Category Archives: b_original_articles

Aysha Khan¹, Safdar Ali¹, Muhammad Sajid², Muhammad Ahmad Zeshan^4*, Rana Binyamin⁵,

Nadeem Ahmed³, Muhammad Usman Ghani⁶

¹Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

²Department of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

³Department of Plant Pathology, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

⁴Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

⁵Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Sub-Campus Burewala, Pakistan

⁶Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) which causes bacterial leaf blight (BLB) disease is one of the most destructive pathogen of rice. BLB incites more than 70% yield losses in epidemic conditions thus deteriorating the rice industry and export revenue. The use of conventional synthetic bactericides causes remarkable environmental hazards such as water and air pollution. This study was focused at the management of bacterial leaf blight disease through the application of antibiotics because injudicious use of bactericides results in the development of resistance in bacteria. The objectives were to evaluation of rice germplasm against BLB, biochemical characterization of the pathogen and its in-vitro management. There were very limited studies on the phenotypic evaluation of BLB disease and biochemical analyses of its causal organism. Twelve rice cultivars were screened against the disease in randomized complete block design. The isolated pathogen was subjected to Gram staining and microscopic examination. Biochemical characterization of the pathogen was done by methyl red, indole production, citrate utilization and Voges-Proskaure tests. Three antibiotics (Kanamycin, Streptomycin and Ampicillin) were used at three concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm) against the pathogen. Among all the screened cultivars, none was highly resistant and resistant. Maximum disease severity (89.01%) was depicted by the variety Super Basmati. All isolate were Gram negative and these showed positive response in case citrate utilization test indicating that citrate permeases enzyme is abundant. In-vitro results showed that Kanamycin is the most effective against pathogen at all concentrations than Ampicillin and Streptomycin. It is concluded that none of the screened cultivars showed resistance against Xoo, so the Basmati varieties may be sown with appropriate antibiotic like Kanamycin. It is recommended to devise effective breeding programs for the development of resistance rice cultivars against this economically important disease.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Xoo, In-vitro, Management, BLB

Muhammad Irfan Ullah^1*, Sana Majeed¹, Muhammad Arshad¹, Sajjad Ali², Naunain Mehmood³, Nimra Altaf¹, Asad Abdullah¹, Muhammad Luqman⁴, Umar Farooq⁵, Muhammad Afzal¹

¹Department of Entomology, University of Sargodha, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan

²Department of Entomology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100 Bahawalpur Pakistan

³Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan

⁴Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Sargodha, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan

⁵Department of Food Science and Technology, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Insecticidal properties of Parthenium hysterophorus L. (family: Asteraceae), an annual herb, and Moringa oleifera (Lam.) (family: Moringaceae), a perennial tree, were assessed against different digestibility parameters and survival rate of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Effect of different extracts (based on three extraction solvents: ethanol, methanol, and acetone) of P. hysterophorus and M. oleifera on the digestibility indices and larval mortality of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were studied. The extracts were tested at two different concentrations; 25 mg and 50 mg. The effect of methanol extract on S. litura larvae was greater than that of ethanol and acetone. The methanol extract of P. hysterophorus at 50 mg concentration significantly reduced the digestibility indices; 49.6% consumption rate, 80.4% growth rate, 63.9% efficiency of conversion of ingested food, 68.4% efficiency of conversion of digested food, 39.3% assimilation rate, and 12.3% approximate digestibility of S. litura larvae compared with the control (positive untreated) treatment. By using methanol extracts of P. hysterophorus at 50 mg concentration, larvae’s survival rate was also found to be lower than those of other treatments. The performance of M. oleifera extracts was lower in terms of affecting the digestibility and survival of S. litura compared to P. hysterophorus. Among the two plant extracts, a higher concentration (50mg) of P. hysterophorus using methanol as a solvent represented a promising natural product for S. litura control.

Keywords: Botanicals, Biological control, Feeding indices, Spodoptera litura, Sustainable management

Muhammad Zubair¹, Shamsa Shafique², Muhammad Shahbaz², Atia Mir Hussain²,  Mubashar Ali Khalique¹, Muhammad Kashif Saleemi⁴, Muhammad Imran Khan³, Nasir Hameed¹

¹Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, AJK, Pakistan

²Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, The Women University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Bagh, AJK, Pakistan

³Department of Livestock and Poultry Production University of Poonch, Rawalakot, AJK, Pakistan

⁴Department of Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Arsenic is considered one of the major environmental toxic metals causing male infertility. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxic effects of arsenic trioxide on the body weight, serum biochemical constituents, hematological parameters, and hormonal profile of male rabbits. To ameliorate the toxicity of this metal, olive oil was used. For this purpose, sixteen adult male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups for this experiment. Group A was kept as control, group B (arsenic trioxide 5 mg/kg body weight), C (arsenic trioxide as in group B + olive oil 5 ml/kg body weight), and Group D (olive oil 5 ml/kg BW) were used in this experiment. The blood samples from these animals were collected every two weeks to determine the hematological values. Serum was also separated to analyze the hormonal profile and serum biochemical constituents. Obtained data of this experiment were subjected to two-way analysis factorial. Following the oral administration of arsenic trioxide, body weight significantly reduces in group B as compared to groups A, C and D. Similarly, level white blood cells, red blood cells, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin was reduced in group B as compared to other three groups. The endocrine profile indicated that the level of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone reduced in the arsenic trioxide group as compared to the control group. Arsenic trioxide in group B negatively influences the serum biochemical parameters as compared to the other three groups. Supplementation of olive oil alleviated the toxic effects on of parameters.  It is concluded that arsenic trioxide causes major male reproductive toxicity, whereas olive oil has an ameliorating effect to reduce toxicity.

Keywords: Arsenic trioxide, Olive oil, Toxicological effects, Hormonal level

Farid Berroukeche^1,2*, Nawel Attoui³, Fethi Toul⁴, Mohammed Ziane^5,6, Nassima Mokhtari Soulimane¹, Hafida Merzouk¹

¹Laboratory of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University of Tlemcen 13000, Algeria

²Faculty of Medicine, University of TAHRI Mohammed, Bechar, Algeria

³Laboratory of Vegetal Resources Valorization and Food Security in Semi-Arid Areas South West of AlgeriaDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, , University of TAHRI Mohammed Bechar, Algeria

⁴Laboratory of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of TAHRI Mohammed, Bechar, Algeria

⁵University Center of Ain Temouchent, Sidi bel Abbes Road, N101, Ain Temouchent, Algeria

⁶Laboratory of Microbiology Applied to Agri-food, Biomedical and Environment (LAMAABE), Faculty of SNV / STU, University of Tlemcen, Algeria

Abstract

The present study aimed at determining the effectiveness of Bunium incrassatum acetonic and ethanolic tuber extracts as antioxidant (DPPH assay) and anti-hemolytic agents (hypotonic solution, H₂O₂ and triton X100 assays) and tubers’ powder as dietary supplement on body weight, on histological (liver, thyroid, testes, and kidney) and biochemical parameters (glycaemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, HDL, LDL, AST and ALT). In DPPH assay, acetonic extract (IC₅₀=0.02 mg/ml) exhibited by far, higher scavenging potential, even compared to ethanolic extract (IC₅₀=0.19 mg/ml) and ascorbic acid (IC₅₀=0.25 mg/ml) as reference compound. The same extract showed a very good protective effect against hemolysis induced by H₂O₂ and hypotonic solutions with 76.43%±3.71 and 77.67%±2.07 mg/mL, respectively and closely followed by quercetin as reference compound. The in vivo results revealed that rats receiving orally 15% of B. incrassatum with diet (BID group) during 15 days of experimentation increased significantly their final body weight (98.88%). Then, a significant rise of glycaemia (+17.92%), HDLc (+25%), AST (+36.78%) and ALT (+56.76%) levels associated to a notable decrease of triglycerides (-29.1 %) and creatinine (-12.74%) were observed compared with control animals. These promising findings support the traditional use of B. incrassatum tubers as functional food for human and farm animals, and suggest that their radical scavenging and anti-hemolytic potentials are may be due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds.

Keywords: Bunium incrassatum, Histology, Diet, Antihemolytic, Antioxidant, Wistar rats

Ngo Duc Duy^1,2*, Duong Thi Hong Dao^1,2, Nguyen Hoang Dung^1,2, Vu Thi Tuyet Nhung¹, Pham Anh Vu¹, Le Quynh Loan¹, Huynh Thi Diep¹, Pham Thanh Luu^1,2, Hoang Quoc Khanh^1,2

¹Institute of Tropical Biology, Vietnam Academy of Sciences and Technology, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

²Graduate University of Sciences and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Sciences and Technology, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

Abstract

Salt contamination is one of the major problems of agricultural land. It is important to find new bacteria with sodium removal ability, which can be used to reduce salts from soils. This study aims to isolate and characterize the novel Rhodobacter spp. with the sodium removal ability from mangrove forest sediment in Southeast Vietnam. After screening of morphological characteristics of the cell size, shape, and presence of protrusions, seven strains were identified. The results also showed that these strains were able to reduce NaCl from Glutamate-malate medium (GM). The concentration of NaCl decreased from 28.57% to 36.42% for the treatment with 25 ppm NaCl after 14 days of incubation. However, in the 35ppm NaCl concentration was absorb proficiency of decrease by approximately 5% compare with the 25 ppm NaCl concentration. The gene sequences of the 16S rDNA and puMf gene regions of the isolated strains shared high similarities with genus Rhodobacter, which were identified as Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Rhodobacter johrii. Our results showed a high diversity in the isolated strains belonging to the Rhodobacter species with sodium absorption ability. This study suggests the possibility of using isolated Rhodobacter strains to remove salinity from soils.

Keywords: Collection, Mangrove forest, Salinity, Reduce, Rhodobacter spp.

Wardah Wardah¹, Finalah Nurhayati², Mery Maria Magdalena², Nur Fazilah², Tatang Sopandi^2*

¹Study Program of Agroindustry, Faculty of Vocational, University of 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya. Jl. Semolowaru 45, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

²Study Program of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya. Jl. Dukuh Menanggal XII, 60234, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

The use of low-cost culture media is important for the development of large-scale Spirulina platensis production. This study aims to investigate the effects of using diluted monosodium glutamate wastewater (MSGW) as a culture medium on the growth and biochemical composition of S. platensis dry biomass. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by S. platensis from MSGW media was also investigated in this study. Four concentrations of MSGW have been used in this study, namely 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 mL/L and Walne medium was used as a control. All media were adjusted at pH 9 and S. platensis culture was carried out for 14 day at 36.0^oC, 77% relative humidity, 5000 lux light intensity and aeration rate at 0.7 L/min. The results of this study have indicated that the growth, protein, lipids, carbohydrates and chlorophyll of S. platensis biomass at 2.5 mL/L MSGW concentrations were not significantly different from Walne medium, but were significantly different from 1.5, 3.5 and 4.5 mL/L MSGW concentrations. The present study have also shown those nitrogen and phosphorus uptakes by S. platensis from 2.5 mL/L MSGW concentration was not significantly different from Walne medium, but were significantly different from 1.5, 3.5 and 4.5 mL/L MSGW concentrations. The present study concluded that S. platensis can be cultivated in MSGW as a medium with an optimum concentration of 2.5 mL/L. This finding will serve as a basic reference for future studies to utilize MSGW for microalgae culture media.

 Keywords: Biomass, Biochemical, Monosodium glutamate wastewater, Spirulina platensis

Nimarsha Sonali Kamaradiwela Arachchige, Bimali Jayawardena*

Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a major health concern in many countries.  Although there are many synthetic drugs to manage diabetes, most of them are associated with many side effects. Hence there is attention to the use of natural herbs with fewer side effects as an alternative. In this study the hypoglycemic properties, biological activities and chemical composition of leaves of two new Cinnamomum zeylanicum accessions (Sri Wijaya and Sri Gemunu) were investigated using spectrometric techniques. Ethanolic extracts of the two accessions were tested for alpha-amylase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ of Sri Gemunu 0.0565 ± 0.0013 mg/mL, IC₅₀ of Sri Wijaya 0.1136 ± 0.0011 mg/mL), alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ of  Sri Gemunu 0.0347 ± 0.0002 mg/mL, IC₅₀ of Sri Wijaya 0.0884 ± 0.0002 mg/mL), total phenolic content (20.60 ± 0.01 mg Gallic acid equivalents.g^-1of Sri Gemunu, 6.07 ± 0.01 mg Gallic acid equivalents.g^-1 of Sri Wijaya), total  flavonoid content (72.02 ± 0.02 mg quercetin equivalents.g^-1of Sri Gemunu, 23.59 ± 0.02 mg quercetin equivalents.g^-1 of Sri Wijaya), total proanthocyanidin content (0.60 ± 0.05 g catechin equivalents.g^-1of Sri Gemunu, 0.15 ± 0.05 g catechin equivalents.g^-1 of Sri Wijaya) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀-58.18  ± 2.53 µg/mL of Sri Wijaya, IC₅₀-69.60 ± 5.48 µg/mL of Sri Gemunu). GC-MS analysis and HPLC analysis indicated that both accessions were rich in eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. According to the results of this study, the ethanolic extract of Sri Gemunu Cinnamomum zeylanicum accession leaves displayed better anti-diabetic properties than the leaves of Sri Wijaya.

Keywords: Cinnamomum zeylanicum leaf, Ethanolic extraction, Anti-diabetic, Sri Gemunu accession, Sri Wijaya accession

Imran Riaz Malik^1,5*, Sawera Nayyab², Munazza Raza Mirza³, Saima Muzammil⁴, Javaria Saleem Cheema², Komal Imran², Kanwal Nisar², Sumreen Hayat⁴, Muhammad Javed⁵

¹Department of Biotechnology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan

²Department of Biotechnology University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan

³Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

⁴Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

⁵Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Growth is an index of metals influence on a fish. This investigation aimed to determine growth responses of major carps viz. Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala during exposure to sublethal concentration to zinc. The variations among fish age, species, treatment (zinc) of growth parameters viz. weight increment, fork lengths, and condition factor were statistically significant at P<0.01. The control fish age group 90,120,150 and 180 day showed better feed conversion ratio 0.234, 0.168, 0.132 and 0.29 as compared to that of zinc exposed fish which showed range 0.01 to 0.23. Three fish species showed significantly higher amount of zinc in liver than other organs. Labeo rohita showed significantly higher trend for zinc accumulation in body organs than as compared to Cirrhina mrigala and Catla catla. Among body organs; skin, muscle, scales displayed significantly lesser trend for zinc accumulation. It is concluded that metal intoxication significantly reduced the growth of all three fish species and may also show good indicator of metals present in surrounding environment.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation, Chronic sublethal exposure, Heavy metals, Major carps, Zinc

Md. Hafiz All Amin^1,2, Sumaia Sumi¹, Warangkana Jutidamrongphan^3,4, Kua-anan Techato^3,4*

¹Agroforestry and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh

²Sustainable Energy Management, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Songkhla, Thailand

³Environmental Assessment and Technology for Hazardous Waste Management Research Center, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Songkhla, Thailand

⁴Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Abstract

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. cv. Latiraj) is a vegetable for many people in tropical and sub-tropical countries in the world. Because of large quantities of vitamins and minerals, it has considerable value in the food market. As the Taro has raised market demand, it needs to increase production as much as possible. Agroforestry would be a possible production approach for Taro as it can be practised in a partially shaded conditions. The research aimed to evaluate the performance of Taro under woody perennials of Melia azedarach, Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia lebbeck and sole crop cultivation to get potential production and high financial return. This experiment was followed a single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were (1) sole cropping of Latiraj, (2) Latiraj-Melia azedarach, (3) Latiraj-Albizia lebbeck and (4) Latiraj-Leucaena leucocephala. The results showed the maximum number of stolon per plant (29.50) found in Latiraj-Albizia lebbeck and noted the minimum number of stolon (19.17) was in Latiraj-Leucaena leucocephala. Also, the highest stolon length (60.85 cm) and girth (3.33 cm) were observed in Latiraj-Albizia lebbeck and Latiraj-Melia azedarach, respectively. Moreover, the highest stolon yield (10.08 ton/ha) was obtained from Latiraj-Albizia lebbeck compared to (9.85 ton/ha) Latiraj sole cropping. The maximum benefit-cost ratio (4.78) was recorded in the Latiraj-Albizia lebbeck, 24% higher than (3.62) Latiraj sole cropping for economic performance. Finally, it was found that the Taro cv. Latiraj cultivation under Albizia lebbeck as an agroforestry practice would be a sustainable strategy to maximize the production, touching financial benefit and ensuring the proper utilization of vacant woodlots space.

Keywords: Aroid vegetable crop, Woody perennial trees, Agroforestry practices, Benefit-cost ratio, Monetary return

Van-Thanh Vo, Thai-Minh-Long Le, Thi-Quynh-Anh Duong, Nhat-Anh-Thu Mai, Huyen Nguyen Thi Thuong^*

Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Vietnam

Abstract

Fish is one of the reliable biomonitoring used to assess the levels of heavy metal pollution in the aquatic environment. Analyzing the biological parameters of fish provides a predictable transformation of the underwater ecosystem and the current state of nursery water. Blood directly or indirectly reacts to changes in the environment, objectively reflects the physiological state and allows predicting the direction of adaptive responses in the body. According to the blood indicators and proper generalization of the blood system, we can estimate the physiological and pathological processes inside the body. This study aimed to estimate the effects of lead on hematological parameters in red tilapia. Fish were investigated for the effects of the lead after one week. Fish blood is taken from the tail vein by suction injection. Hematological parameters were determined by standard methods. The number of WBC is counted indirectly through blood smears stained Giemsa. The result of the study shows when the concentration of lead for infection increase from 0mgL^-1 (control) to 0.5mgL^-1, 1.0mgL^-1 and 1.5mgL^-1, there is a decrease in the hematocrit, hemoglobin, RBC and increases of the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, WBC. RBC and WBC have observed the shape. Blood cells of red tilapia Oriochromis sp. living in a lead polluted environment can be affected and result in many different values of hematological parameters. This is an adaptive reaction of the body in response to harmful factors at the cellular level.

Keywords: Hematological parameters, Red tilapia, Heavy metal pollution, Oreochromis sp., Infection of lead