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Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is known for its antioxidant properties, although little is known about its developmental safety effects, particularly on adult neural function under basal redox and oxidative stress conditions. Therefore, this study sought to address this gap by conducting three complementary protocols using Drosophila melanogaster to investigate these effects. The initial assays revealed that second-stage larvae consumed diets supplemented with various concentrations of camu-camu uniformly, establishing a 50% lethal concentration at 4.799 mg/mL. Hence, non-lethal (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) and sub-lethal (5 and 10 mg/mL) concentrations were then chosen to evaluate the effects of camu-camu on preimaginal development and adult neural function. Our observations showed that camu-camu impacts the expression of antioxidant enzymes, reactive species, and lipoperoxidation. Notably, sub-lethal concentrations decreased preimaginal viability and locomotor activity, negatively influenced geotaxis and acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased reactive species, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity in flies. Additionally, the protective effects of camu-camu against oxidative stress induced by iron (20 mM) were assessed. Flies supplemented with 0.5 mg/mL of camu-camu during the larval period showed improved neural viability and function, and this supplementation was found to protect against oxidative stress. These findings are instrumental in evaluating the safety and efficacy of commercial supplements based on camu-camu, offering significant insights for future research and application.

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l-Ascorbic acid (AsA, vitamin C) is a pivotal dietary nutrient with multifaceted importance in living organisms. In plants, the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway is the primary route for AsA biosynthesis, and understanding the mechanistic details behind its component enzymes has implications for plant biology, nutritional science, and biotechnology. As part of an initiative to determine the structures of all six core enzymes of the pathway, the present study focuses on three of them in the model species Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu): GDP-d-mannose 3',5'-epimerase (GME), l-galactose dehydrogenase (l-GalDH), and l-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (l-GalLDH). We provide insights into substrate and cofactor binding and the conformational changes they induce. The MdGME structure reveals a distorted substrate in the active site, pertinent to the catalytic mechanism. Mdl-GalDH shows that the way in which NAD+ association affects loop structure over the active site is not conserved when compared with its homologue in spinach. Finally, the structure of Mdl-GalLDH is described for the first time. This allows for the rationalization of previously identified residues which play important roles in the active site or in the formation of the covalent bond with FAD. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of AsA biosynthesis in plants, and the information provided should prove useful for biotechnological applications.

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Sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana) oil was co-microencapsulated with natural antioxidant extracts (NAE), such as camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (HBK) Mc Vaugh) fruit, Añil variety Andean potato (Solanum tuberosum andigenum, and elderberry fruit (Sambucus peruviana). Gum Arabic and the ternary combination of gum Arabic (GA) + maltodextrin (MD) + whey protein isolate (WPI) at different formulations were used as coating materials for the encapsulation process using spray-drying. The moisture content, particle size distribution and morphology, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, fatty acid and sterol composition, oxidative stability, and shelf-life were evaluated. Co-microcapsules of sacha inchi (P. huayllabambana) oil with camu camu skin extract (CCSE) at 200 ppm encapsulated with GA + MD + WPI had the highest total polyphenol content (4239.80 µg GAE/g powder), antioxidant activity (12,454.00 µg trolox/g powder), omega-3 content (56.03%), ß-sitosterol (62.5%), greater oxidative stability (Oxidation Onset temperature of 189 °C), higher shelf-life (3116 h), and smaller particle sizes (6.42 µm). This research enhances the knowledge to obtain microcapsules containing sacha inchi (P. huayllabambana) oil with natural antioxidant extracts that could be used for the development of functional foods. Further research is needed to study the potential interactions and their influence between the bioactive components of the microcapsules and the challenges that may occur during scale-up to industrial production.

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The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the mortality of older adults and, chronic non- transmissible diseases (CNTDs) patients, likely previous inflammaging condition that is common in these subjects. It is possible that functional foods could attenuate viral infection conditions such as SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the causal agent of COVID-19 pandemic. Previous evidence suggested that some fruits consumed by Amazonian Diet from Pre-Colombian times could present relevant proprieties to decrease of COVID-19 complications such as oxidative-cytokine storm. In this narrative review we identified five potential Amazonian fruits: açai berry (Euterpe oleracea), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa), and guaraná (Paullinia cupana). Data showed that these Amazonian fruits present antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other immunomodulatory activities that could attenuate the impact of inflammaging states that potentially decrease the evolution of COVID-19 complications. The evidence compiled here supports the complementary experimental and clinical studies exploring these fruits as nutritional supplement during COVID-19 infection. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: These fruits, in their natural form, are often limited to their region, or exported to other places in the form of frozen pulp or powder. But there are already some companies producing food supplements in the form of capsules, in the form of oils and even functional foods enriched with these fruits. This practice is common in Brazil and tends to expand to the international market.

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In plants, it is well-known that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be synthesized via multiple metabolic pathways but there is still much to be learned concerning their integration and control mechanisms. Furthermore, the structural biology of the component enzymes has been poorly exploited. Here we describe the first crystal structure for an L-galactose dehydrogenase [Spinacia oleracea GDH (SoGDH) from spinach], from the D-mannose/L-galactose (Smirnoff-Wheeler) pathway which converts L-galactose into L-galactono-1,4-lactone. The kinetic parameters for the enzyme are similar to those from its homolog from camu camu, a super-accumulator of vitamin C found in the Peruvian Amazon. Both enzymes are monomers in solution and have a pH optimum of 7, and their activity is largely unaffected by high concentrations of ascorbic acid, suggesting the absence of a feedback mechanism acting via GDH. Previous reports may have been influenced by changes of the pH of the reaction medium as a function of ascorbic acid concentration. The structure of SoGDH is dominated by a (ß/α)8 barrel closely related to aldehyde-keto reductases (AKRs). The structure bound to NAD+ shows that the lack of Arg279 justifies its preference for NAD+ over NADP+, as employed by many AKRs. This favors the oxidation reaction that ultimately leads to ascorbic acid accumulation. When compared with other AKRs, residue substitutions at the C-terminal end of the barrel (Tyr185, Tyr61, Ser59 and Asp128) can be identified to be likely determinants of substrate specificity. The present work contributes toward a more comprehensive understanding of structure-function relationships in the enzymes involved in vitamin C synthesis.

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In plants, it is well-known that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be synthesized via multiple metabolic pathways but there is still much to be learnt concerning their integration and control mechanisms. Furthermore, the structural biology of the component enzymes has been poorly exploited. Here we describe the first crystal structure for an L-galactose dehydrogenase (SoGDH from spinach), from the D-mannose/L-galactose (Smirnoff Wheeler) pathway which converts L-galactose into L-galactono-1,4-lactone. The kinetic parameters for the enzyme are similar to those from its homologue from camu-camu, a super-accumulator of vitamin C found in the Peruvian amazon. Both enzymes are monomers in solution, have a pH optimum of 7 and their activity is largely unaffected by high concentrations of ascorbic acid, suggesting the absence of a feedback mechanism acting via GDH. Previous reports may have been influenced by changes of the pH of the reaction medium as a function of ascorbic acid concentration. The structure of SoGDH is dominated by a (β/α)8 barrel closely related to aldehyde-keto reductases (AKRs). The structure bound to NAD+ shows that the lack of Arg279 justifies its preference for NAD+ over NADP+, as employed by many AKRs. This favours the oxidation reaction which ultimately leads to ascorbic acid accumulation. When compared with other AKRs, residue substitutions at the C-terminal end of the barrel (Tyr185, Tyr61, Ser59 and Asp128) can be identified to be likely determinants of substrate specificity. The present work contributes towards a more comprehensive understanding of structure-function relationships in the enzymes involved in vitamin C synthesis.

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BACKGROUND: Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a typical Amazonian fruit and has high antioxidant capacity due to its high levels of vitamin C and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to determine the phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and antimutagenic effects of camu-camu fruits with different maturity stages grown in dry (commercial cultivation) or flooded environments (native cultivation, Amazon). RESULTS: Total polyphenols, ascorbic acid and in vitro antioxidant capacity levels were higher in ripe fruits grown in a commercial cultivation. The extracts from ripe camu-camu grown in a commercial cultivation exerted antioxidant effects and high percentage of protection against doxorubicin and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in all tested systems (liver, bone marrow and gut), for three camu-camu extract concentrations (17, 85 and 170 mg kg-1 body weight), as follows: bone marrow minocronucleus (37.91%, 41.75%, 43.95%); micronucleus gut test (61.01%, 64.40%, 50.28%); apoptosis index (60.26%, 62.44%, 58.22%); comet assay through the tail moment (71.64%, 72.31%, 70.70%), percent DNA in the tail (64.54%, 68.75%, 76.79%) and tail intensity (76.43%, 81.02%, 68.33%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study contribute to increasing the production of camu-camu fruits grown in dry environments and their use as a health-promoting food. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

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Abstract INTRODUCTION: Malaria and leishmaniasis are prevalent in tropical regions, which have environmental characteristics that are highly favorable to protozoa and vectors of these diseases; the transmission of these infections in sub-tropical regions, although recognized, represents only a small fraction of cases. Plants are constantly being used in the search for and acquisition of new drugs, and many compounds derived from them have been used to combat various diseases. In this study, we evaluated the action of the dichloromethanolic extract of Myrciaria dubia leaves against the protozoa Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania braziliensis, and Leishmania chagasi through bioassays. METHODS The extract from M. dubia was tested for its anti-P. falciparum activity in an anti-histidine-rich protein II immunosorbent assay. The antileishmanial assays were performed using the resazurin method, while cytotoxicity against human hepatoma (HepG2) strain was determined using the colorimetric MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2- thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide] method. RESULTS The M. dubia extract presented a half-maximal inhibitory concentration equal to 2.35 (1.05)μg/mL for P. falciparum, 190.73 (6.41) μg/mL for L. amazonensis, and greater than equal to 200µg/mL for L. chagasi and L. braziliensis strains. The cytotoxic concentration for 50% of the cells was above 500μg/mL for HepG2, indicating no toxicity and greater selectivity against parasites. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained indicate the presence of antiplasmodial and leishmanicidal bioactive compounds in the dichloromethanolic extracts of M. dubia leaves, and point towards future studies to elucidate the mechanism of action for each physiological effect.

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Commercial cultivation of the fruit tree Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae) is being developed in Brazil but phytophagous insects, including scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), can become pests in plantations. The coccids Ceroplastes jamaicensis White, Coccus viridis (Green), Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), Pseudokermes vitreus (Cockerell) (Coccidae), and the diaspidid Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green) were collected on M. dubia in the municipality of Belém and Tomé-Açu, state of Pará (PA), metropolitan and Northeast Pará mesoregions, Brazil. A key to species of Coccoidea recorded on M. dubia, based on adult females, is provided. Photographs for all scale insects reported on M. dubia are provided. Ceroplastes jamaicensis is recorded for the first time for Brazil and is herein reported for the first time associated with this host.

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Camu-camu, a fruit found in the Amazon Basin river banks and lake shores, is known for its high ascorbic acid content together with, other antioxidants. This feature shows high potential for being exploited in agribusiness industry and pharmaceutical processes. However, its high acidity, as well as peel bitterness associated with the phenolic substances content, has discouraged its consumption while still fresh. The development of alternative forms for consuming this fruit, while still preserving its ascorbic acid and polyphenol content, in addition to its great potential for maintaining human health, has become a major economic activity in coastal communities. The present study evaluated the ascorbic acid stability found in camu-camu capsules. Lyophilization was performed with the fruit pulp and peel. Both freeze-dried fruit and powder-flled capsules were stored at 5° C. Ascorbic acid stability was monitored for 90 days using HPLC assay technique. The encapsulation process of freezedried pulp was considered satisfactory in the ascorbic acid conservation, since there was only a loss of 10% of its initial concentration throughout the study period for 60 days.(AU)

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o iogurte de leite de búfala adicionado de frutas regionais constitui alternativa econômica para o aproveitamento do leite bubalino. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar sensorialmente iogurtes elaborados com leite de búfala e adicionados de polpas de frutas da Amazônia. Foram determinadas a acidez titulável, o teor de vitamina C e a aceitação sensorial de quatro formulações. Os testes afetivos de aceitação e de atitude foram realizados com 50 provadores não treinados, utilizando escala hedônica de nove pontos. Utilizaram-se a Análise de Variância e do teste de Tukey, a 5% de nível de significância na análise dos resultados. Obtiveram- -se teores médios de vitamina C (em mg por 100g), de 210,40 (±1,99), 202,31 (±1,83), 140,13 (±1,9l) e 140,22 (±0,22); acidez titulável (em g de ácido láctico por 100g), variando entre 0,74 (±0,0l), 0,81(±0,01), 0,86 (±0,01) e 0,76 (±0,0l), respectivamente, nas formulações de iogurte de camu-camu com acerola, camu-camu com bacuri, de camu-camu e de camu-camu com cupuaçu. As formulações apresentaram boa aceitação e intenção de consumo pelos provadores, com escore sensorial na análise de aceitação acima de cinco e índice de aceitação superior a 64%. No teste de aceitação, o iogurte de cupuaçu com camu-camu diferiu significativamente dos demais, obtendo nota média, de 7,7, índice de aceitação de 85,55% e o maior percentual de intenção de consumo, 86,7%. Concluiu-se, dessa forma, que o iogurte de leite de búfala adicionado de cupuaçu e camu-camu apresentou melhor aceitação em relação aos iogurtes de camu-camu e acerola, ou bacuri ou cupuaçu. (AU)

Yoghurt of buffalo milk added regional fruit is an economical alternative to the use of buffalo milk. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensory buffalo milk yoghurt using Amazon fruit pulps. Were determined the acidity, vitamin C and sensory acceptance of four formulations. Tests of emotional acceptance and attitude were conducted with 50 untrained panelists using a hedonic scale of nine points. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% significance level. The results showed media vitamin C contents of: 210.40 (± 1.99), 202.31 (± 1.83), 140.13 (± 1.91) and 140.22 (± 0.22) mg per 100g, titritable acidity values ranged from 0.74 (± 0.01), 0.81 (± 0.01), 0.86 (± 0.01), 0.76 (± 0.01) and g of lactic acid per 100g of yoghurt, respectively, in the formulations of acerola with camu-camu, bacuri witb camu-camu, cupuaçu with camu-camu, and camu-camu only. The formulations showed good acceptance and intention to use by the judges, with sensory analysis score above five acceptance and acceptance rate exceeding 64%. In acceptance testing yogurt with cupuaçu camu-camu differed significantly from the others by getting an average score of 7.7, acceptance rate of 85.55% and the highest percentage of consumer intention, 86.7%.lt was concluded, therefore, that yogurt made from buffalo milk added cupuaçu and camu-camu showed better acceptance than the yogurts acerola and camu-camu, or bacuri or cupuaçu. (AU)

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Several epidemiological and experimental studies demonstrate that modulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress by natural phytochemicals is a promising strategy to prevent and treat many chronic inflammatory diseases. Camu-camu is an Amazonian fruit with a high content of antioxidants, especially phenolic compounds and vitamin C. In the present study we evaluated the in vivo effects of chronic ingestion of raw extracts derived from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh) frozen pulp on plasma lipid profile and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of camu-camu raw extracts significantly increased plasma antioxidant activity, reduced triacylglycerol and total cholesterol and lipid peroxidation in the plasma of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. However, no effect was observed on glucose metabolism of diabetic rats, probably due to the severity of this model.

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O camu-camu é considerado uma excelente fonte de vitamina C, e com capacidade antioxidante in vitro cerca de 120 vezes maior em relação às outras frutas, além do alto teor de ácido elágico. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar fruta e polpa comercial de camu-camu em relação ao conteúdo de fenólicos totais, flavonóides, ácido elágico livre e total, proantocianidinas e capacidade antioxidante in vitro, e verificar o efeito da ingestão de extrato bruto e frações purificadas da polpa comercial de camu-camu sobre o perfil bioquímico de ratos diabéticos e caquéticos, capacidade antioxidante do plasma, e a atividade das enzimas catalase, superóxido dismutase e glutationa peroxidase em plasma e eritrócitos. Também foi avaliado o efeito de extrato bruto e frações purificadas da polpa comercial em diferentes linhagens celulares. A polpa comercial de camu-camu apresentou maior teor de compostos bioativos que o fruto e por isso foi escolhida para continuar os estudos in vivo. Os teores de flavonóides variaram de 10 a 47 mg/ 100 g para quercetina, 4,8 a 5,0 mg/100 g para miricetina e 23 a 37 mg/100 g para rutina; os teores de ácido elágico livre variaram de 25 a 50 mg/100 g e 620 a 740 mg/100 g para ácido elágico total. Também foram identificados elagitaninos e oligômeros de proantocianidinas. Os extratos bruto e frações purificadas também foram testados em culturas celulares de miócitos (L6), macrófagos (J774), hepatócitos (FaO), beta pancreáticas (INS) e adipócitos (3T3). Os animais diabéticos e caquéticos tratados tanto com o extrato bruto quanto com a fração purificada de compostos fenólicos da polpa comercial de camu-camu apresentaram alterações do perfil lipídico plasmático, com reversão do alto colesterol total e triacilgliceróis, e ainda aumento nos níveis de HDL-colesterol. Outros efeitos como a redução da peroxidação lipídica e aumento da capacidade antioxidante plasmática também foram observados. Em linhagens celulares, os extratos bruto e...

Camu-camu fruit is considered as an excellent source of vitamin C and presented antioxidant capacity in vitro 120 times higher when compared to others fruits, in addition the high content of ellagic acid. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize camu-camu commercial frozen pulp and fruit in relation to total phenolics, flavonoids, free and total ellagic acid content, proanthocyanidins and in vitro antioxidant capacity; besides to investigate the effect of the administration of crude and purified fractions of camu-camu commercial frozen pulp on biochemical profile of diabetic an cachetic rats, plasma antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in plasma and erythrocytes. The effects of crude and purified fractions of camu-camu commercial frozen pulp were also evaluated. Commercial frozen pulp of camu-camu showed a higher content of bioactive compound when compared to the fruit and so was chosen for further studies in vivo. Flavonoids content varied from 10 to 47 mg/ 100 g of quercetin, 4.8 to 5.0 mg/100 g of myricetin and 23 to 37 mg/100 g of rutin; free ellagic acid content varied from 25 to 50 mg/100 g and 620 to 740 mg/100 total ellagic acid. Ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins oligomers have also been identified. The effects of camu-camu crude and purified fractions was also tested in culture cells of myocytes (L6), macrophages (J774), hepatocytes (FaO), pancreatic-beta cell (INS) and adipocytes (3T3). Animals treated with crude and purified fractions of phenolic compounds of camu-camu commercial frozen pulp showed changes in plasma lipid profile, reversing high level of total cholesterol and triacylglycerol and increase of HDL-cholesterol in diabetic and cachetic rats. Reduction on lipid peroxidation and increase on plasma antioxidant capacity was also observed. In cell line culture, crude and purified extracts of camu-camu were effective to stimulate glucose uptake in L6 cells...

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El picudo, Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien 1995, es una de las plagas mas importantes del camu camu Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. Mc Vaugh en la Amazonía Peruana. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el ciclo biológico de este insecto bajo condiciones de laboratorio y describir su comportamiento y fluctuación en condiciones de campo en Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú. El porcentaje de eclosión de larvas fue de 87%, la duración del periodo de incubación de los huevos fue de 5,5±0,9 (4 a 7) días, del estado larval en el fruto 22,2±1,9 (20 a 25) días y en el suelo (fase pre-pupa), 54,4±5,5 (46 a 67) días, del periodo pupal 11,8±0,9 (9 a 13) días y la longevidad del adulto fue de 51,8±18,9 (9 a 75) días. Los adultos se alimentaron de frutos de diferentes diámetros y estados de maduración y de botones florales, ramas tiernas y flores. No se registró la presencia de adultos de C. dubiae en frutos secos, ni en la base del tallo, sino en ritidomas. La mayor actividad de alimentación y de reproducción de los adultos fue entre 18:30 a 22:00 h. Los adultos fueron observados en el cultivo durante todo el año, encontrándose con mayor frecuencia en los meses de enero a marzo en pisos bajos inundables y entre octubre a diciembre en tierra firme no inundable, coincidiendo con la fase de floración y fructificación de la planta.

Camu camu weevil Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien, 1995 is a one of the main pests of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. Mc Vaugh) in Peruvian Amazonia. The aim of this study was to determine the biological cycle of this insect under laboratory conditions, to describe its behavior and population numbers under field conditions in Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. The percentage of hatching was 87%; the egg incubation period was 5.5±0.9 (4 to 7) days; the length of the larval stage inside the fruit was 22.2±1.9 (20 to 25) days, and the length larval stage (pre-pupa) underground was 54.4±5.5 (46 to 67) days. The length of pupal period was 11.8±0.9 (9 to 13) days, and the longevity of adults was 51.8±18.9 (9 to 75) days. Adults feed on fruits of different diameters and state of ripeness. Weevils also feed on buds, fresh branches and flowers. Adults of C. dubiae were only found in the rhizome, not in dry fruits or on the stem base.. The highest feeding and reproductive activity of adults was between 18:30 to 22:00 h. Adults were observed during the whole year, with the highest frequency between January and March in low seasonally flooded soils and between October to December in upland unflooded soils, coinciding with flowering and fruiting plant phenology.

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El picudo, Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien 1995, es una de las plagas mas importantes del camu camu Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. Mc Vaugh en la Amazonía Peruana. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el ciclo biológico de este insecto bajo condiciones de laboratorio y describir su comportamiento y fluctuación en condiciones de campo en Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú. El porcentaje de eclosión de larvas fue de 87 por ciento, la duración del periodo de incubación de los huevos fue de 5,5±0,9 (4 a 7) días, del estado larval en el fruto 22,2±1,9 (20 a 25) días y en el suelo (fase pre-pupa), 54,4±5,5 (46 a 67) días, del periodo pupal 11,8±0,9 (9 a 13) días y la longevidad del adulto fue de 51,8±18,9 (9 a 75) días. Los adultos se alimentaron de frutos de diferentes diámetros y estados de maduración y de botones florales, ramas tiernas y flores. No se registró la presencia de adultos de C. dubiae en frutos secos, ni en la base del tallo, sino en ritidomas. La mayor actividad de alimentación y de reproducción de los adultos fue entre 18:30 a 22:00 h. Los adultos fueron observados en el cultivo durante todo el año, encontrándose con mayor frecuencia en los meses de enero a marzo en pisos bajos inundables y entre octubre a diciembre en tierra firme no inundable, coincidiendo con la fase de floración y fructificación de la planta.

Camu camu weevil Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien, 1995 is a one of the main pests of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. Mc Vaugh) in Peruvian Amazonia. The aim of this study was to determine the biological cycle of this insect under laboratory conditions, to describe its behavior and population numbers under field conditions in Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. The percentage of hatching was 87 percent; the egg incubation period was 5.5±0.9 (4 to 7) days; the length of the larval stage inside the fruit was 22.2±1.9 (20 to 25) days, and the length larval stage (pre-pupa) underground was 54.4±5.5 (46 to 67) days. The length of pupal period was 11.8±0.9 (9 to 13) days, and the longevity of adults was 51.8±18.9 (9 to 75) days. Adults feed on fruits of different diameters and state of ripeness. Weevils also feed on buds, fresh branches and flowers. Adults of C. dubiae were only found in the rhizome, not in dry fruits or on the stem base.. The highest feeding and reproductive activity of adults was between 18:30 to 22:00 h. Adults were observed during the whole year, with the highest frequency between January and March in low seasonally flooded soils and between October to December in upland unflooded soils, coinciding with flowering and fruiting plant phenology.

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El camu camu es uno de los frutales nativos con gran potencial económico para la agroindustria y agro exportación. Edessa es una de las plagas del camu camu que provoca sequedad en los brotes, y en los frutos una mancha decolorada con círculos concéntricos bien marcados y un punto central al alimentarse. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el ciclo biológico bajo condiciones de laboratorio y la fluctuación poblacional de Edessa aff. aulacosterna "Chinche del fruto del camu camu" durante enero a noviembre del 2004 en el cultivo de camu camu, en parcelas en desarrollo y producción ubicadas en áreas de restinga inundables en Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú. Se colectaron huevos, ninfas y adultos procedentes del distrito de Yarinacocha, Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú para iniciar la crianza artificial. El tiempo de duración del huevo al I estadio ninfal fue 5,1 días. Se encontró un 94,6% de eclosión de los huevos, variando entre 12 hasta 14 huevos por postura. El tiempo transcurrido desde el huevo hasta II estadío fue de 37,3 días y del III al V estadío ninfal fue de 81,9 días. El porcentaje de mortalidad del primer estadio ninfal a adulto fue de 98,1%. Los adultos colectados se localizaron preferentemente sobre las ramas y el tallo de la planta, mientras que las ninfas se encontraron en los brotes tiernos. Con relación a su fluctuación poblacional, solo se registró posturas a lo largo del año en parcelas en producción. No se encontraron diferencias entre ninfas I a V, y adultos de Edessa aff. aulacosterna, entre plantaciones en producción y desarrollo de camu camu. Solo se encontró diferencias entre la época seca y lluviosa en las ninfas de III a V estadio en las plantas de camu camu en desarrollo. Edessa aff. aulacosterna presentó mayormente una distribución contagiosa. El adecuado conocimiento de la bioecología nos permite mejorar la estrategia de control de esta plaga.

Camu camu is one of the native fruits with a great economic potential for agroindustry and agro exportation. Edessa is one camu camu pest that produces in dry buds and fruits with a mark decolorated with concentric circles well marked and a central point when they feed. The aim of the current research was to determinate the biological cycle under laboratory conditions and population fluctuations of Edessa aff. aulacosterna. "Camu camu fruit stink bug" during January to November, 2004 in camu-camu culture, in development and production parcels located in flooded areas of restinga in Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. Eggs, nymphs and adults were colected to begin artificial rearing proceeding of distrit of Yarinacocha, Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. Development time of eggs to 1th nymphal instar was 5.1 days. 94.6% of egg hatchability, varied between 12 until 14 egg-laying was found. The time passed since eggs until III nymphal instar was 37.3 días and of III to V nymphal instar was de 81.9 days. Percentage of mortality of 2nd nymphal instar to adult was 98,1%. Adults collected were localized mainly on branches and stem of the plants, while nymphs were found in delicated buds. In relation to seasonal populations only were registered eggs laying throught the year in parcels in production. Differences between nymphs I to V and adults of Edessa aff. aulacosterna, in production and development plantations were not found. Only differences in dry and wet period in III to V nymphs instar in development camu camu plants were found. Edessa aff. aulacosterna mainly presented a contagious distribution. Suitable knowledge of bioecology of Edessa aff. aulacosterna permit improves strategy of pest control.

RESUMO

El camu camu es uno de los frutales nativos con gran potencial económico para la agroindustria y agro exportación. Edessa es una de las plagas del camu camu que provoca sequedad en los brotes, y en los frutos una mancha decolorada con círculos concéntricos bien marcados y un punto central al alimentarse. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el ciclo biológico bajo condiciones de laboratorio y la fluctuación poblacional de Edessa aff. aulacosterna "Chinche del fruto del camu camu" durante enero a noviembre del 2004 en el cultivo de camu camu, en parcelas en desarrollo y producción ubicadas en áreas de restinga inundables en Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú. Se colectaron huevos, ninfas y adultos procedentes del distrito de Yarinacocha, Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú para iniciar la crianza artificial. El tiempo de duración del huevo al I estadio ninfal fue 5,1 días. Se encontró un 94,6 por ciento de eclosión de los huevos, variando entre 12 hasta 14 huevos por postura. El tiempo transcurrido desde el huevo hasta II estadío fue de 37,3 días y del III al V estadío ninfal fue de 81,9 días. El porcentaje de mortalidad del primer estadio ninfal a adulto fue de 98,1 por ciento. Los adultos colectados se localizaron preferentemente sobre las ramas y el tallo de la planta, mientras que las ninfas se encontraron en los brotes tiernos. Con relación a su fluctuación poblacional, solo se registró posturas a lo largo del año en parcelas en producción. No se encontraron diferencias entre ninfas I a V, y adultos de Edessa aff. aulacosterna, entre plantaciones en producción y desarrollo de camu camu. Solo se encontró diferencias entre la época seca y lluviosa en las ninfas de III a V estadio en las plantas de camu camu en desarrollo. Edessa aff. aulacosterna presentó mayormente una distribución contagiosa. El adecuado conocimiento de la bioecología nos permite mejorar la estrategia de control de esta plaga.

Camu camu is one of the native fruits with a great economic potential for agroindustry and agro exportation. Edessa is one camu camu pest that produces in dry buds and fruits with a mark decolorated with concentric circles well marked and a central point when they feed. The aim of the current research was to determinate the biological cycle under laboratory conditions and population fluctuations of Edessa aff. aulacosterna. "Camu camu fruit stink bug" during January to November, 2004 in camu-camu culture, in development and production parcels located in flooded areas of restinga in Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. Eggs, nymphs and adults were colected to begin artificial rearing proceeding of distrit of Yarinacocha, Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. Development time of eggs to 1th nymphal instar was 5.1 days. 94.6 percent of egg hatchability, varied between 12 until 14 egg-laying was found. The time passed since eggs until III nymphal instar was 37.3 días and of III to V nymphal instar was de 81.9 days. Percentage of mortality of 2nd nymphal instar to adult was 98,1 percent. Adults collected were localized mainly on branches and stem of the plants, while nymphs were found in delicated buds. In relation to seasonal populations only were registered eggs laying throught the year in parcels in production. Differences between nymphs I to V and adults of Edessa aff. aulacosterna, in production and development plantations were not found. Only differences in dry and wet period in III to V nymphs instar in development camu camu plants were found. Edessa aff. aulacosterna mainly presented a contagious distribution. Suitable knowledge of bioecology of Edessa aff. aulacosterna permit improves strategy of pest control.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The cultivation of camu-camu Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K.) Mc Vaugh has presented countless phytosanitary problems, among them, Tuthillia cognata Hodkinson et al. (Hemiptera: Homoptera, Psyllidae), which often is noticed as a secondary pest. This study aimed to determine the level and the intensity of infestation (%) for T. cognata, as well as to study the biological cycle and behavioural aspects of T. cognata, in experimental plantation of camu-camu. 17 and 14 specimens from plantation I and II, respectively, were randomly selected. The arithmetic average, the standard deviation, the variance and the total amplitude were calculated for each studied variable. A level of infestation of 82% (plantation I) and 57% (plantation II), an intensity of infestation of 94% (plantation I) and 75% (plantation II) and an average number of six nymphs/leaf in each plantation were found, indicating that T. cognata is one of the key pest on this culture. Adults of Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and nymphs of Reduviidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), which can to be considered as probable biological control agents for T. cognata, were found in the plantations.

O cultivo de camu-camu Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K.) Mc Vaugh tem apresentado inúmeros problemas fitossanitários, dentre os quais, Tuthillia cognata Hodkinson et al. (Hemiptera: Homoptera, Psyllidae), que constantemente é citada como praga secundária. Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar o nível e a intensidade de infestação (%) por T. cognata e estudar aspectos do ciclo biológico e do comportamento de T. cognata, em plantios experimentais de camu-camu. Foram selecionados, de forma aleatória, 17 e 14 exemplares nos plantios I e II, respectivamente. Para cada uma das variáveis estudadas, foram calculados a média aritmética, o desviopadrão, a variância e a amplitude de variação. Foi verificado um nível de infestação de 82% (plantio I) e 57% (plantio II), uma intensidade de infestação de 94% (plantio I) e 75% (plantio II) e uma média de seis ninfas/folha em cada plantio, o que indica que T. cognata representa uma das pragas-chave dessa cultura. Foram observados adultos de Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) e ninfas de Reduviidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), que podem atuar como prováveis agentes de controle biológico de T. cognata.

RESUMO

Two enzymatic systems (esterase and esterase-D), analysed by using the starch gel electrophoresis technique on plant young leaves cultivated in the higher land (terra firme), from seeds of camu-camu, Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh-Myrtaceae obtained from three natural population samples (Iquitos, Boa Vista and Uatumã), revealed 6 loci: Est-1, Est-2, Est-3, Est-4, Est-D1 and Est-D2. Two of the six gene loci presently examined (Est-3 and Est-D2) showed to be polymorphic, so they happen to be valuable for characterizing the species population structure. The polymorphism patterns shown in the Est-3 and Est-D2 loci of camu-camu, are typical of monomeric and dimeric enzymes, respectively. The locus Est-3 showed a huge genetic imbalance within and among the population samples examined, due to an excessive observed numbers of heterozygote plants compared to their expected numbers. The locus Est-D2 showed an exclusive polymorphism for the alleles Est-D2¹, Est-D2² and Est-D2³, and a good genetic balance in the Uatumã population sample. On account of that, among all gene loci investigated here, Est-D2 seems to be the most suitable locus for identifying and delimiting camu-camu probable stocks. Hence, this locus has to be present in the list of the isoenzymatic markers for future research on the species population genetics in the Amazon region. Data on allelic frequency distribution, genetic distance and genetic variation estimates on the 6 esterase loci investigated, were effective for demonstrating genetic differences among the surveyed species population samples. The highest values of mean heterozigozity (0.1353); proportion of polimorphic loci (0.33) and average number of alleles per locus (1.33) revealed in the Uatumã population sample, are due to the presence of an extra polymorphic locus (Est-D2) when compared with other surveyed samples.

Dois sistemas enzimáticos (esterase e esterase-D), analisados pela técnica de eletroforese em gel de amido, em folhas jovens de plantas cultivadas em terra firme, de sementes provenientes de três amostras de populações naturais de camu-camu, Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh-Myrtaceae, procedentes de Iquitos, Boa Vista e Uatumã, revelaram a presença de 6 locos: Est-1, Est-2, Est-3, Est-4, Est-D1 e Est-D2. Dois dos seis locos gênicos examinados no presente estudo (Est-3 e Est-D2) mostraram-se polimórficos, sendo desse modo considerados valiosos no estudo de caracterização da estrutura populacional da espécie. Os padrões de polimorfismo revelados nos locos Est-3 e Est-D2 de camu-camu, são típicos de enzimas monoméricas e diméricas, respectivamente. O loco Est-3 apresentou um grande desbalanço genético dentro e entre as amostras populacionais examinadas, devido ao excessivo número observado de plantas heterozigóticas em relação ao número esperado. O loco Est-D2 apresentou um polimorfismo exclusivo para os alelos Est-D2¹,Est-D2² e Est-D2³, e um bom balanço genético na amostra populacional de Uatumã. Em função disso, dentre os demais locos gênicos aqui investigados, o loco Est-D2 parece ser o mais adequado para identificação e delimitação de prováveis estoques de camu-camu. Portanto, recomenda-se que esse loco esteja presente na lista dos marcadores isoenzimáticos a serem usados em futuras prospecções sobre genética populacional dessa espécie na região amazônica. Dados sobre a distribuição das freqüências alélicas, estimativas das distâncias genéticas, e estimativas de variação genética nos 6 locos de esterases examinados, foram eficazes na demonstração de diferenças genéticas entre as amostras populacionais examinadas da espécie. Os maiores valores de heterozigozidade média (0,1353); proporção de locos polimórficos (0,33) e número médio de alelos por loco (1,33) revelados na amostra populacional de Uatumã, devem-se ao fato dessa amostra ter apresentado um loco polimórfico a mais (Est-D2), em relação as demais amostras investigadas.