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 In order to successfully establish themselves in their natural environment, ferns need habitats with abiotic conditions that are suitable for spore germination and gametophyte development. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of abiotic factors on the initial development of Cyathea phalerata cultivated in vitro. Spore germination and gametophyte development were assessed under varying conditions of surface sterilization, pH, temperature and photoperiod. Exogenous contamination was eliminated by sterilizing spores with 2.5 % NaClO for 15 min and sowing them into a culture medium supplemented with nystatin. Spores germinated at all pHs tested. Gametophytic development was faster in acidic pHs. Cultures at 25 °C exhibited the highest percentages of germination and laminar gametophytes. The species produced its highest percentages of gametophytes in cultures with photoperiods between 6 and 18 h. The optimal abiotic conditions found here for in vitro development of C. phalerata are similar to those found in its natural habitat. The southern limit of this species to north of the 30th parallel in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, may be because further south spores do not encounter the ideal combined conditions of temperature, pH and photoperiod determined in the laboratory.