1.

Demographic Evaluation of Pili Farmers and Their

Production Capacity in Bicol Region, Philippines

The Philippines is well-known for its extensive plantations, which are home to
one of the most valuable crops, the Pili nut. A research was carried out to examine the
demographics and production capacity of 192 Pili farmers from chosen provinces in the
Bicol area of the Philippines. To collect data, a structured interview, focused group
discussion, and key informant survey were employed in conjunction with a purposeful
sampling strategy. According to the study's findings, demographic indicators like as
gender, age, educational level, income, and family structure are critical in understanding
Pili farmers' production capability. Pili production is often successful, with farmers
receiving a high financial return of 127%. There are enough farm areas in the region
where farmers may cultivate Pili to meet local and global demand for this high-value
commodity. The financial security and income of Pili major stakeholders can be
increased with careful attention and investment in manufacturing operations. The
government's essential support and assistance, particularly from local government
entities, is critical to ensuring the Pili industry's bright future. Similarly, in order to
increase overall sector revenue and household income of Pili farmers, it is necessary to
fulfill the critical demands of farmers not just in the production process but also in the
numerous linkages along the supply chain. As a result, the country will have a more
vibrant, sustainable, and competitive Pili sector.

REFERENCE: Lirag, B., Teresa, M., R Foronda, V., & O Ativo, A. (2023). Demographic
Evaluation of Pili Farmers and Their Production Capacity in Bicol Region, Philippines. Asian Journal of
Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 41(1), 15-25.

Assessment of Shellac and Lemongrass Oil Blend as Edible Coating to Prolong

Shelf Life of Pili Nut (Canarium ovatum)

Shelf life in ground and tree nuts are often assessed based on aesthetic appearance, nut

integrity, color and most importantly, taste and edibleness. Nuts with considerable level

of rancidity and free fatty acids due to degradation of oils indicate expiration or decay.

We prepared a shellac-lemongrass oil blend coating using food-grade ingredients and

assessed its potential to extend shelf life of Pili nut (Canarium ovatum) kernels. A glossy,
hard but considerably brittle coating for the pili kernels were prepared with varying

numbers of layers. On average, the mass of coating added per dip is 0.10 g, and the

thickness of 5-layers of coating is 0.3 mm. The obtained reflectance spectra of the coated

pili kernels implied the translucent nature of the coating, but becomes opaque as the

number of layers are increased. Peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acid value (FFAV), were

also measured at 10 days after application of coating. PV was lowest in the nuts with 5

coating layers, while this treatment did not reduce FFAV. These results indicate the

effectiveness of our coatings in preventing peroxide production probably by blocking

oxygen penetration and ultraviolet exposure, which are important triggers production of

peroxide and other free radicals. Further tests and time-series experiments are planned

to assess the dynamics of peroxide levels and the overall potential of our coating

technology for Pili nut.

REFERENCE: De Jesus, A. P. O., Rivarez, M. P. S., Roxas-Villanueva, R. M. L., & Herrera, M. U.

(2021). Assessment of Shellac and Lemongrass Oil Blend as Edible Coating to Prolong Shelf Life

of Pili Nut (Canarium ovatum). Key Engineering Materials, 902, 121-125.

3. Usability Heuristics and Explicit Analysis of UI Design for Optimum User

Experience: The Case of Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) Information System and

Marketplace

The intricateness and dynamism of any software development project

are viewed as prevailing attributes that affect its outcome. However,
explicit utilization of recognized software development principles and
standards ensures a higher possibility of achieving greater success.
This paper presents the results of the efforts in the design and
development of Comprehensive Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.)
Information System and Marketplace particularly the user experiences.
This project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) with the intention of establishing a dynamic web of knowledge
for the Pili industry, thus addressing the dearth of accessible Pili
information. The development process follows strict adherence to PiliIS
and Marketplace Software Development Paradigm - researchers made
software development procedures adopting the Agile software
development concepts. This paradigm ensures explicit compliance to
ISO/IEC 25010 standards. An internal evaluation team was employed to
examine the user interface judging its compliance with the recognized
usability principles. A diverse group of stakeholders evaluated the
system following Jakob Nielsen’s principles for interaction design.
Complying to these highly recognized software quality standards and
adhering to the researchers’ paradigm, the developed software was
marked by stakeholders as “highly usable”, “highly acceptable” and
“highly reliable” with average ratings of 94.65%, 93.71%, and 93.53%,
respectively. Additionally, Philippine Pili Industry League, Inc. (PhilPili)
rated the system as “excellent”. Given the limited study on the
development and evaluation of information systems designed to support
the marginalized sectors in the country, this study provides significant
insights on the software quality principles and competencies as
universal standards that boost favorable customer satisfaction and
optimum user experience.

REFERENCE: Briones, S. V., Atole, R. R., Bello, L. C. S., Lirag, J. R. S., & Artiaga, R. J. B.
(2021, December). Usability Heuristics and Explicit Analysis of UI Design for Optimum User

Experience: The Case of Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) Information System and Marketplace.

In 2021 Second International Conference on Innovative Technology Convergence (CITC) (pp. 28-

32). IEEE.
Photocatalytic degradation of phenol using immobilized titania in activated carbon from
Canarium ovatum Engl. nut shell

Presented study determined the photocatalytic treatment of phenol in aqueous medium

using titania (TiO2) immobilized in activated carbon derived from charred Canarium
ovatum

Engl. nut shell through boil deposition method. Composite dosage, irradiation time,
initial phenol

concentration, and pH were varied to investigate how percent degradation of phenol

would

respond. The investigation showed that amongst all parameters, only pH has a
significant effect

to the photocatalytic degradation of phenol, wherein degradation increases as pH value

decreases. Moreover, Design Expert® showed that 90.437% phenol degradation will be
achieved
using optimum values.
Wastewater is defined as discharged water that contains waste from industrial,
commercial, and residential sources. These wastewaters, largely generated by big
industries such as refineries, are required by law to be treated to remove pollutants
before discharge [1]. If wastewater is not adequately handled, it can affect the
ecosystem which includes plants, animals, and humans. Negative consequences may
entail damage to ecosystems, nutrient pollution in water sources, prohibitions on
outdoor water usage, prohibitions on aquatic agriculture and degradation in drinking
water. [2]. Phenol is one of the priority pollutants listed by the US Environmental
Protections Agency. Phenol is a colorless, crystalline substance of characteristic odor,
soluble in water and organic solvents [3]. As pollutant, it is generally found on industrial
effluent discharge released to bodies of water as a result of its manufacture. Other
sources of phenol include organic synthesis, production of phenolic resins and
petroleum products, combustion of wood, and automobile exhaust [4]. Separation via
Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) is the traditional method and standard procedure for the
recovery of phenol from wastewater. For concentrations of 1000mg/L above, LLE
showed 70% - 90% extraction
with varying solvents [5]. Since LLE only separates phenol from the water, phenol will
take on another form of pollution if not properly handled. Hence, destruction methods,
such as photocatalysis, is potentially more favorable in the long run. Titania, chemically
called titanium dioxide (TiO2), is known for its wide range of application. It has been
widely researched in the area of surface science and is considered to provide insights
into surface properties. TiO2 is classified as a photocatalyst with a fairly high
performance of water decomposition and degradation of organic material. [6]. Although
most experiments concentrate on the alteration and efficiency of only TiO2, composites
such as carbon-TiO2 have barely been investigated for photocatalytic degradation of
toxic contaminants. Nevertheless, it has been shown that the combination of activated
carbon and TiO2 may have a synergistic impact on photodegradation of organic
contaminants. [7]. Canarium ovatum Engl., known in the Philippines as Pili tree, is a
hardy rainforest indigenous to the country. The tree bears an edible nut which is
protected in a thick and very hard pointed shell, covered in turn with a thick black skin
when ripe. The shell houses a single, sweet kernel that is slender with a length and
diameter of 6.35 cm and 1.91 cm respectively [8,9]. The nut shell, being a waste
material in pili nut processing has not been fully studied [10], hence this study. Through
this study, using discarded by-product Canarium ovatum Engl. shells as source of
activated carbon used in the TiO2 – activated carbon composite for the treatment of
phenol would pave way in using newer technologies that is potentially more economical
and environmentally friendly in waste water treatment. Furthermore, this study will
investigate the effect of composite dosage, irradiation time, initial phenol concentration,
and pH in the treatment of phenol trough photocatalytic degradation.
REFERENCE: Gasga, K., Rebuya, N., & Lasarte, E. (2021, May). Photocatalytic
degradation of phenol using immobilized titania in activated carbon from Canarium ovatum Engl.

nut shell. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1882, No. 1, p. 012016). IOP Publishing.

Philippine Pili (Canarium ovatum, Engl.)

varieties as source of essential minerals and
trace elements in human nutrition

Macro and micro mineral profiles as

well as potential toxic metals of both
pulp and kernel of
seven Pili nut (Canarium
ovatum) varieties were established.
Further, bioavailability was assessed
through in vitro method simulating
gastric and intestinal condition.
Quantification was done using
Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission
Spectrometry. Major macro minerals
in pulp are K and Ca while K, P, and
Mg for the kernel. Pili nut also
contains Na, Fe, Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni,
and Cr. Potential antioxidant Se is
below the limit of quantitation, same
with toxic Pb and Cd. Bioavailability
of the pulp’s and the kernel’s
minerals in the small intestine is high
for Mg (pulp: 75.8–90.3%, kernel:
54.4–61.2%) and Ca (pulp: 15.8–
40.9%, kernel: 13.7–22.5%). After
colonic fermentation of Pili nut
kernel, appreciable amounts of
Mg > Ca > Cu > Mn were still available
for absorption. Fe and Zn are not
detected in the large intestine due
perhaps to an elevated phytic acid.
Tannic acid is higher in pulp.
Significant differences were observed
in some established parameters that
may be attributed to distinctions per
variety. The Pili nut is a source of
several essential minerals that are
bioavailable for human nutrition.
There are almost seventy-five (75) known Canarium species, nine of which are endemic
in the Philippines and four of the genus are of economic importance: C. ovatum, C.
indicum, C. album and C. luzonicum (Coronel, 1996). Among the species, C. ovatum or
the Pili nut is the most important nut producing tree in the country because of its high
economic potential (Coronel, 1996). Bicol region is the center of genetic diversity of the
tree nut and known as the major producer of Pili products in the local and international
markets. Pili nut is one of the fruit crops that are registered under the National Seed
Industry Council (NSIC). Most of the registered varieties are being cultivated under the
same field condition at Albay Research and Development Center located in Buang,
Tabaco city. Different Pili nut samples were collected from the different provinces of
Albay and planted in the station and evaluated for cultivation. The Pili nut tree that
surpasses the standard is qualified as variety. The varieties that are promoted and
propagated in the station are: (M. Orolfo) NSIC 1999 Pl-01, (Magnaye) NSIC 1999 Pl-
02, (Laysa) NSIC 1999 Pl-03, (Lanuza) NSIC 2000 Pl-0, (Magayon) NSIC 2000 Pl-05,
(Mayon#1) NSIC 2003 Pl-06 and(Orbase) NSIC 2012 Pl-12 (NSIC, 1999, 2000, 2003 &
2012). From a separate study conducted by the same authors of this study, DNA
molecular authentication showed that the varieties belong to the genus Canarium
ovatum. Significant differences were observed on some physical characteristics, though
the varieties almost have the same profiles. The differences significantly lied on the
concentration in proximate and fatty acid profiles that are attributed to their distinct
variety (Millena and Sagum, 2018).
Pili nut kernel is the most valuable part of the fruit due to its high economic value. Aside
from the commonly known tree nut kernel, export commodities derived from Pili nut
kernel such as pastries, confectionaries and whole kernel is now emerging in the local
and international markets. Oil from Pili nut kernel is regarded as rich in
monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). Major fractions of Pili nut kernel triacylglycerol in
decreasing concentration are: oleic > palmitic > linoleic > stearic acid (Pham and
Dumandan, 2015; Zarinah et al., 2014a, Zarinah et al., 2014b; Kakuda et al., 2000).
Aside from kernel, Pili pulp is also an edible part of the fruit that is consumed by the
locals but normally discarded as a by-product during processing. Pili nut pulp same as
other canarium species contains a good source of oil (Chew et al., 2011; Pham and
Dumandan, 2015; Azlan et al., 2010). Profile of Pili pulp oil is more superior in terms of
the amount of unsaturated fatty acid compared to the kernel. Pulp oil is comparable
with olive oil and can be used as an alternative in salad dressing and other application in
food processing (Pham and Dumandan, 2016). Pili pulp has an emerging application in
the food industry. Pili pomace or the residue after extracting oil from the pulp is an
excellent source of dietary fiber and a potential source of bioavailable phenolic
antioxidant (Arenas and Trinidad, 2017).
Among the plant-derived foods, nuts and seeds are among the good sources of minerals.
Macro minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and other
essential micro minerals such as iron, copper, zinc, chromium, selenium and many more
act as cofactors for many metabolic and physiological functions (Moreda-Piñeiro et al.,
2016; Kafaoglu et al., 2016). It is widely known that every mineral has its own function
in maintaining body homeostasis. Minerals have vital roles in vitamin absorption and
energy production. Consumption of foods that include nuts, can contribute necessary
minerals required by our body (Gupta and Gupta, 2014). Nuts contain a very minimal
amount of sodium, which can prevent risk from cardiovascular related diseases (Segura
et al., 2008). Inorganic minerals also undergo digestion prior to absorption just like
macronutrients such as carbohydrates, protein and fats. It is not adequate to measure
only the total amount of elemental ions in food because the amount of minerals that are
available for absorption is of paramount importance. Several in vitro methods were
developed simulating gastric, small and large intestine conditions to obtain reliable
approximation that can be comparable with in vivo method which is more difficult to
perform (Trinidad et al., 1996a, Trinidad et al., 1996b; McBurney and Thompson, 1989).
Recent studies using in vitro method of different food matrices are also available (Da
Siva et al., 2015; Trinidad et al., 2014; Fu and Cui, 2013; Kafaoglu et al., 2016).
The limited information available on the Pili nut hampers the full utilization of its
potential to compete in the global market. The fruit can be characterized in many ways
through the use of its various parts. Several studies already reported on the fatty acid
profile of Pili nut and pulp, however, information on the nut’s mineral bioavailability is
limited. Understanding the mineral contribution of the Pili nut is an essential and
fundamental step to demonstrate its quality. This study will optimize the availability of
scientific data to fill the knowledge gap on the fruit’s mineral composition and
availability when consumed as food. An increase in the industrial application of
the Pili nut crop varieties can contribute to the demand for processed kernel due to its
higher commercial value, and subsequently contribute to the Pili industry in the
country. The main objective of this research study is to investigate through an in
vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the mineral components and bioavailability of Pili nut
parts and evaluate its contribution to the daily nutritional requirement of humans.

REFERENCE: Millena, C. G., & Sagum, R. S. (2018). Philippine Pili (Canarium ovatum, Engl.)

varieties as source of essential minerals and trace elements in human nutrition. Journal of Food

Composition and Analysis, 69, 53-61.

Canarium Ovatum Recognition utilizing

Mask R-CNN and Lightweight Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle
Canarium Ovatum, commonly known as Pili Tree in the Philippines, was
known for its potential for food production and other utilization
possibilities. Pili was widely grown in large areas since they grew taller
and needed enough spacing for their crown diameter. Currently,
monitoring and inventory of these Pili trees are done manually, which is
expensive and painstaking to be implemented. On the other hand, the
proliferation of Remote Sensing technology is now being applied to
areas of agriculture and forestry. However, although reliable and cost-
effective, this technology is still expensive for typical utilization. This
study explores the performance of the Mask R-CNN model on
orthomosaic data obtained from a light Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
To achieve this, a Mask R-CNN model was trained using the training
datasets from the pre-processed orthomosaic obtained using a DJI
Spark, its built-in camera, and Pix4D. A system user interface was also
developed to facilitate the loading of the data and validate the model's
performance. The initial output of the model was then verified using the
data resulting from splitting the orthomosaic and comparing it with the
ground-the-truth data. Using the developed interface in python, the
model can recognize the Pili tree with an accuracy of 89% and an f1-
score of 0.9231.

REFERENCE: Marasigan, R. I., Alon, A. S., Malbog, M. A. F., Mindoro, J. N., & Velasquez, S. G.

(2022, July). Canarium ovatum recognition utilizing mask R-CNN and Lightweight Unmanned

Aerial Vehicle. In 2022 IEEE 13th Control and System Graduate Research Colloquium

(ICSGRC) (pp. 31-35). IEEE.

Bioactive Compounds of Pili (Canarium

ovatum Engl.)

Pili (Canarium ovatum) is a tropical tree that is indigenous to the

Philippines where its center of genetic diversity is located in the Bicol
Region. As a nut, Canarium ovatum is considered the priced commodity,
and it is often used in the confectionery industry. The pulp, which is
totally discarded as waste, contains considerable quantities of bioactive
compounds present in the pulp meal as well as in the oil. This chapter
describes the characterization of all the parts of Canarium ovatum fruit
as source of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds with high
antioxidant functionality. The exploitation of this underutilized fruit
presents a great potential source of phytochemicals with antioxidants
functionalities.

REFERENCE: Pham, L. J., & Dumandan, N. G. (2020). Bioactive Compounds of Pili (Canarium

ovatum Engl.). Bioactive Compounds in Underutilized Fruits and Nuts, 383-394.

Technical Report on the notification of nuts of Canarium

ovatum Engl. as a traditional food from a third country pursuant
to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

A notification from
DOMENICODELUCIA SPA (Italy) was
submitted to the European
Commission under Article 14 of
Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 to place on
the market nuts of Canarium
ovatum Engl. as a traditional food from
a third country (TF). In line with Article
15(2) of that Regulation, EFSA was
asked by the European Commission
whether there are duly reasoned
safety objections to the placing on the
market of the TF within the European
Union. The TF consists of nuts
of Canarium ovatum Engl. that,
according to the applicant, have been
consumed for more than 25 years in
the Philippines. The TF is proposed to
be marketed in the European Union as
such, dried and with shells that must
be removed before consumption. EFSA
considers that the available data on
composition and history of use of the
TF do not raise safety concerns.
Considering the available data, EFSA
does not raise safety objections to the
placing on the market of the TF (nuts
of Canarium ovatum Engl.) within the
EU.
REFERENCE: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). (2022). Technical Report
on the notification of nuts of Canarium ovatum Engl. as a traditional food from a third country

pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (Vol. 19, No. 5, p. 7314E).

Extraction, Profiling, and Characterization of

Phytosterols and Triterpenoids from Pili (Canarium
ovatum Engl.) Pulp Oil Exhibiting Antioxidant and
Antibacterial Properties

IntroductionMaterials and MethodsResults and DiscussionConclusionData

AvailabilityDisclosureConflicts of InterestAuthors’

ContributionsAcknowledgmentsReferencesCopyrightRelated Articles

Research Article | Open Access

Volume 2022 | Article ID 6604984 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6604984

Show citation

Extraction, Profiling, and Characterization of

Phytosterols and Triterpenoids from Pili (Canarium
ovatum Engl.) Pulp Oil Exhibiting Antioxidant and
Antibacterial Properties
Abstract
Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.), an indigenous tree found in the Philippines, is highly regarded for
its fruit due to its high economic value. During processing, the pulp is often discarded as waste
but contains considerable amounts of oil and bioactive minor lipid components. The present
study explored the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of saponified diethyl ether extract of
pili pulp oil and related this activity to the nature of compounds present in the extract through
GCMS. The extract indicated the elution of 18 major compounds which are mostly cyclic
triterpenic (α-and β-amyrin, lupenone, and β-amyrone) and phytosterol (β-sitosterol,
brassicasterol, and stigmasterol) class of compounds. Characterization of the bioactivity of the
extract showed high antioxidant activities measured by DPPH radical scavenging (EC50: 74.45 ± 
1.29 μg/mL) and lipid peroxidation inhibition (EC50: 3.02 ± 0.06 μg/mL) activities that were
comparable with that of α-tocopherol. Moreover, an observed bactericidal activity was
demonstrated by the extract against E. coli and S. typhi with MIC values of 40 and 35 μg/mL,
respectively. The observed bioactivity of the pili pulp oil extract can be attributed to these
compounds which may provide desirable health benefits.

1. Introduction
Canarium ovatum Engl., locally known as pili, is an indigenous tree commonly found in the
Philippines which is cultivated for its edible fruit [1]. Pili nut kernel is the most valuable part of
the fruit due to its high economic value owing to its increasing competitiveness in the global
confectioneries market [2]. In pili nut processing, its pulp is often discarded as waste, but it
contains an appreciable amount of oil and important minor lipid species such as carotenoids,
phytosterols, and tocopherols [3, 4]. These nutritionally beneficial minor lipid compounds have
gained considerable interest, particularly in their bioactivity which plays an important role in the
development of high-value products.

Antioxidants and antimicrobial agents play a significant role in the food sector primarily because
bacterial growth and lipid oxidation are the main factors that determine food quality loss and
shelf-life reduction. Oftentimes, synthetic additives such as BHA/BHT are commonly added to
food products to inhibit the process of lipid oxidation and microbial growth and to extend their
shelf-life. However, a shift to naturally derived compounds is seen and increasingly being sought
by many companies due to possible adverse effects associated with long-term intake of synthetic
compounds [5, 6]. Phytosterols, including other cyclic triterpenes which constitute the majority
of unsaponifiable fractions of seeds oils, are known to have several bioactive properties linked to
various implications on human health, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial,
cholesterol-lowering, and anticarcinogenic activities [7–12]. On the other hand, triterpenoid
extracts that are rich in lupeol, betulinic acid, and amyrin have been shown to inhibit the growth
of foodborne pathogenic bacteria particularly the methicillin-resistantS. aureus, E.
faecalis, and P. aeruginosa are studied by Amoussa et al. [13] and Nzogong et al. [10]. Phenolic
compounds have been shown to fuse with extracellular soluble proteins of the microbial cell wall
resulting in the suppression of microbial growth and/or oxidative damage [14].

Hence, the present study explored the potential of minor lipid components in pili pulp oil as a
source of phytosterols and cyclic triterpenoids with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The
interest in these naturally derived compounds is not only due to their biological activity but also
to maximize the economic potential of pili pulp oil.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials

Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) fruits were obtained from a local market at Goa, Camarines Sur,
Philippines. Microbial strains (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. tyhpi, S. aureus, and B. cereus) used for
the antibacterial activity assay were obtained from the Philippine National Collection of
Microorganisms (PNCM), BIOTECH, UPLB, College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. All
other chemicals and standards were purchased commercially.

2.2. Sample Preparation and Oil Extraction

Pili fruits were manually depulped by blanching in lukewarm water for about 15–20 min. The
pulps were then collected and dried in a convection-type oven at 70°C overnight or until
moisture content reached about less than 3%. Extraction of oil was carried out by using n-hexane
at 1 : 4 ratio of dried pulp weight (g) to solvent volume (mL). After 12 h of extraction at room
temperature with constant agitation, the oil was recovered by solvent evaporation by using a
rotary evaporator.

2.3. Saponification and Fractionation

The unsaponifiable fraction of oil was obtained by saponification following the method of
Almeida et al. [15] with some modifications. A 0.3 g of the oil sample was saponified by using
10 mL 3% w/v ethanolic potassium hydroxide at 50°C for 3 h. Then, the solution was cooled by
adding 10 mL of distilled water. Subsequent fractionation of the phytosterol and triterpenoids
was carried out by repeated liquid-liquid extraction by using 10 mL diethyl ether three times. The
organic layers were then combined, washed twice with 10 mL of distilled water, and dried over
anhydrous sodium sulfate. The saponified diethyl ether extract (SDEE) of pili pulp oil was then
collected upon filtration and solvent evaporation under a stream of nitrogen gas.

REFERENCE: Dumandan, N. G., Kagaoan, A. C. T., Acda, R. D., Tumambing, C. R., & Pham, L. J.
(2022). Extraction, Profiling, and Characterization of Phytosterols and Triterpenoids from Pili (Canarium
ovatum Engl.) Pulp Oil Exhibiting Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties. Biochemistry Research
International, 2022.

Fungal endophytes across tissue layers of Canarium

ovatum (Burseraceae) fruit
The fungal endophytes present in the fruit of Canarium ovatum (Burseraceae), locally known as
pili, were isolated, characterized and identified. Surface sterilized tissue samples from the Exo/Mesocarp,
Endocarp, and kernel were plated on potato dextrose agar and incubated for 7–10 days. Each colony was
transferred to agar slants and grown for seven days at room temperature (25–30 ℃). Identification was
carried out using morphological characteristics aided by existing keys, and by molecular sequencing of
the ITS. Fifteen fungi were identified, four of which were meiosporic ascomycetes while the rest were
mitosporic fungi. Fusarium oxysporum was the highest contributor to the endophyte community. There
was a decreasing occurrence of fungal endophytes from peel to kernel; similarity indices were higher
with adjacent tissues than with peel-kernel. Aspergillus aculeatus and Aspergillus tubingensis were the
only fungi isolated in all three tissue types. All isolates, except Talaromyces atroroseus and Trichoderma
longibrachiatum, are reported to be pathogens of many crops. All isolates were considered endophytic
because no fungal disease of the pili fruit was recorded nor were there any observed disease symptoms
in the samples used in this research.

REFERENCE: Guerrero, J. J. G., & Dalisay, T. U. (2018). Fungal endophytes across tissue layers
of Canarium ovatum (Burseraceae) fruit. Australian Journal of Mycology, 27, 11-21.