Development of cellulose-based biosorbents from the residue of the peach palm agribusiness and simulation of industrial scale-up for copper removal from Brazilian spirit.

BACKGROUND: Cachaça (Brazilian spirit) is an alcoholic beverage of cultural and economic importance in Brazil. Its artisanal production is usually conducted in copper alembics, which results in contamination. The development of effective biosorbents from cheap matrices is an alternative to minimize both solid waste generation and copper levels in cachaça. The present work evaluates the obtention of nanocellulose-based materials from the major residue generated during the processing of palm heart from the Brazilian peach palm, through different processing techniques. Materials were characterized by physicochemical composition and their sorbent capacities for copper removal from aqueous solutions, and a simulation was conducted to evaluate potential application in the adequacy of cachaça to meet Brazilian legislation requirements. RESULTS: The different processing methods resulted in different cellulose concentrations, with the highest concentration in the bleached material (B3, 694 g kg-1 of cellulose), and different specific surface areas (1.02-12.4 m2 g-1). Copper adsorption onto nanocellulose obtained from peach palm external sheath is fast, with a predominance of a chemisorption mechanism. Isotherms were best represented by Langmuir's model, suggesting a monolayer adsorption. Simulations indicate that B3 is a suitable material for the removal of copper from cachaça, and small amounts of biosorbent (733.5 g) are required for the reduction of copper concentrations (10 to 3 mg L-1) in 1000 L of cachaça. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the obtention of biosorbents from peach palm solid residues is promising and this nanocellulose-based material can be used for copper removal from contaminated cachaça. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of Lipid Extracts from Different Colors of Peach Palm Fruits-Red, Yellow, Green, and White-Obtained through Ultrasound-Assisted Green Extraction.

This study represents a pioneering investigation and comparative analysis of lipid extracts from four different colors of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunt) fruits-red, yellow, green, and white-by employing a green method based on ethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction. This study examined the extraction yield, physico-chemical-quality attributes, chromatographic profiles (GC), color measurements, total carotenoid content, differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTA), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained lipid extracts displayed a high quality, considering the physico-chemical parameters of the Codex Alimentarius, and a fatty acids profile characterized by unsaturated fatty acids, notably omegas (ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9). The indices of atherogenicity (A.I.), thrombogenicity (I.T.), and hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic ratios revealed superior outcomes for the red peach palm lipid extract (approximately 0.35, 0.52, and 2.75, respectively), along with higher levels of ß-carotene (748.36 µg of ß-carotene per 100 g-1 of lipid extract) compared to the yellow, green, and white counterparts. Consequently, this research successfully demonstrates the efficacy of using a green extraction method in preserving the lipid's quality, which can display cardiovascular functionality and thermal stability. These findings underscore the considerable potential of peach palm lipid extract as a valuable raw material for diverse industrial applications across various sectors. The results support its utilization in the production of functional food products and nutraceuticals due to its favorable fatty acid composition, potent antioxidant properties exhibited by its high ß-carotene content, and notable cardiovascular functionality indices.

Peach Palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth.): Ancestral Tropical Staple with Future Potential.

A pre-Columbian staple, Bactris gasipaes Kunth. is a palm tree domesticated around 4000 years ago, so appreciated that a Spanish chronicler wrote in 1545, "only their wives and children were held in higher regard" by the Mesoamerican natives. The peach palm is an integral part of the foodways and gastronomy of Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and other tropical American countries; meanwhile, it is almost unknown in the rest of the world, except for hearts of palm. Although abundant, the species faces anthropogenic threats. The purpose of this study is to describe and summarize the physicochemical, nutritional, and bioactive characteristics of the peach palm and its two main alimentary products: hearts of palm and fruits, highlighting the functional and antioxidant potential of the latter, showing both ancestral and modern uses. There is active research on peach palm products and coproducts that aim for better, more sustainable uses of its traditional and recently found properties. The review and presentation of studies on this strategically relevant species can motivate the protection of endangered populations and stimulate new lines of research to advance development in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, with fair trade, sustainable development goals, and adaptation to climate change in mind.

Creatinine as a Urinary Marker of the Purine Derivatives Excretion in Urine Spot Samples of Lambs Fed Peach Palm Meal.

The objective was to evaluate the influence of diets on lambs using different levels of peach palm meal as a replacement for maize (0, 10, 40, 60, and 85% of diet dry matter) on the endogenous creatinine clearance (CC), urine concentration ratio of purine derivatives to creatinine (PDC index), and daily creatinine excretion (DCE) as a marker to estimate purine derivatives (PD) excretion from urinary spot samples collected at different time points (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 h after morning feeding) compared to 24-h total urine collection. The measured parameters were voluntary intake, urinary volume, CC, DCE, the concentration of plasma creatinine, and PD and purine derivatives' excretion (PDE). Five lambs were allocated to metabolic cages and distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Urine collection was taken daily on days 16 to 19 of each experimental period. The inclusion of peach palm meal linearly reduced the intake of dry matter (g kg BW−0.75, p = 0.005), crude protein (g kg BW−0.75, p = 0.010), metabolizable energy (MJ kg BW−0.75, p = 0.010) and CC (p < 0.0001). It also quadratically affected the urinary volume (p = 0.008) and DCE (p = 0.004). There was a linear decrease for PDC index (p = 0.032) and PDE (p < 0.0001) measured in the 24-h total urine with peach palm meal levels. The different times of spot urine sampling did not affect (p > 0.05) the PDC index and PDE. Peach palm meal decreases the CC thereby compromising the use of a mean value of DCE as a PDE marker in spot urine samples. There is greater accuracy when using different values of DCE obtained for each diet as markers for the PDE in spot urine samples. Unconventional foodstuffs of low palatability affecting the voluntary intake of feed change the renal function.

Three Amazonian palms as underestimated and little-known sources of nutrients, bioactive compounds and edible insects.

Mauritia flexuosa, Bactris gasipaes, and Oenocarpus bataua are among the main palms in the Amazon used for food and medicinal purposes. The food most commonly derived from these are fruits, oil, and the larvae of the insect Rhynchophorus palmarum reared in their trunks. Palm fruits are used for oil extraction as they are rich in saturated fatty acids, fiber, pro-vitamin A, carotenoids, tocopherols, macro and microelements, and polyphenols. Furthermore, the larvae of R. palmarum are rich in lipids, vitamin E, and proteins. This review analyzes the chemical composition of the fruit and oil of these palm species, as well as the R. palmarum larvae that breed in them. Our aim is to present information that is not widely known in order to demonstrate the potential of these palms as sources of plant-based and animal food with high nutritional and functional values.

Peach palm flour: production, hygroscopic behaviour and application in cookies.

In this work, two types of flour from peach palm fruits (Bactris gasipaes) were prepared to be used to produce cookies: one with the whole fruit (pulp + peel) and another one with only the pulp. Analyses of proximate composition, physicochemical and hygroscopic behaviour were carried out in both flour, as well as sensory analysis of the produced cookies. Both the types of flour did not differ statistically in total lipids, total carbohydrates and ashes (p > 0.05). Among the mathematical models tested for the prediction of the hygroscopic behaviour of both flour, Halsey model showed the best fit to the experimental data (R2 = 0.99 and P<10%). The cookies produced with both types of peach palm flour presented low moisture (4.9-6.2%), high lipid content (25.56-26.37%) and total carbohydrates (59.10-61.84%), resulting in a product with high total energetic value (501.8-502.8 kcal/100 g). Based on the results of acceptance test, both cookie formulations presented good sensory acceptance (>70%). The purchase intention inquiry showed that the cookie prepared with the whole fruit flour presented the highest percentage of purchase intention (85%), which demonstrate that the use of peach palm peels in the development of new food products represent an excellent alternative for the use of by-products.

Nitrogen balance of goat kids fed diets containing peach palm meal / [Balanço de nitrogênio em caprinos alimentados com dietas contendo farinha de pupunha]

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o balanço de nitrogênio e a concentração de ureia no plasma em cabritos alimentados com dietas contendo farinha de pupunha em substituição ao milho (0, 10, 40, 60 e 85% MS). Trinta cabritos Boer × SRD, com 90 dias de idade e peso corporal inicial de 16,7 ± 3,5kg, foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com seis repetições. As dietas foram fornecidas diariamente ad libitum para permitir 10% das sobras. Três coletas foram realizadas a cada 28 dias. As dietas foram constituídas por milho, farelo de soja, farinha de pupunha, suplemento mineral e feno de Tifton-85, com a relação volumoso: concentrado de 30:70. O consumo de nitrogênio (N) diminuiu linearmente à medida que a farinha de pupunha substituiu o milho no concentrado. Com relação ao N digerido, os animais alimentados com níveis de farinha de pupunha apresentaram valores inferiores aos alimentados com o milho como única fonte de energia, com médias de 14,9 e 17,1g dia-1, respectivamente. A excreção urinária de N diminuiu à medida que a farinha de pupunha substituiu o milho no concentrado. O nível de 39% de farinha de pupunha reduziu a excreção urinária de ureia. Houve retenção máxima de N em 7,83g dia-1 para o nível de substituição de milho de 28,9% em farinha de pupunha.(AU)

Comparative evaluation of chemical composition and biological activities of tropical fruits consumed in Manaus, central Amazonia, Brazil.

Fruits are widely recognized as sources of biologically active metabolites, such as antioxidant compounds. In this context, fruits commonly consumed in the central Amazonia, especially in its biggest metropolis (Manaus - AM/Brazil), are attractive as potential sources of antioxidant compounds related to biological activities. Most of such fruits are still poorly studied and/or remain unknown outside the Amazon region. Therefore, this study aims to investigate nine fruits (abiu, cubiu, biribá, breadfruit, genipap, peach palm, murici, soursop, and umari) regarding their chemical composition (fixed and volatile), reducing capacity, antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxicity. Determination of small organic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols and flavonoid aglycones was done by HPLC-MS/MS, whereas determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was done by HS-SPME/GC-MS. Reducing capacity was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and H-ORACFL assays. In vitro activities regarding inhibition of enzymes were tested for α-glucosidase, lipase, and α-amylase, and anti-glycation activities were evaluated for methylglyoxal and fructose. Cytotoxicity of fruit extracts was evaluated by cell viability of human fibroblast cell line (MRC-5). A total of 16 antioxidant compounds and 139 VOCs were determined, whose profiles were unique for each studied fruit. Total phenolic contents as well as antioxidant activities found herein were similar or even higher than those reported for several traditional fruits. Some of fruit extracts were able to inhibit α-glucosidase and glycation in methylglyoxal and fructose models, whereas none of them was active for lipase and α-amylase. All of the fruit extracts showed to be non-cytotoxic to MRC-5 cell line.

Peach palm plantlet growth in different culture media in a temporary immersion system / Crescimento de mudas de pupunheira em diferentes meios de cultura em um sistema de imersão temporária

ABSTRACT: Peach palm is a domesticated palm commercially important for the production of fruits and hearts of palm. Somatic embryogenesis, an effective technique for mass propagation, was successfully established for this species. Furthermore, a temporary immersion system improved plant regeneration. However, production can be further improved by understanding the peach palm's growth dynamic and modifications of culture media. The aims of this study were to evaluate the growth of plantlets cultured in different culture media in a temporary immersion system and to correlate the results with nutrient uptake during the growth period. Somatic embryo-derived young plantlets approximately 1 cm in length were cultivated for 12 weeks in a twin flask system containing MS, Y3 or N6 salts, Morel and Wetmore vitamins and 3% sucrose, with a monthly medium refreshment. Growth was measured and mineral analysis of the plantlets was carried out after 12 weeks of culture. The Y3 and MS salts were the most appropriate for the plant growth. Number of roots was 52.52% higher and the root size was 40.42% between the N6 and MS medium and the root number in Y3 medium was 37.74% greater than in MS medium, which is important for post acclimatization survival. K and Na are important elements for peach palm. N is not required at such a high concentration as in Murashige and Skoog formulation. The Chu (N6) medium did not generate high quality plantlets, possibly due to the absence of some micronutrients, like Mo, Cu and Co.

RESUMO: A pupunheira é uma palmeira comercialmente importante para a produção de palmito. A embriogênese somática, técnica efetiva para propagação massal, foi estabelecida com sucesso para essa espécie. Além disso, um sistema de imersão temporária aumentou a regeneração de plantas. Entretanto, a produção pode ser melhorada através da compreensão da dinâmica de crescimento e modificações do meio de cultura. O estudo objetivou avaliar o crescimento de plantas em diferentes meios de cultura em um sistema de imersão temporária e correlacionar os resultados com a absorção de nutrientes durante o período de crescimento. Plantas derivadas de embriões somáticos, com aproximadamente 1 cm de comprimento, foram cultivadas por 12 semanas em um sistema tipo frasco gêmeo contendo sais do MS, Y3 ou N6, vitaminas de Morel e Wetmore e 3% de sacarose, com renovação mensal do meio de cultura. O crescimento e os teores de nutrientes nas plantas foram determinados após 12 semanas de cultivo. Os sais do MS e Y3 foram os mais apropriados para o crescimento vegetal. O número e comprimento de raízes foi 52,52% e 40,42% maior no meio MS do que no meio N6, respectivamente, e o número de raízes no meio Y3 foi 37,74% maior que no meio MS, o que é importante para a sobrevivência após a aclimatização. K e Na foram os nutrientes mais importantes para a pupunheira. O N não foi requerido em altas concentrações como verificado na formulação do meio Murashige e Skoog. O meio de Chu (N6) não gerou plantas de boa qualidade, possivelmente devido à ausência dos micronutrientes Mo, Cu e Co.

Characterization of lamb burgers with addition of flour from peach palm by-product / Caracterização de hambúrgueres de cordeiro com adição de farinha de subproduto de pupunha

There is an increased interest in the consumption of healthier and innovative meat products. This study aimed to produce lamb burgers by replacing pork fat by peach palm by-product flour ­ PPF. The burgers were produced with lambs that had a safflower seed-supplemented diet. The PPF was added at levels of 0% (H0), 3% (H3), 6% (H6) and 9% (H9) in the substitution of fat. The flour produced with peach palm by-product showed high fiber content (63.9%) and high capacity of water absorption (8.1 g.g-1) and oil absorption (3.8 g.g-1). The PPF addition increased the cooking yield (68.2 - 77.0%), moisture retention (38.5 - 43.4%) and dietary fiber content (3.2 - 7.0%) in relation to H0, while the color parameters were similar among the formulations. The sensorial attributes overall appearance and aroma did not differ (p>0.05) in the lamb burgers produced, but the highest scores for flavor, texture and purchase intention were observed for H0, H3 and H6. PPF addition to lamb burgers increased the hardness values, and it did not affect elasticity and cohesiveness. The microbiological parameters showed that the formulations are safe for consumption. Therefore, PPF can be considered a low-cost alternative to nutritional enrichment of lamb burgers, being the level of 6% the most recommended due to the sensorial acceptance.

Há um interesse crescente pelo consumo de produtos à base de carne mais saudáveis e inovadores. O objetivo deste estudo foi produzir hambúrgueres de cordeiro, substituindo a gordura de porco por farinha de subproduto de palmito pupunha - FPP. Os hambúrgueres foram produzidos com a carne obtida de cordeiros que tiveram dieta suplementada com sementes de cártamo. A FPP foi adicionada nos níveis de 0% (H0), 3% (H3), 6% (H6) e 9% (H9) em substituição à gordura. A farinha produzida com subproduto de palmito pupunha apresentou alto teor de fibras (63,9%) e alta capacidade de absorção de água (8,1 g.g-1) e absorção de óleo (3,8 g.g-1). A adição de FPP aumentou o rendimento após cocção (68,2 - 77,0%), a retenção de umidade (38,5 - 43,4%) e o teor de fibra alimentar (3,2 - 7,0%) em relação a amostra H0, enquanto os parâmetros de cor foram semelhantes entre as formulações. Os atributos sensoriais aparência geral e aroma não diferiram (p > 0,05) entre os hamburgueres produzidos, mas, as maiores notas para sabor, textura e intenção de compra foram observadas para H0, H3 e H6. A adição de FPP aos hambúrgueres de cordeiro aumentou os valores de dureza e não afetou a elasticidade e a coesão. Os parâmetros microbianos mostraram que as formulações são seguras para consumo. Portanto, a FPP pode ser considerada uma alternativa de baixo custo para o enriquecimento nutricional de hambúrgueres de cordeiro, sendo o nível de 6% o mais recomendado devido à aceitação sensorial.

Avaliação sensorial de empanados de frango com adição de farinha de subproduto de palmito pupunha / Sensorial evaluation of chicken nuggets with addition of peach palm by-product flour

O presente estudo teve como objetivo elaborar empanados de frango através da substituição parcial da pele de frango por níveis de 4, 8 e 12% de farinha de subproduto de palmito pupunha (FSP) e avaliar o efeito desta adição nas características sensoriais. As formulações de nuggets com adição de 4% e 8% de FSP apresentaram-se como bem aceitas do ponto de vista sensorial, possuindo índice de aceitação superior a 70%. Dentre as formulações produzidas com substituição de gordura por FSP, aquela contendo 4% de FSP foi a que apresentou maior intenção de compra, não diferindo do controle (sem adição de FSP) em relação a aparência global e ao sabor. Assim, foi possível observar que a substituição parcial da gordura por FSP pode ser considerada promissora na elaboração de empanados de frango.

Development of dehydrated products from peach palm-tucupi blends with edible film characteristics using refractive window.

This study aimed to obtain a dehydrated product with film characteristics with superior functional and technological quality, prepared from different varieties of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) using the refractance window drying (RW) process. The experiments were carried out at 70 °C and drying was fully performed at an increasing rate. The physicochemical characteristics and mechanical, technological, and morphological properties were determined and the moisture and water activity curves of the different peach palm varieties were assessed. The dehydrated product by refractance window have good visual appearance and bright yellowish color due to the carotenoid content found in the samples used as raw material. All dehydrated products had non-homogenous microstructure, however, the products had low tensile strength, percent elongation, hygroscopicity, and water absorption and solubility, desired properties to obtain a food product. The presence of components such as proteins, lipids, and fibers had important effects on the mechanical properties of the products because the mechanical resistance of the biopolymers is influenced by the cohesion of the constituents of the polymer matrix. The production of a dehydrated product with film characteristics through the RW technique presented some advantages over conventional casting drying as such as short drying times, lower costs and without addition of plasticizers or non-food grade components. In general, the products dehydrated by RW are promising and can be consumed immediately after production as snacks or in the substitution of other ingredients, such as algae in sushi.

Genetic parameters to production characters of palm heart in half-sibs progenies of palm peach / Parâmetros genéticos para caracteres de produção de palmito em progênies de meio-irmãos de pupunheira

ABSTRACT: The peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) is a palm tree that produces palm heart originated of Amazonia with economic, social and environmental sustainability. To obtain improved cultivars it is necessary the evaluation and selection of genotypes with characteristics that support producers, manufacturing and consumers. In this context, the objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for palm heart production traits of peach palm considering half sibs progenies. Twenty progenies of Putumayo macrocarpa race were evaluated in seven cultivation cycles. The experiment was designed in complete randomized blocks, with 40 repetitions and one plant per plot. The genetic parameters were estimated by REML/BLUP methodology. Low genetic variability was observed in the population, possibly due to the narrow genetic base from original population. However, considering the significant genetic effect and the progeny mean heritability, the selection performed between progenies is more efficient than individual selection. The high number of measurements required for most of the evaluated characters becomes impractical in peach palm breeding programs. The number of palm heart per plant can be used to perform indirect selection for total production of palm heart.

RESUMO: A pupunheira (Bactris gasipaes) é uma palmeira produtora de palmito oriunda da Amazônia, que apresenta sustentabilidade econômica, social e ambiental. Para a obtenção de cultivares melhoradas é necessário a avaliação e seleção de genótipos com características que atendam produtores, processadores e consumidores. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros genéticos para os caracteres de produção de palmito de pupunha considerando progênies de meio-irmãos. Foram avaliadas 20 progênies da raça macrocarpa Putumayo em sete ciclos de cultivo. O experimento foi delineado em blocos completos ao acaso, com 40 repetições e uma planta por parcela. Os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados segundo metodologia REML/BLUP. Baixa variabilidade foi observada na população de estudo, possivelmente devido à estreita base genética da população original. Contudo, considerando o efeito genético significativo e as herdabilidades médias de progênie, a seleção praticada entre progênies é mais eficiente que a seleção individual. O grande número de medições necessárias para a maioria dos caracteres avaliados torna-se impraticável em programas de melhoramento de pupunheira. O número de palmitos por planta pode ser utilizado na seleção indireta para produção total de palmito.

A Model for Trans-Kingdom Pathogenicity in Fonsecaea Agents of Human Chromoblastomycosis.

The fungal genus Fonsecaea comprises etiological agents of human chromoblastomycosis, a chronic implantation skin disease. The current hypothesis is that patients acquire the infection through an injury from plant material. The present study aimed to evaluate a model of infection in plant and animal hosts to understand the parameters of trans-kingdom pathogenicity. Clinical strains of causative agents of chromoblastomycosis (Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Fonsecaea monophora) were compared with a strain of Fonsecaea erecta isolated from a living plant. The clinical strains of F. monophora and F. pedrosoi remained concentrated near the epidermis, whereas F. erecta colonized deeper plant tissues, resembling an endophytic behavior. In an invertebrate infection model with larvae of a beetle, Tenebrio molitor, F. erecta exhibited the lowest survival rates. However, F. pedrosoi produced dark, spherical to ovoidal cells that resembled muriform cells, the invasive form of human chromoblastomycosis confirming the role of muriform cells as a pathogenic adaptation in animal tissues. An immunologic assay in BALB/c mice demonstrated the high virulence of saprobic species in animal models was subsequently controlled via host higher immune response.

Inoculation methods and aggressiveness of five Fusarium species against peach palm / Métodos de inoculação e agressividade de cinco espécies de Fusarium à pupunheira

ABSTRACT: Fusarium wilt is a major disease which affects peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth.var gasipaes Henderson). This study aimed to evaluate inoculation methods and aggressiveness of isolates of five Fusarium species on peach palm. Fusarium proliferatum can infect the leaves, stem, and roots of peach palm. F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC), F. verticillioides, F. solani species complex (FSSC), and Gibberella fujikuroi species complex (GFSC) are pathogenic to peach palm. The use of Fusarium-colonized ground corn for root inoculation was effective and reduced the level of damage to plants.

RESUMO: A fusariose é uma das principais doenças da pupunheira (Bactris gasipaes Kunth.var gasipaes Henderson). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar métodos de inoculação e a agressividade de isolados de cinco espécies de Fusarium à pupunheira. Demonstrou-se que Fusarium proliferatum pode infectar folhas, caule e raízes de pupunheira. Verificou-se que as espécies F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC), F. verticillioides, F. solani species complex (FSSC) e Gibberella. fujikuroi species complex (GFSC) são patogênicas à pupunheira e, que o uso da quirera colonizada por Fusarium para inoculação de raízes foi efetivo e reduziu o nível de injúrias às plantas.

Genetic analysis identifies the region of origin of smuggled peach palm seeds.

Seeds of a plant, supposedly a palm tree known popularly as peach palm (Bactris gasipaes), were seized by the Federal Police in the state of Pará, Brazil, without documentation of legal origin to authorize transportation and marketing in Brazil. They were alleged to be from the western part of Amazonas, Brazil, near the frontier with Peru and Colombia, justifying the lack of documentation. The species was confirmed to be peach palm. To determine the likely place of origin, a genetic analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the seized seeds and representative populations of peach palm from all of Amazonia, maintained in the Peach palm Core Collection, at the National Research Institute for Amazonia, using nine microsatellite loci. Reynolds' coancestry analysis showed a strong relationship between the seeds and the Pampa Hermosa landrace, around Yurimaguas, Peru. The Structure program, used to infer the probability of an individual belonging to a given population, showed that most seeds grouped with populations close to Yurimaguas, Peru, corroborating the coancestry analysis. The Pampa Hermosa landrace is the main source of spineless peach palm seeds used in the Brazilian heart-of-palm agribusiness, which motivated the smugglers to attempt this biopiracy.

Intake, digestibility and performance of lambs fed diets containing peach palm meal.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients, performance, and plasma glucose concentration of ram lambs fed diets containing peach palm meal substituting maize (0, 10, 40, 60, and 85 % dry matter (DM)). Thirty Santa Inês rams with an average initial body weight of 21.6 ± 0.87 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with five diets and six replicates. The substitution of the maize for the peach palm meal affected (P < 0.05) the intakes of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), total carbohydrates (TC), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and metabolizable energy (ME), which decreased linearly (P < 0.05); the intake of ether extract (EE), however, fit an increasing linear equation (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, NDFap, and TC decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as the level of peach palm meal in the concentrate was increased. The total weight gain and the average daily gain decreased by 0.09 and 0.001 kg with each level of substitution of the maize for peach palm meal, respectively. It is recommended to substitute 40 % of the maize for peach palm meal.

Assessment of Nano Cellulose from Peach Palm Residue as Potential Food Additive: Part II: Preliminary Studies.

High consumption of dietary fibers in the diet is related to the reduction of the risk of non-transmitting of chronic diseases, prevention of the constipation etc. Rich diets in dietary fibers promote beneficial effects for the metabolism. Considering the above and recognizing the multifaceted advantages of nano materials, there have been many attempts in recent times to use the nano materials in the food sector including as food additive. However, whenever new product for human and animal consumption is developed, it has to be tested for their effectiveness regarding improvement in the health of consumers, safety aspects and side effects. However, before it is tried with human beings, normally such materials would be assessed through biological tests on a living organism to understand its effect on health condition of the consumer. Accordingly, based on the authors' finding reported in a previous paper, this paper presents body weight, biochemical (glucose, cholesterol and lipid profile in blood, analysis of feces) and histological tests carried out with biomass based cellulose nano fibrils prepared by the authors for its possible use as food additive. Preliminary results of the study with mice have clearly brought out potential of these fibers for the said purpose.

Conservation implications of the mating system of the Pampa Hermosa landrace of peach palm analyzed with microsatellite markers.

Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) is cultivated by many indigenous and traditional communities from Amazonia to Central America for its edible fruits, and is currently important for its heart-of-palm. The objective of this study was to investigate the mating system of peach palm, as this is important for conservation and breeding. Eight microsatellite loci were used to genotype 24 open-pollinated progenies from three populations of the Pampa Hermosa landrace maintained in a progeny trial for genetic improvement. Both the multi-locus outcrossing rates (0.95 to 0.99) and the progeny level multi-locus outcrossing rates (0.9 to 1.0) were high, indicating that peach palm is predominantly allogamous. The outcrossing rates among relatives were significantly different from zero (0.101 to 0.202), providing evidence for considerable biparental inbreeding within populations, probably due to farmers planting seeds of a small number of open-pollinated progenies in the same plot. The correlations of paternity estimates were low (0.051 to 0.112), suggesting a large number of pollen sources (9 to 20) participating in pollination of individual fruit bunches. Effective population size estimates suggest that current germplasm collections are insufficient for long-term ex situ conservation. As with most underutilized crops, on farm conservation is the most important component of an integrated conservation strategy.

Evaluación de la aceptación por consumidores de un bocadillo de pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) y estudio de su potencial como alimento funcional / Evaluation of consumer´s acceptance of a peach palm snack (Bactris gasipaes) and determination of its potential as a functional food

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la aceptación de 4 formulaciones de un bocadillo de pejibaye combinado con harina de maíz, por consumidores; así como determinar su potencial como alimento funcional. Se evaluó el agrado a las 4 formulaciones, en 100 consumidores de bocadillos y los resultados fueron sometidos a un análisis de conglomerados. Los resultados se conformaron en dos conglomerados, en donde el 2 fue el que otorgó mejores calificaciones a las características evaluadas. En dicho conglomerado, quedaron la mayoría de las personas que consumen más frecuentemente bocadillos y pejibaye. Todos los consumidores del conglomerado 2 y aproximadamente el 85% del grupo 1 indicaron que comprarían el producto, por lo que se concluyó que hay un nicho de mercado para el bocadillo de pejibaye. Posteriormente, se realizó una evaluación cualitativa con los dos productos de mayor aceptación según el estudio cuantitativo. Se realizaron 2 sesiones con participantes de clase media-media: una con profesionales y otra con amas de casa. Se determinó que la combinación de goma tara y carboximetilcelulosa (CMC) permite obtener un efecto sinérgico positivo para las características sensoriales de los bocadillos de pejibaye: la goma resalta el sabor natural a pejibaye y la CMC mejora la crujencia. El bocadillo contiene en 100 g de producto en base seca: 9 ± 4 g de grasa, 14,0 ± 0,3 g de fibra dietética, 15500 ± 32 μg de carotenoides y tiene una capacidad antioxidante de 4700 ± 8 μmol TE, lo que evidencia su potencial como alimento funcional.

The aim of this study was to evaluate consumers’ acceptance of a peach palm snack and to determine its potential as a functional food by chemical characterization. An assessment was conducted with 100 consumers to determine the acceptance of different snack formulations and the results were subjected to cluster analysis. This analysis revealed two groups. Group 2 included people that consume snacks and peach palm frequently and showed the highest grades for the snack evaluated characteristics. All the consumers in group 2 and approximately 85% of the consumers in group 1 indicated that they would buy the product suggesting that there is a niche market for the developed peach palm snack. Also, a qualitative evaluation, using mini focus groups, of the two most widely accepted formulas of the snack (chosen according to previously described study) was performed. The sessions considered the opinion of middle class professionals and housewives. It was determined that the combination of tara gum and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) allows a positive synergistic effect on the sensory characteristics of the snack, highlighting natural peach flavor and improving crunchiness. In a dry basis, the snack contains per 100 g: 9 ± 4 g of fat, 14.0 ± 0.3 g of dietary fiber, 15500 ± 32 μg of carotenoids and has an antioxidant capacity of 4700 ± 8 μmol TE, which demonstrates its potential as a functional food.