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Objective: Hibiscus acetosella (HA) or Chaba Maple is native plant and cultivated in tropical western in Africa and north of America. The characteristicsof HA are red to purple in stem, leaf, and flower that are the pigment of antioxidant compound as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are in the groupof flavonoid and have the role as functional foods which have several health benefits such as obesity and diabetes control, cardiovascular diseaseprevention, and others. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of HA leaves extracts.Materials and Methods: HA (Chaba Maple) leaves were collected in Pathum Thani province, Thailand, and were dried and extracted by macerationtechnique with three solvents – water, ethanol, and methanol. The antioxidant properties of extracts were carried out using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The extracts wereexamined for their scavenging effect on hydroxyl radical (•OH) using hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and nitric oxide (NO) radical (•NO) using NOradical scavenging assay.Results: For ABTS, FRAP, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, ethanol extract showed the highest antioxidant property which the percentageinhibitions were 69.04%, 2381.84 μM/mg extract, and 62.88 mg/ml, respectively. For NO scavenging activity, methanol extract showed highest abilityto scavenge NO which percentage inhibition was 101.28±0.73 mg/ml.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that ethanolic, methanolic, and water extract of HA leaves had scavenge and reducing antioxidantproperties.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize physicochemical and chemical characteristics of Chaba maple (Hibiscus acetosella) homemade jam (CHJ)and determine its autoxidation ability.Methods: The physicochemical and chemical characteristics of CHJ were investigated. The color, viscosity, and pH were observed as physicochemicaldata while chemical properties were obtained from sugar content and total polyphenol content (TPC), determined using high-performance liquidchromatography refractometer and Folin–Ciocalteu assay, respectively. The antioxidant activities of CHJ were identified using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging ability methods.Results: The color and viscosity of CHJ were purple-red and 34,483.33±152.75 cP, respectively. The pH was at 3.78. The total sugar was not detectedin CHJ. The TPC of CHJ showed the highest (47.18±1.80 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g of jam) followed by Streamline (SL) (23.66±0.32 mgGAE/g of jam), Doikham (DK) (21.99±0.50 mg GAE/g of jam), and Best food (BF) (9.75±0.38 mg GAE/g of jam), respectively. Antioxidant activitiesof CHJ with %1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging of 100.00±1.39% and FRAP value of 1690.70±8.26 uM. Both of activitiesexhibited the highest activity and significantly different when compared with other jams. The %NO scavenging activity of CHJ and SL was 72.43±1.93%and 73.82±1.66%, respectively, which higher than DK and BF.Conclusion: This study shows good in both physicochemical and chemical characteristics of CHJ. The CHJ presents the highest TPC as well asantioxidant activities. Thus, a homemade jam of Chaba maple may be considered as a good source of antioxidants and functional foods.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:55:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-02-27 The root-knot nematodes (RKN) challenge okra production (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) worldwide and there are no reports of genetic resistance within the genus Abelmoschus. As an alternative, the compatibility for grafting of RKN-resistant malvaceous species with okra was assessed. Cotton (Gossypium spp.) genotypes are incompatible for grafting with okra. The kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), the false roselle (Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern.) and the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) are compatible. However, the rootstock must be sown five days after the scion to promote better grafting compatibility. The performance of grafted okra onto kenaf and false roselle was assessed in two experiments: RKN-free field in the open, and in the presence or not of Meloidogyne incognita race 3 in protected environment. The effect of grafting along time was addressed in the open field experiment. In RKN-free conditions, no differences were observed between rootstocks and self-grafted and non-grafted control. In the presence of M. incognita race 3, the resistant rootstocks provided superior plant development and production due low nematode reproduction. Therefore, grafting okra onto resistant rootstocks is a potential prophylactic measure to manage RKN. São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences

A new coccinellid species, Diomus leondai sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Diomini) is described from northeast Brazil, São Luis, municipality of Raposa, Cumbique. The specimens collected were found feeding on Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and Phenacoccus sp. on the branches, leaves, and fruits of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench, Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), and Capsicum spp. and Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae). Some concepts behind the definition and scope of the genus Diomus and tribe Diomini are analyzed, recognizing the need to better characterize its morphological aspects and establish its composition more precisely.

Phenolic compounds are a large group of phytochemical compounds in plants which have antioxidant activity. Hibiscus species were used in traditional medicine in North-America with biological activities. In this study, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities of Chaba maple (Hibiscus acetosella) flower extract (CFE) in Thailand were investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu assay and aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. Antioxidant activities of CFE were examined by DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging ability methods. The results showed that total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were 91.22±0.68 mg gallic acid equivalent/g fresh matter and 0.31±0.01 mg quercetin equivalent/g fresh matter, respectively. For antioxidant activities, IC50 of DPPH radical scavenging was 57.93±0.37 μg/ml, the power of ferric reducing was 1,707.18±1.99 μM and IC50 of NO radical scavenging was 229.30±0.71 μg/ml. In conclusion, CFE could be potentially used as a new natural bioactive ingredient for nutritional supplements and cosmetics application.

This study investigated the vitamin C content, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and the potential bioactivities (antioxidant, antiproliferative, antibacterial activities, and inhibition capacity against N-nitrosation) of seven neglected and underutilized species (NUS): culantro (Eryngium foetidum), false roselle (Hibiscus acetosella), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), tree basil (Ocimum gratissimum), Barbados Gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium). Phenolic-rich extracts were obtained by a sequential optimization strategy (Plackett-Burman and Central Composite Design). O. gratissimum presented the highest TPC and X. sagittifolium the greater total vitamin C content. Overall, the plant extracts presented promising bioactive capacities, as scavenging capacity against HOCl, H2O2 and ROO• induced oxidation. P. oleracea demonstrated the highest cytostatic effect against ovarian and kidney tumor cells. O. gratissimum effectively inhibited S. Choleraesuis growth. Maximum inhibition on n-nitrosation was showed by O. gratissimum and E. foetidum. These results highlight the studied NUS as sources of potential health-promoting compounds.

Submitted by Josiana Mar (josimoreira54@gmail.com) on 2019-12-21T17:04:53Z No. of bitstreams: 3 CartaEncaminhamentoDep??sito-josi.png: 653513 bytes, checksum: f1994c93a479053f64bb80b10494f24e (MD5) DISSERTA????O_FINAL_Josiana_P??gina_04.png: 1404255 bytes, checksum: 09959ec96058743f272cfeedec95a285 (MD5) Disserta????o_JosianaMar_PPGCEM.pdf: 2073395 bytes, checksum: b0beb096378a298e65e4eb6b05fa1115 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by PPGCEM Ci??ncia e Engenharia de Materiais (ppgcem@ufam.edu.br) on 2019-12-26T16:15:24Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 3 CartaEncaminhamentoDep??sito-josi.png: 653513 bytes, checksum: f1994c93a479053f64bb80b10494f24e (MD5) DISSERTA????O_FINAL_Josiana_P??gina_04.png: 1404255 bytes, checksum: 09959ec96058743f272cfeedec95a285 (MD5) Disserta????o_JosianaMar_PPGCEM.pdf: 2073395 bytes, checksum: b0beb096378a298e65e4eb6b05fa1115 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Divis??o de Documenta????o/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2019-12-27T18:44:08Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 3 CartaEncaminhamentoDep??sito-josi.png: 653513 bytes, checksum: f1994c93a479053f64bb80b10494f24e (MD5) DISSERTA????O_FINAL_Josiana_P??gina_04.png: 1404255 bytes, checksum: 09959ec96058743f272cfeedec95a285 (MD5) Disserta????o_JosianaMar_PPGCEM.pdf: 2073395 bytes, checksum: b0beb096378a298e65e4eb6b05fa1115 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2019-12-27T18:44:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 3 CartaEncaminhamentoDep??sito-josi.png: 653513 bytes, checksum: f1994c93a479053f64bb80b10494f24e (MD5) DISSERTA????O_FINAL_Josiana_P??gina_04.png: 1404255 bytes, checksum: 09959ec96058743f272cfeedec95a285 (MD5) Disserta????o_JosianaMar_PPGCEM.pdf: 2073395 bytes, checksum: b0beb096378a298e65e4eb6b05fa1115 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019-11-25 FAPEAM - Funda????o de Amparo ?? Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas CAPES - Coordena????o de Aperfei??oamento de Pessoal de N??vel Superior O interesse na descoberta de novos antioxidantes em plantas aliment??cias n??o convencionais (PANC) vem crescendo devido ao interesse na preserva????o desses constituintes nos alimentos, bem como melhorar sua contribui????o para a sa??de humana. A regi??o amaz??nica ?? conhecida por sua rica biodiversidade, com diversas esp??cies de frutas apresentando altas quantidades de compostos bioativos. No cap??tulo 3, foram avaliados os efeitos de diferentes m??todos de secagem (liofiliza????o ou spray drying) e carreadores (goma ar??bica ou inulina) na caracteriza????o do p?? e na estabilidade dos compostos bioativos do extrato de Hibiscus acetosella (HAE) durante estocagem. O espectro de 1H RMN do HAE revelou sinais caracter??sticos do ??cido hidroxic??trico. O extrato encapsulado em p?? apresentou morfologia diferente de acordo com os processos de secagem. Os p??s produzidos pelo processo de liofiliza????o apresentaram maior reten????o de compostos bioativos devido ?? baixa temperatura do processo. A mistura de goma ar??bica e inulina como carreadores resultou na absor????o de maior quantidade de ??gua. O tempo de meia-vida dos extratos encapsulados variou de 31 a 36 h (DPPH) e de 34 a 71 h (compostos fen??licos). Em geral, os p??s constitu??dos por goma ar??bica e produzidos pelo processo de liofiliza????o apresentaram melhor prote????o e reten????o dos compostos bioativos do HAE. O cap??tulo 4 relata o encapsulamento de compostos bioativos dos sucos de Clidemia japurensis e Clidemia hirta em maltodextrina com diferentes concentra????es de dextrose (DE). As micropart??culas contendo os sucos encapsulados foram obtidas pelo processo de liofiliza????o. A estabilidade dos compostos bioativos encapsulados foi avaliada sob diferentes umidades relativas (22 e 77 %) a 25 ??C pelos m??todos DPPH e ABTS. Doze compostos bioativos foram identificados por UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS e classificados como ??cidos org??nicos, flavon??ides e antocianinas. Os sucos apresentaram boas propriedades antioxidantes [valor de DPPH de 943 ?? 15 ??M TE (C. japurensis) e 994 ?? 14 ??M TE (C. hirta); valor de ABTS de 1119 ?? 24 ??M de TE (C. japurensis) e 1273 ?? 18 ??M de TE (C. hirta)]. A efici??ncia de encapsulamento (EE) variou de 97,0 a 99,8 % (DPPH) e de 87,8 a 99,1 % (ABTS). Os sucos encapsulados n??o apresentaram valores de atividade de ??gua que pudessem favorecer o crescimento microbiano. De acordo com os resultados do ABTS, os compostos bioativos de C. hirta e C. japurensis encapsulados em carreadores MD10 e armazenados em UR = 22% apresentaram tempo de meia-vida em torno de 45 e 37 dias, respectivamente. Esses resultados representam a possibilidade interessante de aplica????o desses produtos na ind??stria de alimentos. Interest in the discovery of new antioxidants through unconventional food plants (UFP) has been growing mainly to prevent food deterioration and minimize harm to human health. The Amazon region is known for its rich biodiversity, with several fruit species presenting high amounts of bioactive compounds. In the Chapter 3, the effects of different drying methods (freeze- or spray- drying) and carriers (gum Arabic or inulin) on the powder characterization and stability of the bioactive compounds of Hibiscus acetosella extract (HAE) during storage were evaluated. The 1H NMR spectrum of the HAE revealed characteristic signals of the caffeoyl hydroxycitric acid. The encapsulated extract powder presented different morphology according to the drying processes. Powders produced by the freeze-drying process presented higher retention of bioactive compounds due to the low temperature process. The mixture of gum Arabic and inulin as carrier resulted in the absorption of larger amount of water. The half-life time of the encapsulated extract powders ranged from 31 ??? 36 h (DPPH) and from 34 ??? 71 h (phenolic compounds). In general, the powders constituted of gum Arabic and produced by the freeze- drying process presented better protection and retention of the bioactive compounds from the HAE. The Chapter 4 reports the encapsulation of bioactive compounds from Clidemia japurensis and Clidemia hirta juices in maltodextrin of different dextrose equivalents (DE). Microparticles containing the encapsulated juices were obtained by freeze-drying process. The stability of the encapsulated bioactive compounds was evaluated under different relative humidity (22 and 77%) at 25 ??C by DPPH and ABTS methods. Twelve bioactive compounds were identified by UFLC-Q-TOF- MS/MS and classified as organic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins. The juices presented good antioxidant properties [DPPH value of 943 ?? 15 ??M TE (C. japurensis) and 994 ?? 14 ??M TE (C. hirta); ABTS value of 1119 ?? 24 ??M TE (C. japurensis) and 1273 ?? 18 ??M TE (C. hirta)]. Encapsulation Efficiency (EE) ranged from 97.0 to 99.8% (DPPH) and from 87.8 to 99.1% (ABTS). The encapsulated juices did not present Water Activity (WA) values that could favor microbial growth. According to the ABTS results, the bioactive compounds of C. hirta and C. japurensis encapsulated in MD10 wall material and stored at RH = 22% presented half-life time around 45 and 37 days, respectively. These results represent an interesting possibility of application in food industry.

A study was conducted to observe changes in mineral element concentrations within different sections of leafy stem cuttings of Hibiscus acetosella ‘Panama Red’ (PP20121) during a 21-day propagation period under standard industry propagation conditions. Concentrations of 13 mineral elements were analyzed in leaves, lower stems (below substrate), upper stems (above substrate), and roots at 3-day intervals. Before root emergence (day 0–6), P, K, Zn, Ca, and Mg concentrations decreased in the shoots (including upper stems and leaves), whereas Zn, Ca, and B concentrations decreased in the lower stems. Sulfur increase occurred in lower stems before root emergence. After rooting (day 9–21), N, P, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Ni concentrations decreased in the roots; K, S, B, and Mg concentrations increased. In the lower stems, N, P, K, S, and Zn concentrations decreased, whereas B increased. Potassium concentration decreased in the leaves; P, K, S, and Zn decreased in the upper stems. Calcium and Mg increased in leaves. This study indicates specific nutrients are important in adventitious rooting, and that it is important to analyze rooting as a function of fine-scale temporal measurements and fine-scale sectional measurements.

Controlling the elongation of ornamental plants is commonly needed for shipping and aesthetic purposes. Drought stress can be used to limit elongation, and is an environmentally friendly alternative to plant growth regulators (PGRs). However, growers can be reluctant to expose plants to drought stress because they do not want to negatively affect overall plant quality and marketability. Knowing how and when stem elongation is affected by water availability will help to increase our understanding of how elongation can be controlled without reducing plant quality. Rooted Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern. cuttings were grown in a growth chamber set to a 12-hour photoperiod at 25 °C. Two plants of similar size were used for each replication of the study to compare growth under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions. Time lapse photography was used to determine the diurnal patterns of elongation over the course of the replications. Evapotranspiration was measured using load cells. Well-watered and drought-stressed plants had similar diurnal patterns of elongation and evapotranspiration, demonstrating that both follow circadian rhythms and are not just responding to environmental conditions. Stem elongation was greatest at night and coincided with evapotranspiration decreases, with greatest elongation shortly after the onset of darkness. Elongation was minimal between 800 and 1000 hr when evapotranspiration increases. During the drought-stress portion of the replications, elongation of drought-stressed plants was 44% less than well-watered plants. Final plant height and shoot dry weight for the drought-stressed plants were 21% and 30% less than well-watered plants, respectively. Total leaf area, number of leaves, and number of new visible internodes were greater for well-watered plants than drought-stressed plants. Average length of visible internodes and leaf size were similar for drought-stressed and well-watered plants. If growers want to use drought stress for elongation control, they should ensure that plants are drought stressed before the onset of and during the dark period, when most elongation occurs.

Botrytis cinerea is reported for the first time causing grey mould of cranberry hibiscus, Hibiscus acetosella, in Brazil and worldwide. The fungus was characterised morphologically and an ITS sequence helped confirm its identity. The fungus was isolated in pure culture and its pathogenicity to H. acetosella was demonstrated.

Twenty one (21) traditional food plants recognized as medicinal by communities in Kamuli and Gulu districts in Uganda were identified and analyzed for their phytochemical content and antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content (2.6 ± 0.1 to 184.2 ± 6.4 mg GAE gDW-1) and flavonoid content (0.3 ± 0.1 to 162.2 ± 3.5 mg CE gDW-1) as well as antioxidant activity (0.1 ± 0.1 to 57.8 ± 0.5 mg VCE gDW-1) varied widely among the food plants. The seeds of Tamarindus indica L. and leaves of Ipomea eriocarpa R.Br., Corchorus trilocularis L., Ocimum suave L., Corchorus olitorius L., Acalypha bipartita Mull.Arg., and Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern showed the highest phenolic contents and antioxidant activities. Juice prepared from tamarind pulp alone or mixed with tamarind seed powder (0.5, 1 and 3%) and analyzed for sensory acceptability, phenolic content and anti-oxidant activity were found to be highly acceptable, recording an overall hedonic acceptability scores of 7.40 ± 0.4, 6.65 ± 0.3, 7.01 ± 0.1 and 5.34 ± 0.2, respectively on a nine-point scale for juice containing 0, 0.5, 1 and 3% seed powder. Incorporation of tamarind seed powder into tamarind pulp juice resulted in a dose dependent increase in antioxidant activity from 8.5 ± 0.2 mg VCE 100 ml-1 for the control to 12.05 ± 0.3, 15.33 ± 0.7 and 17.22 ± 0.7 mg VCE 100 ml-1 for tamarind juice containing 0.5, 1 and 3% seed powder, respectively. A similar trend was recorded for the total phenolic and flavonoids. Key words: Medicinal foods, nutraceuticals, antioxidant activity, phenolics, flavonoids.

Methanolic and dichloromethane extracts from the leaves of Congolese Hibiscus species were characterised by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques and their in vitro biochemical activities against ROS production were evaluated in cellular models and on an enzyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO), involved in inflammation. Hibiscus acetosella has a chemical fingerprint different from Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa both having similar fingerprints. Major compounds were polyphenols, represented mainly by caffeoyl-hydroxycitric acid for H. acetosella and neochlorogenic acid for the two other species. All extracts displayed high cellular antioxidant activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.5 to 3 μg mL−1 using lucigenin on neutrophils. Dichloromethane extracts showed more efficient effects on extracellular ROS production and MPO activity. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of caffeoyl-hydroxycitric acid were significantly higher than those of neochlorogenic acid. The bioactivities of Hibiscus species were positively correlated with their phytochemical content and could justify their use as local nutraceutical resources and medicines.

Seeds of Hibiscus dasycalyx S. F. Blake and Shiller, a federally listed candidate endangered species and native to North America and two variants of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern were scarified using sulfuric acid and hot water. The effects of the scarification methods on in vitro and ex vitro germination in both species were evaluated. Sulfuric acid scarification was very effective for in vitro and ex vitro germination of both forms of H. acetosella and H. dasycalyx seeds by dramatically increasing germination rate and decreasing germination time. Acid scarification of H. acetosella seeds for 10, 15, or 20 min resulted in close to 90% germination within a week. Germination rates of about 70% (ex vitro) and 80% (in vitro) were obtained in H. dasycalyx seeds treated with sulfuric acid. Germination rates of 54% (ex vitro) and 95% (in vitro) were achieved when H. dasycalyx seeds were treated with hot water for 5 min, but exposing the seeds for 10, 15, or 20 min produced poor results in H. acetosella and H. dasycalyx as hot water scarification appeared to result in severe injury or death of the embryos. The protocols described here constitute rapid, reliable and simple methods to germinate H. acetosella and H. dasycalyx seeds in vitro and ex vitro. These results can be valuable in commercial productions or research projects. In addition, the in vitro germination of H. dasycalyx can offer a valuable tool in conservation efforts for this threatened species.

Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern. ‘Panama Red’ PP20,121 (Malvaceae) has generated public and grower interest due to its attractive red foliage and vigorous growth, however, a horticultural goal is to develop more compact forms. Even though organs of induced polyploids are often larger than the wild type, whole plants are often shorter in stature. Three studies were conducted to induce polyploidy and to evaluate the growth and reproductive potential of the resulting polyploids. In study 1, seeds were soaked for 24 hours in aqueous solutions of 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.5% colchicine (w/v) plus 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide. In studies 2 and 3, apical meristems of seedlings at the cotyledon stage were treated for 1 or 3 days with 0, 50, 100, or 150 μm oryzalin solidified with 0.8% agar. Visual observations and measurement of guard cells were used to identify plants that potentially had their chromosome number doubled. Flow cytometry of nuclei stained with DAPI was used for confirmation of polyploidy. No induced polyploidy was observed following seed treatment with colchicine at the rates and duration used in this study. One-time application of 50 μm oryzalin resulted in a single mixoploid (4x + 8x) in which the ploidy of the L-I, L-II, and L-III histogenic layers were identified as a 4–4-4 + 8, respectively. Three-day applications with 100 and 150 μm oryzalin resulted in an octoploid (8x) and a mixoploid (4x + 8x), respectively. The mixoploid from the 3-day treatment stabilized at the 8x level before flowering, but was identified as a 4 + 8-x-4 cytochimera. Plant height was reduced, leaves were smaller, internodes were shorter, and canopy volume was reduced in the octoploid (8x) form compared with the tetraploid (4x) form. Furthermore, in contrast to the tetraploid, the octoploid produced no self-pollinated seed and performed poorly as a staminate and pistillate parent in controlled crosses. This represents the first time oryzalin has been reported to induce polyploidy in Hibiscus L. section Furcaria DC. H. acetosella is an allotetraploid species with the genome composition AABB. The resulting autoallooctoploid (AAAABBBB) form of ‘Panama Red’ exhibits a more compact habit and reduced production of seed.

Thirty-six Hibiscus L. species were grown for 20 weeks under three lighting treatments at 15, 20, or 25 ± 1.5 °C air temperature to identify flowering requirements for each species. In addition, species were subjectively evaluated to identify those species with potential ornamental significance based on flower characteristics and plant form. Lighting treatments were 9 hour ambient light (St. Paul, Minn., November to May, 45 °N), ambient light plus a night interruption using incandescent lamps (2 μmol·m-2·s-1; 2200 to 0200 hr), or ambient light plus 24-hour supplemental lighting from high-pressure sodium lamps (100 μmol·m-2·s-1). Five day-neutral, six obligate short-day, six facultative short-day, three obligate long-day, and one facultative long-day species were identified. Fifteen species did not flower. Temperature and lighting treatments interacted to affect leaf number below the first flower and/or flower diameter on some species. Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern, H. cisplatinus St.-Hil., H. radiatus Cav., and H. trionum L. were selected as potential new commercially significant ornamental species.

Cytogenetic characteristics confirm that Hibiscus acetosella and Hibiscus cannabinus are outbreeders, while Hibiscus asper, Hibiscus physaloides, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Hibiscus surattensis have evolved into inbreeders. The inbreeding species appear to have co-evolved a floral structure in which some anthers abut on the stigma prior to anthesis.

This study assessed the market conduct and performance of wild and semi-wild food plants (WSWFPs) traded in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda. A rapid market survey (RMS) was conducted in 17 local markets in Kibanda County. Market prices and weekly volumes of traded WSWFPs were compared with some of the selected conventional food plants traded in the same locality. Weekly volumes of traded WSWFPs based on the usual units of the measurement (including bundles and heaps) within the markets were estimated per species sold. The profit margin was computed per traded species. Transport expenses were excluded in the cost computation because only 4% of the traders incurred transport expenses in form of hired bicycles. Out of 62 WSWFPs belonging to 31 botanical families documented as edible in the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, about 47% belonging to 12 botanical families were traded in formal and informal markets. Market information system was largely rudimentary and undeveloped, and traders rely mainly on information from fellow traders as well as their customers to make market decisions. Traded products were primarily delivered to markets on foot and using bicycles. Currently, there are no definite or formal mechanisms of setting prices of traded WSWFPs; most traders relied on the daily market demand, time and risks involved in gathering process, information of the price of substitute food and prices from other areas, knowledge of the past seasons’ prices, and on the costs incurred from the suppliers. With exception of few species such as Physalis peruviana and Basella alba , weekly volumes of traded WSWFPs were low as compared to most conventional food crops. On the other hand, prices of most traded WSWFPs were generally similar to those of alternative conventional food plants marketed in the area. Some WSWFPs like Hibiscus acetosella , B. alba and Hyptis spicigera (seeds), had higher market prices per unit measurement as compared to the related conventional food plants. Average weekly profits yielded from the trade of various WSWFPs were moderate and ranged from UGX 764.5 to 6754.2 (USD 0.38 to 3.36). The highest return came from species such as H. spicigera, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Aframomum angustifolium, Borassus aethiopum, B. alba, Solanum nigrum, Aframomum alboviolaceum and Canarium schweinfurthii . Key words : Market conduct, market performance, wild edibles, wild foods, Uganda

Twelve genotypes of hibiscus were evaluated for resistance to hibiscus sawfly, a minor pest of hibiscus. Evaluations were conducted by counting eggs deposited on the hibiscus and larvae feeding on the hibiscus. Plants were evaluated at the end of the study with a damage rating. Three genotypes demonstrated resistance or tolerance to sawfly feeding: Hibiscus acetosella, H. aculeatus, and H. grandiflora. All three of these genotypes had few, if any, eggs or larvae and were given the lowest damage rating among the genotypes evaluated.

Vigorous, comparatively high fertile F1 hybrids were easily obtained from H.radiatus x H.acetosella and they showed almost complcte chlomosome panlng and gave rlse to the vrgorous fertlle F2. Almost all characteristics of the hybrids were either intermediate between or similar to one of the parents. Apparently the parental species have similar genome constitutions and are closely related.

Mature seeds of diploid and tetraploidHibiscus species were analyzed for enzyme activity (alcohol dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase), total protein content, DNA amount and dry weight. The recently formed tetraploid,H. radiatus, generally had enzyme and protein levels very similar to the sum of its progenitors, while the more ancient speciesH. acetosella had several lower levels. This difference may reflect the greater amount of timeH. acetosella has had to evolve dosage compensations.

Hibiscus acetosella was shown to exert beneficial effects in humans and animal models however, the effects of this plant on DNA are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects of H. acetosella extracts on alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) in vivo in mice. Initially, we performed analysis of phenolic compounds in extracts of H. acetosella by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Next, mice were divided into 8 groups and treated with distilled water or plant extract (0.1 ml/10 g) by gavage for 15 days, followed by intraperitoneal (ip) administration of saline solution or MMS (40 mg/Kg b.w) on day 16. Caffeic acid, following by gallic acid, gallocatechin, coumaric acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were found to be present in extracts of H. acetosella leaves. In peripheral blood analysis of groups receiving pretreatment with H. acetosella at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg plus MMS decreased DNA damage as evidenced by comet assay and Micronucleus assays relative to MMS alone. These results suggested that H. acetosella extracts exerted protective effects dose dependent against genotoxicity and mutagenicity induced by alkylating agents.