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Microbes found in nectar and dispersed by animal visitors can mediate pollination and host fitness. While previous studies have characterised floral nectar microbiomes and their effects on invertebrate pollinators, fewer studies have focused on vertebrate pollinators, especially outside of the Northern Hemisphere. In Aotearoa New Zealand, vertebrates, such as birds and bats, are critical pollinators for many native plant species. Here, we present nectar microbiome profiles for two endemic, vertebrate-pollinated plant species in Aotearoa New Zealand, wharariki, mountain flax (Phormium cookianum), and pua o te Rēinga, wood rose (Dactylanthus taylorii). We used vertebrate exclusion treatments and camera traps to monitor visitation. Camera trap footage revealed silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), ship rat (Rattus rattus), and possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) visitation. We detected shifts in microbial species turnover in wood rose and varying relative abundances of fungal and bacterial taxa across the vertebrate exclusion treatments for both mountain flax and wood rose. However, we did not detect strong effects on floral nectar microbiome community composition or richness. Future work should move beyond profiling the microbial communities and identify fitness consequences and pollination outcomes, which could affect conservation and management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower production depends on pollination by honey bees, Apis mellifera L., and wild bees. For wild sunflower oligoleges, preference for various sunflower lines seems to reflect the quantity (or accessibility) of floral rewards, with floret size (≈accessibility of sunflower nectar) appearing most important. However, it is less clear how honey bees, a key generalist, are affected by sunflower floral traits. The honey bee-sunflower interaction was explored to test if accessibility of nectar (≈floret size) and related floral traits explain foraging preferences and to assess potential nutritional variation in sunflower pollen. In the first two years, honey bee foraging preference increased with decreasing floret length similar to previous observations with wild pollinators. In the second year, no similar response was seen, though nectar rewards (by volume or volume × concentration) were remarkably low compared to the previous year. Pollen collected from bagged plants in the second year showed sunflower lines differed in concentrations (µg/mg ± SE) of total fatty acids and essential fatty acids. In general, it appears that honey bee responses to floral traits are similar to those of wild bees responsible for pollinating much of the sunflower crop in the central United States and that variation in the nutritional quality of sunflower pollen is greater than previously known. Because of the broad geographic distribution of the sunflower crop, additional research on how the environment influences floral rewards and sunflower-pollinator interactions may be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to evaluate the feasibility of applying green tea extract encapsulated in yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) nectar. Two formulations were developed: with microencapsulated green tea extract (NM) and control (NC). NM was the variant concentration of green tea microencapsulated (4.6 g of green tea microcapsules for each 240 mL of beverage). The samples were subjected to physical-chemical and bioactive compounds analysis, such as the study of rheological behavior and sensory analysis. The addition of microcapsules resulted in changes in all of the parameters evaluated, highlighting the contribution in antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds. The inclusion of microcapsules did not influence the rheological behavior. For the sensory analysis, it was found that NC presented better sensory acceptance. The inclusion of microcapsules of green tea extract in yellow mombin nectar presents itself as a viable alternative for the development of a new product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Species constantly interact with many organisms simultaneously, and multiple species interactions can have unique effects when combined and potentially cause resource and fitness trade-offs to the host. For example, extrafloral nectar can be an effective defence against herbivory, yet this nectar production can be influenced by abiotic and biotic environmental factors, including other mutualisms. Aims: Here, we tested how traits associated with two different types of species interactions, herbivory and rhizobia-induced nodulation, may independently and interactively affect a host plant. Methods: We manipulated the presence or absence of rhizobia at two different levels of herbivory in the field. We measured multiple plant growth traits and fitness responses, such as plant height, above- and below-ground biomass, total biomass, the ratio between above- and below-ground biomass, rhizobia nodule number, and average nodule size, extrafloral nectar volume, extrafloral nectar sugar concentration, as well as ant and arthropod visitation to explore the potential ant-plant mutualism. Results: Rhizobia inoculation did not affect ant or other arthropod visitation but did alter plant traits associated with growth as well as decreased allocation to sugar concentration within extrafloral nectar. Extrafloral nectar volume remained nearly constant in nearly all treatments, except for a decrease when plants did not have rhizobia and were not subjected to herbivory. Finally, increased herbivory led to reduced nodule size but did not alter nodule number, indicating potential shifts in resource allocation. Conclusions: Overall, multiple species interactions have compounding effects when combined, and plant traits alter differentially in response. In particular, we found a substantial benefit of rhizobia to the plants which did not result in either higher ant visitation or herbivory. However, greater herbivory did reduce plant growth, yet these effects varied depending on the presence or absence of rhizobia. This study demonstrates the importance of considering traits associated with multiple diverse species interactions simultaneously to better understand plant responses to environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litchi inflorescences bear hundreds of small flowers, but most flowers need to be removed to reduce the consumption of carbohydrates and increase fruit setting. The production and secretion of nectar are largely affected by the availability and metabolism of carbohydrates. However, the secretion pattern and constituents of litchi nectar in response to the removal of inflorescences are unclear. Here, we showed that the litchi nectar secretion amount ranged from 4 to 10 mg per flower with the cultivar 'Nuomici' having the strongest secretion ability. The concentration of total soluble solids in litchi nectar was approximately 30%. Fructose was present in the highest concentration in nectar, followed by glucose and sucrose. Cultivar, flower sex and inflorescence-removal treatment had no significant main effect on soluble sugars but had two-way interaction effects on sucrose. Twenty-seven amino acids were detected, including seven essential amino acids. The concentration of amino acids was significantly affected by cultivar and flower sex, with nectar from the cultivar 'Guiwei' and male flowers having a significantly higher concentration. Removal of inflorescences did not show the main effect on the nectar amount, total soluble solids, or protein contents, but had interactive effects on the concentration of sucrose and amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron-induced reactions are also very difficult to describe theoretically, mainly because we are not able to predict accurately how the nucleus deexcites (i.e., how it releases the internal energy acquired after the capture of a neutron). Perspectives In the near future, we plan to perform a second experiment with a SP 238 sp U SP 92+ sp beam and a deuterium target where we will measure, in addition to the -ray and neutron emission probabilities, the fission probability. Neutron-induced reaction cross-sections of radioactive nuclei are essential for nuclear astrophysics and for applications in nuclear technology. It included a particle telescope E-E located near the target to measure the kinetic energies and angles of the scattered protons, as well as a detector for measuring the number and position of heavy beam-like products formed after -ray or neutron emission. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Ecoscience (Ecoscience) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Flowers of Jaltomata weigendiana (Solanaceae) secrete red nectar that is visible through the partially translucent corolla. We report the pattern of nectar presentation during the sexual phases of the flower and characterize the breeding system. Comparison of flower sets experiencing daily removal starting Day 1 with flowers that accumulated nectar for one or two days prior to daily removal revealed no discernible effect on the life-of-the-flower nectar production, sugar production and floral longevity. Flowers produce about the same cumulative volume of nectar during the two sexual phases. However, cumulative nectar sugar production is about 4 times higher during the male phase. Nectar standing crop ranged from 4–26.6 µl for Day 1 flowers and 0–8.7 µl for flowers from which nectar was removed the previous day. With daily removal of nectar, 21 of 40 flowers contained no nectar during the last day of the flower's life. All unmanipulated flowers developed fruits (autonomous self-pollination). However, manual self-pollinations and manual cross-pollinations resulted in fruits that weighed significantly more and had significantly more seeds than fruits produced by autonomous self-pollination. Protogyny and herkogamy promote cross-pollination, but delayed autonomous selfing at the end of the flower's life ensures seed set if pollinator-mediated pollination fails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowers of Humiria balsamifera var. floribunda were monitored for 1 year in an area of restinga on the Brazilian coast to describe the richness of visiting bees, temporal distribution of visits, and how they transport its pollen in the community. The plant showed continuous flowering and bees were seen foraging nectar throughout the year. A total of 1,231 individuals belonging to 17 bee species were collected. The highest frequencies belonged to social species (Melipona subnitida, Apis mellifera, Melipona fasciculata) and Xylocopa cearensis. In general, bee visits were positively correlated to increased flowering intensity of the plant. The most frequent species increased their visitation frequency throughout the day, which may be related to optimal foraging decisions. Twenty-two pollen types were identified on the bee bodies. Social bees presented the highest loads of monofloral H. balsamifera pollen, which contributed to greater cross pollination success of this plant. The network structure was nested, which demonstrates the plant's potential to stabilize the pollination system. Thus, as a generalist plant, H. balsamifera helps maintain bees in the restinga, which is currently an environment severely threatened by anthropic actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban heat island (UHI) effect is considered one of the major drivers of changes in insect behavior within cities. Here, we evaluated the flight and the nectar and pollen foraging activities of the southernmost stingless bee, Plebeia catamarcensis, along a land surface temperature gradient in central and peri-urban areas of the city of Cordoba (Argentina), as a proxy for the UHI effect. Flight and foraging activity were recorded in ten colonies located along the temperature gradient in summer. We registered the bees' activity in three time-bands (morning, midday and afternoon) through video recording. The temperature gradient was obtained from Landsat 8 data in a buffer around each nest. Our results showed that overall flight activity as well as nectar foraging significantly increased with temperature. Pollen foraging, however, was significantly explained by time-bands with the highest activity concentrated in the morning, and independently of the temperature gradient. In addition, nectar and pollen foraging patterns were negatively associated. Whereas P. catamarcensis would take advantage of higher urban temperatures to forage nectar, the pollen foraging strategy may hide an avoidance competition behavior sustained by the limited pollen availability compared with that of nectar. As a first attempt to address the UHI effect on a stingless bee, our results address the potential ability of the southermost P. catamarcensis populations to overcome the negative effects of urban warming observed for other bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific factors that determine whether hummingbirds feed from flowers matching their bill morphology are not well understood. Here, we asked whether long-billed hummingbirds at tropical mid-elevations visit flowers that match their bill morphology more often when those flowers are more energetically profitable in terms of nectar concentration compared to short-corolla flowers. We measured visitation rates by hummingbirds in 3 experiments involving feeders with 5 flower morphologies and 2 nectar concentrations in the mountains of Costa Rica. Not surprisingly, all species tended to prefer higher nectar concentration when given the choice across all available flower morphologies. When nectar concentration was the same across all flower morphologies, hummingbirds with bills shorter than 28 mm generally avoided long-corolla flowers (30 mm) and fed more frequently from short-corolla flowers (10 mm), while species with longer bills did not show a preference. When nectar concentration was higher in long-corolla flowers compared to short-corolla flowers (30% vs 10% m/v), short-billed species showed the same visitation rates as above, but long-billed species (>28 mm) changed their visitation patterns and visited long-corolla flowers significantly more often than short-corolla flowers. Our results suggest that visitation rates of long-billed hummingbirds to long-corolla flowers might be influenced more by nectar properties than by flower morphology at mid-elevations in the tropics. Los factores específicos que determinan si los colibríes se alimentan de flores que se ajustan a la morfología de su pico no se conocen bien. Aquí, nos preguntamos si los colibríes de pico largo en elevaciones medias tropicales visitan más frecuentemente las flores que se ajustan a su morfología de pico cuando éstas son energéticamente mas rentables en términos de concentración de néctar comparadas con flores de corola corta. Medimos la tasa de visitación de colibríes en 3 experimentos que involucraron comederos con 5 morfologías florales y 2 concentraciones de néctar en las montañas de Costa Rica. Sin que resultara sorprendente, todas las especies prefirieron concentraciones de néctar mas altas en todas las morfologías florales cuando se les dio la opción. Cuando la concentración de néctar fue la misma en todas las morfologías florales, los colibríes con picos mas cortos que 28 mm generalmente evitaron flores de corola larga (30 mm) y se alimentaron mas frecuentemente de flores de corola corta (10 mm), mientras que colibríes de pico mas largo no mostraron preferencia. Cuando la concentración de néctar fue mas alta en flores de corola larga comparada con flores de corola corta (30 vs 10% m/v), las especies de pico corto mostraron los mismos patrones de visitación mencionados arriba, pero las especies de pico largo (>28 mm) cambiaron los patrones de visitación y visitaron las flores de corola larga significativamente con mas frecuencia que las flores de corola corta. Nuestros resultados sugieren que las tasas de visitación de colibríes de pico largo a flores de corola larga se pueden ver influenciadas más por las propiedades del néctar que por la morfología floral en elevaciones tropicales medias. Palabras clave: alimentación de colibríes, coevolución, concentración de néctar, flores artificiales, forma floral, síndrome de polinización. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nectar robbing has multiple effects on plants and pollinators, depending on the traits of a plant and its reproductive system, the behaviour of its pollinators, and the identity of the robber. We aimed to evaluate temporal variation in morphological traits of robbed and intact flowers of the ornithophilous Asian basket plant, Aeschynanthus speciosus (Gesneriaceae). We measured the length of the style and corolla, and the width of the stigma of the flowers of potted A. speciosus plants on three different days. We also recorded whether nectar robbing influenced the position of the androecium in relation to the gynoecium between robbed and intact flowers. Nectar robbing by the bananaquit, Coereba flaveola, had a negative effect on the development of floral traits of A.speciosus, resulting in flowers with smaller styles and stigmas, and reduced herkogamy. We discuss these findings from the perspective of plant-nectar robber interactions, offering insights into the strategies adopted by plants to counteract the negative effects of nectar robbing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nectar of Camellia reticulata Lindl. contains sugar, amino acids and other nutritional components, suggesting that it could be developed for food and food additives. To understand the effects of the nectar on human health, we investigated its chemical constituents. Two new flavonoid glycosides, cameretiins A and B (1 and 2), and two known flavonoid glycosides, kaempferol 3-O-(2′′-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) and tiliroside (4) were obtained from the nectar of Camellia reticulata Lindl. Their structures were determined based on analysis of their spectroscopic data and by comparison with 1D NMR spectroscopic data of known compounds reported in the literature. Compounds (1–4) were first isolated from the nectar of Camellia reticulata Lindl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing market for beverages made with mixed fruits, mainly tropical ones. The objective of this work was to develop blended nectars based on açai and cashew apple pulps and to evaluate them by using sensory consumer tests according to a response surface methodology. Nine formulations were prepared by using different total pulp concentrations and açai-to-cashew apple pulp ratios. The formulation with 30.0% of total pulp and an açai-to-cashew apple pulp ratio of 0.84 (that is to say, 13.7% of açai pulp and 16.3% of cashew apple pulp) was the most accepted by consumers (lowest pulp assayed). This mixed nectar showed high vitamin C and anthocyanin contents, and exhibited an attractive dark violet color, suggesting potential commercial success. The data obtained in this study can be used for large-scale production of new mixed fruit nectars, which suggests that they may represent an exciting option for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, sour cherry nectar and apple juice were concentrated using thermal concentration (75, 80, and 85 °C), and intermittent microwave concentration (180, 300, and 450 W) under vacuum condition (at 250 mbar). Thirteen different mathematical models were used to describe the concentration kinetics of the samples. The Midilli model exhibited the best fit to all experimental data (R2 ≥ 0.9972; χ2 ≤ 1.6724; RMSE ≤ 1.2932). The concentration time was reduced with increasing microwave power (from 180 W to 450 W) and thermal vacuum concentration temperature (from 75 °C to 85 °C). In addition, the main quality parameters of the concentrates were comparatively investigated after reconstitution. Generally, major differences were not observed in the physicochemical properties of samples concentrated by thermal and microwave methods. Total phenolic content of the apple juice and sour cherry nectar samples were ranged between 209.87-216.67 mg/L and 571.00-588.57 mg/L, respectively. Fructose was the main sugar in both juices, followed by glucose and sucrose. The particle size of the juice samples increased with concentration processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral nectar is an important attractant and reward for visitors, and is often produced in synchrony with peak activity of pollinators. Aloe peglerae flowers in winter, and previous studies have shown that it is pollinated primarily by diurnal generalist birds, with small mammals making additional contributions to pollination at night. Nectar produced during the day is the main attractant and reward for birds, but the nectar rewards available to small mammals are unknown. This paper investigates nectar availability in Aloe peglerae, because small mammals may be feeding on remaining, or freshly produced, nectar at night. Nectar availability over a 24-hour period was measured in screened and unscreened plants (n = ten plants per treatment), and the associated partitioning of visits by diurnal birds and nocturnal small mammals assessed. Nectar is constantly available over 24-hours, but in different quantities. Nectar volume of screened (nectar availability) and unscreened (standing crop) plants, is significantly higher early in the morning after sunrise, compared with all other sampling periods during the 24-hour period. Nectar concentration did not vary over 24-hours, averaging 11.5 ± 0.4% w/w (unscreened) across the entire 24-hour period. Peaks in visits by different guilds occurred at periods (i.e. diurnal birds and nocturnal small mammals) when nectar availability was high. Aloe peglerae has higher daytime nectar production, when its primary pollinators are most active, but the continual, albeit reduced, nectar availability at night attracts small mammals. Mobile diurnal birds, and less-mobile nocturnal small mammals, both rely on this nectar resource during dry and cold South African winters and, in turn, are important pollinators for this Critically Endangered Aloe species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is a natural product that has been used as medication since the ancient times for its nutritive and therapeutic value. Despite these properties, honey use has been limited in evidence-based medicine due to the lack of evidence in clinical settings, particularly in paediatric population. An increasing interest has grown towards honey during the last years. The aim of this article is to examine the possible role of honey as a therapeutic tool in paediatrics. We performed a literature search to summarise the highest quality evidences, analysed articles regarding honey's nutritional properties and therapeutic value. The state of the art is represented by evidences related to beneficiary effects of honey on respiratory, gastroenterological and oncohaematologic diseases. Many other uses could promisingly come from in vitro studies or clinical trial based on adult samples. Honey shows an excellent risk-benefit profile and can be safely administrated in children older than 12 months. In conclusion, honey does not only represent a grandma's remedy, but is a real useful tool in different clinical settings, including paediatrics practice. However, there is a need for high-quality, large randomised controlled trials confirming effectiveness and practical application of honey in paediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementary feeding of birds may have considerable ecological and evolutionary effects on bird communities. However, there is a lack of basic information on the prevalence, frequency and quality of supplementary feeders, especially in African urban areas. Here we describe the prevalence, reliability and quality of artificial nectar feeders in suburbs in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, where many bird-pollinated plant species occur. Results from 291 questionnaires, completed by garden owners with an interest in birds, reveal that 57% of respondents have feeders in their gardens and 51% refill their feeders multiple times per week. The sugar concentration, total duration of feeding and frequency of feeding did not affect abundances or species richness of nectarivorous birds in gardens. We found a higher incidence of breeding sunbirds and sugarbirds in gardens with feeders than gardens without. Supplementary nectar feeding in this area has the potential to contribute to conserving nectarivorous birds, but investigation into the possible negative effects is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to develop nutritious drinks using date nectar with the two most popular Saudi date cultivars (Khalas and Sukkari) and spirulina at different substitution rates. The date puree was prepared with different concentrations of pectin enzymes. The approximate composition, microbiological quality, sugars, vitamins, and minerals of date puree and spirulina, as well as the contaminants, physical properties, fatty acids, and phytopigments of spirulina were evaluated. Chemical composition and sensory properties of the developed date drinks were also assessed. The results showed that spirulina is safe, free from contaminants and heavy metals, and appeared to contain appreciable amounts of essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and phytopigments. The microbiological loads of date puree and spirulina were very low, and there were no pathogenic microbes were found. Spirulina contained higher amounts of total solids, ash, protein, minerals, fiber, fat, and vitamins, than date puree, indicating its suitability as a rich source of nutrients for food fortification. In both date types, treatment of puree with 400 ppm enzyme yielded nectar with higher scores in all sensory attributes, indicating that this is a suitable concentration to yield acceptable juice amounts. The substitution of date nectar with 10% spirulina gave the highest scores for sensory attributes; consequently, this concentration was used for the formulation of functional nectar from date nectar and spirulina. Incorporation of 10% spirulina in date nectars showed a significant increase in the contents of total solids, protein, essential amino acids, ash, fat, sugars, carotenoids, and chlorophyll in the date nectars, thereby improving its nutritional and health properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugars constitute the main component of bee-collected pollen, which may vary significantly among different pollen taxa according to their botanical origin and the surrounding vegetation. In this study, we investigated the significance of the pollen grain volume and exine sculpture on the sugars content of bee-collected pollen. We analysed the sugar content of 30 monofloral pollen pellets using high-performance liquid chromatography and we measured the volume of the pollen grains. The content of total sugars of pollen pellets was on average 421.0 g kg−1.We found that the volume of pollen grain affects the total content of sugars in bee-collected pollen in a statistically significant way and smaller size pollen grains had comparatively higher sugar values. On the contrary, we found no clear evidence regarding the significance of the exine ornamentation on sugar content. The results revealed that the presence of sugars in bee-collected pollen is a multifactorial issue as several parameters such as the volume of pollen grains, the botanical origin, the flowering season and surrounding vegetation may influence the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fundão Dam breach, in November 2015 in Mariana (20º 22ʹ 40″ S, 43º 24ʹ 58″ W), was considered, at that time, the largest environmental disaster in Brazilian history. Meliponiculture was one of the activities pointed out as a way to promote floristic recovery and to generate income for the population, in order to minimise the impact of the disaster. The objective of this work was to identify the plants supplying pollen and nectar for Tetragonisca angustula by means of melissopalynological analysis in areas under the influence of the Fundão Dam breach. The palynological data were evaluated comparing to the floristic survey carried out in the region and using multivariate statistical analysis to verify the pollen similarities between the study sites and to investigate possible impacts caused on the bee flora due to the disaster. The pollen spectra of honey did not show differences among the study sites, since Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi predominated in all samples. Regarding the bee bread, two distinct groups were formed; in the areas affected by the dam breach there was a predominance of pollen from the pioneer heliophytic species of herbaceous or shrub habit such as Baccharis, Crotalaria and Mimosa pudica. In the non-affected areas pollen of Cecropia, Myrsine and Schinus predominated, demonstrating a more established environment in the ecological succession. It is suggested that the results obtained be considered in the restoration projects in the region to assist the development of stingless bee-keeping projects as a tool for environmental recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower-visiting insects are important crop pollinators, but their populations in agricultural landscapes are declining. One reason is the decreasing quantity and quality of floral resources. Deterioration of the situation caused by an increasing production of energy crops like maize, a pollen-only resource, may be mitigated by alternative crops such as Silphium perfoliatum L., which produces pollen and nectar over a long-lasting flowering period (July–September). The aim of this study was to assess the floral resources of S. perfoliatum. We calculated pollen grains and nectar sugar mass per inflorescence as well as inflorescences per plant using experimental plots and commercial fields in Germany. In addition, we analyzed free and protein-bound amino acids in pollen as well as sugars and free amino acids in nectar. The amount of pollen and nectar sugar per inflorescence decreased with increasing stem branching. The production of pollen and nectar sugar, however, was greatest in the second half of August due to the high number of inflorescences per plant at that stage. About half of the farmers harvested S. perfoliatum before the end of flowering to gain higher methane yields. With an early harvest around the beginning of September about one sixth of total pollen and one fifth of total nectar sugar production were lost to pollinators. Pollen and nectar showed high amounts of certain essential amino acids, particularly histidine, but total amino acids were low in concentration. Hence, S. perfoliatum should be complemented with different bee fodder plants to ensure a well-balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetamiprid (ATP) is a neonicotinoid widely used in agriculture, which is less toxic to honeybees and is transported into the hives via the contaminated nectar and pollen as well as physical contact. Although ATP degrades in animal systems mainly through N-desmethylacetamiprid (IM-2-1), it is degraded in honey of different origins mainly through (E)-N2-carbamoyl-)-N1-[6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl])-N1-methylacetamidine (IM-1-2). The decomposition of ATP in honey has been followed for storage times up to 180 days at 20°C, 30°C and 40°C to represent geographical regions with different temperatures. Subsequent degradation of IM-1-2 occurred and IM-1-4 was detected as a degradation product of IM-1-2. The apparent decomposition rate constants and half-lives of ATP in honey were determined. ATP degradation to IM-1-2 was faster in honey than the rates observed in aqueous solutions of pH 3.0–5.0. In order to follow actual ATP contamination in honey, IM-1-2 analysis is proposed to be carried out instead of the analyses of ATP and IM-2-1 for safety determination to ensure application of Good Agricultural Practice and to maintain a healthy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The location of nectar secretion in flowers of Jaltomata has not been identified with certainty until now: removal of the corolla and androecium from one side of living flowers allowed us to see, in progress, nectar secretion by the ovarian nectary. We studied Jaltomata quipuscoae, a wild plant that grows in southern Peru and produces copious, red floral nectar. Unmanipulated flowers do not set fruit in a pollinator-free greenhouse, demonstrating lack of autogamy, but self-compatibility was demonstrated by manual self-pollinations leading to fruit-set. Anther dehiscence is staggered with the anthers of a flower dehiscing over hours on the same day. The corolla and nectar are UV-absorptive. Flowers last 4–10 days, are usually protogynous during the first day the corolla is open, and do not close for the night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of the genetic and environmental controls of floral nectar production by mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium J.R.Forst. et G.Forst.) and other species is limited by high levels of variation. This study partitioned variation in mānuka floral nectar traits between sites, plants, and branches, and tested plant and environmental variables that might contribute to variation. Wild mānuka plants were sampled at five sites across the North Island of New Zealand at the time of flowering for each site. Nectar traits differed significantly between sites, but for most traits plant-to-plant variation within sites was the largest source of variation (40%–70%) identified by linear mixed-effect modelling. Nectar total sugar, dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and hexose and sucrose ratios varied more between plants within sites, than they did between sites or branches within plants. Radiation and night-time temperature accounted for approximately 80% of between-site variation in mean total sugar per flower, and DHA/total sugar, respectively. Nectar total sugar and DHA were correlated across years when nectar was sampled again from the same plants two years later at one site, confirming stable variation between plants over time. Variation in nectar traits between adjacent wild plants suggests interactions between genotype, environment and flowering phenology among plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecoscience (Ecoscience) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nectar from plants is a particularly important food source for a number of bird families. Here, 4 observations of nectar foraging by family groups of Little Ravens (Corvus mellori), a species only recently recorded as consuming nectar, are described. There are few details of nectarivory in the major reviews of the Corvidae, but this behavior has been recorded for 11 of the approximately 45 species of Corvus worldwide and is summarized here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nectar robbers in many plant species affect female reproductive success, usually decreasing the amount of seed produced by plants, which can affect populations persistence. Aims: To evaluate the impact of nectar robbers on the viability of the populations, we investigated the effects of nectar robbing on the female reproductive success of a threatened snapdragon species in four populations over 2 years. Methods: We observed insect visitors and their behaviour and quantified the percentage of robbed and non-robbed flowers and the production of fruits and seeds. Results: The results showed the degree of variation in nectar robbing among the populations and between years within the populations. Nectar robbers were detected in only two populations, and all were Bombus terrestris. Differences in flower size among populations were not related to the nectar robbing behaviour of B. terrestris. A comparison of the percentage of fructification and seed production between flowers that were and were not robbed showed no evidence of a negative effect of nectar robbing. Conclusions: Our study reports for the first time on nectar robbing in Antirrhinum species and concludes that this does not affect the female reproductive success of individuals or the viability of A. valentinum populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chiropterophily encompasses the floral traits by which bats are attracted as the main pollinators. Among the chiropterophilous flowering plants of the New World, Bromeliaceae is one of the most ecologically important families; however, information about the chiropterophilous interaction in this family is still scarce. Aims: We present a comprehensive review of bat pollination in bromeliads, covering floral traits, rewards offered to pollinators, floral attractants and the identity of visiting bat species. Methods: We discuss traits shared among chiropterophilous bromeliads and present general trends in an evolutionary context. We constructed a phylogenetic tree to elucidate the ancestral pollination syndromes of the 42 extant bromeliad species (ca. 1% of total) known to be bat-pollinated. Results: Most of the species within the ten genera reported belong to the Tillandsioideae subfamily, with three genera appearing to be exclusively bat-pollinated. Floral visitors include 19 bat species of 11 genera from the Phyllostomidae. Conclusions: Our analysis indicated that chiropterophilous floral features originated multiple times in bromeliad evolution, most probably from ornithophilous. The evidence for floral traits associated with bat pollination and the chiropterophilous syndrome presented by certain Bromeliaceae indicate the important role played by bats in the evolution of this plant family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis) is a widespread and relatively common high-elevation hummingbird in the tropical Andes. Despite this, there is no comprehensive record of its natural history. In this study we present our findings on the diet and territorial behavior of Shining Sunbeam at sites in Peru and Ecuador. Using radio telemetry to track and observe individuals, we examined territory size and vegetation characteristics, activity budgets, diet composition, and territorial aggression. We found that average territory size was 0.13 ha (SD 0.05) with 100% minimum convex polygon estimation and 0.19 ha (SD 0.06) with 95% kernel density estimation. We found high variation in territory sizes, which was not explained by locality, year of data collection, or flower density. The diet of the Shining Sunbeam within our study sites was composed primarily of nectar from flowers of the tree Oreocallis grandiflora (Proteaceae), which comprised 93% (SD 9) of all nectar feeding events in Peru and 99% (SD 1) in Ecuador. Other flowering plant resources included Brachyotum, Centropogon, Fuchsia, Gaultheria, and Macleania. Insects made up 7% (SD 4) and 3% (SD 1) of observed foraging events of A. cupripennis in Ecuador and Peru, respectively. Mean activity budgets across individual birds were 68% (SD 16) perching, 28% (SD 15) foraging, 3% (SD 3) in aggressive behavior, and 2% (SD 1) in nonaggressive flight. Of the observed aggressive interactions, the majority were directed toward other hummingbirds (77% in Ecuador and 84% in Peru). When only considering interactions with hummingbirds, most aggression was intraspecific in Ecuador (71%) but interspecific in Peru (95%). We observed aggressive behavior directed toward other common, non-hummingbird nectarivores, such as Diglossa flowerpiercers, while aggression directed toward non-nectarivores was rare. Our results highlight the need for comparative studies to better understand hummingbird foraging and territorial behavior in the Andes, and the utility of radio telemetry for studying larger hummingbird species like the Shining Sunbeam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini) are known as key pollinators in tropical ecosystems, knowledge of their floral sources is still scarce, especially for those species commonly found in urban environments. We aimed to identify the pollen, nectar and resin sources used by the widespread species Euglossa cordata in an urban area in south-eastern Brazil. The residual pollen from 81 brood cells of nine nests reactivated between October 2013 and December 2014 was acetolysed and analysed. A total of 50 pollen types belonging to 20 botanical families were identified in the samples. Pollen sources included species from seven families; five of them were plants with poricidal anthers (Bixaceae, Commelinaceae, Fabaceae, Melastomataceae and Solanaceae). The mass-flowering trees Handroanthus chrysotrichus and H. heptaphyllus (Bignoniaceae) are firstly reported as important pollen sources to an orchid bee species. Nectar was collected primarily from plants with long, tubular corolla as Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae and Convolvulaceae. The vine species Dalechampia stipulacea (Euphorbiaceae) acted as a floral resin source. All pollen sources consisted of native plants whereas some exotic plant species were visited for nectar collection. Although nesting in an area encompassed by a high proportion of invasive plant species, Euglossa cordata females preferred to visit native plants to gather floral resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the challenges of the 21st century, education cannot be restricted to reading and writing. Innovations that support our students' development as leaders and responsible citizens and stewards of the environment are also needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey and bee bread samples from storage pots of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides were collected monthly from April 2015 to May 2016 in the Mogi Guaçu Biological Reserve (22º 10ʹ S, 47º 11ʹ W). The flora in the site is characteristic of the Atlantic Forest with preserved areas of savanna-like vegetation surrounded by commercial forests, orchards and various crops of exotic and native plants. Samples were analysed with the use of melissopalynological methodology and 46 pollen types from 38 genera and 30 families were identified in 25 honey samples. Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Sapindaceae showed the greatest pollen richness in honey. Predominant nectariferous pollen types were Anadenanthera, Cordia, Eucalyptus, Mimosa scabrella, Schefflera, Sida, Serjania and Vernonia. Twenty-eight types of pollen from 21 genera and 19 families were identified in 22 bee bread samples. Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Myrtaceae showed the highest pollen richness. Anadenanthera, Cecropia, Eucalyptus, Melastomataceae, Mimosa scabrella, Mimosa verrucosa and Myrcia were the most frequent polliniferous pollen types. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that honey and pollen samples formed two main groups of similarity, mainly due to Eucalyptus’ nectar and pollen of Melastomataceae, respectively. Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides collected nectar and pollen from the preserved areas as well as in the secondary and ‘ruderal’ vegetation and in cultivated forests/fields, suggesting their importance as pollinators both of native flora and exotic species. The use of trophic resources of plants grown with pesticides is a concern for the conservation of these species of bee and should be better studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melia azedarach (chinaberry; syringa), a tree with bipinnately compound leaves, is one of the most widely cultivated of all tropical trees, but has become naturalised in several parts of the world. New observations are presented on the morphology and anatomy of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). These should serve as baseline information in ecological studies on the invasiveness of the species, as well as its potential biocontrol. We report, for the first time, extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) on the leaflet lamina, as well as capitate glands on very young leaflets. A sugar analysis of the exudate of the former confirmed it to be nectar. In addition, known EFNs occurring in paired recesses at the petiole base were studied anatomically and developmentally. These so-called paired glands were found to be groups of individual and separate EFNs, for which the new term ‘compound EFN’ is suggested. Each EFN making up a compound EFN is similar in structure to the laminar EFNs except that they tend to protrude beyond the epidermal surface to a greater degree and to be composed of cells which differ slightly in shape. The secretory tissue of both petiolar and laminar EFNs originates from protoderm and ground tissues, albeit with slightly different initial cell divisions. Capitate glands were found on very young leaflets. Ants were frequent visitors to mainly the petiolar EFNs, less often the laminar ones. Members of the Meliaceae (including M. azedarach) are well known sources of limonoids, compounds with insect antifeedant properties. It is suggested that petiolar and laminar EFNs may attract different preferential nectar feeders, thus providing a first line of indirect defence, resulting in the removal or deterring of potential herbivores even before any damage is inflicted on the plant. Additionally, nectar from the EFNs may protect against co-evolved or other herbivores tolerant of limonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is valued for its unique bioactive honey, but relatively little is known about mānuka nectar and the factors modulating its production. In this study the compositional variability of nectar collected throughout mānuka floral development was measured in glasshouse-cultivated plants. The total yield of nectar was estimated by rinsing flowers with water and measuring total sugars (°Brix). The concentration of total sugars and of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the precursor to methylglyoxal and the key mānuka honey bioactive, increased through floral development and maximised just prior to initiation of flower degradation. Similarly, the patterns of several mānuka honey authenticity markers including lepteridine, leptosperin and 3-phenyllactic acid also followed a similar trend through flower development, suggesting that their biosynthesis was associated with nectar production. Leaf exudates produced as a result of scale insect infestation of some mānuka plants were deficient in the key markers DHA, leptosperin and lepteridine, but did contain 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid. This study suggests that the predominant key markers of genuine mānuka are biosynthesised in the floral tissues of the plant rather than elsewhere. For robust analysis and comparison of mānuka nectar yield and composition, sampling needs to take into account the floral developmental stage of the flowers sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is valued for its unique bioactive honey, but relatively little is known about mānuka nectar and the factors modulating its production. In this study the compositional variability of nectar collected throughout mānuka floral development was measured in glasshouse-cultivated plants. The total yield of nectar was estimated by rinsing flowers with water and measuring total sugars (°Brix). The concentration of total sugars and of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the precursor to methylglyoxal and the key mānuka honey bioactive, increased through floral development and maximised just prior to initiation of flower degradation. Similarly, the patterns of several mānuka honey authenticity markers including lepteridine, leptosperin and 3-phenyllactic acid also followed a similar trend through flower development, suggesting that their biosynthesis was associated with nectar production. Leaf exudates produced as a result of scale insect infestation of some mānuka plants were deficient in the key markers DHA, leptosperin and lepteridine, but did contain 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid. This study suggests that the predominant key markers of genuine mānuka are biosynthesised in the floral tissues of the plant rather than elsewhere. For robust analysis and comparison of mānuka nectar yield and composition, sampling needs to take into account the floral developmental stage of the flowers sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of the thermosonication (TS) on the inactivation ofEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureusin soursop nectar was evaluated, as well as the quality and stability of the nectar during its storage at 4°C. A reduction of 4.5–5 log CFU/mL was achieved with the TS treatment (24 kHz, average temperature of 50–51°C, acoustic energy density of 1.3–1.4 W/mL for 10 min) in both pathogens. Likewise, thermosonicated nectar retained 85% of ascorbic acid, polyphenol oxidase inactivation and microbiological and physicochemical stability during 30 days at 4°C. Sensorially, the thermosonicated nectar was predominantly preferred over a commercial one. TS is a viable alternative to extend the shelf life of minimally processed soursop nectar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High numbers ofHarmonia axyridisadults were observed even when aphid populations were low or absent in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) fields. Compared to a control group given access to water alone or cotton aphids and water, longevity ofH. axyridisadults provided with kenaf leaves containing extrafloral nectar significantly increased. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Chelonus elaeaphilusSilvestri (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a host-specific parasitoid of the olive moth,Prays oleae(Bernard), that can cause parasitism rates of up to 80% in Mediterranean olive groves. A laboratory study was carried out to assess the potential of sugars provided by wild plant species in olive grove agroecosystem to enhance the fitness ofC. elaeaphilus. Insects were reared in a climate-controlled chamber at 25 ± 2°C, 60 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) with a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Five naturally occurring wild plant nectar sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose and mannose) were tested for their effect on insect longevity. The nectar sugar content of sucrose, fructose and glucose in 12 selected olive grove agroecosystem plant species was analysed and categorised on the basis of sugar ratios. Female insect longevity was increased when they were fed on both sucrose and glucose compared to either maltose or fructose, suggesting that sucrose-dominant nectars would benefit this parasitoid. Sucrose was predominant in the nectar of five of the studied plant species (Silene gallica,Borago officinalis,Echium plantagineum,Lavandula stoechasandLonicera hispânica). The results are discussed in terms of potential enhancement of the biological control ofP. oleae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ageing and post-pollination changes in floral colour occur widely in flowering plants, but it remains an open question as to whether or not colour changes in nectar guides are associated with the quantity of floral rewards that ultimately influence pollinator visitations and reproductive success. Aims: To examine whether nectar guide changes should be considered as a reliable signal to pollinators and to assess the effects of nectar guide changes on reproductive success. Methods: We studied the process and adaptive value of colour changes in the nectar guides ofArnebia szechenyiwhose flowers typically display conspicuous nectar guides at the onset of anthesis, after which they begin to fade, and disappear completely on the second day. Results: Changes in nectar guide colour inA. szechenyiwere intrinsic and age-dependent, although pollination somewhat accelerated the change. By the time that the nectar guides disappeared completely, floral rewards were reduced almost to zero. Artificial removal of nectar guides decreased both fruit set and pollen export. Flowers without nectar guides do not appear to increase the overall attractiveness of the plants. Conclusions: Nectar guides and their changes represent reliable signals to pollinators and enhance both male and female reproductive success. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fruit preparations (e.g., fruit juices and nectars) are rich in plant pigments and of great demand by the alimentary and pharmaceutical industry, basically not only due to their health-enhancing properties, but also due to their attractive colors and an overall high esthetic valor. Anthocyanins and anthocyanidins are an interesting group of plant pigments, and in this study, a thin-layer chromatographic detection was carried out of two anthocyanins (cyanin and keracyanin) and two anthocyanidins (pelargonidin and delphinidin) in a selection of the commercial and homemade fruit juices and the infusions prepared of dried plants. Moreover, the same preparations were evaluated for their antioxidant properties by means of two spectrophotometric methods (based on the 2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline] sulfonate (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) tests, respectively) and by the dot-blot test (based on DPPH). Finally, an effort was undertaken to correlate the chromatographically established occurrence of plant pigments in the investigated fruit preparations with their antioxidant properties. However, this correlation was not straightforward, and for at least two reasons. First, the four plant pigments considered are not the only secondary plant metabolites which exert an antioxidant activity. Second, different chemistries stand behind the two spectrophotometric antioxidant activity tests (ABTS vs. DPPH), and the different measuring techniques (spectrophotometry vs. dot blot) are assumed. Nevertheless, it was established that the juices and infusions with the highest detected numbers of plant pigments characterize with the high antioxidant activities also (with blueberries, chokeberries, and hibiscus flower on the top positions). In that way, confirmation of the antioxidant potential of the plant pigments was obtained. Moreover, the presence of certain plant pigments in fruit juices and plant infusions was reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Honey is a natural domestic sweet food material and a chemically diverse superfluous product of nectar acquired from flowers. Owing to the presence of higher amounts of antioxidant compounds covering phenolic, enzymes, organic acids, and bioactive peptides, it holds a strong ability to prevent various maladies. In addition, honey has also been exploited in certain cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neoplastic, and inflammatory states along with its role in the treatment of copious infections and surgical wounds. Flavonoids and polyphenols are important bioactive components present in honey and have antioxidant properties. Some bioactive compounds, for example luteolin, galangin, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, are present in honey. Phenolic acids and flavonoids have important pharmacological activities such as anti-allergic, anti-biotic, anti-carcinogenic, and hypoglycaemic. Moreover, curative potential of bioactive components and their utilisation in value added food products are also the limelight of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-six plasticisers and bisphenol A (BPA) in 39 Sicilian and Calabrian nectar honeys of different botanical south Italian origin were determined by GC-MS. Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was the most abundant plasticiser in all samples, reaching up 202.7 ± 153.1 µg kg–1, followed by di-butylphthalate with a concentration of 40.3 ± 9.3 µg kg–1, whereas the concentration of the other phthalates varied from not detectable to 68.2 µg kg–1. Trace levels of adipate, sebacate and BPA were not detected in any samples. Among the different floral origin honeys, di-ethylphthalate levels were above the limit of quantification (LOQ) in orange blossom, wildflower and chestnut honey samples. Among the honeys of different geographical origin, di-methylphthalate, di-butylphthalate and di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate concentrations were similar. Calabrian honeys showed levels of di-ethylphthalate always lower than the LOQ, moreover di-(2-methylpropyl)phthalate levels were lower than the Sicilian ones. On the contrary, in Sicilian honeys di-(2-methylpropyl)phthalate levels were higher and di-ethylphthalate was present in 37% of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The bioactive compounds, and hence the antioxidant capacity, of fruit juice are affected by a given type of juice and fruit processing conditions. In this study, some polyphenol-rich juices and nectars were compared, considering the manufacturing conditions (Stage I). Organic chokeberry juice was determined to possess the highest antioxidant capacity, which was 4- to 10-fold higher than in other popular juices. Subsequently, this juice was analyzed for selected flavonoids (flavanols, flavonols, flavones) and phenolic acids (Stage II). The results showed that chokeberry juice was a rich source of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids. The high total content of polyphenols and high antioxidant capacity encourage further clinical research on chokeberry juice, in the context of cardiovascular diseases prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the present study 12 constituents of honey were evaluated on the docking behavior of human neutrophil elastase and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP 2 and MMP 9) using Discovery Studio. In addition molecular physicochemical, bioactivity, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, and toxicity prediction by komputer assisted technology analyses were done. The molecular physicochemical analysis revealed thatall of the ligands comply with Lipinski’s rule of five. Docking studies revealed that 3-phenyllacticacid exhibited the maximum interaction energy irrespective of its target proteins.The present study provided new insight in understanding these honey constituents as potential enzyme inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the research on declining population of hummingbirds by citizen scientists Rima Givot, Kari O'Connell, and Matthew G. Betts. Topics discussed include the role of hummingbirds as pollinators in agriculture, support from the Oregon State University Citizen Science Hummingbird Project (OCSHP) on studying habitat preferences of rufous hummingbirds and other common hummingbird species, and comparison of nectar consumption to amount of forest near feeder.

The abundance of consumers and the availability of resources are often linked, and birds are known to track food resources at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. This study describes the seasonal influx of nectar-feeding birds during flowering in a 51-ha stand of Aloe ferox in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, over 5 years (2008-09 and 2011-13). Bimonthly point counts of birds were conducted before (April-May), during (June-July) and after (August) flowering, which occurs during the austral winter. The abundance of nectar-feeding birds increased significantly during flowering each year, whereas monthly abundances of non-nectarivores were unrelated to flowering. Models fitted to bird count-data revealed a significant interaction between feeding guild (nectarivorous versus non-nectarivorous species) and the percentage of flowering A. ferox over the 5 years of the study, confirming that these guilds responded differently to flowering events. Malachite Sunbirds (Nectarina famosa), which are specialist nectarivores, responded consistently to flowering of A. ferox each year, despite the low sugar concentrations of A. ferox nectar. The arrival of nectar-feeding birds en masse during flowering, and the number of bird species (16) observed feeding on A. ferox nectar, suggest that this plant is an important source of nutrition for birds at a time when other food resources are likely to be scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit beverages are source of antioxidants, but their sugar content plays an important role in the epidemic of obesity. In this study, we considered 32 fruit beverages consumed in Italy (13 fruit juices, 11 nectars, and 8 fruit drinks), which were analyzed for caloric intake, total phenols (TP), ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method). Results showed that the caloric intake was almost completely provided by the sugar content, ranging from 5.5 to 19%. The ORAC/kcal ratio was taken as an indicator of the antioxidant performance of fruit beverages. Fruit juices containing berries, red orange, and goji showed the best performances, together with berries or pears nectars and fruit drinks made with rose hips or tea extracts. The 95% of antioxidant capacity was provided by TP, which showed a significant linear correlation with the net ORAC values. Overall, the results indicate that the ORAC/kcal ratio is a suitable parameter to rank the quality of fruit beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of sweeteners for replacing sucrose is increasingly important for the food industry. The ideal sweetness as sucrose and the equivalent sweetness of acerola nectar with different sweeteners (neotame, sucralose, stevia with 40%, 60%, 80% and 95% rebaudioside A) were measured. The ideal sweetness of the samples sweetened with sucrose at 50 g/L, 75 g/L, 100 g/L, 125 g/L and 150 g/L was assessed by means of a test with 50 consumers using a just-about-right scale. The magnitude estimation method for determining the equivalent sweetness was carried out with 20 assessors. The concentration of sucrose ideal in acerola nectar was 80 g/L, with equivalent concentrations of sweeteners of 0.017 g/L neotame, 0.16 g/L sucralose, 1 g/L stevia with 40 % rebaudioside A, 0.99 g/L stevia with 60 % rebaudioside A, 1 g/L stevia with 80 % rebaudioside A and 1 g/L stevia with 95 % rebaudioside A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]