R. C. Franzon

Genetic variability in surinam cherry populations originated from self-pollination and cross pollination, estimated by AFLP.

AFLP molecular markers were used aiming to study the genetic variability within and between Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora) populations, originated from self-pollination and open pollination of two selections (Pit 15 and Pit 52) of the Embrapa Clima Temperado collection. The objective was to achieve a better understanding about the reproduction mode of this species. Two progenies were obtained from each selection being one from self-pollination and another from open-pollination, resulting in four populations. The analysis was carried out in 18 individuals of each progeny and the two mother plants, totalizing 74 genotypes. Three AFLP primer combinations were used and the genetic similarity was calculated by Jaccard coefficient. Genetic variability within and between populations was estimated by AMOVA. The three primer combinations amplified 178 loci, of which 114 (64%) were polimorphic, considering all the genotypes. There was not a clear separation between the two progenies of the same mother plant. Larger polimorphism of AFLP markers was observed in the open-pollinated populations. The proportion of total genetic variability was significant, between populations from open-pollination, although smaller than the variability observed within populations. The Surinam cherry reproduction is based on both self-fertilization as well as cross-pollination. Nevertheless it is rather important to do further studies in order to determine which reproduction mode is the most efficient.

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN CONVENTIONAL AND NO ADDED SUGARS RED STRAWBERRY GUAVA (Psidium cattleianum Sabine) JELLIES

This study aimed to prepare jellies of conventional type of red strawberry guava (with added sucrose) and no added sugar and evaluate the physical and chemical composition and content of bioactive compounds in them. Four jellies formulations were prepared: conventional with addition of sucrose (F1), aspartame (F2), saccharin and cyclamate (F3), acesulfame and sucralose (F4). Physicochemical analysis of pH were carried out, as well as analysis of titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ashes, proteins, lipids, moisture, carbohydrates, calories, lightness, color tone, total phenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity, by the capture of DPPH and ABTS radicals. Conventional and no added sugars jellies did not differ for total phenols, total anthocyanins and ascorbic acid. However, processing exerted significant influence (p=0.05) on total carotenoids and antioxidant activity. It is feasible to use red strawberry guava for the preparation of conventional and no added sugar jellies. The products, however, show a significant difference in carotenoids content, with the highest content of these and higher antioxidant activity in processed jellies without sugars addition.

Psidium cattleianum fruits: A review on its composition and bioactivity

Psidium cattleianum Sabine, commonly known as araçá, is a Brazilian native fruit, which is very juicy, with sweet to sub acid pulp and a spicy touch. The fruit can be eaten fresh or processed into juice, jellies and ice creams. Araçás are source of vitamin C, minerals, fatty acids, polysaccharides, volatile compounds, carotenoids and phenolic compounds, which can provide nutrients and phytochemical agents with different biological functions. Different pharmacological studies demonstrate that P. cattleianum exerts antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiaging effects. Thus, this article aims to review the chemical composition and biological effects reported for araçá fruit in the last years.

Effect of in vitro digestion on functional properties of Psidium cattleianum Sabine (araçá), Butia odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick (butiá) and Eugenia uniflora L. (pitanga) fruit extracts

Brazilian native fruits are reported to be promising sources of bioactive compounds; however their bioactivity depends on their stability along the digestive process. This study evaluated the α-glucosidase inhibition, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) stability of araçá, butiá and pitanga fruit extracts using an in vitro digestion model. Additionally, the individual phenolic compound recovery of the most stable and active extract was evaluated by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Overall, the antioxidant activity of all extracts decreased along the process. Araçá fruit extracts, at the end of digestion, showed α-glucosidase inhibition values similar to their non-digested extracts and the highest TPC recovery (28%). Recovery of individual phenolic compounds of red araçá fruit extract revealed a negative impact on the stability of ellagitannins. Araçá fruit extract seems to provide phenolic compounds with α-glucosidase inhibitory properties after the gastrointestinal digestion, indicating their potential to be used in the control of type II diabetes.

‘BRS MANDINHO’: THE FIRST PLATYCARPA PEACH CULTIVAR RELEASED IN BRAZIL

In recent years, platycarpa peaches have reached high prices due to their good acceptance in the international market. However, the great majority of the released varieties are high chill and do not adapt to Brazilian conditions except on a few microclimes of high altitudes. The cultivar BRS Mandinho is the first peach cultivar of the botanical variety platicarpa, released in Brazil and adapted to subtropical conditions. The plants are vigorous and, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the blooming occurs on the second half of July. The fruits are sweet and ripe in November with an average weight of 55.3 g.