Category Archives: b_original_articles

Worasitikulya Taratima^1*, 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

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

Hasnun Nita Ismail¹*, Normawaty Mohammad Noor², Zuhairi Ahmad², Wan Nurul Hidayah Wan Anuar¹

¹Faculty of Applied Science, University Technology of MARA Perak Branch Tapah Campus, 35400 Tapah Road, Perak, Malaysia

²Kuliyyah of Science, International Islamic University, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

The ecosystem of rice fields is subjected to fluctuations between dry and wet conditions. Therefore, it contains a unique biodiversity of aquatic organisms. The present study was conducted in the rice field to assess the algal composition and changes in algal population after the application of herbicides and insecticides. The physicochemical parameters were measured in situ while algal identification and examination were investigated through microscopy. The results showed that there were insignificant changes in terms of water chemistry except for the temperature. Algal examination revealed the composition of 4 phyla (Euglenophyta, Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta) with 18 genera in the rice field. Despite the heavy application of herbicides and insecticides in the rice field, Euglenophyta significantly bloomed in the entire length of study where Euglena and Trachelomonas were the most dominant genera. Phylum of Bacillariophyta slightly bloomed during control and after the application of herbicides with the most dominant genus was Nitszchia. The application of herbicides and insecticides significantly affected the abundance of Chlorophyta even though the total abundance was below than 100 ind/mL. The Cyanophyta were the rarest algae in the ecosystem with only a single genus found, Oscillatoria. Conclusively, although the herbicides and insecticides affected the abundance of algae, but it did not induce a shift in algal community. The ecosystem of rice field supports a sustainable growth of Euglenophyta when compared to other phyla.

Keywords: Algae, Herbicides, Insecticides, Physicochemical parameters, Rice fields

Eldrin DLR. Arguelles*

Philippine National Collection of Microorganisms (PNCM), National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), University of the Philippines Los Baños College, Laguna, Philippines

Abstract

Seaweeds are marine organisms capable of producing diverse biomolecules and other important bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological uses. Proximate composition analysis of S. oligocystum showed high ash, carbohydrate, and protein content with an estimated value of 39.01±0.16%, 21.43±0.37%, and 19.13 ± 0.19% respectively. The macroalga has a phenolic content (TPC) of 30.94 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g. In terms of antioxidant efficiency, high copper reduction capacity (IC₅₀ = 6.97 μg GAE/ml) and potent radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 28.5 μg GAE/ml) were exhibited by S. oligocystum extract, which is more effective than ascorbic acid (control). Also, S. oligocystum extract showed potent antibacterial activities towards Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Bacillus cereus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml, respectively. This investigation is a pioneering study in the Philippines documenting the use of S. oligocystum as an alternative source of bioactive substances that can be used as novel therapeutic agents in disease treatment.

Keywords: Biological activity, Marine, Polyphenols, Philippines, Seaweeds

Funmilayo Abimbola Okeniyi^1*, Oghenebrorhie Mavis Oghenochuko¹, Samuel Oyewale Olawoye¹, Razaq Adekunle Animashahun¹, Abigail Gbemisola Adeyonu², Oghenerobor Benjamin Akpor³

¹Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, Landmark University, Omu -Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria

²Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, College of Agricultural Sciences, Landmark University, Omu -Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria

³Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado – Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aims at evaluating the antibacterial activities of mucus mucin from three species of the giant African land snails; Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, and Achatina fulica. Snail slime was collected from forty-five snails comprising the three species of snails from the southwestern region of Nigeria. The antibacterial potential and bacteria growth rate (in hours) of the mucus mucin were determined using agar well diffusion method and liquid broth. Acetic acid (acid), ammonium bicarbonate (alkaline), and water (aqueous) were each used to extract the slime. The result showed that mucus secretions from the three snail species differed in color, degree of the sliminess, and volume.  Snail mucus extract had antimicrobial effects on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The inhibitory effects of mucus extracts differed depending on the treatment method and storage time, with acid extracts having a higher inhibitory capacity regardless of snail species or storage time. A. marginata’s mucus secretions had a stronger antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis when compared to mucus from A. achatina and A. fulica. The zone of inhibition of the mucus mucin in solid agar ranged between 24.0–19.5mm for A. marginata and ranged between 21.0-17.5mm and 21.0–15.0mm for A. achatina and A. fulica, within 2-72 storage hours). Mucus mucin seems to lose its antibacterial potential with time; however, the antibacterial capability of the giant African snail species could provide the much-needed solution to antibiotic resistance.

Keywords: Land snail, Mucous mucin, Antibacterial activity, Pathogenic bacteria, Antibiotic resistance

Emmanuel Israel Affram^1*, Victor Olawale Adetimirin², Christian Fatokun³, Ousmane Boukar⁴

¹Pan African University Life and Earth Science Institute, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

²Department of Crop and Horticultural Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

³Cowpea Breeding, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria

⁴Cowpea Breeding, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Post-harvest losses in cowpea are mostly caused by the infestation of Callosobruchus maculatus, a storage pest. It can cause up to 100% loss of untreated produce. Host Plant Resistance (HPR), an important component of integrated pest management, has potential for sustainable management of C. maculatus. The objective of this study was to assess a recently collected cowpea germplasm from Togo for resistance to C. maculatus. A total of 200 cowpea accessions from the five regions of Togo and five checks were screened for resistance to C. maculatus using a no-choice assay. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Data were collected on average number of eggs laid (ANEL), average number of adult emergence (ANAE), number of holes per seed (NHPS), initial and final seed weight (ISW and FSW), median development period (MDP), percentage adult emergence (PAE), and percentage weight loss (PWL), and two indices of resistance computed viz. insect growth index (G.I.) and Dobie’s susceptibility index (DSI). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis. A total of 51 accessions were moderately resistant, among which RS009 and RP218 had the least DSI score. The remaining accessions (149) were susceptible. DSI was significantly correlated with ANAE, PWL and NHPS, and had a significant and negative correlation with MDP. The results of the stepwise multiple regression showed ANAE, PWL and MDP were the better predictors of cowpea bruchid resistance and accounted for 87.7% of the observed variation in DSI scores.

Keywords: Cowpea, Callosobruchus maculatus, Resistance and Dobie susceptibility index

Muhammad Ghous¹, Shahid Iqbal^1,2*, Muhammad Amir Bakhtavar^1,2, Fahim Nawaz¹, Tanveer ul Haq³,Shahbaz Khan⁴

¹Department of Agronomy, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

²Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology MNS-University of Agriculture Multan.

³Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

⁴National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad-45500, Pakistan

Abstract

Agricultural soils are becoming contaminated with heavy metals due to industrialization and increase in anthropogenic activities. Phytoremediation of heavy metals is an environment-friendly technique for reclamation contaminated soils. Quinoa is halophyte with excellent nutritional qualities and can also be used for the reclamation of polluted soil. This study was executed to evaluate the phytoextraction potential of heavy metals in older and younger leaves of quinoa. Six genotypes of quinoa were cultivated on artificially heavy metals polluted soil in controlled block with use of sewage wastewater at MNS University of Agriculture Multan, Pakistan. Leaves samples were analyzed to evaluate the concentration of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Maximum amount of heavy metals were accumulated in older leaves Q-76, Q50 and Q-82 but Q-76 genotype was higher accumulator. In case of yield, Q-7 and Q-76 were best performers with maximum seed yield, biomass, main panicle length and width. It can be concluded that Q-76 genotype was best among the six for producing higher yield with better extraction of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Ni) from polluted soil.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Phytoextraction, Quinoa, Reclamation

Abul Fazal Mohammed Shamim Ahsan^1*, Al Harun Md. Motiur Rahman Talukder¹, Shamsun Nahar Mahfuza¹, Faruque Ahmed¹, Mohammad Amdadul Haque², Mohammad Abdul Goffar², Mohammad Masuduzzaman Masud³, Ahmed Khairul Hassan⁴

¹Plant Physiology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

²Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

³Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

⁴Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract

Salinity affects growth of salt-sensitive vegetable crops at an early stage. So, selection of vegetable crops at an early vegetative stage is a significant step in improving salt tolerance. In this study, twenty-four tomato genotypes were subjected to two different salinity stress viz., control, and 15 dS m^-1 at 35 days after emergence under hydroponic culture. Visual scoring of salt injury and morpho-physiological traits (length, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot, leaf area, membrane stability, and content of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺: Na⁺ and Ca²⁺: Na⁺) were investigated. Analysis of variance revealed that specific and interaction effects of both salinity and genotype for all measured traits were significant (P<0.05), suggesting a wide range of diversity in these genotypes. On the basis of visual scoring, genotypes G4, G7, G14, and G16 were found in lower injury scale classes 1 and 2. They also had the least reduction of root length, leaf area, and total biomass under salinity. At 15 dS m^-1 salinity level, the genotypes G1, G4, G7, G14, and G16 showed the least cell membrane stability index CMSI compared to the control genotype. Moreover, these genotypes also uptake less Na⁺ with higher % of K⁺ and Ca²⁺, which resulted in higher K⁺: Na⁺ and Ca²⁺: Na⁺ ratios than others, that expressed their tolerance to salinity. Tomato genotypes were classified into four clusters, where, G1, G4, G5, G7, G14, and G16 genotypes were found in cluster 3 and cluster 1, with the maximum mean values and top-ranking scores in their measured morphological traits. On the other hand, G13, G20, G22, G23, and G24 were in cluster 4, with the lowest mean values and bottom-ranking scores. The results of the study consistently confirmed that G4, G7, G14, and G16 genotypes are salt-tolerant at the vegetative stage.

Keywords: Tomato, Genotype, Salinity, Vegetative, Hydroponic

Sari Darmasiwi^1,3, Yaovapa Aramsirirujiwet¹, Ingorn Kimkong^1,2*

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand

²Center for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, National Research University – Kasetsart University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand

³Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, 55281 Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Hericium erinaceus is a medicinal mushroom that has various health benefits. The cultivation of mushrooms with solid substrates was previously reported to improve their chemical compositions and bioactivities. The effect of the solid-state cultivation of H. erinaceus using jasmine rice media was evaluated with regard to the nutritional value, mycochemicals, and antioxidant activities of the cultivated products. White jasmine rice (R1) and a mixture of white and red jasmine rice (R2) were used as growth substrates for H. erinaceus. The products of their cultivation, such as rice-fermented mycelia (MR1 and MR2) and basidiomata (BR1 and BR2), were assessed to determine their nutritive contents, mycochemicals, and antioxidant activities compared to unfermented rice (R1 and R2) and commercial basidiome (BS). The nutritional values were measured quantitatively, while the mycochemicals were evaluated qualitatively. The antioxidant activity was measured using the level of DPPH scavenging activity. The results showed that H. erinaceus was successfully cultivated on jasmine rice media. The pH of the media was positively correlated with mycelia growth. The R2-fermented mycelium (MR2) product had higher protein levels (11.40 g/100g) compared to unfermented R2 (6.74 g/100g). Basidiome cultivated on R2 media (BR2) exhibited higher protein levels (15.06 g/100g) compared to commercial basidiome (BS) (10.45 g/100 g). The rice-fermented mycelia contained alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins. The MR2 sample showed the highest level of antioxidant activity (IC₅₀=1.26 mg/ml). These findings suggested that cultivation on jasmine rice enhanced the nutritional value and mycochemical compositions of H. erinaceus, with beneficial antioxidant activity.

Keywords: Hericium erinaceus, Solid-state cultivation, Nutrition, Mycochemicals, Antioxidants

Mona Ibrahim Nossier¹, Shaimaa Hassan Abd-Elrahman^1*, Salwa Mahmoud El-Sayed²

¹Soil and Water Department, Faculty of Agriculture 11241, Ain Shams University, Egypt

²Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture 11241, Ain Shams University, Egypt

Abstract

Several agricultural practices produce wastes rich in some useful compounds. In this research, two types of wastes (i.e., garlic and lemon peelings) were chosen and used to prepare mixtures of these peels alcoholic extract with a certain concentration of selenium, either alone or in combinations treatments. Faba bean seeds (Vicia faba L. cv. Sakha 3) were cultivated in winter season of the year 2019 on a silty clay soil after soaking in these mixtures for 24 h. Some vegetative growth parameters such as fresh and dry weights, plant length, as well as N, K, phenols and flavonoids contents were determined during different physiological growth stages of Vicia faba, in addition to determine the leaf area and number of pods per plant at the flowering growth stage. Besides of pods and seeds weight, and seeds content of N, K, Se, protein, phenols and flavonoids were also determined after harvesting. Obtained results showed that soaking seeds in the studied extracts significantly increased the weight of pods and seeds as compared to the control treatment. Moreover, the soaking process increased the percentage of antioxidants in the produced seeds of Vicia faba as compared to the control treatment. This finding highlights the benefit of such soaking process to foods rich in antioxidants that increases immunity and resistance of human against widespread diseases.

Keywords: Garlic peel, Lemon peel, Reuse of agricultural wastes, Selenium, Antioxidants, Vicia faba