Hybrids of Solanum corymbiflorumand S. diploconos(Solanaceae) –a hope for new commercial varieties of edible fruits / Híbridos de Solanum Corymbiflorum e S. diploconos (Solanaceae) –uma alternativa paranovas cultivares comerciais defrutas comestíveis

Solanum diploconos(Mart.) Bohs („guava tamarillo”) and Solanum corymbiflorum(Sendtn.) Bohs („hardy tamarillo”) are wild relatives to subtropical, orchard, small tree –Solanum betaceumCav. (called simply „tamarillo”). Both these species create edible fruits, but they have not been cultivated widely so far as fruit trees. However, each one of these species has valuable features. Solanum corymbiflorumis quite hardy to frost, deciduous and early blooming both in fenological year time as well as in its lifespan but has untasty fruits. Solanum diploconoshas quite good tasting fruits and it is pest and disease resistant. This work has been an attempt to connect their best features in hybrids to create new, potentially commercial cultivars to grow as fruit plants. Three types of hybrids were created: F1 hybrid type –Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos, BC1 backrossing type -(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos) × Solanum corymbiflorum and the second BC1 backcrossing type –(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos) × Solanum diploconos. Out of the numerous variable individuals within each type, we selected three very valuable from an agronomic point of view cultivars (Solanum'Lynn', 'Pinczow Springs' and 'Iwona'). The work with crossing and selecting the next cultivars will be continued.

Solanum diploconos(Mart.) Bohs (”guava tamarillo”) e Solanum corymbiflorum(Sendtn.) Bohs (”hardy tamarillo”) são espécies silvestres de forma arbustiva –Solanum betaceumCav. (chamado simplesmente “tamarillo”). Ambas as espécies geram frutos comestíveis, mas não têm sido cultivadas como árvores frutíferas. Entretanto, cada uma destas espécies tem características valiosas. Solanum corymbiflorumé bastante resistente à geada, perde suas folhas periodicamente e possui floração precoce, tanto no ano fenológico como em sua vida útil, mas tem frutos pouco saborosos. No entanto, Solanum diploconostem frutos bastante saborosos e é resistente a pragas e doenças. Este estudo foiuma tentativa de captar as melhores características existentes em híbridos para criar novas cultivares, potencialmente comerciais, e que possam desenvolver como planta frutífera. Três tipos de híbridos foram criados: tipo híbrido F1 –(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos), tipo BC1 retrocruzamento -(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos) × Solanum corymbiflorume o segundo tipo BC1 retrocruzamento -(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos) × Solanum diploconos. Dos numerosos indivíduos variáveis dentro de cada tipo, foram selecionados três cultivares muito valiosas do ponto de vista agronômico (Solanum'Lynn', 'Pinczow Springs' e 'Iwona'). O trabalho de cruzamento e seleção das próximas cultivares terá continuidade e aprimoramento.

Hybrids of Solanum corymbiflorumand S. diploconos(Solanaceae) –a hope for new commercial varieties of edible fruits / Híbridos de Solanum Corymbiflorum e S. diploconos (Solanaceae) –uma alternativa paranovas cultivares comerciais defrutas comestíveis

Solanum diploconos(Mart.) Bohs („guava tamarillo”) and Solanum corymbiflorum(Sendtn.) Bohs („hardy tamarillo”) are wild relatives to subtropical, orchard, small tree –Solanum betaceumCav. (called simply „tamarillo”). Both these species create edible fruits, but they have not been cultivated widely so far as fruit trees. However, each one of these species has valuable features. Solanum corymbiflorumis quite hardy to frost, deciduous and early blooming both in fenological year time as well as in its lifespan but has untasty fruits. Solanum diploconoshas quite good tasting fruits and it is pest and disease resistant. This work has been an attempt to connect their best features in hybrids to create new, potentially commercial cultivars to grow as fruit plants. Three types of hybrids were created: F1 hybrid type –Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos, BC1 backrossing type -(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos) × Solanum corymbiflorum and the second BC1 backcrossing type –(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos) × Solanum diploconos. Out of the numerous variable individuals within each type, we selected three very valuable from an agronomic point of view cultivars (Solanum'Lynn', 'Pinczow Springs' and 'Iwona'). The work with crossing and selecting the next cultivars will be continued.(AU)

Solanum diploconos(Mart.) Bohs (”guava tamarillo”) e Solanum corymbiflorum(Sendtn.) Bohs (”hardy tamarillo”) são espécies silvestres de forma arbustiva –Solanum betaceumCav. (chamado simplesmente “tamarillo”). Ambas as espécies geram frutos comestíveis, mas não têm sido cultivadas como árvores frutíferas. Entretanto, cada uma destas espécies tem características valiosas. Solanum corymbiflorumé bastante resistente à geada, perde suas folhas periodicamente e possui floração precoce, tanto no ano fenológico como em sua vida útil, mas tem frutos pouco saborosos. No entanto, Solanum diploconostem frutos bastante saborosos e é resistente a pragas e doenças. Este estudo foiuma tentativa de captar as melhores características existentes em híbridos para criar novas cultivares, potencialmente comerciais, e que possam desenvolver como planta frutífera. Três tipos de híbridos foram criados: tipo híbrido F1 –(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos), tipo BC1 retrocruzamento -(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos) × Solanum corymbiflorume o segundo tipo BC1 retrocruzamento -(Solanum corymbiflorum× Solanum diploconos) × Solanum diploconos. Dos numerosos indivíduos variáveis dentro de cada tipo, foram selecionados três cultivares muito valiosas do ponto de vista agronômico (Solanum'Lynn', 'Pinczow Springs' e 'Iwona'). O trabalho de cruzamento e seleção das próximas cultivares terá continuidade e aprimoramento.(AU)

Evolution of genes associated with gynoecium patterning and fruit development in Solanaceae.

Background and Aims: The genetic basis of fruit development has been extensively studied in Arabidopsis, where major transcription factors controlling valve identity (i.e. FRUITFULL), replum development (i.e. REPLUMLESS) and the differentiation of the dehiscence zones (i.e. SHATTERPROOF, INDEHISCENT and ALCATRAZ) have been identified. This gene regulatory network in other flowering plants is influenced by duplication events during angiosperm diversification. Here we aim to characterize candidate fruit development genes in the Solanaceae and compare them with those of Brassicaceae. Methods: ALC/SPT, HEC/IND, RPL and AG/SHP homologues were isolated from publicly available databases and from our own transcriptomes of Brunfelsia australis and Streptosolen jamesonii. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses were performed for each of the gene lineages. Shifts in protein motifs, as well as expression patterns of all identified homologues, are shown in dissected floral organs and fruits in different developmental stages of four Solanaceae species exhibiting different fruit types. Key Results: Each gene lineage has undergone different duplication time-points, resulting in very different genetic complements in the Solanaceae when compared with the Brassicaceae. In general, Solanaceae species have more copies of HEC1/2 and RPL than Brassicaceae, have fewer copies of SHP and the same number of copies of AG, ALC and SPT. Solanaceae lack IND orthologues, but have pre-duplication HEC3 homologues. The expression analyses showed opposite expression of SPT and ALC orthologues between dry- and fleshy-fruited species during fruit maturation. Fleshy-fruited species turn off RPL and SPT orthologues during maturation. Conclusions: The gynoecium patterning and fruit developmental genetic network in the Brassicaceae cannot be directly extrapolated to the Solanaceae. In Solanaceae ALC, SPT and RPL contribute differently to maturation of dry dehiscent and fleshy fruits, whereas HEC genes are not generally expressed in the gynoecium. RPL genes have broader expression patterns than expected.

Tricolorin A as a natural herbicide.

Tricolorin A acts as pre- and post-emergence plant growth inhibitor. In pre-emergence it displays broad-spectrum weed control, inhibiting germination of both monocotyledonous (Lolium mutliflorum and Triticum vulgare) and dicotyledonous (Physalis ixocarpa and Trifolium alexandrinum) seeds, being the dicotyledonous seeds the most inhibited. Tricolorin A also inhibited seedling growth, and seed respiration, and since the concentrations required for inhibiting both germination and respiration were similar, we suggest that respiration is one of its targets. Tricolorin A at 60 µM acts as a post- emergence plant growth inhibitor by reducing dry plant biomass by 62%, 37%, 33%, and 22% for L. multiflorum, T. alexandrinum, T. vulgare, and P. ixocarpa, respectively, 18 days after its application. In order to determine the potency of tricolorin A as a plant growth inhibitor, paraquat was used as control; the results indicate that tricolorin A acts as a non-selective post-emergence plant growth inhibitor similar to paraquat, since both reduced the biomass production in P. ixocarpa and T. alexandrinum. Therefore, we suggest that tricolorin A will be a good biodegradable herbicide for weeds.

Under cover of darkness, caterpillars take flight: the immature stages and feeding ecology of the glasswinged butterfly, Oleria baizana in eastern Ecuador.

This paper describes the morphology and behavior of the immature stages of Oleria baizana (Haensch) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from northeastern Ecuador. Brugmansia aurea Lagerh. (Solanales: Solanaceae) is the larval food plant. Eggs are laid singly, off of the host plant in the leaf litter. During the night, larvae climb a food plant seedling and sever a leaf petiole, parachuting with the leaf to the ground where they remain while feeding. Oleria baizana has five larval stadia, and individuals take 77 days to mature from oviposition to adult stage.

Host plant invests in growth rather than chemical defense when attacked by a specialist herbivore.

Plant defensive compounds may be a cost rather than a benefit when plants are attacked by specialist insects that may overcome chemical barriers by strategies such as sequestering plant compounds. Plants may respond to specialist herbivores by compensatory growth rather than chemical defense. To explore the use of defensive chemistry vs. compensatory growth we studied Brugmansia suaveolens (Solanaceae) and the specialist larvae of the ithomiine butterfly Placidina euryanassa, which sequester defensive tropane alkaloids (TAs) from this host plant. We investigated whether the concentration of TAs in B. suaveolens was changed by P. euryanassa damage, and whether plants invest in growth, when damaged by the specialist. Larvae feeding during 24 hr significantly decreased TAs in damaged plants, but they returned to control levels after 15 days without damage. Damaged and undamaged plants did not differ significantly in leaf area after 15 days, indicating compensatory growth. Our results suggest that B. suaveolens responds to herbivory by the specialist P. euryanassa by investing in growth rather than chemical defense.

Correlação entre floração, frutificação e variáveis ambientais em Solanum lycocarpum. A. St. Hil, Solanaceae / Correlation between flowering, fructification and environmental variables in Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hil, Solanaceae

A lobeira (S. lycocarpum) é uma espécie típica e abundante do Cerrado, que ocupa principalmente ambientes antropizados. Possui características interessantes do ponto de vista da biologia reprodutiva, que provavelmente estão favorecendo a ampla ocupação pela espécie. Tendo em vista que a planta floresce e frutifica durante todo o ano, o presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar se existe correlação entre floração, frutificação e variáveis ambientais (temperatura, umidade e precipitação), como suporte para estudos futuros referentes à biologia reprodutiva e ecologia de espécies de plantas do Cerrado. Foi escolhida uma população de lobeira situada no município de Morrinhos, Sul do estado de Goiás, composta de 34 plantas em fase reprodutiva. Todas as plantas foram georreferenciados com um aparelho GPS. Foram feitas observações mensais durante 13 meses (junho de 2005 a julho de 2006) e quantificados flores abertas e frutos produzidos nos intervalos entre observações. Pode-se inferir alta conversão de flores hermafroditas em frutos. Por meio da correlação de Spearman, pode-se constatar correlação positiva entre floração e precipitação e umidade, o mesmo, aparentemente, não ocorre para frutificação.

Solanum lycocarpum (lobeira) is a typical and abundant species of brazilian Cerrado, which occupies mainly surrounding disturbed areas. It has interesting characteristics from the point of view of reproductive biology, that probably are favoring the large occupation of habitats by the species. Based on the fact that the species produces flowers and fruit during all the year, the present study had the purpose to verify the association between flower and fruit production with environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity and precipitation), aiming to support future studies referring to reproductive biology and ecology of plant species from Cerrado biome. A population of S. lycocarpum composed of 34 plants in reproductive phase, situated in Morrinhos, south of the State of Goiás, Brazil, , was evaluated. All the plants were geographically referenced with a GPS receptor. Observations were made monthly during 13 months (June, 2005 to July, 2006) quantifying open flowers and fruits produced in the intervals between the observations. It was possible suggest high conversion of flowers in fruits. The Spearman rank correlation showed positive correlation of flower number with precipitation and relative humidity. Fruit number was not correlated with the environmental variables.

Solasodine accumulation in regenerated plants of Solanum torvum Sw / Acúmulo de solasodina em plantas micropropagadas de Solanum torvum Sw

A nodal segment culture was developed in order to assess Solanum torvum Sw. regeneration and solasodine levels. The influence of auxins (indoleacetic acid, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) and benzyl adenine on S. torvum growth in micropropagation was investigated. A nodal segment culture was initiated with seeds germinated in MS basal medium added of GA3 and grown in different concentrations of IAA, IAA + BAP and NAA + BAP. Sixty-day-old plants from the in vitro culture were collected, frozen and lyophilized; then, the methyl orange method was used to quantify solasodine for the spectrophotometric assay. The best results regarding plant regeneration and solasodine accumulation were obtained by using the MS basal medium without addition of plant growth regulators; however, there was great production of calluses presenting friable bases. Based on these results, cell cultures can be initiated from such calluses with application of other auxins and cytokinins to enhance solasodine production, besides different elicitors, light intensities and sucrose concentrations.

A regeneração de Solanum torvum e a avaliação do conteúdo de solasodina foram os objetivos de cultura de segmentos nodais. A influência de auxinas (ácido 3-indolacético, ácido naftalenoacético) e de 6-benzilaminopurina no crescimento de S. torvum na micropropagação foi investigado. Cultura de segmentos nodais foi iniciada por sementes germinadas em meio básico MS acrescido de GA3 e cultivadas em diferentes concentrações de AIA, AIA + BAP e ANA + BAP. Plantas da cultura in vitro com 60 dias foram coletadas, congeladas e liofilizadas e o método de alaranjado de metila foi utilizado para quantificação de solasodina para o ensaio espectrofotométrico. Os melhores resultados para regeneração vegetal e acúmulo de solasodina foram alcançados no meio MS sem adição de reguladores de crescimento havendo, porém grande produção de calos de base friáveis. Esses resultados mostram que a partir desses calos, cultura de células pode ser iniciada com aplicação de outras auxinas e citocininas para o aumento da produção de solasodina além de diferentes eliciadores, intensidades luminosas e concentrações de sacarose.

Granulosain I, a cysteine protease isolated from ripe fruits of Solanum granuloso-leprosum (Solanaceae).

A new cysteine peptidase (Granulosain I) was isolated from ripe fruits of Solanum granuloso-leprosum Dunal (Solanaceae) by means of precipitation with organic solvent and cation exchange chromatography. The enzyme showed a single band by SDS-PAGE, its molecular mass was 24,746 Da (MALDI-TOF/MS) and its isoelectric point was higher than 9.3. It showed maximum activity (more than 90%) in the pH range 7-8.6. Granulosain I was completely inhibited by E-64 and activated by the addition of cysteine or 2-mercaptoethanol, confirming its cysteinic nature. The kinetic studies carried out with PFLNA as substrate, showed an affinity (Km 0.6 mM) slightly lower than those of other known plant cysteine proteases (papain and bromelain). The N-terminal sequence of granulosain I (DRLPASVDWRGKGVLVLVKNQGQC) exhibited a close homology with other cysteine proteases belonging to the C1A family.

How polyamine synthesis inhibitors and cinnamic acid affect tropane alkaloid production.

Hairy roots of Brugmansia candida produce the tropane alkaloids scopolamine and hyoscyamine. In an attempt to divert the carbon flux from competing pathways and thus enhance productivity, the polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors cyclohexylamine (CHA) and methylglyoxal-bis-guanylhydrazone (MGBG) and the phenylalanine-ammonia-lyase inhibitor cinnamic acid were used. CHA decreased the specific productivity of both alkaloids but increased significantly the release of scopolamine (approx 500%) when it was added in the mid-exponential phase. However, when CHA was added for only 48 h during the exponential phase, the specific productivity of both alkaloids increased (approx 200%), favoring scopolamine. Treatment with MGBG was detrimental to growth but promoted release into the medium of both alkaloids. However, when it was added for 48 h during the exponential phase, MGBG increased the specific productivity (approx 200%) and release (250- 1800%) of both alkaloids. Cinnamic acid alone also favored release but not specific productivity. When a combination of CHA or MGBG with cinnamic acid was used, the results obtained were approximately the same as with each polyamine biosynthesis inhibitor alone, although to a lesser extent. Regarding root morphology, CHA inhibited growth of primary roots and ramification. However, it had a positive effect on elongation of lateral roots.

In vitro shoot and root organogenesis, plant regeneration and production of tropane alkaloids in some species of Schizanthus.

A rapid in vitro propagation system leading to formation of shoots from callus, roots, and plantlets was developed for Schizanthus hookeri Gill. (Solanaceae), an endemic Chilean plant. The genus Schizanthus is of particular interest due to the presence of several tropane alkaloids. So far, in vitro propagation of species of this genus has not been reported. Propagation of S. hookeri consisted of two phases, the first one for callus initiation and shoot formation and the second for rhizogenesis and plantlet regeneration. From a single callus that rapidly increased in cell biomass (from approximately 50 mg to approximately 460 mg/culture tube [25 x 130 mm] in 60 days) in the presence of 2.69 microM NAA and 2.22 microM BA, more than 10 shoots/callus explant were formed. From the latter, approx. twenty plantlets formed after 90-110 days shoot subculture in medium devoid of growth regulators that favored root formation. Ten alkaloids ranging from simple pyrrolidine derivatives to tropane esters derived from angelic, tiglic, senecioic or methylmesaconic acids were obtained from in vitro regenerated plantlets. One of them, 3alpha-methylmesaconyloxytropane, was not previously described. The same growth conditions, as well as other growth regulator levels tested, were required to induce callus and root formation in S. grahamii Gill. Root organogenesis occurred despite a high level of BA vs. NAA used, (i.e., 4.44 microM BA and 0.54 microM NAA); however no shoot formation was achieved. In the case of S. tricolor Grau et Gronbach, only callus formation was obtained in the presence of various growth regulators.

Anther wall formation in Solanaceae species.

Anther wall formation was studied in 32 species belonging to 27 genera of Solanaceae. Dicotyledonous and basic types of wall formation were observed, as well as several deviations due to subsequent periclinal divisions in the layers formed (middle layers and sometimes the endothecium). One type of wall formation was observed in each species. Some genera are uniform in their type of wall formation, while others are heterogeneous; a similar situation was observed at the tribal level. Summarizing all reported information on anther wall formation in the Solanaceae, 64 % of species show the basic type, while the remaining 36 % show the dicotyledonous type. Thus, neither type predominates, and no single type characterizes genera, tribes or the entire family.

Hairy roots of Brugmansia candida that grow without agitation: biotechnological implications.

Hairy roots of Brugmansia candida that grew without agitation were obtained. Kinetics of growth and production of the tropane alkaloids scopolamine and hyoscyamine, with and without agitation, were studied. The exponential growth rate was higher in the roots that were exposed to shaking (0.13 d(-1)) than in the nonagitated ones (0.09 d(-1)). The specific production and the levels per flask of both alkaloids were enhanced without shaking. The use of these roots in large-scale productions could be economically advantageous. It remains to be seen if the data obtained in shake flasks can be extrapolated to large-scale bioreactors.

Inoculation of somatic embryos of sweet potato with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus improves embryo survival and plantlet formation.

Responses of somatic embryos of sweet potato (Ipomoea batata (L.) Poir., cv. White Star) at different developmental stages to in vitro inoculation with Glomus etunicatum (Becker and Gerdemann) (isolate INVAM FL329) were evaluated. Somatic embryos were grown in glass tubes containing sterilized vermiculite and sand. A layer of natrosol plus White's medium was used as a carrier for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spores. Survival of embryos inoculated with AM fungi was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that of noninoculated embryos at the rooted-cotyledonary-torpedo and rooted-elongated-torpedo developmental stages. Mycorrhizae significantly (P < 0.05) increased plantlet formation only when inoculation occurred at the rooted-elongated-torpedo developmental stage. The growth stage at which the embryos were inserted into the glass tubes exerted a significant influence upon plantlet formation, and plantlet formation was further enhanced by inoculation with G. etunicatum. Plantlet formation was greatest at the rooted-elongated-torpedo stage. These results demonstrate that inoculation of somatic embryos with AM fungi improves embryo survival and plantlet formation, and could enhance use of somatic embryos as synthetic seeds.

Valor nutritivo del camote, Ipomoea batatas, una muestra representativa de cultivares del Perú / Nutritional value of the yam, Ipomoea sweet-potatoes, a representative sample of you will cultivate of Peru

Taking 440 samples of fresh of sweet potato, dry matter and sugar reducers were evaluated. The samples showed a content of 15-44% dry matter and 0.25-22% sugar reducers. In 24 selected cuts, the total protein content was determined, and values of between 6,6 and 11,2 of dry matter. At the same time, studies were made on other nutrients such as raw fibre, nitrogen and energy from 5 selected cuts and on 7 commercial varieties.

En un total de 440 entradas de raíces frescas de camote se ha evaluado el contenido de materia seca (MS) y azúcares reductores (AR). En ellas se observó un contenido de 15 a 44g/100g de MS y de 0.25 a 22g/100g de AR (en base seca). En 24 entradas seleccionadas se determinó, igualmente el contenido de proteínas total, presentando valores de 6,6 a 11,2 g/100g de MS. Así mismo se ha investigado otros nutrientes como fibra cruda, cenizas, extracto libre de nitrógeno y energía disponible en 5 entradas seleccionadas y en 7 variedades seleccionadas.