Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
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Exploring the Phosphate Solubilising Rhizobacteria isolated from Wild Musa Rhizosphere and their Efficacy on Growth Promotion of Phaseolus vulgaris
Get PDFPlant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are recognized for enhancing plant growth, protecting against pathogens, and boosting productivity. The present study focused on isolating PGPR from the rhizosphere of wild Musa, screening for growth-promoting traits, and assessing their effects on the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. A total of 20 strains were isolated and evaluated for their capacity to solubilize phosphate, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), synthesize siderophores, and their tolerance to salt and heavy metals. Among 20 isolates, four most effective isolates were selected and based on 16S rRNA sequencing these isolates were identified as: Burkholderia cepacia (RZ27), Agrobacterium larrymoorei (RZ23), Pseudomonas taiwanensis (RZ5), and Pseudomonas orientalis (RZ3). P. orientalis exhibited the highest phosphate solubilization ability (222.17 µg/ml), followed closely by B. cepacia (222.80 µg/ml), A. larrymoorei (71.57 µg/ml), and P. taiwanensis (19.20 µg/ml). Isolate RZ27 demonstrated the greatest salt tolerance at 14%, followed by RZ5 and RZ23 (10% each) and RZ3 (6%). Notably, only isolate RZ23 produced IAA, while all isolates except RZ27 could produce siderophores. The highest siderophore production was recorded with RZ23 (33.34% siderophore production unit, SPU), followed by RZ3 (29.07 SPU) and RZ5 (27.20 SPU). A. larrymoorei and P. orientalis showed the highest chromium tolerance (1840 µg/ml), followed by B. cepacia (1810 µg/ml) and P. taiwanensis (1300 µg/ml). There was a noticeable enhancement in plant growth when P. vulgaris was inoculated with the PGPR strains. Among the four isolates, RZ3 significantly increased both shoot and root lengths and biomass compared to the control; meanwhile, isolate RZ23 improved shoot fresh weight. These findings suggest that these isolates have the potential to be used as bioinoculants to improve plant development
Fruits of Prosopis chilensis and Tetrapleura tetraptera as an alternative against multi-resistant bacteria in lower respiratory tract infections
Get PDFPseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium whose global spread poses a significant threat to human health due to its multidrug resistance (MDR). As a result, it is crucial to explore alternative treatments, particularly plant-based drugs, that are considered safe. The fruits of two plants, Tetrapleura tetraptera, and Prosopis chilensis, have been traditionally used to treat infectious diseases. These fruits are well-known for their nutritional and functional properties and their various bioactive compounds. Given these characteristics, the fruits can be effectively used against bacterial species like P. aeruginosa, which are resistant to conventional antibiotics. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of fruit extracts on the multi-resistant bacterium P. aeruginosa PAO1. The research utilized methanolic, hydro-methanolic extracts, and aqueous decoctions of the selected fruits for phytochemical analysis and to assess antioxidant and antibacterial activities, along with acute toxicity. The study employed the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods to examine antioxidant properties. The antibacterial activity was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum biofilm concentration (BMC), and biofilm formation analysis. The results indicated that the methanolic extracts of P. chilensis and the aqueous decoction of T. tetraptera exhibited high total phenolic contents (135 and 143 mg GAE/g, respectively) and demonstrated the best antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the hydromethanolic extract of T. tetraptera showed the most substantial biofilm inhibition (70.15%) compared to the other extracts from both plants. Importantly, none of the extracts showed signs of toxicity at a dosage of 2000 mg/kg body weight. In conclusion, T. tetraptera and P. chilensis fruits contain compounds responsible for significant antioxidant activity and demonstrate efficacy against P. aeruginosa PAO1. These fruits could be potential candidates for developing phyto-drugs to combat antibacterial resistance in respiratory tract infections
Development of a portable electrocoagulation unit for on-site treatment of washing machine wastewater
Get PDFThis study evaluated the effectiveness of the electrocoagulation method in treating wastewater from two laundries in the Huancavelica district of Peru, focusing on reducing chemical oxygen demand (COD) and monitoring temperature and pH levels. Over two weeks, treatments were conducted with varying current intensities (15 and 30 Amp/m²) and durations (15 and 40 minutes), mixing speed + time (20 and 40 rpm) alongside a control with 0 Amp/m² and 0 minutes. The initial untreated samples showed high COD levels, highlighting significant organic pollution. The results demonstrated substantial COD reductions across all treatments, with the most effective reduction observed at 15 Amp/m² for 15 minutes, achieving COD levels of 366.50 mg/L in Laundry 1 and 348.50 mg/L in Laundry 2. This significant decrease complies with Supreme Decree No. 010-2019-VIVIENDA, which mandates COD levels below 1000 mg/L for non-domestic wastewater discharges. Temperature and pH variations were also analyzed, revealing that the electrocoagulation process increased the temperature moderately, with averages ranging from 15.15°C to 36.80°C in Laundry 1 and 15.65°C to 34.80°C in Laundry 2. The pH levels remained slightly alkaline, ranging from 8.47 to 10.55 in Laundry 1 and 9.47 to 10.62 in Laundry 2, indicating that the process maintains acceptable alkalinity. In conclusion, the electrocoagulation method effectively reduces COD, maintains moderate temperature increases, and slightly alters pH levels, making it a viable option for treating industrial wastewater. These findings support the potential for electrocoagulation to enhance wastewater management practices, promoting environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance
Germination of Senegalia mellifera seeds in response to presowing treatments
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the size of Senegalia mellifera seeds and determine the most effective scarification techniques to improve germination. The experiment, conducted at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, involved ten presowing treatments, including control, nicking, soaking in sulphuric acid for different durations, and boiling water for varying periods. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the experiment. Germination data was transformed using arcsine to meet normal distribution requirements and then analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the presowing treatments had a statistically significant effect on germination (P<0.00001). Seeds treated with sulphuric acid, nicking, and those left untreated exhibited the highest germination rates, while seeds treated with boiling water showed the lowest germination percentages. These findings indicate that the seed coats of S. mellifera are permeable to water and air, and presowing treatments do not show any significant effect on the successful germination of S. mellifera seed
Examining the adaptability of soil pH to soil dynamics using different methodologies: A concise review
Get PDFSoil pH is crucial to soil health, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth. This review aims to assess the adaptability of soil pH under changing soil conditions by analyzing natural and human factors. Information was gathered from various sources, including peer-reviewed articles, field studies, and recent advances in soil science. The study explores how natural factors such as parent material, climate, and vegetation establish baseline soil pH, while human activities such as intensive farming and land-use changes further modify it, often leading to soil acidification or alkalinization. Traditional management methods like lime application, organic amendments, and crop rotation are reviewed for their effectiveness in stabilizing soil pH and their limitations under varying soil conditions. The review also explores modern technological innovations like precision agriculture, which uses soil sensors and variable rate technology for targeted pH management, and biological approaches, such as microbial inoculants, to enhance nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Integrating these traditional and contemporary approaches is essential for sustainable soil pH management and long-term productivity. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach that combines historical knowledge with emerging technologies to promote sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation
Characterization of herbicide use practices in cereal agroecosystems in western Burkina Faso
Get PDFThe use of pesticides often leads to environmental contamination above acceptable levels. The level of contamination is related to poor pesticide application practices, in addition to the properties of pesticides and soil characteristics. The primary objective of this study was to characterize herbicides and their application practices in cereal crops in the regions of Hauts-Bassins, Sud-Ouest, Cascades, and Boucle du Mouhoun in Burkina Faso. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect and extract data from 617 cereal farmers in the four regions. During the survey, the identified herbicides were characterized using pesticide property databases. The survey shows that most cereal farmers in the regions are illiterate (58.18%) and have not received any training in pesticide use (84.28%). Only a small percentage of farmers (1.3%) consult technical services for the selection of herbicides to be used. The survey also revealed that 60% of farmers leave empty herbicide containers in the wild, 39.93% use water sources to clean sprayers, and 17.83% use them to prepare the spray mixture. A total of 25 active ingredients were identified in 117 commercial herbicide products with a total use of 8100 litres and 280 kg. Of the listed herbicides, 45.37% were not approved by the Sahel Pesticide Committee (CSP). Among the non-approved herbicides, 27.78% contained paraquat, atrazine, and acetochlor, which the CSP bans. The study shows that farmers do not follow good practices when using herbicides, which can contaminate different environmental compartments and cause harmful effects to non-target organisms
EVALUATION OF ASPERGILLUS NIGER CONTAMINATION AND OCCURRENCE OF CITRININ IN RED CHILLI (CAPSICUM ANNUUM) SAMPLES
Get PDFNumerous Ascomycete fungi produce toxic, low-molecular-weight secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins. Mycotoxin contamination poses a global challenge to food safety, and growing regulatory expectations regarding the presence of mycotoxins in various products have spurred increased research into detecting these toxins in food and animal feed. Mycotoxin contamination has been reported in many significant spices, including chillies. However, most research has focused on aflatoxins as primary contaminants, highlighting the need to investigate other lesser-studied mycotoxins, such as citrinin and patulin. Consequently, the current study aimed to screen for fungal contamination in locally available red chilli varieties and detect the presence of mycotoxins. Random samples of red chilli were collected to isolate and identify the fungi responsible for producing mycotoxins. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to analyze the extracted mycotoxins qualitatively. Morphological and molecular characterization through 18S rRNA sequencing of the isolated samples confirmed the presence of Aspergillus niger in red chilli. HPLC and FTIR analyses of the red chilli samples confirmed the occurrence of citrinin. Very few studies have reported the production of Citrinin by A. niger in red chilli. Further research is necessary to conduct quantitative analyses and assess the effects of citrinin on human health
Effect of different doses of nitrogen and inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense on the productive characteristics of maize
Get PDFThis study assessed the effects of different nitrogen doses on maize crops, with and without the inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense. The experiment was carried out during the 2020/2021 harvest season in the administrative department of Concepción, district of Horqueta, Paraguay, at the coordinates of 23°14'31.7" S and 56°53'05.9" W. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) arranged in a factorial design (4 X 2). Factor A included nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha-1), while factor B corresponded to the bacterial inoculation (with and without A. brasilense). The experiment was performed in three replications; each experimental unit (EU) was 22.5 m2. The study evaluated the following characteristics: plant height, cob insertion height, cob length and diameter, weight of 1000 kernels, and kernel yield. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the averages were compared using Tukey's test at a 5% probability of error. Regression analysis was also carried out during the study. The experiment results demonstrated that increased nitrogen levels positively affected the measured characteristics, fitting a quadratic model, except for cob insertion height. Inoculation with A. brasilense significantly increased corn growth and productivity. The interaction of both factors produced a significant increase in cob length. Based on the experiment results, applying 104.30 kg ha-1 of N in combination with A. brasilense inoculation is recommended for improved maize production
Potential effect of fruit and flower extracts of Arbutus unedo L. on Tetrahymena pyriformis exposed to a cobalt-60 source
Get PDFExposure of Tetrahymena pyriformis cultures to cobalt-60 for 72 h significantly impacted the cells' growth, appearance, and physiology. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Arbutus unedo L flowers and fruit extracts on T. pyriformis against gamma radiation. Initially, aqueous and 50% ethanolic extracts of the fruits and flowers were prepared, and their cytotoxicity on the ciliate was evaluated. The irradiated ciliate's cellular viability and morphological aspect improved when a non-toxic concentration of 25 µg/mL was added to the growth medium. The addition of extracts restored glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities to their initial levels, similar to non-irradiated cells. In addition, the extracts reduced oxidative stress markers, such as lipid peroxidation, and decreased the activities of antioxidant defence enzymes, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. This may be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the extracts. Results of this study revealed that the flower extracts exhibited better protective effects than the fruit extracts, with superior antioxidant activity in the in-vitro DPPH scavenging assay. These results suggest that A. unedo flower extracts may have potential as exogenous radioprotective agents
Biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in aromatic and medicinal plants in response to abiotic stresses: A review
Get PDFClimate change has massive consequences on non-living factors in the environment, resulting in irregular precipitation, fluctuating atmospheric temperature, and variations in humidity. These changes cause biotic and abiotic stresses; plants must have defense mechanisms to survive. Therefore, plants divert some synthesized energy towards producing numerous plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), viz., flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. These compounds act as protections for the plants, helping them to survive under stressful conditions. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are sessile organisms that are not immune to harmful consequences of various abiotic stresses in which the PSMs have an important role in acting against the adverse effects. In this regard, the MAPs have a coherent defense mechanism for abiotic stresses. The secondary metabolites produced by these plants are useful as medicines and aromatic products for humans. However, not all stresses produce high secondary metabolites, as their production is highly specific to certain stresses. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of secondary metabolite production under various stressful conditions, including extreme temperature, drought, water logging, salinity, harmful radiation, elevated levels of ozone and CO2, heavy metals, and agrochemicals on MAPs. Additionally, the production of these compounds can be modified by subjecting plants to various stressors. Many authors have reported on PSMs in MAPs, which need to be well documented and exploited for humankind