Journal Of Agrobiotechnology (Journal of UniSZA - Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin)
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In Vitro Micropropagation of Aquarium Plants Pearl Grass Hemianthus micranthemoides (Nuttall) and Micro Sword Grass Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (Glaziou) Affolter (Apiaceae)
Get PDFHemianthus micranthemoides and Lileaopsis brasiliensis are nowadays sold in the form of tissue culture production by aquaria and ornamental trade in Malaysia. However, there is no to limited report about in vitro micropropagation of both aquarium plants. In this study, an experimental procedure for micropropagation of both plants was documented. The propagation were done in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with eight combination of different concentration of 6-Benzylaminopurine with Naphteneacetic acid (BAP-NAA) and 1-phenyl-3-1,2,3- thiadizol-5-yl urea with Naphteneacetic acid (TDZ-NAA) following the rooting technique for 42 days. All treatments for 1 L MS medium were regulated to pH 5.7 to 5.8 and added with sucrose (30 g/L) and phytagel (2.5 g/L). All combination treatments had induced rooting. There was a significance different in the shoot regeneration of H. micranthemoides in all treatment (95% confidence level, F = 13.907, n = 240, p = 0.000), on the contrary there was no different were observed in shoot regeneration of L. brasiliensis treatment. Overall, all treatment of TDZ- NAA were significantly higher in the shoot regeneration than those in BAP-NAA treatment. Particularly the T7 (TDZ-NAA, 0.075: 0.1 mg/L) given highest result in diameter (1.626±0.213 cm) and area (1.724±0.308 cm2) of shoot clumps in H. micranthemoides, and formation of shoots (51.5±4.95), nodes (20.0±2.83) and roots (45.5±13.4) in L. brasiliensis. Hardening of in vitro cultured plantlets was done in aquatic laboratory. All of the plants survived and transferred into aquarium. This study has provided beneficial information in further micropropagation protocol for the mass production of both aquarium plants.
Keywords: Aquarium plants, Hemianthus micranthemoides, Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, Micropropagatio
Prediction on Microbiological Quality of Industrial Chicken Sausages during Distribution to Retailer vicinity Bangkok
Get PDFPredictive survival of microbiological quality of chicken sausages was simulated using ComBase® microbial predictive software. The prediction was based on real time and temperature monitoring chicken sausages during distribution to retailer around Bangkok area. Six pathogens, which were Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were selected respectively for simulation during distribution. Five parameters were selected to predict the growth of selected pathogens during distribution period (maximum temperature from observation periods, pH, Aw, and initial log of Total Aerobic Plate Count (TAPC). The result showed that Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli and pseudomonas spp count ranged from 0.11 log CFU/g to 1 log CFU/g during distribution at 19.5°C for 9.05 hours. Pseudomonas spp showed the highest growth (1 log cfu/g ) while Clostridium perfringens showed the lowest growth (0.11 log cfu/g ) after distribution. As a conclusion, higher the temperature and longer the observation period could increase the growth rate of selected pathogens on distribution the products.Â
Environmental Effects on Germination and Seedling Emergence of Weedy Rice
Get PDFThe objective of this study is to determine the germination and growth of weedy rice seedlings that were grown under four different environmental conditions simulated in either growth chamber or room conditions. Photoperiod (24 h light, 24 h dark, 12 h light-dark), drought (0, 5, 10, 20 %) and temperature (25, 30, 35, 40 °C) effects were tested in growth chamber while the flooding depth (0, 2.5, 5, 10 cm) effects was tested in room condition. Germination percentage was not significantly affected (p > 0.05) by either of the environmental factors except for flooding depth at 10 cm. Temperature treatment specifically at 30 °C showed a pronounced effect on hypocotyl length, radicle length and root-shoot ratio compared to other temperature range. Highest hypocotyl length and root-shoot ratio were recorded in 10 % drought treatment and longest radicle length obtained in control treatment. Meanwhile, a continuous dark condition in photoperiod treatment showed the highest hypocotyl length in comparison to 24 hours of light and alternate 12 hours of light and dark. Highest radicle length and root-shoot ratio were obtained in 24 hours of light and 12 hours alternate light and dark respectively. Growth of weedy rice exhibited a declining trend in increasing flooding depth. The result of this study suggests that germination was retarded by deep flooding. Temperature and flooding depth affects the vegetative growth of weedy rice the most and sustained growth was observed at higher temperature regime. The information gained from this study may be useful in assessing the growth performance of weedy rice in relation to cultivated rice, and further helps in developing effective Malaysian weedy rice control strategies
Diversity and Abundance of Hymenopteran Parasitoids in Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
Get PDFHymenopteran parasitoid is one of the major insect component in the terrestrial ecosystems. A study was conducted to determine the diversity and abundance of hymenopteran parasitoids in a coastal and inland forest of Perhentian Island, Terengganu. Three Malaise traps were installed for each sampling points of the plot areas (i.e. coastal and inland forest). The insect samples were collected after seven days and brought to the laboratory for sorting, enumerating and identifying from order up to family level. The abundance of parasitoids collected was analyzed using T-test analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test whilst their diversity was analyzed using the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’). A total of 25 hymenopteran parasitoids comprising of 10 families were identified. The most abundance families recorded was Braconidae with eight individuals followed by Ceraphronidae with six individuals whilst Figitidae, Scelionidae and Trichogrammatidae represented by two individuals, respectively. The diversity of Hymenopteran parasitoids in the coastal forest showed higher diversity value with H’=2.03 than in the inland forest (H’=1.17). The abundance of Hymenopteran parasitoids individuals, however, was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between coastal forest and the inland forest plots. Overall, this study showed that the diversity of Hymenopteran parasitoids was higher in the coastal forest although the abundance was not obviously differed from the inland forest of Perhentian Island. For the future, vegetation species, distribution and abiotic factors can be taken into consideration in determining the diversity and abundance of Hymenopteran parasitoids in an island forest
Effects of Drying Methods on the Quality Parameters of Dried Manis Terengganu Melon (Cucumis melo)
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The objective of this study was to identify the suitable drying methods for preservation of immature Manis Terengganu melon by using different temperatures which are 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C. The osmotically pre- treated samples were dried by using three types of convective dryer; cabinet dryer, oven dryer and rotary dryer. The drying time and drying rates were determined through drying curve. Rotary dryer had the shortest drying time and drying rates followed by cabinet dryer and oven dryer. The quality parameters on dried melon were identified. The range of water activity achieved for dried melon was 0.46-0.52. The hardness and chewiness of dried melon showed significantly difference between fresh and dried sample. The browning absorbance of dried melon at 420 nm for each equipment at temperature 50 °C showed significant difference at p<0.05. Rotary dryer at 50 °C was preferred as the suitable drying equipment to dry melon in terms of time consumption as well as produced acceptable physicochemical quality of dried melon.
Keywords: Cucumis melo, drying, osmotic dehydration, quality parameter
Effect of Probiotic on Microflora Population and Carcass Yield of Quail, Coturnix japonica
Get PDFThis study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary probiotic on intestinal and fecal microflora and carcass yield of broiler quails during the four weeks of feeding period. The quails were fed a basic diet (group 1) which acted as the control group; another 3 groups were fed basal diet with probiotic added at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.20% and 0.35% respectively for 28 days after two weeks of brooding. On day 42, fecal sample and intestinal sample were collected for microbial analysis and carcass yield of the quails was evaluated by cutting the selected parts of the carcass. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus population in quail’s feces between control and treatment group. Otherwise, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in Escherichia coli population in quail’s intestine between control and treatment group, but significantly (p < 0.05) different in Lactobacillus population. Different inclusion rate of probiotic including control showed negative result of Salmonella in both intestine and feces of quail. In addition, supplementation of the diet with probiotic resulted in higher dressing and legs percentage of the carcass but do not affect the breast percentage. This shows that adding probiotic to the broiler quail’s diet can improve the performance of the quails by increasing the beneficial microflora and reducing the pathogenic microorganisms, and relatively higher carcass yields
Assessment of Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Punica granum (Peels and Arils)
Get PDFIn this study, we designed a simple and eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from peels and arils extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) which act as a reducing agent in AgNO3 solution. The formation of silver nanoparticles was spectroscopically characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis and results exhibited an absorbance spectrum peak between the range of 282-432 nm within 24 hours, when centred on the surface of silver nanoparticles. Further investigation on antioxidant activity via DPPH assay showed higher scavenging effect at 84.06% in AgNPs synthesized from peels extract compared to 80.16% for AgNPs synthesized from arils. Both AgNPs also exhibited antibacterial activity against two species of Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and two species of Gram negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). These AgNPs were also assayed for their antiamoebic properties towards Acanthamoeba sp. in order to determine their cytotoxicity effect and the IC50 values obtained were 33.08% v/v and 2.33% v/v for peels and arils extracts respectively. These results indicate that both arils and peels of P. granatum have great potential for the synthesis of AgNPs that have antioxidant, antibacterial and antiamoebic activities.      Â
Freshwater Fishes of Sungai Chantek, Pasir Akar, Besut, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
Get PDFTwenty two species from 12 families of primary freshwater fishes were recorded from Sg. Chantek, Pasik Akar, Besut, Terengganu. Cyprinidae was the most dominant family (27%) with six species followed by Balitoridae with four species (18%). Fish composition was dominated by Poropuntius smedleyi with 140 individuals collected. More fish were collected in the downstream section (LS) (85 individuals) compare to middle (MS) and upper stream (US) sections. Fish species richness for each section range from 12 (US) to 18 (LS) and the differences was between US-LS and MS-LS sections but not with US-MS. LS has more fish species compared to US and MS. It is hypothesized that the presence of different substrate types and microhabitats at LS promotes species richness. Despite of its small size stream, the ichthyofauna found at Sungai Chantek are important and should be kept intact. This study has successfully documented fish diversity at Sg. Chantek. It is suggested that continuous monitoring to be undertaken to ensure species diversity is preserved
The Effect of Garlic (Allium sativum) as Supplementary Feed on Growth Performance of Cherry Valley Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)
Get PDFThe study was conducted to investigate the effect of garlic (Allium sativum) at the concentration of 0 %, 1% and 3% on growth performance of 27 Cherry Valley ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus). The ducks were housed in battery cages with 3 ducks per partition of cages with access to water and diets for 2 weeks adjustment period and later, 4 weeks for feeding trial. Proximate analysis like moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, crude fibre, ash and nitrogen free extract were conducted on feed samples prior to feeding experiment while body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed intake and mortality rate were parameters used to measure growth performances. Data obtained were analysed by using one way ANOVA of IBM SPSS Statistic version 22. Moisture and crude lipid showed significant difference (p < 0.05) among treatments. There were no significant differences of protein, ash, fibre and nitrogen free extract for all treatments. Sampling of growth performance parameters were taken every 7 days for 4 weeks. Body weight gain showed significant difference (p < 0.05) among all treatments. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among all treatments in feed intake, mortality rate and feed conversion ratio. It can be concluded that feed supplemented with 1% garlic is suitable to improve growth performance of Cherry Valley ducks within 4 weeks of the feeding trial
Prebiotic Activity Score Of Breadfruit Resistant Starch (Artocarpus Altilis), Breadfruit Flour, And Inulin during In-Vitro Fermentation By Pure Cultures (Lactobacillus Plantarum, And Bifidobacterium Bifidum)
Get PDFThe prebiotics activity score was a quantitative method to describes to which extent prebiotics (Breadfruit Resistant starch,Breadfruit flour and Inulin) to support the growth of L.plantarum and B.bifidum. The changes in growth after fermentation (0 hrs, 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs) of bacteria strains on prebiotics and glucose in relation to changes in Escherichia coli grown under same condition was used to determine prebiotics score. The fermentation of the different carbon sources (Breadfruit Resistant starch,Breadfruit flour and Inulin) by L.plantarum and B.bifidum produce Short Chain Fatty Acids that determined by changes of pH throughout 72 hours of fermentation. The highest score (0.45) was obtained for L.plantarum that utilised breadfruit resistant starch after 12 hours of incubation time. However, the highest score (0.65) for B.bifidum also utilised breadfruit resistant starch as carbon sources after 48 hours of fermentation. It found that there was significant difference in pH changes for both strains. Greatest pH reduction for L.plantarum and B.bifidum for all samples after 6 hours of fermentation. From this study, resistant starch has potential as prebiotics as it meet the requirement as a prebiotics