Abstract Butia (Arecaceae) is a palm genus of 21 South American species. The factors that determine the geographical distribution and conservation status of Butia species are still poorly understood. We mapped the specimens with a natural occurrence in South America and evaluated the state of conservation of the species and their respective threat criteria. These results allowed the proposition of priorities for in situ and ex situ conservation. Eleven species were evaluated as Vulnerable (VU), five species as Critically Endangered (CR), three species as Endangered (EN), one species was assessed as Near Threatened (NT) and one species could not be assessed due to Deficient Data (DD). Eight priorities for in situ conservation are recognized and seven species are considered as priorities for ex situ conservation and germplasm collection. The results support the choice of priority areas for in situ conservation and sustainable management, and strategies for ex situ conservation of the species and germplasm collection.

Resumo Butia (Arecaceae) é um gênero de palmeiras que reúne 21 espécies nativas na América do Sul. Os fatores que determinam a distribuição e conservação das espécies do gênero ainda são pouco compreendidos. O trabalho tem como objetivos mapear os espécimes com ocorrência natural na América do Sul e avaliar o estado de conservação e critérios de ameaça das espécies. Áreas com espécies prioritárias para conservação in situ e espécies prioritárias para a conservação ex situ são propostas. Onze espécies foram avaliadas como vulneráveis (VU), cinco espécies como criticamente em perigo (CR), três espécies como em perigo (EN), uma espécie como quase ameaçada de extinção (NT) e uma espécie não foi possível avaliar o estado de conservação (dados insuficientes - DD). Foram reconhecidas oito prioridades de áreas para a conservação in situ e oito espécies foram consideradas prioritárias para conservação ex situ e coleta de germoplasma. Os resultados irão subsidiar a proposição de áreas para conservação in situ e manejo sustentável, e estratégias para a conservação ex situ e coleta de germoplasma.

Abstract Squash is a food that meets the requirements of a healthy diet and is highly appreciated by consumers for its mild flavour and high nutritional value. In southern Brazil, many farmers grow several pumpkin landraces that are widely used in food. The consumption of its fruits and derivatives benefits human health due to the bioactive compounds, minerals, and antioxidants in the fruit pulp, making pumpkin a functional food. The objective of this study was to characterize the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and minerals in the pulp of fruits of pumpkin landraces (Cucurbita maxima) from southern Brazil. Phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and minerals were evaluated in 10 accessions of pumpkin landraces from the Cucurbitaceae Genebank of Embrapa Temperate Agriculture (Pelotas, RS, Brazil). In mature fruits, the seeds and peels were discarded, and opposite longitudinal slices of pulp were manually prepared for analysis. All analyses were performed in triplicate. The data obtained showed genetic variability in total phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and minerals. Accessions C49, C307, and C216 had high levels of total phenolic compounds and carotenoids and high antioxidant activity. Of these accessions, accession C49 had the highest antioxidant capacity (504.1 μg·g-1). C216 and C178 were high in copper and iron, and the latter was highest in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Thus, accessions C216 and C178 have great potential for exploitation by genetic improvement programs for the development of biofortified cultivars in efforts to promote consumer health.

Abstract Capsicum is one of the most important genera of the Solanaceae family. Among the domesticated species, C. chinense is considered the most Brazilian pepper, besides being known for having high levels of phytochemical compounds and, consequently, high antioxidant capacity. This work was intended to perform the chemical characterization of bioactive compounds present in C. chinense accessions from the Capsicum Genebank of Embrapa Temperate Agriculture. Fruits from 19 accessions were evaluated regarding the concentration of total phenolic compounds, total carotenoids, total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. It was possible to observe a high genetic variability among the evaluated accessions. The highest concentration of phenolic compounds was found in accession number P391; the highest concentrations of total carotenoids were found in accession numbers P240; P348 and P399; the highest concentration of total anthocyanins was in accession number P240; and the highest antioxidant activity was found in accession numbers P386, P391, P366, P350, P346 and P399. There is a correlation between antioxidant activity and the content of phenolic compounds, as well as between antioxidant activity and carotenoids in Capsicum chinense. The genetic variability noticed can be exploited in breeding programs for the selection of accessions with desirable characters.

Abstract Palm trees are the third most important botanical family for humans because of their potential use in oils, drugs, cosmetics, food, and feed. Despite their importance, little information on their genetics and molecular variations exists, and a better understanding could contribute to breeding programs. This study aimed to determine the amount, distribution, and organization of plastid simple sequence repeats (cpSSRs) and their potential use in breeding in 52 species belonging to the order Arecales. Plastid genomes were analyzed to identify cpSSRs according to their nature, position, and presence in genic or intergenic regions. Primer pairs were validated in silico for amplification and polymorphisms in these SSRs and their dissimilarities were evaluated. The results showed a high frequency of mononucleotide repeats in the intergenic regions. Approximately 76 primer pairs were generated and are suggested for further studies. The dissimilarity analysis of cpSSRs showed that mono- and trinucleotides were highly abundant in plastid SSRs.

Abstract Butia odorata (Arecaceae) is a palm species in southern Brazil and eastern Uruguay, which produces tasty fruits consumed by humans and animals. Despite the ecological and sociocultural relevance of the species, B. odorata is endangered by extinction. This study aimed to characterize physical aspects, chromatic parameters, chemical, and centesimal composition and determine the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of fruits of B. odorata. Fifteen accessions of B. odorata from Pelotas and Capão do Leão (RS-Brazil) were evaluated for bunches weight, fruit yield, fruit diameter and height, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), TSS/TST ratio, color parameters, total phenolic compounds, total carotenoids, antioxidant activity, percentage of moisture, dry matter, vitamin C, crude fiber, fat, ash, protein and pulp yield. There was genetic variability among the analyzed accessions for several parameters. Some of them influence consumer acceptance, such as coloration and sugar content, which highlights the possibility of selection for genetic improvement. The fruits showed a rich composition in fibers, vitamin C, total carotenoids, and total phenolic content, which contribute to health maintenance. With the growing demand for functional foods, Butia fruits represent a potential product for nutritional enrichment in diets.

ABSTRACT Objective: Understand the meanings people attribute to the use of plants in self-care practices during situations of ailment. Method: Qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research with ethnographic orientation, based on health anthropology with informants selected from a relations network. The sampling was done by semi-structured interviews and participant observations, from April 2015 to February 2017. Results: Seventeen informants participated. The thematic axis emerged in the content analysis: meanings attributed by the informants to the use of medicinal plants. Feelings of love and happiness were unveiled, meanings of helping others, cure practices, family care through plants, comfort, the sense of welfare, among others. Conclusion: The importance of the nursing professional in establishing a therapeutic alliance with the subjects and social groups, aiming at the promotion of health and care completeness.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender los significados que las personas atribuyen a la utilización de plantas en las prácticas de autoatención en situaciones de padecimiento. Método: Investigación cualitativa, exploratoria y descriptiva de orientación etnográfica, anclada en la antropología de la salud con informantes seleccionados por vía red de relaciones. La recolección se dio por entrevista semiestructurada y observación participante, entre abril de 2015 y febrero de 2017. Resultados: Participaron 17 informantes. En el análisis de contenido, se sacó a la luz el eje temático: significados atribuidos por los informantes acerca de la utilización de plantas medicinales. Fueron desvelados sentimientos de amor y felicidad con la utilización de las plantas, significados como ayudar a los demás, prácticas de curación, cuidar a la familia por medio de las plantas, comodidad, sensación de bienestar, entre otros. Conclusión: Es importante que el profesional de Enfermería establezca una alianza terapéutica con los sujetos y colectivos sociales, a fin de promover la salud y la integralidad del cuidado.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender os significados que as pessoas atribuem à utilização de plantas nas práticas de autoatenção em situações de padecimento. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, exploratório-descritiva de orientação etnográfica, ancorada na antropologia da saúde com informantes selecionados via rede de relações. A coleta ocorreu por entrevista semiestruturada e observação participante, entre abril de 2015 e fevereiro de 2017. Resultados: Participaram 17 informantes. Na análise de conteúdo emergiu o eixo temático: significados atribuídos pelos informantes sobre a utilização das plantas medicinais. Foram descortinados sentimentos de amor e felicidade ao uso das plantas, significados, como ajudar os outros, as práticas de cura, cuidar da família por meio das plantas, o conforto, a sensação de bem-estar, entre outros. Conclusão: Importância de o profissional de Enfermagem estabelecer uma aliança terapêutica com os sujeitos e coletivos sociais, com vistas à promoção da saúde e à integralidade do cuidado.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender os significados que as pessoas atribuem à utilização de plantas nas práticas de autoatenção em situações de padecimento. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, exploratório-descritiva de orientação etnográfica, ancorada na antropologia da saúde com informantes selecionados via rede de relações. A coleta ocorreu por entrevista semiestruturada e observação participante, entre abril de 2015 e fevereiro de 2017. Resultados: Participaram 17 informantes. Na análise de conteúdo emergiu o eixo temático: significados atribuídos pelos informantes sobre a utilização das plantas medicinais. Foram descortinados sentimentos de amor e felicidade ao uso das plantas, significados, como ajudar os outros, as práticas de cura, cuidar da família por meio das plantas, o conforto, a sensação de bem-estar, entre outros. Conclusão: Importância de o profissional de Enfermagem estabelecer uma aliança terapêutica com os sujeitos e coletivos sociais, com vistas à promoção da saúde e à integralidade do cuidado.

ABSTRACT Objective: Understand the meanings people attribute to the use of plants in self-care practices during situations of ailment. Method: Qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research with ethnographic orientation, based on health anthropology with informants selected from a relations network. The sampling was done by semi-structured interviews and participant observations, from April 2015 to February 2017. Results: Seventeen informants participated. The thematic axis emerged in the content analysis: meanings attributed by the informants to the use of medicinal plants. Feelings of love and happiness were unveiled, meanings of helping others, cure practices, family care through plants, comfort, the sense of welfare, among others. Conclusion: The importance of the nursing professional in establishing a therapeutic alliance with the subjects and social groups, aiming at the promotion of health and care completeness.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender los significados que las personas atribuyen a la utilización de plantas en las prácticas de autoatención en situaciones de padecimiento. Método: Investigación cualitativa, exploratoria y descriptiva de orientación etnográfica, anclada en la antropología de la salud con informantes seleccionados por vía red de relaciones. La recolección se dio por entrevista semiestructurada y observación participante, entre abril de 2015 y febrero de 2017. Resultados: Participaron 17 informantes. En el análisis de contenido, se sacó a la luz el eje temático: significados atribuidos por los informantes acerca de la utilización de plantas medicinales. Fueron desvelados sentimientos de amor y felicidad con la utilización de las plantas, significados como ayudar a los demás, prácticas de curación, cuidar a la familia por medio de las plantas, comodidad, sensación de bienestar, entre otros. Conclusión: Es importante que el profesional de Enfermería establezca una alianza terapéutica con los sujetos y colectivos sociales, a fin de promover la salud y la integralidad del cuidado.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar morfologicamente variedades crioulas de Cucurbita maxima do sul do Brasil. Nove variedades crioulas de C. maxima foram caracterizadas com sete descritores quantitativos e 13 descritores qualitativos. As sementes foram cultivadas em casa de vegetação, em sacos de poliestireno preto, preenchidos com substrato. Quando as plantas apresentavam no mínimo duas folhas definitivas, 20 mudas de cada variedade foram transplantadas para o campo experimental, em delineamento completamente casualizado. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à análise de variância e foi utilizado o teste de Tukey para a comparação de médias, com o programa SAS 9.2. Os dados de caracteres quantitativos foram submetidos à análise de componentes principais, com o programa R. Para os caracteres qualitativos, a caracterização foi expressa pela moda de cada acesso, para cada descritor. Os caracteres qualitativos foram analisados como variáveis multicategóricas. A matriz de similaridade foi gerada no programa computacional GENES e foi construído um dendrograma, pelo método UPGMA, com o programa NTSYS. Ficou evidenciada a variabilidade genética para os caracteres quantitativos e qualitativos avaliados. A análise de variância evidenciou diferenças significativas entre as médias. Peso, formato, cor do fruto, espessura da casca e número de sementes por fruto são caracteres relevantes para a indicação de variedades crioulas promissoras para o melhoramento genético, com potencial para uso como fontes de genes e desenvolvimento de cultivares.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to morphologically characterize Cucurbita maxima landraces. Nine landraces were characterized by seven quantitative descriptors and 13 qualitative descriptors. The seeds were cultivated in black polystyrene bags filled with substrate in greenhouse. When the plants had at least two definitive leaves, 20 seedlings of each landrace were transplanted to the experimental field, spaced 2.5 m between plants and 4 m between rows, in a completely randomized design. Quantitative data were subjected to analysis of variance. Tukey test was used for the comparison of means, using the SAS 9.2 program. Data of quantitative traits were subjected to the principal component analysis, using the R program. For the qualitative traits, the characterization was expressed by the mode of each accession for each descriptor. Qualitative traits were analyzed as multicategorical variables. Similarity matrix was generated in the GENES program, and a dendrogram was constructed by the UPGMA method using the NTSYS program. Genetic variability was evidenced for the quantitative and qualitative traits evaluated. The analysis of variance showed significant differences between the means. Weight, shape, fruit color, bark thickness, and number of seeds per fruit are relevant characters to indicate promising landraces for breeding, with potential for use as sources of genes and development of cultivars.

Resumo No Sul do Brasil são encontrados remanescentes de populações naturais de Butia odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick (Arecaceae), em agrupamentos conhecidos como butiazais. Este trabalho teve objetivo de caracterizar a flora herbácea e subarbustiva associada a um ecossistema de butiazal no município de Tapes (RS), localizado no Bioma Pampa. Foram realizadas 49 saídas a campo, com coletas de material florescido e/ou frutificado desde março de 2011 a julho de 2013. Em uma área amostral de apenas 3 hectares, foi evidenciado a ocorrência de 261 táxons vegetais herbáceos e subarbustivos, correspondendo a 170 gêneros pertencentes a 54 famílias. A família mais representativa foi Poaceae (com 29 gêneros e 67 espécies), com uma espécie nova para a Ciência, seguida de Asteraceae (32 gêneros/49 espécies), Fabaceae (13/20), Cyperaceae (7/10), Orchidaceae (6/8), Iridaceae (5/8), Rubiaceae (5/8), Verbenaceae (4/5), Malvaceae (4/4), Cactaceae (4/4), Euphorbiaceae (4/4), Apiaceae (3/8), Melastomataceae (3/3) e Solanaceae (3/5). Esta área de vegetação campestre, formada por campos nativos oferece importantes serviços ecossistêmicos que devem ser conservados. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho, podem fornecer subsídios na elaboração de políticas públicas para a proteção e manejo deste ecossistema de butiazal.

Abstract In southern Brazil there are remnants of natural populations of Butia odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick (Arecaceae), palm groves locally known as butiazais. This work was developed in order to characterize the herbaceous and subshrubby assemblages associated to this ecosystem in the Tapes municipality (Rio Grande do Sul state), located in Pampa Biome, Brazil. Forty nine field trips were done from March 2011 to July 2013, when collecting flourished and/or fruited material. In the three hectares sampled in this study, 261 herbaceous taxa and subshrubs were found, corresponding to 170 genera belonging to 54 families. The most representative family was Poaceae (29 genera and 67 species), including a new species for the science, followed by Asteraceae (32 genera/49 species), Fabaceae (13/20), Cyperaceae (7/10), Orchidaceae (6/8), Iridaceae (5/8), Rubiaceae (5/8), Verbenaceae (4/5), Malvaceae (4/4), Cactaceae (4/4), Euphorbiaceae (4/4), Apiaceae (3/8), Melastomataceae (3/3) and Solanaceae (3/5). This area of native grasslands in association to the palm grove provides important ecosystem services that must be conserved. The results obtained in this study may provide the basis for the development of public policies related to the protection and management of the ecosystem of butiazal.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a dinâmica evolutiva do pool genético silvestre-arvense-doméstico da abóbora (Cucurbita argyrosperma) ao estimar os níveis de diversidade genética e o fluxo gênico em sua provável área domesticação. Foram coletadas nove populações, tendo-se extraído o DNA de folhas jovens de cerca de 20 plantas de cada população. Os fragmentos de DNA foram amplificados por meio de oito pares de iniciadores de sequência simples repetida (SSR) e separados por eletroforese em 5% de gel de desnaturação de poliacrilamida. Estimaram-se a diversidade genética e o fluxo gênico para as populações, e utilizou-se o agrupamento bayesiano para determinar os níveis de infiltração gênica e probabilidade de ancestralidade. A investigação etnobotânica mostrou que a dinâmica evolutiva na área ocorreu em cinco cenários ecológicos diferentes. Foram identificados 87 alelos com 75 e 100% de loci polimórficos. A maior diversidade genética nas populações arvense-domésticas pode ter sido resultante da recombinação devido ao alto fluxo gênico entre estas populações, ocasionado pelos polinizadores e pela seleção humana. Há grande fluxo gênico entre as populações silvestres e cultivadas de C. argyrosperma no centro de domesticação, o que indica a importância da conservação e da manutenção destes recursos genéticos.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the evolutionary dynamics of the wild-weedy-domestic gene pool of Cucurbita argyrosperma squash by estimating the levels of genetic diversity and gene flow in the putative area of its domestication. Nine populations were collected, and DNA was extracted from young leaves harvested separately from approximately 20 individuals in each population. The DNA fragments were amplified with eight pairs of SSR primers and separated by electrophoresis in 5% denaturing polyacrylamide gels. Genetic diversity and the amount of gene flow were estimated in the populations, and Bayesian grouping was used to determine the levels of gene infiltration and probability of ancestry. The ethnobotanical exploration indicated that the evolutionary dynamics in the area occurred under five different ecological scenarios. Eighty-seven alleles with 75% to 100% polymorphic loci were identified. The greater genetic diversity in the weedy-domestic populations may have been the product of recombination due to the high gene flow between these populations promoted by pollinators and human selection. There is high gene flow between the wild and cultivated populations of C. argyrosperma in its domestication centre, highlighting the importance of conserving and maintaining these genetic resources.

RESUMO Objetivo: relatar a experiência vivenciada no exterior por estudante de doutorado e apresentar as atividades com suas produções científicas. Método: relato de experiência de um estudante de doutorado em enfermagem brasileiro que realizou oito meses de atividades de doutorado sanduíche no exterior. Resultados: idealização do doutorado sanduíche no exterior e efetivação deste; socialização científica e internacionalização do conhecimento; e internacionalização dos programas de pós-graduação brasileiros. Conclusão: os ganhos nesta experiência abarcam o aprimoramento profissional, teórico-científico, e a obtenção de valores sociais e culturais. O contato com outras pessoas e instituições de ensino permitem o desenvolvimento de diferentes habilidades didáticas, pedagógicas e interpessoais. O intercâmbio possibilita o fortalecimento e o reconhecimento das instituições brasileiras de ensino, encoraja outros alunos a conhecer realidades distintas e assim fortalece a internacionalização das pesquisas em enfermagem.

ABSTRACT Objective: to report the experience of living abroad and present the activities with their scientific productions. Method: experience report of a Brazilian Nursing doctoral student who performed eight months of activities abroad during a Sandwich Doctorate. Results: idealization of the sandwich doctorate abroad and its effectiveness; scientific socialization and internationalization of knowledge; and internationalization of Brazilian postgraduate programs. Conclusion: the benefits of this experience include professional, theoretical-scientific improvement, and the attainment of social and cultural values. The contact with other people and educational institutions allows different didactic, pedagogical and interpersonal skills. The exchange enables the strengthening and recognition of Brazilian educational institutions, encourages other students to know different realities and thus strengthens the internationalization of nursing research.

RESUMEN Objetivo: relatar la experiencia vivida en el exterior por un estudiante de doctorado y presentar las actividades con sus producciones científicas. Método: relato de experiencia de un estudiante brasileño en el doctorado de enfermería que llevó a cabo ocho meses de actividades de doctorado sandwich en el exterior. Resultados: idealización y efectividad del doctorado sandwich en el exterior, socialización científica e internacionalización del conocimiento e internacionalización de los programas de post-graduación brasileños. Conclusión: los logros en esta experiencia abarcan el perfeccionamiento profesional, teórico-científico y la obtención de valores sociales y culturales. El contacto con otras personas e instituciones de enseñanza permiten el desarrollo de diferentes habilidades didácticas, pedagógicas e interpersonales. El intercambio hace posible el fortalecimiento y reconocimiento de las instituciones brasileñas de enseñanza, ayuda otros alumnos a conocer realidades distintas y, así, fortalece la internacionalización de las investigaciones en enfermería.

ABSTRACT Objective: to report the experience of living abroad and present the activities with their scientific productions. Method: experience report of a Brazilian Nursing doctoral student who performed eight months of activities abroad during a Sandwich Doctorate. Results: idealization of the sandwich doctorate abroad and its effectiveness; scientific socialization and internationalization of knowledge; and internationalization of Brazilian postgraduate programs. Conclusion: the benefits of this experience include professional, theoretical-scientific improvement, and the attainment of social and cultural values. The contact with other people and educational institutions allows different didactic, pedagogical and interpersonal skills. The exchange enables the strengthening and recognition of Brazilian educational institutions, encourages other students to know different realities and thus strengthens the internationalization of nursing research.

RESUMEN Objetivo: relatar la experiencia vivida en el exterior por un estudiante de doctorado y presentar las actividades con sus producciones científicas. Método: relato de experiencia de un estudiante brasileño en el doctorado de enfermería que llevó a cabo ocho meses de actividades de doctorado sandwich en el exterior. Resultados: idealización y efectividad del doctorado sandwich en el exterior, socialización científica e internacionalización del conocimiento e internacionalización de los programas de post-graduación brasileños. Conclusión: los logros en esta experiencia abarcan el perfeccionamiento profesional, teórico-científico y la obtención de valores sociales y culturales. El contacto con otras personas e instituciones de enseñanza permiten el desarrollo de diferentes habilidades didácticas, pedagógicas e interpersonales. El intercambio hace posible el fortalecimiento y reconocimiento de las instituciones brasileñas de enseñanza, ayuda otros alumnos a conocer realidades distintas y, así, fortalece la internacionalización de las investigaciones en enfermería.

RESUMO Objetivo: relatar a experiência vivenciada no exterior por estudante de doutorado e apresentar as atividades com suas produções científicas. Método: relato de experiência de um estudante de doutorado em enfermagem brasileiro que realizou oito meses de atividades de doutorado sanduíche no exterior. Resultados: idealização do doutorado sanduíche no exterior e efetivação deste; socialização científica e internacionalização do conhecimento; e internacionalização dos programas de pós-graduação brasileiros. Conclusão: os ganhos nesta experiência abarcam o aprimoramento profissional, teórico-científico, e a obtenção de valores sociais e culturais. O contato com outras pessoas e instituições de ensino permitem o desenvolvimento de diferentes habilidades didáticas, pedagógicas e interpessoais. O intercâmbio possibilita o fortalecimento e o reconhecimento das instituições brasileiras de ensino, encoraja outros alunos a conhecer realidades distintas e assim fortalece a internacionalização das pesquisas em enfermagem.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic variability for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and minerals in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) landraces. Total phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity and minerals were evaluated in 10 accessions of Cucurbita moschata landraces from the Genebank of Embrapa Temperate Agriculture (Pelotas - RS, Brazil). Twenty plants of each accession were cultivated in the field during the spring/summer of 2013/2014. After harvesting of mature fruits, the seeds were discarded and opposite longitudinal portions of the pulp were manually prepared for analysis of the bioactive compounds. For the determination of minerals, pumpkin samples were frozen in plastic bags, and after freeze-dried and milled. All analysis were performed in triplicate. The data obtained showed high genetic variability for the synthesis of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity and minerals. The accessions C52, C81, C267 e C389 showed high levels of antioxidants and minerals, being recommended for use in pumpkin breeding programs. The accessions C52 and C389 are promising, especially because they present the highest levels of total carotenoids.

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability for synthesis of bioactive compounds in pepper (Capsicum annuum, Solanaceae). Total phenolics, anthocyanins, carotenoids and antioxidant activity were evaluated in 14 accessions of Capsicum annuum from the Capsicum Genebank of Embrapa Temperate Agriculture (Pelotas – RS, Brazil). Thirty plants of each accession were cultivated in the field during spring and summer. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with 14 treatments (accessions) and three replications. The laboratory evaluations followed the same experimental design to field, but with two repetitions more. Seeds were discarded and opposite longitudinal portions of fruits were manually prepared for chemical analyzes. The data obtained showed high genetic variability for phenolics, anthocyanins, carotenoids and antioxidant activity. The P39, P77, P119, P143 and P302 accessions exhibited the highest levels of antioxidants, which are strongly indicated to be used in breeding programs of Capsicum peppers.

The feijoa plants [Acca sellowiana (Berg.) Burret] is one of the most valued genetic resource plants underutilized from Uruguay and Brazil. This tree is endemic of a narrow area of South America, comprising the northeast of Uruguay and the south of Brazil. Beyond the fact that it has edible fruits, cultivation is limited to domestic scale or small orchards. The use of genetic resource plants from this species is hindered by the lack of knowledge about the diversity both in natural and cultivated stands. The goal of this research is to generate a list of descriptors in order to facilitate the characterization and evaluation of plant material for conservation, sustainable uses and the incorporation into plant breeding programs. A preliminary list with 41 morpho-phenological descriptors for leaves, flowers and fruits was elaborated and applied in situ to 204 individuals belonging to four wild populations of the northeast Uruguay. Using the Restricted maximum likelihood, variance components between populations were estimated (s²P), between plants inside populations (s²I(P)), between samples from the same individual (s²M(IP)) and their confidence intervals using a Mixed Linear Model. In order to determinate the discriminative power of quantitative variables the adopted statistical criteria consisted in the IC comparison (lower limit ICs²I(P) >upper limit ICs²M)IP)) and then the coefficient between s²I(P)/s²M(IP) was calculated. In the case of qualitative variables, the F statistical index was estimated in order to identify significant differences between individuals with the aim to establish discriminant descriptors for individuals. Discriminant variables at population level were also determined. Seven qualitative descriptors (fruit shape, sepals position, pulp color, inner skin color, skin hardness, distance classes for stigma-stamen) and eight quantitative descriptors (height, fruit diameter and weight, pulp weight, skin thickness and resistance, stigma-stamen distance and number of stamens) were validated for individual differentiation. Among studied populations 16 quantitative and 10 qualitative variables were identified.

Guayabo del país o goiaba serrana [Acca sellowiana (Berg.) Burret] es uno de los recursos fitogenéticos subutilizados más valiosos de Uruguay y Brasil. Este árbol de fruto comestible, es endémico de una estrecha región sudamericana que abarca el noreste uruguayo y sur de Brasil, donde su cultivo se limita al uso doméstico o a pequeños huertos comerciales. El uso de los materiales de la especie se ve limitado por el desconocimiento de la diversidad presente tanto en poblaciones naturales como en materiales cultivados. El objetivo de este trabajo fue la elaboración de una lista de descriptores que permita la caracterización y evaluación de los materiales para la conservación, uso sostenible e incorporación de diversidad en los programas de mejoramiento genético. Se elaboró una lista preliminar de 41 descriptores morfo-fenológicos de hoja, flor y fruto, que se aplicó in situ a 204 individuos pertenecientes a cuatro poblaciones silvestres del noreste del Uruguay. Con el método de Máxima Verosimilitud Restringida se estimaron los componentes de la varianza entre poblaciones (s²P), entre individuos dentro de poblaciones (s²I(P)), entre muestras dentro de individuo (s²M(IP)) y sus intervalos de confianza utilizando un Modelo Lineal Mixto. Para la determinación del poder discriminante de las variables cuantitativas se adoptó como criterio estadístico la comparación de IC (límite inferior ICs²I(P)>límite superior ICs²M(IP)) y se calculó la razón entre s²I(P)/s²M(IP). Para las variables cualitativas se calculó el estadístico F para la determinación de las diferencias significativas entre individuos con el objetivo de identificar descriptores discriminantes de individuos. También se determinaron las variables que discriminan poblaciones. Se validaron siete descriptores cualitativos (forma de fruto, posición de los sépalos, color de pulpa, color interno de la cáscara, dureza de cáscara, clases de distancia estigma-estambres) y ocho descriptores cuantitativos (altura, diámetro y peso de fruto, peso de pulpa, espesor y resistencia de cáscara, distancia estigma-estambres y número de estambres) para diferenciar individuos. Se encontraron 16 variables cuantitativas y 10 cualitativas discriminantes de las poblaciones estudiadas.