Differential Susceptibility of Tree Tomato (Solanum betaceum) Cultivars to Late Blight Caused by Phytophthora betacei.

Host-pathogen interactions of a new species of Phytophthora, causal agent of late blight of tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.), identified as Phytophthora betacei, were investigated with four different cultivars. Thirty-six P. betacei isolates, collected from southern Colombia between 2008 and 2009, were used to inoculate common tree tomato cultivars, Común, Híbrido, Injerto, and Holandés. Data on incubation and latent periods as well as infection efficiency, lesion development, and total sporulation were collected via detached leaf assays. Significant differences in susceptibility, based on the parameters measured, were observed. Común was the most susceptible cultivar, followed by Injerto, Híbrido, and Holandés. The mean incubation period was lowest for Común at 125.6 h post-inoculation (hpi) and highest for Híbrido at 139.4 hpi. No significant differences in latent period were observed. All 36 isolates produced necrotic lesions on Común, and 33, 24, and 21 caused infection on Injerto, Híbrido, and Holandés, respectively. Two isolates were able to cause infection only on Común, and 13 isolates were able to infect all four cultivars. Infection efficiency was significantly higher for the cultivar Común, followed by Injerto, Híbrido, and Holandés. Average lesion size was larger on Común than on any other cultivar. An inverse relationship of lesion size and total sporulation was observed. Común had significantly lower total sporulation than Híbrido and Holandés, which had the smallest average lesion sizes. These data show variation in pathogenicity of P. betacei isolates, under controlled conditions, and differential susceptibility of four distinct S. betaceum cultivars.

Phytophthora betacei, a new species within Phytophthora clade 1c causing late blight on Solanum betaceum in Colombia.

Over the past few years, symptoms akin to late blight disease have been reported on a variety of crop plants in South America. Despite the economic importance of these crops, the causal agents of the diseases belonging to the genus Phytophthora have not been completely characterized. In this study, a new Phytophthora species was described in Colombia from tree tomato (Solanum betaceum), a semi-domesticated fruit grown in northern South America. Comprehensive phylogenetic, morphological, population genetic analyses, and infection assays to characterize this new species, were conducted. All data support the description of the new species, Phytophthora betacei sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that this new species belongs to clade 1c of the genus Phytophthora and is a close relative of the potato late blight pathogen, P. infestans. Furthermore, it appeared as the sister group of the P. andina strains collected from wild Solanaceae (clonal lineage EC-2). Analyses of morphological and physiological characters as well as host specificity showed high support for the differentiation of these species. Based on these results, a complete description of the new species is provided and the species boundaries within Phytophthora clade 1c in northern South America are discussed.

Chemical Studies of Yellow Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) Fruit Flavor by Using a Molecular Sensory Approach.

The odor-active volatile compounds of yellow tamarillo fruit (S. betaceum Cav.) were identified and quantified by using a sensomics approach, combining a gentle volatile extraction (solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE)), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and sensory analyses (gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA)). The medium-term purpose of this work is to evaluate the change of odor-active volatiles during processing. Thus, (Z)-3-hexenal, hexanal, and ethyl butanoate were identified as key aroma compounds of yellow tamarillo. The C6-aliphatic compounds, aliphatic esters, and terpenols were characterized as the volatiles responsible for the herbal-green, fruity, and fresh-mint odor notes of this variety, respectively. Additionally, one non-volatile compound contributing to the residual bitter taste of this fruit was isolated by a bioguided (taste sensory analyses) fractionation. The freeze-dried fruit was sequentially liquid-liquid partitioned with solvents of different polarity, and then the ethyl acetate fraction was submitted to size exclusion chromatography. Then, its structure was elucidated as rosmarinic acid, by using common spectroscopic methods (mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)). The amount of rosmarinic acid was quantified as 46.17 ± 1.20 mg/100 g of dried fruit, by the external standard method. Its bitter taste threshold value was determined by using the 3AFC (alternative forced choice) method to be 37.00 ± 1.25 mg/L.

An Efficient Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation Method for Solanum betaceum Cav. Embryogenic Callus.

Somatic embryogenesis in Solanum betaceum (tamarillo) has proven to be an effective model system for studying morphogenesis, since optimized plant regeneration protocols are available, and embryogenic competent cell lines can be induced from different explants. Nevertheless, an efficient genetic transformation system for embryogenic callus (EC) has not yet been implemented for this species. Here, an optimized faster protocol of genetic transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens is described for EC. The sensitivity of EC to three antibiotics was determined, and kanamycin proved to be the best selective agent for tamarillo callus. Two Agrobacterium strains, EHA105 and LBA4404, both harboring the p35SGUSINT plasmid, carrying the reporter gene for ß-glucuronidase (gus) and the marker gene neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII), were used to test the efficiency of the process. To increase the success of the genetic transformation, a cold-shock treatment, coconut water, polyvinylpyrrolidone and an appropriate selection schedule based on antibiotic resistance were employed. The genetic transformation was evaluated by GUS assay and PCR-based techniques, and a 100% efficiency rate was confirmed in the kanamycin-resistant EC clumps. Genetic transformation with the EHA105 strain resulted in higher values for gus insertion in the genome. The protocol presented provides a useful tool for functional gene analysis and biotechnology approaches.

Ethylene Inhibition Reduces De Novo Shoot Organogenesis and Subsequent Plant Development from Leaf Explants of Solanum betaceum Cav.

In de novo shoot organogenesis (DNSO) plant cells develop into new shoots, without the need of an existing meristem. Generally, this process is triggered by wounding and specific growth regulators, such as auxins and cytokinins. Despite the potential significance of the plant hormone ethylene in DNSO, its effect in regeneration processes of woody species has not been thoroughly investigated. To address this gap, Solanum betaceum Cav. was used as an experimental model to explore the role of this hormone on DNSO and potentially extend the findings to other woody species. In this work it was shown that ethylene positively regulates DNSO from tamarillo leaf explants. Ethylene precursors ACC and ethephon stimulated shoot regeneration by increasing the number of buds and shoots regenerated. In contrast, the inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis or perception by AVG and AgNO3 decreased shoot regeneration. Organogenic callus induced in the presence of ethylene precursors showed an upregulated expression of the auxin efflux carrier gene PIN1, suggesting that ethylene may enhance shoot regeneration by affecting auxin distribution prior to shoot development. Additionally, it was found that the de novo shoot meristems induced in explants in which ethylene biosynthesis and perception was suppressed were unable to further develop into elongated shoots. Overall, these results imply that altering ethylene levels and perception could enhance shoot regeneration efficiency in tamarillo. Moreover, we offer insights into the possible molecular mechanisms involved in ethylene-induced shoot regeneration.

The effects of pesticides on morphology, viability, and germination of Blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth.) and Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) pollen grains.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of application of pesticides on morphology, viability, and germination of pollen grains of Blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth.) and Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.). The study was performed at Patate, Tungurahua province, Ecuador and was divided into two phases. Phase one dedicated to the study of morphology, viability, and identification of nutrient solution for better germination of pollen grains and phase two for the analysis of the effect of conventional, organic, and biological pesticides on pollen grain germination and pollen tube length. To study pollen morphology, pollens were extracted by hand pressure and was analyzed by optical and electron microscopy. The viable pollen grains were identified by staining with 1% acetocarmine. Even though Tree tomato and Blackberry pollen grains are morphologically similar, their exine shapes differ. We observed four times increase in pollen germination rate when suspended in nutrient solution (Sucrose with Boric acid) than control (water). Pollen grains under nutrient solution were subjected to different groups of pesticides for the period of 2, 4, and 6 h. With respect to pesticide affect, the Blackberry pollen grain germination followed the following order: Lecaniceb > Beauveb > Metazeb => Myceb > Control. However, the effect on Tree tomato pollen grains was as follows: Lecaniceb > Myceb > Cantus > Bacillus thuringiensis > Kripton > Control. As per as pollen grain germination is concerned, we observed that the chemical pesticides are more harmful than other pesticides. So, it is necessary to perform screening test for different pesticides and their effect on pollen grain germination before applying to the fields.

Mutagénesis inducida en plantas de Solanum betaceum Cav. mediante el uso de dietil sulfato (DES) / Induced mutagenesis in Solanum betaceum Cav. plants by the use of diethyl sulphate (DES)

RESUMEN La materia prima del fitomejoramiento es la variabilidad genética, que se presenta baja, en especies en proceso de domesticación, que no han sido sometidas a selección, como en Solanum betaceum. Una de las tecnologías para incrementar la variabilidad genética es la inducción de mutagénesis. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar, a través de marcadores RAMs, las variaciones moleculares presentes en plántulas de S. betaceum, provenientes de semillas sometidas a diferentes concentraciones del agente mutante dietil sulfato (DES). Los loci polimórficos oscilaron entre 87,5 y 100 % y el número de alelos efectivos (Ne), entre 1,0 y 1,99. Los loci más polimórficos se observaron en TG, AG, ACA y CGA, que mostraron una heterosis media insesgada entre 0,34 y 0,51, que permite establecer que estos marcadores sean útiles para obtener mayor discriminación entre mutantes en S. betaceum. Las distancias genéticas oscilaron entre 0,30 y 1,0. El 81,28 % de estos registros se dieron entre 0,60 y 0,90; esto revela bajo nivel de cambios, debido al DES. Estos pequeños cambios contribuyeron a enriquecer la variabilidad genética de la muestra tratada con DES. Los marcadores RAMs fueron útiles para detectar cambios entre plantas provenientes de semillas tratadas con DES y plantas normales. La variabilidad genética entre tratamientos con DES fueron más altos que tratamientos sin DES. Las similitudes genéticas fueron bajas entre plantas tratadas y no tratadas y fueron altas, entre no tratadas. Los cambios producidos por DES fueron de baja magnitud; sin embargo, produjeron cambios en los niveles de variabilidad genética.

ABSTRACT The raw material for plant breeding is genetic variability, which is low in species in the process of domestication that have not been subjected to selection, as is the case with Solanum betaceum. One of the technologies to increase genetic variability is mutagenesis induction. The objective was to evaluate, through RAMs markers, the molecular variations present in S. betaceum seedlings from seeds previously subjected to different concentrations of the mutant agent diethyl sulfate (DES). The polymorphic loci ranged from 87.5 to 100%, number of effective alleles (Ne) between 1.0 and 1.99. The most polymorphic loci were observed in TG, AG, ACA, and CGA, which showed a mean unbiased heterosis between 0.34 and 0.51 with an average of 0.44, which allows establishing that these markers are useful to obtain greater discrimination between mutants in S. betaceum. Genetic distances ranged from 0.30 to 1.0. The 81.28% of these records were between 0.60 and 0.90. This reveals a low level of changes due to DES. These small changes contribute to enriching the genetic variability of the DES-treated sample. The RAMs markers were useful for detecting changes between plants from DES treated seeds and normal plants. Genetic variability between DES treatments was higher than non-DES treatments. Genetic similarities were low between treated and untreated plants and were high among untreated plants. The changes produced by DES were of low magnitude, however, they produced changes in the levels of genetic variability.

Diversity for chemical composition in a collection of different varietal types of tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.), an Andean exotic fruit.

We evaluated 23 tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) accessions from five cultivar groups and one wild relative (Solanum cajanumense) for 26 composition traits. For all traits we found highly significant differences (P<0.001) among the materials studied. The high diversity found within S. betaceum for composition traits was matched by a high diversity within each of the cultivar groups. We found that sucrose and citric acid were the most important soluble sugar and organic acid, respectively, in tree tomato. Fruit in the anthocyanin pigmented (purple) group had a carotenoid content similar to that in the yellow-orange cultivar groups. Total phenolic content was significantly correlated (r=0.8607) with antioxidant activity. Analyses of mineral content showed that tree tomato is a good source of K, Mg, and Cu. Multivariate principal components analysis (PCA) confirmed that an important diversity exists within each cultivar group. The results we have obtained indicate that the high diversity found within the tree tomato could be exploited for selection and breeding for developing the tree tomato as a commercial crop.

Evaluación del efecto protector contra la oxidación lipídica de fracciones obtenidas a partir del epicarpio de tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum Sendtn) / Evaluation of protective effect against lipid oxidation of fractions obtained from tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Sendtn) epicarp / Avaliação do efeito protetor contra oxidação lipídica de frações obtidas a partir da casca de tomate da árvore (Solanum betaceum Sendtn)

Resumen Se obtuvieron fracciones a partir del epicarpio de tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum Sendtn) y se evaluó su efecto protector contra la oxidación lipídica en carne de res cocida (CRC). Un extracto obtenido a través de extracción supercrítica fue fraccionado empleando, a su vez, extracción en fase sólida; dichas fracciones fueron adicionadas a CRC (concentración 200 mg/kg). El efecto protector fue determinado a través de la comparación de algunos productos de oxidación y el antioxidante sintético terbutilhidroxiquinona (TBHQ, concentración 200 mg/kg). Cuatro fracciones fueron obtenidas, la fracción de mayor polaridad mostró una alta eficiencia para inhibir la oxidación lipídica en CRC, reduciendo la formación de hidroperóxidosHPL y TBARS en 100 y 98,5%, respectivamente; esta mostró una eficiencia superior a la observada para el TBHQ. Esta fracción más activa fue sometida a análisis HPLC-DAD y se identificaron algunos compuestos fenólicos: tres catequinas (epigalocatequina, epicatequina y galato de epigalocatequina) y un ácido fenólico (rosmarínico). Los resultados obtenidos permitieron evidenciar que el epicarpio de tomate de árbol es fuente de antioxidantes con efecto protector sobre CRC, alternativa de aprovechamiento y valorización para dicho residuo agroindustrial.

Abstract Fractions from tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Sendtn) epicarp were obtained and their effect against lipid oxidation in cooked beef meat (CBM) was evaluated. An extract obtained by supercritical fluids extraction was fractionated using solid phase extraction and these fractions were added to CBM (at 300 mg/kg). The protector effect against lipid oxidation was determined by measuring some lipid oxidation products and comparison against the synthetic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ at 300 mg/ kg). Four fractions were obtained, the most polar fraction showed high efficiency to reduce the lipid oxidation on CBM, this fraction reduced the LHP and TBARS formation at 100.0 and 98.5%, respectively. This fraction showed an ability to retard lipid oxidation in CRC higher than TBHQ. The fraction with the highest protector effect was analyzed for its phenolic composition by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). Three catechin (epigallocatechin, epicatechin and epigallocatechin gallate) and a phenolic acid (rosmarinic acid) were identified. The results revealed that the tree tomato epicarp is a source of antioxidants with protective effect on CBM, an alternative for the use and valorization of this agroindustrial waste.

Resumo Frações da casca de tomate de árvore (Solanum betaceum Sendtn) foram obtidas e seu efeito para retardar a oxidação dos lipídios em carne bovina cozida (CBC) foi avaliado. Um extrato obtido através da extração supercrítica foi fracionado utilizando extração em fase sólida e as frações obtidas foram adicionadas á CBC (concentração 300 mg/kg). O efeito protetor contra a oxidação dos lipídios foi determinado medindo alguns produtos de oxidação e comparando com a terbutil-hidroquinona (TBHQ, concentração 300 mg/kg). Quatro frações foram obtidas, destas, a fração de maior polaridade mostrou a maior eficiência para inibir a oxidação dos lipídios da CBC, reduzindo a formação de HPL e TBARS em 100 e 98,5%, respectivamente; mostrou uma eficiência maior da observada para TBHQ. Esta foi submetida a análise por a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector de díodos (HPLC-DAD) e foram identificados alguns compostos fenólicos: três catequinas (epigalocatequina, galato de epicatequina e galato de epigalocatequina) e um ácido fenólico (rosmarínico). Os resultados permitiram evidênciar que a casca do tomate de árvore é uma fonte de compostos antioxidantes comefeito protetor sobre a CBC, esta é uma alternativa de utilização e aproveitamento deesse resíduo agroindustrial.

Efecto del consumo de jugo de tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea) sobre el perfil lipídico y las concentraciones de glucosa en adultos con hiperlipidemia, ecuador / Effect of consumption of tree tomato juice (Cyphomandra betacea) on lipid profile and glucose concentrations in adults with hyperlipidemia, ecuador

En este trabajo se evaluó el efecto del consumo del jugo de tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea) sobre parámetros nutricionales y bioquímicos en 54 voluntarios (44 mujeres y 10 hombres) con edades 45±8 años de Ecuador. Al inicio se les realizó una evaluación nutricional y bioquímica, luego se les invitó a consumir el jugo (100g de fruto en 150 ml de agua) diariamente durante 6 semanas. Finalizado este tiempo, se procedió a realizar la evaluación nutricional y bioquímica nuevamente. La evaluación nutricional determinó 67% de obesidad abdominal. Disminuyendo a 53% después del consumo del jugo de tomate de árbol. El 87% de los voluntarios antes del tratamiento, mostraron hipercolesterolemia; 40,7% y 46,3% tenían los triglicéridos y el LDL elevados y 18,5% valores de glucosa entre 98-130mg/dL. Valores que disminuyeron significativamente en este grupo después de la toma del jugo En general, tanto en voluntarios con y sin sobrepeso se observó disminución significativa de colesterol total, LDL y glucosa; sin cambios significativos en los valores de HDL. El consumo del jugo no afectó la actividad de las enzimas alanina-aminotransferasa ni aspartato-aminotransferasa, tampoco las concentraciones de creatinina, urea y ácido úrico; ni la presión arterial, demostrando que no afecta la función hepática ni renal. Estos resultados indican que el consumo del jugo de tomate de árbol, durante seis semanas, parece ejercer un efecto hipolipemiante y moduladora en el metabolismo de la glucosa y colocan a C betacea como uno de los frutos andinos con alto potencial nutraceutico. Sin embargo, estos aspectos deben ser investigados con más detalles(AU)

In this work the effect of consumption of tree tomato juice (Cyphomandra betacea) was evaluated on nutritional and biochemical parameters in 54 volunteers (44 women and 10 men) aged 45 ± 8 years-Ecuador. A nutritional and biochemical evaluation was performed in volunteers; then they were invited to drink tree tomato juice (100g of fruit in 150 ml of water) daily for 6 weeks. Finished these 6 weeks, volunteers were nutritional and biochemical evaluated again. 67% abdominal obesity was found, decreasing at 53% after drinking the established dosage of juice. 87% of the volunteers before treatment, showed hypercholesterolemia, 40.7% and 46.3% had hypertriglyceridemia and elevated LDL, respectively and 18.5% glucose concentrations between 98-130 mg/dL. These values decrease significantly in this group after drinking tomato juice. In general, Total Cholesterol, LDL and glucose concentrations decrease significantly after drinking tree tomato juice in all the voluntaries with or without overweight. There is no change in HDL concentrations. The consumption of tree tomato juice did not affect the activity of alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase enzymes either creatinine, urea and uric acid concentrations, neither blood pressure suggesting that does not affect renal or liver function. These results indicate that consumption of tree tomato juice for six weeks appears to have a lipid-lowering and modulating effect on glucose metabolism, suggesting C betacea as one of the high Andean fruits nutraceutical potential. However, this issue should be investigated in more detail(AU)

Genetic variation in the Solanaceae fruit bearing species lulo and tree tomato revealed by Conserved Ortholog (COSII) markers.

The Lulo or naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) and the tree tomato or tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav. Sendt.) are both Andean tropical fruit species with high nutritional value and the potential for becoming premium products in local and export markets. Herein, we present a report on the genetic characterization of 62 accessions of lulos (n = 32) and tree tomatoes (n = 30) through the use of PCR-based markers developed from single-copy conserved orthologous genes (COSII) in other Solanaceae (Asterid) species. We successfully PCR amplified a set of these markers for lulos (34 out of 46 initially tested) and tree tomatoes (26 out of 41) for molecular studies. Six polymorphic COSII markers were found in lulo with a total of 47 alleles and five polymorphic markers in tree tomato with a total of 39 alleles in the two populations. Further genetic analyses indicated a high population structure (with F(ST) > 0.90), which may be a result of low migration between populations, adaptation to various niches and the number of markers evaluated. We propose COSII markers as sound tools for molecular studies, conservation and the breeding of these two fruit species.

Efecto de la ingesta de dietas con tomate (Lycopersicum esculentum) y tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea (Cav) Sendtn) en los lípidos sanguíneos de ratas / Effect of dietary intake of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea (Cav) Sendtn) on blood lipids in rats

Consumption of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum ) and tree tomato ( Cyphomandra betacea ) is interesting for its nutritional composition and content of antioxidant compounds. This research evaluated the effect of diets intake with tomatoes on blood lipids in rats. First, fatty acids were determined in tomato seeds. Subsequently, rats (Sprague-Dawley, 6 females per group , 2 months old and weight 160 g) were fed with basal diet (AIN-93M) supplemented with 10% tomato and tomato tree at the expense of starch for 5 weeks. Efficiency and diet digestibility were calculated. Triglycerides (plasma), total cholesterol (serum), HDL (plasma) were measured and LDL was calculated. Results showed that seeds of C. betacea 7% had more polyunsaturated fatty acids than L. esculentum. Consumption of diets with both fruits decreased triglycerides and LDL and increased HDL. The results indicate the importance of encouraging the consumption of these fruits as a contribution to the prevention of some chronic diseases.

El consumo de tomate (Lycopersicum esculentum) y tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea) resulta de interés por su composición nutricional y contenido de compuestos antioxidantes. Esta investigación evaluó el efecto de la ingesta de dietas con tomates en los lípidos sanguíneos de ratas. Primero, se determinaron los ácidos grasos en semillas de tomates. Posteriormente, a ratas (Sprague-Dawley, 6 hembras por grupo, 2 meses de edad y peso 160 g), se les suministró dieta basal (AIN- 93M), dietas suplementadas con 10% de tomate y de tomate de árbol a expensas del almidón, durante 5 semanas. Se calculó la eficiencia y digestibilidad de la dieta. Se midieron los triglicéridos (plasma), colesterol total (suero), HDL (plasma) y LDL calculado. Resultados indicaron 7% más de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados en semillas de C. betacea respecto a L. esculentum. El consumo de dietas con ambos frutos disminuyó los triglicéridos y LDL y aumentó el HDL. Los resultados señalan la importancia de incentivar el consumo de ambos frutos como una contribución a la prevención de algunas enfermedades crónicas.

Caracterización física, química y compuestos bioactivos de pulpa madura de tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea) (Cav.) Sendtn.

El tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea) es apreciado por sus cualidades nutritivas y ser fuente de compuestos antioxidantes, calcio, fósforo, potasio y hierro, azúcares, ácidos orgánicos, pectinas y flavonoides. En este estudio se determinaron parámetros físicos (peso, tamaño, fuerza compresión, humedad) y químicos (°Brix, acidez titulable, pH, proteína, fibra dietaria, cenizas, minerales y bioaccesibilidad de minerales, pectina, compuestos antioxidantes) del fruto procedente del Estado Aragua, Venezuela, como una contribución para incentivar y diversificar su consumo. La caracterización reflejó que los frutos estaban en estado de madurez para su consumo (°Brix 10,51, pH 3,5, acidez 0,02 g/100 ml y fuerza de compresión 4,32 Kgf/cm2), con rendimiento de pulpa del 74%. Los resultados del análisis de la pulpa madura reflejan un aporte de 30 Kcal/100g, fibra dietaria (4,10g/100g) y valores de fósforo, calcio, magnesio potasio y hierro de 331,32; 21,25; 21,18; 17,03; 7,44 mg/100g respectivamente. Se obtuvo 6,71 y 1,86 % de bioaccesibilidad para calcio y hierro. La pectina extraída (1,00 g/100g) resultó ser de alto metoxilo y alto grado de esterificación. La capacidad antioxidante de la pulpa madura (EC50 de 165 g /g DPPH y poder reductor de 0,07 mmol Fe +2/100g) pudiera atribuirse a la presencia de ácido ascórbico (23,32 mg/100g), licopeno (1,22 mg/100g), compuestos fenólicos (1,39 mg EAG/ g), antocianinas (0,29 mg cianidina/g) y taninos (0,40 mg catequina/ 100g). Los resultados obtenidos pueden ser utilizados para promover los beneficios sobre la salud y sugerir su uso como ingrediente funcional en el desarrollo de productos.

Physical, chemical and bioactive compounds of tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea). Tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea) is appreciated for its excellent nutritional qualities, being considered a good source of antioxidants compounds, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, sugars, organic acids, pectins and flavonoids. In this study, were evaluated physical parameters (weight, size, compression strength and humidity) and chemical (°Brix, titratable acidity, pH, protein, dietary fiber, ash, minerals and their bioaccesibility, pectin, antioxidants compounds) of the fruit from the Aragua State, Venezuela, as a contribution to stimulate and diversify the consumption of the tree tomato. The characterization showed that the fruits were at the ripening stage for consumption (°Brix 10.51, pH 3.5, acidity 0.02 g/100ml and 4.32 Kgf/cm2 compression strength) gave a yield of 74% pulp. The analytical results of the ripped pulp showed a content of 30 Kcal/100g, dietary fiber (4.10g/100g), and minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron (331.32, 21.25, 21.18, 17.03 and 7.44 mg/100g, respectively). Bioaccesibility values of 6.71 and 1.86% were reported for calcium and iron. The extracted pectin (1.00 g/100g) was classified as high methoxyl with high degree of esterification. The antioxidant capacity of the ripped pulp (EC50 of 165.00 g /g DPPH and reducing power of 0.07 mmol Fe +2/100g), could be attributed to the presence of ascorbic acid (23.32 mg/100g), lycopene (1.22 mg/100 g), and phenolic compounds (1.39 mg GAE/g), anthocyanins (0.29 mg cyanidin/ g) and tannins (0.40 mg catechin/100g).The results obtained encourage the nutritional benefits and suggest applications as a functional ingredient in food product development.

Genetic variation in the Solanaceae fruit bearing species lulo and tree tomato revealed by Conserved Ortholog (COSII) markers

The Lulo or naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) and the tree tomato or tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav. Sendt.) are both Andean tropical fruit species with high nutritional value and the potential for becoming premium products in local and export markets. Herein, we present a report on the genetic characterization of 62 accessions of lulos (n = 32) and tree tomatoes (n = 30) through the use of PCR-based markers developed from single-copy conserved orthologous genes (COSII) in other Solanaceae (Asterid) species. We successfully PCR amplified a set of these markers for lulos (34 out of 46 initially tested) and tree tomatoes (26 out of 41) for molecular studies. Six polymorphic COSII markers were found in lulo with a total of 47 alleles and five polymorphic markers in tree tomato with a total of 39 alleles in the two populations. Further genetic analyses indicated a high population structure (with F ST > 0.90), which may be a result of low migration between populations, adaptation to various niches and the number of markers evaluated. We propose COSII markers as sound tools for molecular studies, conservation and the breeding of these two fruit species.