Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
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Inheritance pattern of Qualitative traits, Genetic analysis and association of yield attributes in F2 populations of Rice (Oryza sativa)
Get PDFUnderstanding the extent of genetic variability within the segregating generations is crucial for identifying superior segregants with high yield and better market acceptability. Thus, the present study was carried out to quantify the extent of genetic variation available in the segregating population of rice. Three crosses, viz., CO 55 × IC 457996, CO 55 × IC 464685, and CO 55 × IC 115439 were evaluated using a non-randomized experimental design for six yield attributing and two physical grain quality traits in F2 generation. The inheritance pattern of basal leaf sheath colour and grain colour in CO 55 × IC 115439 indicate digenic complementary gene interaction (9:7), whereas grain colour in CO 55 × IC 464685 exhibits inhibitory gene action (13:3). The positively skewed nature of productive tillers per plant and single-plant yield in the F2 segregants emphasizes the need for intensive selection to facilitate rapid improvement due to the influence of complementary gene action. Moderate to high GCV with high heritability and GAM for traits such as plant height, productive tillers per plant, hundred seed weight, grain width, and single-plant yield in the F2 segregants underscore the prevalence of additive gene action and thus provide the most effective condition for simple phenotypic selection. Moreover, productive tillers per plant and single-plant yield showed a strong positive association in all the crosses. Therefore, productive tillers per plant can be considered an indicator trait when selecting high-yielding segregants for grain yield improvement
Hematite Nanoparticle Mediated Enhancement of Chlorella minutissima Lipid Productivity for Sustainable Biodiesel Production
Get PDFThis study aims to enhance lipid and biofuel productivity from Chlorella minutissima with hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (IONPs) as a growth stimulant. The IONPs were synthesized using chemical method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis to confirm their structure and composition. The experimental setup involved inoculating various concentrations of IONPs (10, 20, and 30 mg·L−1) into the microalgal BG-11 growth medium to evaluate their impact on microalgal growth and biodiesel production. Results of this study showed that a concentration of 10 mg·L−1 of IONPs significantly increased the biomass concentration to 508.1 mg·L−1 over a 20-day cultivation period, achieving the highest biomass production rate of 31.7 mg·L−1·d−1 at this concentration. The lipid extracted from the microalgal biomass was subsequently transesterified into biodiesel. Key biodiesel properties, such as cetane number, calorific value, density, and viscosity, were measured to assess fuel quality. The findings demonstrate that incorporating hematite nanoparticles into the microalgal growth medium can significantly boost both lipid content and overall growth, thereby improving biodiesel production. This study suggests that the use of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles presents a promising approach for scalable and sustainable biofuel production from microalgae
Exploring intra-allelic and inter-allelic gene interactions influencing seed yield and its components in inter-varietal crosses of Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Get PDFMungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is a versatile legume widely cultivated for its nutritional value and adaptability. Meeting the increasing global demand for nutritious food requires the development of high-yielding varieties. Therefore, understanding the inheritance of yield and component traits is crucial for defining effective breeding strategies. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the genetic effects and interactions governing inheritance through generation mean analysis. The four crosses viz., IPM409-4×VGG18-002, IPM409-4×WGG42, COGG13-39×VGG16-058 and COGG13-39×VGG18-002 and their five generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, and F3) were evaluated for nine yield and yield component traits during 2023 summer season. The significance of additive, dominance, and epistatic components viz.,additive×additive [i] and dominance×dominance [l] of each trait was found to be different among all the crosses. Mungbean is a self-pollinated crop, so only fixable gene effects can be exploited for trait improvement. In the IPM409-4×VGG18-002 cross, all the traits exhibited additive or additive × additive gene action except for plant height and seed yield per plant (dominance). The scaling test was significant in IPM409-4×WGG42 cross for all the traits, except for the number of pods per cluster. Except for the number of branches per plant in which the dominance effect was evident, additive or additive×additive gene effects were observed for the other traits. In COGG13-39×VGG16-058 and COGG13-39×VGG18-002 crosses, all the yield traits recorded fixable (additive and additive×additive) gene effects except for number of pods per plant in COGG13-39×VGG18-002. Considering the results of all four crosses, gene actions that exhibit consistency across crosses revealed that epistatic interaction (additive×additive) significantly influenced the expression of various mung bean traits. Therefore, the later generation selection of short-duration segregants with high yield, bold seeds, and resistance to yellow mosaic disease from the above populations can be carried out to develop commercially valuable mung bean varieties
Isolation and characterization of polygalacturonase producing thermophilic Aspergillus niger isolated from decayed tomato fruits
Get PDFThis study aimed to isolate a fungal strain capable of producing acidophilic and thermostable polygalacturonase. In this study, the fungal isolate was isolated from decaying tomatoes. Based on the colony characteristics, microscopic and morphological observations, the isolated fungal pathogen has been identified as Aspergillus niger. The isolated fungus was used in solid-state fermentation to produce an acidic polygalacturonase enzyme. The enzyme was then purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation and column chromatography, and its activity was assayed by measuring the releasing sugar group from citrus pectin using a 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA) reagent assay. The crude extract obtained from solid-state fermentation had an activity of 94.6 U/mL. Ammonium sulphate precipitation increased the enzyme's specific activity from 6.89 U/mg to 12.42 U/mg. Sephadex G-200 was used to purify the enzyme 3.58 times, and its specific activity was determined to be 24.66 U/mg. The Sephacryl S-100 column achieved a final fold purification of 9.93 times and a specific activity of 68.41 U/mg. The purified enzyme performed best when polygalacturonic acid was used as a substrate. The enzyme's optimum temperature and pH were 55°C and 5, respectively. CaCl2 was found to be the best chelating ion for the enzyme. This enzyme is recommended for use in a variety of industrial applications as the enzyme was found to be stable at acidic pH and high temperature
The impact of the Russian-Ukrainian War on the food security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Get PDFThe economic and social impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war was the focus of this study, which aimed to assess its effect on the food security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To achieve its objectives, the study utilized published data, food security index measures, and standard economic analysis. The findings revealed that the Kingdom's food security environment index increased from 58.1% in 2012 to 69.9% in 2022, indicating moderate food security throughout this period. The index was lower than the estimated counterpart for the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries but exceeded the global average (113 countries) by 12.38% in 2022. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that a 10% increase in the estimated food production index and real per capita income led to a 2.72% and 6.55% increase in the food security index, respectively. Conversely, a 10% rise in the estimated consumer price index for foodstuffs resulted in a 1.74% decrease in the food security index. Despite the challenges posed by the Russian-Ukrainian war, the food security index is projected to improve for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expected to increase from 72.4% in 2024 to 75.6% in 2030, attributed to the country's policy of investing in agriculture abroad and focusing on local agricultural investments such as vertical expansion, protected agriculture, and agricultural practices. This strategic approach ensures high-quality produce and facilitates significant financial surpluses, enhancing the country's capacity to import goods from overseas
Optimization of Formic Acid-Formalin-Based Decalcification Protocol for Rat Calvarial Bone Histology
Get PDFDecalcification is crucial in histological processing, particularly for studying mineralized tissues like bone. The choice of decalcification method can significantly impact the quality of histological sections and the preservation of tissue morphology. This study aims to establish a standardized protocol for decalcifying rat calvarial bone using a formic acid-formalin-based decalcification solution. The protocol was systematically optimized and evaluated based on various parameters, including decalcification time, formic acid concentration, and tissue integrity preservation. The decalcification process was evaluated through comprehensive assessments, including gross physical examination, chemical analysis, and radiographic imaging techniques. Our result demonstrated that the 10% formic acid concentration proved most effective for decalcifying rat calvarial bone samples within eight days, excelling in mineral content removal while preserving specimen structural integrity. In contrast, the 5% concentration failed to complete decalcification within ten days, and the 15% compromised sample quality within eight days. Histological analyses confirmed the efficacy of the 10% formic acid concentration in maintaining tissue integrity and achieving optimal staining quality. The standardized protocol presented in this study provides an effective and reliable approach for achieving consistent and high-quality histological sections of rat calvarial bone. An ideal decalcification agent should effectively remove calcium salts, preserve structural integrity and molecular components, facilitate rapid yet minimally damaging decalcification, and ensure ease of handling for laboratory personnel. Further exploration of its applicability to different bone types or species is recommended to broaden its research utility
Role of Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus acidophilus in the Reversal of Gut Dysbiosis Induced Brain Cognitive Decline
Get PDFIn the central nervous system, bidirectional communication between the brain and gut results in memory formation due to synaptic plasticity changes. During a healthy state, oral balanced microflora plays a pivotal role in memory formation by inhibiting the enterotoxin level produced by infectious pathogens. In disease conditions, beneficial microbial dysbiosis may result in excess enterotoxin production. Further, excess enterotoxin secretion prevents beneficial bacteria's proliferation and impairs neurotransmitter precursor compounds' transport to the brain. Blockade of neurotransmitter precursor compounds may result in the development of memory loss. The present study stated the role of Lactobacillus acidophilus in recovering memory loss. Reversal of cognitive impairment is shown with the help of a three-step behavioural analysis, which consists of one pre-infusive behavioural analysis and two post-infusive behavioural analyses (phase 1 and 2). The pre-infusive analysis showed no cognitive impairment in an assimilated environment without any infusions. After oral microbial infusions, phase 1 of post-infusive behavioural analysis showed the presence of cognitive impairment in the experimental groups who received oral infusions. Formed cognitive impairment is reverted with the help of L. acidophilus oral infusion in phase 2 of post-infusive analysis. Comparative three-step behavioural analysis proved that Pseudomonas aeuroginosa induced cognitive impairment may revert to normal conditions with the help of L. acidophilus. The outcome of the present study proves that cognitive impairment developed due to poor oral hygiene can be treated with the help of probiotic microorganisms
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN TACKLING CORONAVIRUS AND FUTURE PANDEMICS
Get PDFSARS-COV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) was initially tested in Wuhan City, China, in December 2019 and had a devastating impact worldwide, exterminating more than 6 million people as of September 2022. It became the biggest worldwide health crisis since the 1918 influenza outbreak. Viruses generally mutate randomly, so predicting how SARS-CoV-2 will transform over the next few months or years and which forms will predominate is impossible. The possibilities for virus mutation, in theory, are practically endless. Enabling researchers to determine which antibodies have the potential to be most effective against existing and future variations could help machine learning to assist in drug discovery. In the COVID-19 pandemic, AI has benefited four key areas: diagnosis, clinical decision-making for public health, virtual assistance, and therapeutic research. This study conducted a discourse analysis and textual evaluation of AI (deep learning and machine learning) concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. Further, this study also discusses the latest inventions that can be very helpful in future pandemic detection. COVID-19 has already changed our lives, and in the future, we might be able to deal with pandemics like this with the help of AI. This review has also emphasized the legal implications of AI in the battle against COVID-19
Analyzing the antimicrobial efficacy of the economically important tree Knema linifolia (Roxb.) Warb
Get PDFKnema linifolia is widely used for fuel wood, fodder and healthcare purposes. This plant treats various diseases in different parts of India, including Assam, Meghalaya, Alipurduar and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal. This study was carried out to determine the bactericidal properties of various parts of K. linifolia aqueous extract. The aqueous extract of the leaves, bark, stem and plant sap were tested against Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) & Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria). Among the tested extracts, both the leaf and bark extracts were found to have high bactericidal potential and can kill more than 60% of both bacterial strains with a concentration of 300µg/mL through an agar diffusion test. The MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) values for the leaf and bark extracts were recorded at ≤1000µg/mL & ≤500µg/mL, respectively. It has also been found that both the bark and leaf extracts contain high tannins, which might be essential for the antibacterial properties of Knema sp. There is currently a lack of proper documentation on using K. linifolia, which makes it challenging to conduct clinical or commercial research to support new uses in modern phototherapy. This study aims to fill this gap and provide significant information that could lead to changes in modern medicine
Role of Probiotic Microorganisms in the Brain Plasticity Development
Get PDFProbiotics are defined as beneficial microorganisms that are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis mechanisms within the host system, especially in humans. Other than homeostasis, it is also used to improve a host system's cognition, immune functions, and antioxidant levels. Over the past decades, probiotic microorganisms have been used most commonly as traditional fermented foods in our country and some parts of southeast asia. These fermented food products majorly consist of Lactobacillus species, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. fermentum, and L. plantarum. The present study explored the potential role of three different lactobacillus strains (L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, and L. Plantarum) in forming brain plasticity changes (BPC) with the help of a cue-based learning paradigm (CBLP). Two staged behavioral studies were conducted for all behavioral analysis groups (BAG) before (without probiotic infusions - WiPI) and after probiotic infusions (with probiotic infusions - WPI) in RBLP. Behavioral responses of the WiPI & WPI phases showed the effect of a stress-free habituated environment in developing BPC and strengthening of BPC by oral infusions of probiotic microorganisms (PM). WiPI and WPI behavioral analysis were used in this study to validate BPC in a laboratory-controlled environment. Infusion of probiotic microorganisms through oral passage may have a more significant impact on the synthesis, production, and transmission of neurotransmitter precursor compounds (NPC) from the gut to the central nervous system (CNS) through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Increased transmission of the NPC strengthens the formed plasticity changes, which results in the formation of cognitive memory functions. Thus, the present study proved that probiotic microorganisms may play a major role in cognition development through the BPC