Guazuma crinita, a fast-growing timber tree species, was chosen for domestication in the Peruvian Amazon because it can be harvested at an early age and it contributes to the livelihood of local farmers. Although it is in an early stage of domestication, we do not know the impact of the domestication process on its genetic resources. Amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) fingerprints were used to estimate the genetic diversity of G. crinita populations in different stages of domestication. Our objectives were (i) to estimate the level of genetic diversity in G. crinita using AFLP markers, (ii) to describe how the genetic diversity is distributed within and among populations and provenances, and (iii) to assess the genetic diversity in naturally regenerated, cultivated and semi-domesticated populations. We generated fingerprints for 58 leaf samples representing eight provenances an...

The tree composition in cocoa agroforestry systems (CAFS) in Guatemala is valued for providing a number of ecosystem services. Despite the importance of the trees in these systems, little is known about the tree species richness and its contribution to the conservation of diversity. We studied the botanical composition of CAFS of different ages in the Alta Verapaz department of Guatemala. In total, 70 survey plots with a size of 2500 m2 were established. An inventory was carried out in each sampling unit, recording the tree species present and measuring the diameter at breast height (DBH 1.30 m) and the height of each tree. The Importance Value Index (IVI) was calculated and species richness and the similarity between sites were evaluated. A total of 2519 trees, belonging to 59 species and 34 families were identified. The species with the highest IVI was Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth. ...

Among 23 extracts of medicinal and edible plants tested, Mauritia flexuosa L.f., Arecaceae, showed significant antioxidant ability (DPPH and ORAC = 1062.9 and 645.9 ± 51.4 μg TE/mg extract, respectively), while Annona montana Macfad., Annonaceae, demonstrated the most promising anti-proliferative effect (IC50 for Hep-G2 and HT-29 = 2.7 and 9.0 μg/ml, respectively). However, combinatory antioxidant/anti-proliferative effect was only detected in Oenocarpus bataua Mart., Arecaceae (DPPH = 903.8 and ORAC = 1024 μg TE/mg extract; IC50 for Hep-G2 and HT-29 at 102.6 and 38.8 μg/ml, respectively) and Inga edulis Mart., Fabaceae (DPPH = 337.0 and ORAC = 795.7 μg TE/mg extract; IC50 for Hep-G2 and HT-29 at 36.3 and 57.9 μg/ml, respectively). Phenolic content was positively correlated with antioxidant potential, however not with anti-proliferative effect. None of these extracts possessed tox...