BIOTROPIA - The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Biology
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WILD EDIBLE PLANTS IN ENHANCING POST-DISASTER FOOD SECURITY, ORMOC CITY, PHILIPPINES
Article Highlights:- Wild edible plants (WEPs) in Ormoc City, Philippines, serve as critical food sources during disasters, offering essential nutrients and aiding food security.- Melastoma malabathricum is rich in calcium, magnesium, and manganese, while Diplazium esculentum provides high levels of iron, copper, and zinc.- Wild fruits like Melastoma malabathricum, Annona montana, and Rubus fraxinifolius contribute significant Vitamin C to the local diet.- These plants not only provide sustenance but also offer medicinal benefits, emphasizing the need for further research, conservation, and sustainable use.
ABSTRACTWild Edible Plants (WEPs) are a valuable resource for communities facing food insecurity, and their nutritional profiles can provide essential dietary needs, especially in disaster-prone regions like the Philippines. This paper explores the nutritional value of wild edible plants (WEPs) in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines, with a particular focus on their role in addressing food security issues during natural disasters. The research included surveying the WEPs used by the local community in Ormoc City and analyzing these plants\u27 nutrient and mineral composition. The study\u27s key findings included identifying 15 plant species from 13 families. Melastoma malabathricum showed the highest Ca, Mg and Mn content; while Diplazium esculentum leaves had the highest iron, copper and zinc content. Furthermore, relatively high vitamin C content was found in wild fruits M. malabathricum, Annona montana, and Rubus fraxinifolius. The plants analyzed were rich in essential nutrients, including minerals (Ca, Na, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn), crude fiber and vitamin C. The different plants excelled in different nutritional aspects, suggesting a diverse dietary potential. These plants play a crucial role in the local community, providing not only sustenance but also medicinal applications. Further research and conservation efforts should be encouraged to harness the nutritional and economic potential of these plants while ensuring their sustainable utilization and preservation
EXISTING CONDITION OF GASTROPODS COMMUNITY IN COASTAL AREAS AFFECTED BY NICKEL OVERBURDEN IN POMALAA DISTRICT, SOUTHEAST SULAWESI PROVINCE, INDONESIA
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHT
The present investigation provides substantiated empirical evidence demonstrating that nickel extraction operations have exerted considerable detrimental effects on the ecological integrity of the Pomalaa coastal region in Southeast Sulawesi. Environmental degradation and disruption of ecological equilibrium have been observed as direct consequences of persistent overburden waste disposal. The introduction of mining overburden into the Pomalaa coastal ecosystem has resulted in the extirpation of critical gastropod taxa and significant population reductions among persisting species when compared with control sites featuring undisturbed substrate conditions. The documented diminished gastropod population densities within nickel mining-affected zones serve as biological indicators of profound environmental deterioration attributable to these industrial activities.
ABSTRACT
Pomalaa District is the largest existing nickel mining center in Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Pollutants from various anthropogenic activities, especially nickel mining overburden, end up in the Pomalaa coastal area. This research aimed to determine the structure of the gastropods community in the impacted area and reference site. This research was carried out in the Pomalaa coastal area, Kolaka Regency, from June to October 2023. Research stations were determined using purposive sampling method and simple random sampling techniques. On-site collecting gastropods samples were carried out manually (handpicking method). Impacted area and reference site showed significant differences in the number of species (16 and 21 species), presence, and density of gastropods, even though their respective ecological index categories were relatively the same (H\u27 = 1.92 & 2.72; R = 2.93 & 3.41; E = 0.55 & 0.78; C = 0.001 & 0.04). In the impacted area, the density of gastropods was very low (1 - 3 ind./m2), whereas at the reference site, the density reached 10 - 30 ind./m2. Gastropods inhabiting rocks or hard substrates, were relatively unaffected by the overburden, proven by stable population with a high density of 45 - 115 ind./m2. Nickel overburden input flowing to the Pomalaa coastal area greatly influenced the gastropods community in terms of species composition and density. On the other hand, the habitat (substrate) of gastropods as benthic organisms was covered and degraded by overburden piles up to 15 - 30 cm deep, which was still increasing over time. On the other hand, in the reference site area, the condition was inversely proportional
BIOREFINERY OF MICROALGAE: THE WORLD’S GREEN GEM FOR THE FUTURE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Article Highlights:- Integrated biorefinery provides economic and environmental benefits- Microalgae produce higher lipid content than plants- Generally, microalgae produce higher carbohydrate contents essential for bioethanol- Biohydrogen produced by microalgae is a future energy source- As a biofertilizer, microalgae promotes plant growth
Abstract:Industrial and household activities leading to many pollutants have been reduced by the presence of microalgae in the phycoremediation. Microalgae transform pollutants into many forms of biorefinery, such as biofuel, biojet, bioethanol, biohydrogen, and biofertilizer. The chemical residue resulted from household and industrial activities has abundant elements (N, P, C) for microalgal cell growth. The contents of a microalgal cell, like lipid and carbohydrates, depend on the nutrition in the medium, the cultivation system, the microorganism-mediator, and the applied technology. Chlorella vulgaris, Botryococcus braunii, Spirulina platensis, Chlorella sp., Chlamydomonas sp., and Chlorococcum sp., are potential lipid-producing microalgae and are applied in biofuel and biojet. The carbohydrate of Cyanobacteria synechoccus sp., Nannochloropsis oculata, and Arthospira platensis is the main content to be utilized in bioethanol. Meanwhile, for the application of biohydrogen, H2 gas is converted from Scenedesmus obliquus fermentation. However, the process of bioethanol and biohydrogen needs bacteria as a mediator of fermentation. Spirulina and Scenedesmus are examples of microalgae supporting soil fertility as biofertilizers. Extraction of microalgae can increase growth promotors for plants, like amino acids, peptides, and proteins, and also antibacterial and antifungal. Optimizing excellent microalgae content in bioenergy will face several challenges, for example, imbalances of organic waste. However, the phycoremediation of microalgae is a sustainable and futuristic solution to fulfill the need for energy stock
SUSTAINABLE BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT: MITIGATING ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND SUPPORTING MARINE AND COASTAL BIODIVERSITY
ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS• Reviews global ballast water management for ecological sustainability• Integrates technological, policy, and social perspectives• Links ballast water control to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)• Identifies hybrid treatment systems as most effective and eco-safe• Proposes strategies for harmonized global compliance and cooperationABSTRACTBallast water is crucial for the stability and safety of ships but poses significant environmental, economic, and public health risks due to the introduction of invasive species, pathogens, and pollutants into marine ecosystems. This review explores the ecological impacts of ballast water discharge, including biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and public health threats from pathogens and harmful algal blooms. Economic consequences, such as damage to fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal infrastructure, are discussed, along with the social impacts on communities reliant on marine resources. Existing regulatory frameworks, such as the International Maritime Organization\u27s Ballast Water Management Convention, and national policies aim to mitigate these challenges but face implementation and enforcement hurdles. Advancements in treatment technologies are reviewed, including mechanical, chemical, physical, and emerging methods like advanced oxidation processes, electrochlorination, and nanotechnology. Integrated treatment systems are highlighted for their potential to address the limitations of single-method approaches. Case studies illustrate successful implementations, while challenges in cost, scalability, and compliance are identified. The review emphasizes the alignment of ballast water management practices with sustainable development goals, advocating for innovation, international collaboration, and capacity building to enhance effectiveness. Future directions include the optimization of treatment technologies, harmonization of regulations, and incentivization of compliance to achieve global environmental and economic resilience. This review underscores the urgency of advancing sustainable ballast water management to protect marine ecosystems, support coastal economies, and promote public health worldwide
EFFECTS OF PHOSPHATE-SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA FROM PROBIOTIC AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION ON JUICE CHARACTERISTICS OF BROWN MIDRIB SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L. MOENCH)
HIGHLIGHTS- Bacillus sp. probiotics can replace 100% inorganic phosphate fertilizer.- Sorghum stem diameter strongly correlates with juice volume.- Juice yield was not affected by phosphorus dose or Bacillus sp. colony size.- Sorghum juice sugar content reached 11.77–12.75% Brix.- Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria improved phosphorus availability in ultisol.
ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to observe the effects of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) combined with different phosphorus fertilizer levels on the juice characteristics of the BMR sorghum mutant line. The research was carried out at the Edufarm of the Faculty of Animal Science, Andalas University, Padang, using a randomized block design (RBD) with four treatments and four replications. The treatments were as follows: P0 = Urea + KCl + 0% TSP + PSB; P1 = Urea + KCl + 50% TSP + PSB; P2 = Urea + KCl + 75% TSP + PSB; and P3 = Urea + KCl + 100% TSP (control). The PSB used was obtained from Waretha Probiotics, consisting of Bacillus sp. culture at a dose of 10 mL per planting hole, equivalent to 10⁷ cfu/g. The parameters measured were sugar content (%Brix), volume of stem juice (mL), and the correlation of various parameters with stem juice volume. The results showed that the application of probiotic Bacillus sp. and different dosages of phosphorus fertilizer did not result in significant differences for all parameters (P > 0.05). Sugar content and juice volume ranged from 11.78 to 12.75 (%Brix) and 188.75 to 218.5 (mL/stem), respectively. The correlation coefficient analysis indicated significant positive correlations between stem diameter (r = 0.575*) and fresh stem weight (r = 0.504*) with the volume of sorghum stem juice. It was concluded that the application of PSB from Bacillus sp. can replace phosphorus fertilizer, producing sugar content and juice yield comparable to the 100% P fertilizer treatment. A correlation was observed between stem diameter and fresh stem weight with stem juice volume. PSB was found to play a crucial role in increasing phosphate availability to plants. The implications of this research include the potential production of forage sorghum with high Brix content for ruminant energy and Water-Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) for silage production
IN SILICO STUDY OF JATI (Tectona grandis) LEAF CONSTITUENTS AS TRADITIONAL WOUND CARE
HIGHLIGHTS- T. grandis leaf methanolic extract contains 82 compounds, with 17 being predominant.- Epigallocatechin 3-O cinnamate, epigallocatechin 3-O-p-coumarate, and tectograndinol predicted as the potential bioactive compounds in wound healing- Molecular docking suggests inhibitory activities against NF-κB, MMP-2, and MMP-9, and stimulatory activity against EGFR-1 that comparable to commercial drugs.
ABSTRACTWound-healing process involves a physiological cascade to restore skin integrity, which includes inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and tissue reconstruction. Prolonged inflammation in wound-healing process may lead to a chronic wound stage. Proper wound care is needed to prevent wound-caused mortality. Several studies showed the potential of T. grandis leaf in wound-healing process. However, the bioactive compounds and the molecular mechanism of T. grandis leaf remains unknown. This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds and biological activity contained in T. grandis leaf extract as well as analyze its molecular mechanism in wound-healing process by conducting in silico study using NF-κB, MMP-2, MMP-9, and EGFR-1. Bioactive compounds of T. grandis leaf extract were identified with LC-MS. Three potential compounds, epigallocatechin 3-O cinnamate, epigallocatechin 3-O-p-coumarate, and tectograndinol, were selected based on the Pa score screening with the PASS prediction. Drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics properties of the selected compounds were virtually identified by SwissADME and Protox. The interactions of T. grandis bioactive compounds toward NF-κB, MMP-2, MMP-9, and EGFR-1 were compared to those of curcumin, phenytoin, and nitrofurazone as control. Molecular docking to identify the protein-ligand interaction was performed by Autodock Vina integrated in PyRx v.0.8. Among 82 bioactive compounds detected in the LC-MS analysis, epigallocatechin 3-O-cinnamate, epigallocatechin 3-O-p coumarate, and tectograndinol exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, free radical scavenger, and MMP-9 inhibitor activities. According to Lipinski’s rule of five, bioactive compounds are possible to be administered as medication. Molecular docking showed that bioactive compounds potentially bound to the active sites of NF-κB, MMP-2, and MMP-9, resulting in proteins inhibition. This study suggested that the wound-healing mechanism of T. grandis bioactive compounds were driven by EGFR-1 stimulation indicated by the ability of bioactive compounds to interact with EGFR-1 in similar manner to those of nitrofurazone. We concluded that bioactive compounds of T. grandis leaf extract has significant potential to be used as traditional wound treatment and therapy. These compounds demonstrated wound-healing activity in silico by interacting with the key molecular targets, including NF-κB, MMP-2, MMP-9, and EGFR-1
MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF WAXY GENE MARKERS IN SORGHUM CROSSES KD4 AND BONTEB GUNUNGKIDUL
HIGHLIGHTS- Local sorghum crosses show unique fixation of the waxy starch gene allele- Only Wxc allele is expressed, while other waxy alleles are not detected- Waxy allele expression strongly relates to low amylose grain quality- Marker-based selection supports breeding of soft-textured sorghum- Findings enhance sorghum use for food, feed, and industrial applicationsABSTRACTSorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a food crop exhibiting resilience to extreme environmental conditions and potential to develop as an alternative food source. Quality of sorghum seeds is significantly influenced by starch composition in endosperm regulated by waxy (Wx) gene. This gene has several major alleles: Wxa, Wxb, and Wxc, playing roles in amylopectin and amylose syntheses. The purpose of study is to analyze the expression of Wx alleles in the crossbreeding of sorghum cultivars KD4 and Bonteb Gunungkidul. Main method used was molecular marker-based PCR method. Leaf and seed samples of sorghum were collected and extracted using the CTAB method to obtain high-quality genomic DNA. PCR reactions were performed with specific primers for each allele, and the amplification results were analyzed through 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was performed to ensure result significance through: Chi-Square Test to determine relationships between waxy allele expression with genetic segregation within cross populations, Allele Frequency Analysis to determine distribution of waxy genotypes within populations by comparing counts showing expressions of Wxa, Wxb, and Wxc, and Pearson Correlation Test to evaluate relationships between waxy gene expression with specific agronomic traits (e.g., amylose content). Main findings showed that only Wxc allele did exhibit a clear amplification band, while Wxa and Wxb did not show significant expression. Further studies are needed to understand the regulation of Wx gene expression and its potential implications to molecular selection, ultimately enhancing sorghum quality for both food and industrial applications
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON OVA RECOVERY IN Bos indicus AND Bos taurus CATTLE: A SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS STUDY
HIGHLIGHTS- Domestic cattle sub species of Bos indicus shows higher ova in their reproduction than Bos taurus- In vitro techniques produce higher ova recovery than in vivo techniques.- Dairy cattle showed higher ova recovery than in beef cattle or dual-purpose cattleABSTRACTEmbryo transfer biotechnology has long been applied and is massively used to increase female cattle\u27s reproductive ability. This biotechnology is done with the hope of increasing livestock productivity. Extensive research has been carried out and the responses of each breed of cattle shows varied. This research was conducted to determine whether the cattle breed influences the oocyte and embryo recovery rate in the embryo transfer process. A meta-analysis study was conducted on published research regarding the potential for ova recovery of Bos taurus and Bos indicus. Screening process resulted 14 publications with 21 studies were obtained which could be analyzed further. Cattle breed influence on ova recovered indicated by Standardize Mean Difference (SMD) 0.72 ± 0.206, 95% CI: 0.32–1.11. The heterogeneity test showed that there was a difference between studies (I2 = 89.99, p<0.01). The effect size classification shows in medium category. Based on moderator variable analyses, Bos indicus showed a higher potential for ova recovery than Bos taurus with in vitro techniques. Sub-group analysis of cattle types showed that the difference in ova between the two breeds was significant in the dairy type (p<0.01), while there was no difference in the dual-purpose vs. dairy
PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY OF JAKARTA BAY IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT: CLIMATE CHANGE AND ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACTS
Jakarta Bay receives direct impact from the rapid development of infrastructure and landbased industries which contributed to the increase in pollution and nutrient, and at the same time facing climate change. This condition influenced growth of chlorophyll- and primary production. To investigate changes of primary production in Jakarta Bay due to anthropogenic and climate change impacts, a field measurement, laboratory experiment and collection of several data sets have been conducted. The study showed that impact of anthropogenic, particularly sediment load from the land to primary production is important. The intensification of primary production occurs in the middle region of Jakarta Bay, while the chlorophyllconcentration is high in the river mouth area. The anthropogenic impact is indicated by the land use change that has increased to 73% during the last ten years. The laboratory experiments by injecting CO in the waters, as a global warming simulation, have shown a decrease in chlorophyll- and primary production. Therefore, the combination of anthropogenic and climate changemay have a double impact on the Jakarta Bay ecosystem.Key words: Primary production, Jakarta Bay, anthropogenic, climate change, impac
The POTENTIAL OF Syzigium aromaticum L. TO CONTROL LEAF SPOT DISEASE (Cercospora capsici) IN CAYENNE PEPPER (Capsicum frutescens L.)
Article Highlights: - In preliminary lab tests, clove leaf extract clearly slowed C. capsici growth.- Field trials assessed its potential to reduce leaf spot disease in cayenne pepper.- Applying concentrations above 15 g/L tended to lower the observed disease intensity.- The same concentration range was also linked to an increase in leaf number.- However, low field disease incidence limited detectable yield responses.Abstract:Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) is a spice plant that has good prospects for development in Indonesia because of its high market demand. There are several problems in increasing the production of this crop, one of which the plant diseases. One of the main diseases in cayenne pepper is leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Cercospora capsici (Heald & F.A. Wolf). Chemical pesticides can effectively control the disease but they have negative effects on the environments. Clove tree (Syzigium aromaticum L.) is usually cultivated for its dried clove buds that can be used for many other purposes. Besides, because of their contents, the leaves of clove tree have a potential to reduce the intensity of leaf spot disease. Therefore, the aims of the study were (1) to determine the effects of clove leaf extract on reducing the intensity of Cercospora capsici (Heald & F.A. Wolf) in cayenne pepper, and (2) to determine the effective concentration of the extract in reducing the intensity of the disease. The experiment used a randomized block design (RBD) with 5 treatments and 5 replications, namely: A = control (water only), B = 10 g clove leaf extract/L water, C = 15 g clove leaf extract/L water, D = 20 g clove leaf extract/L water, and E = 25 g clove leaf extract/L water. The results showed that the applications of leaf extract of Syzigium aromaticum L. could reduce the intensity of the leaf spot disease caused by Cercospora capsici, but the applications had no effect on the yield of the cayenne pepper. The ineffectiveness of treatments on the yield was deduced due to the lowness of the intensities of the disease in all treatments including the control