Category Archives: b_original_articles

Riska¹*, Herwita Idris¹, Jumjunidang¹, Nurmansyah¹, Tri Budiyanti¹, Riki Warman¹, Hermawati Cahyaningrum¹, Ellina Mansyah¹ , Rasiska Tarigan¹, Afrizon², Atman¹

¹Research Center for Horticultural, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor, Cibinong, Kabupaten Bogor, Indonesia

²Research Center for Estate Crops, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor, Cibinong, Kabupaten Bogor, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: risk011@brin.go.id

Received: 16 November 2025 / Revised: 10 February 2026 / Accepted: 16 February 2026 / Published Online: 26 February 2026

Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is recognized as one of the most catastrophic pathogens threating banana production globally. The constrain of chemical method used and limitation of an effective conventional strategies stimulating the use of environmentally responsible biocontrol strategies. This study was purposed to evaluate the efficacy of potential antagonist indigenous Trichoderma and Burkholderia strains isolated from banana rhizosphere in single- and co-culture approaches. Microbial identification was performed through partial 28SrRNA region amplification (fungi isolates) and 16sRNA region (bacterial isolates) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Colony compatibility, antagonist activity test of mycelium and a poisoned food test were assessed. The bioactive compounds produced by single and co-culture cultivation of Trichoderma spp. and Burkholderia spp. were profiled using GC-MS.  Dual plate culture tests showed that Burkholderia sp. S10KTR325 and Trichoderma sp. PP21 caused significant inhibition of Foc growth, at 76.04% and 80.39%, respectively. A poisoned food test through secondary metabolite-based cell-free supernatants dissolved in culture medium revealed that combinations such as Trichoderma sp. PP21 and Burkholderia sp. S10KTR316 or S10KTR325, as well as co-cultures of Trichoderma sp. KPK22 and Burkholderia sp. S10KTR25, achieved over 80% inhibition. An exception was found in the combination of Burkholderia sp. S10KTR316 and Trichoderma sp. KPK22. Those combinations inhibited the percentage of colony growth was only at 2.2%. The single supernatant of Trichoderma sp. PP21 showed comparable efficacy to co-culture treatments. All treatments, both in single microbial cultures and co-cultures consistently produced 2-piperidinone, Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-, and Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl). Trichoderma sp. PP21 and its co-cultures with Burkholderia sp. S10KTR25 are a promising bio-fungicide agent to be developed.

Keywords: Banana, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, Secondary metabolite, Trichoderma sp., Burkholderia sp. co-culture

Mysoon Alamro*

National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Al Mashqar Agricultural Research Center, Madaba West Street, Amman, Jordan

*Corresponding author’s email: mysoon.alamro@gmail.com

Received: 30 November 2025 / Revised: 03 February 2026 / Accepted: 09 February 2026 / Published Online: 17 February 2026

Abstract

Climate change and induced droughts are limiting crop production, especially in arid regions like Jordan, requiring urgent need for strategies that improve water use efficiency in agriculture. This study, therefore, investigated the use of natural Jordanian zeolite as a soil amendment to improve soil moisture retention, plant growth, and yield of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) under limited water conditions in pot experiments. A two-season trial was conducted with four irrigation intervals, watering every 2, 4, 6, or 8 days, and five zeolite application doses; zeolite: soil ratios of 0:1, 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 by volume. Average results from both seasons showed that changing irrigation intervals from 2 to 8 days significantly reduced soil moisture, from 18% to 13% in the first season, and increased soil temperature from 21°C to 23.5°C, adversely affecting plant growth and yield. Zeolite amendments improved soil water retention by up to 3-4%, reduced soil temperature by 1-3°C under drought, and increased plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll fluorescence indices compared to non-zeolite soil. The results also indicate that a 1:3 zeolite to soil ratio produced higher plant height, larger leaf area, and 20-40% higher fruit yield under deficit irrigation than the control which received no zeolite. Water use efficiency was improved with reduced watering frequency and was further enhanced by zeolite; the 1:3 treatment achieved the highest WUE, producing more yield per unit water. On the other hand, excessive zeolite (1:1 mix) did not improve yields on clayey soil. Therefore, incorporating a suitable proportion of natural zeolite into soil can mitigate drought stress and sustain tomato production while conserving irrigation water.

Keywords: Arid region agriculture, Drought, Irrigation frequency, Soil amendment, Water use efficiency, Zeolitic tuff

Qiu YuHao¹, Liang WenJing¹, Li MeiQi¹, Zhu Hong¹, Peng Hao^1*, Si DouDou¹, Xie YuSi²

¹Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, Shaanxi, China

²Shaanxi Agricultural Radio and Television School, Hanzhong 724400, Shaanxi, China

*Corresponding author’s email: huaohao808@126.com

Received: 09 September 2025 / Revised: 14 January 2026 / Accepted: 24 January 2026 / Published Online: 16 February 2026

Abstract

To address the severe threat of root rot caused by F. solani and F. oxysporum to American ginseng production and the limitations of chemical control, this study aimed to screen antagonistic actinomycetes and identify their key active substances. Actinomycetes were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy American ginseng using the dilution plate method, and antagonistic strains were screened via the mycelial growth rate assay. Strain XF-3, with the highest inhibitory activity, was identified as S. murinus based on morphological, physiological-biochemical, and 16S rDNA sequence analyses. Its fermentation broth exhibited in vitro control efficacies of 56.09% and 66.27% against F. solani and F. oxysporum, respectively, in detached root inoculation tests. The key active metabolite was isolated via column chromatography and identified as actinomycin D using NMR and LC-MS. Mycelial growth inhibition assays showed EC₅₀ values of actinomycin D against F. solani and F. oxysporum were 2.08 μg/mL and 11.48 μg/mL, respectively. This study provides a candidate biocontrol strain S. murinus XF-3 and theoretical basis for the green management of American ginseng root rot, while expanding the application scope of actinomycin D in agricultural biocontrol.

Keywords: American ginseng root rot, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Metabolites, Actinomycin D

N. Jitsopakul^1*, A. Chunthaworn¹, K. JaiDee¹, U. Pongket², K. Thammasiri³

¹Department of Plant Science, Textile and Design, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, Surin 32000, Thailand

²Department of Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, Surin 32000, Thailand

³Center for Gardening and Horticulture, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan 666303, China

*Corresponding author’s email: jitsopakul.ni@gmail.com

Received: 18 November 2025 / Revised: 23 January 2026 / Accepted: 30 January 2026 / Published Online: 09 February 2026

Abstract

The Vanda genus is a beautiful Thai orchid that has been bred for use as cut flowers and ornamental plants. The development and morphological characteristics of the first-generation hybridization of Vanda liouvillei Finet as the female plant and Vanda curvifolia (Lindl.) L.M. Gardiner as the male plant (F₁) and the hybridization of the second-generation hybrid plants (F₂) on the ability of pod formation and seed germination in vitro were investigated. The result showed that 60% pod formation, the age and size of mature pods was 149 days with 1.15 cm in width and 3.50 cm in length after hand-pollination of the first-generation hybridization (F₁). The hybrid seeds contained embryos and germinated after 23 days of sowing on a modified Vacin and Went (1949) agar medium. The first flowering occurred in vibrant orange-red petals with a red to yellow color graduated, erect inflorescence, and a fishtail-shaped lip similar to those of its male and female parent plants after three years and eleven months in the greenhouse. In the hybridization of the second-generation hybrid plants (F₂), pod formation was 100%; the age and size of mature pods was 219 days with 0.77 cm in width and 2.33 cm in length after hand-pollination, smaller than those of the first-generation hybrid pods (F₁). Seeds of the second-generation hybrid plants (F₂) contained embryos and germinated after 28 days of sowing.  The hybridization of the second-generation hybrids (F₂) is for the development and production of small potted orchids with bright flower colors.

Keywords: Pollinia, Pollination, Pod, Protocorm, Hybrid

Muhammad Talha¹, Muhammad Akram^1*, Abid Rashid²

¹Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
²Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: muhammadakram@gcuf.edu.pk

Received: 06 November 2025 / Revised: 31 December 2025 / Accepted: 19 January 2026 / Published Online: 02 February 2026

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a rising health crisis in the world resulting in progressive renal impairment due to oxidative stress and inflammation. This research has undertaken the phytochemical and bioactivity description of Boerhavia diffusa L. (punarnava), an Ayurvedic herb used in renal and hepatic rejuvenation. Maximum concentrations of the bioactive constituents were obtained in the 70% ethanolic extract which had a total phenolic content (TPC) of 34 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 60.52 ug CE/mL. As the major flavonoid, rutin (0.42 mg/g) and quercetin (0.31 mg/g) and the presence of significant amounts of phenolic acids such as chlorogenic (0.25 mg/g), gallic (0.18 mg/g), and caffeic (0.12 mg/g) acids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification. Assessment of antioxidants through DPPH assay indicated a high radical scavenging potential (24.31% inhibition) in the 70% ethanol extract that is similar to a standardized phenolic mixture (23.85). Multivariate statistical analysis involving correlation heat maps, hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the capacity of antioxidants was highly linked to individual flavonoids but not the total phenolic content, and that compound specific bioactivity was important. Moreover, non-linear, synergistic relationships between phytochemical pools were estimated by regression modeling, highlighting the complexity of whole-plant therapeutic actions. The presence of a large number of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and glycosides was confirmed by qualitative screening; no tannins or steroids were detected, which is also consistent with the historical safety of the plant in chronic preparations. These results provide a phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant characterization of B. diffusa and place its traditional use in a phytochemical context.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), Phytochemical profiling, Antioxidant activity, Flavonoids, Rutin, Quercetin oxidative stress, Ayurvedic herb

Thanet Sophonnithiprasert¹, Ratchanok Kumsiri², Panan Kanchanaphum^1*

¹Biochemistry Unit, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand

²Pathobiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: panan.k@rsu.ac.th

Received: 25 October 2025 / Revised: 14 January 2026 / Accepted: 19 January 2026 / Published Online: 30 January 2026

Abstract

The ball python, or Python regius, is a popular exotic pet known for its beautiful colors and patterns, particularly in the piebald morph. Piebald ball pythons have skin with white patches on a pattern with a brown and black background. The piebald trait results from a recessive mutation in the TFEC gene. There are three variations of piebald: low white, medium white, and high white. This study uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine the levels of TFEC gene expression across these three piebald variants. In the four low white piebald samples analyzed, the reduction of TFEC gene expression ranged from 1.31 to 4.42-fold, compared to the wild type, displaying the lowest reduction fold of TFEC gene expression. This phenomenon shows the pattern on almost all the skin of the ball python. While in medium white, the reduction in TFEC gene expression ranges from 5.14 to 7.99-fold, indicating the equal distribution of patterned and white patches on the skin of the ball python. The last one, the greatest reduction in TFEC gene expression, is the high white piebald ball python. The average reduction of TFEC gene expression is between 17.28 to 48.92-fold, reflecting the almost white area in the skin. Our study is the first report of differential expression of the TFEC gene in the variant type of the piebald ball python.

Keywords: Piebald, Ball python, Python regius, Gene expression, TFEC gene, qPCR

Nguyen Binh Truong^1,2*, Tran Trung Tuan^1,2

¹Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, Vietnam

²Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

*Corresponding author’s email: nbtruong@agu.edu.vn

Received: 22 September 2025 / Revised: 24 December 2025 / Accepted: 17 January 2026 / Published Online: 30 January 2026

Abstract

This study aims at finding out the combined Tra fish oil (TrO) and energy feed sources in the dietary combinations on feed intake, nutrient degradability, and greenhouse gas emissions of Charolais crossbred cattle. The in vitro gas experiment (Ex1) was arranged in a complete randomized design with two factors and four replications. Factor 1 was carbohydrate source (Es): cassava chip (Ca) and Maize (Ma), and factor 2 was Tra fish oil (TrO): with and without Tra fish oil. The in vivo digestion (Ex2) was arranged in a group of Latin square design with three factors. Factors 1 and 2 were similar to those in Ex1, but factor 3 was of cattle age periods, such as 13-16, 17-20, and 21-24 months. Results of Ex1 showed that the organic matter degradability was significantly distinct (P<0.05) at Es and TrO. Still, the interaction between Es and TrO was not variable (P>0.05) at 72 h incubation. Results of Ex2 showed that the methane emission (MJ/Kg DDM) was not divergent (P>0.05) between the Ma (169 MJ) and Ca (171 MJ). TrO (160 MJ) had lower methane emissions than NoTrO (181 MJ) by about 11.6%. The 13-16 months had higher methane emissions than 17-20 and 21-24 months (219, 161, and 131 MJ, respectively). Therefore, the Ma had better digestibility than the Ca on the beef cattle diet. Charolais crossbred cattle at 21-24 months had better intake, digestibility, and the lowest methane emission than 17-20 and 13-16 months’ age periods. In addition, supplementing the diet of the Tra fish oil could reduce methane in crossbred beef cattle.

Keywords: Climate change, Local feed, Lipid, Nutrition, Combinations, Ruminants

Dina Hussein Hatif Al Mansoori^1*, Firas Shawkat Al Bayati², Sahar M. Jawad³, Bashaer J. Kahdum¹, Mustafa Kamil Othman Alchalabi¹

¹Geomatics Technology Center, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
²Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
³Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq

*Corresponding author’s email: dina.almansoori@uokufa.edu.iq

Received: 25 August 2025 / Revised: 05 December 2025 / Accepted: 22 December 2025 / Published Online: 21 January 2026

Abstract

Increasing outbreak of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the world has made the discovery of safe and sustainable antimicrobial agents even more vigorous. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized through a green methodology using Boswellia serrata (Gum Olibanum) extract and tested their antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against oral pathogens. The ZnO-NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) which confirmed the crystalline structure, nanoscopic morphology and the elemental composition of the nanoparticles. The ZnO-NPs were highly antibacterial with a diameter of inhibition zone of 47 mm and 38 mm on Streptococcus spp. and Granulicatella adiacens respectively. The nanoparticles were also found to exhibit a substantial biofilm inhibitory effect, decreasing adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis, and Granulicatella adiacens, suggesting the ability of the nanoparticles in disrupting the formation of oral biofilm. The results indicate that Boswellia serrata-mediated ZnO-NPs could be used as a potent and environmentally friendly antimicrobial agent in potential oral care products. There in vivo biocompatibility, toxicity and applicability in clinical use need further research.

Keywords: Zinc oxide nanoparticles, Boswellia serrata, Green synthesis, Antimicrobial activity, Biofilm inhibition, Oral pathogens, Dental nanotechnology

Nurwulan Agustiani¹, Sujinah^1*, Etty Pratiwi¹, Wiwik Hartatik^1*, Antonius Kasno¹, Chendy Tafakresnanto¹, A. Arivin Rivaie^1*, Terry Ayu Adriany¹, Selly Salma¹, Antonius Fransisco Nababan², Fasa Aditya Hanindipto³, Yudhistira Nugraha¹

¹Research Center for Food Crops, Research Organization Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST Soekarno, Cibinong, West Java, Indonesia

²Directorate for Laboratory Management, Research Facilities and Science and Technology Park, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST Soekarno, Cibinong, West Java, Indonesia

³Indonesian Fertilizer Holding Company, Jakarta, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: sujinah@brin.go.id; wiwik_hartatik@yahoo.com; aari001@brin.go.id

Received: 02 August 2025 / Revised: 28 November 2025 / Accepted: 16 December 2025 / Published Online: 21 January 2026

Abstract

Nano-nitrogen (nano-N) fertilizers have been developed to boost the efficiency and lessen the environmental footprint of conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizers in lowland rice cultivation. This study examined the impact of combining nano-N with existing N fertilization on rice leaf physiology. A greenhouse experiment tested five concentrations of nano-N (0 to 4 mL L^-1) alongside a one-third reduction in the standard N rates across Aeric Epiaquents, Vertic Endoaquepts, and Typic Endoaquepts. Observations were made primarily on leaf dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, dissolved sugar levels, nitrate reductase activity (NRA), and glutamine synthase activity. The results showed that nano-N application increased chlorophyll a and b levels and enhanced NRA even with a 50% reduction in top-dressed nitrogen, equivalent to 46 kg of urea. In particular, the 2 mL L^-1 nano-N treatment resulted in 34% higher starch and 28% more total non-structural carbohydrates than farmer-practice fertilization, driven by increased chlorophyll at panicle initiation and elevated NRA during grain filling. These findings suggest that nano-N fertilization can increase chlorophyll content, enzyme activity, and carbohydrate accumulation in rice leaves, providing a promising approach to improve nitrogen use efficiency, reduce environmental risks linked to overfertilization with N, and enhance yields through improved plant physiological processes.

Keywords: Nano-nitrogen, Non-structural carbohydrate, Physiological traits of leaves, Rice plant, Soil types

Irma Yeny^1,3, Cecep Kusmana^2*, Fifi Gus Dwiyanti², Suyadi³, Hani Sitti Nuroniah⁴, Chairil Anwar Siregar³, Nina Mindawati³, Virni Budi Arifanti³, Yulizar Ihrami Rahmila³, Mira Yulianti^1,3, Sri Suharti³, Suliasih⁵, Arwan Sugiharto⁵, Sri Widawati⁵, Muksin Purnama⁶, Tien Wahyuni⁷

¹Tropical Silviculture Study Program, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

²Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

³Research Center for Ecology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

⁴Research Center for Applied Botany, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

⁵Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

⁶Postgraduate Program, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia

⁷Research Center for Behavioral and Circular Economics, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: cecep_kusmana@apps.ipb.ac.id

Received: 07 September 2025 / Revised: 08 December 2025 / Accepted: 24 December 2025 / Published Online: 17 January 2026

Abstract

This study examined the growth performance of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza seedlings in a tidal nursery, employing a split-plot design that incorporated three shade levels (0%, 45%, 80%) and three varying biostimulant doses (0, 10, 30 g). Physiological indicators, morphological traits, biomass allocation, seedling quality, and microclimate variables were evaluated. Shading markedly improved seedling performance compared to non-shaded conditions, enhancing leaf greenness, photosynthetic efficiency, height growth, leaf development, and overall quality index. Among the treatments, 45% shade yielded the highest growth responses, though its performance was statistically similar to that of 80% shade. Biostimulants demonstrated a restricted impact, affecting solely the photosynthetic rate, with 10 g and 30 g doses exhibiting comparable enhancements compared to the control group. No interaction between shade and biostimulants was observed, indicating that the effects of biostimulant application had not manifested during the brief nursery period. The findings indicate that moderate shading significantly influences the early vigor of B. gymnorrhiza seedlings in tidal environments, offering practical recommendations for enhancing nursery protocols to facilitate cost-effective mangrove rehabilitation.

Keywords: Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Shading, Biostimulants, Rehabilitation, Mangrove