Category Archives: b_original_articles

Original Articles

Nutraceutical evaluation and antioxidant potential of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and chickpea (Cicer arietenum) seed coats

Uswatun Hasanah Zaidan^1,2*, Noria Ab Karim¹, Syahida Ahmad¹, Siti Salwa Abd Ghani³, Mohd Izuan Effendi Halmi⁴

¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

²Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Putra Infoport, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

³Department of Agriculture Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

⁴Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Legumes have become increasingly in demand due to the rich nutrient compositions and phytochemicals of pulses. However, the seed coats of some legume food products were removed prior consumption causing the food loss its nutritional value. The red kidney bean, RKB (Phaseolus vulgaris) and chickpea, CP (Cicer arietenum) which are the common beans among population were investigated in this study. Seed coats of these beans were analysed for the nutritional composition, phenolic compound and antioxidant properties. Carbohydrate was the major macronutrient in both seed coats. RKB and CP seed coats showed statistically significant composition of moisture, fat, protein and fibre. The caloric value of RKB seed coat (2.63 kcal/g) is higher than CP seed coat (2.29 kcal/g). Nevertheless, CP seed coat is a better source of fibre (27%) than RKB seed coat. Total phenolic content (TPC) of RKB seed coat was 12.14 mg GAE/g, which is much higher than in CP seed coat (0.25 mg GAE/g). Interestingly, the seed coat of RKB has strong antioxidant potency with DPPH assay (IC₅₀ = 105.18 µg/ml) comparable to standard Trolox (IC₅₀ = 96.42 µg/ml), which is much lower than the seed coat of CP (IC₅₀ = 606.12 µg/ml). In addition, the antioxidant activity was highly correlated with TPC content of both seed coats. These properties make the seed coat of both beans are excellent candidates of potent nutraceutical.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Chickpea bean, Nutritional composition, Phenolic compounds, Red kidney bean

Chemical and functional properties of rose cactus (Pereskia bleo) mucilage as affected by different purification mediums

Nurul Farhanah Mohd Aluwi¹, Nor Hayati Ibrahim^1*, Yusnita Hamzah¹, Mohd Zul Helmi Rozaini²

¹School of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

²Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Rose cactus (Pereskia bleo) leaves contain a complex polysaccharide called mucilage, which its functionality in foods should be better explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different purification mediums on the chemical and functional properties of rose cactus mucilage (RCM). Crude mucilage from leaves of rose cactus was extracted by using 0.14 M NaOH solution at 70°C. Three different purification mediums were employed i.e. isopropanol, saturated barium hydroxide and Fehling solution to obtain mucilage that pure in chemical composition with improved functional properties. Of all mediums, saturated barium hydroxide significantly (p < 0.05) gave the highest recovery yield (52.61%) of RCM, with the best properties especially in terms of crude protein content (26.01%), solubility at 60°C (87.19%), water holding capacity (WHC) (393.88%) and also with emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability (at 1% solution) of 14.11% and 10.44%, respectively. The values were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those recorded for crude mucilage. Fourier transformed infrared spectra revealed that RCM was characterized by a β-(1à4)-D-glucosidic main backbone while galactose, mannose, arabinose and uronic acid were four important monosaccharides identified. The findings signify that purification using saturated barium hydroxide could be used to improve the chemical and functional properties of RCM ensuring its wider application in the food industry.

Keywords: Rose Cactus Mucilage, Purification, Chemical Properties, Functional Properties

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis condition of edible bird’s nest using Protamex to obtain maximum degree of hydrolysis

Amiza Mat Amin, Khuzma Din^*, Kee Chow Hui

School of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

This study reported on the optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis condition of edible bird’s nest (EBN) using Protamex® to obtain maximum degree of hydrolysis degree (DH). Besides, the proximate analyses of soaked cleaned raw EBN and its lyophilized hydrolysate powder prepared under optimum condition (suggested in this study) were also compared. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed using a three-level face-centered Central Composite Design (CCD) at four different parameters, namely temperature (40-60^oC), concentration of Protamex® (0.5-1.5%), pH (5.5-9.5) and hydrolysis time (2-6 hr). It was found that a quadratic fit could explain the effect of these four variables on the DH of EBN. The optimum condition was obtained at temperature 59.9°C, pH of 6.3, Protamex^® concentration of 2% and hydrolysis time of 5.4 hr. The DH achieved under this optimum condition (33.88%) was close to the predicted DH (34.11%). It was found that the lyophilized EBN hydrolysate powder prepared under the optimum condition gave similar protein and carbohydrate content, but lower fat content and higher ash content as compared to cleaned raw EBN.

Keywords: Degree of hydrolysis, Edible bird’s nest, Enzymatic hydrolysis, Protamex

Determination of the critical period for weed control of sweet corn under tropical organic farming system

Marulak Simarmata*, Uswatun Nurjanah, Nanik Setyowati

Department of Agronomy, University of Bengkulu, Jalan W.R. Supratman Kandang Limun, Bengkulu 38371, Indonesia

Abstract

An understanding of the critical period of the crop for weed control (CPWC) is needed before making a decision on weed management. A field experiment to study a CPWC of sweet corn was carried out at the highland of Bengkulu Province, Indonesia from October 2015 to January 2016. The objective was to determine the CPWC of sweet corn under the tropical organic farming system. Weed infestations in the research plots including 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 days after planting (DAP) of weedy and weed-free periods were arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications. Results showed that the plant height, leaf area, and yield of sweet corn descended and ascended due to the increase of weedy and weed-free periods, respectively. The biomass and yield losses due to weed competition during the growing season reached 49.5 and 54.7 %, respectively. The relative yield descended or ascended in logistic equation curves due to the increase of weedy or weed-free periods, respectively. Based on the acceptable yield loss (AYL) of 5 %, the CPWC of sweet corn under organic farming system was determined from 2 to 77 DAP, and with the AYL of 10 %, the CPWC was determined from 3 to 53 DAP.

Keywords: Sweet corn, CPWC, Tropical organic farming, Weed control

Combination of agriculture fertilizer for intermediate cultivation of isolate Nannochloropsis sp. of the waters of Lampung Mangrove Center as live feed

Tugiyono¹, Agus Setiawan², Emy Rusyani³, Erlin Gustina⁴, Suharso⁵

¹Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Lampung, Indonesia

²Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung, Indonesia

³Center for Marine Aquaculture, Lampung, Indonesia

⁴Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Lampung, Indonesia

⁵Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract

The availability of microalgae (phytoplankton) has an important role in aquaculture. Nannochloropsis sp. is a microalgae that can be used as the live feed for larvae cultivation of shrimp, fish and shellfish. In this study, a Nannochloropsis sp. isolate obtained from Lampung Mangrove Center waters was cultured by using combination of agricultural fertilizer as a substitute for pro analyze fertilizer (Conway). The aims of this research were to investigate the cell density (cell/L), the growth rate of cell, and doubling time of isolates Nannochloropsis sp. from the waters of Lampung Mangrove Center, which were cultured intermediately with the volume of 100 L. This research was designed using completely randomized design (CRD), with 5 treatments of agricultural fertilizer consisted of A: Urea 40, ZA 20, TSP 5 ppm, B: Urea 40, ZA 20, TSP 10 ppm, C: Urea 40, ZA 20, TSP 15 ppm, D: Urea 40, ZA 20, TSP 20 ppm, and E: Conway and vitamin B12 1 ppm (control), with 4 replications. The results showed that the treatment of A produced the highest cell density and the fastest growth rate (p <0.050) compared with the others. In addition, the treatment of A showed the fastest doubling time significantly (p <0.050) to B, D, and E treatments, but it is not in significant difference with the treatment of C (p=0.065). It was concluded that the combination of the agricultural fertilizer treatment A was the best for growth rate of Nannochloropsis sp. in intermediate culture.

Keywords: Nannochloropsis sp., Intermediate scale culture, Agricultural fertilizer, Lampung mangrove center

The role of hot water treatment and chitosan coating in controlling a latent infection of Colletotrichum musae on banana var. Mas kirana

Hendra Adi Prasetia*¹, Leny Panjaitan¹, Salbiah¹, Widodo², Dondy Anggono Setiabudi³

¹Applied Research Institute of Agricultural Quarantine, Jalan Raya Kampung Utan-Setu Cikarang Barat, Bekasi 17520, Indonesia

²Department of Plant Protection, Bogor Agricultural University, Jalan Kamper Babakan Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia

³Center for Agricultural Postharvest Research and Development, Jalan Tentara Pelajar No. 12 Cimanggu, Bogor 16122, Indonesia

Abstract

Anthracnose disease due to a latent infection of Colletotrichum musae has seriously impacted on bananas decay. This case caused a serious number of economic losses facing in both local and international trades. To overcome this problem, hot water treatment and also chitosan coating have been developed in minimizing this fungal infection during postharvest period. In this research, a number of green mature local premium banana called bananas var. Mas kirana were inserted into hot water at 44, 46 and 48^oC subsequently for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. Another treatment also carried on through a wide range of chitosan solutions from 2.5, 5 and 10 g/L soaked for 2 and 4 minutes. As a single treatment, hot water soaking at 48^oC for 20 minutes gave the best effect on handling the fruit maturity until 18 days of storage. This level treatment could also suppress the lesion only 2.4 cm and also minimized the severe fruit-damaging level until 22 days of observation. Whereas, chitosan coating through dipping in 5 g/L chitosan solution for 2 minutes gave the best result on controlling latent fungal infection in-vitro. However, this treatment only minimized fruit-damage in medium level until 16 days of storage. Furthermore, the combination treatment of hot water treatment at 48^oC for 20 minutes followed by chitosan coating at 5 g/L through dipping in 2 minutes gave the most proper result in terms of handling of fruit ripening until 23 days of storage. Another result proved this combination treatment significantly eliminated the length of lesion up to 0.16 cm and suppressed the fruit-damage in mild level. However, there were no significant differences among the yellow mature of untreated and combination-treated bananas observed from tests results of color characteristics, pulp strength and total dissolved solid content.

Keywords: Hot water soaking, Chitosan, C. musae, Banana var. Mas kirana

Weeds growth in valley of Leeyh, south of Taif area, Saudi Arabia

Ali Majrashi¹, Tahir Dalorima², Khairil Mahmud², Mohammad Moneruzzaman Khandaker*²

¹Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia

²School of Agriculture Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Wild plants developing in areas without the desire or wills of human and known as weeds, that could be beneficial or not. The aim of the present study was to identify and record the weed species grown in the agricultural land in the regions of Valley of Leeyh, South of Taif area, which is located on the Eastern slopes of the Al-Sarawat Mountains with an altitude of 1700 m from sea level. Different weed species has been collected, processed by cleaning and identified from the surveyed area. The study was conducted between 2016 and 2017. The results showed that Cherepodiaceae had the highest number of weeds species followed by Uriticaceae and Malvaceae. The lowest weeds species count recorded in Cappaeaceae followed by Chenopodiaceae and Aizoaceae. The highest weeds count of agricultural crops recorded in Cucurbita pepo, Coriandrum sativum and Petroselinum annum. The lowest weed in Taif agricultural fields recorded in the Medicago sativa plantations followed by Capparis decidua and Zea mays. Dominant weeds species include Urtica dloica, Malva perviflore, Chenopodium valvaeia, Amaranthus vindi, Cynodon dactylon, Portulaca oleracea. This study has the potential in developing the valley south of Taif area for agricultural purposes. The findings of this study will be beneficial in suggesting suitable weed control recommendation in agricultural crop land of Taif area.

Keywords: Agriculture, Crop, Species, Survey, Unwanted plant

Response of forest tree species inoculated with MycoSilvi and soil ameliorant addition grown in silica sand

Faradila Mei Jayani, Sri Wilarso Budi*, Prijanto Pamoengkas,

Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia, Lingkar Akademik Kampus IPB Dramaga Street, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Open mining of silica sand causes some environmental impacts such as declining levels of soil fertility, lowering soil pH, and increasing toxic acid mine waste such as Al, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Soil quality may be improved by the addition of soil ameliorant and MycoSilvi, an inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizae enriched by mycorrhizal helper bacteria. This study aimed to analyze the growth responses of Falcataria moluccana, Samanea saman, and Cassia siamea seedlings by the addition of soil ameliorant and MycoSilvi grown in soil media from silica sand post mining. The experimental design used in this study was completely randomized design with split pot design that consists of two treatment factors (MycoSilvi and soil ameliorant) with five replications. The main plot was MycoSilvi that consists of two levels (without MycoSilvi and with MycoSilvi). The subplot was soil ameliorant that consists of six levels [(1) compost 0 g and lime 0 g, (2) compost 0 g and lime 3.6 g, (3) compost 0 g and lime 7.2 g, (4) compost 32.5 g and lime 0 g, (5) compost 32.5 g and lime 3.6 g, and (6) compost 32.5 g and lime 7.2 g]. The interaction of MycoSilvi and soil ameliorant significantly increased height, diameter, biomass, chlorophyll content, and mycorrhizal colonization of F. moluccana, S. saman, and C. siamea. The MycoSilvi and soil ameliorant (32.5 g of compost and 7.2 g of lime) was the best treatment for the growth and chlorophyll content of F. moluccana, S. saman, and C. siamea study species.

Keywords: Forestry plants, MycoSilvi, Silica sand post mining land, Soil ameliorant

Evaluation of different wheat varieties for resistance against aphid, Schizaphis graminum R. (Homoptera: Aphididae) under laboratory conditions

Muhammad Awais Iqbal¹, Muhammad Waqar Hassan*¹, Hafiz Mahmood ur Rehman¹,

Muhammad Aslam², Moazzam Jamil¹

¹University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

²Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Aphid is a serious threat to wheat production in Pakistan. It causes direct and indirect damage by sucking the cell sap and transmitting fungal and viral diseases, respectively. Modalities of resistance (antixenosis, antibiosis, tolerance) along with seedling bulk test were deployed to elucidate resistance in nine varieties of wheat (Pak-81, Millat-08, Lassani-08, Fareed-06, Faisalabad- 08, Miraj-08, Aas-11, Sahar-06 and Blue Silver) against aphid, Schizaphis graminum R. under laboratory conditions. All experiments were laid out in completely randomized design and resistance/susceptibility of the varieties was categorized in the terms of differential damage rating of aphid to host plants. Seedling bulk test revealed seven varieties (Pak-81, Millat-08, Fareed-06, Miraj-08, Aas-11, Sahar-06 and Blue Silver) to be susceptible and two varieties (Faislabad-08 and Lasani-08) moderately resistant to aphid. In antixenosis test, Miraj-08 and Fareed-06 were the least and Millat-08 was highly preferred. On Aas-11, Miraj-08, Lassani-08, Pak-81, Fareed-06 and Sahar-06, aphids were the least fecund and on Faislabad-08 were highly fecund in antibiosis mechanism of resistance. In tolerant test, Sahar-06 and Millat-08 proved to be highly tolerant while Fareed-06, Faislabad-08 and Aas-11 were least tolerant. Pak-81, Lassani-08, Miraj-08 and Blue Silver were moderately tolerant. Based on the current investigation, Lasani-08 is recommended as resistant varieties against wheat aphid.

Keywords: Wheat varieties, Antixenosis, Antibiosis, Resistance, Schizaphis graminum

First record of the crown rot fungus Fusarium equiseti affecting Triticum aestivum L. and Aptenia cordifolia in Iraq

Adnan A. Lahuf¹, Ola H. Jaafar¹, Muhassen Al-mosoy¹, Zainab L. Hameed², Junman Li³

¹Department of Plant protection, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq

²Department of Field crops, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq

³Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Abstract

During growing seasons of 2015 and 2016, severe rot symptoms were noticed epidemiologically on root and crown of Triticum aestivum and Aptenia cordifolia seedlings in Kerbala Province, Iraq. Thus, the aims of this research were to isolate, identify and assess pathogenicity of the causal agent of the disease. Several fungal isolates of Fusarium genus were consistently isolated from the diseased root and crown of the seedlings. The pathogen was identified as Fusarium equiseti based on its cultural and morphological characteristics, pathogenicity and sequence of the ITS-rDNA region. This is first record of crown rot disease caused by F. equiseti on T. aestivum and A. cordifolia plants in Iraq.

Keywords: Crown rot disease, Fusarium equiseti, Morphological and molecular identification, Iraq