The impact of early-life exposure to three agrochemicals on survival, behavior, and gut microbiota of stingless bees (Partamona helleri).

Over the last few decades, agrochemicals have been partially associated with a global reduction in bees' population. Toxicological assessment is therefore crucial for understanding the overall agrochemical risks to stingless bees. Therefore, the lethal and sublethal effects of agrochemicals commonly used in crops (copper sulfate, glyphosate, and spinosad) on the behavior and gut microbiota of the stingless bee, Partamona helleri, were assessed using chronic exposure during the larval stage. When used at the field-recommended rates, both copper sulfate (200 µg of active ingredient/bee; a.i µg bee-1) and spinosad (8.16 a.i µg bee-1) caused a decrease in bee survival, while glyphosate (148 a.i µg bee-1) did not show any significant effects. No significant adverse effects on bee development were observed in any treatment with CuSO4 or glyphosate, but spinosad (0.08 or 0.03 a.i µg bee -1) increased the number of deformed bees and reduced their body mass. Agrochemicals changed the behavior of bees and composition of the gut microbiota of adult bees, and metals such as copper accumulated in the bees' bodies. The response of bees to agrochemicals depends on the class or dose of the ingested compound. In vitro rearing of stingless bees' larvae is a useful tool to elucidate the sublethal effects of agrochemicals.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from jussara (Euterpe edulis M.) and blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) fruits

Abstract This study was aimed at optimizing the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from jussara and blueberry fruits using the response surface methodology (RSM). UAE was found to be more efficient to extract phenolic compounds from both fruits than the conventional extraction. The optimum extraction conditions for the jussara fruits were: extraction time between 30 and 62 min for total anthocyanins and total phenolics, fruit:solvent ratio of 10% and 6% (w/v) for total anthocyanins and total phenolics, respectively. The ethanol concentration was non-significant (p> 0.05). Acidified water was found to be an extracting solvent as efficient as ethanol in the extraction of phenolic compounds from jussara fruits. The optimum extraction conditions for blueberry anthocyanins were: ethanol concentration between 20-70% vol, and fruit: solvent ratio greater than 20% (w/v) within the range studied. The extraction time was not significant (p> 0.05). For total phenolic content: the concentration of ethanol was between 40-80%, and fruit: solvent ratio greater than 20% (w/v) and extraction time over 50 minutes. It was possible to adjust the mathematical model for the coordinates a* (verde vs vermelho) and C* (color saturation) of the jussara extracts.

Teor de vitamina C, β-caroteno e minerais em camu-camu cultivado em diferentes ambientes / Levels of vitamin C, β-carotene and minerals in camu-camu cultivated in different environments

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do tipo de cultivo (ambiente seco e alagado) sobre o teor de vitamina C, β-caroteno e minerais (cálcio, magnésio, enxofre, zinco, ferro, manganês, cobre, boro, nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio) de camu-camu. As vitaminas citadas foram determinadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, enquanto que os minerais cálcio, magnésio, zinco, cobre, manganês e ferro por espectrometria de absorção atômica, o potássio por fotometria de chama e o fósforo, boro e enxofre por espectrofotometria, nos comprimentos de onda 725 e 420nm, respectivamente. O fruto cultivado em ambiente seco apresentou maior (P<0,05) teor de vitamina C (13.756,79mg 100g1/peso seco) e da maioria dos minerais investigados (cálcio, magnésio, enxofre, ferro, cobre, nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio). Os teores de β-caroteno não variaram (P>0,05) em função dos diferentes ambientes.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of crop type (dry and flooded environment) on vitamin C, β-carotene and minerals (calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), of camu-camu content. Vitamins were determined by high performance liquid chromatography, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese and iron by atomic absorption spectrometry, potassium by flame photometry and phosphorous, boron and sulfur by spectrophotometry in wave lengths 725 and 420nm, respectively. Fruit grown in a dry environment showed higher (P<0.05) vitamin C content (13756.79mg 100g-1/dry weight) and generally higher mineral content (calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). β-carotene content was not influenced (P>0.05) by different environments.