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Dormancy breaking studies and seed germination in Arenga wightii Griffith
No full textArenga wightii Griffith, an endemic palm, of Western Ghats and south and central Sahyadris having multiple uses is currently under threat due to habitat loss and over exploitation. Since seeds are the major propagules of this palm, seed study was carried out with a view to conserve this highly promising tree, in both ex-situ and in- situ conditions. The study included seed viability, germination, desiccation and dormancy breaking tests. The results of the study suggest desiccation, GA3/ acid treatment enhance germination, and dormancy observed is of both physiological and mechanical. The cost efficient means of germination induction is desiccation which could aid the farmers and common people in cultivating the species at large extent enabling reintroduction of the species
Morphophysiological Responses of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Genotypes from Pakistan’s Semiarid Regions to Salt Stress
Get PDFSoil salinity is a major constraint to modern agriculture, with around 20% of the previously irrigated area becoming salt affected. Identifying suitable salt stress-tolerant genotypes based on their agronomic and physiological traits remains a herculean challenge in forage-type Oat (Avena sativa L.) breeding. The present study was designed to investigate the response of oat crop plants against the salt (NaCl) stress in Mardan, Pakistan. The experiment was carried out in complete randomized design (CRD) with two factors trail comprising of the performance of four different genotypes of oat (NARC oat, PARC oat, Green Gold and Islamabad oat) in response to four levels of saline stress (0, 25, 50 and 75 mmol L-1 NaCl). Plant growth and physiological parameters including germination (G, %); fresh shoot weight (FSW, g); fresh root weight (FRW, g); chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, and total carotenoids were analyzed for identifying salt tolerance. Germination (%) of oat genotypes was negatively affected by higher salt stress. Mean values showed that maximum germination (57.5%) was recorded for control while minimum germination (48.75%) was recorded for 25 mmol L-1 NaCl and that maximum germination (58%) was recorded for PARC oat. The root and shoot fresh weight of all genotypes declined with increasing salt stress, while NARC and Green Gold oat showed considerably higher values than the other genotypes. Although chlorophyll and carotenoids were found to be negatively affected by increasing salt concentrations, NARC and Green Gold oat genotypes performed considerably better at 75 mmol L-1 NaCl when compared to the other genotypes. Based on the mean shoot dry weight ratio ± one standard error, the four Oat genotypes were categorized as salt-tolerant (Green Gold), moderately tolerant (PARC and NARC), and salt-sensitive (Islamabad). The more salt-tolerant genotype (Green Gold) demonstrated relatively high salinity tolerance and may be useful for developing high-yielding oat hybrids in future breeding programs under salt stress conditions
A comprehensive review on Nipah virus infection control measures
Get PDFNipah virus (NiV) has emerged as a deadly zoonotic pathogen, causing sporadic outbreaks with high mortality rates. The patient typically exhibits thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and transaminitis along with fever, encephalitis, and/or respiratory involvement. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted realm of Nipah virus infection control measures. We explore the latest research, strategies, and practices aimed at preventing, containing, and mitigating the impact of NiV outbreaks. From surveillance and diagnosis to treatment and public health interventions, this review offers a holistic perspective on the ongoing efforts to combat this deadly virus
Nutritional value of grain and leafy Amaranth varieties grown in Tanzania
Get PDFAmaranth leaves and seeds are highly nutritious, but less is clearly known for the varieties grown in Tanzania. Grains, leaves (dry and fresh) and flower part of amaranth were analyzed for minerals (iron, zinc, copper and manganese), proximate (crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate) and anti-nutrients (nitrate and oxalate) content. Minerals were significantly higher (p<0.05) in fresh leafy varieties performing 75.89 mg/100 g, 3.284 mg/100 g and 34.869 mg/100 g for Amaranthus hypochondriacus (Nafaka), A. hypochondriacus (Lishe njano) and A. dubius (White local) respectively, with iron being significantly higher in dried leaves (284.384 mg/1000 g) of A. dubius (Bwasi jekundu). Protein, Fat and Fibre content is significantly higher in grains of amaranths indicating Crude protein (15.787%) in A. cruentus (Bwasi kijani), Crude Fibre (13.040% and 13.163%) in White local and Bwasi jekundu respectively that are not significantly different (p>0.05) and Crude Fat (9.273%) in Bwasi jekundu. Total Carbohydrate (78.743%) is significantly higher in dried Bwasi kijani. Anti-nutrient contents were significantly higher in dried compared to fresh leaf varieties, grain and amaranth flowers. Oxalate ranging from 378.5 to 360.3 mg/100 g and are not significantly different (p>0.05) within varieties, nitrate (137.06 μg/g) is significantly higher in A. hybridus (Lishe nyeupe) of dried leaves compared to fresh, grains and amaranth flower. Bwasi jekundu appears to be the best variety as dried leaves have the highest iron, since micronutrients are of more significance in leaves of vegetables than macro nutrients
Screening of Padina boergesenii for pharmacological activities
Get PDFPadina boergesenii is a distinctive small brown algae with rounded fronds growing to a length and diameter of 04 to 06 cm (1.6 to 2.4 in). P. boergesenii is widely present in the shallow water of tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activities of crude ethyl acetate extract of P. boergesenii. Anti-bacterial activity of crude ethyl acetate extract of P. boergesenii against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was determined using the well diffusion method. MIC of P. boergesenii against biofilm was carried out by the Resazurin method. Antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and the Hydrogen peroxide scavenging method. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using the albumin denaturation and heat-induced hemolysis method. Cytotoxicity activity of P. boergesenii against cell line L929 was analyzed by MTT assay. The maximum zone of inhibition obtained was 23 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, followed by 21 mm for Escherichia coli. Biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis showed higher resistance (MIC= 25.00±00.00 mg/mL). Biofilm of Acinetobacter baumannii was found to be most susceptible (MIC= 06.25±00.00 mg/mL). The IC50 value for the crude ethyl acetate extract P. boergesenii was 155.5 μg/mL for the DPPH method, 1567.18 μg/mL for the FRAP method, and 3098.27 μg/mL for the H2O2 method. The results of in vitro anti-inflammatory studies exhibited IC50= 122.33 μg/mL and 2522.40 μg/mL for albumin denaturation assay and heat-induced hemolysis method respectively. The crude ethyl acetate extract of P. boergesenii showed cytotoxicity against the growth of the L929 cell line. The present study suggested that the crude ethyl acetate extract P. boergesenii has potent antibacterial, anti-biofilm, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activities. The bioactive components present in the P. boergesenii extract can be a promising source for pharmaceuticals
In vitro regeneration of plantlets from leaf segments of Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. for mass propagation
Get PDFThe in vitro study was carried out to standardize the protocol for induction of callus, proliferation of shoots, initiation of roots, and plant regeneration in Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. using the artificial nutrient culture medium. Maximum callus induction (76%) from the young leaf explants was achieved by using MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L-1 of 2, 4-D and 2.5 mg L-1 of NAA. The maximum shoot induction (78%) was observed on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L of BAP and 0.8 mg/L of GA3. The highest root initiation (70%) was obtained on MS medium with IBA (1.2 mg L-1) and IAA (0.5 mg L-1). The acclimation process was successfully completed in the garden soil with a better survival rate (72%)
Influence of irrigation and nitrogen levels on yield attributes, yield and water use efficiency in dill (Anethum graveolens L.) cultivation: Irrigation and nitrogen levels in dill cultivation
No full textThe field experiments were conducted during three consecutive Rabi seasons of 2016-19 at Agricultural Research Station, SKRAU, Bikaner to study the influence of irrigation and nitrogen levels to growth, yield attributes, yield and water use efficiency of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) under a drip irrigation system. The experiment consisted of sixteen treatment combinations of four irrigation levels (ETc- 0.4, ETc- 0.6, ETc- 0.8 & ETc- 1.0), & four nitrogen levels (control, 120% RDN in 4 splits, 100% RDN in 4 splits and 80% RDN in 4 splits). The treatments were laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Results revealed that irrigation at ETc 1.0 with application of nitrogen at 120% of RDN in four splits recorded significantly higher crop yield as compared to the remaining treatments. The water use efficiency decreased with increased irrigation and nitrogen levels
Effect of phosphorus fertilization on nodulation, growth, yield and quality of soybean varieties
Get PDFPhosphorus is a very important nutritional element that affects soybean growth and nodule nitrogen fixation. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of phosphorus on the growth, yield and quality of different soybean varieties. In this regard, five different doses of phosphorus viz., control (no phosphorus), 50% of the recommended dose (RD) (18 kg ha-1), 100% of RD (36 kg ha-1), 150% of RD (54 kg ha-1) and 200% of RD (72 kg ha-1) were applied on eight distinct soybean varieties namely Shohag, BARI Soybean-5, BARI Soybean-6, PB-1, Binasoybean-1, Binasoybean-2, Binasoybean-3 and Binasoybean-4. The experiment was set up using a randomized complete block design with three replications, Soybean varieties showed variability in terms of plant stature, number of branches plant-1 and number of nodules plant-1. Application of 100% of RD of phosphorus gave maximum plant height, number of branches plant-1 and nodules plant-1 at 45, 60 and 75 DATs. In the case of variety, Binasoybean-1 showed the maximum number of pods plant-1, 100-seed weight, and seed yield. Application of 100% RD of phosphorus exhibited maximum number of branches plant-1, pod length, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, seed yield, protein and oil contents. Considering the interaction effect, Binasoybean-1 responded well to the application of 100% of RD of phosphorus and gave the maximum seed yield with the highest protein content. Finally, it may be concluded that Binasoybean-1 with the application of 100% RD of phosphorus would be recommended to get desirable yield and quality of soybean
In-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of ethyl acetate extract of Holigarna ferruginea
Get PDFHigher plants have long been used as traditional medicines to treat human ailments. Approximately 80% of people worldwide utilize plants as safe sources of medicines to heal human diseases via a totally new medicinal system. Holigarna ferruginea is an indigenous medicinal tree plant in the Anacardiaceae family. The plant has a wide range of physiologically active chemicals. GC-MS was used to screen phytochemical substances, while FTIR was used to identify functional groups. GC-MS study revealed 10 major bioactive phytochemical substances that belong to functional groups such as secondary amines, alcohols, ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, and anhydrides. These diverse active phytochemicals have been discovered to have a wide range of actions that may aid in the prevention of illnesses. Higher quantities of phytochemical substances were found in ethyl acetate extracts of leaves. As a result, the extract possesses anticancer and antioxidant activities against Humans Breast cell lines (MCF-7). The viability was reduced when the concentrations of the ethyl acetate extract of H. ferruginea leaves were increased and it may help in the discovery of an ideal therapeutic agent in novel drugs as well as nutritional supplements
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts from aerial parts of Zilla spinosa (L.) Prantl
Get PDFZilla spinosa L. is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Algerian phytotherapy against urinary lithiasis. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of different extracts from the aerial part of this plant. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was examined by two different methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). The anti-inflammatory activity of Z. spinosa was determined by the protein denaturation method. The qualitative phytochemical screening shows the presence of the majority of secondary metabolites in the aerial parts except anthraquinones and steroids, on the other hand, the root is characterized by the absence of several metabolites except tannins and coumarins.The ethyl acetate fraction displayed the highest antioxidant capacity (IC50 value: 10.47±0.18 μg/mL in DPPH assay, and A0.50 value: 40.89 ± 0.86 μg/mL in CUPRAC). The percentage of inhibition of BSA denaturation (0.2%) is proportional to the concentration of the different plant extracts, where the highest percentage was recorded in the concentrations of ethyl acetate 500; 250 μg/mL compared to Diclofenac (75 mg/3 mL), in contrast to the aqueous extract which gave non-significant results compared to the standards (p≥5℅). In comparison to the standards used in this study, the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated better DPPH inhibitory activity, while all organic extracts demonstrated lower CUPRAC inhibitory activity but higher anti-inflammatory activity