INFLUENCE OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE ON OIL FROM THE SEEDS OF 5 WOOD TREE SPECIES

In seeds of Alnus firmifolia Ferm. (Betulaceae), Abies religiosa (HBK) Schl. et Cham. (Pinaceae), Cedrela odorala L. (Meliaceae), Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae) and Cordia eleagnoides DC (Boraginaceae) oil was analyzed, in order to observe the influence of 3-month storage of the seeds at room temperature and at 5 degrees C. During this period the amount of oil in the seeds (except in A. religiosa) decreased, slightly more in the samples stored at room temperature. The fatty acid composition of the oil was not altered by storage, except in Alnus firmifolia, where a decrease of linoleic acid and an increase of oleic acid was observed

Comparative histological and histochemical study of the Jalapa root

A comparative histological and histochemical study was carried out in samples of ''Jalapa root'' complex which includes three species of lpomoea, I. purga (Wenderoth) Hayne, I. orizabensis (Pelletan) Steud, and I. jalapa (L) Pursh. Stains with PAS, Red Oil, Naphthol Blue Black and IKI, were performed with samples of roots of this complex. The main histological differences between the three species were found in the cork, in the form, distribution and abundance of the laticifers. The size, number and distribution of the xylem, phloem and fibers, also were important characteristics of each species as well as the presence of brachysclereids and the abundance of druses. The special stains helped to identify some cells or cell structures

Taxonomic markers of the family Convolvulaceae in four species of Cuscuta

Chromatographic profiles of ergoline alkaloids, glycoresins and kauranoic glucosides, considered as taxonomic markers of the Convolvulaceae, were determined in Cuscuta americana L., C. arvensis Beyrich, C. corymbosa Ruiz y Pavon var. stylosa Engelm. & C. tinctoria Mart. In the 4 species markers of the three groups of compounds mere found. These results support the idea of considering Cuscuta as a genus of the family Convolvulaceae and not as a family by itself