Journal Of Agrobiotechnology (Journal of UniSZA - Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin)
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Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Carrageenan-Tapioca Starch Biocomposite Films for Sustainable Food Packaging
Get PDFThe global shift toward sustainable materials has spurred research into biodegradable food packaging options. This study explores into the improvement of carrageenan-based biocomposite films by using tapioca starch (TS) at various concentrations (0.15 g – 0.30 g). Films were made by solution casting with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer and isovanillin as a natural crosslinker. Mechanical, rheological, and structural parameters were investigated, including tensile strength, viscosity, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra and Area Under Peak (AUP) of infrared spectra analysis. The results revealed that carrageenan incorporated with 0.20 g of tapioca starch (TS0.20) produced the highest tensile strength (2,125.84 MPa) and viscosity (141.55 P), balancing elasticity and film strength. At TS0.20, FTIR analysis with AUP quantification revealed higher intermolecular (20.783) and intramolecular (7.985) OH bonding, as well as better O-SO₃ (13.737) and C=O (10.050) intensities, indicating stronger hydrogen bonding and sulfate-carbonyl interactions. However, higher TS concentrations (more than 0.20 g) resulted in lower AUP values, lower tensile strength, and functional groups intensity values, indicating polymer network breakdown. These findings show that moderate starch incorporation improves mechanical and functional qualities, pointing to carrageenan-tapioca starch films as promising biodegradable food packaging alternatives
Growth Performance, Nutrient Uptake, and Biofortification Potential of Hydroponic Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Under Calcium Supplementation
Get PDFLettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), a fast-growing and commercially important leafy green, contains about 36 mg of calcium per 100 g. Its calcium content depends on water and nutrient uptake through the roots. This study aims to evaluate how varying calcium levels in hydroponics affect lettuce growth, nutrient absorption, and post-harvest nutrient content, providing insights into optimizing calcium enrichment in lettuce for improved human nutrition. In this study, growth performance, nutrient uptake, and biofortification potential of hydroponic lettuce under varying calcium supplementations of 90, 108, 126 and 144 mg/L were examined. As a result, lettuce fresh weights are significantly higher at 126 and 144 mg/L calcium supplementation. Highest calcium content was found in lettuce hydroponics grown with 108 mg/L calcium (2.35%), potassium and iron are the most abundant nutrients in lettuce hydroponics. Total flavonoid was significantly lowest in lettuce hydroponics cultured with 144 mg/L calcium. Nitrate is found exclusively in in lettuce hydroponics cultured with 144 mg/L calcium. Therefore, it can be deduced that lettuce hydroponics requires at least 126 mg/L calcium, but not more than 144 mg/L calcium for maximal growth, nutrient uptake and nutrient content, as well as safe for consumption
Storage Study on Partitioning Characteristics of β-Carotene in Emulsions with Different Surfactants and Solid Fat Contents
Get PDFA relatively less explored area of research in the encapsulation of palm-based phytonutrients is the location and partitioning of these bioactive compounds stabilised in emulsion system. Different food products with different chemical compositions and biological environment are to be fortified with certain bioactive compounds stabilised by emulsion systems, requiring different strategies to ensure success in fulfilling the purpose of the functional foods. Furthermore, considering the ultimate purpose of a functional food enriched with bioactive compounds encapsulated in an emulsion system, which is to give health benefits upon consumption, the knowledge of the partitioning characteristics of phytonutrients encapsulated in an emulsion is also undeniably relevant. The objective of this study was to determine the partitioning characteristics of phytonutrient (β-carotene) in emulsions when varying the surfactant and solid fat content of the oil phase upon storage. Emulsions were made by mixing two immiscible phases (oil phase and aqueous phase) together with surfactant, bioactive compound and xanthan gum using a mixer-homogeniser with a constant speed for 30 minutes. Partitioning analysis was done on the emulsion samples varying in surfactant and solid fat content of the oil phase. The analysis was repeated once every seven days for 28 days. The obtained results were then being analysed univariately. From this study, it showed that solid fat content increased the partitioning of bioactive compounds into the aqueous phase and ovalette retained the most of bioactive compounds in the aqueous phase
Exploring Farmers' Knowledge and Awareness in Employing Beneficial Plants for Paddy Pest Management in Besut, Terengganu
Get PDFThe presence of beneficial insects such as parasitoids and predators in paddy fields is very important as such insects help in pest population management and reduce pesticide use. To ensure beneficial insects are sustained in the field, their food source and shelter must always be sufficient, therefore, ecological engineering techniques can be applied. This idea encompasses plant management through habitat manipulation, which helps support biological pest control operations by encouraging the growth of beneficial plants in the fields that serve as a source of food and shelter for beneficial insects. However, the knowledge and awareness of local farmers, especially in Besut, Terengganu used this biological control technique in managing paddy pests are still unknown. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of paddy farmers on the use of beneficial plants in controlling paddy pests among paddy farmers in Besut, Terengganu. This quantitative research design study used a questionnaire by face to face with 56 paddy farmers as the main respondents. Based on the survey, the paddy cultivation in Besut was dominated by middle-aged male farmers which 76.8% of them have secondary education with more than 20 years of paddy cultivation experience. Results showed that most of the farmers have a moderate level of knowledge (67.9%) and awareness (73.4%) about the use of beneficial plants in controlling paddy pests. Therefore, it is necessary to hold a continuous awareness program by local authorities about the importance of using beneficial plants in paddy fields in the future
Identification of SSR Markers for Genetic Purity Testing in Waxy Corn F1 Hybrid Seeds
Get PDFGenetic purity is a must for the commercialization of any hybrid seeds. In order to identify a pure hybrid, morphological evaluation of seeds from grow-out-test is mandatory in Malaysia, however, the procedure is time- and money-consuming. This study aimed to identify suitable SSR markers for assessing the genetic purity of F1 hybrid seeds in waxy corn (Zea mays L. var. ceratina). Genomic DNA of ten waxy corn hybrids along with their parental lines and three commercial hybrids was extracted from seeds using DNeasy Plant Mini Kit. Ten SSR primers (umc2366, bnlg2181, bnlg2162, umc1005, phi011, umc1196, umc2077, phi112, umc1153 and bnlg381) were screened by PCR amplification, and only one primer (bnlg381) produced complementary banding pattern of both parental lines, which made a way to identify the hybrid. The bnlg381 amplified DNA band at 300bp in the female parent BELLA 1-8 and at 200bp in the male parent BELLA 1-7. The hybrid BELLA 1-8 x BELLA 1-7 has both DNA bands from its parents at 300bp and 200bp, confirming the genetic purity of this hybrid seed. The hybrid seed industry will benefit greatly from the SSR marker identified in this study, which will enable a cheaper and efficient selection of parental lines and evaluation of hybrid seeds in waxy corn breeding programs
Optimisation of Anthocyanin Co-pigmentation from Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) Flower and its Application in Gummy
Get PDFIn contrast to natural food colours, food manufacturers have increasingly used synthetic food colours to achieve attributes such as low cost, excellent appearance, high colour intensity, increased colour stability, and consistency. Furthermore, natural colourants such as anthocyanins have been linked to potential health advantages such as dietary antioxidants. Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea) was utilized in this research because the high quantity of polyacylated anthocyanins known as ternatins in blue pea flowers which is a distinctive property of anthocyanins found in blue pea flowers. The purpose of this research is to improve anthocyanin thermal stability via co-pigmentation process from Butterfly Pea flower and to analyse the physicochemical features of gummy. The potential of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for optimising anthocyanin co-pigmentation from Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) flower was investigated in this study. The effect of two test variables on the half-life of anthocyanin was studied in a specific range of pH 3-6 and anthocyanin to metal ratio (1:1 to 1:100). The data from the experiment were analysed using the RSM of MINITAB Software (Version 19), and the optimum half-life of anthocyanin of 191 minutes was established and verified. The optimal conditions were stated to be pH 3.75 and an anthocyanin:metal ratio of 1:75. A significant regression equation or model with a correlation value of 95.38% was also achieved at the 5% level. For the application of gummy, three types of gummies (synthetic blue incorporated gummy (F1), anthocyanin incorporated gummy (F2) and co-pigmented anthocyanin incorporated gummy (F3)) were produced to analyse its physicochemical qualities. The physicochemical qualities of F3 gummy were reported to retain the physicochemical since the pH values, water activity, moisture content, and textural properties were not significantly different (p>0.05). However, due to the % difference in polymeric colour present, the colour in terms of hue angle was noted to have a significant difference between F1, F2, and F3
Assessment of Streptomyces sp. and Bacillus sp. Against Phytophthora palmivora, the Causal Agent of Durian Canker Disease through Different Application Methods at The Nursery Stage
Get PDFPhytophthora palmivora is a natural soil-borne pathogen that infects all parts of the durian tree. It was first reported in 1939 and is still a major problem in durian cultivation. With the increased awareness of the risks of synthetic fungicides usage, the focus of this study is to determine the efficacy of Streptomyces sp. and Bacillus sp. as singular and mixed usage in controlling P. palmivora using drench and spray application methods at the nursery stage. Thus, we aim to identify the relationship of the variables. Microbe treatments consist of; Control, Streptomyces sp. (108 cfu/mL), Bacillus sp. (1010 cfu/mL) and Streptomyces sp. + Bacillus sp. (1010 cfu/mL). The application method was by drenching and spraying method. The experiment consisted of 8 treatments in 4 replications using RCBD Design. Data were computed using SAS to assess descriptive analysis, test of a normality, analysis of variance, multiple comparisons and Pearson correlation at a 95% probability level. The mixture is grouped together with treatment Bacillus sp. in the mean separation using Tukey’s Honestly Significant (HSD). The mixture of Streptomyces sp. and Bacillus sp. was the best in controlling the disease at 19.56 mm lesion growth and 74.35% protection percentage. Here treatment Bacillus sp. has a lesion growth of 28.93 mm and 62.05% protection percentage. All treatments containing microbes had a significant difference compared to control treatments (76.23 mm). As for the application method; the drenching method had a significantly higher plant leaf area of 724.7 cm2 and leaf fresh weight of 18.43 g compared to the spraying method. As for the Pearson correlation coefficient, it is seen the leaf fresh weight (P = <.0001; r = 0.71728) had a significantly strong positive correlation with leaf area. Further studies are needed to verify the effect of Streptomyces sp. and Bacillus sp. at the field level, where these microbes will be subjected to current climate conditions
Rheological Properties of Butterfly Pea- derived anthocyanins extracted using Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction method
Get PDF Anthocyanin from butterfly pea extract is used for the skin brightening, rejuvenating, and hydration of serum product as the phenolic compound have the antioxidants effect. Its stability generally influenced by pH, temperature, light, metal ions in media, and other factors. It is important to monitor the temperature fluctuations because rising temperatures will lead to the partial or complete degradation of natural anthocyanins, which will reduce the intensity of the colour. However, the rheology involving density and viscosity of anthocyanin derived from butterfly pea flower are yet to be verified. In this study, we investigate the rheological characteristics of synthetic skin infused with anthocyanin from butterfly pea. Two sources of anthocyanin were used in this study: liquid anthocyanin from Bionutricia Malaysia, and raw extracted anthocyanin from dried butterfly pea flower. The dried butterfly peas are extracted using the Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) process in an ultrasonic water bath. Total anthocyanin content (TAC) and physicochemical analysis consist of measurement of density, viscosity, and shear stress of extract have been investigate throughout the process. The total anthocyanin content (TAC) of raw and liquid butterfly pea extract was determined to be 261.28 mg/L and 32.272 mg/L respectively from the obtained absorbance at wavelength 510 nm and 700 nm using UV-Visible Spectroscopy. It is discovered that the extracted anthocyanin indicates non-Newtonian behaviour and pseudoplastic rheology behaviour for both samples
Development of Water Soluble NPK Fertilizer for Watermelon Cultivation Under Rain Shelter Structure
Get PDFCommercial watermelon cultivation at open field depends on granular fertilizer for higher yield and quality. However, application of granular fertilizer is laborious, inefficient, inadequate nutrient uptake and can cause toxicity. Therefore, smart fertigation system as incorporated by IoT (Internet of things) appears to be the best option to improve such issues. To complete the smart fertigation system, application of water-soluble NPK fertilizer is the key tool. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate and select the optimum water soluble NPK rates used on growth, yield and fruit quality of watermelon under rain shelter structure. Watermelon seedlings were subjected to four water-soluble NPK fertilizer rates at 75%, 100% (Control - 108 kg N, 247.32 kg P and 153.6 kg K ), 125% and 150% based on common practices of NPK granular fertilizer used in watermelon at open field planting system for 65 days. Fertilizer rates induced at 150% significantly increased leaf number, leaf SPAD, total leaf area and leaf dry weight as compared to control at 14.17%, 16.22%, 21.55% and 15.06% respectively. Whereas, application of fertilizer at 125% significantly increased the leaf number, total leaf area and leaf dry weight with the respective increments of 11.5%, 17.19% and 13.08%. Based on regression trendline, application of 125% optimized the performances of the plants such as leaf number, total leaf area and fruit weight. To conclude, increasing 25% NPK standard fertilizer rate (125%) could be promising for watermelon cultivation throughout fertigation under open field planting system. Further trials in open field planting system needs to be undertaken to ensure the selected rates identified from this study could improve the whole performances of watermelo
Salmonella contamination in raw vegetables: A review
Get PDFRaw vegetables that experience increasing demand by consumer due to the healthy nutrients. It is thought consumption of raw vegetables will help in reducing chronic diseases such as hypertension, obesity, cholesterol and diabetes. With the increasing consumption of raw vegetables, several outbreaks linked to the pathogen contamination in these vegetables have been reported worldwide. One of the most common pathogen contamination is Salmonella. Salmonella have two species which are S. bongori and S. enterica. Of these, only S. enterica that cause human infection. However, there are roughly 1500 serovars within S. enterica. Salmonella are ubiquitously present in the environment and easily contaminate food if no proper handling being practices throughout the supply chain. Various vegetables have been implicated with the contamination of Salmonella. Thus, this paper review contamination of Salmonella in vegetables from various studies and the outbreaks