Production of cytotoxic compounds in dedifferentiated cells of L. (Euphorbiaceae).

This study addresses the culture as an alternative to obtain compounds with cytotoxic activity from the medicinal plant (Euphorbiaceae). We determined the presence of cytotoxic compounds in both whole plants and dedifferentiated cells. We evaluated the effect of auxin, cytokinins and light on callus induction in cotyledon explants.

Cacao alkaloids and polyphenols: Mechanisms that regulate their biosynthesis and its im- plications on the taste and aroma.

The flavor and aroma of cacao (Theobroma cacao) beans were the main reasons that promoted its domestication and food-use by pre-Columbian peoples of Mesoamerica. Polyphenols and alkaloids are compounds that directly affect the flavor of the cocoa beans and indirectly on the flavor precursors. The alkaloids are associated with bitterness; its concentration is related to the cultivar and its modifying through the processing.

Reproductive biology of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas in its center of origin.

In this work, we studied the main characteristics of flowering, reproductive system and diversity of pollinators for the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas (L.) in a site of tropical southeastern Mexico, within its center of origin. The plants were monoecious with inflorescences of unisexual flowers.

Ex vitro survival and early growth of Alpinia purpurata plantlets inoculated with Azotobacter and Azospirillum .

The survival rate, shoot and root dry mass, shout number, plant growth, stem height and diameter, number of leaves and root length were measured in micropropagated plantlets of Alpinia purpurata (Red ginger) inoculated with Azospirillum sp. 11B and Azotobacter sp. Pachaz 008 at 10(7), 10(8) and 10(9) cells cm(-3) using a complete randomized experimental design.