SAUL Archive
Not a member yet
4890 research outputs found
Sort by
B Chromosomes in Wheat: Evolution, Functions and Breeding Potential
No full textSupernumerary B chromosomes (Bs) have been documented in over 2000 species across the plant, animal, and fungal kingdoms, representing one of the most intriguing components of the genome that have consistently garnered significant attention in the past. These Bs form a distinct category of chromosomes that are not deemed essential. While coexisting with the standard set of chromosomes in an organism, the copy numbers of Bs can vary among individuals within a population or even among cells within a single organism. Multiple processes, including chromosomal rearrangement, uneven segregation, chromatid non-disjunction, and deletion in specific regions, lead to the formation of the Bs from the A chromosome. These dispensable Bs possess their own genetic content and do not undergo recombination with A chromosomes. Although various roles of Bs in breeding have been explored in the literature, their specific role in wheat improvement remains unclear. The understanding of their origins, composition, and evolutionary history in wheat is still incomplete. Therefore, this review discusses the current knowledge of the genetic makeup of Bs, their functions, their relationship with A chromosomes, and the morphogenetic consequences in the context of wheat
Proximate Composition and Nutrient Content of Various Selected Varieties of Soybean (Glycine Max L.)
No full textThe physico-chemical characteristics of five distinct soybean cultivars that were gathered from diverse sources from April to October 2020 were examined in this study. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Seed weight, moisture percentage, ash percentage, oil percentage, protein percentage, chemical constants (saponification, acid, and iodine value), fatty acid composition, and mineral composition of the seeds of five soybean genotypes and their cakes were estimated. BINA Soybean-3 had the highest seed weight (159.01g) among the five varieties. The moisture level of the beans ranged from 9.06% (BARI Soybean-6) to 9.84% (BINA Soybean-3). The variety, Shohag, had the highest concentration of ash (5.20%). The oil content ranged from 14.88% in BINA Soybean-3 to 16.87% in BU Soybean-2. The maximum amount of oil cake was found in BU Soybean-2 (83.23%). The percentage of protein ranged from 38.01% (BINA Soybean-5) to 52.20% (BU Soybean-2). BINA Soybean-3 has the highest iodine number (79.65) while BU Soybean-2 has the highest saponification value (189.85), and BINA Soybean-3 has the lowest acid value (0.90). The largest amounts of linoleic acid (54.39%), linolenic acid (9.56%) and palmitoleic acid (0.18%) were found in BU Soybean-2. The variety Shohag had the highest levels of phosphorus (0.84%), copper (29.24 ppm), calcium (0.23%), iron (86.75ppm), and sulphur (0.09%) in terms of mineral compositions. This study found that Shohag had remarkable mineral compositions, while BU Soybean-2 outperformed the other soybean varieties in terms of quality
Natural field diagnosis and molecular confirmation of fungal and bacterial watermelon pathogens in Bangladesh: A case study from the Natore and Sylhet districts
No full textThe study investigated watermelon diseases characterized by contrasting climatic conditions
in the Sylhet and Natore Districts of Bangladesh. Sylhet experiences lower temperatures
and high rainfall, while Natore has higher temperatures and low rainfall. In these
survey regions, 40 watermelon fields were selected, and 10 diseases were observed,
including 4 fungal, 3 bacterial, 2 water mold, and 1 viral disease. The observed diseases
were Anthracnose, Cercospora leaf spot, Fusarium wilt, Gummy stem blight, Downy mildew,
Phytophthora fruit rot, Bacterial fruit blotch, Angular leaf spot, Yellow vine, and Watermelon
mosaic disease. Molecular analysis was done in the Plant Pathology Lab at Sher-eBangla
Agricultural University using the specific primers for fungal (ITS1/ITS4) and bacterial
(27F/1492R) DNA regions and identified nine pathogen species, excluding the causal
organism of the viral disease. The identified pathogens included Colletrotrichum orbiculare,
Cercospora citrullina, Fusarium oxysporum, Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum, Pseudoperonospora
cubensis, Phytophthora capsici, Acidovorax citrulli, Pseudomonas syringae,
and Serratia marcescens. The sequencing of the identified pathogens revealed high homology
(98.91–99.71%) with known sequences in the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis
showed six clusters for fungal and water mold pathogen isolates and three for bacterial
isolates where the percentages of replicate trees were 100% in all the cases. Among the
identified diseases, the highest disease occurrence was caused by Fusarium wilt (47.5%)
followed by Gummy stem blight (41.5%) in the Sylhet region and Angular leaf spot (37.5%)
followed by Yellow vine (33%) in the Natore area. Fusarium wilt also has a high disease
intensity, demonstrating its devastating impact on yield. This study highlights the influence
of environmental conditions on disease incidence and underscores the need for tailored
management strategies. These findings provide a foundation for developing targeted disease
management practices for sustainable watermelon cultivation in Bangladesh
Biochar Outperforms Biochar-Compost Mix in Stimulating Ecophysiological Responses and Enhancing Soil Fertility under Drought Conditions
No full textPurposeBiochar (BC) can directly enhance soil fertility, thereby improving land productivity and crop health and restoring degraded lands. This study aims to investigate the potential of BC, alone or combined with compost (Co), to improve soil properties and plant drought tolerance, promoting sustainable agriculture amidst climatic and anthropogenic challenges.MethodsPhragmites karka was cultivated in a controlled greenhouse with treatments: (i) 0% BC [control, well-watered, 65% water holding capacity (WHC)], (ii) 0% BC (drought), (iii) 1.5% BC (drought), and (iv) 1.5% BC + 1.5% Co (drought). Plant growth, water relations, mineral content, carbon and nitrogen content, proline, soluble sugars, gas exchange, chlorophyll, fluorescence, and soil respiration were measured using standard protocols and advanced instruments.ResultsApplications of BC or BC + Co improved soil fertility, plant dry biomass, number of tillers, leaf development, and root-to-shoot ratio. Biochar-treated plants showed better leaf water and osmotic potential, essential for turgidity and growth. Biochar also increased leaf proline, soluble sugars, and Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+/Na+ ratios, enhancing osmotic adjustment and nutrient acquisition of plants. Net photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, photochemical efficiency, and electron transport rate were higher with BC under drought, outperforming the BC-Co mix. Both treatments significantly boosted soil respiration, enhancing soil fertility and drought resilience more effectively than unamended soils.ConclusionOur results show that amending soil with 1.5% BC was more effective in improving plant drought tolerance than a mixture of BC and compost for maximum water management, allowing P. karka to grow under water-limited environments
Detection and Identification of Honey Pollens by YOLOv7: A Novel Framework toward Honey Authenticity
No full textHoney, a valuable and globally consumed food product, has significant market potential linked to its origin. However, authenticating honey is challenging due to sophisticated adulteration techniques. This current research introduces an innovative approach employing YOLOv7, a cutting-edge object detection model, to detect and classify honey pollens, thereby bolstering the authentication of honey. Our methodology involved creating a data set comprising three well-known honey varieties (Sundarban, Litchi, and Mustard), supplemented by three sets of unidentified honey pollen images sourced from Kaggle. Subsequently, we assembled a data set consisting of 3000 images representing the pollen types extracted from the known honey samples. To tackle the challenge of limited sample sizes, we employed data augmentation techniques. The efficacy of our approach was evaluated using established statistical measures including detection accuracy, precision, recall, mAP value, and F1 score, yielding impressive values of 98.3, 99.3, 100, 99.2%, and 0.985, respectively. The YOLOv7 model’s reliability was validated using Kaggle’s unknown honey pollen data sets, which showed that it correctly detected and identified these new pollens based on previous training. Through rigorous experimentation and validation, our study underscores the potential of the YOLOv7 framework in revolutionizing quality control practices within the honey industry, ensuring consumers access to genuine and top-tier honey products through pollen image analysis
Impact of Growth-Promoting Endophytic Bacteria on Ginger Plant Growth
No full textPhytohormones has produced by endophytic bacteria promote the development and yield in plants. To investigate the role of endophytic bacteria on the soil properties and the growth of ginger, a net house experiment was carried. The experiment was used four treatments (Control, Bacillus subtilis IGPEB 34, Bacillus pumilis IGPEB 37, and Bacillus altitudinis IGPEB 20). Bacillus subtilis IGPEB 34 and B. pumilis IGPEB 37 significantly increased plant growth (the plant height, leaf number, leaf length, and leaf width) as compared to the control treatment. Moreover, inoculation of B. subtilis IGPEB 34 treatment significantly enhanced the total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents. In comparison to the control, inoculation B. subtilis IGPEB 34 treatment significantly enhanced the catalase, invertase and phosphatase activities in soil, the total phosphorus (P), potassium (K), carbon (C), and humus contents in the soil. The results concluded that B. subtilis IGPEB 34 strain positively influence the soil nutrients, along with morphological and physiological characteristics of ginger.The authors thank Agency for Innovative Development under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan for financial support
Editorial: Agrochemicals in agricultural and non-agricultural settings: fate, distribution, and potential human and environmental health hazards
No full textAgrochemicals in agricultural and non-agricultural settings: fate, distribution, and potential human and environmental health hazards
Global concerns over the extensive use of agrochemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, have intensified due to their significant impacts on ecological and human health (Parven et al., 2024). Agrochemicals are widely used in agricultural and non-agricultural settings to enhance productivity and manage pests, but their improper use and persistence in the environment pose serious risks (Ramakrishnan et al., 2019). The articles in this Research Topic delve into various aspects of agrochemical use, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to mitigate their adverse effects.
He et al. presents an evolutionary game approach to promoting the reduction of pesticide and fertilizer use by agricultural enterprises. This study analyses the decision-making processes of different stakeholders, including the government, agricultural enterprises, and consumers, under varying influencing factors. The findings suggest that reward measures by the government significantly impact the adoption of sustainable practices by agricultural enterprises. This research provides valuable insights into policy mechanisms that can encourage the reduction of agrochemical use, contributing to food safety and environmental protection.
Chen et al. focus on the residue determination and dietary risk assessment of mesotrione, nicosulfuron, atrazine, and its metabolites in maize. Using advanced analytical methods, this study evaluates the residues of these herbicides in maize from different locations in China and assesses the chronic dietary risks. The results indicate that the residues are within acceptable limits, guiding the rational use of these herbicides to ensure safe maize production. This research underscores the importance of monitoring and managing agrochemical residues to protect human health.
Dione et al. investigate the levels of pesticide residues in tomatoes sold in urban markets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. This study reveals significant contamination, with a high percentage of samples containing residues of commonly used pesticides, some exceeding maximum residue levels. The findings highlight the urgent need for better pesticide regulation and consumer safety measures to address the health risks associated with pesticide residues in vegetables. This research emphasizes the importance of stringent monitoring and regulation of pesticide use in urban agriculture.
Phan et al. examine the pesticide regulatory environment for pollinator protection across different geographical regions. Comparing approaches in the United States, the European Union, and selected Asian countries, this perspective highlights the diverse regulatory frameworks and their effectiveness in safeguarding pollinators. The study advocates for comprehensive and proactive pesticide regulations to mitigate non-target risks and protect pollinator populations. This research is crucial for informing global pesticide policies and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The articles in this Research Topic collectively address the complex challenges associated with agrochemical use in various settings. They emphasize the need for integrated pest management practices, innovative policy mechanisms, and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and sustainable use of agrochemicals. By understanding the fate and distribution of these chemicals and their potential health and environmental impacts, we can develop strategies to mitigate risks and promote a healthier future for both humans and ecosystems.
In conclusion, while agrochemicals have played a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity, their widespread use presents significant challenges. The research presented in this Research Topic provides valuable insights into the risks associated with agrochemicals and offers potential solutions to address these challenges. It is imperative to continue exploring sustainable alternatives and regulatory measures to safeguard human health and the environment
Variations in photoperiods and their impact on yield, photosynthesis and secondary metabolite production in basil microgreens
No full textAbstract
Background: The effects of different photoperiods on plant phytochemical synthesis can be improved by adjusting the daily light integral. Photoperiod is one of the most important environmental factors that control growth, plant's internal rhythm and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Information about the appropriate standard in terms of photoperiod for growing basil microgreens as one of the most important medicinal plants is limited. In this study, the effects of five different photoperiods, 6 (6 h × 3 cycles), 8 (8 h × 2 cycles), 16, 18, and 24 h day- 1 on the yield, photosynthesis and synthesis of secondary metabolites of three cultivars and one genotype of basil microgreens in floating system were evaluated. The purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility of using permanent light in growing basil microgreens and to create the best balance between beneficial secondary metabolites and performance.
Results: The results showed that the effects of photoperiod and cultivar on all investigated traits and their interaction on photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, proline content and net photosynthesis rate were significantly different at the 1% level. The highest levels of vitamin C, flavonoids, anthocyanins, yield and antioxidant potential composite index (APCI) were obtained under the 24-h photoperiod. The highest antioxidant capacity was obtained for the Kapoor cultivar, and the highest total phenolic compound and proline contents were measured for the Ablagh genotype under a 24-h photoperiod. The highest yield (4.36 kg m- 2) and APCI (70.44) were obtained for the Ablagh genotype. The highest nitrate content was obtained with a photoperiod of 18 h for the Kapoor cultivar. The highest net photosynthesis rate was related to the Violeto cultivar under a 24-hour photoperiod (7.89 μmol CO2 m- 2 s- 1). Antioxidant capacity and flavonoids had a positive correlation with phenolic compounds and vitamin C. Yield had a positive correlation with antioxidant capacity, flavonoids, vitamin C, APCI, and proline.
Conclusions: Under continuous light conditions, basil microgreens resistance to light stress by increasing the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the increase of these biochemical compounds made basil microgreens increase their performance along with the increase of these health-promoting compounds. The best balance between antioxidant compounds and performance was achieved in continuous red + blue light. Based on these results, the use of continuous artificial LED lighting, due to the increase in plant biochemical with antioxidant properties and yield, can be a suitable strategy for growing basil microgreens in floating systems
Morphological and molecular identification of Euclinostomum heterostomum (Trematoda: Clinostomidae) from spotted snakehead Channa punctata in Bangladesh
No full textParasites belonging to the trematode family Clinostomidae have a global distribution. Freshwater fish in Bangladesh frequently serve as hosts for different clinostomid species. During the metacercaria stage, the digenetic trematode Euclinostomum heterostomum exhibits a specific preference for Channidae species, where it undergoes encystment within the liver, kidneys, and muscles of these hosts. The study aimed to identify E. heterostomum in Channa punctata through combined morphological and molecular analysis. Light and scanning electron microscopy were conducted to investigate the morphological characteristics of the species. The histological examination of the infected liver tissue revealed the presence of encysted flukes, inflammatory leukocyte infiltrates, and degeneration and loosening of hepatic tissue. In molecular analysis, the generated internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S ribosomal DNA and ITS2 regions sequence (GenBank accession no: OR591452) of 830 bp showed 100% identity with Euclinostomum heterostomum identified in India (MT785786). The phylogenetic reconstruction provided substantial evidence of genetic similarities (0–1% genetic distance) among different isolates of the genus Euclinostomum, suggesting that there is a shared heritage
Clarification of a unique mucosal vaccination route for improved systemic and mucosal immune response in broiler
No full textThere are often outbreaks of infectious diseases on farms, which not only disrupt production but
also cause significant economic losses. Vaccines are given to prevent the spread of these infectious
diseases, but they produce only systemic antibodies or antibodies in the mucosa of a particular
system. So, a new mucosal vaccination route is needed where the vaccine will produce antibodies
in the systemic circulation as well as in the mucosa of many systems. In our study, the cloaca was
targeted because it is associated with the mucosa of many systems. Whole-mount and routine
histological staining show both lymphatic nodules and diffuse lymphatic tissues in the lamina
propria of cloaca. These lymphatic tissues are made up of Bu-1+ B-cells, CD3
T-cells, and
KUL01+ macrophages and monocytes. So, this is a new mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue,
named cloaca-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT). The CALT contains antigen-presenting cells
(dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells, MHC II molecules, and T cells) and is equipped with blood
vessels and high endothelial venules, which indicate its functional status. More antibodies were
produced in the treatment group compared to the vehicle control group after administration of
the infectious bursal disease (IBD) and the Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine through cloaca. In
addition, the cloaca-associated route produces a higher number of antibodies than the other
traditional routes, which reveals the uniqueness of this route. Cloacal-vaccinated chickens
showed less damage to the follicle and epithelium of the bursa of Fabricius compared to other
groups, indicating its lower cytotoxic effect. Therefore, the cloaca-associated mucosal vaccination
route produces more antibodies than other mucosal vaccination routes, which will protect the
chickens on the farm to a greater extent.