A taxonomic revision of Fockea Endl. (Asclepiadaceae) is presented in which 5 species are recognised. Descriptions, illustrations and a key to the species are provided. F. comaru (E. Mey.)N.E.Br. is presented sensu lato, and because of its earlier publication in 1838 takes priority over F. angustifolia K. Schum. which was described in 1893. Historical and ecological notes on the genus are given and phylogenetic conclusions drawn. / KMBT_363 / Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in

nÃo hà / EvidÃncias foram acumuladas sustentando o papel de lÃtex em proteger as plantas contra diferentes agressores, porÃm à sabido que plantas laticÃferas sÃo fortemente atacados pela lagarta monarca, incluindo Calotropis procera. O presente estudo descreve a atividade proteolÃtica relacionada com a herbivoria do quinto estÃgio da monarca, Dannaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Danaidae). Extratos intestinais da monarca digeriram azocaseÃna, BANA e BApNA. A atividade proteolÃtica sobre azocaseÃna foi inibida pro E-64 e IAA, mas foi fortemente inibida por PMSF e Leupeptina inibidores de proteases serÃnicas. Extrato intestinal digeriu rapidamente as proteÃnas do lÃtex C. procera. No entanto, nÃo digeriu proteÃnas do lÃtex de Cryptostegia grandiflora e apenas uma banda protÃica do lÃtex de Plumeria rubra foi digerida, duas espÃcies livres de herbivoria monarca. Larvas alimentadas com dieta artificial contendo proteÃnas do lÃtex de C. procera nÃo foram afetadas e a taxa de crescimento foi ligeiramente melhor em relaÃÃo ao controle. Os perfis protÃicos dos fluidos laticÃferos extraÃdos de plantas saudÃveis e atacadas apresentaram diferenÃas visÃveis, com o aumento da detecÃÃo de uma proteÃna identificada como glicosÃdeo hidrolase. Danos mecÃnicos nas plantas nÃo foram suficientes para causar esta resposta. As atividades proteolÃtica, quitinolÃtica, de inibiÃÃo de protease e de enzimas antioxidantes nÃo foram alteradas em plantas atacadas pela monarca ou submetidas a danos mecÃnicos. Resultados obtidos neste trabalho fornecem informaÃÃes interessantes sobre a resistÃncia de monarca alimentadas com Calotropis procera e sugerem que a capacidade enzimas proteolÃticas da monarca de prontamente digerir proteÃnas do lÃtex pode, pelo menos em parte, explicar como os insetos superam as proteÃnas de defesa do lÃtex. / Evidence has been accumulated supporting the role of latex in protecting plants against different aggressors; however it is known that milkweeds are heavily attacked by monarch butterfly, including Calotropis procera. The present study describes the proteolytic activity related to the herbivory of 5th instars of the monarch butterfly, Dannaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Danaidae) fed on diets containing latex proteins, and the proteolytic activity of larvae gut extract on latex proteins. Gut extracts of monarch digested azocasein, BANA and BApNA. The proteolytic activity on azocasein was inhibited by cysteine protease inhibitors such as E-64 and iodoacetamide but it was stronger inhibited by PMSF and leupeptin, serine proteases inhibitors. Gut extracts of monarch digested latex proteins promptly. However, gut extracts did not digest latex proteins from Cryptostegia grandiflora and only barely digested laticifer proteins from Plumeria rubra, two species free of monarch herbivory. Larvae fed on artificial diets containing latex proteins were not affected and growth rate was slightly better compared to control. The protein profile of latex proteins extracted of healthy and attacked plants exhibited visible differences with increasing detection of a protein identified as glycoside hydrolase in latex of attacked plants. The proteolytic, chitinolytc, inhibition protease and anti-oxidative activities not were altered in attacked or injured plants. Results present here give interesting information on resistance of monarch fed on Calotropis procera and suggest that the ability of monarch proteolytic enzymes to promptly digest latex proteins can at least in part explain how the insect overcomes defensive proteins of latex.

FREITAS, C. D. T. Proteínas do látex de Calotropis procera (Ait.)R.Br. e seus efeitos sobre pragas agrícolas. 2006. 118 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Bioquímica) - Centro de Ciências, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2006. / Submitted by Francisco Lacerda (lacerda@ufc.br) on 2014-11-24T19:40:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_cdtfreitas.pdf: 775346 bytes, checksum: 9b054b28e167e8aa04f9d5d7aed273a8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by José Jairo Viana de Sousa(jairo@ufc.br) on 2015-01-15T21:19:39Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_cdtfreitas.pdf: 775346 bytes, checksum: 9b054b28e167e8aa04f9d5d7aed273a8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-15T21:19:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_cdtfreitas.pdf: 775346 bytes, checksum: 9b054b28e167e8aa04f9d5d7aed273a8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / The plant Calotropis procera belonging to Asclepiadaceae is found around a vast extension of the Northeast from Brazil. It is a lactifers plant and its endogenous production of latex is admirable. Despite continuous reports appearing in the literature give mention to the medicinal properties of different parts of the plant, including the latex, there is not scientific approaches comprising biochemical of functional aspects of the latex from C. procera. The aims this work was determine the presence of endogenous enzymatic activities and inhibitory activity against different proteases and a-amylase, to evaluate insecticidal properties against different crop pests and to correlate enzymatic content and insecticidal action with possible role of the latex in protecting the plant to insect pathogens. The major soluble protein fraction from the latex was prepared following the protocol previously defined that includes centrifugations and dialysis steps. The protein fraction devoided of rubber and low molecular mass molecules was assayed to the presence of endogenous proteolytic activities as well as a-amylase activity. Even, the presence of inhibitor of such activities was investigated. Additionally the latex proteins were submitted to proteolysis by digestive content of different insects. Bioassays base on artificial diets with different contents of native, pronase digested or heated treated (98 °C) latex proteins were performed against six insects belonging to 4 different orders. Increment in bodyweight of larvae, time of development and percentage of survive were the parameters considered to analyze detrimental effects of latex proteins upon insects. The effect of latex proteins upon Callosbruchus maculatus insects by continuous exposure until F-6 generation was reached was performed. It was found strong endogenous proteolytic activity and latex proteins were resistent to proteolysis by insect digestive extracts. In addition chitinolytic activity was also detected. The latex exhibited insecticidal activity against different insect groups and this effect may be correlated to the presence of a cysteine protease inhibitor associated to its proteolytic properties and chitinolytic activity. It is suggested that the protein fraction of the latex from Calotropis procera plays a relevant role in defending the plant against pathogens. / A planta Calotropis procera pertencente à família Asclepiadaceae é encontrada em vasta extensão do Nordeste Brasileiro. É uma planta laticífera e sua produção endógena de látex é extraordinária. Embora haja na literatura científica diversas publicações que relatam o potencial medicinal de diversas partes da planta, principalmente de seu látex, não há ainda uma abordagem bioquímica e funcional de seu fluido laticífero. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida no sentido de proceder a um estudo bioquímico parcial de atividades endógenas da fração protéica majoritária do látex e de avaliar seus efeitos inseticidas sobre diferentes modelos de pragas agrícolas. A fração protéica majoritária do látex foi preparada a partir de um protocolo previamente desenvolvido no laboratório em que são envolvidas etapas de centrifugação e diálise. A fração protéica isenta de borracha e de moléculas de baixa massa molecular foi testada para atividades enzimáticas endógenas proteolíticas, quitinásicas e a-amilásica e atividades inibitórias para proteases e a-amilase. Ensaios enzimáticos de digestão das proteínas do látex por extratos digestivos de insetos foram também realizados. Bioensaios utilizando-se dietas artificiais contendo diferentes proporções das proteínas do látex íntegras, digeridas por pronase ou aquecidas a 98 °C foram realizados com seis insetos pertencentes a quatro ordens. Nos bioensaios foram avaliados parâmetros tais como desenvolvimento, sobrevivência, tempo de emergência dos indivíduos além de ser avaliado o efeito cumulativo de proteínas do látex na dieta por sucessivas gerações. Na fração protéica do látex foram encontradas atividades proteolíticas do tipo cisteínica e serínica, além de atividade quitinolítica. Não foi detectada atividade a-amilásica. Soluções de proteínas do látex não exibiram atividade inibitória do tipo a-amilásica e tripsínica ou quimiotripsínica. Após tratamento térmico, proteínas do látex ainda solúveis foram capazes de inibir a atividade da papaína. Posteriormente esta atividade inibitória foi capaz de inibir as atividades proteolíticas de Callosobruchus maculatus e Dysdercus peruvianus. As proteínas do látex foram inseticidas para C. maculatus, Zabrotes subfasciatus, Anticarsia gemmatalis e Ceratitis capitata enquanto que não foram para Spodoptera frugiperda e D. peruvianus. Não houve efeito deletério acumulativo em insetos submetidos a uma dieta contendo proteínas do látex durante seis gerações. Quando digeridas por pronase e aquecidas por 30 min a 98 °C, a ação inseticida das proteínas do látex ainda foi mantida sobre o C. maculatus. As proteínas do látex foram completamente resistentes à proteólise por enzimas digestivas de Dysdercus peruvianus e Callosobruchus maculatus. Entretanto, a ação proteolítica endógena do látex promoveu a proteólise do extrato enzimático de C. maculatus embora isto não tenha ocorrido no extrato intestinal de D. peruvianus. O látex de C. procera apresenta forte atividade proteolítica e resistência à proteólise por enzimas digestivas de insetos. Atividade quitinolítica foi também observada. O látex possui atividade inseticida para diferentes pragas agrícolas e esta atividade parece estar associada à presença de um inibidor de atividade proteolítica do tipo cisteínica, além da presença de quitinases e elevada atividade proteolítica endógena. Assim, a fração protéica do látex pode ser considera como parte constituinte da defesa da planta contra insetos.

This study extends an earlier M.Sc. research project on the narrow-leaved species of the genus Asclepias L. (30 species) to cover the entire subtribe Asclepiadinae sensu K. Schum. in southern Africa- (182 species in 23 genera). Two genera (Eustegia R. Br. and Pentarrhinum E. Mey.) are revised and then removed from this tribe. The remaining 177 species and 21 genera form the focus of this thesis, whose principal objectives are to reevaluate the taxonomic and evolutionary significance of various macro, micro and chemical characters and then use them to produce a classification that, more closely, reflects the overall similarity and phylogeny of the taxa involved. Species and genera are recircumscribed based on the wealth of data that has come to light since the subtribe was last revised by N.E. Brown (1907-1908) some 90 years ago. This process was supplemented by extensive field work, observations on pollination and reproductive biology, ecology, biogeography, conservation and ethnobotany. The majority of this thesis consists of a compilation of 17 papers, 12 of these published and most, but not all, of the remainder in preparation for press. Two of these papers form the bulk of the taxonomy. The first deals with what was the genus Asclepias in southern Africa. The genus is now believed to be confined to the Americas. The • Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. southern African species have diverse origins and are partitioned into 7 genera, one of them (Gomphocarpus R. Br.) resurrected, two of them (Aidomene Stopp and Aspidonepsis Nicholas & Goyder) expanded and four of them (Paulforstera, Sigridia, Bruynsia and Pachyacris) described as new. Gomphocarpus is divided into two subgenera and Aidomene into four subgenera. Three new species are also described. The second paper investigates the bulk of most of the remaining genera. Kanahia R. Br., Cordylogyne E. Mey. and Fanninia Harv. remain as is. Xysmalobium R. Br., previously a genus of 19 species in southern Africa, is reduced to three species in two subgenera. Trichocodon is segregated off from Pachycarpus E. Mey. as a new genus. While two species, previously placed in Xysmalobium, are added to Pachycarpus, but placed in the new subgenus Parapodiopsis. Parapodium E. Mey. is reduced from three to two species and Periglossum Decne. is reduced from five to three species, one of them newly described. Woodia Schltr. and Stenostelma Schltr. are both considerably expanded, mainly with species previously housed in Xysmalobium), and the former divided into two subgenera. The third paper briefly looks at the Schizoglossum E. Mey., Miraglossum Kupicha and Aspidoglossum E. Mey. Some changes are suggested but, as further work is needed, none are formalised. As a corollary to the taxonomy, secondary metabolite profiles of 38 species and 17 genera were done using Thin layer Chromatography. The results sometimes confirmed morphological patterns and sometimes were at odds with them. A trend from simple profiles to more complex profiles seems to echo the suspected phylogeny of the genera within this sub tribe. Some species and genera have greater chemical diversity than others and secondary metabolites are shown to vary considerably in different parts of a single plant. As a supplement to the above work or because they are cited elsewhere in the dissertation, published papers dealing with floral structure, the asclepiadaceous work of Rudolf Schlechter, as well as miscellaneous works in the tribe Stapelieae, are also given. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1999.

PEREIRA, D. A. Aspectos bioquímicos da herbivoria de Danaus plexippus (L.) em folhas de Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. 2010. 82 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Bioquímica) - Centro de Ciências, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2010. / Submitted by Francisco Lacerda (lacerda@ufc.br) on 2014-11-25T17:37:00Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_dapereira.pdf: 3103515 bytes, checksum: 058f87cb1a6e5a889c29b2143f22ca2c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by José Jairo Viana de Sousa(jairo@ufc.br) on 2015-01-15T18:14:54Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_dapereira.pdf: 3103515 bytes, checksum: 058f87cb1a6e5a889c29b2143f22ca2c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-15T18:14:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2010_dis_dapereira.pdf: 3103515 bytes, checksum: 058f87cb1a6e5a889c29b2143f22ca2c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Evidence has been accumulated supporting the role of latex in protecting plants against different aggressors; however it is known that milkweeds are heavily attacked by monarch butterfly, including Calotropis procera. The present study describes the proteolytic activity related to the herbivory of 5th instars of the monarch butterfly, Dannaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Danaidae) fed on diets containing latex proteins, and the proteolytic activity of larvae gut extract on latex proteins. Gut extracts of monarch digested azocasein, BANA and BApNA. The proteolytic activity on azocasein was inhibited by cysteine protease inhibitors such as E-64 and iodoacetamide but it was stronger inhibited by PMSF and leupeptin, serine proteases inhibitors. Gut extracts of monarch digested latex proteins promptly. However, gut extracts did not digest latex proteins from Cryptostegia grandiflora and only barely digested laticifer proteins from Plumeria rubra, two species free of monarch herbivory. Larvae fed on artificial diets containing latex proteins were not affected and growth rate was slightly better compared to control. The protein profile of latex proteins extracted of healthy and attacked plants exhibited visible differences with increasing detection of a protein identified as glycoside hydrolase in latex of attacked plants. The proteolytic, chitinolytc, inhibition protease and anti-oxidative activities not were altered in attacked or injured plants. Results present here give interesting information on resistance of monarch fed on Calotropis procera and suggest that the ability of monarch proteolytic enzymes to promptly digest latex proteins can at least in part explain how the insect overcomes defensive proteins of latex. / Evidências foram acumuladas sustentando o papel de látex em proteger as plantas contra diferentes agressores, porém é sabido que plantas laticíferas são fortemente atacados pela lagarta monarca, incluindo Calotropis procera. O presente estudo descreve a atividade proteolítica relacionada com a herbivoria do quinto estágio da monarca, Dannaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Danaidae). Extratos intestinais da monarca digeriram azocaseína, BANA e BApNA. A atividade proteolítica sobre azocaseína foi inibida pro E-64 e IAA, mas foi fortemente inibida por PMSF e Leupeptina inibidores de proteases serínicas. Extrato intestinal digeriu rapidamente as proteínas do látex C. procera. No entanto, não digeriu proteínas do látex de Cryptostegia grandiflora e apenas uma banda protéica do látex de Plumeria rubra foi digerida, duas espécies livres de herbivoria monarca. Larvas alimentadas com dieta artificial contendo proteínas do látex de C. procera não foram afetadas e a taxa de crescimento foi ligeiramente melhor em relação ao controle. Os perfis protéicos dos fluidos laticíferos extraídos de plantas saudáveis e atacadas apresentaram diferenças visíveis, com o aumento da detecção de uma proteína identificada como glicosídeo hidrolase. Danos mecânicos nas plantas não foram suficientes para causar esta resposta. As atividades proteolítica, quitinolítica, de inibição de protease e de enzimas antioxidantes não foram alteradas em plantas atacadas pela monarca ou submetidas a danos mecânicos. Resultados obtidos neste trabalho fornecem informações interessantes sobre a resistência de monarca alimentadas com Calotropis procera e sugerem que a capacidade enzimas proteolíticas da monarca de prontamente digerir proteínas do látex pode, pelo menos em parte, explicar como os insetos superam as proteínas de defesa do látex.

Thesis (M.S.)--Georgia State University, 2008. / Title from file title page. Keith Pascoe, committee chair; Alfons Baumstark, Jerry Smith, Davon Kennedy, committee members. Electronic text (46 p. : ill. (some col.)) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed July 8, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 45-46).

The relationship between leaf architecture, vein anatomy and phloem ultrastructure, and that of possible routes from mesophyll cells to phloem and potential phloem loading method was investigated using species adapted to the southern African climate. The research was based on the hypothesis of Gamaiei and Van Bel, using nothern hemisphere species only (Gamalei 1985a, b, 1989, 1991, VanBeletal. 1988, Van Bel 1992, 1994, 1996, Van Bel & Gamalei 1991, 1992, Gamalei et al. 1992, 1994, 1996, Van Bel 1992a-c, 1993a, b, 1996). The thesis commenced with a survey ofleafarchitecture of the Ranunculaceae, Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae. Anatomical and ultrastructural studies followed. Leaf architecture was described according to Hickey (1973). Within the Ranuncuiaceae, leaf architecture was found to be marginally actinodromous. Venation pattern consisted of a widely spaced reticulum of delicate veins, especially in Ranunculus. Leaf architecture of the Apocynaceae was described as pinnate, camptodromous and brochidodromous. The Asclepiadaceae showed less uniformity in terms of leaf architecture, being pinnate and camptodromous, with mostly brochidodromous and, unexpectedly, eucamptodromous patterns of secondary venation. A predominantly common leaf architecture supported the move to amalgamate the two families. As the less advanced eucamptodromous arrangement could represent a more primitive branch of this huge family, the phylogenetic classification of the new amalgamated family is eagerly awaited for discussion. Allocation of vein order allowed comparisons between species and families to be drawn. Reticulum density and vein order anatomy was used to indicate potential routes from mesophyll to phloem. A definite contrast was obvious between the loose arrangement of mesophyll and veins in the mesic Ranunculus, and the close mesophyll and dense venation of the xeric apocynate and asclepiad species, and was related to habitat. Ultrastructural characteristics of companion cells, together with plasmodesmatal abundance, were considered especially important for the determination of minor vein configuration. Descriptions of plasmodesmatal distribution did not consider functional status. In this thesis, vein structure and ultrastructure were considered in relation to phloem loading, not as a demonstration thereof. All three families were designated minor vein configuration type 2a. Two interesting examples that did not adhere to the familial norm, viz. few plasmodesmata and normal companion cells, occurred in the Asclepiadaceae. Secamone alpinii had abundant aggregated plasmodesmata, forming a potential symplasmic continuum from mesophyll to companion cells. The question of plasmodesmatal functionality remained open. Ceropegia carnosa showed folding of the companion cell membrane, but no accompanying wall ingrowths. The folds were suggested to increase surface area for apoplasmic phloem loading in the noted absence of plasmodesmata. Loading routes and methods suggested were based on anatomical and ultrastructural evidence only. Whilst these results were supported by published data for other species of these families, the prediction of the Gamalei and Van Bel hypothesis did not hold true. The relatively primitive Ranunculaceae were expected to have the least advanced type 1 minor vein configuration, with abundance plasmodesmata providing a symplasmic phloem loading pathway. The relatively advanced Apocynaceae and Asc1epiadaceae were predicted to have the most progressive minor vein configuration, type 2b, with specialised transfer cells to maximise apoplasrnic uptake. As families with type 2a minor vein configurations, the Ranunculaceae were more advanced than expected and the Apocynaceae and Asc1epiadaceae less so.

Este trabalho trata das Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae) do Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra. O Parque é a segunda maior unidade de conservação do Estado de Minas Gerais, situa-se entre as coordenadas 20°00''-20°30''S e 46°15''-47°00''W e tem 71.525 ha. As cotas altimétricas variam entre 900 e 1200 m, atingindo um máximo de 1496 m. Dentre a formações vegetais predomina o cerrado s.l., seguido do campo rupestre, e podem ser encontradas florestas mesofíticas ao longo dos cursos d''água. A subfamília Asclepiadoideae é cosmopolita, principalmente tropical. No Brasil ocorrem ca. de 38 gêneros e 492 espécies. Habitam preferencialmente áreas de vegetação aberta. No Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra ocorrem nove gêneros e 24 espécies, sendo quatro inéditas para a ciência: Barjonia erecta (Vell.) K. Schum., B. aff. laxa Malme, Blepharodon ampliflorum E. Fourn., B. lineare (Decne.) Decne., B. nitidum (Vell.) Macbr., Ditassa acerosa Mart., D. cordata (Turcz.) Fontella, D. lenheirensis Silveira, D. obcordata Mart., D. insignis Farinaccio sp. nov., D. glomerata Farinaccio sp. nov., Hemipogon acerosus Decne., Jobinia lindbergii E. Fourn., Macroditassa adnata (E. Fourn.) Malme, Nautonia nummularia Decne., Oxypetalum appendicullatum Mart., O. capitatum Mart., O. erectum Mart., O. foliosum Mart., O. habrogynum Farinaccio sp. nov., O. helium Farinaccio sp. nov., O. insigne (Decne.) Malme, O. pachygynum Decne., Tassadia propinqua Decne. São apresentados chaves de identificação para gêneros e espécies, descrições, ilustrações, dados sobre distribuição geográfica e fenologia e comentários dos taxa. / This study deals with the Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae) of the National Park of the Serra da Canastra. The National Park of the Serra da Canastra is the second largest conservation reserve in the state of Minas Gerais, situated between 20°00''-20°30''S and 46°15''-47°00''W with about 71.525 ha. The altitude of terrain within the park generally falls between 900 and 1200 m above sea level, reaching a maximum of 1496 m. The principal vegation types are cerrado s.l. and campo rupestre, and mesophytic forest communities can be found along creeks and rivers. The subfamily Asclepiadoideae has a cosmopolitan, mostly tropical. Approximately 38 genera and 492 species occur in Brazil. With few exception these species are heliophytes. There are nine genera and 24 species fond within the National Park of the Serra da Canastra, four of these being new discovered species: Barjonia erecta (Vell.) K. Schum., B. aff. laxa Malme, Blepharodon ampliflorum E. Fourn., B. lineare (Decne.) Decne., B. nitidum (Vell.) Macbr., Ditassa acerosa Mart., D. cordata (Turcz.) Fontella, D. lenheirensis Silveira, D. obcordata Mart., D. insignis Farinaccio sp. nov., D. glomerata Farinaccio sp. nov., Hemipogon acerosus Decne., Jobinia lindbergii E. Fourn., Macroditassa adnata (E. Fourn.) Malme, Nautonia nummularia Decne., Oxypetalum appendicullatum Mart., O. capitatum Mart., O. erectum Mart., O. foliosum Mart., O. habrogynum Farinaccio sp. nov., O. helium Farinaccio sp. nov., O. insigne (Decne.) Malme, O. pachygynum Decne., Tassadia propinqua Decne. Keys for the genera and species, descriptions, illustrations, notes on geographic distribution and phenologycal information, and comments about the taxa are provided.

Este trabalho trata das Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae) do Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra. O Parque é a segunda maior unidade de conservação do Estado de Minas Gerais, situa-se entre as coordenadas 20°00''-20°30''S e 46°15''-47°00''W e tem 71.525 ha. As cotas altimétricas variam entre 900 e 1200 m, atingindo um máximo de 1496 m. Dentre a formações vegetais predomina o cerrado s.l., seguido do campo rupestre, e podem ser encontradas florestas mesofíticas ao longo dos cursos d''água. A subfamília Asclepiadoideae é cosmopolita, principalmente tropical. No Brasil ocorrem ca. de 38 gêneros e 492 espécies. Habitam preferencialmente áreas de vegetação aberta. No Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra ocorrem nove gêneros e 24 espécies, sendo quatro inéditas para a ciência: Barjonia erecta (Vell.) K. Schum., B. aff. laxa Malme, Blepharodon ampliflorum E. Fourn., B. lineare (Decne.) Decne., B. nitidum (Vell.) Macbr., Ditassa acerosa Mart., D. cordata (Turcz.) Fontella, D. lenheirensis Silveira, D. obcordata Mart., D. insignis Farinaccio sp. nov., D. glomerata Farinaccio sp. nov., Hemipogon acerosus Decne., Jobinia lindbergii E. Fourn., Macroditassa adnata (E. Fourn.) Malme, Nautonia nummularia Decne., Oxypetalum appendicullatum Mart., O. capitatum Mart., O. erectum Mart., O. foliosum Mart., O. habrogynum Farinaccio sp. nov., O. helium Farinaccio sp. nov., O. insigne (Decne.) Malme, O. pachygynum Decne., Tassadia propinqua Decne. São apresentados chaves de identificação para gêneros e espécies, descrições, ilustrações, dados sobre distribuição geográfica e fenologia e comentários dos taxa. / This study deals with the Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae) of the National Park of the Serra da Canastra. The National Park of the Serra da Canastra is the second largest conservation reserve in the state of Minas Gerais, situated between 20°00''-20°30''S and 46°15''-47°00''W with about 71.525 ha. The altitude of terrain within the park generally falls between 900 and 1200 m above sea level, reaching a maximum of 1496 m. The principal vegation types are cerrado s.l. and campo rupestre, and mesophytic forest communities can be found along creeks and rivers. The subfamily Asclepiadoideae has a cosmopolitan, mostly tropical. Approximately 38 genera and 492 species occur in Brazil. With few exception these species are heliophytes. There are nine genera and 24 species fond within the National Park of the Serra da Canastra, four of these being new discovered species: Barjonia erecta (Vell.) K. Schum., B. aff. laxa Malme, Blepharodon ampliflorum E. Fourn., B. lineare (Decne.) Decne., B. nitidum (Vell.) Macbr., Ditassa acerosa Mart., D. cordata (Turcz.) Fontella, D. lenheirensis Silveira, D. obcordata Mart., D. insignis Farinaccio sp. nov., D. glomerata Farinaccio sp. nov., Hemipogon acerosus Decne., Jobinia lindbergii E. Fourn., Macroditassa adnata (E. Fourn.) Malme, Nautonia nummularia Decne., Oxypetalum appendicullatum Mart., O. capitatum Mart., O. erectum Mart., O. foliosum Mart., O. habrogynum Farinaccio sp. nov., O. helium Farinaccio sp. nov., O. insigne (Decne.) Malme, O. pachygynum Decne., Tassadia propinqua Decne. Keys for the genera and species, descriptions, illustrations, notes on geographic distribution and phenologycal information, and comments about the taxa are provided.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / A planta Calotropis procera pertencente à famÃlia Asclepiadaceae à encontrada em vasta extensÃo do Nordeste Brasileiro. à uma planta laticÃfera e sua produÃÃo endÃgena de lÃtex à extraordinÃria. Embora haja na literatura cientÃfica diversas publicaÃÃes que relatam o potencial medicinal de diversas partes da planta, principalmente de seu lÃtex, nÃo hà ainda uma abordagem bioquÃmica e funcional de seu fluido laticÃfero. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida no sentido de proceder a um estudo bioquÃmico parcial de atividades endÃgenas da fraÃÃo protÃica majoritÃria do lÃtex e de avaliar seus efeitos inseticidas sobre diferentes modelos de pragas agrÃcolas. A fraÃÃo protÃica majoritÃria do lÃtex foi preparada a partir de um protocolo previamente desenvolvido no laboratÃrio em que sÃo envolvidas etapas de centrifugaÃÃo e diÃlise. A fraÃÃo protÃica isenta de borracha e de molÃculas de baixa massa molecular foi testada para atividades enzimÃticas endÃgenas proteolÃticas, quitinÃsicas e a-amilÃsica e atividades inibitÃrias para proteases e a-amilase. Ensaios enzimÃticos de digestÃo das proteÃnas do lÃtex por extratos digestivos de insetos foram tambÃm realizados. Bioensaios utilizando-se dietas artificiais contendo diferentes proporÃÃes das proteÃnas do lÃtex Ãntegras, digeridas por pronase ou aquecidas a 98 ÂC foram realizados com seis insetos pertencentes a quatro ordens. Nos bioensaios foram avaliados parÃmetros tais como desenvolvimento, sobrevivÃncia, tempo de emergÃncia dos indivÃduos alÃm de ser avaliado o efeito cumulativo de proteÃnas do lÃtex na dieta por sucessivas geraÃÃes. Na fraÃÃo protÃica do lÃtex foram encontradas atividades proteolÃticas do tipo cisteÃnica e serÃnica, alÃm de atividade quitinolÃtica. NÃo foi detectada atividade a-amilÃsica. SoluÃÃes de proteÃnas do lÃtex nÃo exibiram atividade inibitÃria do tipo a-amilÃsica e tripsÃnica ou quimiotripsÃnica. ApÃs tratamento tÃrmico, proteÃnas do lÃtex ainda solÃveis foram capazes de inibir a atividade da papaÃna. Posteriormente esta atividade inibitÃria foi capaz de inibir as atividades proteolÃticas de Callosobruchus maculatus e Dysdercus peruvianus. As proteÃnas do lÃtex foram inseticidas para C. maculatus, Zabrotes subfasciatus, Anticarsia gemmatalis e Ceratitis capitata enquanto que nÃo foram para Spodoptera frugiperda e D. peruvianus. NÃo houve efeito deletÃrio acumulativo em insetos submetidos a uma dieta contendo proteÃnas do lÃtex durante seis geraÃÃes. Quando digeridas por pronase e aquecidas por 30 min a 98 ÂC, a aÃÃo inseticida das proteÃnas do lÃtex ainda foi mantida sobre o C. maculatus. As proteÃnas do lÃtex foram completamente resistentes à proteÃlise por enzimas digestivas de Dysdercus peruvianus e Callosobruchus maculatus. Entretanto, a aÃÃo proteolÃtica endÃgena do lÃtex promoveu a proteÃlise do extrato enzimÃtico de C. maculatus embora isto nÃo tenha ocorrido no extrato intestinal de D. peruvianus. O lÃtex de C. procera apresenta forte atividade proteolÃtica e resistÃncia à proteÃlise por enzimas digestivas de insetos. Atividade quitinolÃtica foi tambÃm observada. O lÃtex possui atividade inseticida para diferentes pragas agrÃcolas e esta atividade parece estar associada à presenÃa de um inibidor de atividade proteolÃtica do tipo cisteÃnica, alÃm da presenÃa de quitinases e elevada atividade proteolÃtica endÃgena. Assim, a fraÃÃo protÃica do lÃtex pode ser considera como parte constituinte da defesa da planta contra insetos. / The plant Calotropis procera belonging to Asclepiadaceae is found around a vast extension of the Northeast from Brazil. It is a lactifers plant and its endogenous production of latex is admirable. Despite continuous reports appearing in the literature give mention to the medicinal properties of different parts of the plant, including the latex, there is not scientific approaches comprising biochemical of functional aspects of the latex from C. procera. The aims this work was determine the presence of endogenous enzymatic activities and inhibitory activity against different proteases and a-amylase, to evaluate insecticidal properties against different crop pests and to correlate enzymatic content and insecticidal action with possible role of the latex in protecting the plant to insect pathogens. The major soluble protein fraction from the latex was prepared following the protocol previously defined that includes centrifugations and dialysis steps. The protein fraction devoided of rubber and low molecular mass molecules was assayed to the presence of endogenous proteolytic activities as well as a-amylase activity. Even, the presence of inhibitor of such activities was investigated. Additionally the latex proteins were submitted to proteolysis by digestive content of different insects. Bioassays base on artificial diets with different contents of native, pronase digested or heated treated (98 ÂC) latex proteins were performed against six insects belonging to 4 different orders. Increment in bodyweight of larvae, time of development and percentage of survive were the parameters considered to analyze detrimental effects of latex proteins upon insects. The effect of latex proteins upon Callosbruchus maculatus insects by continuous exposure until F-6 generation was reached was performed. It was found strong endogenous proteolytic activity and latex proteins were resistent to proteolysis by insect digestive extracts. In addition chitinolytic activity was also detected. The latex exhibited insecticidal activity against different insect groups and this effect may be correlated to the presence of a cysteine protease inhibitor associated to its proteolytic properties and chitinolytic activity. It is suggested that the protein fraction of the latex from Calotropis procera plays a relevant role in defending the plant against pathogens.