Disease recognition in philodendron leaf using image processing technique.

Numerous disease recognition techniques are available to identify diseases in plant leaves. Assignment of spherical polar coordinate treated equivalent to hue, saturation, and intensity helps for disease recognition in Philodendron leaf which was identified as specks. Black vision, white vision, and color vision for the eye are possible with photopigments present in rods and cones in the retina. The highlight of this paper is converting the Philodendron leaf in natural color to grayscale and applying the technique of hue, saturation, and value to the gray image. Then running iteration for the double-sized image by allowing for the simultaneous recognition of the diseased part helps for the identification of the spots present in the leaf. This focuses specks on a brighter scale.

Characterization and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum Species on Philodendron tatei cv. Congo in Gansu Province, China.

In recent years in China, leaf spot caused by Colletotrichum species has been an emerging disease of Philodendron tatei cv. Congo. From 2016 to 2019, typical symptoms, appearing as circular or ovoid, sunken, and brown lesions with a yellow halo, were commonly observed on P. tatei cv. Congo in and around Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China. Conidiomata were often visible on infected leaf surfaces. Leaf disease incidence was approximately 5 to 20%. A total of 126 single-spored Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from leaf lesions. Multilocus phylogenetic relationships were analyzed based on seven genomic loci (ITS, ACT, GAPDH, HIS3, CAL, CHS-1, and TUB2) and the morphological characters of the isolates determined. These isolates were identified as three Colletotrichum species in this study. A further 93 isolates, accounting for 74% of all Colletotrichum isolates, were described as new species and named as Colletotrichum philodendricola sp. nov. after the host plant genus name, Philodendron; another two isolates were named as C. pseudoboninense sp. nov. based on phylogenetic and morphological relativeness to C. boninense; the other 31 isolates, belonging to the C. orchidearum species complex, were identified as a known species-C. orchidearum. Both novel species C. philodendricola and C. pseudoboninense belong to the C. boninense species complex. Pathogenicity tests by both spray and point inoculations confirmed that all three species could infect leaves of P. tatei cv. Congo. For spray inoculation, the mean infection rate of leaves on the three species was only 4.7% (0 to 12%), and the size on lesions was mostly 1 to 2 mm in length. For point inoculation, 30 days after nonwounding inoculation, the infection rate on leaves was 0 to 35%; in wounding inoculation, the infection rate of leaves was 35 to 65%; wounding in healthy leaves greatly enhanced the pathogenicity of these three species to P. tatei cv. Congo; however, the sizes of lesions among the three species were not significantly different. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose diseases on P. tatei cv. Congo. Results obtained in this study will assist the disease prevention and appropriate management strategies.

Evaluation of the anti-snakebite, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of Philodendron megalophyllum Schott (Araceae), traditionally used in accidents caused by snakes in the western region of Pará, Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In the region of Western Pará, Amazonia, Brazil, Philodendron megalophyllum is widely used for the treatment of envenomations caused by bites from venomous snakes. The traditional use of plants is usually done through oral administration of an infusion (decoction) soon after the bite occurs. The efficiency of aqueous extracts of P. megalophyllum was demonstrated for blocking the activity of the venom of Bothrops sp., but only for a pre-incubation protocol (venom:extract), which fails to simulate the real form of use of this species. In this context, the objective of this research was to evaluate the anti-snakebite potential of the aqueous extract of P. megalophyllum to inhibit for the biological activity induced by Bothrops atrox venom (BaV) using traditional treatment methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Initially, an aqueous extract using the stem of P. megalophyllum (AEPm) was prepared following the standard procedure used by the residents of the rural area along the Tapajós River (Eixo Forte region) in Santarém, PA, Brazil. The phytochemical profile of AEPm was conducted using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and phenolic compounds were quantified through colorimetric trials. The cytotoxicity of AEPm was evaluated using the MRC-5 human fibroblast line, and the antioxidant potential was measured using DPPH methods and cell culture. AEPm antimicrobial action was evaluated by the 96-well plate microdilution and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods using 18 types of microorganisms including bacteria that are present in the oral cavity of snakes. AEPm blocking potential was tested against BaV activity in vitro (fibrinolytic) and in vivo (defibrinating and hemorrhagic). In order to test for an interaction between BaV and AEPm SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was conducted. RESULTS: The presence of coumarins, fatty acids, and hydrolysable tannins were detected in the AEPm. The colorimetric trials showed that AEPm had a high concentration of condensed tannins (20.1 ± 1.2%). The potential of AEPm for blocking of hemorrhagic and fibrinolytic activity of BaV showed a maximum reduction of 86.1% and 96.5%, respectively, for the pre-incubation protocol (1:10, venom:extract). However, when the extract was administered orally there was no significant blocking of these activities. The interaction of BaV and AEPm showed a modification of the profile of proteic bands when compared to the pattern of bands obtained from the BaV alone. The AEPm was not considered toxic, demonstrated antioxidant activity, and was capable of reducing the growth of 10 of the 18 studied microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Although the stem of P. megalophyllum is indicated by traditional medicine techniques as effective against snakebites, the extract, when tested orally was not able to significantly inhibit (p ˃ 0.05) hemorrhage and defibrinating activity induced by the B. atrox venom. On the other hand, the extract yielded a promising result with respect to antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, and after further studies it could be used as a complementary treatment for localized action and secondary infections that frequently occur with snakebites from the genus of Bothrops sp.

High resolution leaf spectral signature as a tool for foliar pigment estimation displaying potential for species differentiation.

Optical leaf profiles depend on foliar pigment type and content, as well as anatomical aspects and cellular ultrastructure, whose effects are shown in several species. Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon plants presenting natural pigment content variations and anatomical alterations were analyzed. Each plant species displays its own spectral signatures, which are, in turn, influenced by foliar pigment class (composition) and concentration, as well as anatomical and ultrastructural plant cell characteristics. Plants with no anthocyanin displayed increased reflectance and transmittance in the green spectral region (501-565 nm), while values decreased in the presence of anthocyanin. At wavelengths below 500 nm (350-500 nm), strong overlapping signatures of phenolics, carotenoids, chlorophylls, flavonoids and anthocyanins were observed. Using a partial least squares regression applied to 350-700 nm spectral data allowed for accurate estimations of different foliar pigment levels. In addition, a PCA and discriminant analysis were able to efficiently discriminate different species displaying spectra overlapping. The use of absorbance spectra only was able to discriminate species with 100 % confidence. Finally, a discussion on how different wavelengths are absorbed and on anatomical interference of light interaction in leaf profiles is presented.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott ex Endl (Araceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Popular medicine use stems of Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Araceae) in inflammation cases, such as in erysipelas, as well as orchitis and rheumatism treatment. The present study, conducted for the first time in literature, investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of P. bipinnatifidum stems ethyl acetate extract (EPB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: GC/MS and HPLC analysis were performed for EPB extract. We used EPB at 250, 375 and 500 mg/kg (oral route, p.o.) in male Swiss mice. The antinociceptive activity of the plant extract assessed by acetic acid induced writhing and formalin tests. To investigate the possible participation of opioid system in EPB-mediated effects, we previously administered naloxone to the mice. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema. The open-field test aimed to investigate the possible EPB effects on the locomotor and exploratory activities. To assess the protective role of EPB on carrageenan-induced oxidative stress, the levels of NPSH, TBARS, as well as SOD and CAT activities were evaluated in blood and paw tissue. The acute toxicity of the EPB was investigated using OECD 423 guideline. RESULTS: The EPB chemical analysis by GC/MS and HPLC revealed the presence of flavonoids (luteolin and quercetin) and phytosterols (ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol). The oral treatment with the EPB inhibited mice abdominal writhings (P < 0.01) at 375 and 500 mg/kg, and reduced the formalin effect at the first-phase (500 mg/kg, P < 0.05) and also at the second-phase (500 mg/kg, P < 0.001) of the test. EPB (375 and 500 mg/kg) did not alter spontaneous locomotion in open field test, however the number of fecal bolus was significantly lower for the EPB group at 500 mg/kg when compared to the vehicle group (P < 0.05). The pretreatment with naloxone caused significant inhibition of antinociceptive activity induced by EPB in the formalin test, revealing the possible involvement of opioid receptors. EPB extract administered at 500 mg/kg (p.o.) prevented carrageenan-induced paw oedema (P < 0.05 and 0.01) until 6 h after carragenan injection. Evaluation of TBARS and NPSH levels, SOD and CAT activities in the blood and paw tissue of animals submitted to the carrageenan assay suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect of EPB may be linked to oxidative stress inhibition. The acute administration of the EPB (2000 mg/kg, p.o.) caused no mortality, demonstrating low toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The extract of P. bipinnatifidum displays antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, causing no toxicological effects. The pharmacological activity of this vegetal species may be related to the presence of flavonoids and phytosterols. Our results support the ethnomedical use of this vegetal species as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Karyotype heterogeneity in Philodendron s.l. (Araceae) revealed by chromosome mapping of rDNA loci.

Philodendron s.l. (Araceae) has been recently focus of taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, but karyotypic data are limited to chromosome numbers and a few published genome sizes. In this work, karyotypes of 34 species of Philodendron s.l. (29 species of Philodendron and five of Thaumatophyllum), ranging from 2n = 28 to 36 chromosomes, were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with rDNA and telomeric probes, aiming to understand the evolution of the karyotype diversity of the group. Philodendron presented a high number variation of 35S rDNA, ranging from two to 16 sites, which were mostly in the terminal region of the short arms, with nine species presenting heteromorphisms. In the case of Thaumatophyllum species, we observed a considerably lower variation, which ranged from two to four terminal sites. The distribution of the 5S rDNA clusters was more conserved, with two sites for most species, being preferably located interstitially in the long chromosome arms. For the telomeric probe, while exclusively terminal sites were observed for P. giganteum (2n = 30) chromosomes, P. callosum (2n = 28) presented an interstitial distribution associated with satellite DNA. rDNA sites of the analyzed species of Philodendron s.l. species were randomly distributed considering the phylogenetic context, probably due to rapid evolution and great diversity of these genomes. The observed heteromorphisms suggest the accumulation of repetitive DNA in the genomes of some species and the occurrence of chromosomal rearrangements along the karyotype evolution of the group.

Phylogeny and diversification history of the large Neotropical genus Philodendron (Araceae): Accelerated speciation in a lineage dominated by epiphytes.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Philodendron is a large genus of ~560 species and among the most conspicuous epiphytic components of Neotropical forests, yet its phylogenetic relationships, timing of divergence, and diversification history have remained unclear. We present a comprehensive phylogenetic study for Philodendron and investigate its diversification, including divergence-time estimates and diversification rate shift analyses. METHODS: We performed the largest phylogenetic reconstruction for Philodendron to date, including 125 taxa with a combined dataset of three plastid regions (petD, rpl16, and trnK/matK). We estimated divergence times using Bayesian evolutionary analysis sampling trees and inferred shifts in diversification rates using Bayesian analysis of macroevolutionary mixtures. KEY RESULTS: We found that Philodendron, its three subgenera, and the closely related genus Adelonema are monophyletic. Within Philodendron subgenus Philodendron, 12 statistically well-supported clades are recognized. The genus Philodendron originated ~25 mya and a diversification rate upshift was detected at the origin of subgenus Philodendron ~12 mya. CONCLUSIONS: Philodendron is a species-rich Neotropical lineage that diverged from Adelonema during the late Oligocene. Within Philodendron, the three subgenera currently accepted are recovered in two lineages: one contains the subgenera Meconostigma and Pteromischum and the other contains subgenus Philodendron. The lineage containing subgenera Meconostigma and Pteromischum underwent a consistent diversification rate. By contrast, a diversification rate upshift occurred within subgenus Philodendron ~12 mya. This diversification rate upshift is associated with the species radiation of the most speciose subgenus within Philodendron. The sections accepted within subgenus Philodendron are not congruent with the clades recovered. Instead, the clades are geographically defined.

New insights on the phylogenetic relationships among the traditional Philodendron subgenera and the other groups of the Homalomena clade (Araceae).

Philodendron (Araceae) is one of the largest Neotropical plant genera, with approximately 500 species and at least 1000 species predicted. There is a considerable ecological diversity in the group, although most species occur in the humid forests of tropical America. Despite being relatively well-studied in taxonomic analyses, the relationships among the traditional morphological groups of the genus are not well-established, mainly regarding the three traditional subgenera, referred here as Philodendron sensu lato (s.l.), P. subg. Pteromischum, P. subg. Philodendron and P. subg. Meconostigma, which was recently recognized as a separate genus, Thaumatophyllum. Therefore, the present work evaluates the phylogenetic position and the monophyly of Philodendron s.l. and its three main subdivisions, and the sister groups within the Homalomena clade, which also includes the Neotropical genus Adelonema, the two Asian genera Homalomena and Furtadoa, and the two African genera Cercestis and Culcasia, by means of molecular phylogenetic approaches including chloroplast DNA (atpF-atpH, rpl32-trnL, trnQ-5'-rps16 and trnV-ndhC) and nuclear (ITS2) markers. The monophyly of Philodendron s.l. and its three lineages is confirmed and our analyses corroborate previous morphologic data indicating Thaumatophyllum as sister to the clade formed by P. subg. Pteromischum and P. subg. Philodendron.

Unveiling the osmophores of Philodendron adamantinum (Araceae) as a means to understanding interactions with pollinators.

Background and Aims: Araceae species pollinated by nocturnal Cyclocephalini beetles attract their pollinators by inflorescence scents. In Philodendron , despite the intense odour, the osmophores exhibit no definite morphological identity, making them difficult to locate. This may explain why structural studies of the scent-releasing tissue are not available so far. Methods: Several approaches were employed for locating and understanding the osmophores of Philodendron adamantinum . A sensory test allowed other analyses to be restricted to fertile and sterile stamens as odour production sites. Stamens were studied under light and electron microscopy. Dynamic headspace and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to collect and analyse scents from different zones of the inflorescence. Key Results: The epidermal cells of the distal portion of fertile stamens and staminodes are papillose and, similar to the parenchyma cells of this region, have dense cytoplasm and large nuclei. In these cells, the composition of organelles is compatible with secretory activity, especially the great number of mitochondria and plastids. In this portion, lipid droplets that are consumed concomitantly with the release of odour were observed. Quantitative scent analyses revealed that the scent, with a predominance of dihydro-ß-ionone, is mainly emitted by the fertile and sterile staminate zones of the spadix. An amorphous substance in the stomata pores indicates that the components are secreted and volatilized outside of the osmophore under thermogenic heat. Conclusions: Despite the difficulty in locating osmophores in the absence of morphological identity and inefficiency of neutral red staining, the osmophores of P. adamantinum have some features expected for these structures. The results indicate a functional link between thermogenesis and volatilization of osmophore secretions to produce olfactory signals for attracting specialized beetle pollinators. These first experimental data about the precise location of osmophores in Philodendron will stimulate studies in related species that will allow future comparison and the establishment of patterns of functional morphology.

Differential Accumulation of Volatile Organic Compounds by Leaves and Roots of Two Guianese Philodendron Species, P. fragrantissimum Kunth and P. melinonii Brongn.

Leaf and root essential oils of two closely related but ecologically distant Philodendron species were extracted in natural conditions in French Guiana and analysed by GC/MS to i) describe the blends of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by those species and ii) analyse species and environment-based variations in extracts composition. A total of 135 VOCs were detected with a majority of aliphatic sesquiterpenes. P. fragrantissimum produced mainly ß-bisabolene (on average 29.12% of the extract) as well as α- and ß-selinene (14.52% and 17.50%, respectively) while in P. melinonii, four aliphatic sesquiterpenes could alternatively be the main component: (E)-ß-farnesene (up to 91.42% of the extract), germacrene-D (73.74%), ß-caryophyllene (51.63%) and trans-α-bergamotene (41.26%). A significant effect of species and organs on extracts composition was observed while the environment (sun exposure) only affected the relative proportions of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in roots of P. melinonii. These results are discussed in the light of the potential role of leaf and root terpenes in Philodendron species.

Plants of the Araceae family for malaria and related diseases: a review / Plantas da família Araceae para a malária e doenças relacionadas: uma revisão

ABSTRACTIn the current work we performed a review of the Araceae family species traditionally used to treat malaria and its symptoms. The aim is to reveal the large number of antimalarial Araceae species used worldwide and their great unexplored potential as sources of antimalarial natural products. The SciFinder Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google books search engines were consulted. Forty-three records of 36 species and 23 genera of Araceae used for malaria and symptoms treatment were found. The neotropical genera Philodendron Schott and Anthurium Schott were the best represented for the use in the treatment of malaria, fevers, liver problems and headaches. Leaves and tubers were the most used parts and decoction was the most common preparation method. The extracts of Araceae species inhibit the in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite, the Plasmodium falciparum Welch, and significant median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for extracts of guaimbê-sulcado (Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott), aninga (Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott), Culcasia lancifolia N.E. Br. and forest anchomanes (Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl.) have been reported demonstrating the antimalarial and cytotoxicity potential of the extracts and sub-fractions. In the only report about the antimalarial components of this family, the neolignan polysyphorin and the benzoperoxide rhaphidecurperoxin presented strong in vitro inhibition of the D6 and W2 strains of Plasmodiumfalciparum (IC50 = 368-540 ng/mL). No live study about antimalarial activity in animal models has been conducted on a species of Araceae. More bioguided chemical composition studies about the in vitro and also thein vivo antimalarial activity of the Araceae are needed in order to enhance the knowledge about the antimalarial potential of this family.

RESUMONo presente trabalho realizamos uma revisão das espécies da família Araceae usadas para tratar malária e seus sintomas. O objetivo foi revelar o grande número de espécies da família usadas no mundo, assim como seu potencial como fontes de produtos naturais antimaláricos. Foram consultadas as plataformas de busca SciFinder Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect e Google books. Encontramos quarenta e três registros de 36 espécies e 23 generos de Aráceas usadas para tratar malária e seus sintomas. Os generos neotropicais Philodendron Schott e Anthurium Schott foram os melhor representados, úteis para o tratamento da malária, febres, problemas hepáticos e dores de cabeça. Folhas e tubérculos foram as partes mais utilizadas, enquanto a decocção foi o método de preparo mais comum. Os extratos de espécies de Araceae inibem o crescimento in vitro do parasito da malária humana, Plasmodium falciparum Welch, e concentrações inibitórias medianas (CI50) significativas foram relatadas para extratos de guaimbê-sulcado (Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott), aninga (Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott), Culcasia lancifoliaN.E. Br. e anchomanes do mato (Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl.), demonstrando o potencial antimalárico e citotóxico de extratos e subfrações. No único relato sobre os componentes antimaláricos dessa família, a neolignana polisiforina e o benzoperóxido rafidecurperoxina apresentaram forte inibição das cepas D6 e W2 de Plasmodiumfalciparum in vitro (CI50 = 368-540 ng/mL). Nenhum estudo sobre a atividade antimalárica in vivo em modelo animal foi realizado com espécies da família Araceae. Mais trabalhos biomonitorados pela composição química sobre a atividade antimalárica in vitro, assim como estudos in vivo, são necessários para aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre potencial antimalárico da familia.

Propiedades antioxidantes de extractos de curuba (Passiflora mollisima Bailey) en crema de leche / Antioxidant properties of curuba extracts (Passiflora mollisima Bailey) in milk cream

Antecedentes: la grasa láctea contribuye al sabor y aroma de los productos lácteos y ayuda a absorber las vitaminas liposolubles. Sin embargo es susceptible a reacciones de oxidación, que traen como consecuencia una disminución en la calidad de los productos. Objetivo: evaluar la capacidad antioxidante de la crema de leche suplementada con 0,40 0,60 y 0,80% p/p de extracto de curuba y la estabilidad oxidativa durante 25 días de almacenamiento a 4ºC. Materiales y métodos: para evaluar la oxidación lipídica se determinó el valor TBAR. La capacidad antioxidante se comprobó mediante las técnicas DPPH, ORAC-H, ORAC-L y Folin Ciocalteu. Resultados: los tratamientos mejoraron significativamente la estabilidad oxidativa de la crema de leche (p<0,05) durante los 25 días de almacenamiento, la presencia de 0,40; 0,60 y 0,80% p/p de extracto de curuba redujo la producción de malondialdehido con respecto el blanco en un 6, 15 y 22% respectivamente, el poder antioxidante de las muestras suplementadas fue superior al del blanco. En la evaluación sensorial se encontró diferencia entre la crema de leche con y sin extracto. Conclusiones: el extracto de curuba retrasa el proceso de oxidación de la crema de leche y puede estar asociado a la capacidad antioxidante del producto.

Background: Milk fat contributes to flavors of dairy products and contributes to fat-soluble vitamins absorption. However, it is susceptible to oxidation reactions that result in a decrease in the quality of products. Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the milk cream supplemented with 0.40, 0.60 and 0.80 % w/w of Banana Passion Fruit extracts and oxidative stability during 25 days of storage at 4ºC. Materials and Methods: Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by the TBARS method. The antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, ORAC-H, ORAC-L and Folin-Ciocalteu assays. Results: Treatments improved significantly (p<0.05) the oxidative stability of the cream during 25 days of storage, the presence of 0.40, 0.60 and 0.80% w/w curuba extract reduced production of malondialdehyde by 6, 15 and 22% respectively compared to control, the antioxidant power of the supplemented samples was higher than control. In the sensory evaluation was found difference between the cream with and without extract. Conclusions: Banana Passion Fruit extract retards the oxidation process of the cream and may be associated with the antioxidant capacity of the product.

Características nutricionales y antioxidantes de la fruta curuba larga (Passiflora mollissima Bailey) / Nutritional and antioxidant characteristics of banana passion fruit (Passiflora mollissima Bailey)

Antecedentes: la curuba larga es una fruta tropical poco reconocida y poco estudiada sobre su valor nutricional y sus componentes bioactivos. Objetivo: describir las características nutricionales y antioxidantes de la curuba larga. Metodología: descripción de las características del fruto y producción de la curuba larga. Análisis de la composición proximal de la fruta. Se conoció a partir de referencias científicas el contenido de micronutrientes de la curuba larga. Se determinó el contenido de carotenoides, fenoles y flavonoides totales. La capacidad antioxidante se analizó por los métodos DPPH, FRAP y ORAC. Resultados: esta fruta es fuente de vitaminas A, C y niacina, minerales como potasio, fósforo, magnesio, sodio, cloro, hierro; aporta cantidades moderadas de carbohidratos y calóricas. El contenido de carotenoides, fenoles y flavonoides totales fue 118,8 mg βcaroteno 460,1 mg ácido gálico y 1.907,6 mg catequina/100 g, respectivamente. El valor DPPH, FRAP y ORAC fue 60.843,1 µmol, 8.520,3 µmol y 20.754,9 µmol de equivalentes Trolox/100 g de fruta seca, respectivamente. Conclusión: el valor nutricional y antioxidante de la curuba larga debe aprovecharse por la población en general y como materia prima por la agroindustria para favorecer su cadena productiva.

Background: banana passion fruit is a tropical fruit whose nutritional value and bioactive compounds are little known and have not been studied enough. Objective: based on the nutritional and antioxidant characteristics of banana passion fruit we show the nutritional value and the impact to human health. Methodology: characteristics of fruit and production were described. Proximal composition of the fruit was analyzed. Micronutrients were known by scientific references related to banana passion fruit. Antioxidant capacity was analyzed by DPPH, FRAP and ORAC methods. Results: this is a source of vitamins A, C and niacin, minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, iron; provides moderate amounts of carbohydrates and calories. The content of total carotenoids, phenols and flavonoids was 118,8 mg βcarotene 460,1 mg galic acid galic and, 1.907,6 mg catechine/100 g respectively. The DPPH, FRAP and ORAC value was 60.843,1 µmol, 8.520,3 µmol and, 20.754,9 µmol trolox equivalents/100 g dehydrated fruit respectively. Conclusion: people in general and the food industry should take advantange of the nutritional and antioxidant value of banana passion fruit as well as raw material to improve the productive chain.

Floral evolution of Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma (Araceae).

Elucidating the evolutionary patterns of flower and inflorescence structure is pivotal to understanding the phylogenetic relationships of Angiosperms as a whole. The inflorescence morphology and anatomy of Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma, belonging to the monocot family Araceae, has been widely studied but the evolutionary relationships of subgenus Meconostigma and the evolution of its flower characters have hitherto remained unclear. This study examines gynoecium evolution in subgenus Meconostigma in the context of an estimated molecular phylogeny for all extant species of subgenus Meconostigma and analysis of ancestral character reconstructions of some gynoecial structures. The phylogenetic reconstructions of all extant Meconostigma species were conducted under a maximum likelihood approach based on the sequences of two chloroplast (trnk and matK) and two nuclear (ETS and 18S) markers. This topology was used to reconstruct the ancestral states of seven floral characters and to elucidate their evolutionary pattern in the Meconostigma lineage. Our phylogeny shows that Meconostigma is composed of two major clades, one comprising two Amazonian species and the other all the species from the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes with one Amazonian species. The common ancestor of the species of subgenus Meconostigma probably possessed short stylar lobes, long stylar canals, a stylar body, a vascular plexus in the gynoecium and druses in the stylar parenchyma but it is uncertain whether raphide inclusions were present in the parenchyma. The ancestral lineage also probably possessed up to 10 ovary locules. The evolution of these characters seems to have occurred independently in some lineages. We propose that the morphological and anatomical diversity observed in the gynoecial structures of subgenus Meconostigma is the result of an ongoing process of fusion of floral structures leading to a reduction of energy wastage and increase in stigmatic surface.

Evidence for behavioral attractiveness of methoxylated aromatics in a dynastid scarab beetle-pollinated araceae.

Many plants attract their pollinators with floral scents, and these olfactory signals are especially important at night, when visual signals become inefficient. Dynastid scarab beetles are a speciose group of night-active pollinators, and several plants pollinated by these insects have methoxylated aromatic compounds in their scents. However, there is a large gap in our knowledge regarding the compounds responsible for beetle attraction. We used chemical analytical analyses to determine temporal patterns of scent emission and the composition of scent released from inflorescences of Philodendron selloum. The attractiveness of the main components in the scent to the dynastid scarab beetle Erioscelis emarginata, the exclusive pollinator of this plant, was assessed in field biotests. The amount of scent increased rapidly in the evening, and large amounts of scent were released during the activity time of the beetle pollinators. Inflorescences emitted a high number of compounds of different biosynthetic origin, among them both uncommon and also widespread flower scents. Methoxylated aromatic compounds dominated the scent, and 4-methoxystyrene, the most abundant compound, attracted E. emarginata beetles. Other compounds, such as (Z)-jasmone and possibly also the methoxylated aromatic compound 3,4-dimethoxystyrene increased the attractiveness of 4-methoxystyrene. Methoxylated aromatics, which are known from other dynastid pollinated plants as well, are important signals in many scarab beetles in a different context (e.g., pheromones), thus suggesting that these plants exploit pre-existing preferences of the beetles for attracting this group of insects as pollinators.

Experimental determination of Philodendron melinonii and Arabidopsis thaliana tissue microstructure and geometric modeling via finite-edge centroidal Voronoi tessellation.

Plant petioles and stems are hierarchical cellular structures, displaying structural features defined at multiple length scales. One or more of the intermediate hierarchical levels consists of tissues, in which the cellular distribution is quasirandom. The current work focuses on the realistic modeling of plant tissue microstructures. The finite-edge centroidal Voronoi tessellation (FECVT) is here introduced to overcome the drawbacks of the semi-infinite edges of a typical Voronoi model. FECVT can generate a realistic model of a tissue microstructure, which might have finite edges at its border, be defined by a boundary contour of any shape, and include complex heterogeneity and cellular gradients. The centroid-based Voronoi tessellation is applied to model the microstructure of the Philodendron melinonii petiole and the Arabidopsis thaliana stem, which both display intense cellular gradients. FECVT coupled with a digital image processing algorithm is implemented to capture the nonperiodic microstructures of plant tissues. The results obtained via this method satisfactorily obey the geometric, statistical, and topological laws of naturally evolved cellular solids. The predicted models are also validated by experimental data.

In the heat of the night--alternative pathway respiration drives thermogenesis in Philodendron bipinnatifidum.

• Philodendron bipinnatifidum inflorescences heat up to 42 °C and thermoregulate. We investigated whether they generate heat via the cytochrome oxidase pathway uncoupled by uncoupling proteins (pUCPs), or the alternative oxidase (AOX). • Contribution of AOX and pUCPs to heating in fertile (FM) and sterile (SM) male florets was determined using a combination of oxygen isotope discrimination, protein and substrate analyses. • Both FM and SM florets thermoregulated independently for up to 30 h ex planta. In both floret types, AOX contributed > 90% of respiratory flux during peak heating. The AOX protein increased fivefold with the onset of thermogenesis in both floret types, whereas pUCP remained low throughout development. These data indicate that AOX is primarily responsible for heating, despite FM and SM florets potentially using different substrates, carbohydrates or lipids, respectively. Measurements of discrimination between O2 isotopes in strongly respiring SM florets were affected by diffusion; however, this diffusional limitation was largely overcome using elevated O2. • The first in vivo respiratory flux measurements in an arum show AOX contributes the bulk of heating in P. bipinnatifidum. Fine-scale regulation of AOX activity is post-translational. We also demonstrate that elevated O2 can aid measurement of respiratory pathway fluxes in dense tissues.

Estudo químico de duas plantas medicinais da amazônia: Philodendron scabrum k. Krause (araceae) e Vatairea guianensis aubl. (fabaceae) / Chemical study of two Amazonian medicinal plants: Philodendron scabrum K. Krause (Araceae) and Vatairea guianensis Aubl. (Fabaceae)

Este trabalho relata o estudo químico de duas plantas medicinais da Amazônia: Philodendron scabrum K. krause (Araceae) e Vatairea guianensis Aubl. (Fabaceae). As composições dos óleos essenciais dos cipós de P. scabrum e dos frutos de V. guianensis, respectivamente, foram analisadas em CG-DIC e CG-EM. Os constituintes majoritários dos cipós de P. scabrum foram óxido de cariofileno (19,42%), α-copaeno (16,08%) e ß-bisaboleno (10,01%); e nos frutos de V. guianensis foram o ácido (9Z)-octadecenoico (24,95%) e o ácido docosahexaenoico (24,17%). ß-sitosterol e o alquilresorcinol 1-hexadecanoil-2,6-dihidroxibenzeno foram isolados do extrato etanólico dos cipós de P. scabrum; e do extrato etanólico dos frutos de V. guianensis, foram isoladas as antraquinonas crisofanol e fisciona. As determinações estruturais foram baseadas em dados de RMN de ¹H e 13C. RMN, uni e bidimensional e comparação com dados da literatura.

This work describes the chemical study of two medicinal plants of the Amazon Philodendron scabrum K. Krause (Araceae) and Vatairea guianensis Aubl. (Fabaceae). Essential oils composition from stems of Philodendron scabrum K. Krause (Araceae) and fruits of Vatairea guianensis Aubl. (Fabaceae), respectively were analyzed in GC-FID and GC-MS. The major constituents from stems of P. scarabum were caryophyllene oxide (22.42%), α-copaene (16.08%) and ß-bisabolene (12.01%) and from fruits of V. guianensis were (9Z)-octadecenoic acid (24.95%) and docosahexenoic acid (24.17%). ß-sitosterol and alkylresorcinol 1-hexadecanoyl-2,6-dihydroxybenzene were isolated from ethanolic extracts from stems of P. scabrum and from ethanolic extracts from fruits of V. guianensis, the athraquinones chrysophanol and physcion were isolated. The structure of isolated compounds we determinate wered based on data from ¹H and 13C NMR, including two dimensional analyses and comparison with literature data.