Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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One pot chemical co-precipitation preparation of magnetic graphene oxide-deltamethrin nanoformulations for management of Aedes aegypti
Get PDFAedes-borne diseases are of worldwide concern due to the lack of effective medicine and vaccination. Frequent use of chemical intervention has developed insecticide resistance in mosquitoes and posed health risks to humans and the environment, necessitating an effective and safer intervention. Graphene Oxide (GO) is an efficient material that can absorb pesticide particles and release pesticide macromolecules in a controlled manner. With the proposition that magnetic graphene oxide (MGO)-based nanoformulations can be an eco-safe and effective material for pesticide conjugation, the present study synthesized these nanoformulations conjugated with a pyrethroid, deltamethrin (DL) through chemical co-precipitation method. The formulations were validated using biophysical techniques and investigated for their efficacy against Aedes aegypti. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of nanocomposites showed six intense diffraction peaks of Fe3O4 particles, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) displayed the C1s, O1s, and Fe2p photoelectron lines in the MGO nanocomposite\u27s spectra, while Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) revealed the small size and uniformity of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the GO surface. The individual MGO and DL, as well as MGO-DL binary combinations (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) imparted significant larval toxicity, demonstrating 30%, 50%, and 85% CTC (Co-toxicity coefficient), respectively. High corresponding Synergistic factor (SF) values indicated significant synergism increasing with the rise in deltamethrin proportion. The MGO-DL combinations also increased irritancy and flight response in adults, the notable synergistic effects imparted by the 1:3 combination. The effective actions of MGO-DL nanoformulations against mosquitoes suggest their possible use for mosquito management as a safer and more operative intervention
Staphylococcal variable number tandem repeat (VNTR)-spa genotyping and their role in phylogenic study
Get PDFStaphylococcus aureus protein A is considered a vital virulence element determinant of its pathogenicity. Its sequence diversity aids in staphylococcal typing and phylogeny. The present study aimed to study the genotyping method for S. aureus isolates by applying Spa typing (variable number tandem repeat) and their role in the phylogenic study. Twenty S. aureus isolates were achieved from various clinical isolates and subjected for complete identification and diagnosis. Later on, these isolates were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR for amplification and sequencing of SPA gene. Spa genotyping showed that out of 20 isolates and their amplified spa gene, 8 different types among the 18/20 isolates were detected and 2/20 isolates could not be typed, as the most commonly observed Spa were t304 (35%), t491 (15%) followed by t078 and t059 (10%). Finally, depending on the bacterial phylogenetic relationships, S. aureus isolates were categorized into 2 clades. The first one contained 18 isolates and the second one contained 2 isolates. Most Spa types were included in clade A (18 isolates) whereas only 2 isolates were involved in clade B. The isolates in clade A were grouped into 3 different groups established on the dissimilarity in tandem repeats of the Spa gene. Cluster 1 contained t304, t078, t044 Spa types, cluster 2 contained t059, t4870 and t386 Spa types and cluster 3 contained t491 and t091 Spa types. Clade B contained 2 Spa types (unknown). The utility of the present work is the application of repetitive tandem repeats within the spa gene for phylogenetic analysis of Staph aureus clinical isolates.
Improvement in yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with combination treatments of bio-organic fertilizers
Get PDFPeanut is a plant food with high economic value because of their nutritional content, especially protein, and high fat. The nut land needs from year to year continue to increase in line with the increase in number population, nutritional needs of the community, food diversification, and increasing feed and food industry capacity. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of bio-organic fertilizers in producing local peanuts (Wadaga) from Muna Island, Indonesia. The randomized block design (RBD) was done with 12 bio-organic fertilizer treatments (T1 to T12) based on arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and cow manure fertilizer (CMF). The variables were viz. pod weight, total pod number, filled pod number, percentage of empty pods, seed number, the weight of 100 seeds, dry seed weight, and productivity were observed. The results of the study showed that the highest average pod weight (55.0 g), total pod number (50.3 pods), filled pod number (46.3 pods), and seed number (84.3 seeds) occurred with the treatment of T8: A2B1 ( AMF 10 g per plant + CMF 3 kg per plot). The highest average productivity was obtained with T3: A0B2 (without AMF + CMF 6 kg per plot) as 3.97 tons ha-1. The use of mycorrhizal fungi combined with organic fertilizers can improve the growth of peanut plants which has a positive impact on their production
Insecticidal activity and changes in midgut histology of the generalist herbivore, Spodoptera litura F. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in response to seed extract of Annona squamosa Linn.
Get PDFThe tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura F., is one of the most devastating, cosmopolitan polyphagous pests affecting major crops that significantly impact agricultural productivity. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effect of seed extract of the medicinal plant, Annona squamosa L. and the histological effect on the midgut of Spodoptera litura F., under laboratory conditions. The crude methanolic extract of A. squamosa seed was tested against the third instar larvae of S. litura at five different concentrations viz., 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5 % by leaf dip bioassay method. The seed extract exhibited larval mortality of 96.67%, 83.37 %,70%, 53.33% and 40 % at the concentrations 2.5 %, 2.0%, 1.5%, 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively.The results indicated that the response of larval mortality to the seed extract was dose-dependent. The dose of 0.5% showed the lowest mortality (40.00%), while the dose of 2.5 % showed maximum larval mortality (96.67%). Hence they were subjected to histological analysis. The anatomical sectioning of S. litura larval midgut treated with 0.5% concentration showed disruption in the peritrophic membrane and striated border of epithelial cells. The midgut of larvae treated with 2.5 % concentration showed an irregular epithelium and high vacuolization in the cytoplasmic cells. The results indicated that methanol extract of A. squamosa seed extract has the ability to cause changes in the midgut region, thereby affecting the digestion and nutrient absorption of S. litura larvae, which will lead to a debilitating effect on the development of larvae. Based on the present study A. squamosa seed extract will be a potential biopesticide for managing S. litura
Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MtrA response regulator by anticancer drugs via computational methods
Get PDFMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) causes TB disease and millions of deaths are reported every year. Drug resistance TB and its complex treatment is a big problem worldwide. The present study aimed to design new and safer antitubercular compounds to tackle this serious threat. The unique drug target is the MtrAB Two-component regulatory system (2CRS) of mycobacteria. MtrAB system consists of MtrB sensor kinase (SK) and MtrA response regulator (RR). This system is essential in MTB and is involved in mycobacteria\u27s proliferation. This important physiological process is operated by the phosphorylation of MtrB and then to MtrA. The phosphorylation mechanism triggers modulation in the expression of MtrA targets genes and helps perform appropriate function. This phenomenon depends on the active and inactive confirmation of MtrA, which involves a ligand (Metal ion complex e.g. Mg2+). In this study, anti-cancerous compounds were selected for the inhibition of MtrA. However, molecular docking exhibited binding affinity ranging from −10.8 to −4.7 kcal/mol, targeting the binding pocket of the selected Tuberculosis–MtrA protein (PDB ID: 5L8X). This energy difference between the native ligand and docked compounds showed that the six molecules: (Risperidone, 2-(benzofuran-2-yl)-6,7-dimethyl-4H-chromen-4-one, (2E)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(quinolin-4-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, Estradiol Cypionate, (2Z)-6-hydroxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)-1-benzofuran-3(2H)-one, (2E)-3-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one) mentioned are more potent than the native ligand.These six molecules were first time reported as the inhibitor for MtrA of MtrAB Two-component regulatory system and can be utelize for further study
Optimising reaction variables for the preparation of superabsorbent iron fertiliser hydrogel using sugarcane bagasse: A sustainable approach to improve crop nutrient release
Get PDFIron (Fe) is a vital micronutrient essential for crop growth and development. Utilisation of bio-based, environmentally friendly functional polymers is inevitable for society. As an alternative to the conventional Fe fertiliser, the present study aimed to synthesise a higher Fe percentage containing hydrogel with organic substances that can facilitate the slow release of nutrients, reduce fertiliser nutrient fixation, and minimise environmental pollution. The reaction variables were optimised for the preparation of superabsorbent using sugarcane bagasse and nano-zeolite-based slow-release Fe fertiliser (SR Fe) hydrogel. This was formulated by graft, co-polymerising acrylic acid, acrylamide, sugarcane bagasse, and nano-zeolite with N,N\u27-methylene bis-acrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator. Based on the swelling percentage, the reaction variables of the SR Fe fertiliser were standardised. The crosslinker (MBA - 10 wt%), the initiator (APS - 10 wt%), the filler (Nano-zeolite - 10 wt%), the monomer acrylamide composition (AAm - 2g), the acrylic acid content (AA - 7 ml), the reaction temperature (60oC), and the drying temperature (40oC) were chosen based on desirable swelling percentage and loaded with Fe fertiliser. The Fe fertiliser was loaded to sugarcane bagasse in different ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2). The present study showed that the SR Fe fertiliser with the highest percentage of Fe (6.4%) in the ratio of sugarcane bagasse to Fe fertiliser of 1:2 could be used as an effective SR Fe fertiliser to supply nutrients slowly to crops to meet their nutrient needs and improve nutrient use efficiency
Improving chemical, rheological and sensory properties of commercial low-fat cream by concentrate addition of whey proteins
Get PDFThe present study was conducted to determine the effect of whey protein concentrate (WPC) addition on the commercial low-fat cream\u27s chemical, rheological and sensory properties. WPC was added to the low-fat cream (10% fat) in ratios of 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0% to represent the treatments C1, C2, and C3, respectively.In addition, a fat-rich, positive control treatment (C +) with a fat percentage of 30% and a negative low-fat control treatment (C-) with a fat percentage of 10% were investigated without adding WPC. Chemical tests were carried out, including the percentage of moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates, total acidity, and pH, as well as rheological tests that included; hardness, springiness, and Cohesiveness. Also, a sensory evaluation was conducted. The results showed a decrease in the moisture percentage of the added treatments with the increment of the added WPC quantity. Also, a decrease in the fat percentage and pH of the WPC addition treatments was observed, combined with an increment in the percentage of protein, carbohydrates, ash, and total acidity. Regarding the microbiological properties, no bacterial or mycological contamination was observed during the manufacturing and storage periods. The results also showed the improvement of rheological and sensory characteristics by increasing the percentage of WPC addition compared with the positive and negative control treatments. The present study would be helpful in the production of low-fat cream fortified with whey proteins with high nutritional value
Estimation of Sensor-based site specific variable rate fertilizer application for maize (Zea mays L.) crop
Get PDFOptical spectrometry sensors in crops offer a remarkable technological breakthrough in the field of variable-rate nitrogen fertilization. A field study was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2021 at the research farm of the Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore to estimate maize crop nitrogen (N), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) value and chlorophyll content in hybrid maize COH (M) 8. Fertilizers were administered to the plots following the recommendations (250:75:75 kg NPK ha-1) given under Soil Test Crop Response, with a goal yield of 9t ha-1 predicted based on the initial soil available N, P, and K values. The experimental findings revealed a significant impact of nitrogen rate (P<0.001) on the percentage of nitrogen content in the leaves (% N leaf content). Additionally, there was a decrease in maize leaf chlorophyll content index over time, with ranges of 32.96 to 50.57, 28.78 to 41.78, 24.81 to 35.86, 22.12 to 28.54, and 14.34 to 20.56. On the contrary, the NDVI experienced an increase throughout the season, with ranges of 0.32 to 0.49, 0.30 to 0.55, 0.28 to 0.66, 0.46 to 0.88, and 0.56 to 0.84. The study will help foster sustainability within modern intensive farming practices by emphasizing the importance of reducing environmental pollution caused by applying Sensor-based site-specific nitrogen fertilizer for maize crop
Photocatalytic degradation and removal of type II pyrethroid pesticide (lambda-cyhalothrin) residue from wastewater using nanoceria for agricultural runoff application
Get PDFSynthetic chemical pesticides\u27 nature, mode of action, and persistence have brought about debates regarding whether the end justifies the means. Lambda-cyhalothrin is an important insecticide for farmers and households, with great accessibility and excellent action against pests and disease-carrying insects. Like other pyrethroid pesticides, Lambda-cyhalothrin targets the nervous system of insects or pests. However, its fate in the environment, especially in water and living systems, has made it crucial to explore methods of treating or degrading its residues in the environment. The present study aimed to develop a suitable method for the photocatalytic degradation and removal of Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCY) from wastewater and agricultural runoff. The nanoceria were used under natural solar irradiation without applying any scavenger chemical or buffer. This was synthesized using a simple co-precipitation method using cerium nitrate hexahydrate as a precursor. The synthesized nanoceria were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and particle size analysis. The average size of the particle was 27 nm. The photocatalytic degradation was conducted in batches with various pesticide concentrations exposed to different amounts of nanoceria. The initial and final concentrations of the LCY at each level were determined using Shimadzu UV spectroscopy. At optimum conditions, nanoceria was found to degrade and remove more than 63% of the initial pesticide concentration. This method can be suitable for degrading and removing pesticide residue from agricultural runoff (at source) and industrial effluents from synthetic pesticide industries.
Growth analysis and parametric budgeting of different exogenous phytohormones on direct sown finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) under irrigated conditions
Get PDFFinger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is an important cereal crop known for its nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring the potential of plant growth regulators (PGR) to enhance crop productivity and quality. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators on direct sown finger millet variety Co (Ra) 14 in 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design consisting of ten treatments viz., T1 (100% RDF - Control), T2 (100% RDF + Foliar spraying of Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm), T3 (100% RDF + Foliar spraying of Gibberellic acid @10 ppm), T4 (100% RDF + Foliar spraying of Salicylic acid @100 ppm), T5 (50% RDF + Foliar spraying of Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm), T6 (50% RDF + Foliar spraying of Gibberellic acid @10 ppm), T7 (50% RDF + Foliar spraying of Salicylic acid @100 ppm), T8 (Foliar spraying of Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm), T9 (Foliar spraying of Gibberellic acid @10 ppm), T10 (Foliar spraying of Salicylic acid @100 ppm). The experiment result showed that the application of 100% RDF + Foliar spraying of Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm (T2) significantly enhanced growth and physiological parameters like plant height (134.1 cm), SPAD value (28.61), soluble protein (11.25%), relative water content (50.2%) and lower proline content (0.15 µ moles g-1). The same treatment combination recorded higher grain yield (4791 Kg ha-1), straw yield (5950 Kg ha-1), per day productivity (44.6 Kg ha-1) and partial productivity (82.9 Kg ha-1) and BEP (126.88%)of finger millet