Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Supply response of major oilseeds in India: A mix of price and non-price factors
Get PDFOilseeds are one of the most important determinants of India’s agricultural economy, next only to cereals and pulses. The self-sufficiently in oilseed obtained during the early 1990s could not be sustained sufficiently. Despite, being the fourth largest oilseed crop-producing nation in the world, India is also one of the largest importers of vegetable oils. This study appraises the relationship between price and non-price factors to understand the behaviour of major oilseeds (mustard/rapeseed and groundnut) cultivated in India from 1997-98 to 2019-2020. Supply response is the responsiveness of supply, which can be identified using production response to different determining factors. Mustard/rapeseed and groundnut are the oilseeds that are mainly produced in India. This study specifically attempted to quantify the relationship between oilseed production and different factors, such as annual rainfall, annual temperature, yield, and revenue difference for both crops. The findings suggested that yield and revenue difference of mustard with wheat are the most determining factors for mustard production, whereas annual rainfall, the temperature during the growing season, and revenue difference between groundnut with rice and soyabean are the most significant determinants of groundnut’s production response. Crop equivalent productivity further validated that groundnut competed and outperformed the two promising crops (soybean and paddy). The trend analysis (1997-98 to 2019-2020) also indicated that wheat was the dominant crop over mustard from 1997-98 to 2013-14. Afterwards, i.e., from 2014-15 to 2019-20, mustard surpassed wheat productivity (on equivalent terms) and outperformed cereal.
Genetic diversity and phylogenetic positioning of Entamoeba histolytica isolates from stool samples of patients from few Hospitals at Diyala governorate
Get PDFEntamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis, an infection primarily affecting the intestines. The study aimed to determine the phylogenetic placement of six isolates of E. histolytica that were amplified from three genetic loci, rRNA, cysteine proteinase, and amoebapore C to evaluate the genetic variation pattern of each sequence. DNA extracted from cultured and frozen stool samples using PrestoTM Stool DNA Extraction Kit and Geneaid kits was analyzed for E. histolytica diversity in amoebiasis patients at Baquba General Hospital from March-June 2023. Polymerase chaing kreaction (PCR) and sequencing of virulence genes (rRNA, cysteine proteinase, amoebapore C) followed by phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic variation and potential implications for pathogenicity. The conducted sequencing reactions confirmed the precise identification of the examined samples, which were determined to be attributed to variable isolates of E. histolytica. Aligning the rRNA sequences of samples A1 and A2 with the most closely related rRNA sequences of E. histolytica (GenBank acc. no. OP925909.1) revealed the presence of two nucleic acid variants (212C>T in A1, and 427G>C in A1 and A2) not present in the reference sequences. Aligning the cysteine proteinase sequences of samples B1 and B2 with the most closely related genomic DNA sequences of E. histolytica (GenBank acc. no. X91642.1) revealed the presence of four nucleic acid variants (95A>T and 96A>T in B1 and B2, and 246A>T and 247A>T in B2) not present in the reference sequences. Translation of nucleic acid sequences to amino acid residues showed that both 95A>T and 96A>T variants caused a missense effect of p.46E>V, while both 246A>T and 247A>T variants showed another missense effect of p.97T>S. Aligning the amoebapore C sequences of samples C1 and C2 with the most closely related genomic sequences of E. histolytica (GenBank acc. no. X76903.1) revealed their entire similarity. It was inferred from the tree that the investigated protozoan samples occupied distinct phylogenetic positions and were suitable for the vicinity of various clinical isolates that were isolated from several locations worldwide. However, the rRNA-based tree provided ample genetic diversity with more effective discrimination compared with the other used loci.
Comparative metagenomic analysis of bacterial diversity in three distantly related soils in India
Get PDFSoil microbial diversity is a vital factor for the progression of vegetation and biogeochemical cycles in an ecosystem. It is affected by the chemical composition, soil microenvironment and anthropogenic activities. The present study investigated the effect of environmental conditions and anthropogenic activities on the bacterial diversity of three distantly related soils in India. The multiple soil samples were collected from Hospital waste sites (BTC2) with extensive anthropogenic activity, Himalayan forest soil (RM1) with low anthropogenic activity and Tso Kar Lake sediment soil samples with negligible anthropogenic activity with environmental factors such as soil pH, temperature and altitude on the bacterial diversity. The soil samples were analyzed for physico-chemical properties that suggest significant variations in pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature and altitude. The SEM-EDS (Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) analysis revealed the elemental composition of the soil samples. The bacterial diversity of three different soil samples was studied using 16S rRNA sequencing-based metagenomic analysis. The results suggested that the bacterial diversity in Hospital waste site soil samples was higher than in the other two soil samples based on chao1 (richness and evenness) analysis. The Phyla Firmicutes were more abundant in Hospital waste site soil, and Himalayan forest soil showed a higher abundance of phylum Proteobacteria (28.86%) and Actinobacteria (26.70%). Tso Kar Lake sediment soil samples showed the most abundant phylum as Proteobacteria (46.28%). The study suggests that increased anthropogenic activity increases soil bacterial diversity. It may eventually help to develop new approaches for sustainable land-use management practices.
Poultry manure and vegetables as vehicles for antimicrobial resistance determinants distribution in some Farms in Delta State, Nigeria
Get PDFAntimicrobial resistance has become a major threat to human health globally. One of the reasons for this increase is the abuse and misuse of antibiotics in the poultry industry as a growth promoter. This practice has resulted in the rise of the spread of antimicrobial resistance within the environment as poultry waste is used as manure in the growth of vegetables. With reduced enthusiasm on the part of the pharmaceutical industries to embark on developing new antimicrobial agents in the face of increasing resistance evolution, few options are available in the armamentarium to combat bacterial infections. The study aimed to determine if domestically grown leafy vegetables and soil amended with poultry manure constitute a possible reservoir of antibiotic resistance and assessed their ability to transfer resistance via conjugation experiment. Twenty-seven leafy vegetable samples and poultry manure-enriched soils were collected from some Delta State, Nigeria farms under aseptic conditions. Standard bacteriological methods were used to isolate and identify isolates, then examined for their susceptibility to fifteen antibiotics and potential for resistance transfer via conjugation experiment. Of the 76 bacterial isolates recovered, 52 originated from vegetables, while 24 were from poultry manure-enriched soil. Escherichia coli (14.5%) and Bacillus subtilis (7.9%) were the most prevalent isolates in vegetables and soil, respectively. The antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates indicated very high resistance levels in Gram-negative isolates obtained from the soil to all tested antibiotics. The resistance profile of Gram-positive isolates from both vegetables and soil showed ≥ 50% resistance in tetracycline. Also, high level of resistance of between 50% to 100% was detected in Bacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp. to erythromycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates served as donor cells, while standard Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus served as recipient strains. The rate of antibiotic resistance transfer was generally high, particularly for tetracycline (57.1%) and chloramphenicol (61.9%). The high rate of antibiotic resistance transfer observed in this study highlights the risk of MDR spreading through poultry manure use.
Effect of diode laser rays in stimulating anthocyanin pigment levels in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) plant tissues
Get PDFPlant tissue culture is the method to produce many pigments, such as anthocyanin, regarding the importance of light in plant growth, especially when using laser rays. The present study aimed to establish the effect of laser rays on seed germination, initiation of callus, and the measurement of the amounts of anthocyanin pigment and protein for the growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Sterilizing seeds were cultured on a surface of MS medium, then seedlings stems were exposed to laser rays for 0, 4, 8, and 12 minutes each alone and planted on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l of NAA and 1.0 mg/l of BA, the total protein of seedlings was estimated from all kinds of seedlings exposed to the rays. The anthocyanin pigment content was estimated and read Spectroscopically at a wavelength of 528 nm. The results refer to the different rates and periods of radish seed germination dependent on the exposure time to the laser rays. They also showed the ability of seedlings to initiate callus from hypocotyl stems, which was the fastest exposed for 12 minutes after 7 days at a rate of 100 %. The seeds which were previously exposed to diode laser rays at different times recorded a superiority in stimulating anthocyanin pigment content, which amounted to 1195.2 µg/g for stems and 333.8 µg/g for leaves over the rest of the treatments and the control treatment. This proved to be a modern method to develop forms of physical stimulation as a bio elicitor for the growth of radish tissue cells.
Enhancing growth and yield of the wheat-chickpea intercropping system through a combination of different row ratios and biostimulants
Get PDFIntercropping of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) invigorates a sustainable agricultural system with a desirable effect on crop productivity. This study investigates the potential of seaweed extracts, humic and fulvic acids and amino acids as biostimulants for certifying wheat and chickpea intercropping enhancements. Field experiments were conducted during the Rabi season of 2022–2023. A split plot design was employed, with main plot treatments of varying row ratios (M1: sole wheat, M2: sole chickpea, M3: wheat : chickpea ratio 2:1 and M4: wheat : chickpea ratio 4:1) and sub plot treatments with different biostimulants (S0: no biostimulant, S1: seaweed extract, S2: humic acid + fulvic acid and S3: amino acid). Results revealed significance of row ratios and biostimulants on growth and yield attributes. Notably, the 2:1 row ratio treatment (M3) magnified plant height with a maximum of 101.45 cm for wheat crop and 58.44 cm for chickpea at 120 DAS. The seaweed extract application treatment (S1) demonstrated maximum plant height of 104.18 cm and 61.00 cm for wheat and chickpea crops, respectively, at 120 DAS. The grain yield of wheat was established to be higher in the sole cropping system (M1: 7.59 kgha-1) with an accumulated harvest index of 41.23%. Seed yield of chickpea was also higher in the sole crop (M2: 2.09 kgha-1) with a harvest index of 49.00%. This research delves into the application of biostimulants to maximize the benefits of wheat and chickpea intercropping, potentially advancing sustainability for future food security.
Enhancing drought resilience in maize hybrid COH (M) 8: Unravelling the role of polyamines in field performance
Get PDFPolyamines, namely spermidine and spermine, are essential organic compounds that hold significant importance in the growth and development of plants. Their beneficial effects in crops include enhancing stress tolerance, facilitating better nutrient uptake, and regulating various physiological processes. Considering these attributes, a study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of polyamines as seed priming agents and foliar spray treatments on the growth and seed yield of hybrid maize COH(M) 8. The research was conducted in field conditions from 2022 to 2023. Various polyamine seed priming treatments (T0 - control, T1, Hydropriming, T2 – Spermine 50 ppm, T3 – Spermine 75 ppm, T4 – Spermidine 50 ppm, T5 – Spermidine 75 ppm, T6 – spermine 50 ppm + Foliar Spray, T7 – Spermine 75 + Foliar Spray were employed, each lasting for 12 hours. The seed priming solutions were prepared at a 1:1 volume/volume ratio with concentrations of spermine at 50 and 75 ppm, spermidine at 50 and 75 ppm, and a combination of both spermine and spermidine. Hydro priming was included as another treatment, and there was also an untreated control group. Furthermore, all treatments were supplemented with a foliar spray application at a concentration of 10 ppm on the 50th and 65th days after sowing (DAS). The outcome indicated that among the various polyamines tested, the combination of spermine seed priming at 50 ppm (T2) and spermine foliar spray (T6) significantly improved multiple growth parameters and yield under drought stress. Notably, this treatment maximized plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, cob length, seed yield per plot, and seed yield per hectare.
In vitro the effect of ethanol extracts of Senna alexandrina and Achillea millefolium on fungi pathogenic to plants and humans
Get PDFPlant extracts are natural sources of bioactive compounds that could be used for crop protection and preserving human health. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of ethanolic extracts of Senna alexandrina leaves and Achillea millefolium flowers on the growth of some filamentous fungi and yeasts isolated from yellow corn and human. Alcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium flowers showed significant inhibitory effects against the filamentous fungi: Aspergillus flavus, A. ustus, Cladosporium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum and Penicillium citrinum, beside the dermatophytes Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T.rubrum, T. schoenleinii, T. terrestre and T. verrucosum. The superiority of the A. millefolium flower extract over the Senna alexandrina leaves extract the growth of most of the tested fungi. There was a direct relationship between the concentrations of the alcoholic extract of A. millefolium flowers and the inhibition in halo diameters of Candida isolates. High concentrations, including (200, 150, 125, 100) mg/mL inhibited the growth of all Candida isolates, while the 25 mg/mL concentration was ineffective against any of the tested isolates. Candida krusei was the most sensitive to the alcoholic extract of Achillea flowers (inhibition halo=22 mm at a concentration of 200 mg/ mL). Candida glabrata was the most resistant. Also direct relationship was recorded between the concentration of the alcoholic extract of S. alexandrina leaves and the diameters of the inhibition halos for Candida isolates. The high concentrations (200, 150, and 125 mg/mL) inhibited the growth of all the tested isolates. Candida albicans (2) was the most sensitive, while C. glabrata, was the most resistant. The present results showed the possible use of the two plant extracts as preventing factors for the growth of fungi in plants and humans.
Diversity of plants and birds as an ecotourism attraction in the Segara Guna Batu Lumbang Mangrove Forest, Pemogan Denpasar Bali, Indonesia
Get PDFMangrove forests, with their diverse flora and fauna, vegetation structure, unique root systems, mud flats, and intertidal habitats with high and low tides, are very attractive ecotourism attractions. The present study aimed to identify and interpret the diversity of mangrove flora and birds in the Batu Lumbang mangrove ecotourism area of Pemogan Denpasar Bali, Indonesia. Analysis of mangrove vegetation was carried out at four research stations using the square method, and observations of bird abundance were made using the point count method. The results showed that using mangrove forests in Batu Lumbang applies ecotourism principles. In the Segara Batu Lumbang mangrove forest, 9 species of true mangroves and 9 species of associated mangrove plants were found. There were 30 species of birds belonging to 20 families. The diversity index of mangrove plants was 2.55, including the medium category. Several bird species were quite common and easy to find in this area, including the Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos), cave swiftlet (Collocalia linchi), greater egret (Egretta alba), small blue kingfisher (Alcedo coerulescens), and great billed heron (Ardea sumatrana). The bird diversity index was 3.28, which is in the high category. This shows that the condition of the mangroves in Batu Lumbang is stable. Information on the existence and interpretation of the characteristics of mangrove species and birds, the conservation status of species, and habitat use by birds are attractions in ecotourism. The mangrove and bird handbook is an important guide for guides or managers of ecotourism.
Evaluation of interleukin-4 and some serological factors in children infected with cryptosporidiosis at Ramadi Teaching Hospital for women and children
Get PDFCryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium. It is widespread worldwide and is among the four main diarrhoea pathogens in children and adults. The present study aimed to investigate infection with the cryptosporidiosis in children under the age of eight years in both sexes who suffered from diarrhoea, and to evaluate the relationship of Interlukin-4 to parasitic infection and the changes in some serological parameters that included lipid profile and total protein. Two hundred fecal samples were collected from Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Women and Children. Microscopic examination of the samples stained with Ziehl–Neelsen stain and ELISA test indicated the presence of egg cysts in 23 samples, with a total percentage of (11.5%). The shape of the parasite was spherical, tending to oval, with a size of (4.8 to 5.7 micrometres). The lipid profile results showed that there was a significant increase in cholesterol (Ch.), triglycerides (TG.), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL), and for high-density lipoproteins (HDL) of the patient\u27s group, there was no significant difference between the control group and the infected group at the (P ≤0.05). There was a significant increase in the level of blood proteins (Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin) for the infected group at a significant level (P≤0.05). The study also showed significant differences in interleukin-4 between patients and healthy people, which was 0.0444 ± 0.01141 pg/ml for patients (P≤0.05). Due to the increasing spread, seriousness, and epidemiology of the parasite, considered environmental pollution, and because of its lack of diagnosis in health departments (such as hospitals), and because its entry significantly stimulates the immune system, causes dehydration and death in children with weak immunity, and affects the absorption of fats, proteins, and vitamins significantly, a new factor IL-4 related to the infection was identified. It was also known how significant the effect of injury is on the amount of fats and proteins that are involved in the structure of living cell membranes