Exploring the Fluconazole-Resistance Modifying Activity and Potential Mechanism of Action of Fixed Oil from Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) against Candida Species

The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. is used in the Chapada do Araripe region of Brazil for the treatment of genitourinary candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antifungal activity, reduction of fungal virulence, and the preliminary toxicity of the fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum tested against three Candida yeasts. The oil was characterized by gas chromatography (GC-MS and GC-FID). Antifungal activity was assessed using the serial microdilution method. Additionally, the potential of the oil as an enhancer of fluconazole action was tested at sub-inhibitory concentrations (MIC/8). The mechanism of action of C. coriaceum fixed oil was determined by evaluating the inhibition of morphological transition in Candida spp. The chemical composition of the fixed oil of C. coriaceum comprised both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Oleic (61 %) and palmitic (33 %) acids were the major constituents. Regarding its anti-Candida activity, the oil inhibited the growth of C. albicans (IC50 : 371 μg/mL) and C. tropicalis (IC50 : 830 μg/mL). Furthermore, the oil reversed the antifungal resistance of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, restoring the susceptibility to fluconazole and reducing their IC50 from 12.33 μg/mL and 362 μg/mL to 0.22 μg/mL and 13.93 μg/mL, respectively. The fixed oil of C. coriaceum completely inhibited the morphological transition of C. albicans and C. tropicalis at a concentration of 512 μg/mL, but exhibited limited low antifungal potential against C. krusei. The observed antifungal activity may be attributed to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the oil showed no toxic effect on the Drosophila melanogaster in vivo model. The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum emerge as a strong candidate for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations to treat infections caused by Candida spp.

Five undescribed aryltetralin lignans with cytotoxic activities from the fruits of Cleistanthus eberhardtii

Five undescribed lignans, cleiseberharnins A-D (1-4), cleiseberharside A (5) were isolated from the fruits of Cleistanthus eberhartii (Phyllanthaceae), together with six known aryltetralin lignans, cleistantoxin (6), picroburseranin (7), neocleistantoxin (8), 7-hydroxypicropolygamain (9), cleisindoside D (10), and cleisindoside A (11). Their structures and relative configurations were established by analysis of HRESIMS and NMR data, and quantum chemical calculations of JH,H coupling constants. The absolute configurations of 1-5 were determined by analysis of their experimental CD spectra and comparison with calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. All compounds (1-11) were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against KB, MCF-7, HepG-2, and Lu-1 human cancer cell lines. Among the tested compounds, compounds 6 and 7 showed strong activity against KB, MCF7, HepG2 and Lu-1 cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 0.02-0.62 μM. Compound 1 showed activity against three cancer cell lines KB, HepG2, and Lu-1 with IC50 values of 6.98, 7.61 and 11.75 μM, respectively. Compound 2 exhibited a selective inhibition with moderate cytotoxicity against Lu-1 with IC50 value of 15.30 μM. Compounds 4, 5 and 9 showed moderate activity against the three cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 8.73-19.70 μM.

The first mitochondrial genome of Calophyllum soulattri Burm.f

Calophyllum soulattri Burm.f. is traditionally used to treat skin infections and reduce rheumatic pain, yet genetic and genomic studies are still limited. Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of C. soulattri. It is 378,262 bp long with 43.97% GC content, containing 55 genes (30 protein-coding, 5 rRNA, and 20 tRNA). Repeat analysis of the mitochondrial genome revealed 194 SSRs, mostly mononucleotides, and 266 pairs of dispersed repeats ( ≥ 30 bp) that were predominantly palindromic. There were 23 homologous fragments found between the mitochondrial and plastome genomes. We also predicted 345 C-to-U RNA editing sites from 30 protein-coding genes (PCGs) of the C. soulatrii mitochondrial genome. These RNA editing events created the start codon of nad1 and the stop codon of ccmFc. Most PCGs of the C. soulattri mitochondrial genome underwent negative selection, but atp4 and ccmB experienced positive selection. Phylogenetic analyses showed C. soulattri is a sister taxon of Garcinia mangostana. This study has shed light on C. soulattri's evolution and Malpighiales' phylogeny. As the first complete mitochondrial genome in Calophyllaceae, it can be used as a reference genome for other medicinal plant species within the family for future genetic studies.

Genome assembly provides insights into the genome evolution of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour

Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., an evergreen tree of the Baccaurea genus of the Phyllanthaceae family, is primarily distributed in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China, including southern Yunnan Province. It is a wild or semi-cultivated tree species with ornamental, edible, and medicinal value, exhibiting significant development potential. In this study, we present the whole-genome sequencing of B. ramiflora, employing a combination of PacBio SMRT and Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing techniques. The assembled genome size was 975.8 Mb, with a contig N50 of 509.33 kb and the longest contig measuring 7.74 Mb. The genome comprises approximately 73.47% highly repetitive sequences, of which 52.1% are long terminal repeat-retrotransposon sequences. A total of 29,172 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 25,980 (89.06%) have been annotated, Additionally, 3452 non-coding RNAs were identified. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a close relationship between B. ramiflora and the Euphorbiaceae family, with both being sister groups that diverged approximately 59.9 million years ago. During the evolutionary process, B. ramiflora exhibited positive selection in 278 candidate genes. Synonymous substitution rate and collinearity analysis demonstrated that B. ramiflora underwent a single ancient genome-wide triploidization event, without recent genome-wide duplication events. This high-quality B. ramiflora genome provides a valuable resource for basic research and tree improvement programs focusing on the Phyllanthaceae family.

Prebiotic Activity of Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Shell on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains: A Medicinal Food Ingredient

Pequi is a native and popular fruit in Cerrado biome. The internal yellow-orange mesocarp is the edible fraction of the fruit, but its shell (peel and external mesocarp), which comprises 80% of the fruit, is not used by the agro-industry during fruit processing. There is a growing interest in the reduction of food loss and waste because of environmental, economic, and social impacts. So this study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro prebiotic activity of pequi shell flour. Pequi shell flour was obtained from the lyophilization and milling of pequi shell. The content of dietary fibers, oligosaccharides, sugars, organic acids, total phenolics and tannins, polyphenol profile, and antioxidant capacity was determined in pequi shell flour. In addition, its prebiotic activity was evaluated on growth and metabolism of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Pequi shell flour has a high content of dietary fibers (47.92 g/100 g), soluble fibers (18.65 g/100 g), raffinose (2.39 g/100 g), and phenolic compounds (14,062.40 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g). For the first time, the polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 were identified in this by-product. Pequi shell flour promoted greater growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26 (at 24-48 h) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, as well as higher prebiotic activity scores than fructooligosaccharides (standard prebiotic). Pequi shell flour is rich in prebiotic compounds and has a high antioxidant and prebiotic potential. The promising results encourage its use as an ingredient with antioxidant and potential prebiotic properties to elaborate new functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Different crosslinking as a strategy to improve films produced from external mesocarp of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense)

The pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) external mesocarp is rich in phenolic compounds and pectin and demonstrates the potential to produce active and biodegradable films. Thus, the present study aimed to produce films with pequi mesocarp as a polymer matrix and evaluate the influence of crosslinking agents (calcium chloride and citric acid) on the film's properties. The films obtained from pequi mesocarp (MF), showed in general, complete biodegradation in 33 days, good antioxidant capacity, and inhibition against S. aureus (24.7 mm) and E. coli (23.0 mm). The crosslinking agents reduced solubility by up to 35% and increased the elongation of the films by up to 3.5-fold. Calcium chloride promoted a higher reduction in solubility, and both agents increase the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, compared to MF. Citric acid proved to be the best agent to modify the properties of pequi mesocarp films. In addition to the crosslinking action, it presented plasticizing effect.

Polyploid Genome Assembly Provides Insights into Morphological Development and Ascorbic Acid Accumulation of Sauropus androgynus

Sauropus androgynus (S. androgynus) (2n = 4x = 52) is one of the most popular functional leafy vegetables in South and Southeast Asia. With its rich nutritional and pharmaceutical values, it has traditionally had widespread use for dietary and herbal purposes. Here, the genome of S. androgynus was sequenced and assembled, revealing a genome size of 1.55 Gb with 26 pseudo-chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis traced back the divergence of Sauropus from Phyllanthus to approximately 29.67 million years ago (Mya). Genome analysis revealed that S. androgynus polyploidized around 20.51 Mya and shared a γ event about 132.95 Mya. Gene function analysis suggested that the expansion of pathways related to phloem development, lignin biosynthesis, and photosynthesis tended to result in the morphological differences among species within the Phyllanthaceae family, characterized by varying ploidy levels. The high accumulation of ascorbic acid in S. androgynus was attributed to the high expression of genes associated with the L-galactose pathway and recycling pathway. Moreover, the expanded gene families of S. androgynus exhibited multiple biochemical pathways associated with its comprehensive pharmacological activity, geographic adaptation and distinctive pleasurable flavor. Altogether, our findings represent a crucial genomic asset for S. androgynus, casting light on the intricate ploidy within the Phyllanthaceae family.

30-norfriedelanes and other compounds from the stem bark and fruits of Caloncoba glauca (Achariaceae), their antiplasmodial activity, structure-activity relationship and computational validation

Two new 30-norfriedelane triterpenoids namely glaucalactone C (1) and glaucanoic acid (2) along with sixteen known compounds (3-18) have been isolated from the methanolic extracts of the stem bark and fruits of Caloncoba glauca (P.Beauv.) Gilg (Achariaceae). The structures of all the isolated compounds have been established with the aid of their extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D-NMR) as well as mass spectrometry. Six compounds (1-5, 9) were screened for antiplasmodial activity against two strains P. falciparum Dd2 and P. falciparum 3D7. The results showed that glaucanoic acid (2) was the most active one with IC50 values of (3.5 ± 0.1 μg/mL) and (4.6 ± 0.7 μg/mL) against PfDd2 and Pf3D7, respectively, while glaucalactone C (1) moderately inhibited PfDd2 (9.4 ± 0.1 μg/mL) and weakly Pf3D7 (15.9 ± 2.3 μg/mL). The molecular docking analyses of the isolated compounds showed that compounds 1-4 and 9-11 are potential drug targets and were further supported by their ADMET studies that revealed welwitschiilactones B and C (4 and 5) as well as β-sitosterol (10) as the most qualified compounds to be safe as drugs. The results indicate that C. glauca is an important source of good candidates in new antiplasmodial drug development.

Food habits of 3 myrmecophilous bug species on myrmecophytic Macaranga (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) vary from herbivory to predation

Myrmecophytes have mutualistic relationships with symbiotic ants. Although myrmecophytic Macaranga (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) species are well protected by aggressive Crematogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) ants, some bug species occur on the myrmecophytes. To clarify the associations of these bugs with the plants and the ants, we studied the food habits of 3 bug species, Pilophorus lambirensis Nakatani et Komatsu, 2013 (Hemiptera: Miridae: Phylinae), Phylinae sp. 1, and Arbela sp. 1 (Hemiptera: Nabidae). We conducted field observations in a Bornean rainforest. First, we located these bugs and studied their behavioral responses to the ants on Macaranga species; we then conducted stable isotope analyses. All bugs avoided direct contact with ants, but they occurred only on trees with active ants. Pilophorus lambirensis and Phylinae sp. 1 were most commonly observed on the apical parts of host trees, whereas Arbela sp. 1 was mainly in areas distant from the apical parts where ants were sparse. The stable isotope ratios indicated that Phylinae sp. 1 fed on food bodies, which are nutrient-rich spherical bodies produced by Macaranga trees on the apical parts for ants. Although the main diet of the other 2 species remains unclear, nitrogen isotopic signatures demonstrated that P. lambirensis is herbivorous, whereas Arbela sp. 1 is carnivorous. However, the distant location from ants and its isotopic signatures indicated that Arbela sp. 1 rarely fed on the ants. At least 2 mirid bug species might obtain enemy-free space in addition to the food provided by the myrmecophytes.

Isolation and Anticancer Progression Evaluation of the Chemical Constituents from Bridelia balansae Tutcher

The dichloromethane extract of the roots of Bridelia balansae Tutcher (Phyllanthaceae) was found to show potential anticancer activity against HCT116 colorectal cancer cell. Our bioassay-guided phytochemical investigation of the roots of B. balansae led to the identification of 14 compounds including seven lignans (1-7), three phenylbenzene derivatives (8-10), two flavanone (11-12), and two triterpenoids (13-14). Among them, 4'-demethyl-4-deoxypodophyllotoxin (1) is the first aryltetralin lignan compound identified from this plant species. In addition, the stereochemistry of 1 was validated by X-ray crystallography for the first time, and its distinguished cytotoxic effect on HCT116 cells with an IC50 value at 20 nM was induced via an apoptosis induction mechanism. Compound 1 could also significantly decrease the migration rate of HCT116 cells, indicating its potential application against cancer metastasis. The western blot analysis showed that 1 has the potential to inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis. Treatment of 1 resulted in the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) and p-Akt, while p21 was upregulated. Collectively, the present study on the phytochemical and biological profile of B. balansae has determined the plant as a useful source to produce promising anticancer lead compounds.

Sumatranins A-J: Lignans with Immunosuppressive Activity from Cleistanthus sumatranus

Chemical investigation of the twigs of Cleistanthus sumatranus (Phyllanthaceae) led to the isolation of 10 undescribed lignans, sumatranins A-J (1-10). Compounds 1-4 are unprecedented furopyran lignans characterized by a unique 2,3,3a,9a-tetrahydro-4H-furo[2,3-b]chromene heterotricyclic framework. Compounds 9 and 10 are rare 9'-nor-dibenzylbutane lignans. Structures were established based on analyses of spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallographic data, and experimental ECD spectra. Immunosuppressive assays revealed compounds 3 and 9 displayed moderate inhibitory effects with good selectivity indexes against LPS-induced B lymphocyte proliferation.

Effect of Sauropus androgynus L. Merr. on dengue virus-2: An in vitro and in silico study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sauropus androgynus L. Merr. (Euphorbiaceae) commonly known as "multigreen" and "multivitamin" is consumed as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine to relieve fever.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This in vitro study is aimed to explore the activities of the lipophilic fraction of the leaves of S. androgynus (LFSA) against dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses and malaria (P. falciparum strain 3D7) parasite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The LFSA was analyzed by using GC-FID and GC-MS. The antiviral activity of LFSA was studied using the Vero CCL-81 cell line. The cytotoxicity assay was performed using 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Focus forming unit (FFU), cell-based immunofluorescence (IFA) assays, and quantitative RT-PCR, were used to determine and confirm antiviral activity against DENV and CHIKV. The antiparasitic activity of LFSA was carried out against P. falciparum strain 3D7 grown in fresh O+ human erythrocytes culture.

RESULTS

Twelve compounds were identified in LFSA using GC/MS. The most abundant compound was squalene (36.9%), followed by vitamin E (12.5%) and linolenic acid (10.2%). Significant reduction in DENV titre was observed under pre- and post-infection treatment conditions at a concentration of 31.25 μg/ml, but no anti-malarial and anti-CHIKV activity was observed. The Autodock-Vina-based in-silico docking study revealed that β-sitosterol could form a strong interaction with the DENV E glycoprotein.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that LFSA can inhibit DENV infection and might act as a potent prophylactic/therapeutic agent against DENV-2. In-silico results suggested that β-sitosterol may block the viral entry by inhibiting the fusion process.

Glochodpurnoid B from Glochidion puberum Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Glochidpurnoids A and B (1 and 2), two new coumaroyl or feruloyl oleananes, along with 17 known triterpenoids (3-19) were obtained from the stems and twigs of Glochidion puberum. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analyses, chemical methods, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. All compounds were screened for cytotoxicity against the colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116, and 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, and 17 showed remarkable inhibitory activities (IC₅₀: 0.80-2.99 μM), being more active than the positive control 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The mechanistic study of 2, the most potent compound, showed that it could induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis and improve the sensitivity of HCT-116 cells to 5-FU.

The first high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of Phyllanthaceae (Phyllanthus cochinchinensis) provides insights into flavonoid biosynthesis

We report the genome assembly of P. cochinchinensis, as the first high-quality chromosome-level genome of Phyllanthaceae which is rich in medicinal plants. Phyllanthus cochinchinensis, a member of the Phyllanthaceae, is one of the famous medicinal plants in South China. Here, we report a de novo chromosome-level genome assembly for P. cochinchinensis using a combination of Nanopore and Illumina sequencing technologies. In total, the assembled genome consists of 284.88 Mb genomic sequences with a contig N50 of 10.32 Mb, representing ~ 95.49% of the estimated genome size. By applying Hi-C data, 13 pseudochromosomes of P. cochinchinensis were constructed, covering ~ 99.87% of the assembled sequences. The genome is annotated with 59.12% repetitive sequences and 20,836 protein-coding genes. Whole-genome duplication of P. cochinchinensis is likely shared with Ricinus communis as well as Vitis vinifera. Homologous genes within the flavonoid pathway for P. cochinchinensis were identified and copy numbers and expression level of related genes revealed potential critical genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. This study provides the first whole-genome sequence for the Phyllanthaceae, confirms the evolutionary status of Phyllanthus from the genomic level, and provides foundations for accelerating functional genomic research of species from Phyllanthus.

Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract from the stem bark of Bois Bande (Parinari campestris Aubl.1772) in rats

INTRODUCTION

The bark of Bois Bande (Parinari campestris) is a popular aphrodisiac in the Caribbean that has been traditionally used for many years to restore sexual vitality, increase sperm count, and treat erectile dysfunction, without valid scientific data. Acute and 28-day subacute toxicity studies were conducted to evaluate the safety of the hydroalcoholic extract of P.campestris bark and to find a safe dose for human use in conventional medicine.

METHODS

The acute toxicity study used a single oral dose of P.campestris extract at four separate doses, 5, 50, 300, and 2,000 mg/kg, and was seen for 14 days, while the subacute toxicity study used a daily oral dose of P.campestris extract at 3 different doses, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days.

RESULTS

The LD50 of P.campestris extract was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg in the acute toxicity study. P.campestris extract did not show toxicity at 1000 mg/kg/day in subacute toxicity trial; NOAEL was 1000 mg/kg/day in rats. However, the body weight was increased in males.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, 1000 mg/kg P.campestris extract can be considered safe and non-toxic in males.

The Perfect Storm: Gene Tree Estimation Error, Incomplete Lineage Sorting, and Ancient Gene Flow Explain the Most Recalcitrant Ancient Angiosperm Clade, Malpighiales

The genomic revolution offers renewed hope of resolving rapid radiations in the Tree of Life. The development of the multispecies coalescent model and improved gene tree estimation methods can better accommodate gene tree heterogeneity caused by incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and gene tree estimation error stemming from the short internal branches. However, the relative influence of these factors in species tree inference is not well understood. Using anchored hybrid enrichment, we generated a data set including 423 single-copy loci from 64 taxa representing 39 families to infer the species tree of the flowering plant order Malpighiales. This order includes 9 of the top 10 most unstable nodes in angiosperms, which have been hypothesized to arise from the rapid radiation during the Cretaceous. Here, we show that coalescent-based methods do not resolve the backbone of Malpighiales and concatenation methods yield inconsistent estimations, providing evidence that gene tree heterogeneity is high in this clade. Despite high levels of ILS and gene tree estimation error, our simulations demonstrate that these two factors alone are insufficient to explain the lack of resolution in this order. To explore this further, we examined triplet frequencies among empirical gene trees and discovered some of them deviated significantly from those attributed to ILS and estimation error, suggesting gene flow as an additional and previously unappreciated phenomenon promoting gene tree variation in Malpighiales. Finally, we applied a novel method to quantify the relative contribution of these three primary sources of gene tree heterogeneity and demonstrated that ILS, gene tree estimation error, and gene flow contributed to 10.0$\%$, 34.8$\%$, and 21.4$\%$ of the variation, respectively. Together, our results suggest that a perfect storm of factors likely influence this lack of resolution, and further indicate that recalcitrant phylogenetic relationships like the backbone of Malpighiales may be better represented as phylogenetic networks. Thus, reducing such groups solely to existing models that adhere strictly to bifurcating trees greatly oversimplifies reality, and obscures our ability to more clearly discern the process of evolution. [Coalescent; concatenation; flanking region; hybrid enrichment, introgression; phylogenomics; rapid radiation, triplet frequency.].

Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec.: A medicinal plant for gynecological treatments - A reproductive toxicity assessment in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec is a plant species from the Brazilian Amazon. The barks of this tree are used in folk medicine - mainly as a decoction - for dyslipidemia, uterine infection, fibroids, polycystic ovary, menstrual disorders, as a contraceptive and abortive agent, among others. However, the data available about its developmental toxicity are still insufficient.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive toxicity and teratogenic effects in embryos from zebrafish treated with the hydroethanolic extract from the barks of Endopleura uchi (EEu).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both sexes of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were treated with EEu either through immersion (1.2, 2.5, and 5 mg/L) or orally (75, 200, and 500 mg/kg) over 21 consecutive days. Next, we assessed their fertility and gonads' histopathology; in their embryos were assessed teratogenesis, lethalities, and heart rate during daily observations (24, 48, 72, and 96 hpf).

RESULTS

The phytochemical analysis of EEu through HPLC/MS shows bergenin as the major compounds. After 21 days of treatment were detected minor histopathological changes in parental fishes, such as atretic oocytes, interstitial fibrosis, and decreased the percentage of early vitellogenic oocytes, but without impairing the reproduction of treated animals. However, in the embryos was observed significantly increased frequency of malformation in all the groups treated through immersion, and in the group treated orally with the highest concentration (500 mg/kg).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, EEu caused no adverse effects in the progenitors on both treatments (immersion and oral). However, it was observed that the concentrations 1.2, 2.5, and 5 mg/L (immersion), and the dose 500 mg/kg (oral) caused malformations in the offspring (F1 generation). These results emphasize the need for attention when using preparations from E. uchi, mainly for pregnant women. Further studies are needed to compare its effects with the extract's primary compound (bergenin).

Common St. John's Wort (Malpighiales: Hypericaceae): An Invasive Plant in Maine Wild Blueberry Production and Its Potential for Indirectly Supporting Ecosystem Services

Common St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum L. (Malpighiales: Hypericaceae), is a weed in Maine wild blueberry fields. A survey of its presence and relative density in 55 wild blueberry fields was conducted from 2013 to 2016. The objectives of this study were to determine how widespread it is as a weed in wild blueberry and whether it might indirectly contribute to beneficial ecosystem services for wild blueberry. It was found that St. John's wort occurs in about half (45.5%) of all wild blueberry fields surveyed. The crop cycle (prune vs cropping year) affected its relative abundance, significantly less St. John's wort was found in prune fields. St. John's wort relative abundance in wild blueberry fields was not affected by farming system (conventional vs organic) or landscape surrounding blueberry fields. Geographical distribution modeling was performed using the software Maxent. In Maine, the most likely areas predicted to be infested with St. John's wort were the two major blueberry production regions: Mid-coast and Downeast, Maine. Insects associated with St. John's wort were diverse. This weed appears to be under considerable herbivore pressure, especially hemipterans and Chrysolina spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) beetles that have been released for biological control. Insect predators and parasitoids were abundant and may not only reduce herbivory on St. John's wort but may also provide a valuable ecosystem service in terms of predator spillover, resulting in reduction of wild blueberry insect pests. Bumble bees (Bombus spp., Hymenoptera, Apidae) are the most efficient pollinator of blueberry and were the predominant bee taxa found foraging on the flowers.

Economic Valuation of Bee Pollination Services for Passion Fruit (Malpighiales: Passifloraceae) Cultivation on Smallholding Farms in São Paulo, Brazil, Using the Avoided Cost Method

This paper estimates the economic value of ecosystem services provided by Brazilian native bee, Xylocopa spp. Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apidae), pollination on a scale relevant to individual smallholder farmers that produce yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims). The study areas are located in the vicinity of Pedro de Toledo and Itariri (Sao Paulo State-Brazil), in the Atlantic Forest region. The local economy is based on family farms, small stores, and ecotourism. The value was obtained using the ecological economics Avoided Cost Method, also known as replacement cost. Farms from this region informally hire temporary day laborers to supplement natural pollination with manual pollination of passion fruit flowers, so the cost of contracting temporary laborers was used to estimate the economic value of bee pollination. The value of pollination services was estimated at US$ 2,583.00 per hectare over 2 yr of P. edulis farming. Our estimates based on passion fruit farmer surveys and ecological valuation over 2 yr suggest that manual pollination accounts for 44-48% of production costs and results in a loss of ~58% of profits when wild bee pollination services are not available and manual pollination is required. We suggest that smallholder farmers follow the suggestions of previous studies and conserve adequate forest habitat for bee nesting and foraging, plan pesticide use around flowering and pollination, and supplement bee populations to maximize the benefit of the pollination ecosystem service and profits.