Category Archives: b_original_articles

Bilal Rasool^1*, Zeeshan Nabi¹, Muhammad Adnan Bodlah², Naveed Afzal¹, Khizer Samiullah¹, Awais Rasool³, Rizwan Rasool¹

¹Departement of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

²Fareed Biodiversity Conservation Centre, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

³Integrated Pest Management Programme, National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Myzus persicae (Hemiptera, Aphididae) is a widely distributed, devastating and global sap-sucking crop pest with the diversity of host plants and scratched billions of dollars economically. Wolbachia is a widespread endosymbiotic bacteria and the present study was carried out for the first time to determine the phylogenetic relationship erected on mitochondrial (COI) gene in aphid populations. The screening of Wolbachia was surveyed by wsp general primers in M. persicae populations. Ten food plants were selected to study the food preference of the host M. persicae populations in greenhouse conditions and artificial diets for lab rearing. M. persicae samples were collected from fifteen geographically distant localities of Pakistan. Eggplant and cabbage revealed significantly higher inclinations as compared to other host plants (cauliflower, tomato, sweet potato, Lettuce, broccoli, burdock) whereas carrot and papaya were less preferred by M. persicae. Comparison between natural and artificial diets exhibited maximum populations in natural diets in greenhouse conditions as compared to artificial diets in lab conditions except for June and July. Screening of Wolbachia using PCR markers revealed positive amplicons in M. Persicae. The infection rate persisted (Punjab 16.29%, Khaber Pakhtunkhawa 6.66% and Sindh 8.88 %) conferred by quantitative PCR analysis. Retrieved sequences through mitochondrial COI gene were deposited in gene bank (accession numbers KY509874 and KY522912). The scrutinized dataset depicted the genetic variation of M. persicae populations. Wolbachia is a conjoint and rampant throng of the endosymbiotic microbe and may be acknowledged as a possible means for aphid pest management programs.

Keywords: Myzus persicae, Host preference, Phylogeny, Wolbachia

Irish C. Lobitaña¹, Rizza Mae E. Virtudazo¹, Ann Marie P. Delfin¹, Jhon Niño B. Apura¹, Jay P. Picardal², Jake Joshua C. Garces^1,2*

¹Research Institute of Tropical Biology and Pharmacological Biotechnology, Cebu Normal University, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City, Philippines

²Biology Department, School of Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Cebu Normal University, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City, Philippines

Abstract

Tamarind is an economically important fruit, widely used in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic properties. However, its bioactive compounds raise an increased precaution on its toxicity. This study investigated the potential embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of Tamarindus indica pulp extracts (2 500 mg/L, 1 250 mg/L, 625 mg/L and 312.5 mg/L) on the eggs and larvae of zebrafish following a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) in equal replications.  Morphological assessment of fish larvae was based on total body length (TBL) and trunk tail angle (TTA) at 72h post fertilization and were subjected to ANOVA (p<0.05) and Linear Regression Analysis. Results on the growth parameters (TBL and TTA) showed significant difference among the four treatments in a concentration-dependent manner. At 72hpf, 2,500mg/L suggests the potential of T. indica pulp extract to induce malformations to exposed larvae. This study presents the inverse relationship of T. indica pulp extract’s embryotoxicity and teratogenicity where larvae mortality occurs in high levels of concentration while malformations form at lower concentrations of T. indica pulp extract.

Keywords: Embryotoxic, Teratogenic, Tamarindus indica, Zebrafish embryo

Muhammad Naeem Khan¹, Muhammad Shoaib^2*, Muhammad Saeed Ashraf¹, Rafi Qamar³, Asrar Mahboob², Sobia Ijaz¹

¹Agronomic Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan

²Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yusafwala, Sahiwal, Pakistan

³Department of Agronomy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the option of intercropping mungbean (MB) in late season cotton to enhance productivity of the system. Mungbean was intercropped with cotton under two planting techniques practiced in Punjab for cotton sowing. Treatments consist of mungbean broadcast in 75 cm spaced drilled cotton rows (IS₁), alternative rows of cotton and mungbean (IS₂), two rows of mungbean between cotton rows (IS₃) while in fourth treatment (IS₄) two mungbean rows were sown on top of 105 cm wide double ridge-furrow (beds hereafter). Results showed that mungbean presence adversely affected the number of opened, total bolls plant^-1, opened boll percentage and seed cotton yield in all intercropping systems. However in bed intercropping, cotton produced 21.84 % higher seed cotton yield than sole cotton. Alike, number of pods plant^-1 and number of grains pod^-1 of mungbean decreased in intercropping treatments compared to sole mungbean. On average, mungbean yield was 21.1 % less in intercropping treatments than sole mungbean. Yield advantage indicated by LER and ATER values was observed in all intercropping treatments except in IT₃ where ATER suggested disadvantage. Highest LER (1.92) and ATER (1.58) were recorded in IS₄. Aggressivity value indicates that bed structure favoured the cotton growth compared to mungbean. All intercropping systems showed positive values of system productivity index and monitory advantage index. This study concludes that productivity of late season cotton could be better enhanced by sowing two rows of mungbean on top of the 105 cm wide cotton beds.

Keywords: Intercropping systems, LER, Seed cotton yield, System productivity index

Sorapong Benchasri^1* Sakunkan Simla², Bhornchai Harakotr³

¹Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Technology and Community Development, Thaksin University, Phatthalung 93210, Thailand

²Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, 44150 Thailand

³Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, 12120 Thailand

Abstract

This study was conducted on twenty of okra lines (treatments) at the Thaksin University in two farming systems (conventional and organic cultivations). The experiments of conventional and organic cultivations were carried out in a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications to evaluate the yield, yield components and genetic variations. The results showed significant variability (p≤0.05) in the okra lines for fresh important traits of yield; marketable fruits.plant^-1, fruit yields.plant^-1, seeds.fruit^-1, 100 seed weight, 1000 seed weight and harvest index. The number of marketable fruits.plant^-1 of KN-OYV-02 line showed the number of marketable fruits yield approximately 60.85 and 51.91 fruits.plant^-1 under the conventional and organic farming systems, respectively. The lowest of marketable fruits.plant^-1 were investigated in the OP (Open Pollination) line (30.58 and 26.74 fruits.plant^-1 under the conventional and organic farming systems, respectively). KN-OYV-02 line produced the highest yield of two farming system (1,168.37 g.plant^-1). The OP line produced the lowest yield under the organic farming system (505.16 g.plant^-1). There were significant interactions between the cropping system and lines for the two system plantations. So, the results indicated that the KN-OYV-02 line showed the highest potential for okra breeding and production in both systems.

Keywords: Gene interactions, Line, Okra, Yield components

Nazir Ahmad^1*, Raziuddin², Fazli Ahad², Touheed Iqbal³, Nabeel Khan², Muhammad Nauman², Fazli Hameed⁴

¹Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops-Ministry of Agriculture, Oil Crops Research Institute (Wuhan), The Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, P.R. China

²Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan

³Directorate General Agriculture Research-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan

⁴College of Agricultural Engineering, Hohai University-210098, Nanjing-P.R. China

Abstract

The appropriate information on the biochemical characteristics of the plant is important for its usefulness in human health. The genetic basis for different brassica genotypes in terms of biochemical characteristics is important for the planning of effective breeding strategies. The present research was conducted to determine heritability, genetic advance and coefficient of correlation for biochemical traits in rapeseed. Breeding material comprising 10 parental lines and their 21 F₃ populations was evaluated in the 2013-2014 at The University of Agriculture of Peshawar-Pakistan in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. For all studied traits, substantial differences were found among genotypes, parents, and F₃ populations. Similarly, significant differences for all the studied traits with the exception of protein and glucosinolates have been recorded for parent vs. F₃ populations. In most F₃ populations, the heritability estimates associated with the maximum genetic advance for oil content, protein content, linolenic acid, erucic acid, and oleic acid were low or moderate. In comparison, moderate to high heritability coupled with maximum genetic advance, have been observed for glucosinolates for most F₃ cross combinations. These findings show that selection in the early generation may be helpful in improving these characters. Oil content showed a negative and highly significant correlation with glucosinolate (r_p=-0.50) and linolenic acid (r_p=-0.57), so priority should be given to these traits to improve oil content. CA2 x DH5, DH7, and CA2 x DH7 performed better for oil content, protein content, and oleic acid, respectively, while DH2, DH5, and CA2 x DH8 showed better results for glucosinolates, linolenic acid, and erucic acid, respectively. These genotypes could be further utilized in rapeseed breeding programs.

Keywords: Brassica, Genetic variability, Genetic advance, Heritability, Oil content

Van Huy Nguyen^1*, Thanh Loan Pham¹, Quang Trung Nguyen²

¹Institute of Applied Research and Development, Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho, Vietnam

²Faculty of Agriculture, Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho, Vietnam

Abstract

Celastrus hindsii Benth. is an evergreen twining shrub that has been used for generations in Northern Vietnam for diseased treatment relating to ulcers, tumors, and inflammation due to its bioactive compounds. The narrow leaf and broad leaf phenotypes have raised concerns about their comparatively biochemical quality, which is the determinant of their uses for medicinal purposes. The study aimed to investigate the concentration of important anti-oxidative metabolites between narrow leaf and broad leaf phenotypes using spectrophotometric method. The results showed that BL had a significantly higher level of a-tocopherol, flavonoid, phospholipid, and possibly glutathione (based on an air-dry weight and protein basis). Stress biomarkers such as proline and malondialdehyde were elevated in NL, indicating their roles in response to stress. In contrast, the enzyme and metabolite increase in NL may be associated with tissue degradation. BL of C. hindsii, which contains more diverse and superior concentrations of essential phytochemicals and pharmaceutically related proteins, should be positioned as an important commercial source for natural drug development.

Keywords: Secondary metabolite, Antioxidant, a-tocopherol, Flavonoid, Morphological variation

Mbappe Tanga¹, Francis Bayo Lewu^2*, Adebola Omowunmi Oyedeji³,

Opeoluwa Oyehan Oyedeji⁴

¹Department of Environment and Occupational studies, Faculty of Applied Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa

²Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Applied Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Wellington, South Africa

³Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University of Science and Technology, South Africa

⁴Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

Abstract

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) is a medicinal plant, highly rich in phytochemicals which contribute towards its antioxidant properties and treatment of chronic diseases. It is also consumed as a vegetable in some regions of the world because of its high nutritive value. Currently, the plant material is imported for its medicinal purposes by herbal practitioners and pharmaceutical industries in the different countries of the world, including South Africa. However, the cultivation of this plant is lacking in South Africa and Africa as a whole. In order to achieve consistent supply of quality products and eliminate batch-to-batch variability of plant materials, a factorial experiment was conducted on Takinogawa long cultivar with eight treatments (T₁=N₄₂₃P₂₁₀K₃₁₅, T₂=N₄₂₃P₂₈₀k₃₁₅, T₃=N₆₃₅P₂₁₀K₃₁₅, T₄=N₆₃₅P₂₈₀K₃₁₅, T₅=N₈₄₆P₂₁₀K₃₁₅, T₆=N₈₄₆P₂₈₀K₃₁₅, T₇=N₁₀₅₈P₂₁₀K₃₁₅ andT₈=N₁₀₅₈P₂₈₀K₃₁₅ Kg/ha) and five collection time of data laid out in a completely randomized design replicated five times under 40% shade net. Fertilizer treatments were split into two equal doses at seedling transplant and four weeks after transplant. Data on morphological characteristics and yield were collected and analyzed using SAS software. There was a significant (P<0.05) difference across fertilizer treatments on morphological characteristics as well as the interactions between treatments and time of data collection. Significant differences (P<0.05) were also recorded on the yield parameters. Two treatments (N₆₃₅P₂₁₀ K₃₁₅ and N₆₃₅P₂₈₀K₃₁₅Kg/ha) significantly outperformed the other treatments.However, more research needs to be done on the enhancement of secondary metabolites of interest for the sustainable supply of quality plant materials for herbal practitioners and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Arctium lappa L., Medicinal plant, Phytochemicals, Morphological characteristics, Fertilizer treatments

Marzieh Tadi¹, Hamdollah Moshtaghi Boroujeni¹, Mahmoud Rafieian-kopaei², Elham Khalili Sadrabad^3*

¹Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

²Department of Pharmacology, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

³Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, School of Public Health, Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

In last decades, the antibiotic resistance is considered one of the essential problems. Therefore, uses of waste agricultural products such as pomegranate peel have drawn attention to be used as an effective preservative in food industry.  Ethanolic extract of pomegranate peels (Naderi and Mallas) were prepared. Then, the antibacterial effects on two foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium) in meat broth and TSB media at two temperatures levels (4 °C and 15 °C) during storage were investigated. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of Naderi and Mallas cultivar for Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium were measured 15.62 and 62.5 mg/ml, and 19.5 and 64.5 mg/ml respectively. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of Naderi and Mallas cultivar were evaluated 125 and 130 mg/ml for both bacteria. All concentration of Mallas and Naderi Pomegranate Peel Extract (PPE) in meat broth at 4 °C and 15°C inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth.  It was reported that PPE was less effective in decreasing the S. typhimurium growth compared to the S. aureus. Naderi cultivar showed better effects on bacterial inhibition in compared to Mallas cultivar. According to achieved results, it could be suggested to use the ethanolic extract of pomegranate peel as a useful preservative against foodborne bacteria in the food processing industry.

Keywords: Pomegranates peel, Naderi cultivar, Mallas cultivar, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium

Oghenerobor B. Akpor^1*, Faith U. Hussein¹, Olarewaju M.  Oluba², Tomilola D. Olaolu², Olayinka O. Alabi³, Ayoola J. Shoyombo³

¹Department of Microbiology, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria

²Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria

³Department of Agriculture, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Natural substances with medicinal properties have been isolated from several plants and are advocated for use as antimicrobials. This study was aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activities of ethanolic leaf extracts of four plants against selected bacterial species. The plants examined were Helianthus annuus, Moringa oleifera, Euphorbia heterophylla and Physalis angulata while the bacterial species were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts was carried out, using the agar diffusion method while the growth profiles of the test bacterial species were carried out in broth media.  The plant extracts were observed to contain phenol, terpenoids, saponins and tannins as phytochemical constituents. All the extracts showed inhibition against most of the test bacteria, although the degree of inhibition was observed to be directly proportional to the concentration used. However, Klebsiella sp was recorded to show resistance to most concentrations of the extracts with resistance to all concentrations of the Physialis angulata. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of all the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis was observed to be 500 mg/L. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MIC of 500 and 2000 mg/L were observed for Physalis angulata and Euphorbia heterophylla, respectively while 1000 mg/L was observed for the Helianthus annuus and Moringa oleifera.   In presence of the extracts, extended lag period was observed during growth, when compared to the control broth culture. In some cases, growth was not evident in the broth cultures containing the extracts throughout the period of incubation. The findings of this study could help in the development of advanced products that can be of medical and pharmaceutical importance.

Keywords: Antibacterial, Growth inhibition, Plant extracts

Efraim Jose Liwanag, Rich Milton Dulay*, Sofronio Kalaw

Bioassay Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Abstract

Lentinus tigrinus, a basidiomyceteous fungus, is known to be nutritious and exhibits biological activities. The mycelial growth performance of L. tigrinus on selected cucurbit-based solid and liquid media, the ability to scavenge 2,2’diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, and the phenolic content of ethanolic extract of mycelia were investigated. Squash decoction gulaman (local crude agar) recorded the widest mycelial diameter (71.99 mm) regardless of the amount. However, 500 g/L of all cucurbit species registered the widest colony diameter of 73.35 mm. In liquid culture, both squash decoction and luffa decoction showed the highest mycelial biomass (0.09 g dry wt.). The highest mycelial biomass (0.14 g dry wt.) was noted at 500 g/L of all broth media. Extract of mycelia grown in winter melon decoction showed the highest scavenging activity (51.56%) and phenolic content (25.04 mg GAE/g sample). Therefore, decoction of the cucurbit fruits could be used as main ingredient of culture media for efficient production of mycelial biomass and improvement of antioxidant properties of L. tigrinus.

Keywords: L. tigrinus, Cucurbit fruits, Antioxidants, Phenolics, Submerged culture