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Annona glabra Linn is employed in conventional medicine to treat a number of human disorders, including cancer and viruses. In the present investigation, the significant phytochemical components of Annona glabra hexane extract were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Three major compounds were identified in the hexane extract: tritriacontane (30.23%), 13, 17-dimethyl-tritriacontane (22.44%), and limonene (18.97%). MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the extract on six human cancer cell lines including liver (HepG-2), pancreas (PANC-1), lung (A-549), breast (MCF-7, HTB-22), prostate (PC-3), and colon (CACO-2, ATB-37). The extract exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against both CACO-2 and A-549 cancer cell lines (IC50 = 47 ± 0.74 μg/mL and 56.82 ± 0.92 μg/mL) in comparison with doxorubicin (IC50 = 31.91 ± 0.81 μg/mL and 23.39 ± 0.43 μg/mL) and of SI of 3.8 and 3.1, respectively. It also induced moderate-to-weak activities against the other cancerous cell lines: PC-3, PANC-1, MCF-7, and HepG-2 (IC50 = 81.86 ± 3.26, 57.34 ± 0.77, 80.31 ± 4.13, and 57.01 ± 0.85 μg/mL) in comparison to doxorubicin (IC50 = 32.9 ± 1.74, 19.07 ± 0.2, 15.48 ± 0.84 and 5.4 ± 0.22 μg/mL, respectively) and SI of 2.2, 3.1, 2.2, and 3.1, respectively. In vitro anti-HSV1 (Herpes simplex 1 virus) and HAV (Hepatitis A virus) activity was evaluated using MTT colorimetric assay with three different protocols to test protective, anti-replicative, and anti-infective antiviral activities, and three separate replications of each experiment were conducted. The plant extract showed promising protective and virucidal activity against HSV1 with no significant difference with acyclovir (79.55 ± 1.67 vs. 68.44 ± 7.62 and 70.91 ± 7.02 vs. 83.76 ± 5.67), while it showed mild protective antiviral activity against HAV (48.08 ±3.46) with no significant difference vs. acyclovir (36.89 ± 6.61). The selected main compounds were examined for their bioactivity through in silico molecular docking, which exhibited that limonene could possess the strongest antiviral properties. These findings support Annona glabra's conventional use, which is an effective source of antiviral and anticancer substances that could be used in pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas 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.)

Three new ent -kaurane diterpenoids, namely annoglabrin A-C ( 1-3 ), were isolated from the Annona glabra fruit pulp. Their structures were clarified by widespread spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS). The relative configuration of these new compounds was established through the NOESY spectrum. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against α- glucosidase and were found with weak ( 1 and 3 ) or no effects ( 2 ), compared to those of positive control (acarbose, IC 50 82.0 µM).

Annona glabra Linn is employed in conventional medicine to treat a number of human disorders, including cancer and viruses. In the present investigation, the significant phytochemical components of Annona glabra hexane extract were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Three major compounds were identified in the hexane extract: tritriacontane (30.23%), 13, 17-dimethyl-tritriacontane (22.44%), and limonene (18.97%). MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the extract on six human cancer cell lines including liver (HepG-2), pancreas (PANC-1), lung (A-549), breast (MCF-7, HTB-22), prostate (PC-3), and colon (CACO-2, ATB-37). The extract exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against both CACO-2 and A-549 cancer cell lines (IC50 = 47 ± 0.74 μg/mL and 56.82 ± 0.92 μg/mL) in comparison with doxorubicin (IC50 = 31.91 ± 0.81 μg/mL and 23.39 ± 0.43 μg/mL) and of SI of 3.8 and 3.1, respectively. It also induced moderate-to-weak activities against the other cancerous cell lines: PC-3, PANC-1, MCF-7, and HepG-2 (IC50 = 81.86 ± 3.26, 57.34 ± 0.77, 80.31 ± 4.13, and 57.01 ± 0.85 μg/mL) in comparison to doxorubicin (IC50 = 32.9 ± 1.74, 19.07 ± 0.2, 15.48 ± 0.84 and 5.4 ± 0.22 μg/mL, respectively) and SI of 2.2, 3.1, 2.2, and 3.1, respectively. In vitro anti-HSV1 (Herpes simplex 1 virus) and HAV (Hepatitis A virus) activity was evaluated using MTT colorimetric assay with three different protocols to test protective, anti-replicative, and anti-infective antiviral activities, and three separate replications of each experiment were conducted. The plant extract showed promising protective and virucidal activity against HSV1 with no significant difference with acyclovir (79.55 ± 1.67 vs. 68.44 ± 7.62 and 70.91 ± 7.02 vs. 83.76 ± 5.67), while it showed mild protective antiviral activity against HAV (48.08 ±3.46) with no significant difference vs. acyclovir (36.89 ± 6.61). The selected main compounds were examined for their bioactivity through in silico molecular docking, which exhibited that limonene could possess the strongest antiviral properties. These findings support Annona glabra’s conventional use, which is an effective source of antiviral and anticancer substances that could be used in pharmaceuticals.

Copyright of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research is the property of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research 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.)

The present study reports mosquito larvicidal potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles by using Annona glabra leaves (An-AgNPs). Synthesized An-AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technique and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Colur change from pale yellow to brick red of the plant extract and AgNO3 solution indicated the formation of An-AgNPs initially. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band at 435 nm in the UV-Vis confirmed the formation of An-AgNPs. SEM images showed that An-AgNPs were spherical in shape. FTIR proved that An-AgNPs were functionalized with biomolecules in A. glabra leaves. Based on DLS analysis the average size range of synthesized An-AgNPs was determine to be 10–100 nm and 100–1000 nm.Third instar larvae of dengue vector mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were subjected to larvicidal bioassays in a range of concentrations of An-AgNPs and A. glabra crude aqueous leaf extract (2–10 mg/L). An-AgNPs exhibited very high larvicidal activity against dengue vector mosquito larvae; LC50 value for Ae. aegypti at 24 h exposure to An-AgNPs (Plant extract: AgNO3 1 : 10) 5.29 mg/L; An-AgNPs (Plant extract: AgNO3 2 : 10) 2.43 mg/L while LC50 value for Ae. albopictus at 24 h exposure to An-AgNPs (Plant extract: AgNO31:10) 3.02 mg/L; An-AgNPs (Plant extract: AgNO3 2:10) 2.51 mg/L. LC50 values obtained for A. glabra leaf extract tested against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are 5.94 mg/L and 5.00 mg/L respectively at 24-hour exposure. This study further revealed that Ae. albopictus is more susceptible than to Ae. aegypti to a given concentration of An-AgNPs and to crude aqueous leaf extract of A. glabra. Larvicidal effect of An-AgNPs is superior to the crude aqueous leaf extract of A. glabra. An-AgNPs is a potent larvicide for dengue vector control.

Nanoparticles play a vital role in biomedicine and water purification applications, but the synthesis of nanoparticles often undergoes a cost-effectiveness, unsafety, and energy consuming drawbacks. A plant extract-mediated production approach of nanoparticles without inclusion of toxic chemical not only satisfies strict requirements of green chemistry but also solve such problems. Herein, we performed a bio-mediated fabrication of CuONPs, ZnONPs, CuO/ZnONPs 70:30 , CuO/ZnONPs 50:50 , and CuO/ZnONPs 30:70 using Annona glabra L. leaf extract. XRD analysis revealed average particle sizes of 18.70 ± 2.65 nm (CuONPs), 12.90 ± 1.18 nm (ZnONPs), 22.46 ± 2.78 nm (CuO/ZnONPs 70:30), 24.99 ± 4.87 nm (CuO/ZnONPs 50:50), and 27.21 ± 3.45 nm (CuO/ZnONPs 30:70). In term of sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity, ZnONPs and CuO/ZnONPs 30:70 exhibited higher methylene blue degradation efficiencies than that of CuONPs, CuO/ZnONPs 70:30 , and CuO/ZnONPs 50:50. The same trend of antibacterial activity of these biosynthesized nanoparticles was also observed against various bacteria. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed strong antioxidant potential through DPPH radical scavenging. The obtained results indicated that the synthesized CuONPs, ZnONPs and CuO/ZnONPs can be promising photocatalytic, antibacterial, and antioxidant agents. [Display omitted] • CuO, ZnO and CuO/ZnO NPs were biosynthesized using Annona glabra leaf extract. • CuO/ZnONPs (30:70) exhibited the highest methylene blue degradation efficiency. • CuO/ZnONPs (50:50) inhibited B. cereus , S. aureus , E. coli , P. aeruginosa bacteria. • CuO/ZnONPs (70:30) had the highest antioxidant activity and lowest IC50 values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We investigated the in vitro mitochondria-mediated anticancer and antiproliferative effects of extracts of Annona glabra leafs on human leukemia cells. A. glabra is a tropical tree that exhibits several clinical and pharmacological properties in humans and is effective against cancer. We investigated the antiproliferative effects of an alcoholic extract of A. glabra on MC-1010 human monocytic leukemia cells (crl-12253) based on phytochemical analyses, cell viability, free radical scavenging activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, ATP content, mitochondrial fragmentation, and cell migration assays. The results indicated the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, and acidic compounds in extracts. Leukemia cell viability was reduced up to 28% after incubation with the extract, while the free radical reducing power and scavenging activity were significantly increased. Higher concentrations of extract significantly inhibited leukemia cell colony formation. ROS increased up to 66% following incubation with extract, while the ATP content decreased up to 31%. Condensed, fragmented, and clumped mitochondria were observed in treated cells. In flow cytometric analyses, 10.7% and 22.4% of cells were apoptotic following incubation with 80 and 100 μg/mL extract, respectively. Moreover, treated leukemia cells exhibited reduced migratory potential. Overall, the results suggest that leaf extracts of A. glabra may act as potential anticancer agents against human leukemia cells. Highlights • Annona glabra plant leaf extracts reduced human leukemia cell proliferation • Annona glabra plant leaf extracts reduced oxidative stress • Annona glabra plant leaf extracts reduced ATP content • Annona glabra plant leaf extracts increased mitochondrial fragmentation • Annona glabra plant leaf extracts increased apoptosis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Annona glabra extract (AGE) against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in neonatal rats. AGE is known to contain various pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Phytochemical analysis of AGE was performed to understand the presence of vital therapeutic components. Neonatal rats were assigned to the following groups: group I (normal control rats receiving normal saline), group II (control rats receiving ethanol), and group III (treated rats receiving ethanol-AGE). The lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) levels were determined. Behavioral parameters, histological features, neuronal cell viability, and apoptosis were also investigated. The presence of flavonoids, terpenoid, glycosides, steroids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, and acidic compounds was noted in the AGE. Ethanol supplementation drastically increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content to 52.17 nmol/g in the control rats (group II). However, the MDA content was reduced to 27.34 nmol/g in ethanol-AGE-treated neonatal rats (group III) compared with control rats. The GSH content was substantially reduced, to 33.68 mg/g, in control rats compared with in normal control rats. However, the GSH content was significantly increased, to 59.32 mg/g, following ethanol-AGE supplementation. Gpx, SOD, catalase, and AChE enzyme activities were increased in treated neonatal rats compared with their respective controls. Locomotor activities, such as crossing, grooming, rearing, and sniffing, were increased in ethanol-AGE-treated neonatal rats compared with controls. Reduced levels of intact pyramidal cells and cells with degenerative alterations appeared in the control rats. However, ethanol-AGE supplementation reduced degenerative alterations and hippocampal damage. Reduced cultured hippocampal neuron cell viability and increased apoptosis were noted in the control rats, whereas these impacts were significantly recovered following ethanol-AGE supplementation. Based on all these data, we concluded that the supplementation of AGE was very effective against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in neonatal rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A baixa sobrevivência durante a aclimatização de plantas regeneradas através da micropropagação tem sido atribuída, entre vários fatores, à baixa capacidade fotossintética. O desenvolvimento de protocolos que utilizem sistemas de cultivo in vitro fotoautotróficos surgem como possibilidades potenciais para aumentar a eficiência da micropropagação. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho comparar as medições dos tecidos foliares de plantas de Annona glabra L. cultivadas in vitro, sob condições de estímulo ao fotoautotrofismo e heterotróficas, durante a fase de enraizamento, com plantas ex vitro (mantidas sob radiação fotossintética ativa de 130-170µmol.m-2.s-1, sem controle de temperatura). As brotações foram enraizadas em condições de estímulo ao fotoautotrofismo (meio sem sacarose e com aeração) e em condições heterotróficas (meio com sacarose e sem aeração). O meio de cultivo utilizado foi o WPM adicionado de 164,4mM de carvão ativado e 4,9µM AIB. Após 30 dias de cultivo realizaram-se medições das espessuras das epidermes abaxial, adaxial, parênquima esponjoso, paliçadico e do limbo. Verificaram-se variações na anatomia das folhas, que foram caracterizadas por um aumento na espessura foliar de acordo com a aeração estabelecida. O enraizamento de plantas de A. glabra em condições de estímulo ao fotoautotrofismo permitiu desenvolvimento anátomo-fisiológico semelhante àquele observado em condições ex vitro, o que pode minimizar as perdas no processo de micropropagação.The low survival during the acclimatization of plants regenerated through the micropropagation has been attributed, among several factors, to low the photosynthetic capacity. The development of photoautotrophic in vitro culture systems appears as potential possibilities of increasing the efficiency of the micropropagation. The aim of this work was to compare the leaf anatomy of plants of Annona glabra L. cultivated in vitro, under photoautotrophic and heterotrophic conditions, during the phase of rooting, with ex vitro (maintained in greenhouse under photosynthetic acitve radiation of 130-170µmol.m-2.s-1, without control of room temperature). Shoots were rooted in photoautotrophic conditions (sucrose-free medium with aeration) heterotrophic conditions (medium with sucrose without ventilation). The medium of culture was the WPM supplied of 164.4mM of activated charcoal and 4.9µM AIB. After 30 days of culture measurements of the foliar thickness of the epidermises abaxial, adaxial, parenchyma spongy, palisade and limb one. Verified variations in the anatomy of the leaves, that had been characterized by an increase in the leaf thickness in accordance with the established aeration. In vitro photoautotrophic rooting of plants Annona glabra L stimulated an anatomical and physiological development similar to the one observed in an ex vitro condition, which may minimize the losses at the acclimatization process.

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de induzir a estímulo do comportamento fotoautotrófico durante o enraizamento in vitro em brotações de Annona glabra L. Brotações oriundas de cultivo em tubos fechados com tampa e película de PVC (cultivo sem aeração), com tampa sem a película de PVC e tampão de algodão (cultivo com aeração) foram inoculadas em meio WPM suplementado com 4,9 µ M de AIB e 164,4mM de carvão ativado na presença (58,42mM) ou ausência de sacarose. Durante o enraizamento, foram mantidas as mesmas condições de vedação dos tubos de ensaio em que as brotações foram induzidas. Após a inoculação, os tubos contendo os explantes foram mantidos em sala de crescimento sob radiação fotossintética ativa de 45-56 µ mol.m-2.s-1 a 25±3ºC. Os resultados mostraram que o enraizamento das brotações de A. glabra não dependeu do suprimento de sacarose no meio de cultura, em tubos fechados com o tampão de algodão ou tampa plástica sem PVC. A aeração dos tubos de ensaio trouxe incrementos de significativos (até 250%) na matéria seca radicular. A indução de raízes secundárias (laterais) em A. glabra só ocorreu em culturas com aeração, independentemente da presença ou ausência de sacarose no meio de cultura. Com os resultado desse experimento, conclui-se que o estímulo do comportamento fotoautotrófico em A.glabra pode ser obtido com sucesso durante a fase de enraizamento in vitro.The objective of the present work was to evaluate whether Annona glabra L. shoots are able to acquire the photoautotrophic behavior during the in vitro rooting. In vitro A. glabra shoots originated from cultures in vessels sealed with cap and PVC film (culture without aeration), cap without PVC film or cotton tampon (cultures with aeration), were inoculated in WPM medium supplemented with 4.9 µ M IBA and 164,4mM activated charcoal in the presence (58.42mM) or absence of sucrose. During rooting, the same conditions in which shoots were induced were maintained. After inoculation, the tubes with explants were maintained in growth room under photosynthetic active radiation of 45-56 µ mol.m-2.s-1 and of temperature 25±3ºC. The results showed that the rooting of A. glabra shoots do not depend on the supply of sucrose into culture medium, in vessel with aeration. Aeration of cultures brought expressive increments of dry weight of roots (up to 250%). The induction of secondary (side) roots was found only in cultures with aeration, independently of sucrose presence. One concluded that the acquisition of the photoautotrophic behavior in A. glabra may be obtained with success during the in vitro rooting phase.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen in opportunistic infections in humans. The increased incidence of antimicrobial-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates has highlighted the need for novel and more potent therapies against this microorganism. Annona glabra is known for presenting different compounds with diverse biological activities, such as anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities. Although other species of the family display antimicrobial actions, this has not yet been reported for A. glabra. Here, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) obtained from the leaf hydroalcoholic extract of A. glabra. EAF was bactericidal against different strains of P. aeruginosa. EAF also presented with a time- and concentration-dependent effect on P. aeruginosa viability. Testing of different EAF subfractions showed that the sub-fraction 32-33 (SF32-33) was the most effective against P. aeruginosa. Analysis of the chemical constituents of SF32-33 demonstrated a high content of flavonoids. Incubation of this active sub-fraction with P. aeruginosa ATCC 27983 triggered an endothermic reaction, which was accompanied by an increased electric charge, suggesting a high binding of SF32-33 compounds to bacterial cell walls. Collectively, our results suggest that A. glabra-derived compounds, especially flavonoids, may be useful for treating infections caused by P. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Iguanas ( Iguana iguana) are invasive in Puerto Rico due to a variety of negative economic effects, yet we know very little about their ecological impacts. Because they are herbivorous, defecate intact seeds, move through the forest, and have long gut-passage times, Green Iguanas may affect seed germination and seed dispersal. In summer 2013, a total of 258 Green Iguana scat samples were collected at the Humacao Natural Reserve in southeastern Puerto Rico. Seeds extracted from scat and collected from fruit were planted under common garden conditions using experimental treatments designed to tease apart the effects of feces, fruit, and ingestion on seed germination. Green Iguanas decreased the time for seeds to germinate in Ficus spp. by removing fruit pulp, but had no effect on germination of native Annona glabra seeds. For non-native P. pterocarpus and Pterocarpus spp., Green Iguanas produced conflicting results, decreasing the percentage of seeds germinating, but at the same time, reducing the time for seeds to germinate. Green Iguanas likely disperse most seeds beyond the canopies of parental tree at our site. Government and economic resources are being used to eradicate Green Iguana populations in Puerto Rico, but the lack of consistent effects of Green Iguanas on seed germination for the plant species consumed at our site complicates generalizing about their ecological effects and developing management plans that minimize negative effects for native plant communities. We recommend additional studies that target both species of particular concern, such as threatened native or invasive species, as well as studies of sensitive habitats in Puerto Rico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Từ phân đoạn hexane và ethyl acetate lá Bình bát nước (Annona glabra L.) hai hợp chất đã được phân lập và xác định cấu trúc là 8(14), 15-pimaradien-18-oic (1) acid và quercetin (2). Cấu trúc các hợp chất được xác định dựa trên các phổ 1D và 2D NMR.

Three new ent -kaurane diterpenoids, 7β,16α,17-trihydroxy- ent -kauran-19-oic acid ( 1 ), 7β,17-dihydroxy-16α- ent -kauran-19-oic acid 19- O -β- d -glucopyranoside ester ( 2 ), 7β,17-dihydroxy- ent -kaur-15 - en-19-oic acid 19- O -β- d -glucopyranoside ester ( 3 ) along with five known compounds, paniculoside IV ( 4 ), 16α,17-dihydroxy- ent -kaurane ( 5 ), 16β,17-dihydroxy- ent -kaurane ( 6 ), 16β,17-dihydroxy- ent -kauran-19-al ( 7 ), and 16β,17-dihydroxy- ent -kauran-19-oic acid ( 8 ) were isolated from the fruits of Annona glabra . Their chemical structures were elucidated by physical and chemical methods. All compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. As the results, compound 3 showed potent inhibitory LPS-stimulated NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with the IC 50 value of 0.01 ± 0.01 μM; compounds 1 and 7 showed significant inhibitory NO production with the IC 50 values of 0.39 ± 0.12 μM and 0.32 ± 0.04 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A bio-guided optimization of the ultrasound assisted extraction method was developed. [•] Scaling up of the extraction method has allowed for the isolation of bioactive compounds. [•] Annoglabasin B was the isolated compound showing the highest bioactivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The volatile compounds identified from four species ofAnnonafrom Vietnam are being reported. The oils were obtained from aliquots of plant samples by steam distillation and subjected to GC and GC–MS analysis. The main compounds ofAnnona glabraL., were β-caryophyllene (21.5%) germacrene D (17.7%), α-cadinol (5.4%) and β-elemene (5.2%).Annona squamosaL., comprised mainly of α-pinene (1.0–11.9%), limonene (0.8–11.7%), β-cubebene (0.5–13.0%), β-caryophyllene (11.6–24.5%), spathulenol (0.8–9.0%), caryophyllene oxide (1.0–10.6%) and α-cadinol (3.3–7.8%). The significant constituents ofAnnona muricataL., were α-pinene (9.4%), β-pinene (20.6%), ρ-mentha-2,4(8)-diene (9.8%), β-elemene (9.1%) and germacrene D (18.1%). However, camphene (0.2–6.6%), α-copaene (2.0–7.3%), β-elemene (5.9–16.6%), β-caryophyllene (8.3–14.9%), β-bisabolene (0.4–10.2%), δ-cadinene (1.7–4.8%) and germacrene D (9.3–22.8%) were the main compounds common to samples ofAnnona reticulataL. There were significant amounts of sabinene (11.2% and 2.7%; leaf and stem bark) and bicycloelemene (9.6% and 6.1%; stem and bark). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We studied the influence of geomorphological setting and soil properties on the vegetation structure, composition and diversity of five forested coastal wetlands in Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico. These swamps are located on floodplains and in dune depressions. We recorded 109 woody and herbaceous species. The most frequent species were the trees Pachira aquatica, Annona glabra, Diospyros digyna and Ficus insipida subsp. insipida, the lianas Dalbergia brownei and Hippocratea celastroides and the hemi-epiphyte Syngonium podophyllum. The Shannon-H diversity index varied from 2.659 to 3.373, density from 1750 to 2289stemsha−1 and basal area from 32.7 to 76.42m2 ha−1. The classification analysis defined two groups: one corresponded to forested wetlands along the floodplain (Apompal, Cienaga, Chica) and the other included Mancha and Salado, in dune depressions. PCA ordination of soil parameters during the rainy season explained 67.0% and during the dry season 69.1% of the total variance. In the rainy season Mancha and Salado samples remain close together because they have lower Mg, Na, K, % Total C and % Total N values. Apompal and Chica samples remain close to each other because of their high levels of % Total C, % Total N, Mg, Na and high soil water content. Cienaga samples are separated from the others because of high values of P, Ca and Eh as well as high water levels. In general, soil parameter ordination during the dry season showed that redox potential, P, water level and water content decreased in the forested wetlands and Na values increased in Chica. The soil textures identified were clay, sandy clay loam, sandy loam and clay loam; clay texture dominated alluvial processes in the floodplain (e.g., Cienaga). The forested wetlands in the floodplains had similar vegetation and the same happened in the dune depressions but soil characteristics were more variable in both cases. Plant diversity in floodplains tends to be relatively high, and the presence of adjacent tropical forests probably increases its richness, except in cases in which there are stressing factors, such as salinity. The forested wetlands studied showed dominant floristic elements, which extend north into Florida such as A. glabra and Ficus aurea. Other dominant elements such as P. aquatica are also found in Central and South America. The forested wetlands studied are subjected to continuous deforestation to transform the land into farming or ranching activities, this being a common practice throughout the distribution range of these forests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of flooding calcareous soil on physiology and growth have been studied for several subtropical and tropical fruit crops including avocado (Persea americana Mill.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.), and several Annona species. In calcareous soils that have u high pH, short-term flooding can actually be beneficial to subtropical and tropical fruit crops by increasing the solubility of particle-bound nutrient elements such as Fe, Mn and Mg due to flooding-induced decreases in soil pH. Additionally, flooding reduces the redox potential in the soil, resulting in Fe being reduced from Fe3+ to Fe2+, which is the cation metabolized by plants. As with other woody perennial crops, one of the early physiological responses of subtropical and tropical fruit trees to flooding is a decrease in stomatal conductance and net CO2 assimilation. If the flooding period is prolonged, lack of O2 (anoxia) in the soil results in a reduction of root and shoot growth, wilting, decreased nutrient uptake and eventual death. The flooding duration required to cause tree mortality varies among species, among cultivars within species, and with environmental conditions, particularly temperature. Several tropical and subtropical fruit crops have anatomical or morphological adaptations to tolerate prolonged flooding, such as development of hypertrophied stem lenticels, adventitious rooting or formation of porous aerenchyma tissue. For grafted trees, flooding-tolerance is conferred by the rootstock and not the scion. Therefore there is a possibility to increase flood tolerance of subtropical and tropical fruit crops by Identifying or developing flood-tolerant rootstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Seed germination was evaluated for Annona glabra L. and Pachira aquatica Aubl. in the wetland conditions of La Mancha, Veracruz, Mexico. These species have recalcitrant seeds and hydrochoral dispersal. Germination experiments were carried out under varying moisture (high, middle, and low) and light (below canopy and open sky) levels as well as after being stored in contrasting natural conditions. Seeds were stored both floating in water and buried in wetland soil for 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. P. aquatica seeds germinated faster in low and medium moisture, regardless of light intensity. After 45 days, for example, they exhibited 87–73% germination in medium-moisture/canopy and low-moisture/canopy treatments, respectively. In high moisture, seeds reached similar percentages after 60 days (80%). Storage by burial caused the death of seeds regardless the time they spent underground, while those stored in water germinated at a rate of over 90%. A. glabra seeds germinated better (98%) in low-moisture/sunny conditions. As to storage, they responded favorably to both burial and water techniques but germinated more readily in treatments that involved a long storage period. Evaluation of the germination behavior of A. glabra and P. aquatica seeds subject to varying in situ storage and germination conditions illustrates the response capacity of each species during early phases of development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of soil temperature on physiology and growth of Annona glabra L. (pond apple) seedling trees, A. muricata L. (soursop) seedling trees, and A. squamosa L.×A. cherimola Mill. cv. Gefner (‘Gefner’ atemoya) nursery trees grafted on A. squamosa L. (sugar apple) rootstock in containers were investigated. Trees were exposed to soil temperatures of 5, 10, 20, 25 or 35 °C in controlled soil temperature chambers in a glasshouse. The leaf chlorophyll index was the lowest at 5 or 10 °C, and the highest at 35 °C for all species tested. Net CO2 assimilation decreased to nearly zero within one week for each species exposed to 5 or 10 °C and became consistently negative over the remaining experimental period. The fresh and dry weights of roots, stems, and leaves decreased almost linearly as soil temperature decreased for ‘Gefner’ atemoya on sugar apple rootstock and soursop. There was a quadratic relationship between soil temperature and organ fresh and dry weights for pond apple, with the greatest fresh and dry weights occurring at soil temperatures of 25 °C. In general, reduced growth at lower temperatures was observed within 1 to 2 weeks after soil temperature treatments were initiated. Soursop and ‘Gefner’ atemoya on sugar apple rootstock are less tolerant of low soil temperatures than pond apple. Soursop and sugar apple were best adapted to soil temperatures of 25–35 °C and pond apple to 20–25 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Root and leaf ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity in Annona glabra L. (pond apple), native to subtropical wetland habitats and Annona muricata L. (soursop), native to nonwetland tropical habitats, was determined under iron (Fe)-sufficient and Fe-deficient conditions. One-year-old seedlings of each species were grown with 2, 22.5, or 45 µM Fe in a nutrient solution. The degree of tolerance of Fe deficiency was evaluated by determining root and leaf FCR activity, leaf chlorophyll index, Fe concentration in recently mature leaves, and plant growth. Root FCR activity was generally lower in soursop than in pond apple. Eighty days after plants were put in nutrient solutions, leaf FCR activity of each species was lower in plants grown with low Fe concentrations (2 µM) than in plants grown with high (22.5 or 45 µM) Fe concentrations in the nutrient solution. Leaves of pond apple grown without Fe became chlorotic within 6 weeks. The Fe level in the nutrient solution had no effect on fresh and dry weights of soursop. Lack of Fe decreased the leaf chlorophyll index and Fe concentration in recently matured leaves less in soursop than in pond apple. The rapid development of leaf chlorosis in low Fe conditions and low root and leaf FCR activities of pond apple are probably related to its native origin in wetland areas, where there is sufficient soluble Fe for adequate plant growth and development. The higher leaf FCR activity and slower growth rate of soursop compared to pond apple may explain why soursop did not exhibit leaf chlorosis even under low Fe conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity in Annona glabra L. (pond apple), native to subtropical wetland habitats and Annona muricata L. (soursop), native to nonwetland tropical habitats, was determined under Fe-sufficient and Fe-deficient conditions. Four-month-old seedlings of each species were grown hydroponically in a complete nutrient solution containing 90/µM Fe or no Fe. The degree of tolerance of Fe deficiency was evaluated by measuring root FCR activity, chlorophyll and Fe concentration in recently matured leaves and plant growth. Root FCR activity was higher in soursop than in pond apple in the nutrient solution with Fe. However, there were no differences in root FCR activity between species under Fe-deficient conditions. Root FCR activity in pond apple and soursop was not induced in the absence of Fe. Leaf chlorophyll index and Fe concentration, and dry weights of pond apple were lower when plants were grown without Fe compared to plants grown with Fe. Leaves of pond apple grown without Fe became chlorotic within 3 weeks. Lack of Fe decreased the chlorophyll index and Fe concentration in young leaves less in soursop than in pond apple. In contrast, the Fe level in the nutrient solution had no effect on dry weights of soursop. The rapid development of leaf chlorosis and low FCR activity of pond apple may be due to its native origin in wetland areas where there is sufficient soluble Fe for plant growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a one-year-survey in Panama we examined the influence of a tree crown''s epiphyte assemblage on its ant fauna. Ants were collected with various types of insect traps in 25 crowns of Annona glabra trees. The study trees were assigned to three different categories according to their epiphyte load, and to an epiphyte-free control group. We collected 22,335 specimens of 91 morphospecies, 32 genera and six subfamilies. By far the most abundant species was Solenopsis zeteki, a minute Myrmicinae, which was found in each of the 25 study trees. Many other species were also rather common and widely distributed throughout the study area. Only six species were singletons. Measures of α- and β-diversity, species abundance and species composition were not affected by the epiphyte load of a tree. We also made direct in situ observations of ants on 34 additional Annona glabra trees with and without epiphytes. Workers were attracted with tuna and sugar baits, and interspecific interactions and nesting sites were recorded. In total, 40 species of ants were found, all of which had also been collected in the traps. Almost half of the colonies (48%) used dead wood as nesting substrate, while 29% nested in epiphytes. Consistent with the results of the trap survey, the epiphyte load of the study trees had no influence on ant species richness and composition, but a significant correlation between ant abundance and epiphyte load was detectable. In both data sets, the lack of associations between ant species indicated that the ant assemblages were not structured in a mosaic-like fashion. We conclude that epiphytes do hardly influence the composition of ant assemblages in the studied tree crowns, probably because arboreal ants are highly opportunistic with respect to their host plants. In einer einjährigen Studie wurde der Einfluss von Epiphytengemeinschaften in Baumkronen auf die dort lebende Ameisenfauna untersucht. Die Ameisenfauna wurde mit zwei unterschiedlichen Methoden erfasst. Zum einen wurden mit verschiedenen Arthropodenfallen Annona glabra Bäume beprobt, die gemäß ihres Epiphytenbewuchses in drei verschiedene Kategorien und eine unbewachsene Kontrollgruppe eingeteilt wurden. Insgesamt wurden 22.335 Individuen aus 91 Arten gefangen, die 32 Gattungen und sechs Unterfamilien zuzuordnen waren. Die häufigste Art, Solenopsis zeteki, eine winzige Myrmicinae, wurde auf allen 25 beprobten Bäumen gefunden. Viele andere Ameisenarten waren ebenfalls recht weit und gleichmäßig über das Untersuchungsgebiet verbreitet. Nur sechs Arten wurden in Einzelexemplaren gefunden. Weder Abundanz der Arten noch Artenzusammensetzung wurden durch die Art des Epiphytenbewuchses beeinflusst. Zweitens wurden auch in-situ-Beobachtungen an einer zusätzlichen Gruppe von 34 Bäumen derselben Baumart durchgeführt. Diese Bäume waren entweder mit Epiphyten bewachsen oder epiphytenfrei. Arbeiterinnen wurden mit Thunfisch- und Zuckerködern angelockt, und zwischenartliche Interaktionen sowie die Neststandorte registriert. In dieser Teiluntersuchung wurden 40 Arten bestimmt, die ausnahmslos auch in den Fallen gefunden worden waren. Etwa die Hälfte der Kolonien (48%) befand sich in Totholz und 29% in Epiphyten. Auch hier zeigte sich kein Einfluss des Epiphytenbewuchses auf die Zahl der Arten oder ihre Zusammensetzung, die Korrelation zwischen Ameisenabundanz und Epiphytenbewuchs war aber signifikant. In beiden Teilstudien gab es keine signifikanten Arten-Assoziationen, die Ameisengemeinschaften waren also nicht mosaikartig strukturiert. Aus den Daten kann die Schlussfolgerung abgeleitet werden, dass Epiphyten die Zusammensetzung der Ameisengemeinschaften in den untersuchten Baumkronen kaum beeinflussen, weil Ameisen wahrscheinlich sehr opportunistisch auf unterschiedliche pflanzliche Ressourcen reagieren. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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