Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Isolation and identification of phosphate-solubilizing Bacillus sonorensis GG2 from a mangrove ecosystem in Sundarban and its stimulating effect on green chili plant (Capsicum frutescens L.) growth
Full text linkPhosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) play a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and plant growth by converting insoluble phosphates into forms accessible to plants. This study focused on isolating and identifying a phosphate-solubilizing bacterium, Bacillus sonorensis GG2, from the mangrove ecosystems of Sundarban. Through a series of microbiological and molecular techniques, B. sonorensis GG2 was identified and characterized for its phosphate solubilization potential. The isolate exhibited significant phosphate solubilization activity, which was quantified through in vitro assays. The bacterium was applied to green chili plants (Capsicum frutescens L.) under controlled conditions to evaluate its practical applicability. The results revealed a marked improvement in plant growth parameters, including root and shoot length, biomass, and overall plant health. In this study, two months of treatment of the green chilli plants with B. sonorensis GG2 positively affected the growth of the roots and shoot lengths compared with the control by 9.8% and 10.9%, respectively. This study highlights the potential of B. sonorensis GG2 as a biofertilizer, particularly in phosphate-deficient soils, and its role in sustainable agricultural practices.
Bioconversion of steroid compounds due to interaction of the bark extract of Michelia champaca with fungi Curvularia verruculosa
Full text linkFunctional groups bioconversion of steroid compounds was observed in the interaction of secondary metabolites of Michelia champaca with Curvularia verruculosa fungal. In an inhibited mechanism, this extract can lyse the cell walls of the fungus. This research aims to determine changes in secondary metabolite compounds involved in the inhibition process of M. champaca bark extract on the growth of the fungus C. verruculosa.The interaction of secondary metabolites of M. champaca with C. verruculosa fungi was observed by biomass test method and bioconversion analysis of steroid compounds was observed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Based on the biomass test of M. champaca bark extract with 1% concentration can inhibit the biomass formation of C. verruculosa fungal with inhibiting power is 74.73% and at 2% concentration has been able to inhibit completely the biomass formation of C. verruculosa fungal (100%) for a-8 days period of incubation. The bioconversion of the functional groups in steroid compounds was observed by changing allopregnane-7α, 11α-diol-3,20-dione compounds to pregnane-3,20-dione; pregnane-3,11-diol-20-one; and pregnenolone, as well as the bioconversion of β-sitosterol compounds to pseudosarsapogenin-5,20-dien; (3β, 24S)-stigmastane-5-en-3-ol; and (3β, 22E)-stigmastane-5,22-dien- 3-ol.
Potential of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila as plant growth promoting rhizobacterium to improve the growth of mustard crop
Full text linkPlant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhances soil quality and enriches soil fertility. Stenotrophomonas rhizophila is one such bacteria that enhances plant growth, especially in saline soil. The indirect role of this bacterium has been identified in Integrated Pest Management wherein Indian mustard has been utilized as a pest trap crop in cauliflower fields. The present study aims to enhance the growth of mustard plants with the periodic application of S. rhizophila. Increasing the population of this bacterium in the soil is also expected to enrich soil fertility and ensure protection from pests in cauliflower fields. Thirteen bacteria (S1 to S13) were isolated from soil samples collected near the root nodules of cauliflower plants from different agricultural fields. Bacterial isolate S3 was identified as S. rhizophila through biochemical tests and 16s rRNA sequencing. Four treatments (T1 to T4) were selected for a 28-day pot study by varying the soil condition (sterile, non-sterile) and biopriming of mustard seeds with the inoculum of S. rhizophila. Once in every 4 days, 0.5 % of the inoculum was added to the pots (T1, T3) to identify changes in the growth of mustard plantlets. A high bacterial load of 2.97*108 in the T3 pot was observed comparatively. The obtained results were also statistically significant (ie., P < 0.05) regarding total plant height, chlorophyll content, and microbial load. Hence, it was found that S. rhizophila can effectively influence the growth of mustard plants thereby encouraging a pest-free environment in cauliflower fields.
Effect of chemical mutagens (Ethyl methane sulphonate and colchicine) on African marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Full text linkTegetas errecta, commonly known as African marigold, is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. There is a need for mutation breeding, which allows for the development of novel cultivars that could be more valuable and highly demanding in the market. The present study aimed to find the effect of chemical mutagens on the growth and flowering of marigold cv. African marigold. The trial was statistically laid out in RBD with 3 replications and 3 replications. The treatment comprised of EMS (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%), (EMS 0.2% + Distilled Water 100ml), Colchicine (0.001%, 0.002%, 0.005%), (Colchicine 0.001% + Distilled Water 100ml), (EMS 0.2% + Colchicine 0.005%) and (EMS 0.6% + Colchicine 0.001%) and control. Results revealed that among all the chemical mutagens, maximum changes were in vegetative parameters like plant height, plant spread, number of leaflets, stem diameter and number of branches for the treatment T6 (Colchicine 0.002%) and T8 (Colchicine 0.001% + Distilled Water 100ml) and in flowering parameters like flower yield. The maximum changes were recorded in treatment T5 (Colchicine 0.001%). It can be concluded that chemical mutagens can enhance a plant’s vegetative growth and flowering, leading to the sustainable production of marigold. The study also revealed that colchicine and EMS might affect plant development characteristics and showed positive results in enhancing marigold\u27s vegetative and floral parameters.
Green synthesis and characterization of a nanocomposite Petroselinum crispum (PcNps) and evaluation of its effect on the inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa before and after loading the antibiotic erythromycin
Full text linkPseudomonas aeruginosa is a multidrug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, it has become necessary to use new methods, including the process of delivering treatment using nanomaterials manufactured using green methods. The present study explores the antibacterial effects of a green-synthesized nanocomposite from Petroselinum crispum (parsley) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The nanocomposite was prepared using an environmentally friendly method and characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. AFM results revealed that the root mean square height (Sq) of the parsley extract was 138 nm, while the nanocomposite (PcNps) measured 111 nm, a difference of 27 nm. The texture direction (Std) of the extract was 933 nm, compared to 667 nm for the nanocomposite. The maximum peak height (Sp) for the nanocomposite was 279 nm, which increased to 293 nm after converting the parsley extract into the nanocomposite. The maximum pit height (Sv) was 654 nm for the extract and 374 nm for the nanocomposite.FTIR analysis confirmed that the antibiotic loading showed positive results, with significant shifts observed in the spectra before and after loading. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite was significantly enhanced when combined with the antibiotic. The inhibition zone reached 21.00 ± 1.41 mm (p ≤ 0.05) with the antibiotic-nanocomposite combination. At a concentration of 5 µg (C1 PcNps/ER T5), the inhibition zone was 17.75 ± 1.50 mm (p ≤ 0.005), while at 10 µg, the zone was 10.25 ± 0.25 mm. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the green nanocomposite, especially in combination with antibiotics, for inhibiting bacterial growth and show its potential as an antimicrobial agent.
Preparation of a new liquid dosage from Vitamin D3 by using pospholipid conjugate
Full text linkVitamin D3 has poor solubility in water, leading to a low dissolution profile, which presents significant biopharmaceutical challenges. To overcome these issues, liposome-conjugation techniques have been researched in recent years. Liposomes can enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of vitamin D3, improving its therapeutic effectiveness. The study aimed to prepare and evaluate the particles for vitamin D3 conjugated with phospholipids, focusing on optimizing their formulation, assessing stability, and enhancing bioavailability. Vitamin D3 conjugated with phospholipids was prepared using the solvent evaporation method in a 1:1 ratio. The conjugation greatly improved the physical properties of the vitamin D3 in its conjugation and dispersion in a significant way; then the conjugate was characterized by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), optical microscope (Op.M)toconfirm the formation of a complex between vitamin D3 and phospholipids. The polydispersity index and zeta potential of the prepared vitamin D3-phosphatidylcholine conjugate were measured as 74.96 and −56.93 mV, respectively, confirming its colloidal stability. These values indicated uniform particle size distribution and strong electrostatic repulsion, preventing aggregation. Additionally, the solubility in water was studied and compared with pure vitamin D3, demonstrating improved solubility characteristics of the conjugate. This work suggests using liposomal formulations of vitamin D3-phosphatidylcholine conjugates as an alternative to conventional vitamin D3 tablets. These formulations can potentially enhance drug absorption and bioavailability, allowing for dose reduction and minimizing side effects. Additionally, improved bioavailability may lead to better patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes, offering a more efficient approach to vitamin D3 supplementation.
Windrow composting: a viable option for the management and conversion of various agro- industrial organic wastes in Ethiopia
Full text linkWindrow composting is a biotechnological process where microorganisms decompose and stabilize solid organic wastes under aerobic conditions, creating stable and odorless compost. This study investigates the composting of four frequently discarded municipal and industrial wastes (brewery sludge and solid waste from potato chips factory) around Debre Berhan city and Tulefa town, Ethiopia, examining the change in key physicochemical properties. Experimental wastes were blended with powdered cow dung in a 3:1 ratio and composted in four triangular-shaped piles using the windrow technique under shade. The original physicochemical characteristics of all wastes and the resulting final compost underwent analysis for temperature change, volume reduction, pH, total Kjeldhal nitrogen( TKN), total potassium( TK), total phosphorous( TP), total organic carbon (TOC), and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N). All treatments (T1 = brewery sludge + cow dung, T2 = solid waste from potato chips factory + cow dung) demonstrated significant volume reduction, ranging from 60% to 70%. The final pH of the compost in all treatments shifted towards neutral (7-7.4). Additionally, all treatments achieved thermophilic temperatures within 15-28 days. The thermophilic phase persisted for 15 to 35 days across treatments, followed by a cooling phase that occurred between 49 and 77 days later. The cessation of further temperature rise was observed between 77 and 99 days. Across all windrows, significant changes were observed in key parameters such as TKN, TK.TP, TOC, and C:N ratio. These findings suggest that windrow composting is a viable alternative for effectively reducing substantial quantities of solid organic waste from residential areas and agro-processing industries, while also producing organic soil amendments that support sustainable agriculture.
Study on lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) genotypes for its yield and attributing characters and DUS characterization under Terai Region of West Bengal
Full text linkLentil (Lens culinaris M.) is one of the important rabi pulse crops in India. Despite high-yielding varieties, there is a lack of resources available to respond to malnutrition in developing countries. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out on 40 diversified lentil genotypes to determine the most suitable genotypes based on the studied characters. Under the present investigation, the forty genotypes, including two checks viz., WBL77 and IPL220 was, laid in an alpha lattice design during rabi season of 2019-20 and 2020-21 at the instructional farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Coochbehar, West Bengal. To access the divergence cluster, an analysis was carried out using tocher values using Mahalanobish D2 distances. On the contrary, the Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) characterization were done after PPV&FR guidelines on lentil. A study on correlation revealed that seed zinc showed a significantly negative (-0.216*) association with yield plant-1. The forty lentil genotypes formed six clusters, with cluster I consisting of the highest 15 genotypes and cluster VI monogenotypic, with maximum inter-cluster distance found between cluster III and VI (317.77) and seed protein content showed the highest contribution towards total divergence (40.8%). A study on flowering habits revealed that one genotype was found to be a determinate type and the rest were indeterminate. The association study revealed a significant positive correlation between seed cooking time and seed sizes (0.433**) and the cooking score showed a significant negative (-0.278*) correlation with seed size. However, IC614827 was found to have the most suitable genotypes than others in the field due to its notable performance.
Influence of nano-silicon in antioxidants enzymes, ions absorption, and biochemical indicators of King Mandarin saplings leaves (Citrus nobilis) under salt stress
Full text linkHigh salinity levels are particularly problematic in Iraq\u27s southern and central regions, limiting the growth and productivity of many fruit plants. One effective approach to enhance mandarins\u27 salt tolerance is the exogenous application of Nano-Silicon. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the performance of foliar applications by potassium silicate nanoparticles (K2SiO3NPs) in antioxidants’ enzymes, ions absorption, bio-chemical indicators of one-year-old for King Mandarin saplings grown in salt stress conditions. The experiment was conducted under controlled saline conditions and it included two factors. The first factor was three irrigation water salinity levels (0, 40 and 80 mM) using sodium chloride ( NaCl2 ) salt. The second factor was spraying with K2SiO3 NPs at three levels (0, 2 and 4ml L-1). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to execute the factorial experiment. High level of NaCl (80 mM) had a negative effect on chlorophyll, carbohydrates, N, P, K , K/Na, Fe, Ca % and Mg in leaves and increased the accumulation of Si, proline, Cl, Na, Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in leaves, compared to the control. K2SiO3NPs at 4 ml L-1 caused significant positive findings in ions absorption and biochemical indicators (chlorophyll, carbohydrates, N, P, K, K/Na, Fe, Ca, Mg and Si) compared to control. K2SiO3NPs at 4 ml L-1 caused a positively decreased of proline , Cl, Na, CAT, POD and SOD, compared to control. The utility of the present experiment is to enhance the tolerance of King Mandarin seedlings to saline irrigation water by applying foliar K2SiO3 NPs.
Development and characterization of water-in-water emulsion using pea protein and different gums
Full text linkWater-in-water (W/W) emulsions are gaining attention for their potential applications in food and nutrition due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility and stability. However, achieving stable W/W emulsions remains challenging, requiring a careful combination of biopolymers. The present study aimed to formulate W/W emulsion using a combination of protein and polysaccharide phases. Pea protein (P) was considered for the protein phase, and locust bean gum (LBG), guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG) were considered for the polysaccharide phase. The protein-polysaccharide phases were mixed in 10:90, 20:80, 80:20, and 90:10 ratios to create nine W/W emulsion combinations for Pea protein-Locust bean gum (PL), Pea protein-Guar gum (PG), and Pea protein-Xanthan gum (PX) each. These 27 emulsion combinations were then characterized based on their particle size, interfacial tension, phase separation, microstructure, and rheological properties. PL-6 (60:40 ratio) exhibited the smallest particle size (0.1891 ± 0.0113 μm), lowest interfacial tensions (1.78 ± 0.071 mN/m), and superior rheological properties. The emulsion phase separation study showed that the process followed the Exponential decay model, with PL-6 having the lowest decay rate constants (k = 17.640 s⁻¹). The microstructure of the emulsions was revealed through Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. The results concluded that PL-6 emulsion proved highly effective for formulating a stable W/W emulsion. This research opens new possibilities for using such emulsions in various applications, particularly in food and nutritional security.