BIOTROPIA - The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Biology
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USE OF BIOLOGICAL ORGANIC FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES TO IMPROVE POTATO CULTIVATION IN SLOPE ANDISOLS
Get PDFIn the 1990s, potato yield in the Andisols of Dieng, Central Java, Indonesia, was approximately 30 t ha–1, but this value decreased rapidly to 12–15 t ha–1 in recent years. This rapid decline could be attributed to the use of unbalanced organic and chemical fertilizers, without the application of conservation techniques. Therefore, this study aimed to sustainably improve the local potato cultivation pattern of farmers on Andisols using biological organic fertilizers and pesticides (BOFP). A randomized block design was used with two factors, namely: 1) 20 t BOFP, 300 kg Urea, 500 kg SP 36, 300 kg KCl, and 200 kg lime ha–1, and 2) comparison with the pattern of farmers, consisting of 20 t of chicken manure, 1–t NPK, and 250 kg ZA ha–1. The potato plant mounds were tilted 10% to the contour direction, and each treatment was carried out with 16 replications. Granola seeds were used to plant potato during the rainy season from March-June 2022. The results showed that the plants cultivated using the local pattern of farmers were affected by wilt from Fusarium spp, while the use of BOFP decreased the incidence of the disease by 80%. Furthermore, the BOFP pattern significantly increased Andisols organic-C from 1.78% to 3.83% and total soil P from 5.20% to 11.34%, compared to the pattern of farmers. It also increased potato yields from 12.31 t ha–1 to 22.93 t ha–1 and the R/C from 0.85 to 1.23, compared to the pattern of farmers. Based on the results, the use of BOFP pattern decreased wilt attacks by Fusarium spp, improved the productivity of Andisols, as well as increased potato production and profits of farmers
MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS ASSESSMENT OF BLUE-SPOTTED MUDSKIPPER Boleophthalmus boddarti IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
No full textMudskippers have a unique adaptation allowing them to live on the land and commonly inhabiting the mangrove ecosystem. A fundamental study on the Blue-spotted mudskippers, Boleopthalamus boddarti were purposely to identify the species through morphometric and meristic characteristics, observation on the gonad organs as well as to correlate with their length-weight relationship. Collection of B. boddarti (n=72) from Matang Perak, Pendas Johor and Pekan Pahang was conducted using hand and net. Data collection on seventeen morphometric and seven meristics characters, length and weight, and pictorial documentation on male and female gonads were conducted. The means of each characteristic were estimated by using analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with P<0.05. The morphometric analysis found eye diameter and posterior dorsal fin ray count characteristics were significantly different (P<0.05) followed by five meristics characteristics except for anterior dorsal fin ray count and upper jaw teeth characteristics (F value ≥ 1.0). The mature gonad of female B. boddarti was found with an ovary in bright yellow coloration, turgid, firm and visible presence of eggs. Male gonads were identified with a testis having two lobes, a swollen structure at the top of the elongated shape and appear pale pink and thicker than the immature testes that generally exist in string-like structures. The length and weight of the fish were found directly proportional to the regression curve displayed b≠3. Morphometric and meristic characteristics were a reliable method in the identification of fish in general and for B. boddarti in specific. The observation of gonads differentiation helps understand the mature and immature state of the sex organs. This study offered an easy, quick and low-cost approach in determining species and sexes compared to the molecular method
NUTRIENT PROFILE BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE (HERMETIA ILLUCENS): EFFECT OF FEEDING SUBSTRATE AND HARVESTED TIME
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to asses the effect of different feeding substrates (FS), harvesting times (HT), and the interaction between FS and HT on the chemical composition of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). The experiment used a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement with two main factors, FS (T1, T2, T3, T4), and HT (15-d and 20-d). Thus, there were eight treatment combinations, all together with five replications. The results show that there was no interaction (P>0.05) between FS and HT on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude lipid (CL), phosphorus (P), gross energy (GE), and amino acid contents. The ash content of BSFL grown on T2 media and harvested on day 15 was higher (P<0.05) than those grown on T2 media and harvested on day 20. The calcium (Ca) content of BSFL grown on all media and harvested on day 20 was higher (P<0.05) than those harvested on day 15. In conclusion, combining fruit wastes and tofu by-products produced BSFL with high CP content but low CL, ash, Ca, and P contents. In addition, BSFL grown on all substrates media and harvested on day 15 had better CP, Ca, and P contents. The dispensable amino acid of BSFLs fed with T3 diets was the best. The lowest body weight gain was produced by feeding a substrate containing a high percentage of rice bran. The findings indicate that the best nutrient composition of BSFL as animal feed would be achieved in early harvest time (15-d) and grown in heterogeneous feeding substrates
PRODUCTION OPTIMIZATION, PARTIAL PURIFICATION, AND THROMBOLYTIC ACTIVITY EVALUATION OF PROTEASE OF Bacillus cereus HSFI-10
Get PDFCardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality in the world due to the formation of blood clots or thrombi in blood vessels. Bacterial proteases commonly function as thrombus dissolver agents in the pharmaceutical industry. Bacterial isolate HSFI-10 (Holothuria scabra Fermented Intestine-10) previously isolated from Rusip fermented sea cucumber had demonstrated thrombolytic activity. This study aimed to produce crude protease of HSFI-10 strain at an optimized incubation time and determine the thrombolytic activity of crude and dialysate proteases on A, B, AB, and O blood types. Isolate HSFI-10 was first molecularly identified and found to be Bacillus cereus with a homology level of 99.80% with Bacillus cereus strain ST06. The optimum crude enzyme was obtained after 48-h incubation with an activity of 222.52 U/mL, which increased to 438.84 U/mL after ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. Clot lysis activity of crude enzymes was measured based on the gravimetry method on blood in the ABO system, showing results that ranged from 68.99% to 69.76%, while the dialysate ranged from 81.16% to 82.52%. In conclusion, partial purification of bacterial protease could increase both its specific and thrombolytic activities on human blood in the ABO system, with only 1% activity variability between A, B, AB, and O blood types
TEA SAPONIN MODULATES IN VITRO RUMEN FERMENTATION PROFILE AND REDUCES METHANE PRODUCTION: A META-ANALYSIS
No full textSaponins are secondary plant metabolites binding hydrophobic non-sugar components that can reduce ruminant methane (CH4) production. Previous studies revealed that tea saponin is one of the common sources of saponins used to reduce enteric CH4 production. However, the effect of different levels of dietary tea saponin on rumen fermentation remains inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tea saponin on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane production through a meta-analysis approach. A total of 6 articles were selected and included in the meta-analysis database, continued by the statistical analysis using SAS software through mixed model formula. The results showed that tea saponin levels lowered in vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD) and in vitro dried matter degradability (IVDMD; P=0.01) by a linear response. Furthermore, increased tea saponin levels in the diet reduced enteric CH4 emission expressed as CH4/DM substrate and CH4/IVOMD by a quadratic (P=0.01) and a linear response (P=0.04), respectively. Increased tea saponin levels also tended to decrease gas production linearly (P=0.08). Tea saponins inclusion also decreased pH levels linearly (P=0.04) but increased NH3 quadratically (P=0.01). Moreover, total VFA concentration in the rumen also raised quadratically, followed by the increased acetate (C2) and propionate (C3) proportion by a linear response (P<0.05). As a result, the C2/C3 ratio was decreased in a linear response (P=0.01) by the increased tea saponin levels, where the protozoa population was also diminished by a quadratic response (P=0.01). In conclusion, tea saponin levels directly reduced enteric CH4 production by diminishing microbial populations. 
DIVERSITY, ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF NEPENTHES IN WEST SUMATRA PROVINCE, INDONESIA
Get PDFNepenthes is the largest carnivorous plant genus present in Indonesia. There are 39 species of Nepenthes pitcher plants recorded in Sumatra from lowland to montane forests, and 34 of them are endemic; this represents the greatest species diversity of Nepenthes after Borneo. Field studies were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to increase our knowledge of the diversity, habitats and distributions of Nepenthes in West Sumatra province. Twenty-three species of Nepenthes were recorded from the province, consisting of 15 highland species, 4 mid-elevation species and 4 lowland species. Ecophysiological studies conducted at Bukit Malalak showed clumped distributions of N. bongso, N. dubia, N. eustachya and N. rhombicaulis. Foliar and pitcher fluid nutrient concentrations were found to be similar to those cited in other recent studies although growth rates were slightly more rapid than at Gunung Talang. Bukit Malalak is a new locality for two threatened species, namely N. dubia (CR) and N. rhombicaulis (VU), enlarging their extents of occurrence. In total, nine species from West Sumatra are threatened and conservation actions are urgently needed for these and other Nepenthes species remaining on the island
PRELIMINARY STUDY: FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DAILY ACTIVITY OF THREE COLORED LANGUR (Presbytis chrysomelas ssp cruciger Thomas, 1892) IN DANAU SENTARUM NATIONAL PARK
Get PDFThree colored langur (Presbytis chrysomelas ssp cruciger Thomas, 1892) is a primate that has been recognized as a critically endangered species in accordance with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, however still not protected and lacks substantial information about the bio-ecology of their natural habitat. The habitat plays a determining factor not only in space utilization but also the daily activities of the three colored langurs (P c cruciger). The aim of this preliminary study is to collect information regarding their habitat characteristic, feed species, daily activity, and canopy stratum utilization. This research was conducted between July and August of 2021 at Bukit Semujan, Lupak Mawang Resort, Danau Sentarum National Park. The method implemented was to collect the habitat characteristic by plot samples, and their daily activity data by scan sampling with consecutive recording. The study demonstrated that langur inhabited both primary as well as mixed forests (swamp, cultivation land, and secondary forest). There were 27 species as feeds of langurs and the most preferred types of feed are Gita susu (Willughbeia coriacea), Merepat (unidentified), and Karet (Hevea brasiliensis). The most preferred feed compositions consisted of leaves (50%), fruits (30%), and seeds (20%). The most frequently utilized stratum for activities was stratum C (70,49%) and B (27.87%). The highest daily activities were categorized into three parts of time, the morning was dominated by social (44,26%), the afternoon was dominated by rest (59,7 7%), and the evening was dominated by social (73,68%). The highest social activities shown by three colored langurs were agonistic (48,48%), followed by vocalization (39,39%), playing (10,61%), exploring (1,52%), and sexual (0%)
BRYOPHYTE DIVERSITY AND ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND AN INDUSTRIAL URBAN FOREST IN JAKARTA, INDONESIA
Get PDFBryophytes are nonvascular plants that have simple structures that are sensitive to environmental changes, and they can, therefore be used as indicators of air quality. The presence of bryophytes in disturbed urban ecosystems, such as residential and industrial areas, indicates that their structures have adapted to survive in such areas. The objective of this study was to compare the bryophyte diversity and air quality indices between a residential area and an industrial area in Jakarta. The research was conducted in the Bona Indah residential area in South Jakarta and the Jakarta Industrial Estate Pulogadung (JEIP) urban forest. Sampling was carried out using the transect method in the residential area and the quadratic method in the urban forest on three different substrates, namely rocks or concrete, soil and tree trunks. The percentage of the epiphytic bryophyte cover was measured using a 10 × 10 cm subplot. Voucher specimens were stored at the Herbarium UI DEP and Herbarium IPB. Twenty-one species of moss and three species of liverwort were found in the two locations. Bryophytes were found on all the substrates in the residential area, but in the urban forest, they were found only on tree trunks and rock/cement substrates. Based on the Shannon–Wiener Index, although both locations had moderate bryophyte diversity, the residential area’s bryophyte diversity was higher than that of the urban forest. The index of atmospheric purity in the residential area was 4.3, indicating a high level of pollution, and it was 0.3 in the urban forest, showing that it was also very polluted
DIVERSITY OF ECTOPARASITES ON BATS IN DRAMAGA, BOGOR, INDONESIA
Get PDFEctoparasites infestation is one of the major health problems affecting animals, including bats, which are known as reservoir hosts for various pathogens. Several reports have shown that a comprehensive understanding of ectoparasites on these animals is crucial from a public health perspective. Therefore, this study aims to identify the diversity of ectoparasites on bats in Dramaga, Bogor, Indonesia. The samples were captured at night with a mist net and then identified using the species identification key. Ectoparasites were collected from the body of the samples and identified using a microscope. A total of 56 bats from 9 species, namely Cynopterus brachyotis, Cynopterus sphinx, Cynopterus titthaecheilus, Macroglossus sobrinus, Rousettus leschenaultii, Myotis muricola, Nycteris javanica, Pipistrellus javanicus, and Scotophilus kuhlii were obtained in this study. The results of ectoparasites identification showed the presence of Basilia spp., Eucampsipoda sp., Leptocyclopodia ferrarii (Nycteribiidae), Raymondia sp. (Streblidae), Meristaspis spp., Spinturnix spp. (Spinturnicidae), and ticks (Ixodidae). The total prevalence of infested bats was 51.7%, with females tending to have a higher intensity compared to males. Bats species with the highest prevalence of infestation were Rousettus leschenaultii and Myotis muricola. Meanwhile, this study found no ectoparasites on Macroglossus sobrinus and Scotophilus kuhlii
ANNUAL CARBON CAPTURE POTENTIAL IN BANANA GARDENS OF INDIA
Get PDFThe global interest in increasing the world\u27s carbon stocks is skewed towards perennial woody ecosystems. But a continuous shortage of land stands in the way of achieving the goal. We must therefore aim to explore viable alternatives. The banana as a potential carbon sequester attracted little attention from researchers. Therefore, this study aimed at estimating the potential of bananas in different states of India as potential carbon sequesters. Data was collected from twelve major banana producers between January 2021 and December 2022. One hundred banana gardens were sampled in each of the 12 banana-producing states, covering the major bananas grown (AAA, AAB, and ABB). The above-ground (AGB) and below-ground (BGB) biomass were calculated using the allometric equation with pseudostem volume as the allometric parameter. The dry weight obtained from the allometric equations was then converted to carbon using a dry weight to carbon conversion factor. Sequestered carbon varied with the AAA, AAB, and ABB of bananas. Banana plant carbon stock was also found to be very small, ranging from 2.573 to 6.407 t/ha, compared with very high soil carbon ranging from 39.55 to 77.14t. In all the banana-cultivating states, the proportion of carbon contained in the plant to that in the soil was only 8.286 percent, and that of soil carbon accounted for 91.714%. At the national level, the banana crop sequestered 48.627 million metric tonnes of carbon, with soil carbon accounting for 44.798 metric tonnes and plant carbon accounting for only 3.828 metric tonnes per year. Despite these small amounts of plant carbon, the banana cropping system enriches the soil by enabling much more carbon to be sequestered into the soil in amounts comparable to other perennial plantations