Search

Flavonoids in Musaceae are involved in pigmentation and stress responses, including cold resistance, and are a component of the healthy human diet. Identification and analysis of the sequence and copy number of flavonoid biosynthetic genes are valuable for understanding the nature and diversity of flavonoid evolution in Musaceae species. In this study, we identified 71–80 flavonoid biosynthetic genes in chromosome-scale genome sequence assemblies of Musaceae, including those of Ensete glaucum , Musella lasiocarpa , Musa beccarii , M. acuminata , M. balbisiana and M. schizocarpa, checking annotations with BLAST and determining the presence of conserved domains. The number of genes increased through segmental duplication and tandem duplication. Orthologues of both structural and regulatory genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway are highly conserved across Musaceae. The flavonoid 3ʹ,5ʹ-hydroxylase gene F3ʹ5ʹH was amplified in Musaceae and ginger compared with grasses (rice, Brachypodium, Avena longiglumis, and sorghum). One group of genes from this gene family amplified near the centromere of chromosome 2 in the x  = 11 Musaceae species. Flavonoid biosynthetic genes displayed few consistent responses in the yellow and red bracts of Musella lasiocarpa when subjected to low temperatures. The expression levels of MlDFR2/3 (dihydroflavonol reductase) increased while MlLAR (leucoanthocyanidin reductase) was reduced by half. Overall, the results establish the range of diversity in both sequence and copy number of flavonoid biosynthetic genes during evolution of Musaceae. The combination of allelic variants of genes, changes in their copy numbers, and variation in transcription factors with the modulation of expression under cold treatments and between genotypes with contrasting bract-colours suggests the variation may be exploited in plant breeding programmes, particularly for improvement of stress-resistance in the banana crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abaca (Musa textilis Née), an economically important industrial crop indigenous to the Philippines, is the source of the strongest natural fiber internationally known as Manila hemp. The breeding of elite abaca is dependent on the proper identification and characterization of the collections in the abaca germplasm. The chloroplast genomes of 12 cultivars of M. textilis were examined to characterize molecular variation that will reveal kinship and the development of related cultivars. We sequenced, assembled and analysed the chloroplast (cp.) genomes of 12 abaca cultivars to investigate and compare the structure of the cp. genomes. Assembly was done using GetOrganelle and annotation was performed using GeSeq, cpGAVAS2 and PGA. Whole annotated sequences were aligned through the MAUVE and mVISTA alignment programs. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using PhyloHerb wherein the nucleotide sequences of 22 species from 87 protein-coding genes where concatenated and used to construct the tree. All 12 cp. genomes have circular structures ranging from 168,249 to 168,507 bp and exhibit the typical quadripartite organization consisting of a large single copy region (LSC; 88,074–88,429 bp), a small single copy region (SSC; 11,020–11,057 bp) and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs; 34,438–34,671 bp). Annotations revealed that the cp. genomes contained 133 genes made of 88 protein coding genes, 37 tRNA and 8 rRNA genes. Alignments of the 12 abaca cp. genomes to other Musa spp. cp. genomes showed comparable genome lengths, number of genes annotated and the relative positions of the genes within the genomes. Repeats analysis showed consistency among the 12 cultivars with the most common type of repeats were forward repeats (56.2–63.2%) and the least common being complementary repeats (0–0.4%). Nucleotide diversity analysis showed Pi values less than 0.009 across the whole cp. genome sequence, thus suggesting small differences among the M. textilis chloroplast genomes. Phylogenetic study revealed the 12 abaca cp. genomes shared 87 protein coding genes with 8 monocot species including Oryza sativa, Ensete glaucum and Elaeis guineensis. The 12 cultivars can be divided into two distinct clades with select cultivars exhibiting zero genetic distance. This study features the possible relationship of abaca cultivars and enriches the chloroplast genome resources of the Musa spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of ornamental banana, namely Musa siangensis Taid, S.S. Singh et Gajurel and Musa bracteata S.S. Singh, Gajurel et Taid collected in Arunachal Pradesh, India, are described. Morphologically, both the new species are close to Musa arunachalensis A. Joe, Sreejith et M. Sabu. Morphological characters are described and illustrated with colour photographs for easy recognition. A key to the closely related species and a table of comparison enumerating selected morphological characters are also provided. The new species are further supported by molecular rbcL sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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 development of bio-sourced materials is essential to ensuring sustainable construction; it is considered a locomotive of the green economy. Furthermore, it is an abundant material in our country, to which very little attention is being given. This work aims to valorize the waste of the trunks of banana trees to be used in construction. Firstly, the physicochemical properties of the fiber, such as the percentage of crystallization and its morphology, have been determined by X-ray diffraction tests and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the potential and the impact of the mode of drying on the quality of the banana fibers, with the purpose to promote the use of this material in construction. Secondly, the results obtained with the gypsum matrix allowed us to note a preponderant improvement in the composite’s thermal properties thanks to the variation of the banana fiber additive. Thirdly, the impact of the nature of the banana fiber distribution (either fiber mixed in matrix or fiber series model) on the flexural and compressive strengths of the composites was studied. The results obtained indicate that the insulation gain reaches up to 40%. It depends on the volume fraction and type of distribution of the banana fibers. However, the thermal inertia of the composites developed, represented by thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity, was studied. Results indicate a gain of 40% and 25%, respectively, in terms of thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of the developed composites compared to plaster alone. Concerning the mechanical properties, the flexural strength depends on the percentage of the volume fraction of banana fibers used, and it can reach 20% more than the flexural strength of plaster; nevertheless, there is a significant loss in terms of the compressive strength of the studied composites. The results obtained are confirmed by the microstructure of the fiber banana. In fact, the morphology of the banana fibers was improved by the drying process. It reduces the amorphous area and improves the cellulosic crystalline surfaces, which assures good adhesion between the fiber and the matrix plaster. Finally, the dimensionless coefficient analysis was done to judge the optimal proportion of the banana fiber additive and to recommend its use even on false ceilings or walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas with the objective of evaluating effect of different biostimulants on banana (Musa AAB) var. Dominican Harton through drench application to increase root development; for this purpose, 10 treatments were established including the witness and in turn resulted from the factorial interaction A (Biostimulants) and B (Dose): Treatments T1 (Biosolar, 7,5 ml), T2 (Biosolar, 5,0 ml), T3 (Biosolar, 2,5 ml), T4 (Seaweed extract, 7,5 ml), T5 (Seaweed extract, 5,0 ml), T6 (Seaweed extract, 2,5 ml), T7 (Vital Humus, 7,5 ml), T8 (Vital Humus, 5,0 ml), T9 (Vital Humus, 2,5 ml), T10 (witness) implemented in a completely randomized experimental design (DCA) with factorial arrangement AxB+N, the variables evaluated were:, number of roots at harvest and root fresh weight at harvest. The results showed that Treatment 4 (Seaweed Extract at high dosage) (7,5 ml), achieved a higher number of roots (60,75) per plantain (Musa AAB) var. Dominican Harton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and production of bananas are influenced by spatio-temporal edaphoclimatic conditions, which explains in a certain way the heterogeneous response that occurs on the farms, highlighting the need to generate information regarding the morphological characteristics of fruit for taking corrective actions that entail to increased productivity. The objective of this research was to carry out an analysis of production, taking into account the quantifiable variables through bunches profiling. 98,956 bunches recorded in a period of 108 weeks between 2021 and 2022 were analyzed in ten farms of two banana groups in Urabá-Antioquia, in the municipalities of Turbo, Apartadó and Carepa. Variables such as: cluster age, cluster weight, number of hands, basal-apical calibration, basal-apical length, removal of fingers and hands in the field. The R 4.2.1 software was used, with which a Spearman correlation, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was obtained and for comparison of means, a Kruskal post-hoc was done. Statistical differences were identified (p-value

Banana genus Musa L. (Musaceae) in the collections of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden BIN RAS is grown 7 species and four cultivars of the genus (all from Musa acuminata).The very first grown one is Musa acuminata (Musaceae), this species has been grown in the Peter the Great Botanical Garden of the BIN RAS since 1932. The original seeds were obtained from the Botanical Garden of Hamburg (Germany). The plants were preserved during the Second World War. Plants bear fruit almost every year. Seeds in fruits are tied and ripen. Laboratory germination of freshly harvested seeds is 64-73%.Musa huangbaoia has been in the collection of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden since 2016. It does not bear fruit regularly. Some individuals behave like monocarpics; after fruiting they die off without forming lateral buds.Freshly harvested Musa mannii seeds begin to germinate in Petri dishes at 15-20 days. Germination is not friendly, stretched. Laboratory germination reaches 15-20%.The position that banana seeds quickly lose their germination capacity has been confirmed. The presence of fruit-bearing species of the genus Musa allows them to be included in the "Index seminum".

The development and production of bananas are influenced by spatio-temporal edaphoclimatic conditions, which explains in a certain way the heterogeneous response that occurs on the farms, highlighting the need to generate information regarding the morphological characteristics of fruit for taking corrective actions that entail to increased productivity. The objective of this research was to carry out an analysis of production, taking into account the quantifiable variables through bunches profiling. 98,956 bunches recorded in a period of 108 weeks between 2021 and 2022 were analyzed in ten farms of two banana groups in Urabá-Antioquia, in the municipalities of Turbo, Apartadó and Carepa. Variables such as: cluster age, cluster weight, number of hands, basal-apical calibration, basal-apical length, removal of fingers and hands in the field. The R 4.2.1 software was used, with which a Spearman correlation, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was obtained and for comparison of means, a Kruskal post-hoc was done. Statistical differences were identified (p-value<2.2e-16) and the highest correlations were between age-weight (0.24), age-basal calibration (0.23) and number of hands-weight (0.45). These results indicate that harvest profiling is a practical and agile method that allows quantifying morphological variables of the bunches, making yield projections and adjusting agronomic management depending on the specifications of the marketer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify symbiosis between roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (HMA), methodologies have been reported with variations in concentrations of reagents, temperature, and time of exposure for staining, which does not always adjust to the need for specific cultures due to variation in root structures. The objective of this research was to standardize a methodology to identify mycorrhizal colonization in banana crops in an efficient way. The research was carried out during the second semester of 2022 in the municipality of Apartadó-Antioquia. Four treatments were established that consisted of the evaluation with and without mycorrhizal inoculation with two bleaching techniques each (with and without subjection to Bain Marie). A total of 108 plates (54/technique) were evaluated, where percentage of colonization, visibility, vesicles and arbuscules were identified. There was a complete randomized design. Data were analyzed with R Studio 2022.02 software. An ANAVA and means separations were obtained with a post-hoc analysis of Tukey and Kruskal-Wallis with a confidence level of 95%. Symbiosis was found in all cases, statistical differences were identified in percentage of colonization with 46.8% to 90.2%; arbuscules from 12.1 to 338.0 units and a visibility percentage of 100% in treatments subjected to a Bain Marie, highlighting the need for subjecting banana roots to heat to favor discoloration, staining and visibility due to their architecture.

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the main fruits consumed worldwide. However, finger drop, is a physiological disorder that causes many postharvest problems, which eventually reduces market value and consumer acceptance. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the anatomical changes that occur in the pedicel rupture area (drop zone) of bananas diploids (BB França) and tetraploid (BRS Pioneira) in three ripening stages. The levels of gene expression involved in the natural ripening process and in the development of finger drop, was also investigated. The accumulation of their mRNAs and those of expansin (EXP1), pectate lyase (PEL1) and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase protein (XTH4) genes already isolated from bananas were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in three ripening stages. BB França presented a higher resistance to finger drop due to the presence of some specific morphoanatomical characteristics, such as larger parenchymal cells and greater deposition of lignin. In contrast, there was degeneration of the pedicel parenchymal tissue of the BRS Pioneira genotype, forming large empty spaces during the ripening of the fruits, mainly in stage 6, which contributed to the finger drop. The diploid BB França is a strong candidate for use in banana breeding programs aimed at fruit drop resistance. This will certainly improve the quality of banana varieties. Moreover, PEL1 proved to be an excellent candidate gene for functional studies of finger drop in bananas.

The enormous perennial monocotyledonous herb banana (Musa spp.), which includes dessert and cooking varieties, is found in more than 120 countries and is a member of the order Zingiberales and family Musaceae. The production of bananas requires a certain amount of precipitation throughout the year, and its scarcity reduces productivity in rain-fed banana-growing areas due to drought stress. To increase the tolerance of banana crops to drought stress, it is necessary to explore crop wild relatives (CWRs) of banana. Although molecular genetic pathways involved in drought stress tolerance of cultivated banana have been uncovered and understood with the introduction of high-throughput DNA sequencing technology, next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, and numerous "omics" tools, unfortunately, such approaches have not been thoroughly implemented to utilize the huge potential of wild genetic resources of banana. In India, the northeastern region has been reported to have the highest diversity and distribution of Musaceae, with more than 30 taxa, 19 of which are unique to the area, accounting for around 81% of all wild species. As a result, the area is regarded as one of the main locations of origin for the Musaceae family. The understanding of the response of the banana genotypes of northeastern India belonging to different genome groups to water deficit stress at the molecular level will be useful for developing and improving drought tolerance in commercial banana cultivars not only in India but also worldwide. Hence, in the present review, we discuss the studies conducted to observe the effect of drought stress on different banana species. Moreover, the article highlights the tools and techniques that have been used or that can be used for exploring and understanding the molecular basis of differentially regulated genes and their networks in different drought stress-tolerant banana genotypes of northeast India, especially wild types, for unraveling their potential novel traits and genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern Viet Nam displays a remarkable diversity of wild bananas (Musa L.), including the species from which the majority of cultivated bananas derive. The taxonomy and exact distribution of these wild bananas are however not well known, limiting their conservation and use. In the present study, we describe the morphology, ecology, and phytogeography of the 6 Musa species that were collected between 2016 and 2019 in northern Viet Nam: Musa acuminata Colla, M. balbisiana Colla, M. itinerans Cheesman, M. haekkinenii N.S.Ly & Haev, M. lutea R.V.Valmayor, L.D.Danh and Hakkinen and M. paracoccinea A.Z.Liu and D.Z.Li:. Of these, M. itinerans was the species with the most widespread distribution range, occurring as large mats in various habitats between 136 and 1331 m, whereas M. acuminata was found between 136 and 989 m and M. balbisiana was between 108 and 981 m. Furthermore, M. lutea, M. paracoccinea and M. haekkinenii were distributed in open areas with low competition for light, between 80 and 800 m. These latter three species have the potential to become ornamental plants, being characterized by bright and colourful upright inflorescences. The data presented here will help in providing a valuable contribution to the conservation and use of the wild bananas in northern Viet Nam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bananas are the most produced and exported fresh fruit globally; but their sustainable production is always under threat owing to their vegetative reproduction method, in which plants are generated with nearly identical genetic compositions, making them vulnerable to multiple pathogens. To counteract such pathogens, bananas produce phenylphenalenones (PPs) as phytoalexins. PPs are cyclic diarylheptanoids with a tricyclic phenalene-1H-one nucleus attached to a phenyl ring that is produced specifically against multiple pathogens and insect pests in bananas. Since there are no comprehensive studies on banana PPs, the aim of this review was to provide a complete and exhaustive summary with multifaceted biological insights on them. The review begins with a brief description of the significance of banana production, the importance of PPs in banana improvement, and the general background of PPs. Further, we emphasize on the identification of PPs in different banana cultivars against various pathogens, elicitors, and tissues, followed by the antimicrobial activities of PPs against phytopathogens, PPs associated with human health promotion, and the putative biosynthesis pathway of PPs in bananas. PPs could be a potential target for improving the natural defense systems of bananas against multiple pathogens; however, the genes of the underlying biosynthesis pathway remain elusive. We therefore believe that this review will be insightful and potentially assist future studies to discover the genes contributing to PP biosynthesis in bananas and explore their applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several studies on the DNA barcoding of banana worldwide, however studies on the DNA barcoding of Indonesian bananas are limited. This study aims to develop a DNA reference library of the Indonesian banana species, varieties and cultivars to reconstruct phylogenetic trees, and to identify and understand genetic relationships between varieties and cultivars using three barcoding markers (rbcL, matK and trnL-F). A total of 26 accessions of banana were amplified and sequenced using these primers. Maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP) were conducted on these sequences with addition of 9 accessions (rbcL), 13 accessions (matK) and 14 accessions (trnL-F) from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. The aligned sequences were measured for genetic distances. The results showed that all markers were significant to differentiate among the A and B genomes. All markers resulted in a tree that contained two distinctive clades supported by high bootstrap value (> 50%). The rbcL marker was the most conserved, followed by matK and trnL-F. The rbcL marker can only be used to distinguish generic level, while matK and trnL-F can be used at species level. All markers cannot be used to identify subspecific, variety and cultivar levels. However, the markers are able to suggest the genome of the maternal parent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the main fruits consumed worldwide. However, finger drop, is a physiological disorder that causes many postharvest problems, which eventually reduces market value and consumer acceptance. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the anatomical changes that occur in the pedicel rupture area (drop zone) of bananas diploids (BB França) and tetraploid (BRS Pioneira) in three ripening stages. The levels of gene expression involved in the natural ripening process and in the development of finger drop, was also investigated. The accumulation of their mRNAs and those of expansin (EXP1), pectate lyase (PEL1) and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase protein (XTH4) genes already isolated from bananas were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in three ripening stages. BB França presented a higher resistance to finger drop due to the presence of some specific morphoanatomical characteristics, such as larger parenchymal cells and greater deposition of lignin. In contrast, there was degeneration of the pedicel parenchymal tissue of the BRS Pioneira genotype, forming large empty spaces during the ripening of the fruits, mainly in stage 6, which contributed to the finger drop. The diploid BB França is a strong candidate for use in banana breeding programs aimed at fruit drop resistance. This will certainly improve the quality of banana varieties. Moreover, PEL1 proved to be an excellent candidate gene for functional studies of finger drop in bananas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Musa beccarii (Musaceae) is a banana species native to Borneo, sometimes grown as an ornamental plant. The basic chromosome number of Musa species is x = 7, 10, or 11; however, M. beccarii has a basic chromosome number of x = 9 (2n = 2x = 18), which is the same basic chromosome number of species in the sister genera Ensete and Musella. Musa beccarii is in the section Callimusa , which is sister to the section Musa. We generated a high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly of M. beccarii to better understand the evolution and diversity of genomes within the family Musaceae. Findings The M. beccarii genome was assembled by long-read and Hi-C sequencing, and genes were annotated using both long Iso-seq and short RNA-seq reads. The size of M. beccarii was the largest among all known Musaceae assemblies (∼570 Mbp) due to the expansion of transposable elements and increased 45S ribosomal DNA sites. By synteny analysis, we detected extensive genome-wide chromosome fusions and fissions between M. beccarii and the other Musa and Ensete species, far beyond those expected from differences in chromosome number. Within Musaceae, M. beccarii showed a reduced number of terpenoid synthase genes, which are related to chemical defense, and enrichment in lipid metabolism genes linked to the physical defense of the cell wall. Furthermore, type III polyketide synthase was the most abundant biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) in M. beccarii. BGCs were not conserved in Musaceae genomes. Conclusions The genome assembly of M. beccarii is the first chromosome-scale genome assembly in the Callimusa section in Musa , which provides an important genetic resource that aids our understanding of the evolution of Musaceae genomes and enhances our knowledge of the pangenome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Musaceae is an economically important family consisting of 70-80 species. Elucidation of the interspecific relationships of this family is essential for a more efficient conservation and utilization of genetic resources for banana improvement. However, the scarcity of herbarium specimens and quality molecular markers have limited our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in wild species of Musaceae. Aiming at improving the phylogenetic resolution of Musaceae, we analyzed a comprehensive set of 49 plastomes for 48 species/subspecies representing all three genera of this family. Results Musaceae plastomes have a relatively well-conserved genomic size and gene content, with a full length ranging from 166,782 bp to 172,514 bp. Variations in the IR borders were found to show phylogenetic signals to a certain extent in Musa. Codon usage bias analysis showed different preferences for the same codon between species and three genera and a common preference for A/T-ending codons. Among the two genes detected under positive selection (dN/dS > 1), ycf2 was indicated under an intensive positive selection. The divergent hotspot analysis allowed the identification of four regions (ndhF-trnL, ndhF, matK-rps16, and accD) as specific DNA barcodes for Musaceae species. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses using full plastome resulted in nearly identical tree topologies with highly supported relationships between species. The monospecies genus Musella is sister to Ensete, and the genus Musa was divided into two large clades, which corresponded well to the basic number of n = x = 11 and n = x =10/9/7, respectively. Four subclades were divided within the genus Musa. A dating analysis covering the whole Zingiberales indicated that the divergence of Musaceae family originated in the Palaeocene (59.19 Ma), and the genus Musa diverged into two clades in the Eocene (50.70 Ma) and then started to diversify from the late Oligocene (29.92 Ma) to the late Miocene. Two lineages (Rhodochlamys and Australimusa) radiated recently in the Pliocene /Pleistocene periods. Conclusions The plastome sequences performed well in resolving the phylogenetic relationships of Musaceae and generated new insights into its evolution. Plastome sequences provided valuable resources for population genetics and phylogenetics at lower taxon.

La productividad del cultivo de banano está influenciada por diferentes factores físicos, químicos, biológicos, los cuales, a su vez, varían entre lotes, fincas y zonas geográficas; sumado a esto la alta variabilidad climática, alto costo de insumos, disminución en mano de obra y ajuste a la oferta-demanda del producto terminado obliga al productor a optimizar recursos y realizar intervenciones para programar las cosechas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar una proyección de rendimiento, considerando variables de producción. El estudio se realizó durante el segundo semestre de 2021 y primer trimestre de 2022 en el departamento de Antioquia, municipio de Turbo, para la proyección se tuvo en cuenta tipo de semilla, semanas a cosecha, peso de racimos, población, retorno, recobro y merma. Se plantean posibles escenarios con sus respectivas interacciones y su respuesta en rendimiento. El diseño experimental fue en bloques completamente al azar con 3 repeticiones, los datos se analizaron con el software R Studio 2022.02, se realizaron pruebas no paramétricas (Kruskal-Wallis; Yuen) y comparación de medias con un análisis post-hoc de Kruskal-Wallis con un nivel de confianza del 95%. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (P

To identify symbiosis between roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (HMA), methodologies have been reported with variations in concentrations of reagents, temperature, and time of exposure for staining, which does not always adjust to the need for specific cultures due to variation in root structures. The objective of this research was to standardize a methodology to identify mycorrhizal colonization in banana crops in an efficient way. The research was carried out during the second semester of 2022 in the municipality of Apartadó-Antioquia. Four treatments were established that consisted of the evaluation with and without mycorrhizal inoculation with two bleaching techniques each (with and without subjection to Bain Marie). A total of 108 plates (54/technique) were evaluated, where percentage of colonization, visibility, vesicles and arbuscules were identified. There was a complete randomized design. Data were analyzed with R Studio 2022.02 software. An ANAVA and means separations were obtained with a post-hoc analysis of Tukey and Kruskal-Wallis with a confidence level of 95%. Symbiosis was found in all cases, statistical differences were identified in percentage of colonization with 46.8% to 90.2%; arbuscules from 12.1 to 338.0 units and a visibility percentage of 100% in treatments subjected to a Bain Marie, highlighting the need for subjecting banana roots to heat to favor discoloration, staining and visibility due to their architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the characterization of the starch of striped pompo plantain extracted by the wet method was carried out. The material obtained was characterized according to its physicochemical properties such as moisture content, crude fiber and amylose/amylopectin ratio, and additionally its functional properties were studied: whiteness index (IB), water absorption index (IAA), water solubility index (ISA) and swelling power (PH). The results indicate that the amylose percentage was approximately 30.2%, a percentage within the range found for musaceae, since the amylose content depends on the botanical origin. On the other hand, it presents a high fiber content of 6.68%, higher than that found for other varieties of plantain, which are between 2.5 - 4.0%. The study of the functional properties of the material obtained shows a higher whiteness index compared to other musaceae. The values for IAA that are accepted by FAO range from 0.82 to 15.52. However, for ISA, low indexes close to 0.333 were found. The PH is a parameter that goes hand in hand with the IAA and, consequently, shows the same behavior, which made it possible to establish that the starch to be treated was found to be within the ranges considered to be of good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Smaragdiniseta musae is introduced as a leaf-based novel saprobic species from Musa. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) and β-tubulin (tub2) data support the taxonomic placement of the new collection in Smaragdiniseta (Hypocreales, Stachybotryaceae). The novel species is characterised by cup-shaped sporodochia covered by numerous peripheral setae and simple hyaline, guttulate conidia produced by the ultimate branches (phialides) of conidiophores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of Ensete superbum have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat kidney stones and diabetes. The current work report the synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their antibacterial property. The synthesis of AgNPs was done by mixing silver nitrate solution with aqueous E. superbum seed extract. The pale-yellow colour of the seed extract was changed to deep brown due to the reduction of silver ions to AgNPs, under ambient conditions. The characterization of AgNPs was carried out by UV–Visible spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, and FTIR. The peak absorbance of the UV–Vis spectra was at 420 nm confirming the formation of AgNPs. TEM showed the existence of spherical and hexagonal-shaped nanoparticles. XRD results show that the AgNPs were face-centered cubic (fcc) lattices. FTIR analysis established a link that the presence of different classes of compounds viz. flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids in E. superbum seed extract is responsible for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. The current study aims to point out the application of AgNPs as an antibacterial agent against S. typhi, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and V. cholerae, using the well diffusion method. The AgNPs effectively inhibited bacterial growth against P. aeruginosa and S. typhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banana rust mite, Phyllocoptruta musae Keifer, is reported for the first time from the Neotropics, in the Dominican Republic. The current known distribution of this pest is provided. Comparisons are made to other Neotropical species of Phyllocoptruta genus, and descriptions with photos are provided of the injury to plants.

In an asexually reproducing hybrid such as banana (Musa spp.), the assessment of clones in the short term is limited because replications are frequently unavailable in the proper number. The aim of this work is to propose the Multiple Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (MFAmix) as a tool for establishing objective criteria to identify banana clones that preserve variability for qualitative and quantitative variables. In the long term, the aim is the development of a banana germplasm bank. MFAmix was applied on a population composed of 124 banana clones collected from different farmers’ fields and four controls. Two groups of variables related to the agronomic aptitude of the clones were evaluated, one composed of nine quantitative variables, and the other, composed of three dichotomous qualitative variables. A Selection Index (SI) was built from the MFAmix coordinates in order to rank the clones and select a subset that allows to preserve the existing genetic variability. The first two axes of MFAmix explained a 49.47% of the total data variability. The set of the banana clones was successfully characterized based on quantitative and qualitative variables. In the long term, the creation of a banana germplasm bank should consider the height and diameter of the plant, the rachis bunch weight and the hands weight, and the qualitative variable plant leafiness.

The water supply for rainfed crops such as bananas in the Aragua state of Venezuela is often uncertain, particularly towards the beginning of the rainy season (April-May). Where climatic conditions are seasonal, the temporal evolution of the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) closely accompanies the interannual variation of vegetation growth in response to thermal and hydric factors. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between NDVI, rainfall and potential evapotranspiration during the period of January/2016 to December/2017 in a Venezuelan banana plantation. In this study, the NDVI derived from the GIMMS MODIS Terra product, the daily accumulated precipitation data (mm) and the daily mean air temperature (°C) were used as the only way to estimate the potential evapotranspiration. The results showed that the GMOD09Q1-based NDVI reflects reasonably well the spatiotemporal variation in biomass accumulation. Besides, this provides information on the water stress conditions in banana plants at the plot level. The influence of Precipitation and potential evapotranspiration on the NDVI was more evident when a lag of 1 month was considered in terms of the Spearman r, implying that there is a delay in the banana phonological response to rainfall changes and dryness conditions. However, due to its low spatial resolution (i.e. 250 m), it is not adequate for the identification of banana wilt disease. Therefore, future studies are needed to assess other satellite-derived spectral indices for monitoring the health of banana plants over different sites in Venezuela.

Las manchas foliares de Sigatoka negra (SN) representan el problema fitopatológico y mayor limitante para la producción de plátanos. Se evaluó el manejo de Sigatoka negra (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) en plátano ‘Hartón’ (Musa AAB) en el Sur del Lago de Maracaibo, Venezuela. La investigación se realizó en el Sur del Lago de Maracaibo, Venezuela. En tres fincas sin y con riego. Sembradas a 2m x 3m (1667 plantas·ha-1). Semanalmente se realizó cirugía y deshoje e inspeccionaron las plantas utilizando preaviso biológico o estado evolutivo. Se seleccionaron 10 plantas·lote-1, se ubicaron las hojas 3, 4 y 5 (H3, H4 y H5), para determinar el grado de severidad en las hojas antes indicadas y se clasificó como leve, alto o severo. En la finca ubicada en FJP-CE sin riego se observó la mayor severidad de SN en las hojas 3, 4 y 5 al realizar solo siete aplicaciones de fungicidas; C-LPG presentó la menor severidad de SN en la hoja3 el control representó el 21,3% de los costos de producción. En C-EA que tuvo riego subarbóreo H3, H4 y H5 presentaron valores de severidad un poco más elevados que la anterior en H3. Los rendimientos fueron de 17 t·ha-1. El manejo de SN debe seguir enfocado en la integración de procedimientos culturales y químicos, con ello se disminuyen las aplicaciones de fungicidas, se incrementan los rendimientos y disminuye el deterioro ambiental

Background: Musaceae is an economically important family consisting of 70-80 species. Elucidation of the interspecific relationships of this family is essential for a more efficient conservation and utilization of genetic resources for banana improvement. However, the scarcity of herbarium specimens and quality molecular markers have limited our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in wild species of Musaceae. Aiming at improving the phylogenetic resolution of Musaceae, we analyzed a comprehensive set of 49 plastomes for 48 species/subspecies representing all three genera of this family. Results: Musaceae plastomes have a relatively well-conserved genomic size and gene content, with a full length ranging from 166,782 bp to 172,514 bp. Variations in the IR borders were found to show phylogenetic signals to a certain extent in Musa. Codon usage bias analysis showed different preferences for the same codon between species and three genera and a common preference for A/T-ending codons. Among the two genes detected under positive selection (dN/dS > 1), ycf2 was indicated under an intensive positive selection. The divergent hotspot analysis allowed the identification of four regions (ndhF-trnL, ndhF, matK-rps16, and accD) as specific DNA barcodes for Musaceae species. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses using full plastome resulted in nearly identical tree topologies with highly supported relationships between species. The monospecies genus Musella is sister to Ensete, and the genus Musa was divided into two large clades, which corresponded well to the basic number of n = x = 11 and n = x =10/9/7, respectively. Four subclades were divided within the genus Musa. A dating analysis covering the whole Zingiberales indicated that the divergence of Musaceae family originated in the Palaeocene (59.19 Ma), and the genus Musa diverged into two clades in the Eocene (50.70 Ma) and then started to diversify from the late Oligocene (29.92 Ma) to the late Miocene. Two lineages (Rhodochlamys and Australimusa) radiated recently in the Pliocene /Pleistocene periods. Conclusions: The plastome sequences performed well in resolving the phylogenetic relationships of Musaceae and generated new insights into its evolution. Plastome sequences provided valuable resources for population genetics and phylogenetics at lower taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of eight species of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) have been listed as banana pests in Brazil. Their feeding and oviposition behaviour on these fruits damage their appearance in ways that can impair commercial value. As a result, taxonomic studies that seek to correctly identify thrips can positively impact the cultivation of bananas. Many earlier records of banana thrips in Brazil consist of doubtful identifications or untraceable reports. In this paper, the identification of these banana pests in Brazil is revised and an illustrated identification key is provided. The specimens examined were collected over a period of 10 years from the most representative banana-growing areas in Brazil. Seven banana thrips in Brazil are now recognised: Bradinothrips musae (Hood), Chaetanaphothrips orchidii (Moulton), Danothrips trifasciatus Sakimura, Elixothrips brevisetis (Bagnall), Frankliniella brevicaulis Hood, Frankliniella parvula Hood, and Hoodothrips lineatus (Hood). Chaetanaphothrips orchidii and Danothrips trifasciatus are recorded for the first time as causing damage to banana crops in Brazil. In addition, the following three species are considered misidentifications and should be disregarded as banana pests in Brazil: Frankliniella fulvipennis Moulton, Hercinothrips bicinctus (Bagnall), and Hercinothrips femoralis (Reuter). [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.)

Context: Fungal diseases, commonly known as black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet), and Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) wilt, have always been considered the major worldwide diseases in plantain and banana, therefore they have received more attention. However, bacterial diseases cause significant impacts on yields, and management practices are not always well known. Aims: I. To describe and illustrate the symptoms that correspond to pseudostem wet rot in a plantation of plantain, observed in the premises of a farm located in Santo Domingo, province of Villa Clara, Cuba, in September 2019. II. To study the state of the art of the main bacterial wilt affecting plantain and banana today. To offer elements that contribute to the adoption of biosafety practices on the farms, in order to manage pseudostem wet rot, and rhizome rot. Results: The symptoms of the disease were described after confirming the attack of the pathogen in a particular production area. Besides, aspects related to the epidemiology and management of the bacterial disease are updated. Conclusions: The success of management strategies depends largely on the development of capacities and systematic activities for elimination and sanitation.

Bananas (Musaceae) are one of the world's most common fruit crops and the oldest medicinal plants that are used to treat a variety of infections. There has been recent interest in elucidating the efficiency of the naturally active ingredients, particularly the antimicrobials, in this plant. This review begins with a short background of the banana plant and its cultivars as well as a brief description of its parts. Different experimental tests of the antimicrobial effects and the responsible bioactive compounds of the banana part extracts are then elaborated. A variety of recent and evolving applications of banana parts in the development of functional bakery, dairy, beverage, and meat products as a wheat substitute, fiber/prebiotic source, fat/sucrose substitute, and natural antioxidant are also discussed. Finally, the recent challenges and opportunities presented by different banana parts in creating bio‐packaging materials and bactericidal nanoparticles are addressed. This plant contains a variety of antimicrobial substances, including dopamine, gentisic acid, ferulic acid, lupeol, and 3‐carene. However, few studies have been conducted on its use as a bio‐preservative in food products; it should also be seen as a natural source of both antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. It offers a potentially simple eco‐friendly alternative to antibacterial and fungicidal agents rather than chemicals. Low cost, reliable methods for purifying these compounds from banana waste could be useful for food storage and creating more value‐added bio‐packaging products for perishable food goods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción. En la actualidad los bananos son las frutas más consumidas en el mundo, considerados como cultivos estratégicos en la seguridad alimentaria de muchos países. Sin embargo, ante la eventual pandemia de COVID-19, se generan efectos colaterales que afectan su actividad económica a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Señalar los rasgos más significativos de los bananos en relación con su importancia en el ámbito económico y productivo ante las condiciones generadas por la pandemia COVID-19, así como las amenazas fitosanitarias actuales como factores limitantes para su producción. Desarrollo. El banano es la base de la economía y dieta de muchos países, ocupa un importante lugar en la producción y comercio internacional, al ser la fruta más exportada, representado en su mayoría por triploides AAA Cavendish. Su consumo aporta vitaminas, minerales y otros elementos con propiedades medicinales como la lectina, que puede actuar como agente antiviral de amplio espectro. No obstante, en la actualidad se ha generado disrupciones en el suministro del mismo, lo que afecta todos los elementos de la cadena productiva, producto de la situación originada por la COVID-19. Conclusiones. La pandemia del coronavirus ha generado efectos colaterales que involucra diversas áreas como la producción y comercio de bananos y se encuentran asociados al aislamiento social y restricción de movilidad. Sin embargo, se considera que el banano seguirá siendo la fruta más importante dentro de ese rubro, destacándose entre los cultivos de más rápido crecimiento en la agricultura, a pesar de las condiciones originadas por la COVID-19 y la existencia de muchas incertidumbres causadas por enfermedades emergentes y perturbaciones climáticas, que pueden afectar su entorno económico y productivo.

Baby Banana is preferred in national and international scenarios; however, availability and access to quality seed is limited. One mechanism to increase clonal supply is through plant material multiplication in thermal chambers. Ten treatments were selected as a result of two-factor combination (fertilization and corm weight); T1: with fertilization, corm 50-100 g; T2: with fertilization, corm 100-200 g; T3: with fertilization, corm 200-300 g; T4: with fertilization, corm 300-700 g; T5: with fertilization, corm 700-1,000 g; T6: without fertilization, corm 50-100g; T7: without fertilization, corm 100-200g; T8: without fertilization, corm 200-300g; T9: without fertilization, corm 300-700g and T10: without fertilization, corm 700-1,000 g. Hill height, pseudo stem thickness and leaf number variables were evaluated. After 6 weeks, it was found that main effect was produced by corm weight, ≥300g corms resulted in higher values for each variable, 300 to 700 g corms were the best for propagation. Fertilization only affected leaf number. The results provide important criteria to implement a plant material multiplication process either for self-providing or business.

The Llanos Orientales has traditionally been one of the most productive plantain regions. However, farmer´s classification has always been as small (1-5 ha), medium (6-15 ha) and big (> 15 ha) according to the planting area, without considering any other technical or economic criteria that would allow to differentiate plantain farmers in this area of the country. A economic, technical and social characterization of plantain producers in the departments of Meta, Casanare and Arauca was done based on a survey in the municipalities of Granada and Fuente de oro in Meta, Yopal and Pore in Casanare, Tame and Saravena in Arauca. The survey addressed all crop technical factors from soil preparation to post-harvest of plantain. Data analysis resulted in the following farmer´s typologies: 1. Producers with high productivity, technology and financial investment; 2. Producers with medium productivity, high technology and intermediate financial investment; 3. Producers with medium to low productivity, low technology and low financial investment and 4. Producers with low productivity, low technology and low financial investment. The results defined critical points for each typology and the facts to design work and research plans required to improve the production system for each type.

The production of bananas (Musa AAA Simmonds cv. Williams) for export in Uraba, Colombia is an important source of income for the region, reflected in the offer of approximately 40,000 jobs. Production requires research into various subjects, with fertilization being a priority. In this study, the effect of N doses on the nutrient relationships existing in a banana bunch during two cycles was evaluated. A sixth-generation plantation was used and evaluated during the fruit filling and harvesting stages. A multivariate approach was used for the analysis of variance of the design in repeated measures, with two factors between subjects (fertilization and repetitions), and one intra-subject associated with the cycle. The models were adjusted with the phenological stages. Synergy was found between Mg:Ca+N, Zn:B, K:Cu, K:P, and Ca:Cu, with K:P and K:Cu ratios being the only ones that showed a directly proportional behavior with the production variables. Optimal values of the interaction K:Cu+K:P (35.11-39.05) led to a greater accumulation of dry mass in the bunch (4.24 kg) in the treatments of 321.8 and 483 kg N ha-1 for the evaluated stages.

Copyright of Agronomía Colombiana is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia 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.)

Aim: Crop wild relatives (CWR) are an essential source of genetic material for the improvement of certain traits in related crop species. Despite their importance, increasing public, scientific and political support, large gaps exist in the amount of genetic material collected and conserved of many CWR. Here, we construct a dataset on the distribution of wild banana species (Musa spp.) and assess their risk and conservation status. We deal with the following questions: (a) What areas are potentially suitable for wild banana species? (b) How much of the wild banana diversity is currently at risk or insufficiently conserved ex and in situ? Location: Native distribution area of wild banana species, ranging from the north‐eastern states of India to north‐eastern Australia. Methods: We assessed the potential environmental range of wild species using a species distribution modelling approach with MaxEnt. Extinction risk was evaluated following IUCN criterion B, and the ex and in situ conservation status was assessed using an indicator for biodiversity and sustainable development targets. Results: We found that 11 out of 59 assessed species can be considered as vulnerable and nine as endangered. Highest species richness was found along the border of south China and northern Vietnam, in the north‐eastern states of India and on the Malayan peninsula. Our distribution modelling approach indicates that the northern Indo‐Burmese region has the highest environmental suitability for most wild banana species and that lowland rain forests in general are highly suitable for bananas. Assessment of in and ex situ conservation status indicates that 56 out of 59 assessed species are currently insufficiently conserved ex situ and that 49 are of high priority for further conservation. Additional in situ conservation is of high priority for six species and of medium priority for 40 species. Main conclusions: To date, little of the banana CWR are sufficiently conserved both in and ex situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is produced mainly by smallholder farmers and considered a staple food in many developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity and population densities of mites in plants of Musa AAA (Cavendish subgroup) cv. Williams in Peru. Mites were collected every fortnight for 14 months (February 2016 to March 2017) from a banana crop system located at the Universidad Nacional de Piura, northwestern Peru. The following species were found: Tetranychus abacae (Tetranychidae), Neoseiulus fallacoides and Euseius concordis (Phytoseiidae). This is the first report for T. abacae and N. fallacoides in Peru. The most abundant mite was T. abacae, which was found in all evaluations and had the lowest populations between June and August, corresponding to the winter time locally. Both N. fallacoides and E. concordis were found in very low numbers. Knowing mite species in banana plants is essential for a proper crop management, mainly for pest control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Introducción]: Los plátanos por sus valores nutritivos se ubican entre los principales alimentos producidos a nivel mundial. Crece en los trópicos y son cultivados por pequeños agricultores que lo usan para economía de subsistencia y consumo. En Costa Rica, las plantaciones de plátano se ubican en diferentes sectores del país, una de las regiones más importantes es la región Huetar Atlántica (RHA). [Objetivo]: Se evaluaron indicadores de sostenibilidad adaptados a la realidad de sistemas productivos tradicionales y sistemas convencionales de pequeños productores de plátano en el Caribe Sur de Costa Rica, mediante la herramienta Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture (SAFA) de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO, por sus siglas en inglés). [Metodología]: Esta investigación se desarrolló en el Caribe Sur de Costa Rica, distritos de Bratsi y Sixaola, pertenecientes al cantón de Talamanca. Esta región cuenta con una precipitación de 2387 mm anuales y una temperatura promedio de 26.5 °C. Se estudiaron dos sistemas productivos tradicionales y dos convencionales, con una extensión de 2 500 m2, cada uno. Se aplicó SAFA, herramienta holística para medir sostenibilidad en sistemas de producción agrícolas mediante 41 indicadores de integridad ambiental, resiliencia económica y bienestar social. [Resultados]: La integridad ambiental reflejó puntajes entre 42 y 87 %. Resiliencia económica, 78 y 96 % y bienestar social 81 a 96 %. [Conclusiones]: La evaluación de la sostenibilidad evidenció que los sistemas tradicionales tuvieron mejor puntaje que los convencionales.

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.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The stem of Musa paradisiaca (plantain) has found application in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, ulcers and wound injuries., Aim of the Study: This study investigated the phytochemical composition, toxicity profile, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of aqueous Musa paradisiaca stem extract (AMPSE) in rats., Methods: Phytochemical analysis of methanol-MPSE was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acute toxicity testing was carried out through oral administration of a single dose of AMPSE up to 5 g/kg. Four separate groups of rats were used for the subacute toxicity testing (n = 6). Group 1 served as a normal control and did not receive AMPSE, groups 2-4 received AMPSE daily by gavage for 28 days. In the experiments with excision and incision wounds, the rats were treated with 10 w/w AMPS extract. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of AMPSE were assessed using egg albumin-induced paw oedema and acetic acid-induced writhing methods, respectively. For the subacute, anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies, AMPSE was administered to the experimental rats at doses of 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg body weight., Results: Bioactive compounds identified include β-sitisterol, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, diethyl sulfate, p-hydroxynorephedrine, phenylephrine, nor-pseudoephedrine, metaraminol, pseudoephedrine and vanillic acid. No signs of toxicity and no deaths were observed in all the groups. For the groups treated with AMPSE for 28 days, a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, sodium, chloride, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed while high density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione and superoxide dismutase increased compared to control (p < 0.05). In wound healing experiments, AMPSE showed greater percent wound contraction and wound resistance fracture compared to the povidone-iodine (PI) treated and control groups. Treatment with 900 mg/kg AMPSE resulted in significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects compared to the control., Conclusion: This study shows that AMPSE is not toxic but contains biologically active compounds with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering and wound-healing effects. Treatment of rats with AMPSE has shown that AMPSE has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, lipid-lowering and wound-healing effects, supporting its therapeutic use in ethnomedicine., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Abstract Spirematospermum is a well-known extinct zingiberalean taxon, characterized by trilocular capsules containing many distinctive, spirally striate and arillate seeds. It is frequently found and studied in European Neogene carpological floras, but is scarcely represented in East Asia floras. In this work we recognize a new fossil record of Spirematospermum wetzleri (Heer) Chandler based on the capsules and seeds from the Miocene of Weichang, Hebei Province, North China. These fossils represent the first record of the species in the Miocene of China. Fossil data indicate that Spirematospermum probably originated in the Late Cretaceous of North America or Central Europe. The genus still existed in the Paleocene of North America, but became extinct after that time. However, the genus successively survived in Europe from the Eocene to Pliocene, and flourished luxuriantly during the Oligocene to Miocene. As there was Turgai Strait between Europe and Asia during the Eocene, the genus did not spread to Central Asia and West Siberia until the strait closed in the late Eocene/early Oligocene, and further expanded eastwardly to eastern Siberia, Russia, northern China and central Japan during the Miocene, but became extinct in Asia after the Miocene. The genus contracted its distribution to Europe in the Pliocene, and afterwards it became extinct in the world.

The indicators related to the Regulatory, Provisioning and Cultural Ecosystem Services were mapped, based on semi-structured interviews of owners and Administrators of 32 farms with banana crops, in Quindío Colombia. Three visits were made per site and ethnographic methods were used as a means of data collection, such as dialogue, approach to farmers and their families and semi-structured interviews. Aerial photographs were taken, in order to effect the division of the lots. In these lots, the geospatial position of the SE indicators was considered. The maps were created by means of the Argis 10.1.1 software, a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool. The combination of the participatory mapping of the indicators associated with the ecosystem services, with the GIS tool and the hierarchical analysis of clusters, allowed the grouping of the farms, facilitating the identification of the lots in which both threats and strengths in the generation of said services are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dead leaves of Musa sp. (banana) were collected in northern Thailand during an investigation of saprobic fungi. Preliminary morphological observations revealed that three specimens belong to Dictyoarthrinium. Phylogenetic analyses of combined SSU, LSU, ITS and tef1-a sequence data revealed that Dictyoarthrinium forms a clade in Didymosphaeriaceae (Massarineae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) sister to Spegazzinia. Based on contrasting morphological features with the extant taxa of Dictyoarthrinium, coupled with the multigene analyses, Dictyoarthrinium musae sp. nov. is introduced herein. Our study provides the first detailed molecular investigation for Dictyoarthrinium and supports its placement in Didymosphaeriaceae (Massarineae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). Previously, Dictyoarthrinium was classified in Apiosporaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge on the use of plants of the order Zingiberales by the Malaipandaram tribe inhabited in South India was documented. The data was recorded through questionnaires after proper consultation with the traditional healers and others. The informant consensus factor and use value were analysed. Taxonomic studies were carried out and herbarium specimens were preserved at Catholic Volege Herbarius (CATH) herbarium and live specimens were conserved in the Catholicate College Botanical Garden. A total of 17 ethnobotanically important species were identified in Zingiberales distributed under 5 families, viz., Zingiberaceae, Costaceae, Musaceae, Marantaceae and Cannaceae. The plants were listed with scientific name, local name, family, parts used, preparation methods and use. The commonly used taxa was Curcuma longa with 52 use reports and highest use value of 1.62. In the investigation, endocrinal disorders and tooth pain reported highest Fic of 1. The information collected will be the baseline data for future phytochemical and pharmacological research to develop new drugs and service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of a standardized protocol to efficiently capture flower chafer beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Cetoniinae) in the wild limits studies regarding the ecology of the group, as well as systematic collections seeking species surveys for taxonomic studies, especially in the Neotropical region. We investigate the efficiency of different baits to capture flower chafer beetles in the Brazilian Cerrado: (i) banana; (ii) banana + sugarcane juice; (iii) pineapple; (iv) pineapple + sugarcane juice; (v) sugarcane juice; or (vi) water (control). From January to December 2014, we sampled these beetles using a typical aerial fruit-baited trap, every 15 days in ten sites of Brazilian Cerrado, in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Traps baited with banana + sugarcane juice, pineapple + sugarcane juice and sugarcane juice alone sampled the greatest species richness and abundance of flower chafer beetles when compared to the other baits used. Our results indicated the importance of sugarcane juice, either used in isolation or as a coadjutant in the fermentation process of the tested fruits for efficient sampling of flower chafer beetle biodiversity. Finally, studies that investigate the addition of other substances in the fermentation process of the fruits, as well as the attractiveness of other native or exotic fruits that are widely distributed in the Neotropical region, can advance our knowledge of sampling of these beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]