Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Influence of liquid Zinc foliar application on growth and yield of transplanted kharif rice (Oryza sativa L.) under lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal
Full text linkRice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops after wheat produced and consumed more than 90% in Asia. Zinc fertilisation has become a high-priority research topic for addressing Zn-related nutritional diseases in humans and plants. Therefore, the influence of different doses of liquid zinc foliar application in conjunction with the recommended dose of chemical fertiliser (RDF) was evaluated, along with one control (RDF only) on wet season rice cv. Surochi (S-36) during the wet season of 2023 and 2024 at Instructional Farm under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya\u27s Instructional Farm in West Bengal.The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with six treatment combinations replicated four times. The results revealed that the tallest plants with the highest dry matter accumulation were observed in RDF + foliar application of Zinatra@ 700 (Liquid Zinc 39.5%) at 750 ml/ha. The same treatment increased panicle number per hill, panicle length, grains per panicle, and grain and straw yields, being statistically comparable to RDF + foliar application of Zinatra@ 700 (Liquid Zinc 39.5%) at 500 ml/ha. The yield increase ranged between 16.67% and 46.79%. There was a significant and positive correlation between grain yield and plant height, dry matter accumulation, effective tillers/hill, panicle length, and grains/panicle. In grain and straw, foliar application of Zinatra@ 700 (Liquid Zinc 39.5%) at 750 ml/ha in combination with RDF led to a marked increase in N, P2O5, and K2O uptake. Hence, it is suggested a blended application of recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDF) with foliar application of Zinatra@ 700 (Liquid Zinc 39.5%) @ 750 ml /ha at tillering and panicle initiation stage exploit not just rice growth and yield but also grain nutritional content to increase rice production in West Bengal\u27s Gangetic alluvial soil.
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of gram-negative bacteria isolated from selected hot springs in Laguna, Philippines
Full text linkGeothermally heated hot springs often serve as reservoirs for diverse microorganisms, including pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and potential carriers of antimicrobial resistance (AR). Thus, this study determined the microbial concentration and AR profiles of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from selected recreational hot springs in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. The physicochemical parameters of the water were also analyzed to determine their correlations with the bacterial AR profiles. From 80 water samples collected over two months (March and April) in 2025 from four hot springs, the estimated average concentrations of Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and non-coliforms (in CFU/100 mL) were 93, 246, and 1,490, respectively. Two sampling sites failed to meet the Class B standards for primary contact recreation, as specified in the 2015 Guidelines for Recreational Waters Monitoring Program of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Moreover, antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 80 isolates against 21 antibiotics revealed low resistance rates, with key correlations identified between AR and environmental variables such as water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and conductivity. These findings suggest potential environmental influences on AR dynamics. However, the study\u27s limited geographic scope and temporal coverage highlights the need for future longitudinal and broader geographic investigations. Nevertheless, the study provided baseline data for monitoring AR in recreational hot springs. It contributed to the understanding of AR ecology, offering insights for policymakers and researchers to design evidence-based strategies that mitigate the potential risk of contamination from runoff, maintain water quality standards, and safeguard public health.
Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of ectoparasite Pediculus humanus (head lice) in Mosul city
Full text linkHead lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are among the most common parasites infecting school-age children worldwide, including in Iraq. Despite their medical and social importance, molecular data on genetic variation among head lice populations in Mosul are scarce. The present study aimed to explore the molecular characteristics and potential genetic diversity of the head louse parasite, as analyzed from samples collected from children in Mosul, Iraq. The focus of this study was on 65 head lice specimens gathered from 6- to 13-year-old children in certain areas of Mosul, Iraq, between December 2024 and March 2025. The molecular analysis utilized the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of DNA and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Based on the evidence, the isolates appeared to differ in strains of the human head louse, Pediculus humanus. The molecular data were submitted for further investigation to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Six of them were newly identified isolates designated MG73, with accession code OQ319012.1. Those isolated sequences completely matched already stored sequences in the NCBI database. Additional scrutiny of the genetically based divergence among isolated strains revealed that all isolates could be primarily grouped into a single, fundamental core cluster. These results support the findings of the molecular identification and cross-sampling, which confirm the assertion of the close relationship between the strains. The observed genetic uniformity is indicative of diverse and thorough scientific attempts directed toward a single hypothesis, drawing conclusions grounded in different approaches.
Fabrication and characterization of eco-friendly bioplastics from potato peel starch and sugarcane bagasse cellulose
Full text linkEnvironmental pollution due to the overuse of synthetic plastics has become a global concern. A sustainable alternative to tackle the rising plastic pollution is biodegradable plastic. Food processing and agricultural residues can be utilized to produce bioplastic (BP). In the present study, sugarcane bagasse was used to extract cellulose, and starch was isolated from potato peel to prepare bioplastic films using the solvent casting method. The cellulose concentration was varied to evaluate the effect on bioplastic properties. The prepared bioplastics were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, including thickness, water absorption capacity, and sensory properties. The chemical characterization was done using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the soil burial method was used for biodegradability analysis. Potato peel bioplastic (PPB) appeared transparent, while bioplastics incorporated with cellulose were found to be white to beige cream in color. FTIR results showed significant peaks confirming the successful formation of bioplastic. PPB showed a thickness of 0.18±0.01 mm, while cellulose-based bioplastic’s thickness ranged from 0.29±0.01 mm to 0.44±0.03 mm. The water absorption capacity was 91.5% for PPB and decreased progressively from 86.9±0.05% (SCB1) to 46.3±0.01% (SCB5) with increasing cellulose concentration. All the bioplastic films were completely degradable within 28 to 40 days. Bioplastics derived from these eco-friendly and renewable resources alleviate environmental degradation and dependence on synthetic plastics.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles formulation via Iphiona mucronata aqueous extracts: characterization, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity on human prostate cancer cell line (PC3)
Full text linkGreen synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts has emerged as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. Iphiona mucronata, a desert plant rich in bioactive metabolites, represents a promising candidate for nanoparticle fabrication with potential biomedical applications. The study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles from I. mucronata shoots and to characterize their properties and assess their economic feasibility. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by treating a zinc sulfate solution with the plant extract. Characterization using UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, and zeta potential analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO nanoparticles less than 100 nm in size. The GC-MS analysis of the I. mucronata methanolic extract revealed 31 chemical compounds, including palmitic acid (17.95%) and stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, (3α,22E)- (13.52%). Moreover, GC-MS analysis identified various compounds, including fatty acids, esters, terpenes, steroids, and hydrocarbons, in the plant\u27s methanol extract. The plant extract and ZnO nanoparticles showed antioxidant activity, with IC50 (mg/ml) values of 25.54 and 47.03, respectively. The study found that the zinc nanoparticle solution was significantly cytotoxic to prostate cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 19.01 µg/mL compared to the plant extract (IC50 = 73.81 µg/mL). Plant extracts and metal nanoparticles did not impede WI-38 cell growth, as indicated by IC50 values exceeding 100 µg/mL. The green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles have potential applications in biomedicine due to their antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Effect of using Hevea seed meal at different levels on Isa brown laying hen performance and egg quality
Full text linkEgg consumption remains high in developing countries, yet the cost of poultry feed poses a significant challenge for farmers, limiting their ability to use commercial options. To address this, alternative feed sources for egg-laying hens need to be explored. In Côte d\u27Ivoire, Hevea brasiliensis trees’ seeds are abundant but largely underutilized. These seeds have potential as dietary supplements in layer feed. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of incorporating H. brasiliensis seed meal into a white corn-based diet on laying performance, egg quality, yolk color, and composition. A total of 300 hens, 32 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to 30 pens with 10 hens per pen, and distributed across six dietary treatments with 5 replicates each over a period of 13 weeks. Two control groups received diets based on either yellow corn (Ye) or white corn (Wh). The remaining groups were fed on white corn diets supplemented with H. brasiliensis seed meal at inclusion rates of 2.5% (He2.5), 5% (He5), 7.5% (He7.5), and 10% (He10). The He2.5 diet led to improved egg production. Additionally, increasing levels of Hevea seed meal were associated with a decrease in yolk total cholesterol. However, higher inclusion rates also led to progressively yellow yolk colour compared to white corn-based diets. But, it did not fully restore the deep yellow pigmentation typically achieved with yellow corn. In conclusion, incorporating H. brasiliensis seed meal into white corn-based diets may be a cost-effective strategy to enhance egg production and reduce cholesterol content in eggs, though it may affect yolk pigmentation
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Vitex negundo: Pesticidal efficacy against Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera with a safety assessment
Full text linkPlant-based metallic nanoparticles hold promise for agricultural applications. This study investigated the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Vitex negundo leaf extract. It assessed their pesticidal properties and safety. AgNPs were synthesized via aqueous extract and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) Characterization revealed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 435 nm, an average particle size of 236.4 nm, and a stable zeta potential. SEM confirmed spherical morphology, XRD indicated a face-centred cubic (fcc) structure, and FTIR confirmed biomolecule-mediated capping and stabilization. Larvicidal bioassays showed that 5 mg/L AgNPs caused 78-89% mortality in Spodoptera litura and 83-100% in Helicoverpa armigera. In both pests, oxidative stress was triggered. Catalase (CAT) activity increased by over 80% in S.litura and moderately in H. armigera. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity declined post-treatment, from 9.4 to 5.0 mM/min/mg protein in H. armigera and from 1.0 to 0.7 mM/min/mg protein in S. litura, indicating impaired detoxification. In Oreochromis urolepis, AgNPs (5, 10, and 25 mg/L) induced oxidative stress without mortality. CAT activity decreased within 24 hours (72.4% at 5 mg/L) and remained suppressed by day 5 (36.7% at 25 mg/L). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at 5 mg/L (19.8%) and 25 mg/L (54.8%), while GST initially declined but rebounded at higher concentrations. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels increased by 24.3% at 25 mg/L, indicating adaptation. This study highlights that V. negundo-derived AgNPs are effective, eco-friendly biopesticides with minimal non-target toxicity.
Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy technique as a taxonomic indicator in the classification of Klanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln. cultivars
Full text linkDetermining elemental mapping in living plant samples using the energy–dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy technique (SEM-EDS) can be used as an indicator to solve classification problems among closely related taxonomic ranks, such as cultivars and other intraspecific categories. Four cultivars of Klanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln.: K. blossfeldiana Clandiva Monro ( white petals), K. blossfeldiana Clandiva Hayworth (red petals), K. blossfeldiana Clandiva Fonda ( yellow petals ), and K. blossfeldiana Clandiva Bardot (orange petals) were investigated by ( SEM – EDS ) to explain element distribution in relation to petals colour to find out similarities and differences among these cultivars. All the investigated elements were common in all studied cultivars\u27 petals except ( Al3+) ; ( Si3+) ; ( Ni2+ ) were absent in some studied cultivars and present in the others . Scanning electron microscope (SEM) Microphotograph of four K. blossfeldiana Cultivars petals showed different patterns from layer composition of zigzag form and very fine structures in K. blossfeldiana Clandiva Monro to regular composition of circular grooves and chains of luminous white structures of irregular thickness in K. blossfeldiana Clandiva Hayworth, and white Y-shaped structures appeared higher than grey ones in K. blossfeldiana Clandiva Fonda and K. blossfeldiana Clandiva Bardot, which had orange petals showing slightly zigzag structures with light gray to white in color, and irregular-shaped small structures. This research highlights the possibility of using elemental mapping and linking it with petal colour traits in plant classification.
Isolation of cis-2-methylpalmitolein-9 acid from the fungus Trichoderma asperellum Uz-A4 and its Spectroscopic analysis
Full text linkToday, the use of natural and non-harmful substances is one of the main and a pressing issue in all industries. In this regard, most researchers are focused on extracting the necessary components from natural sources and raw materials. At the same time, the purpose of the present practical work is based on the extraction of biologically active substances from microbodies (fungi). In this exploratory study, the extraction of secondary metabolites from the strain Trichoderma asperellum Uz-A4 was performed. Fungal biomass was prepared and extracted using alcoholic extraction, and the resulting extract was fractionated by column chromatography using various solvents. In the chloroform: methanol 9:1 system step of the fractionation process, a high content of cis-2-methylpalmitolein-9 acid was formed, along with a number of secondary metabolites. For the first time, this unsaturated fatty acid was isolated from the strain of Trichodema asperellum Uz-A4. When the structure of this substance was isolated as a pure substance and its structure was studied by other spectroscopic assays, it turned out to be cis-2-methylpalmitoleic acid.
Prevalence of BlaOXA-48, BlaDIM-1, and BlaKPC1 genes in carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas species isolated from wastewater and clinical samples from Baghdad hospitals
Full text linkAntibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health, driven by misuse and overuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture. Among Gram-negative bacteria, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas species are particularly worrisome due to their ability to harbor resistance genes such as blaOXA-48, blaDIM-1, and blaKPC1. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of blaOXA-48, blaDIM-1, and blaKPC1 genes in Pseudomonas isolates from wastewater and clinical samples collected from two Baghdad hospitals. Sixty-nine (69) samples, including blood, urine, wounds, ear swabs, and wastewater, were cultured and subjected to morphological and biochemical analyses. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the VITEK 2 system. Molecular analysis was conducted through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the most common resistance genes (blaOXA-48, blaDIM-1, and blaKPC1). Out of sixty-nine samples, thirty-two Pseudomonas isolates were identified, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounting for 65.62% of isolates. Other isolates included P. putida (21.5%), P. sutzeri (21.5%), P. fluorescens (6.25%), and P. lutrola (3.13%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 31.25% of isolates were resistant to carbapenems, classifying them as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated the presence of blaOXA-48 and blaDIM-1 genes in 15.62 and 6.25% of isolates, respectively, with one isolate harboring both genes. No blaKPC1 gene was detected. The present study highlights the alarming dissemination of carbapenem resistance genes in clinical and environmental settings, posing a significant challenge to effective treatment. Findings underscore the importance of molecular epidemiological surveillance to inform targeted interventions and mitigate the spread of resistance in resource-limited settings like Baghdad.