Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is cultivated in more than 30 countries because of its economic and nutritional importance. Despite having a significant agronomic role, little is known about the genetic and phenotypic diversity of cashew populations in Brazil. Thus, we aimed to characterize and estimate the diversity among cashew genotypes based on agro-morphological and physicochemical traits, with an objective of selection of varieties for breeding programmes. Forty-three cashew trees were evaluated based on 13 morphological traits and three physicochemical traits. A wide range of variations was recorded for the phenotypic characteristics, including total weight, fruit weight, pseudofruit length, kernel weight and total acidity, suggesting the existence of considerable variations for potential use in breeding programmes. Principal component analysis explained 79.74% of the total variation in the first two principal axes. The dendrogram based on the UPGMA method classified the 43 genotypes into six groups. Groups IV and VI were the most dissimilar, with emphasis on the genotypes 28 and 43, which were observed to be most divergent based on the Euclidean distance matrix (3.054). This makes it possible to select genotypes for hybridization with F1 generation gains. Based on cluster analysis and comparison of means among the six groups, promising genotypes were identified with superior traits, such as fruit weight, pseudofruit length, kernel weight and total acidity. This suggests the importance of phenotypic characterization for cashew breeding programmes. In addition, the observed vast diversity is an important genetic basis for improving cashew yield in northeastern Brazil.

Information in the literature and unpublished results of the authors on Dobinea were used to determine the kind [class(es)] of seed (true seed + endocarp) dormancy and of non-dormancy of genera in all five tribes of Anacardiaceae, and the results were examined in relation to the taxonomic position and endocarp anatomy within the family. Reports of both seed germination and endocarp anatomy were found for 15 genera in tribe Spondiadeae, 6 in tribe Anacardieae, 30 in tribe Rhoeae, 3 in tribe Semecarpeae and 1 in tribe Dobineeae. In Spondiadeae (Spondias-type endocarp), Anacardieae, Semecarpeae and Dobineeae (Anacardium-type endocarp), seeds are either non-dormant (ND) or have physiological dormancy (PD). In Rhoeae (Anacardium-type Rhoeae Groups A, B, C and D endocarps), on the other hand, seeds are ND or have physical dormancy (PY), PD or PY + PD. PY/PY + PD in this tribe seems to be restricted (or nearly so) to Rhus s.s. and closely related genera (e.g. Cotinus, Malosma and Toxicodendron) with an Anacardium-type Rhoeae Group A endocarp. However, seeds of other genera (e.g. Astronium and Schinus) with this type of endocarp and those with Rhoeae Group B (e.g. Pistacia), Group C (e.g. Pentaspadon) and Group D (e.g. Heeria) endocarps are either ND or have PD. The fossil fruit record strongly suggests that present-day relationships between diaspore dormancy (or non-dormancy), endocarp structure and taxonomic position within Anacardiaceae extend back to at least the Palaeogene.

Astronium concinnum Schott ex Spreng. (Anacardiaceae) is a species used in civil construction, naval, luxury furniture, in addition to the potential for recovery and restoration of habitats. The objective of this work was to characterize the diversity and genetic structure of the A. concinnum in the Conservation Units, National Forest of Pacotuba and Private Natural Heritage Reserve of Cafundó, located in the south of the state of Espírito Santo. Eight ISSR primers were used, which produced 121 DNA fragments and 73.55% polymorphism. In the analysis of genetic dissimilarity, seven distinct groups were identified, with the majority of individuals (from both Conservation Units) being brought together into a single group. The genetic diversity of Nei (H*) and the Shannon index (I*), provided values for the species of 0.312 and 0.473, respectively, indicating the genetic diversity conserved in the species and its potential use for collecting genetically diversified seeds. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that most of the diversity (92.54%) is distributed within populations and the value of gene flow (Nm = 10.629) indicates the high rate of genetic exchange between Conservation Units. The results of the genetic structuring indicated the division of individuals into three genetic groups (K = 3), however, it was possible to observe a mixture of genetic material with the sharing of alleles between the three groups. The results indicate that A. concinnum trees maintain genetic diversity for their maintenance. In addition, the potential of the analysed individuals was certified as future matrixes for seed collection.

The species diversity of tephritid fruit flies in major mango-growing regions in Uganda was monitored over a 2-year period (2010–2012) using fruit bait and lure traps. A total of 368,332 specimens belonging to 10 species in four genera (Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Trirhithrum and Dacus) were collected. Of these, 98.9% belonged to Bactrocera invadens, while the second and third most common species were Dacus bivittatus (0.4%) and Ceratitis anonae (0.3%), respectively. Significant differences in the evenness and diversity of fruit fly species were noted across the regions. Fruit fly community structure was significantly different across the three regions. The Lake Victoria Crescent and Mbale Farmlands harboured significantly more D. ciliatus, T. coffeae, D. bivittatus and B. cucurbitae in contrast to the Northern Moist Farmlands and the Western Medium High Farmlands. Ceratitis rosa contributed the highest difference in regional structure, followed by C. fasciventris and C. cosyra. Rank abundance curves depicted a geometric series distribution of the species composition in the three regions, confirming a scenario of competitive displacement of native fruit fly species by B. invadens. A comprehensive and sustainable response strategy to B. invadens and other fruit flies needs to be urgently devised to protect the horticulture industry in Uganda.

Introduction. L’anacardier (Anacardium occidentale L.) est surtout cultivé pour la production de l’amande ou noix de cajou mais aussi pour le pseudofruit. Les insectes nuisibles à cette plante ont été étudiés au Pérou où celui-ci est consommé. Matériel et méthodes. Des prélèvements ont été réalisés de 1998 à 2005 dans différentes localités du département de Loreto en Amazonie péruvienne afin d’identifier les insectes ravageurs de l’anarcadier. Des observations de terrain et des élevages au laboratoire ont permis de caractériser leurs dégâts et des éléments de la bio-écologie pour chacun de ces insectes. Résultats. Sept espèces d’insectes ont été identifiées, qui commettent des dommages notables : cinq espèces s’attaquent au pseudofruit : Acanthocephala parensis (Hemiptera : Coreidae), Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera : Tephritidae), Conotrachelus sp. (Coleoptera : Curculionidae), Trigona amalthea et T. amazonensis (Hymenoptera : Apidae). L’espèce Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera : Aphididae) infeste l’inflorescence ainsi que le fruit. Les larves de Macrocopturus cf. tristis (Coleoptera : Curculionidae) se développent dans les bourgeons et les jeunes rameaux. Trois espèces parmi celles qui ont été identifiées sont de nouveaux ravageurs qui n’avaient pas été encore signalés. Sept espèces d’importance secondaire ont également été observées. Conclusion. Compte-tenu du potentiel que représente la production de pomme cajou et du développement possible de la culture de l’anacardier en Amazonie péruvienne, une étude plus approfondie des insectes nuisibles à cette production est souhaitable.

Introduction. Mature-green Golden apples (Spondias cytherea Sonnerat) are used in the French West Indies for the preparation of a nectar. With the aim of improving the fruit processing conditions for a better quality of this beverage, morphological and compositional characteristics of the mature-green fruits were determined. Materials and methods. Mature-green fruits were harvested in Martinique (French West Indies) and characterised: diameter, length, mass, and colour were determined; pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, sugars, proteins, starch, fibre, vitamin C, phenols and green pigments were measured. Results and discussion. Average fruit length, diameter and weight were 71 mm, 54 mm and 116.4 g, respectively. With a low pH (2.6) and a high titratable acidity (1.3 g citric acid Eq·100 g–1 fresh material), mature-green Golden apple is an acidic fruit comparable to the lemon. The fruit is rich in vitamin C (52.0 mg·100 g–1), phenols (349.5 mg gallic acid Eq·100 g–1) and starch (7.1 g·100 g–1). The pale green colour of the pulp is due to pheophytins a and b. Conclusion. Our study provided a detailed analysis of mature-green Golden apples, which will be taken into account for the improvement of nectar processing conditions.