Category Archives: b_original_articles

Teeranai Poti¹, Nutcha Manichart¹, Mattana Tunchai¹*, Pattharin Wichittrakarn², Kaori Yoneyama³, Chamroon Laosinwattana⁴

¹Department of Plant Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
²International Academy of Aviation Industry, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
³Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
⁴Office of Administrative Interdisciplinary Program on Agricultural Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: mattana.tu@kmitl.ac.th

Received: 05 October 2025 / Revised: 06 December 2025 / Accepted: 09 December 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Fungi produce phytotoxic metabolites that can be utilized in natural herbicide development, but fungal growth and metabolite production are influenced by numerous factors. This study investigated the chemical profiles of Fusarium pseudensiforme extracts under different culture conditions and evaluated their herbicidal potential against Phaseolus lathyroides. Crude ethyl acetate extracts were obtained from F. pseudensiforme grown in submerged fermentation using four culture media, potato dextrose broth (PDB), malt extract broth (MEB), Czapek Dox broth (CDB), and yeast extract sucrose broth (YSB), at 25-35 °C for 14 days. The results revealed that increasing incubation temperature led to a marked reduction in fungal growth, crude yield, and herbicidal efficacy across all media. Incubation at 25 °C resulted in the highest values for all parameters, particularly in YSB medium (p < 0.05). Morphological analysis of treated P. lathyroides seedlings indicated that YSB extract significantly inhibited hypocotyl and lateral root development. GC-MS analysis revealed that PDB, MEB, CDB, and YSB extract contained 34, 27, 23, and 18 chemical components, respectively, with 17 common across all media. These variations in chemical profiles likely contribute to the observed differences in phytotoxic performance. Notably, as incubation temperature increased, YSB extracts exhibited higher accumulation of alkylated benzene derivatives, which are known to exhibit low herbicidal activity, thereby reducing overall efficacy, highlighting temperature-induced alterations in metabolite biosynthesis. Taken together, these results provide insights that could facilitate the scaling up of fungal allelochemical production and enhance the practical application of fungal-derived natural herbicides in weed management.

Keywords: Allelochemical, Fungal allelopathy, Weed control, Chemical diversity, Fusarium pseudensiforme

Hardiyanto¹, Nirmala F. Devy^1*, Farida Yulianti¹, Agus Sugiyatno¹, Anang Triwiratno¹, Mutia Erti Dwiastuti¹, Mizu Istianto¹, Agus Sutanto¹, Sukartini¹

¹Research Center for Horticulture, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia. Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Bogor, KM. 46, Cibinong, West Java, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: nfdevy@gmail.com

Received: 30 August 2025 / Revised: 23 November 2025 / Accepted: 09 December 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Climate change intensifies microclimatic variability in tropical highlands, posing a serious challenge to apple (Malus domestica Borkh) cultivation in Indonesia. An integrative analysis combining leaf anatomy, exploratory metabolomic profiling, and gene expression was conducted to identify two tropical cultivar-specific adaptive mechanisms in contrasting highland sites: Bumiaji (1123 m asl, 18.5°C) and Tutur (1325 m asl, 22.2°C). Leaf anatomical traits showed strong genotype × environment interactions, with Anna–Tutur having the thickest palisade (116.0 µm) and spongy mesophyll (112.6 µm), and the highest stomatal density (381 stomata/mm²). Metabolomic profiling revealed that Anna was enriched in fatty acid derivatives, including tetracosanoic and cis-eicosenoic acids. In contrast, Manalagi reprogrammed sugar and antioxidant pathways, particularly in Bumiaji, with a specific focus on fructose/mannose metabolism (p = 0.0002). Gene expression analysis of six MADS-box genes showed consistent induction of AP1, AP3, and SOC1 in Manalagi, contrasting with the site-dependent plasticity observed in Anna. Fruit quality also diverged: Manalagi accumulated higher soluble solids (11.7 °Brix) and vitamin C (44.9 mg/100 g), while Anna exhibited higher acidity (2.8%) and firmness (8.2 kgf). These findings suggest that ‘Anna’ employs responsive plasticity suited to variable microclimates, in contrast, ‘Manalagi’ uses constitutive resilience for stable performance, providing evidence-based guidance for cultivar deployment in tropical highland production systems under climate change.

Keywords: Gene expression, Malus domestica, Multi-omics integration, Phenotypic plasticity, Tropical apple

Diah Sudiarti^1,3, Ari Satia Nugraha^1,2, Wahyu Indra Duwi Fanata^1,2, Hidayah Murtianingsih^1,4, Ridho Rizkiantoro², Dewi Nanda Agustin³, Tri Agus Siswoyo^1,2*

¹Doctor of Biotechnology Study Program, Graduate School, University of Jember, Jember 68121, Indonesia

²The Center of Excellence on Crop Industrial Biotechnology (PUI-PT BioTIn), University of Jember, Indonesia

³Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Jember Islamic University, Indonesia

⁴Agriculture Faculty, Muhammadiyah University of Jember, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: triagus.faperta@unej.ac.id

Received: 17 September 2025 / Revised: 29 November 2025 / Accepted: 09 December 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Oryza sativa var. glutinous, a native rice variety, has the potential to serve as a source of value-added nutritious processed foods, but it has very limited cultivation due to limited tolerance to abiotic stresses, especially drought, which restricts its growth and development. This study investigated the interactive roles of abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactone (SL) to alleviate drought stress and promote recovery (R) in Oryza sativa var. glutinous. Drought stress and recovery treatments consisted of ABA, SL, and a combination of both, which had previously been subjected to drought stress induced by PEG-6000. Observational traits involved morphological (shoot height, leaf number, root length, and root number). Biochemical and physiological assessments included chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Then, changes in gene expression and enzyme activity of catalases (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidases (APX) were assessed. The results showed that drought stress caused a decrease in total chlorophyll (4.46%) and an increase in proline (21.05%). The significant impact of oxidative stress was demonstrated by an increase in MDA (89%) and H₂O₂ (91%), as well as CAT, APX, and POD activity. During the recovery phase, the combination of SL and ABA was able to suppress the accumulation of MDA (44.64%) and H₂O₂ (20%), indicating a reduction in oxidative stress and restoration of membrane integrity. These results highlight the likely existence of an interaction between ABA and SL, which consequently affects not only the response to drought stress but also the recovery pathways.

Keywords: Abscisic acid, Strigolactone, Drought stress, Oryza sativa var. glutinous, Plant recovery, Resilience

M.B. Yessenaliyeva^1*, Z.B. Tungushbayeva¹, K.O. Sharipov²

¹Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical university, Almaty, Kazakhstan

²Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan

*Corresponding author’s email: meirimbakytkhankyzy@gmail.com

Received: 11 August 2025 / Revised: 5 November 2025 / Accepted: 21 November 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Cadmium is a known environmental toxicant that affects various physiological systems, including hematopoiesis. This study aimed to assess the dose-dependent effects of cadmium on peripheral blood parameters in Wistar rats. Twenty four animals were assigned to four groups: control, permissible exposure limit (PEL), subtoxic and acute exposure. Cadmium was administered via drinking water over 28 days. Hematological analysis showed no statistically significant changes in the PEL group. However, rats exposed to subtoxic and acute doses exhibited marked reductions in red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit and erythrocyte indices, demonstrating the development of microcytic hypochromic anemia. A biphasic pattern in leukocyte count was observed: leukocytosis in the PEL group and leukopenia in higher dose groups, suggesting immune modulation depending on dose. A significant decline in platelet counts was recorded under high-dose exposure, reflecting impaired thrombopoiesis. The results confirm that cadmium causes hematological alterations at doses exceeding environmental limits. Peripheral blood indices, particularly erythrocyte and platelet parameters, proved to be sensitive indicators of cadmium – induced toxicity. These findings emphasize the importance of including hematological screening in toxicological evaluations and ecological monitoring systems.

Keywords: Cadmium, Hematotoxicity, Wistar rats, Biomarker, Environmental toxicology

Muhammad Zakaria¹, Sayed Hussain^2*, Essa Ali³, Jawad Munawar Shah⁴, Syed Hassan Raza⁵, Maqsood Wazir⁶, Abid Ali², Muhammad Shehzad¹

¹Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

²Department of Horticulture, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, KPK, Pakistan

³Department of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China

⁴College of Agriculture, Bahaudin Zakarya University, Pakistan

⁵Institute of Crop Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

⁶Department of botany, Karakoram International University, GB, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: sayedhussain@awkum.edu.pk

Received: 28 August 2025 / Revised: 05 November 2025 / Accepted: 11 November 2025 / Published Online: 09 December 2025

Abstract

Drought stress is one of the most relevant abiotic stress factors globally, greatly reducing the crop productivity of agricultural crops. Maize globally is an important economic cereal crop, and it is sensitive to water deficit, which is an important problem of the semi-arid areas of Pakistan. Since to test them under drought stress, the current research aimed to investigate different morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits linked to drought tolerance in maize genotypes and conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Currently two maize varieties TP-1217 and Fakhr-NARC were exposed to different PEG (5% and 10%) to study their performance. The results show that root fresh weight was higher (1.76g) in Fakhr-NARC at PEG 5% that was followed by TP-1217 with 1.72g. The shoot fresh weight of 1.63g and 1.76g observed under PEG 5%. The photosynthesis rate of 17.66% in TP-1217 and 20.32% in Fakhr-NARC under PEG 5% was observed which was significantly reduced to 11.76% and 18.33% at PEG 10%. The chlorophyll contents of 7.15 and 13.69 were observed in PEG 5% which was further reduced to 4.79 and 9.1 at PEG 10%. The relative water contents (26.74% and 43.02%) were higher in TP-1217 at both PEG concentrations. However, the sugar (38.57), proline (52.22mgg^-1, 694.75mgg^-1), and antioxidant enzymatic activities were significantly higher in Fakhr-NARC at PEG 10%. Whereas membrane integrity (18%), H₂O₂ (18.2) and MDA (37.99) contents were higher in TP1217.

Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Chlorophyll, Drought stress, Maize, Polyethylene glycol

Phan-Phuong-Trang Huynh¹, Thanh-Tri Do², Thanh-Cong Nguyen³, My-Ngoc Bui³, Tuan-Loc Le⁴, Thanh-Luu Pham⁵, Hoang-Dung Tran^1*

¹Faculty of Biology and Environment, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), 140 Le Trong Tan Street, Tay Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City 72009, Vietnam

²Faculty of Biology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, 280 An Duong Vuong street, Cho Quan ward, Ho Chi Minh City 72820, Vietnam

³Institute of Applied Research and Technology Transfer HUFI, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, 93 Tan Ky Tan Quy Street, Tan Son Nhi ward, Ho Chi Minh City 72011, Vietnam

⁴Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 1165 National Road 1A, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

⁵Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, 19 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

*Corresponding author’s email: dungth@huit.edu.vn

Received: 27 August 2025 / Revised: 13 November 2025 / Accepted: 21 November 2025 / Published Online: 29 November 2025

Abstract

Phycocyanin is a blue pigment–protein with antioxidant properties, but its use in foods is limited by poor stability. A cyanobacterium, Leptolyngbya sp. CCAH036/1, was isolated from the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam, and identified by morphology and 16S rRNA sequencing (96.5% similarity to the closest reference). C-phycocyanin was extracted by freeze–thaw and lysozyme treatment and then encapsulated with maltodextrin using spray drying. The optimized powder contained 20.53 mg/g phycocyanin, 5.14% moisture, 79.43% encapsulation efficiency, and 56.66% antioxidant retention. After three weeks of storage at 4 °C, both pigment content and antioxidant activity remained above 80%. Heating at 50–70 °C preserved about half of the activity, but stronger heat caused rapid decline. Stability was also greatest at pH 5–7. The powder was added to sticky rice mooncakes at 5–20%. At 15% supplementation, the cakes contained 1.874 mg/g phycocyanin and 43.78% antioxidant activity, with no loss of texture or sensory quality. The results indicate that spray drying with maltodextrin is recommended as an effective approach to stabilize phycocyanin from the local Leptolyngbya strain for incorporation into functional foods processed at moderate temperatures and near-neutral pH.

Keywords: Phycocyanin, Leptolyngbya sp., Microencapsulation, Spray-drying, Antioxidant, Mooncake

Sahiruddin Sahiruddin^1*, Muhammad Yusuf¹, Athhar Manabi Diansyah¹, Masturi Masturi¹, Herdis Herdis², Tulus Maulana³, Syaputra Wibowo⁴

¹Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10 Tamalanrea Makassar, South Sulawesi 90245, Indonesia

²Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia

³Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia

⁴Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Bogor 16911, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: sahirsabile@unhas.ac.id

Received: 12 September 2025 / Revised: 04 November 2025 / Accepted: 11 November 2025 / Published Online: 21 November 2025

Abstract

Semen quality is one of important factor that impacts cattle reproduction. However, the seminal plasma and spermatozoa separation is still unclear. We attempted proteomic and metabolomic techniques on fresh bovine semen and its compartments to molecularly characterise and cross these two compartments. The proteomic profile of the semen plasma showed pronounced accessory proteins enhancing lipid binding, ion homeostasis, and membrane dynamics, particularly PDC-109, enolases, VDAC2, and SP-10, while the spermatozoa comprised scaffolding, anchoring, and mitochondrial enzymatic proteins such as AKAP3, tektins, cylicins, and COX5B. The dichotomy was reinforced by complementary metabolomic analysis, with seminal plasma containing antioxidants and lipids such as taurine, ergothioneine, palmitoylglycine, and stearamide, while spermatozoa were enriched in metabolites associated with energy, including citrate, inosine, succinic semialdehyde, and pantothenic acid. Pathway analysis reinforced plasma specialisation about antioxidants and lipids rather than spermatozoa on glycolysis and amino acid metabolism with oxidative phosphorylation. Collectively, these results illustrate the presence of interconnected but non-interchangeable molecular domains in which seminal plasma provides protective and regulatory buffering, while spermatozoa are specialised in structural and energetic components for fertilisation. The candidate biomarkers identified from this study such as PDC-109, AKAP3, cylicins, taurine, and citrate illustrate molecular outputs corresponding to the quality of semen and provide a systematised context for enriched understanding of bovine reproductive biology.

Keywords: Bovine semen, Metabolomics, Seminal plasma, Spermatozoa, Proteomics

Prathan Luecha¹, Attachai Trunjaruen^2,3, Theeraphat Kongnok², Wipa Yaowachai⁴, Pattaraphorn Panomai⁵, Pitakpong Maneerattanarungroj⁶, Nisarat Tungpairojwong², Monthira Monthatong², Worasitikulya Taratima^2*

¹Department of Pharmacognosy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Khon Kaen University,

Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

²Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

³Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand

⁴Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, the Botanical Garden Organisation, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

⁵Health Science and Aesthetic Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

⁶Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: worasitikulya@gmail.com

Received: 25 August 2025 / Revised: 15 October 2025 / Accepted: 01 November 2025 / Published Online: 21 November 2025

Abstract

Phytolacca americana L. (pokeweed) Root contain valuable pharmaceutical compounds but their slow growth and invasive spread make large-scale cultivation difficult. The purpose of this study was to optimize conditions for the enhancement of secondary metabolites while examining the effects of NaCl, MeJA, and SA on the amount of phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins in pokeweed callus cultures. Significant interactions between elicitor concentration and duration were observed for all phytochemical parameters (p < 0.05). MeJA at 100 µM for 3 days and SA at 150 µM for 9 days produced the highest phenolic contents (14.26 and 15.82 µg/mg DW, respectively; p < 0.001) and enhanced antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP). NaCl at 200 mM for 21 days maximized EsA content (16.73 µg/mg DW), surpassing natural roots and all other treatments (p < 0.001). Phenolic content correlated positively with antioxidant capacity, indicating phenolic compounds as major contributors to antioxidant activity. In contrast, EsA showed negative correlations with other parameters, suggesting its accumulation was independent of phenolic biosynthesis and antioxidant properties. All elicitors upregulated biosynthetic genes via signaling and transcription factor activation. Overall, NaCl, MeJA, and SA effectively enhanced bioactive compounds in pokeweed callus cultures, offering a promising alternative for metabolite production without relying on natural plant resources.

Keywords: Abiotic elicitor, Antioxidant activity, Elicitation, Esculentoside A, Saponin

Hung Nguyen Thanh¹*, Tra Mai Huong², Thu Tran Thi Anh³, Thanh Pham⁴

¹Faculty of Biotechnology, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

²Lac Hong University, Dong Nai City, Vietnam

³Thu Dau Mot University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

⁴Faculty of Biology, University of Education, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam

*Corresponding author’s email: hung.ngt@ou.edu.vn

Received: 19 September 2025 / Revised: 05 November 2025 / Accepted: 12 November 2025 / Published Online: 20 November 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different selenium (Se) fertilization methods on yield, quality, and organic Se accumulation in pak choi (Brassica rapa L.). A two-year small field experiment (2024–2025) was conducted with four treatments: control (CK), soil application (T1), foliar application (T2), and combined soil plus foliar application (T3). Results indicated that Se treatments significantly increased yield by 4.9–17.55%. Se concentration increased by 175.71–305.71% in root and by 202.81–314.08% in stem. Selenomethionine (SeMet) was the dominant organic form while selenocysteine (SeCys) also increased markedly. Crude protein, ash, and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Ca) were enhanced, especially under T3. Overall, the combined soil and foliar application (T3) proved most effective for improving yield, nutritional quality, and organic Se accumulation, offering a sustainable strategy for Se biofortification in leafy vegetables.

Keywords: Biofortification, Brassica rapa L., Nutritional quality, Selenium fertilization, Selenium speciation, Soil and foliar application

Shahad Alsunusi¹, Taha A. Kumosani², Etimad Huwait², Khalid O. Abulnaja², Soonham S. Yaghmoor², Said S. Moselhy³*

¹Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center and Production of Bio-products for Industrial Applications Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

*Corresponding author’s email: moselhy6@hotmail.com

Received: 16 August 2025 / Revised: 24 October 2025 / Accepted: 31 October 2025 / Published Online: 20 November 2025

Abstract

Herbicides are used worldwide for protection the crops from weeds, but they still pose health problems. We investigated the mechanism of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L) methanolic extract (OBLE) against neurotoxicity induced by malathion in rats through the modulation of neurotransmitters, redox changes, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis. This study included sixty male Sprague Dawley rats allocated into six equal groups: Group I, Control; Group II, rats given  malathion  dissolved  in DMSO at the LD50/10 dose (10 µg/kg b.w) orally for 4 weeks; Group III, rats given DMSO orally (0.1 ml/kg b.w) for 4 weeks; Group IV, normal rats treated with OBLE (100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks; Group V (Preventive group), rats administered  malathion   and OBLE orally (100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks; Group VI (treated group), rats administered  malathion   for 4 weeks followed by OBLE for another 4 weeks. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of OBLE were found to be 85 mg GAE /g and 82.65 mg catechin E/g, respectively. Rats given malathion showed a significant reduction in brain acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity, levels of serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine and elevation of GABA compared to normal rats. However, rats in the preventive or treated groups with OBLE exert a significant elevation in serotonin, dopamine, and NE levels and activation of AChE activity while GABA level decreased compared with untreated.  Malathion   induced brain tissue Cyt c release, reduced apoptosis markers (caspase 3 and 9) and increased mitochondrial membrane potential (marker of mitochondrial function). OBLE was found to reduce mitochondrial potential, enhance antioxidant activity, reduce the release of Cyt c, and enhanced caspase 3 and 9. The molecular docking analysis showed the potential interactions between the tested compounds target proteins and receptors is reflected by the binding free energies (G) (measured in kcal/mol), with a lower value indicating a more stable interaction. It was concluded that, the phenolic and flavonoid content of OBLE contributed to the neuroprotection against malathion induced neurotoxicity via neurotransmitters, redox status and apoptosis.

Keywords: Malathion, Neurotoxicity, Apoptosis, Redox status, Ocimum basilica