Category Archives: b_original_articles

Original Articles

Expression and role of defense components in Bacillus subtilis treated rice plants against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Toan Le Thanh1,2*, Nguyen Huy Hoang2, Kanjana Thumanu3, Channon Saengchan2, Jayasimha Rayalu Daddam4, Rungthip Sangpueak2, Narendra Kumar Papathoti2, Kumrai Buensanteai2

1Crop Protection Department, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, 94000, Vietnam

2School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand

3Synchrotron Light Research Institute, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand

4Department of Animal Science, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon Lezion 7505101, Israel

Abstract

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) of rice has a high epidemic potential and usually causes severe damage. This research was conducted to assess the efficacy and characterize the mechanism of the systemic resistance of rice plants induced by the Bacillus subtilis strain CaSUT007 to BLB. The results revealed 30% reduction in the severity of BLB in the treated rice plants, and real-time PCR measurements indicated a significant 1.1–1.2-fold increase in their concentrations of the defense genes of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). In addition, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy characterization of the biochemical changes in the rice leaves indicated alterations to the lignins, pectins, and amide I vibrations – these lead to the generation of defense barriers and the reinforcement of cell walls against Xanthomonas infection and invasion, thereby contributing to disease reduction. Phylogenetic trees of pal and apx revealed a significant number of polytomies among these two gene families. Moreover, analysis of the active sites of the protein PAL and APX showed one serine rotamer and a single mutation-sensitive glutamic acid residue in the region of the binding site/pocket. The possible interactions of PAL and APX with other proteins revealed insight into the defense mechanism: APX6 interacts directly with MDAR5, MDRA3, DHAR1, and other important defense proteins, while PAL has direct interactions with 4CL4, 4CLL9, and 4CL3, among other defense proteins. Therefore, treatment with the B. subtilis strain CaSUT007 promoted faster, stronger and more intense responses in rice plants against BLB.

Keywords: Bacillus subtilis, Defense genes, Leaf blight, Protein interaction

Studies on bioflocculant exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Anabaena sp. and its application as bioflocculant for low cost harvesting of Chlorella sp.

Amanda Putri Irawan1, Amalia Rahmawati1, Ulfa Abdila Fahmi1, Arief Budiman2, Khusnul Qonita Maghfiroh1, Tia Erfianti1, Dea Putri Andeska1, Renata Adaranyssa Egistha Putri1, Istini Nurafifah1, Brilian Ryan Sadewo2, Eko Agus Suyono1*

1Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Jl. Teknika Sel., Sendowo, Sinduadi, Kec. Mlati, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

2Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. Sendowo, Sinduadi, Kec. Mlati, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55284, Indonesia

Abstract

Microalgae harvesting is critical to remove water from algal growth media with solid-liquid separation. Bioflocculation has the same principle as flocculation. Using solid-liquid separation, microalgae harvesting removes moisture from the algal growth substrate. The same idea underlies flocculation and bioflocculation. Using fungal and bacterial bioflocculants requires a special medium that is different from the microalgae medium, that fungi and bacteria can contaminate microalgae, so it is not recommended to be used as a bioflocculant agent. Microalgae Anabaena sp. was chosen in this study as a bioflocculant agent since it can produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs). Dissolved proteins and carbohydrates make up EPSs. This investigation looked into employing Anabaena species to extract Chlorella species. The harvest day was used to measure the parameters. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the precipitation percentages. Bligh and Dyer’s methods were used to measure lipid contents. The phenol-sulfate was used to perform carbohydrates. Bradford method was used to quantify proteins. The ratio of 1:1.25 was determined to have the best proportion of flocculation and carbohydrate content (Chlorella sp. : Anabaena sp.). The ratio of 1:1 was determined to have the maximum cell lipid and protein content (Chlorella sp.: Anabaena sp.). The application of this study will be beneficial to design effective methods for harvesting microalgae using biological materials such as other microalgae.

Keywords: Bioflocculation, Anabaena sp., Chlorella sp., Exopolysaccharides

Metabarcoding of nematode communities associated with Ananas comosus L. (Pineapple)

Leilidyn Y. Zurbano1*, Chester C. Deocaris2, Carmelita P. Mapanao3, Arnel O. Rendon3, Lourdes V. Alvarez3

 

1Agriculture Department, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Lopez, Quezon Branch, Quezon Province, Philippines

2Department of Physical Science, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines

3Department of Biology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines

 

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes are serious pests causing important crop losses worldwide. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the occurrence of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in healthy and unhealthy pineapple crops. To determine if the infestation is prevalent, a soil metabarcoding analysis was done. Six soil samples were obtained from the rhizospheres of Red Spanish pineapple farm in Mabitac, Laguna, Philippines. They were freeze-dried and brought to the laboratory for metagenomics analysis using Primers NemF and 18Sr2b. The results showed uncultured Eukaryotes (43.1%) nematodes (31.2%), Platyhelminthes (6.9%), Apicomplexa (6.5%), Annelida (5.0%), Rotifera (3.6%), Arthropoda (1.8%), Ascomycota (1%), unidentified (0.4%) and Basillariophyta, Cercozoa, Chytridiomycota, Mollusca and Mucoromycota with 0.1%. In total, 374,410 sequence reads were obtained and were clustered into 117 OTUs at 97% similarity. In assessing the nematode community structure, it yielded 26,565 nematodes; 5,315 nematodes were obtained from the rhizosphere of healthy samples, and 21,250 were from the unhealthy ones. The fungivore Apelenchus avenae (Bastian 1865) was the most prevalent (47.8% and 43.9%) in both locations. Other nematodes found on the plant rhizospheres were Rhabdolaimus aquaticus (de Man), Acrobeloides varius, Rotylenchulus reniformis (Linford and Oliveira, 1940), Aphelenchoidinae sp., Panagrolaimoidea sp., and two unidentified nematodes. The Basiria sp., Alaimus sp., and two other unidentified nematodes were the only ones found in the rhizosphere of unhealthy pineapple plants. Meanwhile, Mesocriconema onoense, Aphelenchoides sp., Ditylenchus gilanicus, and an unidentified nematode were found in the rhizosphere of healthy pineapple plants. Phylogenetic analyses of the nematode communities show that only Orders Rhabditida and Enoplida are associated with the crop and the Family Aphelenchoididae is distant from Rhabditida, thus, dividing the clade into three. The first clade consists of diverse nematode communities of fungivores, bacterivores, predators, and plant and insect parasites. The second clade consists of bacterivore nematodes found in moist environments, and the third clade comprises mainly Aphelenchoididae species, mostly plant parasites.

 

Keywords: Metabarcoding, Acrobeloides varius, Aphelenchus avenae, Ditylenchus gilanicus, Mesocriconema onoense, Rhabdolaimus aquaticus, Rotylenchulus reniformis

Seed treatment with 24-epibrassinolide improves wheat germination under salinity stress

Otie Victoria1,2, Udo Idorenyin3, Matsuura Asana4, Liu Jia2, Liang Shuoshuo2, Shao Yang5, Itam Michael Okoi6, An Ping2*, Eneji Anthony Egrinya1

1Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria

2Arid Land Research Centre, Tottori University, Hamasaka 680-0001, Tottori, Japan

3Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria

4Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304, Kamiina County, Nagano 399-4598, Japan

5College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China

6Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, MI, USA

 

Abstract

Salt stress is a key ecological challenge to wheat establishment at the early stage of germination, especially in drylands. A germination experiment was conducted to determine whether an exogenous seed treatment with 24-epibrassinolide could mitigate salinity stress effects on wheat germination. Seeds of the Sudanese wheat cv. Imam were treated with 24-epibrassinolide (BR1) or without (BR0) at eleven concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) (0.00, 1.56, 3.13, 4.69, 6.25, 7.81, 9.38, 10.94, 12.50, 14.06 and 15.63 dSm-1), in a 2 x 11 factorial experiment arranged into a completely randomized design. Seed germination was progressively delayed with increasing salinity and the daily germination was reduced significantly. The germination average time and relative injury rate increased considerably (p≤0.05) at salt levels of 7.81 dSm-1or more. The inhibitory effects of salinity on germination were significantly (p≤0.05) reversed by seed treatment with BR1. Wheat cv. Imam tolerated salt stress up to 6.25 dSm-1 at BR0 with respect to velocity of germination, germination rate, final germination rate, germination percentage and germination index, relative to no salt (0.00 dSm-1). An early uniform establishment of wheat in saline media could be enhanced by seed treatment with BR.

 

Keywords: Arid region, Plant growth hormone, Triticum aestivum (L), Abiotic stress

Abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of healthy and declining citrus in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Lily Ishaq*, Agnes V Simamora, Peters O. Bako, Yoke I Benggu, Moresi M. Airthur, Effy Roefaida, Ellias St O Nguru

 

Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Nusa Cendana University. Jl. Adi Sucipto Penfui Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

 

Abstract

Citrus is an important commercial crop in Timor Tengah Selatan, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, but many trees are suffering a decline in health. As citrus is heavily dependent on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), this study investigated the abundance of AMF in the rhizosphere of healthy and declining trees in citrus orchards at 12 geographical locations. In each orchard, 6 soil and 6 root samples representing 3 healthy and 3 declining trees were collected. The soil was analyzed for AMF spore abundance as well as physical (texture) and chemical properties (organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, and soil exchangeable capacity), while the fine roots of citrus were assessed for colonization. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) where the health condition of the trees was under the geographical location/site factor. The results showed that the abundance of AMF spores was significantly affected by the geographical location from where the soils were collected, but the health condition of the trees had no effect. However, AMF colonization was significantly affected by both site and tree health. The number of AMF morphotypes tended to be higher under healthy trees than under declining trees. Soil analysis indicated that soil fertility (N and organic C) may be important for tree health. These results provided a new perspective on the possible involvement of AMF and soil nutrients in citrus decline. Further studies are required to define the interactions between AMF, soil fertility, and disease incidence to identify strategies for managing citrus decline in the region.

 

Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Citrus decline, Orchard management, Orchard location, Southeast Asia

 

 

 

Establishment of rice yield prediction model using soil compaction

Van Huu Bui, Huu Cuong Nguyen, Quang Hieu Ngo*

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Can Tho University, Vietnam

Abstract

Soil compaction has a real effect on rice yield in the Mekong Delta. Two field experiments were carried out during 2019 Summer-Autumn and 2020 Summer-Autumn in An Giang Province (Mekong Delta). OM18 rice was cultivated in the plots which were laid out in a randomized complete block design measuring 0.5 × 0.5 m with 5 and 6 m alley between blocks and between plots. The Pearson’s correlation test was applied to compare the mean and standard deviation of the soil layers and evaluate the correlation between soil compaction and rice yield in both crops. The present research results showed that the value of soil compaction increased with depth and differed among locations in the rice field. Soil compaction at 10 cm from the surface had a positive correlation with rice yield. Therefore, the prediction model of rice yield is able to build up due to soil compaction at 10 cm from the surface. Moreover, this study provides that the value of 10 cm soil layer compaction ranging between 165 and 190 kPa can be the optimal value of soil tillage for paddy rice cultivation with the highest yield in the Summer-Autumn crop.

Keywords: Soil depth, Soil compaction, OM18 rice, Rice yield, Prediction model

Performance of broiler birds on feeding natural anti stressors in summer during heat stress

Ali Salman Ajmal1, Zahid Hussain2*, Muhammad Moazam Jalees3, Jamila Shafi4, Sohail Manzoor5, Anwar ul Haq6

1Department of Poultry Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

2Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Lahore, Pakistan

3Department of Microbiology, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

4Poultry Disease Laboratory, L&DD, Samundri, Pakistan

5Animal Disease Diagnostic, Reporting and Surveillance, L&DD, Lahore, Pakistan

6Veterinary Research Institute, L&DD, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was planned to assess the effectiveness of natural anti heat stressors on the broilers during hot climate. Three hundred one day old broiler birds were divided into four treatments groups, yoghurt, garlic powder and mint and a control group. After two weeks of rearing, data were recorded for growth performance, carcass and visceral organ yield and immune response against Newcastle Disease. Statistical analysis revealed that growth performance (weight gain, carcass weight and cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved with garlic powder, but feed intake remained non-significant. Dressing% and breast% were also significantly higher in garlic fed birds and similar effect was observed for intestinal length. Among visceral organs, liver% was improved upon garlic supplemented broiler but heart and gizzard were not influenced by dietary treatments. Additionally, garlic powder in feed also resulted in significantly higher antibody titer against Newcastle disease. It was concluded that garlic as natural anti-heat stressor has significant positive influence on the performance of heat stressed broilers.

Keywords: Broiler birds, Heat stress, Garlic, Mint, Yogurt

Effect of salinity stress on physiological aspects of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne. ‘Laikaotok’) under hydroponic condition

Worasitikulya Taratima1*, Narisa Kunpratum2, Pitakpong Maneerattanarungroj3

1Salt Tolerance Rice Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
2Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Pitsanulok 65000, Thailand
3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

Abstract

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) ‘Laikaotok’ is an important edible vegetable but growth and crop yield are affected by salinity stress. Response of physiological traits to salinity stress was investigated under hydroponic culture using Hoagland’s solution at different NaCl concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 mM. All treatments were cultured for four weeks and physiological traits were recorded. Results showed that pumpkin growth decreased after NaCl treatment, especially at 45 mM and higher concentrations. Leaf number, leaf width, leaf length, root number, stem length, stem diameter, SPAD unit, chlorophyll fluorescence in dark condition for 30 min (Fv’/Fm’), chlorophyll fluorescence in light condition (Fv/Fm), total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Results indicated that salt concentration at less than 45 mM NaCl was suitable for C. moschata ‘Laikaotok’ growth. Phenotypic correlation coefficient estimation of 12 physiological traits showed positive correlation at a highly significant level, except for the correlation between plant height – Fv/Fm; plant height – Fv’/Fm’; root number – Fv/Fm and root number – Fv’/Fm’. This is the first report on salt stress response in C. moschata ‘Laikaotok’. Knowledge gained will be useful for pumpkin culture or rootstock selection under sensitive and moderately sensitive saline conditions.

Keywords: Growth, Hydroponic culture, NaCl, Pumpkin, Phenotypic correlation

Silicon improves strawberry plants nutrient uptake and epicuticular wax formation in a rhizosphere cooling system

1Faculty of Fisheries and Food Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

2Laboratory for Pest, Disease and Microbial Biotechnology (LAPDiM), Central Laboratory, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

3Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), No. 70, Lienhai Rd., Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan

Abstract

Bioavailable silicon (silicic acid) is considered to be beneficial for plant growth and development. This study therefore aimed to determine the effects of silicic acid [Si(OH)4] and potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) application on strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) plants’ nutrient uptake and leaf wax formation. The strawberry plants (cvs Festival and Fortuna) were grown in a rhizosphere cooling system (RCS) at a mean rhizosphere temperature of 18°C ±2. Accumulation of plant nutrients in the plant parts was analysed by using inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), whilst the formation of wax on the leaves was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that plants given 0.25% (v/v) Si(OH)4 via the roots had the highest amount of silicon accumulated in the leaves, roots, and crowns of both cultivars. The greatest amount of Ca and Mg was also found in the leaves of cv. Festival plants treated with 0.25% (v/v) Si(OH)4 through the roots; whereas in cv. Fortuna, Ca, Mg and P had their highest amount accumulated in the leaves of plants sprayed with 0.25% (v/v) Si(OH)4 mixed with 0.5% (s/v) KHCO3. Root application of the KHCO3 treatments on the other hand, limited Ca, Mg, Mn and Fe uptake into the plant parts. The leaves of the Si(OH)4 treated plants were covered with a denser mass of wax when observed under SEM. Thus, Si(OH)4 application was found to enhance strawberry plants’ uptake of essential nutrients and also improved the formation wax on leaves, that may delay plant diseases invasion.

Keywords: Cooling system, Silicic acid, Silicon, Plant nutrient, Strawberr

Influence of dietary neutral detergent fiber on feed intake and nutrient digestibility of crossbred Black Angus cattle

Nguyen Binh Truong1,2*, Tran Trung Tuan1,2

1An Giang University, An Giang, Vietnam

2Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate different neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels affected on the feed intake and nutrient digestibility of crossbred beef cattle. Four male F1 (Black Angus x Zebu cross) cattle at 20.5±1.21 (Mean±SD) months of age with average body weight of 299±12.1 kg were used in a 4×4 Latin square design (fourteen days per each period). The treatments were 47% (NDF47), 51% (NDF51), 55% (NDF55), and 59% (NDF59) NDF in diets. The results showed that the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) intake were not different (P>0.05) among treatments. However, both NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) consumption were lower for NDF 47 than NDF59 treatments (P<0.05), while metabolizable energy was highest for NDF47 compare with NDF59 treatment (P<0.05). The DM digestibility was higher (P<0.05) for the NDF47 (65.3%) compared with NDF59 (57.5%), while NDF47 was similar (P>0.05) to NDF51 (62.4%), and NDF55 (59.4%) treatments. The data for CP, NDF, and ADF digestibility were similar (P>0.05) among treatments. However, there was tended to be lower in NDF59 than NDF47 treatments. The daily weight gain was 866, 821, 786, and 686 g/animal/day for treatments of NDF47, NDF51, NDF55, and NDF59, respectively. While, feed conversion ratio was lower for NDF47 and higher for NDF59 treatments (P>0.05). The conclusion in the present study was 55% NDF in diet could be properly recommended for farmers’ practice in terms of feed utilization.

 Keywords: Neutral detergent fiber, Rumen digestibility, Crossbred beef cattle