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Luffa operculata (L.) is a native Brazilian biome plant used for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Although Brazil’s flora comprises 67% of the world’s plants, only 8% of Brazilian plant species are studied each year. The studies indicate that climate change in tropical biomes intensifies the increase in salinized areas by about 10% per year for several reasons, including high temperatures, low rainfall and high evapotranspiration rates, due to surface water scarcity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the germination behavior and vigor of L. operculata seeds submitted to saline stress at different temperatures. To simulate salt stress conditions, sodium chloride was applied at 0.0; 3.0; 6.0; 9.0 and 12.0 dS m-1, at 25, 30, 35, 20-30 °C, with treatments distributed in a 5 x 4 factorial scheme (five levels of osmotic potential and four temperatures), using four replications. The seeds were then evaluated concerning water content, germination tests, first counts, germination speed index and seedling root and shoot lengths. At 30 and 35 °C, the seed germination and vigor of L. operculata were less affected up to an osmotic potential of 9.0 dS m-1, where it is considered a moderate salinity tolerance. At 35 ºC, the germination uniformity was reduced to 98 and 93% by applying the 6 and 9 dS m-1 solutions, respectively. For the same temperature, the germination velocity remained 6.09 (IVG) until the saline potential of 9.0 dS m-1

(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonosis and one of the major causes of abortion in sheep worldwide. (2) Methods: We performed a 2-year longitudinal serological anti-T. gondii IgG screening on a cohort of a spatially confined population of a Portuguese autochthonous sheep breed in central Portugal. (3) Results: From the screening of the 2015 and 2016 sera, an increase of seroprevalence was observed (57.7% (95% CI: 49.9–65.3%) versus 69.1% (95% CI: 61.5–75.9), from 2015 and 2016, respectively) (p = 0.031). (4) Conclusions The present study is the first to provide prospective data on the anti-T. gondii serological status of a sheep cohort in Portugal, showing an increase in the occurrence of T. gondii. There is a need to provide a clearer understanding of T. gondii epidemiology in Portugal, ideally by implementing monitoring programs on sentinel herds, not only due to the high impact of T. gondii on animal health but also for it being a zoonosis.

This study evaluated the effect of freeze-drying treatment (lyophilization) on the chemical composition of malagueta (Capsicum frutescens), cheiro (Capsicum chinense cv.), and murupi (Capsicum chinense cv.) peppers. Proximal composition, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and volatile compounds were determined in fresh and lyophilized samples, and then, discriminated by multivariate analysis. The results demonstrate that the freeze-drying treatment of the peppers conserved the content of palmitic and linoleic acids, potassium, vitamin C, and β-carotene in malagueta pepper. Sixty-two volatile compounds in a distinct profile between the samples were identified in samples. The freeze-drying treatment significantly decreased the volatile composition in peppers. By multivariate approach, peppers were discriminated into three groups (1st, freeze-dried malagueta; 2nd, freeze-dried cheiro and murupi; and 3rd, fresh malagueta, cheiro, and murupi) based on the nutritional composition, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acid content. In conclusion, the freeze-drying process preserved the nutritional composition, minerals, and fatty acid content in peppers from the Brazilian Amazonia region, suggesting that this technological process could be applied for the future production of lyophilized peppers.

The aim of the present study was to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by SPME-GC and quantify the bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, total flavonoids and total phenolic content), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC) and physicochemical characteristics of ocorocillo, cambuca, murici da praia and murici do campo, four native South American fruits. A total of 41 volatile compounds were identified in ocorocillo, of which 17 were terpenes. Cambuca’s volatile profile contained aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons and alcohols. Murici da praia and murici do campo contained high levels of fatty acid volatiles and esters, that contribute to their remarkable aroma. Ocorocillo contained high levels of ascorbic acid and total flavonoids, while cambuca presented lower ascorbic acid, flavonoid and phenolic levels. Murici da praia and murici do campo contained high amounts of phenolic compounds and high free-radical scavenging capacity (DPPH and ORAC). In addition, this fruit was sweeter and less acid compared to the other assessed fruits. The results suggest that these native fruits constitute a good source of volatile compounds and bioactive compounds, which may aid in their preservation interest and potential use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Jabuticaba is a native fruit from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The fruit is commercialized in Brazil and in the world in its fresh and processed forms due to its attractive colour and flavour. The objective of this study was to quantify the chemical properties and bioactive compounds in fruits from two jabuticaba species that have rarely been study, ‘Pendula’ (Plinia trunciflora) and ‘Ponhema’ (Plinia cauliflora). Extracts of jabuticaba fruits species ‘Pendula’ and ‘Ponhema’ were evaluated by SPME combined with GC–MS for volatile compounds. Organic acids, sugars, and ascorbic acid were determined by HPLC. Minerals were determined by ICP-OES, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC assay), and centesimal composition were assayed on the same jabuticabas extracts. Jabuticaba ‘Pendula’ presented higher levels of ash (4.26 g 100 g−1), lipids (1.21 g 100 g−1), proteins (5.07 g 100 g−1), dietary fibers (29.73 g 100 g−1) and minerals (1122.91 mg 100 g−1). Jabuticaba ‘Ponhema’ expressed higher amounts of total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) (0.10 g 100 g−1), total flavonoids (0.08 g 100 g−1) and total phenolic compounds (0.43 g 100 g−1). These two species had high antioxidant capacity (5.73–9.12 mmol trolox 100 g−1 by DPPH method and 23.54–71.16 mmol trolox 100 g−1 by ORAC method). There were found 37 new compounds, mainly terpenes (67%), that have not been previously described in jabuticaba fruit. Jabuticaba ‘Pendula’ and ‘Ponhema’ fruits can be beneficial to the human diet and potentially serve as raw material for industrial purposes.

This study analyzed six uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) accessions (‘Comum’, ‘Rugosa’, ‘Doce de Patos de Minas’, ‘Pera’, ‘Rugosa Doce’ and ‘Dura’) with respect to chemical composition, nutritional value, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. The ‘Rugosa Doce’ and ‘Doce de Patos de Minas’ accessions were sweeter (20.18 g 100 g−1 and 18.88 g 100 g−1, respectively), while the ‘Rugosa’ and ‘Pera’ accessions were less acid (0.28 g 100 g−1 and 0.33 g 100 g−1, respectively). Terpenes were the major volatile compounds (46.75%) identified by SPME-GC/MS. The ‘Rugosa’ accession contained high levels of fibers (43.81 g 100 g−1) and minerals (2235.10 mg 100 g−1). The ‘Rugosa Doce’ and ‘Rugosa’ accessions were distinguished by total flavonoids and phenolic compounds. ‘Rugosa Doce’ and ‘Rugosa’ may potentially serve as a raw material for food, while ‘Doce de Patos de Minas’ and ‘Pera’ can be used for cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries purposes.

The anthropic interference in aquatic ecosystems, favors the disordered colonization of T. domingensis, damaging the production of hydroelectric power and river traffic. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of C. typhae as a mycoherbicide in the control of T. domingensis, in vitro and in greenhouse. 107 samples of symptomatic T. domingensis leaves were collected in flooded areas of rivers in Brazil, with identification and isolation of the collected fungal species. The concentration of inoculum was determined to evaluate the incidence and severity of the disease, the influence of temperature on mycelial growth and conidia germination, the effect of temperature and leaf wetness period on T. domingensis infection by C. typhae and the host range test. The growth of the colonies of C. typhae was higher at 25 to 30 ºC, there was no interference of the photoperiod on germination of the spores, but the highest percentage of germination occurred at 17.39 ºC. The influence of environmental conditions on infection of inoculated leaves of T. dominguensis indicated that at 15 ºC and the period of leaf wetness of 48 hours promoted the highest incidence of the disease, as well as the severity for the same period of leaf wetness. The specificity test showed that C. typhae is specific and pathogenic to T. domingensis. Being this the first report of the occurrence of this pathogen in aquatic macrophytes of this species and in T. domingensis in Brazil.

The Atlantic Forest is recognized as a biome rich in biodiversity. Cambuci trees (Campomanesia phaea) produce fruits that may be consumed as both fresh and processed forms but are still underutilized. The aim of this study was to describe the physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds in cambuci fruits from Brazilian Atlantic Forest, located at Natividade da Serra-SP, Brazil. Cambuci fruits of the fifty-nine accessions were characterized according to fresh weight, pulp yield, peel percentage, longitudinal and transversal diameters (LD and TD, respectively), pH, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC/TA ratio, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds content, and antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. The soluble solids contents varied from 5.10 °Brix to 11.00 °Brix. The titratable acidity varied from 1.29 to 2.90 g citric acid 100 g-1. Ascorbic acid content was of 31.12 to 139.38 mg 100 g-1. Total phenolic compounds varied from 330.5 mg GAE 100 g-1 to 3,526.04 mg GAE 100 g-1. The antioxidant activity was of 65.03 µmol Trolox g-1 fruit pulp (fresh weight) to 199.78 µmol Trolox g-1 fruit pulp (fresh weight), a factor of 6.7 difference between the extremes. These results showed cambuci fruits presented as rich source of ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds, and with high antioxidant capacity.

Pereskia aculeata Miller is a native cactaceae found from the Northeast to the South of Brazil. This plant is recognized by the high nutritional value of their leaves, which are the most used in cooking and folk medicine. However, studies on the chemical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of the ora-pro-nobis fruits are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the best harvest point of the ora-pro-nobis fruits to optimize the content of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacity. The fruits were manually harvested, defined by their peel colors in three maturity stages: unripe (green), intermediate (yellowish green), and ripe (yellow) stages. The following attributes were evaluated: soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, pH, and content of bioactive compounds, such as total chlorophylls, carotenoids, yellow flavonoids, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. There was a decrease in the content of chlorophyll followed by an increase in the of total carotenoids and yellow flavonoids, due to the maturity stage. For the total phenolic compounds, it was not observed significant difference between the stages. The antioxidant capacity was quantified by the ORAC method in lyophilized pulp in the unripe (1.95 mmol 100 g-1 trolox) and ripe (3.85 mmol 100 g-1 trolox) stages. The lowest contents were observed in the intermediate (0.80 mmol 100 g-1 trolox in lyophilized pulp) stage. The maturity stage significantly influenced the bioactive compounds of ora-pro-nobis, which presented higher values of total carotenoids, yellow flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity in ripe fruits. Resumo Pereskia aculeata Miller é uma cactaceae nativa encontrada do Nordeste ao Sul Brasileiro. A planta é reconhecida pelo alto valor nutritivo das folhas, parte mais utilizada na culinária e na medicina popular. Entretanto, trabalhos sobre as características químicas e a capacidade antioxidante dos frutos de ora-pro-nóbis são escassos. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o melhor ponto de colheita em frutos de ora-pro-nóbis, visando a otimizar a presença de compostos bioativos e a capacidade antioxidante. Os frutos foram colhidos manualmente, e os três estádios de maturação foram definidos pela coloração da casca, sendo: estádio verde (coloração verde), intermediário (coloração verde - amarelada) e maduro (coloração amarela). Os atributos avaliados foram os sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), relação SS/AT, pH, e os compostos bioativos, como as clorofilas totais,carotenoides totais, flavonoides amarelos, compostos fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante. Houve diminuição da clorofila e aumento no teor de carotenoides totais e flavonoides amarelos, em função do avanço no estádio de maturação. Para os compostos fenólicos totais, não houve diferença significativa entre os estádios avaliados. A capacidade antioxidante foi quantificada pelo método ORAC, em polpa liofilizada no estádio verde, (1,95 mmol 100 g-1 trolox) e maduro (3,85 mmol 100 g-1 trolox). Os menores teores foram observados no estádio intermediário (0,80 mmol 100 g-1 trolox em polpa liofilizada). O estádio de maturação influenciou de forma significativa sobre os compostos bioativos de ora-pro-nóbis, que apresentaram valores mais elevados de carotenoides totais, flavonoides amarelos e capacidade antioxidante em frutos maduros.

O território brasileiro possui uma grande diversidade de biomas, que apresentam uma extraordinária variedade de espécies de plantas, incluindo alguns frutos peculiares. Um dos biomas de maior destaque é a Mata Atlântica, que originalmente se estendia desde o Sul até o Nordeste da costa brasileira, mas atualmente apresenta pouca área da vegetação original, sendo reconhecido como um dos biomas mais degradados pela ação antropológica no mundo. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar os frutos de cambucá, jabuticaba e uvaia quanto aos parâmetros físicos, químicos e às propriedades funcionais. Foram realizadas análises físicas, químicas, compostos bioativos, como os flavonoides totais, vitamina C, compostos fenólicos, capacidade antioxidante, perfil dos compostos voláteis, composição centesimal e composição mineral. Os frutos de cambucá foram coletados em Campina do Monte Alegre e os frutos de jabuticaba e uvaia em Rio Claro, quando apresentaram-se aptos para o consumo, com coloração característica. Observou-se que os frutos de cambucá apresentam elevados teores de cinzas, proteínas, fibras e açúcares. Já frutos de jabuticaba \'Ponhema\' apresentam maior massa fresca, consequentemente maior rendimento de polpa e frutos mais firmes do que frutos de jabuticaba \'Pêndula\'. Já os frutos de jabuticaba \'Pêndula\' apresentam-se mais doces com menor acidez, resultando em maior ratio do que os frutos de jabuticaba \'Ponhema\'. Ambas as espécies possuem conteúdo relevante de vitamina C, antocianinas monoméricas totais, flavonoides totais, compostos fenólicos totais e elevada capacidade antioxidante, também apresentam elevados teores dos minerais P, K e Ca, lipídios, proteínas e fibras. Os frutos de uvaia, acessos \'Rugosa\' e \'Rugosa Doce\' apresentaram teores elevados de flavonóides totais, compostos fenólicos, vitamina C e boa capacidade antioxidante. As jabuticabas e as uvaias apresentaram terpenos, que podem ser benéficos quando incluídos na alimentação, como matéria-prima na indústria e/ou na área farmacêutica. De maneira geral, os frutos de cambucá, jabuticaba e uvaias apresentam caracteristicas funcionais interessantes. The Brazilian territory presents a great diversity of biomes, that present an extraordinary variety of species of plants, including some peculiar fruits. One of the most important biomes is the Atlantic Forest, where it originally extended from the South to the Northeast of the Brazilian coast, but currently presents little area of the original vegetation, being recognized as one of the biomes more degraded by the anthropological action in the world. The objective was to evaluate the fruits of cambuca, jabuticaba and uvaia as the physical, chemical parameters and functional properties. Physical, chemical and bioactive compounds analysis, such as total flavonoids, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, profile of volatile compounds, centesimal composition and mineral composition were performed. The fruits of cambuca were collected in Campina do Monte Alegre and the fruits of jabuticaba and uvaia in Rio Claro, when all were fit for consumption with the characteristic coloration. It was observed that the cambucá fruits present high levels of ashes, proteins, fibers and sugars. Fruits of \'Ponhema\' jabuticaba have a higher fresh mass, consequently higher pulp yield and firmer fruits than \'Péndula\' jabuticaba fruits. On the other hand, the fruits of jabuticaba \'Péndula\' are more sweet with less acidity, resulting in a higher ratio than the fruits of \'Ponhema\' jabuticaba. Both species has relevant content of vitamin C, total monomeric anthocyanins, total flavonoids, total phenolic compounds and high antioxidant capacity, as well as P, K and Ca minerals, lipids, proteins and fibers. The fruits of the \'Rugosa\' and \'Rugosa Doce\' acessions presented high levels of total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, vitamin C and greater antioxidant capacity. Jabuticabas and uvaias showed terpenes, which may be beneficial both when included in the food, as raw material in the industry or/and pharmaceutical area. Overall, the fruits of cambuca, jabuticabas and uvaia presented interesting functional features.

Uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) is a fruit tree native to the Atlantic Forest and that features peculiar aroma and flavor. Although this fruit is highly popular locally, its commercial farming is virtually nonexistent. In addition, limited studies on this fruit have been conducted. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the physical, chemical, and functional characteristics of two uvaia fruit populations grown in Salesópolis, SP, Brazil, in order to determine their potential for being consumed both in natura and processed. Uvaia fruits were evaluated as for skin color, whole fruit weight, longitudinal and transversal diameters, seed percentage, pulp yield, pulp firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), TSS/TTA ratio, total soluble sugars, soluble and total pectins, total carotenoids, yellow flavonoids, total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and in vitro antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC assays). The total mineral content was also determined. Comparison among the two populations revealed that uvaia fruits showed significantly different firmness values, large fruits showing suitable characteristics for the fresh fruit market. However, small fruits were sweeter and richer in antioxidants, allowing the consumption of both natural and processed fruits. Thus, this native fruit denotes an important source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially iron. Resumo A uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) é um fruto nativo da Mata Atlântica que apresenta características de aroma e sabor bastante peculiares. Embora seja apreciado por populações locais, o cultivo comercial é praticamente inexistente, assim como os trabalhos de pesquisa. Em vista disso, este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar frutos de duas populações de uvaia cultivadas em Salesópolis, SP, com relação aos aspectos físicos, químicos e funcionais, com vistas a determinar o potencial para consumo in natura e/ou para processamento. Os frutos de duas populações de uvaia (frutos grandes e frutos pequenos) foram colhidos manualmente, quando atingiram o completo amadurecimento. Foram avaliados quanto à coloração da casca, peso do fruto inteiro, diâmetros longitudinal e transversal, porcentagem de sementes, rendimento em polpa, firmeza da polpa, pH, teor de sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez titulável total (ATT), relação SST/ATT, açúcares solúveis totais, pectinas solúvel e total, carotenoides totais, flavonoides amarelos, compostos fenólicos totais, ácido ascórbico e capacidade antioxidante (DPPH e ORAC). Os teores de minerais totais (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, P, K, Ca e Mg) também foram determinados. Quando comparadas as duas populações, pode-se observar que as uvaias apresentaram diferenças expressivas na firmeza, sendo que os frutos do tipo grande apresentaram características vantajosas para a comercialização in natura. No entanto, os frutos do tipo pequeno mostraram-se mais doces e mais ricos em compostos antioxidantes, o que valoriza seu consumo nas formas in natura e processada. Portanto, esta fruta nativa constitui uma importante fonte de nutrientes e de compostos bioativos, com destaque para o Fe.

The uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) is a plant in the family Myrtaceae, which is one of the most important families in the Brazilian flora due to its large number of genera (23) and species (1034). The uvaia is native to the Atlantic Forest occurring throughout its extension in south, southeast, and northeast Brazil. However, its occurrence has been reported in central-west Brazil, outside the Atlantic Forest biome. Uvaia fruits are acid, have a pleasant aroma, and contain high nutritional value.