Sublethal Effects of Essential Oils From Eucalyptus staigeriana (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiales: Laminaceae), and Foeniculum vulgare (Apiales: Apiaceae) on the Biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of maize, Zea mays L. Its control is often achieved through repeated applications per season of insecticides, which may lead to adverse effects on the ecosystem. Thus, the study of alternative methods with less environmental impact has expanded to include the use of essential oils. These oils are products of the secondary metabolism in plants, and their insecticidal activity has been widely demonstrated in populations of many pest insects. This study evaluated the insecticidal activities of essential oils from Eucalyptus staigeriana, Ocimum gratissimum, and Foeniculum vulgare on Spodoptera frugiperda. Gas chromatography­mass spectrometry profiles and contact toxicity of these oils as well as their sublethal effects on larvae and reproductive parameters in adults were evaluated. All three oils had sublethal effects on S. frugiperda; however, the oil of O. gratissimum showed the best results at all doses tested. These essential oils may have promise for control of S. frugiperda.

Bioactivity of Piper hispidinervum (Piperales: Piperaceae) and Syzygium aromaticum (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) oils, with or without formulated Bta on the biology and immunology of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The combination of essential oils and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner may represent an interesting control strategy. Thus, the study tested the following hypothesis: the combination of long pepper oil (Piper hispidinervum L.) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) oils in two concentrations with Xentari WG (Bta) yields a more effective control of Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) affecting biological and reproductive parameters and leading to changes in the levels of phenoloxidase and nitric oxide in the hemolymph of the pest. The results demonstrate that only long pepper oil, at the highest concentration with Xentari WG (Bta), promotes reduced larval survival. However, both oils with or without the insecticide interfere in the biology and humoral immunity of S.frugiperda. All treatments caused a decrease in the amount of eggs, except for the clove oil at both concentrations without Bta. Therefore, the use of these oils is a promising alternative for the integrated management of S. frugiperda; however, its association with Bta demonstrated no significant increase in their efficiency.

To be or not to be fragrant: floral scent of some bat-pollinated cacti.

Floral scent is a key olfactory cue in both diurnal and nocturnal pollination systems. In the case of nocturnal systems, such as bat-pollinated flowers, odour seems to play a more important role than visual cues. Cactaceae include many bat-pollinated species; however, few studies have investigated the olfactory cues in this family. We analysed and compared the chemical composition of the floral bouquet of three chiropterophilous cactus species, among which are a pair of congeners that differ considerably in scent intensity. Our research presents novel findings regarding the floral scent chemistry of chiropterophilous cactus species. We documented the first case of a bat-pollinated cactus whose flowers lack perceptible floral scent and in which no volatile compounds were detected in our chemical analyses. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of the floral bouquet of the other two bat-pollinated species, revealing a resemblance among closely related species within the same genus. We highlight the need for further studies using biotests to investigate the mechanisms through which bats find flowers lacking scent.

Efficiency of essential oils in the control of the black bean aphid Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

The black aphid Aphis craccivora Koch is one of the main pests of the caupi-bean crop Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Due to the need to find effective and safe methods of control, there has been an increase in research seeking natural alternatives. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of essential oils from jatoba Hymenaea courbaril, copaiba Copaifera langsdorffii and aroeira Schinus terebinthifolius to control nymphs and adults of A. craccivora. The oils were extracted from the leaves by the hydrodistillation method, diluted to 0.1% in distilled water with 2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Each treatment had four repetitions, plus a control with distilled water + 2% DMSO. The biotests were conducted in two stages: the first was conducted in the laboratory, under controlled conditions of temperature, relative humidity and photophase, and the second was conducted in the greenhouse, using only the treatment with the best laboratory test results. After 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours of exposure, the insect mortalities were checked. In the first phase of the experiment, the aroeira oil showed 83.33% and 75.75% efficiency of mortality in nymphs and adults, respectively. In the greenhouse tests, this same oil showed 73.52% in nymphs and 62.85% in adults, opening new perspectives regarding its use as a natural insecticide for the control of the black aphid of the bean.

Pollination of the strongly scented Sarcoglottis acaulis (Orchidaceae) by male orchid bees: nectar as resource instead of perfume.

The Neotropical orchid genus Sarcoglottis comprises ~40 species, which emit strong floral scents, presumably involved in pollinator attraction. Information on basic aspects of its natural history is scant, with the few studies available so far pointing to nectar-seeking orchid bees as pollinators. Here, we investigated the reproductive biology of Sarcoglottis acaulis, addressing the ecological meaning of its floral scent. In Atlantic Forest fragments of NE Brazil, we described the floral biology, determined the breeding system and recorded the pollinators of S. acaulis. Additionally, we chemically characterized its floral scent and assessed its role on pollinator attraction. Although self-compatible, S. acaulis depends on pollinators to boost fruit set. Male orchid bees of Eulaema atleticana and E. niveofasciata were the only recorded pollinators. They foraged for nectar only, in spite of the strong scent emitted by S. acaulis flowers. The floral scent is composed of six compounds, of which geraniol and nerol elicited electroantennographic responses in Eulaema bees. A synthetic mixture of these compounds attracted Eulaema bees in field assays but did not trigger the stereotyped scent-gathering behaviour. The floral scent of S. acaulis acts in signalling and nectar is the sole reward for pollinators. Despite the low pollinator frequency, S. acaulis shows a high fruit set (77%), particularly when compared to other orchids. Attributes such as pollinia that release small pollen loads, allowing a single pollinia-carrying bee to pollinate several flowers, low amount of nectar, steady-state flowering and traplining behaviour of pollinators, might act together to assure this outstanding fruit set.

Reproductive biology of Syagrus coronata (Arecaceae): sex-biased insect visitation and the unusual case of scent emission by peduncular bracts.

Several monoecious species of palms have developed complex strategies to promote cross-pollination, including the production of large quantities of floral resources and the emission of scents that are attractive to pollinators. Syagrus coronata constitutes an interesting model with which to understand the evolution of plant reproductive strategies in a monoecious species adapted to seasonally dry forests. We monitored blooming phenology over 1 year, during which we also collected and identified floral visitors and putative pollinators. We identified potential floral visitor attractants by characterizing the scent composition of inflorescences as well as of peduncular bracts, during both male and female phases, and the potential for floral thermogenesis. Syagrus coronata produces floral resources throughout the year. Its inflorescences are predominantly visited by a diverse assortment of small-sized beetles, whose richness and abundance vary throughout the different phases of anthesis. We did not find evidence of floral thermogenesis. A total of 23 volatile compounds were identified in the scent emitted by the inflorescences, which did not differ between male and female phases; whereas the scent of the peduncular bracts was composed of only 4-methyl guaiacol, which was absent in inflorescences. The composition of floral scent chemistry indicates that this palm has evolved strategies to be predominantly pollinated by small-sized weevils. Our study provides rare evidence of a non-floral scent emitting structure involved in pollinator attraction, only the second such case specifically in palms. The peculiarities of the reproductive strategy of S. coronata might play an important role in the maintenance of pollination services and pollen dispersion.

Morphological and immunohistochemical study of the midgut and fat body of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: noctuidae) treated with essential oils of the genus Piper.

Essential oils are a promising alternative to insecticides. We investigated the LD50 of oils extracted from Piper corcovadensis, P. marginatum, and P. arboreum after 48 h topical contact with Spodoptera frugiperda larvae using morphometry, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry of the midgut and fat body. Chromatography revealed that E-caryophyllene was the principal compound common to the Piper species. The essential oils of P. corcovadensis, P. marginatum and P. arboreum caused deleterious changes in the midgut of S. frugiperda larvae. P. corcovadensis oil produced the lowest LD50 and significant histopathological alterations including elongation of the columnar cells, formation of cytoplasmic protrusions, reduction in carbohydrate, increased apoptotic index and decreased cell proliferation. P. arboreum oil caused histopathological alterations similar to P. corcovadensis, but caused the highest rate of cell proliferation and increased regenerative cells, which indicated rapid regeneration of the epithelium. Our findings demonstrated the insecticidal potential of P. corcovadensis for control of S. frugiperda owing to the significant damage it inflicted on S. frugiperda midgut.

Analysis for low-molecular-weight carbohydrates is needed to account for all energy-contributing nutrients in some feed ingredients, but physical characteristics do not predict in vitro digestibility of dry matter.

An experiment was conducted to quantify nutrient and fiber fractions of feed ingredients and to determine in vitro apparent ileal digestibility (IVAID) and in vitro apparent total tract digestibility (IVATTD) of DM and OM in each ingredient. Ten ingredients that vary in fiber concentration and composition were used: corn, wheat, soybean meal (SBM), canola meal, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn germ meal, copra expellers, sugar beet pulp (SBP), synthetic cellulose (SF), and pectin. Correlations between chemical and physical characteristics of ingredients and IVAID and IVATTD of DM and OM were determined. The physical characteristics measured included bulk density, water-binding capacity (WBC), swelling, and viscosity. The analyzed GE was compared with values for GE calculated from all energy-contributing components. Results indicated that the analyzed chemical composition of most ingredients added to 100% or greater, except for DDGS, SBP, and SF, where nutrients added to only 94.29%, 88.90%, and 96.09%, respectively. The difference between the sum of the calculated GE of the analyzed components and the analyzed GE of the ingredients ranged from -2.25 MJ/kg in DDGS to 1.74 MJ/kg in pectin. No correlation was observed between swelling, WBC, or viscosity and IVAID or IVATTD of DM or OM. The concentration of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and total dietary fiber (TDF) was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with IVAID and IVATTD of DM and OM. There was a tendency for NDF (r = -0.60) and ADF (r = -0.61) to be negatively correlated (P < 0.10) with IVAID of DM. However, no correlation was observed between the concentration of CP, GE, acid-hydrolyzed ether extract, lignin, or soluble dietary fiber and IVAID and IVATTD of DM and OM. The stronger correlations between IDF, TDF, and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides and IVAID and IVATTD of DM and OM than between ADF and NDF and IVAID and IVATTD of DM and OM indicate that the concentration of TDF in feed ingredients is a better predictor of the digestibility of DM and OM than values for NDF and ADF. In conclusion, the calculated GE of some feed ingredients was in agreement with the analyzed GE, which gives confidence that energy-contributing components were accounted for, but for DDGS and SBP, it was not possible to account for all analyzed GE. Concentrations of IDF and TDF, but not the physical characteristics of feed ingredients, may be used to estimate IVAID and IVATTD of DM and OM in feed ingredients.

The contribution of digestible and metabolizable energy from high-fiber dietary ingredients is not affected by inclusion rate in mixed diets fed to growing pigs.

Effects of inclusion rate of fiber-rich ingredients on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE and on the concentration of DE and ME in mixed diets fed to growing pigs were determined. The hypothesis was that increasing the inclusion rate of fiber decreases digestibility of GE, and thus, the contribution of DE and ME from hindgut fermentation because greater concentrations may reduce the ability of microbes to ferment fiber. Twenty ileal-cannulated pigs (BW: 30.64 ± 2.09 kg) were allotted to a replicated 10 × 4 incomplete Latin Square design with 10 diets and four 26-d periods. There were 2 pigs per diet in each period for a total of 8 replications per diet. A basal diet based on corn and soybean meal (SBM) and a corn-SBM diet with 30% corn starch were formulated. Six additional diets were formulated by replacing 15% or 30% corn starch by 15% or 30% corn germ meal, sugar beet pulp, or wheat middlings, and 2 diets were formulated by including 15% or 30% canola meal in a diet containing corn, SBM, and 30% corn starch. Effects of adding 15% or 30% of each fiber source to experimental diets were analyzed using orthogonal contrasts and t-tests were used to compare inclusion rates within each ingredient. The AID and ATTD of GE and concentration of DE and ME in diets decreased (P < 0.05) with the addition of 15% or 30% canola meal, corn germ meal, sugar beet pulp, or wheat middlings compared with the corn starch diet. However, inclusion rate did not affect the calculated DE and ME or AID and ATTD of GE in any of the ingredients indicating that concentration of DE and ME in ingredients was independent of inclusion rate and utilization of energy from test ingredients was equally efficient between diets with 15% and 30% inclusion. Increased inclusion of fiber in the diet did not influence transit time in the small intestine, but reduced the time of first appearance of digesta in the feces indicating that transit time was reduced in the hindgut of pigs fed high-fiber diets. However, this had no impact on DE and ME or ATTD of GE in test ingredients. In conclusion, fiber reduced the DE and ME in the diet. However, inclusion rate of fiber-rich ingredients in diets did not affect calculated values for DE and ME in feed ingredients indicating that microbial capacity for fermentation of fiber in pigs is not overwhelmed by inclusion of 30% high-fiber ingredients in the diets.

Larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti of some Brazilian medicinal plants.

Larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti have been determined in the ethanolic extracts obtained from 51 Brazilian medicinal plants. Eleven of the 84 extracts studied showed significant (LC50 < 100 microg mL(-1)) activities against larvae, with extracts from Annona crassiflora (root bark, LC50 = 0.71 microg mL(-1); root wood, LC50 = 8.94 microg mL(-1)) and Annona glabra (seed, LC50 = 0.06 microg mL(-1)) showing the highest activities. The results obtained should be of value in the search for new natural larvicidal compounds.

Amino acid digestibility by weanling pigs of processed ingredients originating from soybeans, 00-rapeseeds, or a fermented mixture of plant ingredients.

An experiment was conducted to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in 4 sources of processed soybean products, in conventional dehulled soybean meal (SBM-CV), in conventional 00-rapeseed expellers (RSE), and in a fermented coproduct mixture (FCM) that contained rapeseed meal, wheat, soy molasses, and potato peel fed to weanling pigs. The 4 processed soybean products included 2 sources of enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM-1 and ESBM-2), extruded soybean meal, and soy protein concentrate (SPC). Twenty-seven weanling barrows (9.29 ± 0.58 kg initial BW) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. Pigs were randomly allotted to three 9 × 5 Youden squares with 9 pigs and five 7-d periods in each square. Seven cornstarch-based diets were prepared using each of the protein sources as the sole source of CP and AA. A N-free diet was prepared to calculate basal endogenous losses of CP and AA, and this diet was fed to 2 groups of pigs, which resulted in a total of 9 dietary treatments. Results indicate that the SID of CP was greater ( < 0.05) in ESBM-1 than in SPC, RSE, or FCM. The SID of Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Met, and Phe were greater ( < 0.05) in ESBM-1 than in SPC, and the SID of Lys was greater ( < 0.05) in SBM-CV than in ESBM-2. The SID of Thr, Trp, Val, and total indispensable AA were not different among the soybean products, but the SID of total dispensable AA in ESBM-1 was greater ( < 0.05) than in SPC. Therefore, the SID of total AA was greater ( < 0.05) in ESBM-1 than in SPC, but no other differences were observed among soybean meal (SBM) products. The SID of most AA in RSE and the SID of all AA in FCM were less ( < 0.05) than in all the SBM products, but the SID of all AA in RSE were greater ( < 0.05) than in FCM. Results of this research indicate that although processing of SBM results in increased concentration of CP, processing may also reduce the digestibility of AA, which is likely due to heat damage during processing. There are, however, differences among processed soy products, with some products having greater SID of AA than others. Results also indicate that fermentation of a mixture of rapeseed meal, wheat, and relatively low quality coproducts does not result in SID values that are similar to those of unfermented 00-rapeseed expellers or soybean products.

Análise Dopplerfluxométrica e angiogênica de tumores mamários caninos / Dopplerfluxometric and angiogenic analysis of canine mammary tumors

Foi avaliado o comportamento de índices Doppler e a expressão de genes relacionados à neovascularização tumoral, visando caracterizar a vascularização das massas neoplásicas. Foram utilizadas 27 cadelas, com diagnóstico histopatológico de neoplasia mamária, sendo submetidas à avaliação Dopplerfluxométrica tumoral e à coleta de fragmentos neoplásicos para análise de expressão gênica de VEGF, FLT-1, FLK-1 e ATR1. Foram encontrados 22 tumores de origem epitelial (carcinomas) e cinco de origem mesenquimal (sarcomas). Observou-se correlação positiva entre o FLT-1 e as variáveis PS, PI e RI. O FLK-1 apresentou correlação igualmente positiva com os parâmetros PS e PI e uma tendência para RI, enquanto o VEGF retratou correlação positiva apenas com IP. O VEGF também mostrou correlação positiva com seus receptores, porém não apresentou correlação com o ATR1. O FLT-1 e o FLK-1 apresentaram ainda correlação positiva entre si e com o ATR1. Houve maior expressão média do VEGF nos tumores epiteliais do que nos mesenquimais. As variáveis PS, PI e RI, associadas com a expressão do VEGF e seus receptores, mostraram-se relevantes para caracterizar a neovascularização de tumores malignos, e a expressão diferenciada do VEGF entre os tipos tumorais pode ser um indicador auxiliar na caracterização de neoplasias mamárias malignas em cadelas.(AU)

The behavior of the tumor Doppler indexes and gene expression related to neovascularization was evaluated aiming to improve the characterization of neoplastic masses vascularization. Twenty-seven bitches with histopathological diagnosis of mammary neoplasia were submitted to tumor Dopplerfluxometric evaluation and collection of neoplastic fragments to analyze the gene expression of VEGF, FLT-1, FLK-1 and ATR1. Were found 22 epithelial (carcinomas) and five mesenchymal (sarcomas) tumors. Positive correlation was observed between FLT-1 and PS, PI and RI. FLK-1 presented a similar positive correlation with the PS and PI parameters, and a tendency for RI (r= 0.45, P= 0.07), whereas VEGF showed a positive correlation just with PI. VEGF also showed a positive correlation with its receptors, but did not present a correlation with ATR1. FLT-1 and FLK-1 also showed positive correlation with each other, and with ATR1. There was higher mean expression of VEGF in epithelial tumors than in mesenchymal ones. The PS, PI and RI associated with the expression of VEGF and its receptors have been shown to be relevant to characterize neovascularization of malignant tumors, and the differentiated expression of VEGF between the types of mammary tumors, may be an auxiliary indicator in the characterization of malignant breast cancers in bitches.(AU)

Chemical composition, oviposition deterrent and larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti of essential oils from Piper marginatum Jacq. (Piperaceae).

The essential oils of leaves, stems and inflorescences of Piper marginatum, harvested in the Atlantic forest in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, were obtained by hydrodistillation. GC and GC-MS analyses revealed the presence of 40 components accounting, respectively, for 99.6%, 99.7% and 99.1% of the leaf, stem and inflorescence oil, the most abundant being (Z)- or (E)-asarone and patchouli alcohol. The essential oil of the inflorescences exhibited potent activity against the 4th instar of Aedes aegypti with LC(10) and LC(50) values of 13.8 and 20.0 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, the inflorescence oil did not interfere in the oviposition of A. aegypti females when assayed at 50 ppm. These properties suggest that P. marginatum oil is a potential source of valuable larvicidal compounds for direct use or in conjunction with baits in traps constructed to capture eggs and larvae.