The biochemical characterization, stabilization studies and the antiproliferative effect of bromelain against B16F10 murine melanoma cells.

The current study aims to extract bromelain from different parts (stem, crown, peels, pulp and leaves) of Ananas comosus var. comosus AGB 772; to determine of optimum pH and temperature; to test bromelain stability in disodium EDTA and sodium benzoate, and to investigate its pharmacological activity on B16F10 murine melanoma cells in vitro. The highest enzymatic activity was found in bromelain extracted from the pulp and peel. The optimum bromelain pH among all studied pineapple parts was 6.0. The optimum temperature was above 50 °C in all bromelain extracts. The fluorescence analysis confirmed the stability of bromelain in the presence of EDTA and sodium benzoate. Bromelain was pharmacologically active against B16F10 melanoma cells and it was possible verifying approximately 100% inhibition of tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Since bromelain activity was found in different parts of pineapple plants, pineapple residues from the food industry may be used for bromelain extraction.

Seed morphoanatomy of the genus Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae) by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy.

Morphoanatomical analysis of seeds contributes to knowledge of the development of seedlings and identification of species, as well as supporting conservation studies. The conservation of the species belonging to the Passiflora genus is crucial due to of the threats to the genetic resources of these species. Thus, the objective of this study was to morphoanatomically characterize Passiflora seeds, verify possible injuries to the tissues after cryopreservation and thus contribute to the conservation strategies of the species of this genus. Initially, seeds of Passiflora coccinea, P. edulis, P. gibertii, P. maliformis, P. morifolia, P. setacea, P. suberosa, and P. tenuifila collected from the Passion Fruit Active Germplasm Bank of the Embrapa Cassava and Fruits research unit (Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura) were analyzed. Then, their length, width and thickness, shape of the base and tip, and ornamentations present on the body and edge of the seeds were evaluated. The seeds of the species were placed in cryotubes and immersed in liquid nitrogen to assess possible cryoinjuries. The tegument and tissues of the seeds were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The seeds had varied biometric data, with average values of 4.63 mm for length, 3.28 mm for width, and 1.51 mm for thickness. Six ornamentation types were observed: reticulate for the species P. coccinea; finely reticulate for P. edulis; foveolate reticulate for P. gibertii and P. setacea; alveolate reticulate for P. maliformis and P. tenuifila; coarsely reticulate for P. morifolia; and falsifoveolate reticulate for P. suberosa. Some seeds suffered tegument cracks due to the freezing in liquid nitrogen, but without physiological damages to the embryo and endosperm. The cryopreservation of the seeds in the presence of the tegument significantly reduced the cryoinjuries caused to the embryo. Cryopreservation can be promising for long-term conservation of passion fruit seeds.

Assessment of metabolic, mineral, and cytotoxic profile in pineapple leaves of different commercial varieties: A new eco-friendly and inexpensive source of bioactive compounds.

Pineapple is among the most produced and consumed fruits worldwide, and consequently, its agroindustrial production/processing generates high amounts of agricultural waste, which are routinely discarded. Thus, it is crucial to seek alternatives to reuse this agricultural waste that are in high availability. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the chemical composition of a specific residue (leaves) of seven commercial varieties of pineapples, to attribute high added value uses, and to evaluate its potential as a source of secondary metabolites and minerals. Thereby, twenty-eight metabolites were annotated by UPLC-QTOF-MSE, including amino acids, organic acids, and phenolic compounds. The following minerals were quantitatively assessed by ICP-OES: Zn (5.30-19.77 mg kg-1), Cr, Cd, Mn (50.80-113.98 mg kg-1), Cu (1.05-4.01 mg kg-1), P (1030.77-6163.63 mg kg-1) and Fe (9.06-70.17 mg kg-1). In addition, Cr and Cd (toxic materials) present concentration levels below the limit of quantification of the analytical method (LOQCr and LOQCd = 0.02 mg kg-1) for all samples. The multivariate analysis was conceived from the chemical profile, through the tools of PCA (principal component analysis) and HCA (hierarchical cluster analysis). The results show that pineapple leaves have similarities and differences concerning their chemical composition. In addition, the cytotoxicity assays of the extracts against tumor and non-tumor strains shows that the extracts were non-toxic. This fact can corroborate and enhance the prospection of new uses and applications of agroindustrial co-products from pineapple, enabling the evaluation and use in different types of industries, such as pharmacological, cosmetic, and food, in addition to the possibility of being a potential source of bioactive compounds.

Leaf structure of Tillandsia species (Tillandsioideae: Bromeliaceae) by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Tillandsia L. is the largest genus of the family Bromeliaceae, containing 755 species and seven subgenera. Morphoanatomical studies of leaves provide useful characteristics to phylogenetic, taxonomic, and ecological analyses. This study aims to characterize and compare the leaves of 24 species of the four subgenera of Tillandsia that occur in Bahia and also perform adaptative inferences to environmental responses. The results of the species' morphoanatomical studies were compared through dissimilarity analysis. The species have rosulate leaves with varying lengths and widths. The peltate trichomes present variation in the indument density and the length of their wing and central disk. The stomata are longitudinally distributed in one or both sides of the limb. The mesophyll is dorsiventral and presents aquiferous and chlorophyllic parenchymas. The vascular bundles are collateral and partially covered by fibers, except for Tillandsia linearis. Based on the dissimilarity analysis, it was possible to identify the formation of five groups. Group G1 was composed of T. linearis, which diverged from the other species of the subgenus. Group G2 was formed by the remaining species of the subgenus Phytarrhiza. G3 and G4 presented the species of the subgenus Diaphoranthema and Tillandsia, respectively. Group G5 gathered 11 species of the subgenus Anoplophytum and presented higher variability than the other subgenera. Based on the results, the morphoanatomical characteristics can be used to characterize and group Tillandsia species, besides confirming the morphological variability of these species to the epiphyte habit in different environments, especially xeric ones.

Cryopreservation and germinative behavior of Passiflora spp. seeds.

Cryopreservation is an interesting strategy for the long-term conservation of the seeds of the majority of cultivated plants as well as many of the corresponding wild parents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of the seeds of different passion fruit species to cryopreservation, as well as to apply multivariate tools to better understand the germinative behavior after thawing, to support the application and repeatability of these methods with other Passiflora species. Seeds of P. coccinea, P. edulis, P. gibertii, P. maliformis, P. morifolia, P. setacea, P. suberosa and P. tenuifila were submitted to cryopreservation, and after thawing the following variables were analyzed: emergence percentage (%); mean emergence time (days); mean emergence speed (plantlets.day-1); uncertainty (bit); and synchrony (bit). We applied multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) to the data. The seeds of all the species withstood the freezing well, indicating that cryopreservation is a viable alternative for long-term conservation of Passiflora genetic material. The emergence percentage, average emergence speed and average emergence time were the variables that contributed the most to separation of the species in the first canonical discriminant function (Can1). The seeds of the species studied were found to be tolerant to desiccation because they remained viable even with low water content. The results showed that seeds could be cryopreserved successfully both with and without prior desiccation.

Pollen morphology and viability of Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) species by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Tillandsia is the bromeliad genus containing the largest number of species, with wide geographic dispersion and an important ecological role in the ecosystems. Investigations of pollen morphology are important to support taxonomic and conservation studies as well as to choose promising species for cross-pollination to obtain hybrids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphology, production, and viability of pollen grains of 24 Tillandsia species that naturally occur in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Pollen grains were acetolized and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The pollen were germinated in vitro in two culture media (BM and BKM) and collected at three floral development stages (pre-anthesis, anthesis and post-anthesis). Pollen viability also was analyzed by staining with Alexander's solution and acetocarmine in three floral development stages. Variations in the ornamentation and size of the pollen were observed among the species studied, with the majority having medium size, while T. polystachia and T. juncea had large grains and the subgenera Diaphoranthema and Phytarrhiza had small grains. The pollen of the majority of species had bilateral symmetry, with a single irregularly shaped colpus, semitectate exine and reticulated-heterobrochate surface. The pollen presented high germination percentage, tube length and viability according to the histochemistry, except for T. recurvata, T. usneoides and T. loliacea. The BKM medium and collection of pollen during anthesis produced the best results for the Tillandsia species. The results can support studies of the taxonomy and conservation of these species, which have great environmental importance and high value for ornamental purposes.

Cryopreservation and low-temperature storage of seeds of Tillandsia species (Bromeliaceae) with ornamental potential.

Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) species have high endemism, and due to their strong ornamental potential, predatory extraction is threatening the extinction or drastic population reduction of many of them. In light of this scenario, it is necessary to find strategies for the conservation of these endangered species. The objective of this study was to evaluate two seed preservation strategies (freezing at - 5 °C and cryopreservation at - 196 °C) for 20 Tillandsia species occurring in the state of Bahia. We initially evaluated the morphometry, thousand-seed weight, and water content, followed by tests of germination and desiccation. After selecting the best result of the germination test (Germitest paper and incubation at 30 °C) and desiccation (3 h on silica gel), we established conservation tests utilizing two temperatures (freezing at - 5 °C and liquid nitrogen at - 196 °C), with storage times of 1, 7, 30, 180 and 450 days. Analysis of variance indicated that the 20 species had different behaviors when submitted to the two temperatures and different storage times. After 450 days there was a reduction in the germination percentage and germination speed index (GSI) of all the species studied when the seeds were preserved in the freezer. The storage in liquid nitrogen was efficient for the preservation of Tillandsia seeds when dried to a moisture content of approximately 7%. Our results support the establishment of a cryobank for Tillandsia to conserve these endemic species.

Development of membranes based on carboxymethyl cellulose/acetylated arrowroot starch containing bromelain extract carried on nanoparticles and liposomes.

Polymeric membranes have been used in several applications, including their use as curatives in cutaneous wounds. Bromelain has long been used for anti-inflammatory purposes, so the objective of this work was to produce carboxymethylcellulose-acetylated blends, incorporate bromelain, characterize the systems, compare the blends with bromelain loaded in nanoparticles and liposomes and, finally, to evaluate their healing potential. Four membrane formulations were produced by solvent evaporation: the control, membranes containing free bromelain, bromelain-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) and bromelain-loaded liposomes (LIPs). The enzyme concentration was the same for all formulations. Transparent, flexible and intact films were obtained. The membranes containing free bromelain, bromelain-loaded NPs and bromelain-loaded LIPs had higher water content, lower water vapor permeability and maximum tensile strength, and greater elongation at rupture. The capacity to absorb simulated exudate was higher in samples containing free bromelain, and bioadhesion was reduced in the presence of free bromelain compared to the control. An in vivo assay was performed to verify the membranes' healing potential. Histological analysis revealed no edema on the 14th day in animals treated with membranes containing bromelain-loaded NPs and LIPs.

Assessment of in vitro anthelmintic activity and bio-guided chemical analysis of BRS Boyrá pineapple leaf extracts.

Species of the Bromeliaceae are known for their pharmacological actions, including anthelmintic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of extracts and fractions of BRS Boyrá pineapple leaf against the eggs and infective larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes (Trichostrongylidae) of goats and to identify the compounds involved in this activity. Crude methanol, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and residual hydromethanol extracts were investigated by quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats. The extracts were submitted to chromatographic methods for substance isolation and spectrometric techniques to identify their structures. The anthelmintic activity was performed by in vitro assays with eggs and larvae of nematodes obtained from naturally infected donor goats. All extracts contained phenolic (2.22-14.12 g of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dry extract) and flavonoid compounds (0.13-1.45 g of quercetin equivalent per 100 g of dry extract). Bio-guided fractionation of the BRS Boyrá pineapple leaves showed high antioxidant activity (EC50 for DPPH of 2.16-21.38 mg mL-1 and inhibition of co-oxidation of ß-carotene of 36.40-74.86%) and anthelmintic activity (15.69-100% inhibition of egg hatching). The ethyl acetate extract exhibited greatest activity in all assays. Through chromatographic column analysis it was possible to isolate three substances: ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol mixture in dichloromethane and hexane extracts, identified by NMR and p-coumaric acid in the ethyl acetate extract, identified by HPLC-DAD. The isolated p-coumaric acid exhibited high ovicidal effect against goat gastrointestinal nematodes (IC50: 0.12 mg mL-1) and can be considered the active substance of the ethyl acetate extract. This study revealed for the first time that the pineapple BRS Boyrá possesses inhibitory activity against gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp. and Trichostrongylus spp.), and that p-coumaric acid is an important bioactive.

Cryopreservation of Pollen Grains of Pineapple and Other Bromeliads.

Cryopreservation of pollen grains is an efficient technique to overcome asynchronous flowering and to support actions for genetic improvement and conservation of important alleles. It can be used both by germplasm curators and plant breeders. In the case of Bromeliaceae, a family with wide diversity but also high vulnerability, the form of conservation can be crucial to prevent the increasing problem of genetic erosion. This chapter describes a method of cryopreservation of pollen grains of different Bromeliaceae species, including pineapple, after dehydration with silica and subsequent immersion in liquid nitrogen. The efficiency of this protocol has been demonstrated by the high pollen viability percentage and production of seeds after in vivo pollination with cryopreserved grains. The protocol can be used for cryopreserving pollen of many species of bromeliads and is easy to perform.

Cryopreservation of Pineapple Shoot Tips by the Droplet Vitrification Technique.

Cryopreservation is a technique that allows the conservation of many species for long periods. Among the protocols used for cryopreservation, droplet vitrification has shown efficient results in preserving shoot tips of various wild and cultivated pineapple genotypes. The method consists of extraction of shoot tips from plants grown in vitro, dehydration for a period of 48 h in a preculture medium supplemented with a high concentration of sucrose, treatment in a plant vitrification solution (PVS2), and immersion in liquid nitrogen. The method described in this chapter has produced survival and regeneration indices of around 70%, depending on the genotype and physiological conditions of the initial explants. The objective of this chapter is to describe in detail a droplet vitrification protocol for shoot tips that is easy to perform for cryopreservation of pineapple germplasm.

Strategies for vegetative propagation and viral cleaning of a miniature ornamental pineapple hybrid

This study assessed and compared different methods for vegetative propagation of a miniature ornamental pineapple hybrid (ORN-MUT), seeking to determine the best method for production of plantlets, as well as for removal of the PMWaV viral complex from plants cultured in vitro, for production of healthy parent plants. Pineapple wilt is a disease that can cause large economic and is caused by a viral complex called Pineapple mealybug wilt-associated virus (PMWaV). For this, four propagation methods were evaluated (conventional, stem sectioning, micropropagation and etiolation of nodal segments). The time necessary for each method and the number of plants formed were assessed. Stem tips (0.5 mm) were cultured and indexed for three PMWaV types. Conventional propagation produced 17 plantlets per plant in 566 days, stem sectioning produced 2.3 plantlets per stem in 591 days, while the conventional micropropagation technique produced 1,284 plants after four subcultures in 778 days. Stems etiolated for 60 days showed peak production in the second subculture, with 1,224 plants. This method required 883 days to obtain plants with ideal size for transplantation to the field. In turn, stems etiolated for 120 days produced 935 plants at the end of four subcultures, with peak output in the third subculture, in which the plants could be cultivated in the field after 943 days. Conventional micropropagation and etiolation for 60 days were the best methods for production of plantlets of the ORN-MUT hybrid. The results of this work showed that the cultivation of shoot tips is an efficient strategy to remove the PMWaV complex and obtain healthy mother plants and can be a useful tool for other varieties of pineapple.

Micropropagation and in vitroconservation of Alcantarea nahoumii (Bromeliaceae), an endemic and endangered species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Alcantarea nahoumii(Leme) J. R. Grant is a species native to theAtlantic Forest that stands out for ornamental purposes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitrogerminationof A. nahoumiiseeds and establish a micropropagation protocol for production of seedlings so as to minimize the effects of predatory extractivism and develop an in vitroconservation system. Mature seeds were disinfested, established in three culture media (MS, MS½ and MS⅓) and incubated at four temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35ºC)in a germination chamber. In the micropropagation experiment, stem segments were introduced in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 μM of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.0, 2.2, 4.4 and 6.6 μM of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). For the in vitroconservation, plantlets were established in MS or MS½ medium supplemented with 15 g L-1or 30 g L-1of sucrose. The plants were acclimated with commercial substrate. The highest seed germination percentages were promoted by temperature conditions of 20 and 25ºC, with MS culture medium. The highest multiplication rate of shoots was obtained from the treatment without addition of the growth regulator or when combined with 2.2 μM of BAP + 0.5 μM of NAA. The acclimation of the plants occurred with high survival rate. The species can be conserved in vitrounder slow growth condition for 24 months when incubated in MS medium supplemented with 30 g L-1of sucrose.

Evaluation of the micropropagation potential of curauá pineapple hybrids for fiber production / Avaliação do potencial de micropropagação de híbridos do abacaxi curauá para a produção de fibras

Plant fiber is a renewable and biodegradable material that can be used effectively to reinforce various composites. Pineapple hybrids selected for their fiber quality are in the phase of agronomic validation in Brazil by the Embrapa Cassava and Fruits research unit. The selection of a hybrid for large-scale fiber production depends on obtaining a large number of seedlings. This study evaluated the morphogenetic response and propagation potential of eight hybrids of Ananas comosus var. erectifolius, for the purpose of producing high-quality seedlings on a large scale. Stem and crown buds were reduced and placed in MS nutritive medium supplemented with BAP at 0.5 mg L-1, NAA at 0.01 mg L-1 and Phytagel® at 2.5 g L-1. After 45 days, the number of oxidized, contaminated and surviving buds was determined. Swollen buds and plantlets were transferred to a multiplication medium containing MS sucrose, salts and vitamins. The propagation potential was evaluated based on the geometric growth rate among sub-cultures. The FIB-NEG hybrid presented the best results for the establishment phase (40.28%). The best propagative potential was obtained from crown buds with the highest values for FIB-EST (3.93), FIB-MIN (3.91) and FIB-BOY (3.91) hybrids.

A fibra vegetal é uma fonte renovável, biodegradável e de excelente desempenho como reforço em compósitos variados. Híbridos selecionados pela qualidade de suas fibras estão em fase de validação agronômica na Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura e sua adoção para produção de fibra em larga escala depende de um elevado número de mudas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a resposta morfogenética e o potencial propagativo de oito híbridos de Ananas comosus var. erectifolius, com a finalidade de produzir mudas de qualidade em larga escala. Gemas do caule e coroa foram reduzidas, introduzidas em meio nutritivo MS suplementado com BAP a 0,5 mg L-1, ANA a 0,01 mg L-1 e Phytagel® a 2,5 g L-1. Aos 45 dias foram avaliados o número de gemas oxidadas, contaminadas e sobreviventes. Gemas intumescidas e plantas formadas foram transferidas para o meio de multiplicação contendo sacarose, sais e vitaminas MS. Avaliou-se o potencial propagativo a partir de uma taxa de crescimento geométrico entre subcultivos. O híbrido FIB-NEG (40.28%) apresentou os melhores resultados em porcentagem para a fase de estabelecimento. O melhor potencial propagativo foi obtido a partir de gemas de coroa, com os valores mais elevados registrados para os híbridos FIB-EST (3.93), FIB-MIN (3.91) e FIB-BOY (3.91).

Encapsulamento, crioproteção e desidratação na capacidade regenerativa de ápices caulinares de Genipa americana / Encapsulation, dehydration and cryoprotection in regenerative capacity of shoot apices of Genipa americana

Genipa americana (jenipapeiro) é uma essência florestal pertencente à família Rubiaceae, que apresenta importância econômica e ambiental, sendo valorizada para produção de alimentos, na recuperação de áreas degradadas, na composição em áreas de preservação permanentes e em sistemas agroflorestais. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes tempos de desidratação em câmara de fluxo laminar e tempos de imersão em solução crioprotetora (MS+0,5M de sacarose) na capacidade regenerativa de ápices caulinares da espécie para estabelecimento de futuros protocolos de criopreservação. Os ápices caulinares foram obtidos de plântulas, acesso Oiteiros, germinadas e cultivadas in vitro. Os explantes foram submetidos ao encapsulamento e a diferentes tempos de imersão em solução crioprotetora e tempos de desidratação em câmara de fluxo laminar. A crioproteção e a desidratação não alteram a viabilidade dos ápices caulinares de jenipapeiro encapsulados ou não encapsulados. A imersão por 24 horas em solução crioprotetora e a desidratação em câmara de fluxo laminar por 2 horas apresentam potencial para uso em futuros trabalhos de criopreservação por encapsulamento-desidratação.

Genipa americana (genipap) is a forest species belonging to the Rubiaceae family that has economic and environmental importance, being valued for food production, recuperation of degraded areas, in the composition in areas of permanent preservation and agroforestry. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different times of dehydration in laminar flow cab and immersion time in cryoprotecting solution (MS+0.5M sucrose) on the regenerative capacity of shoot apices for establishing future cryopreservation protocols. The shoot apices were obtained from seedlings, of Oiteiros accession, germinated and cultured in vitro. Explants were subjected to encapsulation and different exposure times in cryoprotecting solution and dehydration in a laminar flow cab. The cryoprotection and dehydration does not modify the viability of the shoot apices of genipap encapsulated or unencapsulated. Immersion for 24 hours in cryoprotecting solution and the dehydration in a laminar flow cab by 2 hours have potential for use in future studies of cryopreservation by encapsulation-dehydration.

Somatic embryogenesis of Neoglaziovia variegata (Arruda) Mez, an important source of fiber from native Brazilian bromeliads

Neoglaziovia variegata (Arruda) Mez, a Bromeliad endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga and source of fiber for many different products, is considered an endangered species. Leaf and stem segments were cultivated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with combinations of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (0, 9, 18 and 27 µM) and glutamine (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mg L-1) for the induction of embryogenic calli. Leaf segments did not present a favorable response for the combinations analyzed. The best response for embryogenic calli frequency with the best distribution of somatic embryos on the surface and better conversion rate was obtained using the stems explants in the medium containing 18 µM 2,4-D and 100 mg L-1 glutamine. The embryogenic calli obtained from the different induction media were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 30 g.L-1 sucrose, 2.4 g.L-1 Phytagel®, 0.53 µM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 0.88 µM of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The regenerated plants presented normal growth; however, many embryos did not fully develop.

Caracterização físico-química de novos híbridos de abacaxi resistentes à fusariose / Physico-chemical characterization of new hybrids pineapple resistant to fusariosis

Cinco genótipos de abacaxi (Gold, Pérola, Smooth Cayenne, BRS Vitória, BRS Imperial) e quatro novos híbridos (SC x PRI-21, SC48 x PRI-02, PE x SC-73 e PA x PE-01) foram avaliados quanto às suas características físico-químicas. A cultivar 'Gold' apresentou os maiores teores de carotenoides totais (7,82µg g-1) e vitamina C (51,0mg 100g-1), enquanto que a cultivar 'BRS' Imperial destacou-se pelos elevados teores de açúcares redutores (5,12%), açúcares totais (15,23%), sólidos solúveis (18,41°Brix), pH (3,96) e ratio (35,28). Os híbridos SC 48 x PRI-02, PE x SC-73 e PA x PE-01 apresentaram teores de sólidos solúveis, açúcares totais e redutores superiores aos das cultivares Smooth Cayenne, Pérola e BRS Vitória, destacando-se o híbrido PE x SC-73 por apresentar polpa amarela mais intensa, doçura elevada, elevado teor de carotenoides totais e vitamina C, sendo, portanto, um híbrido promissor para substituição de cultivares comerciais.

Five pineapple genotypes (Gold, Pérola, Smooth Cayenne, BRS Vitória and BRS Imperial and four new hybrids - SC x PRI-21, SC48 x PRI-02, PE x SC-73 and PA x PE-01), were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics. The 'Gold' cultivar presented the highest contents of total carotenoids (7.82mg g-1) and vitamin C (51.0mg 100g-1), whereas the 'BRS' Imperial stood out for its high levels of reducing (5.12%) and total (15.23%) sugars, soluble solids (18.41°Brix), pH (3.96) and ratio (35.28). Improved hybrids SC 48 x PRI-02, PE x SC-73 and PA x PE-01 had the soluble solids, reducing and total sugars contents higher than those of cultivars 'Smooth Cayenne', 'BRS Vitória' and 'Pérola', highlighting the 'PE x SC-73' hybrid for its pulp of intense yellow color, high sweetness, high content of total carotenoids and vitamin C and which was considered as a promising hybrid to replace commercial cultivars.

Morfologia e viabilidade de grãos de pólen de acessos silvestres de abacaxi / Morphology and viability of pollen grains from wild varieties of pineapple

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade de grãos de pólen de acessos silvestres de abacaxi mediante a percentagem de germinação in vitro, crescimento do tubo polínico em duas temperaturas de incubação e uso de carmim acético. Além disso, o trabalho busca reconhecer os padrões da morfologia polínica de algumas variedades de abacaxi. Foram utilizadas amostras de pólen coletadas de seis acessos de abacaxi: Silvestre-25, I-26/803 (Ananas macrodontes), Igor (A. comosus var. erectifolius), Ananás Santo Amaro, FRF-22 e FRF-32 (A. comosus var. bracteatus). Os grãos de pólen foram inoculados em meio de cultura contendo 10 por cento de sacarose, 0,01 por cento H3BO3, 0,01 por cento KNO3, 0,03 por cento Ca(NO3)2.4H2O, solidificado com 1 por cento de ágar e pH ajustado para 6,5. Foram testadas as temperaturas de incubação de 25°C e 30°C. A viabilidade do pólen foi avaliada pela coloração com carmim acético a 2 por cento. Todas as variedades de A. comosus apresentaram grãos de pólen de tamanho médio, simetria radial, âmbito ovalado a esferoidal, 2-porados, subprolatos, exina eutectada, reticulada, heterobrocada, lumens variando de arredondados a poligonais, sem granulações, com exceção dos dois acessos de A. macrodontes que apresentaram tamanho grande. Melhores taxas de germinação foram obtidas para A. macrodontes em comparação com o erectifolius e bracteatus. A maioria dos acessos apresentou viabilidade com carmim acético acima de 76 por cento.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the pollen grains viability from accessions of wild pineapple using in vitro pollen germination and the growth of the polinic tube in two different temperatures and acetic carmine. In addition, the study aimed to recognize the pattern of pollen morphology of some pineapple varieties. Samples from six pineapple's accessions: Silvestre-25, I-26/803 (Ananas macrodontes), Igor (A. comosus var. erectifolius), Ananás Santo Amaro, FRF-22 and FRF-32 (A. comosus var. bracteatus) were used. The pollen grains were inoculated onto medium culture containing 10 percent of sucrose, 0.01 percent H3BO3, 0.01 percent KNO3, 0.03 percent Ca(NO3)2.4H2O, solidified with 1 percent agar and pH adjusted to 6.5. Two incubation temperatures, 25°C e 30°C were evaluated. Pollen viability was evaluated by staining with 2 percent acetic carmine. All varieties of A. comosus showed pollen grains of medium size, radial symmetry, oval to spheroidal, ambit 2-porate, subprolate, exine eutectic, reticulate, heterobrochate, lumens ranging from polygonal to rounded, grain-free, except for two accessions of A. macrodontes that showed big size. The best germination rates were obtained for A. macrodontes when compared to erectifolius and bracteatus. The majority of accessions presented pollen viability higher than 76 percent using the acetic carmine technique.

Resposta germinativa de sementes de caroá [Neoglaziovia variegata (Arruda) Mez] / Germinative response of Neoglaziovia variegata (Arruda) Mez seeds

O caroá é uma Bromeliaceae nativa da Caatinga brasileira cujas fibras retiradas das folhas geram trabalho e renda para diversas famílias nordestinas com a fabricação de vários produtos artesanais. A propagação ocorre via sementes, que podem servir como alimento para muitos animais e pássaros. Diante de sua importância econômica regional, a planta do caroá tem sido coletada na caatinga de forma extrativista, já tendo praticamente desaparecido em algumas regiões da Bahia. Objetivou-se, com o desenvolvimento deste trabalho, avaliar o efeito da temperatura e da restrição de água na germinação de sementes de Caroá. A germinabilidade foi avaliada sob as temperaturas de 25, 30, 34 e 37° C, sendo que a temperatura mais favorável à germinação foi utilizada no ensaio seguinte, combinando com diferentes soluções-teste de polietilenoglicol. As maiores taxas de sementes germinadas (> 66 por cento) ocorreram quando as temperaturas do meio eram mais elevadas, sendo que a de 30° C foi a que proporcionou a maior velocidade média de germinação (0,12 dias-1) e índice de velocidade de germinação; por sua vez a germinação decresceu com a diminuição do potencial osmótico do meio. Sob condições de restrição hídrica, as sementes de caroá mostraram capacidade germinativa até o potencial de -0,6 MPa.

Caroá is a native Bromeliaceae of the Brazilian savanna. It generates work and income for many Northeastern families when used as source of fiber for producing craft products. The species can be propagated from seeds and it serves as food for a variety of animals. As a result of its economic importance to the region, the caroá plant has been indiscriminately harvested in the savanna and has practically disappeared in some areas of Bahia State, Brazil. The objective of this research was to study the effect of hydric restriction on the seed germination of caroá, as a proposed means of establishing a cultivation system and more rational production methods. Germination was tested at temperatures of 25, 30, 34 and 37° C, with the optimum temperature for germination used in a subsequent test, combining different test solutions of polyethylene glycol. The highest rates of seed germination (> 66 percent) occurred when the ambient temperature was higher, and 30° C yielded the highest average speed of germination (0.12 day-1) and germination speed index. On the other hand, germination rates decreased as osmotic potential of the environment decreased. Under conditions of hydric restriction, seed germination of caroá showed the potential to reach up to -0.6 MPa.