Category Archives: b_original_articles

Nur Diyana Rosnan^1,2, Ng Lee Chuen^1,2, Andrew A. Ngadin^1,2*

¹Laboratory for Pest, Disease and Microbial Biotechnology (LAPDiM), School of Food Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

 ²Central Laboratory, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Schizophyllum commune Fr. is an edible mushroom which is easily recognised based on its morphology and has the potential to be commercialized in Malaysia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between abiotic factors to the growth of mycelia and fruiting bodies formation of S. commune. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth was obtained at 28°C. The observed variations in colony size, mycelia density and number of fruiting body formation, shows that pH 5 was the most favourable for mycelia growth of S. commune. Interestingly, all seven culture media tested were suitable for the vegetative growth of S. commune. However, in the consideration on the mycelia spread rapidly and growth phenotype of mycelia, the most favourable culture media for S. commune was malt extract agar supplemented with yeast extract and glucose (MYGPA). Aeration was significantly affecting the mycelia growth, mycelia density and fruiting body formation of S. commune (p<0.05). It shows that unsealed culture condition produced lower mycelia growth and moderately compact of mycelia density but could produce more fruiting body formation compared to sealed culture condition. It was concluded that the mycelium growth of S. commune was affected by different temperature, culture media, pH and aeration conditions which can be used as a guideline to mushroom growers.

Keywords: Schizophyllum commune, Culture conditions, Mycelia growth, Mycelia density, Fruiting body

Ghulam Qadir, Khalil Ahmed^*, Amar Iqbal Saqib, Muhammad Ilyas, Muhammad Qaisar Nawaz,

Muhammad Sarfraz, Zaheen Manzoor

Soil Salinity Research Institute Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan

Abstract

The challenge of 21^st century is to meet the food, fuel and fiber requirement of an increasing world population on a sustainable basis. Moreover, drought conditions, increasing demands of freshwater for agriculture and industrial sector has forced the farming community to pump more and more groundwater which is of marginal quality. This marginal quality water can be successfully used to increase agricultural productivity by preventing soil degradation if suitable management approaches are coupled with proper amendments. Therefore, a field study was conducted to manage the deleterious effects of brackish water for the sustainable production of cotton and wheat crops. The treatments tested were; T₁: Control [Brackish Water (BW)], T₂: BW + Gypsum application @ 100% on the basis of RSC of water, T₃: BW +  H₂SO₄ @ 50% application on the basis of RSC of water, T₄: BW +  Poultry manure @ 10 t. ha^-1, T₅: BW+ Press mud @ 10 t. ha^-1. A non-saline field (EC_e = 2.34 dS m^-1, pH_s = 8.15 and SAR = 8.58) was selected, leveled, and prepared. The experimental design was RCBD with four repeats. Cotton-wheat cropping system was followed.  Brackish water was used {EC = 1.17 dS m^-1, SAR = 6.75 and RSC = 5.30 me L^-1} for irrigation. Data regarding different physiological and yield parameters were recorded at maturity. Pooled data analysis of three years showed that continuous use of brackish water significantly reduces the yield of cotton and wheat crops. However, the negative effects of brackish water were counteracted by all applied amendments while chemical amendments were more efficient in ameliorating the detrimental effects of brackish water. Maximum seed cotton yield (2.50 t. ha^-1) for cotton and grain yield (4.32 t. ha^-1) for wheat was recorded in T₂: BW + Gypsum application @ 100% on the basis of RSC of water followed by T₃: BW + H₂SO₄ @ 50% application on the basis of RSC of water. Soil analysis data showed that EC_e, pH_s and SAR were considerably improved with all the applied amendments as compared to control.

Keywords: Cotton, Wheat, Gypsum, Brackish water, Poultry manure

Ferhat Kizilgeci¹, Onder Albayrak², Mehmet Yildirim², Cuma Akinci², Behiye Tuba Bicer²

¹Kiziltepe Vocational School, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkey

²Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey

Abstract

Maize has comparatively high genetic diversity. Thus, we evaluated yield and yield traits on 92 maize landraces collected from Black Sea and Marmara Regions of Turkey and investigated three maize hybrids for yield and some morphological traits under Diyarbakir conditions in 2016 growing season. Mean value of plant height varied between 131-270 cm among maize landraces, 62.33-177cm for first ear height, 13.07-24.70 mm for stalk thickness, 9.04-22 cm for ear length, 10.70-44.16 mm for ear diameter, 7.33-16.80 for row number of ear^-1, 10-44.60 for the number of kernels in row^-1, 16.43-27.46 mm for rachis diameter and 1387-18226.7 kg ha^-1 for grain yield. According to our finding of the hybrid and the local maize genotypes, the grain yield, the number of grains in the cob and the weight of the cob, plant height, and number of rows were collected in the single group in the biplot chart. DZM-194-2 and DZM-11 local maize genotypes were found more stable for all investigated traits. DZM-7, DZM-194-2, DZM-11 and DZM-222-4 genotypes shown superiority to other genotypes in terms of grain yield.

Keywords: Biplot, Yield components, Grain yield, Maize landrace

Atique-ur-Rehman^1,2, Muhammad Mohsin Altaf^1,2, Rafi Qamar^1,2

¹Department of Agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan              

²Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract

The regulatory effect of salicylic acid under biotic and abiotic stresses can be constructive for maize cultivation in water deficit conditions of subtropical environments. Therefore, we investigated the effect of applying salicylic acid (SA) on growth, yield attributes and quality related traits of two maize hybrids (ICI-9091 and Pioneer-1543) under limited irrigation. The plants were grown at the Agronomic Research Area of Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan during spring 2016. We conducted one independent experiment with completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial arrangement and repeated thrice, under green-house, using four treatments viz. control, irrigation deficit with 0% SA, irrigation deficit with 1% SA and full irrigation with 1% SA. Salicylic acid was sprayed at 10-12 leaf stage. The obtained data revealed that, irrigation deficit (p≤0.05) affected different growth and yield variables like plant height, stem diameter, cob length, number of rows per cob, number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, biological and economic yield (t ha^-1). Additionally, relative water content, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar and grain protein content were also affected (p≤0.05) by irrigation deficit. Moreover, spraying maize hybrids with 1% SA significantly (p≤0.05) increased the growth, yield and quality parameters of both maize hybrids under full and deficit irrigation conditions except the proline content. Between maize hybrids, Pioneer-1543 proved significantly (p≤0.05) better tolerance under irrigation deficit condition as compared to ICI-9091. On the basis of results, it is suggested that under limited irrigation maize yield may be linked with the effect of SA application on the yield attributes.

Keywords: Chlorophyll content, Irrigation deficit, Oil quality, Proline, Salicylic acid

Yancy Ogdamin Waminal^1,2, Gabriel Alexis San Perdo Tubalinal^3,4, Claro Niegos Mingala^2,3,4*  

¹Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Tarlac Agricultural University, Camiling 2306, Tarlac, Philippines

²Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz 3120, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

³College of Veterinary Science and Medicine, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz 3120, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

⁴Biosafety and Environment Section, Philippine Carabao Center, Science City of Munoz 3120, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Abstract

The study characterized the lactoferrin (Lf) gene in different water buffalo breeds and determined its association with subclinical mastitis (SCM). A total of seventy five (75) and five (5) milk and blood samples, respectively were collected for the conduct of this study. Amplified Lf gene demonstrated a 2224 base pairs (bp) molecular weight. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence of Lf gene of riverine- and swamp-type water buffaloes revealed 98.83% and 98.29% identity, respectively with that of Bubalus bubalis Lf gene in the GenBank. Phylogenetic studies showed that Lf genes of both types of water buffaloes grouped with Lf gene of water buffalo sequences registered in the GenBank. Three water buffalo genotypes were documented using the restriction enzymes AluI and HaeIII. The AluI can produce three genotypes (AA, AB, BB) resulting in three cuts of 561, 217 and 123 bp. Using HaeIII, three restriction patterns were observed producing three genotypes as well with four fragment sizes of 561, 318, 112, and 70 bp. Based on the statistical analysis, no direct association has been established between the Lf genes of water buffalo with SCM using AluI and HaeIII restriction enzymes although a higher number of animals with genotype BB belongs to those with SCM group. The results of the study merit for further studies regarding the BB genotype of Lf gene as a possible resistance gene marker for SCM in water buffaloes.

Keywords: Bubalus bubalis, Lactoferrin, Subclinical mastitis

Hafiz Muhammad Ali Raza¹, Muhammad Saqib¹, Saeed Ahmad², Sohail Irshad^2*, Shahbaz Khan³, Ali Bukhsh⁴, Muhammad Ashfaq Wahid⁵, Muhammad Iftikhar Bashir²

¹Institute of Soil and Environmental Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

²In-service Agricultural Training Institute, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

³Department of Agronomy, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

⁴Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

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

Abstract

Soil salinity is one of the serious problems which posing severe threat to ecosystems under different environmental conditions throughout the world. Salinity is drastically affecting the productivity of agronomic crops particularly maize. Maize grain, being a rich source of protein, is a quality food for humans and healthy green fodder for animals. Experiment under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four repetitions was conducted at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (non-saline soil) and Proka Research Farm (saline soil), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Two maize genotypes (EV-78 and KS-64) were selected for their comparative performance under salt-affected and normal soil conditions. Physiological, growth and yield parameters of maize genotypes were significantly influenced under salt affected and normal soils. Under saline conditions, genotype EV-78 showed tolerant behavior as compared to genotype KS-64 because genotype EV-78 produced higher shoot fresh and dry weights, 100-grain weight and grain yield per hectare. Physiological parameters including photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, sub-stomatal CO₂ concentration and stomatal conductance were also less affected in genotype EV-78 under saline soil conditions. Under non-saline soil condition, genotype EV-78 accumulated more potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen whereas concentrations of sodium and chloride were reduced. While genotype EV-78 accumulated higher concentrations of sodium and chloride under saline soil conditions. Genotype KS-64 showed more sensitive behavior to saline environment regarding economical yield.

Keywords: Salinity, Maize, Mineral nutrients, Stomatal conductance, Yield

Fahrurrozi Fahrurrozi^*, Dwi Wahyuni Ganefianti

Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Bengkulu,

Jln. WR. Supratman, Bengkulu, 38121, Indonesia

Abstract

High early yields of chili pepper is very important traits to gain economic return for farmers. Developing superior genotypes and using mulches are among promising methods to have high early yields of chili peppers.  This experiment aimed to determine (1) early yields of three promising chili-pepper genotypes, (2) effects of mulch types on early yields of chili peppers and (3) the best combination of mulch type and chili pepper genotype for early yields.  An experiment was conducted at Ultisol site and designed in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replicates.  The first factor was three promising chili pepper genotypes; H23, H53, and H73. The second factor was the types of mulches; black-silver plastic, rice straw, empty palm-oil fruit bunch and no mulch.  Early yields were expressed in terms of fruit number per plant, fruit weight per plant¹ (g) and average fruit weight (g).  Results indicated that after five harvests, hybrid of H23 was the best genotypes to produce early yields of chili peppers.  Fruit number and fruit weight plant^-1 of chili pepper grown using both rice straw and empty palm-oil fruit bunch mulches were significantly higher than those of grown using black-silver plastic mulch and control plot. Overall, best average fruit weight early yields of chili peppers was found in hybrid of H23 grown in bare soil.

Keywords: Chili pepper, Promising genotypes, Early yields, Mulch

Javed Iqbal

Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic

Department of Forestry, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This research aims to investigate forest disturbances and the underlying factors driving forest degradation in the past several decades in the western Himalaya, Pakistan. The results revealed four major disturbance sources (geological, climatic, biotic, and anthropogenic). Data (frequency of events) were recorded using point and fixed area methods (0.1 ha). The analysis shows average frequency (0.045 or 27% of disturbance) through climatic sources (natural fire, wind, snow & floods, which shows the impact of climate change on these mountains; Landslides damaged large areas (11%–16 %) through a geological source. Humans also have a great impact on land clearing for agriculture and infrastructure (35%) from logging, shifting cultivation and counter fire. Most of the disturbances occurred on higher altitudes (>2,800 m a.s.l.), whereas the mid-range elevation (1,900–2,700 m a.s.l.) were only influenced by snow. The landslide was recorded on low elevation (>1,900 m a.s.l.), but there are some landslide events that were observed on a higher elevation. This study focused on the stability of mountain forests for long-term planning. Anthropogenic activities need to be restricted and more afforestation projects need to plan, that increase the forest-covered area.

Keywords: Disturbance, Altitude, Degradation, Moist-temperate climate, Sustainability

Reazul Karim*, Nuruddin Mahmud, Mohammad Abdul Hakim

Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong – 4331, Bangladesh

Abstract

Gradual increase of antibiotic resistance is a global problem. In this study, we have developed an alternative approach as an alternative to conventional antibiotics from the natural source to solve the antibiotic resistance problem. Some normal microflora were isolated from healthy human skin, their antimicrobial efficacy were examined against some skin and intestinal pathogens initially by cross streak method and finally by disc and well diffusion method. Two normal microflora (e.g., Bacillus licheniformis and Corynebacterium jeikeium) were observed producing antimicrobial metabolites which were effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, with maximum antimicrobial activity at 25⁰C, 48h, pH 9 and 37⁰C, 72h, pH 7 respectively. Only the antimicrobial metabolites produced by Bacillus licheniformis was detected as bacteriocin like substances which was further confirmed as antimicrobial peptide through papain treatment. Efficacy of crude bacteriocin like substances was compared with 10 commercially available antibiotics against Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae. Of these, 4 antibiotics were found resistant but crude bacteriocin like substances along with 6 other antibiotics showed remarkable susceptibility. Therefore, more studies on the efficacy of this bacteriocin like substances needs to be done to fully understand its mechanism and potentiality as novel antimicrobials.

Keywords: Antimicrobial metabolites, Bacteriocin, Antibiotic resistance, Normal microbiota

Saira Sattar¹, Muhammad Kashif¹, Rabail Afzal¹, Muazim Ali²

¹Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan

²Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan

Abstract

Wheat is one of the leading cereal crops of the world. Being a staple food in Pakistan it gains more consideration by the specialists. With the increasing population and fluctuation in climatic conditions, it requires more attention to save people from hunger. Drought is one of the yield threatening stress in wheat crop and alarming for food security. In developing countries where water resources are not satisfied according to the crop requirement, drought tolerant/resistant genotypes are key to feed people. Although MAS selection and other advances in molecular breeding are done widely to compete with such stresses but still it is not contributing efficiently so breeding efforts should be emphasized to cope with drought stressed areas. Hence, there is a need to do genetic improvement through advanced breeding efforts and evaluation of best performing genotypes to get new hybrid/variety by combining their genetic potential in a proper way. By developing specific crosses and selection through proper breeder’s eye, genetic variability can be created for best executing genotypes that will also increase our germplasm. In wheat crop, genetic gain has been successfully brought out through breeding efforts by the breeders. The present research is done to gain genetic variability by combining alleles through hybridization and analyze yield contributing traits under drought stress and normal environment to select the yield boosting genotypes for this stress. Yield influencing traits are evaluated and ultimately exploitation of best genotype is done based on difference of performance and adaptability of genotypes under normal and stressed conditions.

Keywords: Wheat, Drought stress, Biplot analysis, Combining ability, Genetic effects