg/L 6-BA、0.1 mg/L GA3、0.2mg/L NAA和1.5 g/L活性炭的MS培养基。     

Different culture conditions applied to in vitro shoot multiplication of two Eucalyptus benthamii explant sources

Eucalyptus adult material requires more successive subcultures in the in vitro multiplication phase for increased vigor and cellular activity. This study evaluated the endophytic manifestation and shoot multiplication of one 13-year-old Eucalyptus benthamii clone under different culture conditions and used canopy branches(CB) and trunk base material as explant sources. The culture media were wood plant medium(WPM), Murashige and Skoog medium(MS) and JADS(Correia and co-authors medium).Based on the results of the initial multiplication experiment, further tests examined sucrose concentrations and p H. Morphophysiology, dry mass production, endophyticmanifestation and histochemical were determined. Explant sources responded differently to MS and JADS media, but the WPM medium promoted homogeneous development.The responses were similar for both explant sources when sucrose concentrations varied. Shoots died in the absence of sucrose, showed high oxidation at 60 g L-1 and optimal development at 30 g L-1. Endophytes were more evident for shoots from the CB origin. Explant sources responded distinctively to treatment due to physiological and intrinsic genetic factors. Therefore, explant sources, different culture media, sucrose concentration and p H may determine micropropagation success and influence the presence and/or intensity of endophytic manifestation.     

铁皮石斛菌根真菌离体培养条件初探

通过对温度、光照、pH值和碳源等培养条件进行筛选,研究铁皮石斛菌根真菌在不同培养条件下的生长状况。结果表明,铁皮石斛菌根真菌(001)的较佳培养条件为25℃、12 h光照+12 h黑暗、pH6.5、蔗糖、葡萄糖为适宜碳源。     

Tolerance of salinized floodplain conditions in a naturally occurring Eucalyptus hybrid related to lowered plant water potential

Rising saline groundwater and reduced flooding frequency are causing dieback of Eucalyptus largiflorens F. Muell. along the Murray River in Australia. A green-leaved variant of E. largiflorens, which is probably a hybrid with a local mallee species (E. gracilis F. Muell.), tolerates saline conditions better than the more common grey-leaved variant. The green variant exhibited more negative water potentials than the grey variant, and comparison with soil water potential profiles indicated that the green variant extracted water from slightly higher up the soil profile where the salt content was lower but the soil was drier. However, the stable isotopes of water (2H and 18O) in the xylem did not differ significantly between paired green and grey trees, suggesting that both variants used the same water source. The green variant may be able to extract water for a longer period from a given point in the soil profile and tolerate a higher salt concentration around its roots than the grey variant. Predawn leaf water potentials of both variants decreased with increasing salinity of groundwater and decreasing depth to the groundwater, probably because the roots were being progressively confined to soil with lower matric potential as groundwater discharge through transpiration progressively salinized soil up the profile. The green variant had a lower assimilation rate and stomatal conductance than the grey variant, although the differences were not statistically significant during most of the year. Discrimination of 13C indicated that the green variant had a higher leaf internal CO2 concentration than the grey variant, indicative of a greater biochemical limitation on photosynthesis, perhaps resulting from the effects of operating at lower water potentials. The green variant had significantly lower stem hydraulic conductivity than the grey variant, probably because of its smaller xylem vessel diameter and higher degree of embolism. The more conservative water use of the green variant and its ability to operate at lower water potential than the grey variant appear to underlie its ability to tolerate conditions of reduced useable water above the saline groundwater. This advantage appears to outweigh the costs of increased xylem embolism and reduced assimilation.     

Triterpenoid acids from Schisandra propinqua with cytotoxic effect on rat luteal cells and human decidual cells in vitro

Three triterpenoid acids, nigranoic acid (1), manwuweizic acid (2), schisandronic acid (3), and other four compounds were isolated from the stems of Schisandra propinqua. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant cytotoxic effect against human decidual cells and rat luteal cells in vitro.     

Clonal and seasonal differences in leaf osmotic potential and organic solutes of five hybrid poplar clones grown under field conditions

Leaf osmotic potential at full turgor (Psi(pio)) and the major solutes that contribute to osmotic potential were characterized in five hybrid poplar clones of Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray x P. deltoides Bartr. (TD) and P. deltoides x P. nigra L. (DN), growing under field conditions at two sites in eastern Washington and Oregon, USA. Trees were drip irrigated with 46, 76 or 137 cm of supplemental irrigation during each growing season. Trees at Wallula, WA, which were in their third growing season in 1994, were sampled twice a year for two years (1994 and 1995), and trees at Boardman, OR, which were in their second growing season in 1994, were sampled once a year for three years (1994-1996). At Wallula, the TD and DN clones exhibited lower predawn leaf water potentials in the 46-cm treatment than in the 137-cm treatment (-1.2 versus -0.7 MPa) during a hot, dry period in July 1994. Clone TD had a lower Psi(pio) than Clone DN (-1.67 versus -1.56 MPa) during the same period and the difference was also evident in 1995 (-1.81 versus -1.72 MPa) when trees were in their fourth growing season. There was also a significant treatment effect on Psi(pio) in Clone TD, with trees in the 46-cm treatment having lower Psi(pio) than trees in the 137-cm treatment in July 1994. At Boardman, Psi(pio) was generally high with no treatment differences during the 1994-96 samplings. The TD clones had significantly lower Psi(pio) than the DN clones in 1994 (-1.44 versus -1.36 MPa) and 1996 (-1.72 versus -1.54 MPa), but there was no difference between clones in 1995 (-1.40 versus -1.43 MPa). In 1995, at Wallula, osmotic adjustment in Clone TD was largely accounted for by an increase in sucrose, which constituted 70% of total organic solutes. Although the total concentration of free primary amino acids in this clone was 28% higher in trees in the 46-cm treatment than in trees in the 137-cm treatment, amino acids constituted only a small fraction of the total solute pool. Sixty-two percent of total solutes were inorganic ions in Clone TD compared to 52% in Clone DN, and potassium was the main ion constituting about 30% of total solutes and 50% of total ions. However, the clonal difference in Psi(pio) was not fully accounted for by the difference in solute concentration. Osmotic potential at full turgor declined over the growing season and with age. We conclude that, because the extent of osmotic adjustment exhibited by these clones was small, other drought resistance mechanisms contributed to the clonal differences in field performance.     

The effect of berberine in vitro on tight junctions in human Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells

Berberine is one of the main alkaloids of Rhizoma coptidis which has been used for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. The major aim of this study was to investigate the effect of berberine on tight junction. Caco-2 cells were treated with various concentration of berberine. We observed the integrity of tight junction by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and also studied the effect of berberine on morphology of tight junction and tight junction protein. These findings showed the first time that berberine could reduce epithelial gut permeability, and might help explain the possible mechanisms of anti-diarrhea activity of berberine.     

Effect of Citrus bergamia juice on human neuroblastoma cells in vitro and in metastatic xenograft models

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor with poor prognosis in children with disseminated stage of disease. A number of studies show that molecules largely distributed in commonly consumed fruits and vegetables may have anti-tumor activity. In this study we evaluate the effect of Citrus bergamia (bergamot) juice (BJ) in vitro and in a spontaneous metastatic neuroblastoma SCID mouse model. Qualitative and quantitative characterizations of BJ flavonoid fractions were performed by RP-HPLC/PDA/MS. We show that BJ significantly affects SK-N-SH and LAN-1 cell proliferation in vitro, but fails to reduce primary tumor weight in vivo. Moreover, BJ reduced cell adhesiveness and invasion of LAN-1 and SK-N-SH cells in vitro and the number of pulmonary metastases under consideration of the number of tumor cells in the blood in mice inoculated with LAN-1 cells in vivo. These effects without any apparent sign of systemic toxicity confirm the potential clinical interest of BJ and lay the basis for further investigation in cancer.     

Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana in the control of tea termite Microtermes obesi Holmgren in vitro and under field conditions

Two strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin and two strains of Beauveria bassiana (Ballsamo) Vuillemin were evaluated for their potential use as biological control agents against the tea termite Microtermes obesi Holmgren. The strains were screened for relative pathogenicity, and the median lethal time eliciting 50% mortality (LT₅₀) was calculated. In general, the M. anisopliae strains were more virulent with lower LT₅₀ values than B. bassiana strains. The LT₅₀ values ranged from 1.6 to 3.7 days. The median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of all the isolates were also determined. The M. anisopliae strains had low LC₅₀ values compared to B. bassiana strains. The LC₅₀ values ranged from 35 to 140 conidia per termite. The strains were also tested for survival under laboratory nest conditions. All the isolates exhibited the ability to grow, sporulate and produce an epizootic in treated nest material. Field applications of the isolates also produced promising results.     

Influence of a long-term storage in anaerobic conditions on Norway spruce (Picea abies,L. Karst.) physical and mechanical wood properties

Timber storage is a key aspect of storm damage management. After huge storms, sprinkling storage is usually the most used conservation process but anaerobic storage in sealed silos appears as good alternative to preserve wood quality over long periods. This paper investigates the impact of long-term (57 months) storage of Norway spruce logs in anaerobic atmosphere on wood properties. Tests were performed on clear wood specimens and on lumbers to determine the modulus of elasticity (E), the static bending strength (σ_f) and the dynamic bending strength (K). Storage effects on impregnability and colour variation were also studied. Results show no effect of storage on E, σ_f and K. The naturally poor impregnability of Norway spruce is not improved by the anaerobic conditions, compared to traditional wet storage. Triangle tests reveal no discernible colour variation between logs that underwent anaerobic storage and the control sample. As a conclusion, despite a mould (Gliocladium solani) frequently observed on logs surface after the storage, the process offers ideal conservation conditions. While overall cost remains the main drawback for using anaerobic storage at large scale, the process can be recommended for high value logs, especially since it has few environmental impacts.     

Sand pine (Pinus clausa) seedling distribution and biomechanics in relation to microsite conditions and proximity to potential nurse plants

We investigated the distribution of sand pine (Pinus clausa) seedlings in relation to the locations of hardwoods and palmettos that had resprouted in five recently clear-cut and one burned stand in sand pine scrub vegetation in Ocala National Forest (Florida, USA). We also studied how the shade and mechanical support provided by the taller resprouts affect the allometry and biomechanics of sand pine seedling stems. Although soil surface temperatures were higher and soil moisture contents (0–5 cm) were lower in open than in covered microsites, sand pine seedling densities did not vary in relation to proximity to resprouted hardwoods and palmettos. There was no apparent nurse plant effect on sand pine seedling distributions, but seedlings that grew up under the resprouts had larger whole stem flexibilities, greater height:diameter ratios, and less tapered stems. In response to the mechanical support and shade of neighboring plants, sand pine seedlings grow taller per unit investment in stem tissue, thereby shortening the period during which they presumably suffer from above-ground competition. This biomechanical plasticity increases the rates at which sand pine seedlings can overtop their resprouted competitors.     

Cytoprotective role of Solanum nigrum against gentamicin-induced kidney cell (Vero cells) damage in vitro.

The 50% ethanol extract of the whole plant of Solanum nigrum was tested in vitro for its cytoprotection against gentamicin-induced toxicity on Vero cells. Cytotoxicity was significantly inhibited as assessed by the Trypan blue exclusion assay and mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (MTT) assay. The test extract also exhibited significant hydroxyl radical scavenging potential, thus suggesting its probable mechanism of cytoprotection.