Contrasting Metabolic Fingerprints and Seed Protein Profiles of Cucurbita foetidissima and C. radicans Fruits from Feral Plants Sampled in Central Mexico.

Cucurbita foetidissima and C. radicans are scarcely studied wild pumpkin species that grow in arid and semi-arid areas of Mexico and the United States. This study describes the morphological, proximal composition, metabolic finger-prints and seed protein profiles of C. foetidissima and C. radicans fruits collected in the wild during a one-year period in different locations of central-western Mexico. The results obtained complement the limited information concerning the fruit composition of C. foetidissima and greatly expand information in this respect regarding C. radicans. Morphology and proximal composition of their fruits varied significantly. Different metabolic fingerprints and seed protein profiles were detected between them and also with the chemical composition of domesticated Cucurbita fruits. The neutral lipids in seed, pulp and peels were rich in wax content and in unsaturated compounds, probably carotenoids and tocopherols, in addition to tri-, di- and mono-acylglycerols. The tri- and diacylglycerol profiles of their seed oils were different from commercial seed oils and between each other. They also showed unusual fatty acid compositions. Evidence of a possible alkaloid in the pulp and peel of both species was obtained in addition to several putative cucurbitacins. An abundance of phenolic acids was found in all fruit parts, whereas flavonoids were only detected in the peels. Unlike most cucurbits, globulins were not the main protein fraction in the seeds of C. radicans, whereas the non-structural carbohydrate and raffinose oligosaccharide content in their fruit parts was lower than in other wild cucurbit species. These results emphasize the significantly different chemical composition of these two marginally studied Cucurbita species, which was more discrepant in C. radicans, despite the notion regarding C. foetidissima as an aberrant species with no affinity to any other Cucurbita species.

Insects associated with the genus Agave spp. (Asparagaceae) in Mexico.

We present a synthesis of the insects reported associated with plants of the genus Agave L. (Asparagaceae) in Mexico, through a detailed review of published records. This work includes two checklists: the first include the species of insects collected in Agave, name of their hosts, their geographical distribution, notes on their biology and, references. Natural enemies of the insects associated with agaves are included in the second checklist with their geographical distribution, insect species host and, references. We found 273 species of insects collected in different Agave species. These species belong to 63 families and 7 orders. The orders of insects with the highest number of species are Coleoptera with 118 species and, Hemiptera with 65. The natural enemies of insects collected in agaves were 98 species from 18 families and 6 orders. The genera Aphytis and Encarsia (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) grouped the largest number of natural enemies of insects that were recorded in Agave with 15 and 10 species, respectively. Insects were collected from 42 species of Agave, of which 25 are endemic to Mexico. This study provides biological information on Mexican insects captured in Agave and, their natural enemies. The need for the conservation of these plants and associated insects is highlighted.

Seasonal Changes in the Metabolic Profiles and Biological Activity in Leaves of Diospyros digyna and D. rekoi "Zapote" Trees.

Leaves of semi-domesticated Diospyros digyna and wild D. rekoi trees, sampled seasonally in Mexico in 2014, were analyzed. Metabolic fingerprints revealed higher metabolite diversity in D. rekoi leaves. The TLC bands characteristic of glycosylated flavonoids, predominant in this species, matched the detection of quercetin and quercetin 3-O-glucuronides by liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS) of spring leaf extracts (LEs). Further gas chromatography (GC-MS) analysis revealed abundant fatty acids, organic acids, and secondary metabolites including trigonelline, p-coumaric, and ferulic and nicotinic acids. Phenolic-like compounds prevailed in D. digyna LEs, while unidentified triterpenoids and dihydroxylated coumarins were detected by UPLC-MS and GC-MS. A paucity of leaf metabolites in leaves of this species, compared to D. rekoi, was evident. Higher antioxidant capacity (AOC) was detected in D. digyna LEs. The AOC was season-independent in D. digyna but not in D. rekoi. The AOC in both species was concentrated in distinct TLC single bands, although seasonal variation in band intensity was observed among trees sampled. The AOC in D. digyna LEs could be ascribed to the coumarin esculetin. The LEs moderately inhibited phytopathogenic bacteria but not fungi. Leaf chemistry differences in these Mesoamerican Diospyros species substantiated previous variability reported in tree physiology and fruit physical chemistry, postulated to result from domestication and seasonality.

Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds in Mexican Lupin Beans Species: A Mini-Review.

As a source of bioactive compounds, species of the genus Lupinus are interesting legumes from a nutritional point of view. Although wild species are abundant and represent a potential source of nutrients and biologically active compounds, most research has focused on domesticated and semi-domesticated species, such as Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus albus, Lupinus luteus, and Lupinus mutabilis. Therefore, in this review, we focus on recent research conducted on the wild Lupinus species of Mexico. The nutritional content of these species is characterized (similar to those of the domesticated species), including proteins (isolates), lipids, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds, such as oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and alkaloids.

Fruits of wild and semi-domesticated Diospyros tree species have contrasting phenological, metabolic, and antioxidant activity profiles.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to commercial Diospyros species, Mesoamerican fruit-producing species are scarcely known, particularly wild species that might harbor desirable traits suitable for breeding. Thus, metabolomic, chemical, and antioxidant profiles of fruits harvested from cultivated Diospyros digyna and wild Diospyros rekoi trees during consecutive winter seasons were obtained. Fruits were harvested in habitats having marked differences in soil quality, climate, and luminosity. RESULTS: D. digyna fruits were larger and less acid than D. rekoi fruits, whereas antioxidant activity tended to be higher in D. rekoi fruits. Phenolic, flavonoid, and sugar contents also varied significantly between species. Metabolomic analysis allowed the pre-identification of 519 and 1665 metabolites in negative and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) modes, respectively. Principal component analysis of the positive ESI data explained 51.8% of the variance and indicated clear metabolomic differences between D. rekoi and D. digyna fruits that were confirmed by direct-injection ESI mass spectrometry profiles. Twenty-one discriminating metabolites were detected in fruits of both species; D. digyna fruits differentially accumulated lysophospholipids, whereas discriminating metabolites in D. rekoi fruits were chemically more diverse than those in D. digyna fruits. CONCLUSION: Domesticated D. digyna fruits have improved physicochemical fruit traits compared with wild D. rekoi fruits, including larger size and lower acidity. The metabolomic and chemical composition of their respective fruits were also significantly different, which in D. rekoi was manifested as a notable season-dependent increase in antioxidant capacity. Therefore, wild D. rekoi can be considered as an important genetic resource for the improvement of commercial Diospyros fruit quality. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Iron bioavailability of Lupinus rotundiflorus seeds and roots in low-iron-diet treated rats / Biodisponibilidade do ferro das sementes e raízes do Lupinus rotundiflorus em ratos tratados com uma dieta de baixo teor de ferro

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate iron bioavailability of roots and cooked seeds of Lupinus rotundiflorus for human consumption using a low-iron-diet rat model. Methods A hemoglobin depletion-repletion test was performed using rats. A standard diet containing 8mg kg-1 of iron was used. Three experimental diets were prepared based on the standard diet: 2.3g of root flour added to D1, 21.5g cooked seed flour added to D2, and 0.03g of ferrous sulfate added to D3 (control diet), adjusting iron concentration of the diets to 24mg kg-1. Hemoglobin regeneration efficiency was used to measure iron bioavailability. Results Hemoglobin regeneration efficiency showed values of 13.80+2.49%, 13.70+1.60% and 18.38+1.56 in D1, D2 and D3 respectively, and biological relative values of 72.8, 75.08, and 100.00% (.<0.05). Conclusion Roots and cooked seeds of Lupinus rotundiflorus showed potential iron bioavailability, despite being a vegetal source, which could also encourage the study of other species of lupin as a source of iron.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a biodisponibilidade do ferro das semente e raízes cozidas de Lupinus rotundiflorus para humanos usando um modelo de rato com deficiência de ferro. Métodos Um teste de depleção-repleção de hemoglobina foi feito usando ratos. Uma dieta base com 8mg kg-1 de ferro foi usada. Partindo da dieta base, três dietas experimentais foram preparadas: D1 com 2,3g de farinha de raiz adicionada, D2 com 21,5g de farinha da semente cozida adicionada e D3 com 0,03g de sulfato ferroso adicionado (dieta controle), ajustando a concentração de ferro das dietas a 24mg kg-1. A eficiência da regeneração da hemoglobina foi usada para medir a biodisponibilidade do ferro. Resultados Regeneração da hemoglobina apresenta valores de 13,80+2,49%, 13,70+1,60% e 18,38+1,56 na D1, D2 e D3 respectivamente e, valores biológicos relativos de 72,8, 75,08 e 100,00% (p<0.05). Conclusão As raízes e sementes cozidas do Lupinus rotundiflorus mostraram potencial biodisponibilidade de ferro, apesar de ser uma fonte vegetal, que poderia também incentivar o estudo de outras espécies de lupino como uma fonte de ferro.

Seasonal variation in non-structural carbohydrates, sucrolytic activity and secondary metabolites in deciduous and perennial Diospyros species sampled in Western Mexico.

This study was performed to test the working hypothesis that the primary determinants influencing seasonal driven modifications in carbon mobilization and other key biochemical parameters in leaves of poorly known Diospyros digyna (Ddg; semi-domesticated; perennial) and D. rekoi (Dre; undomesticated; deciduous) trees are determined by environmental growing conditions, agronomic management and physiological plasticity. Thus, biochemical changes in leaves of both trees were recorded seasonally during two successive fruiting years. Trees were randomly sampled in Western Mexico habitats with differing soil quality, climatic conditions, luminosity, and cultivation practices. Leaves of Ddg had consistently higher total chlorophyll contents (CT) that, unexpectedly, peaked in the winter of 2015. In Dre, the highest leaf CT values recorded in the summer of 2015 inversely correlated with low average luminosity and high Chl a/ Chlb ratios. The seasonal CT variations in Dre were congruent with varying luminosity, whereas those in Ddg were probably affected by other factors, such as fluctuating leaf protein contents and the funneling of light energy to foliar non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) accumulation, which were consistently higher than those detected in Dre leaves. Seasonal foliar NSC fluctuations in both species were in agreement with the carbon (C) demands of flowering, fruiting and/ or leaf regrowth. Seasonal changes in foliar hexose to sucrose (Hex/ Suc) ratios coincided with cell wall invertase activity in both species. In Dre, high Hex/ Suc ratios in spring leaves possibly allowed an accumulation of phenolic acids, not observed in Ddg. The above results supported the hypothesis proposed by showing that leaf responses to changing environmental conditions differ in perennial and deciduous Diospyros trees, including a dynamic adjustment of NSCs to supply the C demands imposed by reproduction, leaf regrowth and, possibly, stress.

Efecto del tratamiento térmico sobre la composición química y minerales en semillas de lupinos silvestres / Effect of thermal treatment on the chemical composition and minerals of wild lupin seeds

Wild lupine consumption has restrictions due to the presence of alkaloids; however, these components can be reduced with a suitable thermal treatment. The aim of this research was to determine the thermal effect on chemical composition and minerals of wild lupine. Lupinus mexicanus had a reduction in protein and fat contents of 34.76 to 33.11 and 6.10 to 5.41 g/100 g of sample respectively, and an increase in ash and dietary fiber of 3.84 to 4.53 g/100 g and 20.9 to 28.48 g/100 g respectively. L. mexicanus raw seeds revealed the highest Ca content (3,252 mg/kg), L. elegans was the highest in Mg with 2,656 mg/kg. Highest Fe content was found in Lupinus rotundiflorus (82.8 mg/kg), and Lupinus exaltatus in Cu (184.4 mg/kg). All species showed similar Zn content of 73.3 mg/kg (Lupinus montanus) to 89.6 mg/kg (L. exaltatus). In all species the Cu content decreased, mainly in Lupinus elegans with a loss of 76,71 %.

El consumo de lupinos silvestres se limita por la presencia de alcaloides, sin embargo se pueden reducir con un tratamiento térmico adecuado. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto térmico sobre la composición química y de minerales de lupinos. En Lupinus mexicanus se observó una reducción en proteínas y grasas de 34,76 a 33,11 g/100 g y de 6,10 a 5,41 g/100 g respectivamente, un incremento de cenizas y fibra dietaria de 3,84 a 4,53 y de 20,9 a 28,48 g/100 g. La semilla cruda de L. mexicanus reveló el más alto contenido de Ca (3252,6 mg/kg), Lupinus elegans en Mg con 2656,4 mg/kg, mientras que Lupinus rotundiflorus fue de Fe (82,8 mg/kg) y Lupinus exaltatus en Cu (184,4 mg/kg). Todas las especies mostraron similar contenido de Zn de 73,3 (L. montanus) to 89,6 mg/kg (L. exaltatus). En todas las especies disminuyó el Cu, principalmente en L. elegans con una pérdida del 76,71 %.

Composición y concentración de alcaloides en Lupinus Exaltatus zucc. durante su crecimiento y desarrollo / Alkaloid composition and concentration in Lupinus Exaltatus zucc. during its growth and development / Composição e concentração de alcaloides em Lupinus Exaltatus zucc. durante seu crescimento e desenvolvimento

Por sus características nutricionales Lupinus exaltatus es considerado una fuente alternativa de alimento para animales en zonas templadas, pero la presencia de alcaloides quinolizidínicos limita su consumo. Se determinó la composición y concentración de alcaloides en hojas, tallos, flores y frutos inmaduros de L. exaltatus durante cinco etapas fenológicas para proponer alternativas de uso y manejo de esta especie como forraje. Se estableció un cultivo en macetas y en cada etapa fenológica se tomaron seis plantas que se separaron en sus diferentes órganos, para ser deshidratados y analizar su composición y contenido de alcaloides por cromatografía de gases capilar-espectrometría de masas (CG-EM). En cada etapa y órganos se identificaron los alcaloides quinolizidínicos lupanina, 3-b-hidroxilupanina, afilina, epiafilina, dehidro-oxoesparteína y a-isolupanina. Aunque el perfil permaneció constante, la concentración de alcaloides totales en los diferentes órganos fluctuó significativamente (0,31-2,1%) en función de las etapas de crecimiento. Tras cinco etapas de crecimiento y desarrollo el menor contenido promedio de alcaloides se encontró en tallos (0,63%) mientras que en frutos inmaduros (vainas verdes) se encontró el más alto (1,95%). La lupanina resultó ser el compuesto individual mayoritario en tallos y frutos. Aunque no se detectaron alcaloides potencialmente tóxicos y teratogénicos (esparteína citisina, anagirina y amodendrina), los resultados indican que el mayor riesgo de intoxicación del ganado por consumo de L. exaltatus podría ocurrir en las etapas de formación de vainas y fructificación, debido a la alta concentración de alcaloides totales y mayor abundancia de lupanina en frutos inmaduros.

Due to its nutritional characteristics, Lupinus exaltatus is considered as an alternative source of animal feed in temperate regions. However, the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids in different plant organs limits its consumption. The composition and concentration of alkaloids in leaves, stems, flowers, and inmature fruits of L. exaltatus was determined in five different phenological stages with the final purpose of suggesting alternatives for its management and use as forage. Plants were sowed in pots and at each phenological stage six plants were harvested and separated in roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and inmature pods that were air dried to constant weight. Each organ was analyzed for alkaloid composition and content by capillary gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In each phenological stage and in all organs the alkaloid profile was characterized by the presence of six major alkaloids: epiaphylline aphylline, a-isolupanine, lupanine, dehydro-oxosparteine and 3-b-hydroxylupanine. Although the alkaloid profile was constant, the total concentration in the different organs showed a significant variation (0.31-2.1%) in the different phenological stages. In general, after the five growth stages the stems showed the lowest average total alkaloid concentration (0.63%) whereas inmature pods had the highest total alkaloids (1.95%). Lupanine was the major alkaloid in stems and fruits. Although alkaloids with the highest toxicity (sparteine, anagyrine and ammodendrine) were not detected, the results indicate that the major risk for intoxication could occur during pod growth and seed ripening, due to high total alkaloid content and larger abundance of lupanine in immature fruits.

Por suas características nutricionais Lupinus exaltatus é considerado uma fonte alternativa de alimento para animais em regiões temperadas, mas a presença de alcalóides quinolizidínicos limita seu consumo. Determinou-se a composição e concentração de alcaloides em folhas, caules, flores e frutos imaturos de L. exaltatus durante cinco etapas fenológicas para propor alternativas de uso e manejo desta espécie como forragem. Estabeleceu-se um cultivo em vasos e em cada etapa fenológica foram colhidas seis plantas e separardas em seus diferentes órgãos, para serem deshidratados e para analizar sua composição e conteúdo de alcalóides por cromatografia de gases capilar-espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). Em cada etapa e órgãos foram identificados os alcalóides quinolizidínicos lupanina, 3-b-hidroxi lupanina, afilina, epiafilina, dehidro-oxoesparteína e a-isolupanina. Ainda que o perfil tenha permanecido constante, a concentração de alcaloides totais nos diferentes órgãos flutuou significativamente (0,31-2,1%) em função das etapas de crescimento. Depois de cinco etapas de crescimento e desenvolvimento o menor conteúdo médio de alcaloides foi encontrado em caules (0,63%) enquanto que em frutos imaturos (vagens verdes) se encontrou o mais alto (1,95%). A lupanina resultou ser o composto individual maioritário em caules e frutos. Ainda que não se detectaram alcaloides potencialmente tóxicos e teratogénicos (esparteína citisina, anagirina e amodendrina), os resultados indicam que o mayir risco de intoxicação do gado por consumo de L. exaltatus poderia ocorrer nas etapas de formação de vagens e frutificação, devido a alta concentração de alcaloides totais e maior abundância de lupanina em frutos imaturos.

Evaluación de lodos residuales como abono orgánico en suelos volcánicos de uso agrícola y forestal en Jalisco-México / Evaluation of sewage sludge as an organic fertilizer in volcanic soils of agricultural and forestal use in Jalisco-Mexico

La posibilidad de reutilizar materiales orgánicos ricos en nutrientes hace de la aplicación de lodos residuales en suelos agrícolas y forestales una alternativa importante. Se evaluaron diferentes dosis de lodos de aguas residuales sanitarias como abono orgánico en la productividad de maíz y sobre el desarrollo inicial de Pinus douglasiana. Los experimentos se establecieron en un suelo volcánico ubicado en la zona centro de Jalisco, México. En el cultivo de maíz se evaluaron 10 y 20 t-ha-¹ de lodos deshidratados, así como 10 y 20 t-ha-¹ de compost de lodos mezclados con residuos de jardinería. Los materiales se distribuyeron homogéneamente sobre el suelo bajo un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con cinco repeticiones. Se evaluó el rendimiento de grano y de forraje. El rendimiento de grano en los tratamientos con lodos residuales y compost se incrementó significativamente, en 18 y 22 por ciento respectivamente, con respecto al control. En la plantación de Pinus douglasiana se evaluaron 00,30, 60 y 100 g de lodos por árbol. A los 14 meses de la plantación se registró una supervivencia de hasta 83 por ciento en las parcelas con mayor dosis de lodos mientras que en el control la supervivencia fue de 67 por ciento. La altura y diámetro del tallo se incrementaron en ~18 por ciento con la mayor dosis de lodos, en comparación con el control. La aplicación de lodos de aguas residuales sanitarias como abono orgánico mejoró la producción de maíz y el crecimiento inicial de Pinus douglasiana en suelos volcánicos.

Evaluación químico-nutricional de lupinus exaltatus zucc, del nevado de colima México como fuente potencial del forraje / Chemical nutritional evaluation of lupinus exaltatus zucc from nevado de colima Mexico, as a potential source forage

Con el objetivo de conocer el potencial forrajero de Lupinus exaltatus se realizó un análisis proximal, fibra detergente neutro (FDN), fibra detergente ácido (FDA), nitrógeno no proteico (NNP), alcaloides y digestibilidad in situ en muestras de semilla, follaje, vainas maduras y planta completa colectadas en el Nevado de Colima, México. Las semillas presentaron un contenido de proteínas del 38,4 ±0,48 por ciento, con una digestibilidad del 70,0 ±3,0 por ciento y niveles de NNP del 1,0 ±0,02 por ciento, sin embargo alto en alcaloides (2,1 ±0,05 por ciento). El follaje presentó una proporción de proteína de 23,5 ±0,9 por ciento y valores de fibra de 26,5 ±1,2 por ciento, FDN de 55,3 ±1,7 por ciento y FDA de 34,8 ±0,8 por ciento, así como la mayor digestibilidad de la materia orgánica (60,0 ±2,3 por ciento) y menores contenidos de NNP (0,6 ±0,01 por ciento) y alcaloides (1,0 ±0,018 por ciento). La planta completa mostró valores similares al follaje. Las vainas revelaron el menor valor en proteínas (8,5 ±0,3 por ciento) y de digestibilidad proteica (26,0 ±1,2 por ciento), pero el mayor contenido de fibra cruda (52,4 ±0,3 por ciento), FDN (84,1 ±3,0 por ciento) y FDA (76,5 ±2,8 por ciento), además de bajos niveles de NNP (0,2 ±0,004 por ciento) y alcaloides (0,78 ±0,02 por ciento). Lupinus exaltatus es buena fuente de proteínas, sobre todo las semillas y el follaje, por lo que estas partes de la planta representan una alternativa potencial para ser utilizadas como forraje en dietas de rumiantes una vez disminuido eliminado los alcaloides por métodos físicos

Utilización de hojarasca de parques y jardines públicos para cultivar Pleurotus spp / The use of leaves waste from public parks and lawns for the culture of Pleurotus spp

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la hojarasca generada por árboles caducifolios como substrato para el cultivo de dos cepas del hongo comestible Pleurotus ostreatus (IBUG-8) y P. pulmonarius (IBUG-4), con base en la disponibilidad y abundancia de tales desechos de parques y jardines. Las eficiencias biológicas obtenidas fueron de 66.98 por ciento ñ 7.45 y 37.6 por ciento ñ 6.67 para las cepas IBUG-8 e IBUG-4 respectivamente. Mientras que la degradación de materia seca de la hojarasca fue de 35.7 por ciento ñ 5.33 con la cepa IBUG-4 y de 31.8 por ciento ñ 4.22 con la cepa IBUG-8. Estos resultados indican que la producción de hongos con este material vegetal, es comparable a las obtenidas con el bagazo de caña, hoja de caña de azúcar y pulpa de café