Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Antibiotic resistance genes in Bacteroides isolated from faeces of Philippine ducks, Anas luzonica and Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Get PDFThe problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has severely afflicted the livestock industry because antibiotics are indiscriminately used for treating infectious diseases and for nontherapeutic purposes. Unfortunately, compared with human AMR research, livestock AMR research is lagging. Thus, this study aimed to contribute to the dearth of knowledge regarding livestock AMR by detecting 10 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Bacteroides isolated from duck faeces. The 10 ARGs were tetQ, linA, bexA, msrSA, mefA, nim, cfiA, cepA, cfxA, and ermF. In total, 32 isolates were grown, and their DNAs were extracted and subjected to polymerase chain reaction. All isolates were ARG-positive for 1–3 different genes. The ARG-positive genes were linA (21/32), mefA (20/32), and bexA (1/32). Of the 32 isolates, 25 (78%) contained 2–3 ARGs. Although all isolates were ARG-positive, AMR may not be that prevalent in the duck livestock industry because only a maximum of 3/10 ARGs were detected. This is possibly because the duck livestock industry is still a small-scale backyard industry; hence, the use of antibiotics in this industry is not that rampant. However, some reports have shown that Bacteroides exhibit extensive horizontal transfer of resistance and virulence genes. The prevalence of these genes may increase if the misuse of antibiotics in the duck industry is not addressed early.
Allelopathic activity of Zea mays extracts on some physiological and anatomical features of corn and wheat cultivars
Get PDFWheat is often planted directly after maize in fields following the maize harvest, and maize residues decompose in the soil by various biological factors, releasing phenolic compounds that affect the germination and growth of some crops planted with or after it. This research aimed to identify the effect of Zea mays leaf extract on seed germination physiological and anatomical features of Z. mays var. (Drachma, Mahali) and Triticum aestivum var. (Baraka, Abu Ghraib) . The results showed Z. mays leaf extract stimulated some traits germination (100%) in Drachama at control, plumule length (7.8cm) in Abu-Graib, radicle length (11.6cm) in Baraka at 2%, fresh weight of plumule and radical (0.0113, 0.0148gm) respectively in Drachama at control. There was highest reduction germination (60%) in Drachama at 6% extract [plumule length (1.0)cm, radicle length (4.2cm), fresh weight of plumule (0.0052cm) in Mahali at 4%], fresh weight of radical (0.00026gm) in Abu-Graib at 6%. There was a difference in response in greenhouse experiments. Anatomical traits of the two corn cultivars differed at 2% and 4% concentrations. The highest increase in germination (96.7%) was in Baraka at 4%, shoot length (22.1cm) in Drachama at 4%, fresh weight of root (0.254gm) in Abu-Graib at 4%, [root length (44cm), fresh weight of root (0.052 gm) in Abu-Graib at 4%], the highest reduction in germination (80%) in Abu-Graib, dry weight of root (23gm) in Abu-Graib at 2%. Using HPLC, compounds tannic acid, gallic acid, benzoic acid, and salicylic acid were identified from Z. mays L. extracts. The study will help to develop sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, to increase crop productivity and reduce reliance on chemicals.
Molecular and cytogenetic techniques (FISH and GISH) for rapid hybrid confirmation to hasten the breeding pace of ornamental geophytes
Get PDFOrnamental geophytes, also called ornamental bulbous plants, are botanically classified as true bulbous, rhizomatous, corm, or tuberous and are some of the most economically important floricultural crops. In addition to the physico-chemical hindrances in reproductive parts, a prolonged juvenile and vegetative period in ornamental geophytes is a hurdle to their breeding process, making it painstaking and costly efforts to introduce a new variety into the market. The molecular cytogenetic breeding techniques, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) provide avenues for fast and precise hybrid verification, introgression breeding, localization and discrimination of genes to analyse the recombination patterns, ploidy levels, evolution of the genome and parental identification of these species and to establish their relationships. These techniques have been widely and successfully used for the breeding and hybrid development of numerous ornamental geophytes. Despite significant improvements and shifts in plant breeding and genetics with the advent of new and sophisticated technologies, FISH and GISH are still used for hybrid verification and confirmation of genomic constitution and ploidy levels in hybrids. However, their application has been limited to only a few ornamental geophytes, viz., tulips, lilium, narcissus and hippeastrum. Their applicability has not been explored or exploited in other ornamental geophytes. This review provides insight into the application of FISH and GISH techniques in breeding ornamental geophytes and related achievements.
Avian diversity and conservation status in Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary, Jhajjar (Haryana), India
Get PDFBhindawas Bird Sanctuary is a Ramsar site located in Haryana, India, which falls in the Central Asian flyway zone of the migratory birds. Its diverse ecological resources sustain a rich diversity of migratory and threatened birds.The species diversity, threat status, population trend and feeding guild of the avifauna in Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary, Haryana, India, was explored from October 2021 to October 2023.The data was collected every fortnightly using the line transects method. A total of 129 bird species belonging to 98 genera, 47 families and 17 orders were recorded. Order Passeriformes, with 45 species in 20 families, dominated the avifauna, followed by Anseriformes with 16 species, Charadriformes with 12 species and the rest of 15 orders. Anatidae was the most dominant family representing 12.40% (n=16). Among the reported species, 81 were residents, 36 were winter migrants and, 10 were summer migrants and 2 were passage migrants. One species was endangered and vulnerable in the threat status, while six were classified as near threatened as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (INUC) Red List, 2022. The bird sanctuary also supported 35 bird species with a declining population trend globally. The omnivorous and carnivorous feeding habits were equally dominant, followed by insectivorous and, nectarivorous and herbivorous birds, which were the least numerous. The presence of both resident and migrant birds of global conservation priority confirms the importance and conservation of Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary as a rich avifauna diversity habitat.
A review on value-added goodies from different major and minor fruits from the perspective of India
Get PDFNutrition and health are gaining significant focus as people seek convenient, nutrient-rich food options. Food processing must be efficient, cost-effective, and durable to meet these demands. Transforming fruits into diverse products using affordable technology can boost the economy for farmers and the nation. Fruit-based goods with high potassium and low salt offer substantial dietary benefits, making them valuable to health-conscious consumers.The present study aimed to study different value-added products from fruits and to increase their shelf life. Perishable fruit has losses during postharvest changes. Different strategies are required to avoid such losses. One method is to transform fruits into value-added goods. The transition of a raw resource or commodity into a processed product by combining raw materials, labour, time, and technology to produce a higher financial return is known as value addition in fruit processing. It focuses on ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Value-added fruit products can contribute to food security by achieving sustainable goals of good health and well-being. The study concluded that value-added fruit products play a vital role in the food industry, benefiting both producers and consumers. They reduce food waste, provide economic opportunities for farmers, and offer consumers convenient, nutritious, and flavourful options. The value-added fruit product market will likely further,contributing to the agricultural sector’s sustainability and worldwide consumer well being. This review details the value-added products in fruits.
Synergic effect of nano urea, sulphur and boron fertilization on growth, yield and quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Get PDFNutrient use efficiency may be reduced due to overuse of fertilizers, leaching, volatilization and denitrification in most Indian soils. Nano urea and other micronutrients are used as foliar applications to reduce losses and increase agriculture production. Considering this, a field experiment was carried out to check the different levels of sulphur (S) and boron (B) along with nano urea on sunflower\u27s growth, yield and quality. The treatment consisted of two levels of sulphur (30 & 45 kg/ha) and boron (100 & 200 ml/ha) along with nano urea except for control. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments (T0 to T8). The results revealed that the crop raised with nano urea plus 45 kg/ha S and 200 ml/ha B significantly impacted sunflowers growth, yield and quality. The highest values in plant height (181.6 cm), no. of leaves (31.7), stem girth (11.16 cm), dry matter production (121.5 g/plant), and Leaf area index (5.06), diameter of the head (19.59 cm), no. of filled seeds/head (753.3), weight of 100 seeds (5.46) were registered in T8. Ultimately, treatment T8 has an impeccable influence on improving seed yield (3140.8 kg/ha) and stover yield (5570.0 kg/ha). The same treatment also showed maximum oil content (44.20 %), oil yield (1388.34 kg/ha), and crude protein content (16.07 %) . The study suggests that the sulphur, boron, and nano urea had a synergistic relationship, and proper dosages, application methods, and time for the above nutrients can significantly improve sunflower production.
Experimental screening and selection criteria of natural coagulants towards wastewater treatment
Get PDFThe search for eco-friendly materials has greatly evolved ahead of basic requirements encompassing sustainable practices. The selection of such sustainable material requires procedural systematic screening tests to facilitate decision-making. Water and wastewater treatment processes involve several chemicals, and they need to transition from commercial to natural materials owing to their environmental and economic concerns. The present study aimed to select and screen natural coagulants for wastewater treatment. The criteria assessment factors for the present study were easy availability, economic value, turbidity removal efficiency, and reduced sludge generation with high dewaterability. A standard jar test apparatus was used for the coagulation experimental runs. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods. The results presented positive insights into the efficiency of tested natural coagulants, with the least turbidity removal of 83.3% by rice husk at 1gm/500ml and the highest being 96.4% by onion peel at 1gm/500ml. The sludge obtained after treatment with natural coagulants has presented an excellent dewaterability, with the least being 29.17% by tamarind seeds at 1gm/500ml and the maximum being 90.2% by coconut fibre at 1gm/500ml. From the study, was concluded that the screening method promoted the selection of the best coagulant type and dose and reduced the efforts and time needed to eliminate the non-performers.
Barnyard millet: A crop of promise elucidated through correlation and path analysis
Get PDFWith today\u27s changing dietary demands and agricultural constraints, millets have become essential crops with significant agronomic and nutritional benefits. Among these, barnyard millet stands out for its resilience and nutritional richness. Despite its considerable nutritional and agronomic benefits, Barnyard millet suffers from a lack of recognition, relegating it to the status of a neglected and underutilized crop. The present study ventures into barnyard millet cultivation, utilizing correlation and path coefficient analysis to elucidate the complex interplay influencing its productivity and attributes. The study was conducted over two consecutive years and involved 172 genotypes with 23 yield-contributing traits under scrutiny. Panicle weight per plant (PWPP) (0.98), single panicle weight (0.81), biological yield per plant (0.79) and harvest index (0.71) exhibited strong positive correlations with grain yield per plant. While PWPP (0.82), PL (0.36), DSYPP (0.31) and HI (0.30) demonstrated high direct positive effects on grain yield per plant in the path coefficient analysis, emphasizing their significance in breeding programs. By improving these traits through selective breeding or genetic manipulation, researchers can potentially develop high-yielding varieties better adapted to varying environmental conditions. Conversely, days to maturity had a significant negative correlation with grain yield (-0.28) focusing on selecting early maturity genotypes. Panicle exertion (-0.30), biological yield per plant (-0.21) and flag leaf sheath length (-0.18) had the highest negative direct effects in the path analysis, suggesting their potential role as limiting factors in barnyard millet cultivation. Overall, these findings provide a roadmap for future research endeavours aimed at enhancing the productivity and resilience of barnyard millet, ultimately contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability in regions where this crop plays a vital role.
In vitro and in silico evaluation of antibacterial activities of different solvent extracts made from Sisymbrium irio L. seeds
Get PDFSisymbrium irio Linn is one of the underutilized plants, well-known for its traditional importance in Unani Medicine. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of different polarity-based extracts made from seeds of S.irio (Indian variety).The antibacterial activity of 13 different solvent extracts of S.irio seeds was evaluated by the Agar well-diffusion method. Among 13 different solvent seed extracts, ethanolic extract inhibited the growth of all the three bacterial strains used in the study. Further GC-MS analysis of ethanolic extract was done to reveal its phytochemical constituents. Twenty-five different compounds were identified through GC-MS analysis of ethanolic extract of S.irio seeds. Subsequently, for performing in silico antibacterial studies, the identified phytochemicals were first tested for their drug-likeability through Molinspiration software which yielded four compounds. In silico virtual screening via Autodock Vina was done using four phytochemicals against DNA gyrase subunit B and Dihydrofolate reductase. Out of four phytochemical studied through in silico analysis, “Benzene-1,2-dicarboxylicacid, monoamide, N-(1-cyano-1-methylethyl)” was found to inhibit DNA gyrase subunit B most effectively. The present study revealed that Sisymbrium irio displayed potential antibacterial activity and can be used as a good source for designing potent antibacterial agents.
Role of fluorine doping on the electron transport layer of F-doped TiO2 (Titanium dioxide) for photovoltaic systems and its environmental impact
Get PDFPhotovoltaic (PV) systems are regarded as clean and sustainable energy sources and exhibit minimal pollution during their lifetime. The production of hazardous contaminants contaminating water resources, emissions of air pollutants during the manufacturing process, and the impact of PV installations on land use are important environmental factors to consider. The present study aimed to synthesise the F-doped Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films on a glass substrate employing spin coating followed by the sol-gel process ETL application purpose. Fluorine-doped TiO2 thin films were prepared using the sol-gel spin coating technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that the most intense peak was observed at 25.37° corresponding to the crystallographic plane (101) for anatase TiO2. The average transparency of TiO2 was increased by adding the doping level of fluorine and increment in the optical bandgap. The thickness of the thin film was kept at about 300 nm. The resistance of nanocrystalline thin films of different F doped TiO2 was decreased from 1.322×1012 Ω, 9.728×1011 Ω, as the F doping concentration was increased from pristine to 7 at. %. Based on electrical measurements, it was observed that a suitable electron transport layer (ETL) of F-doped TiO2 can be synthesized for photovoltaic applications. The present study offers a synthesis and analysis of F-doped TiO2 that can be used to improve the sustainability of PV manufacturing processes, improve its economic value, and mitigate its negative impact on the environment.