Chaca

Abstract: 9 CHILEAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 76(1) JANUARY-MARCH 2016 4 OCTOBER DECEMBER 2016 In recent years, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit has gained popularity due to its functional properties. In this study, the effects of maturity on the chemical composition (pH, acidity and total soluble solids), total phenolic contents, anthocyanin contents and antioxidant capacities of pomegranate juices from three varieties (Wonderful, Chaca and Codpa) were assessed. The fruits were collected manually at three maturity stages (M1: unripe, M2: medium ripe, and M3: full ripe) from the Region de Coquimbo (Chile). Pomegranate juice was obtained from squeezed arils of fresh fruit. Results showed that chemical composition did not significantly differ according to the variety or maturity stage. Phenolic contents decreased during the final stage (M3) for ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Codpa’ (8% and 29%, respectively, from M2). Six main anthocyanin compounds (cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside, pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, and pelargonidin 3-glucoside) were detected in the three varieties. Significant differences in the anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity were determined among different varieties and maturity stages. ‘Codpa’ pomegranate juice can be considered a good potential source of anthocyanin compounds (total content 715 mg L) with a high antioxidant capacity (15.83 mmol Trolox L); the highest values for both parameters were observed in juice from fruits collected at the M2 stage. Principal component analysis allowed for differentiation of the pomegranate juices according to variety but not according to maturity stage.

Abstract: A survey of anthophagous lepidopteran larvae associated with Acacia macracantha Willd. (Fabaceae) was made in two coastal valleys from northern Chile: Azapa and Chaca. Eight species, distributed in eight genera and five families, were recorded in the areas. Species composition was the same for both localities. However, assemblage abundance and species abundance were different between the valleys.

Abstract: The present study is concerned with the expression and localization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, nNOS, eNOS and iNOS in the epidermis and the gill epithelium of Chaca chaca by means of immunohistochemical techniques. nNOS immunoreactivity was observed in the outer layer epithelial cells of the epidermis, outer epithelium of gill filaments at their distal regions and in between the secondary lamellae. iNOS positive cells were observed at intervals in the epidermis from basal layer to superficial layer, in outer layers of epithelium of the gill filament and in epithelium of the secondary lamellae. The expression of eNOS is similar to that of iNOS in the gills. In addition, NOS activity was also observed in the taste buds in the epidermis. The expression of different NOS isoforms in C. chaca are associated to increase the adaptability and survivability of the fish in hypoxic condition, help in defence and ion regulation and sensory functions. The study could be useful to understand the expression of NOS isoforms in different fish tissues and their diverse role in relation to the physiology of the fish.

Abstract: The presence of Stigmella epicosma (Meyrick) is reported for the first time from two coastal valleys from northern Chile: Azapa and Chaca. Adults examined were reared from leafminer larvae on Trixis cacalioides (Asteraceae), the first host plant known for S. epicosma.