BIOTROPIA - The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Biology
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MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TOTAL FLAVONOID CONTENT IN PEEL EXTRACTS OF FOUR BANANA CULTIVARS FROM INDONESIA (Musa spp.)
No full textHIGHLIGHTS- Wild banana morphology links to high peel flavonoid content.- Klutuk banana peel has the highest antioxidant potential.- Morphological traits can predict nutraceutical value in bananas.- Banana peel waste is a valuable source of natural antioxidants.- Conservation of wild germplasm is crucial for bioactive compounds.ABSTRACTBanana is a commodity with high genetic diversity in Indonesia, often leading to identification issues due to synonymy and homonymy. Accurate morphological characterization is essential for germplasm management and breeding programs. Concurrently, high consumption of banana generates significant banana peel waste, which is a potential source of bioactive compounds like flavonoids. This study aimed to characterize the morphology of four banana varieties (Cavendish, Kepok, Raja, Klutuk) from the Yogyakarta Banana Germplasm Garden and analyze the total flavonoid content (TFC) in banana peels. Morphological characterization was conducted following the IPGRI descriptor list, and TFC was measured spectrophotometrically and expressed as mg Quercetin Equivalent per gram (mgQE/g). The results revealed distinct morphological profiles for each variety, with the wild-type Klutuk banana exhibiting the tallest pseudostem and seedy fruit. The TFC analysis showed a significant variation, where Klutuk peel had the highest content (0.453 mg QE/g), followed by Kepok (0.386 mg QE/g), Cavendish (0.146 mg QE/g), and Raja (0.139 mg QE/g). The high flavonoid content in the morphologically distinct Klutuk variety suggests a correlation between its wild morphological traits and enhanced production of defensive phytochemicals. These findings underscore the value of morphological data for identifying cultivars with high nutraceutical potential, promoting the utilization of banana peel waste as a source of natural antioxidants
EFFECT OF ANTI-MOLD AND MYCOTOXIN BINDER ON CORN QUALITY AND BROILER PERFORMANCE
Full text linkArticle Highlights:- The anti-mold used effectively maintained low aflatoxin levels in 13% moisture corn.- Synthetic mold inhibitors effectively decreased aflatoxin levels in corn during storage and maintained some nutritional quality- Mycotoxin binder supplementation did not improve broiler- Broiler performance declined as aflatoxin concentrations increased
Abstract:
The quality of animal feed is determined by high-quality ingredients and appropriate feed additives. This study aimed to assess: 1) the nutrient and aflatoxin total (AT) content of corn treated with an anti-mold (A) and 2) broiler performance fed with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated diets supplemented with a mycotoxin binder (MB). Two experiments were carried out to achieve the objectives. Experiment 1 was set up with a 2 x 2 Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with two factors: moisture content (MC at 13 and 15%) and anti-mold (A, -/+). Meanwhile, Experiment 2 was set up with a 3 x 2 Factorial Completely Randomized Design with two factors: the AFB1 (< 100, 165, 222 µg/kg) and MB (-/ +). The MC and A interaction was significant (P < 0.01) on the aflatoxin total of corn throughout the 2-month assay. The utilization of the anti-mold in afla-corn with different moisture levels did not influence (P > 0.05) corn’s nutrient content. The MC x A interaction was significant (P < 0.05) in the valine and glycine content of the stored corn. In the second experiment, no interaction of AFB1 x MB (P > 0.05) was observed in the bird’s performance during the study. The AFB1 Concentration (AC) of corn decreased significantly (P < 0.05 to 0.001) in feed intake, body weight gain, and feed efficiency of birds. Our study concluded that the anti-mold effectively maintained low aflatoxin levels in 13% moisture corn. Also, the anti-mold did not affect the nutrient profile of corn during storage. Our study also showed that mycotoxin binder supplementation did not improve broiler performance and broiler performance declined as aflatoxin concentrations increased
METABOLITE PROFILING OF MORINGA USING PY-GCMS AND TOLERANCE EVALUATION TO ALUMINUM ON IN VITRO CULTURE
Full text linkArticle Highlight:
Four accessions of Moringa oleifera from different regions in Indonesia were evaluated to identify with tolerance to aluminium (Al) stress
Eight metabolites show a very high correlation with acetic acid (one of the metabolites associated with AlCl3 stress) including cyclopentene, 2-allyphenol, 4-ethynyl-6-8-dioxane, vinyl ether, ethanone 1-oxiranyl, 2-methylpyridine, 2-butanone, and ethanesulfonic acid.
This research makes a significant contribution to understanding aluminium tolerance in oleifera by identifying tolerant accessions, clustering relevant traits, and highlighting key metabolites to in vitro culture.
ABSTRACT
Moringa oleifera Linn. has received substantial scientific interest due to its numerous bioactive compounds and its function as a nutritional resource. The absorption of aluminum by plants hinders several metabolic and physiological processes, leading to inhibited plant development and decreased agricultural output. Some accessions from different regions in Indonesia were evaluated to identify those with tolerance to aluminum (Al) stress. Al-tolerant selection was carried out in vitro through the selection method for Al stress by adding 0, 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/L of AlCl3 to the media. Furthermore, identifying the metabolite profile of four M. oleifera accessions from four distinct regions in Indonesia: Blora, Bogor, Enrekang, and Bima, has been done using Py-GCMS. Specific metabolites associated with tolerance to Al stress and organic acids need to be identified. The highest survival rate was observed in the Bogor and Blora accessions when exposed to AlCl₃ at concentrations ranging from 0 to 250 mg/L, demonstrating greater tolerance to AlCl₃ than other accessions based on various variable, such as shoot height, number of shoots, number of petioles on a medium containing 100 to 250 mg/L of AlCl₃. The mean value was not statistically different from the control. Acetic acid was identified as one of the metabolites associated with AlCl₃ stress. A total of 21 metabolites were specifically correlated with acetic acid in a positive manner, among which 8 metabolites including cyclopentene, 2-allyphenol, 4-ethynyl-6-8-dioxane, vinyl ether, ethanone 1-oxiranyl, 2-methylpyridine, 2-butanone, and ethanesulfonic acid exhibited a very high correlation
INVASIVE ALIEN PLANT SPECIES IN THE RIPARIAN AREAS OF NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES
Full text linkARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- A pioneering study of invasive alien plant species in the riparian areas of Northern Samar- Species composition, endemism, and conservation status of introduced species- Out of 65 introduced species, 32 were listed as invasiveABSTRACTRiparian areas are highly dynamic and naturally disturbed, making them particularly susceptible to invasion. Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) are widely distributed in these areas due to the favorable environmental conditions that support their growth and persistence. This study is a pioneering effort to document the invasive alien plant species thriving in the riparian zones of Allen, Biri, Catarman, Gamay, Mapanas, Laoang, Lapinig, Las Navas, and Pambujan in Northern Samar. Sampling was conducted from March to December 2023. Six transect lines, each measuring two kilometers per site, were established in the riparian areas to identify existing invasive alien plants. In total, 60 transect lines were set up across all sampling areas. As a result, 65 introduced plant species belonging to 24 families and 56 genera were documented in the riparian areas of Northern Samar. The families with the highest number of species were Poaceae (13 spp.), Asteraceae (12 spp.), Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae (5 spp. each). The remaining families had fewer than five species each. The most common invasive plant species recorded was Psidium guajava L., which was present in all sampling areas. Based on life forms, the study identified two tree species, 17 shrubs, three vines, one epiphyte, and 42 herbs. Conservation status was determined using the latest IUCN and DENR listings (2017–11). One taxon was classified as Data Deficient, 32 as Least Concerned, and the remaining species as Not Evaluated. In contrast, no taxa were assessed in the DENR 2017–11 listing. Furthermore, of the 65 introduced plant species documented, 10 were recorded as invasive in the Global Invasive Species Database, while 22 were listed in the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species Database. Although invasive alien species have long been recognized as posing serious threats to human health, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and natural biodiversity, no comprehensive assessment of their status, trends, causes, impacts, management, and governance issues has been conducted worldwide. Thus, this study aimed to supplement existing data on invasive plants and assist policymakers in developing policy frameworks for managing invasive alien plant species to mitigate their impacts on human health and the environment
THE THE EFFICACY OF BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL ANTAGONIST SUSPENSIONS IN CONTROLLING FOLIAR MILDEW DISEASE IN ZUCCHINI PLANTS: -
No full textARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Diverse microbial antagonists can be used as alternatives to control foliar disease - Microbial agents offer zucchini protection against downy mildew causing microbes- Biocontrol agents effectively control mildew infection in zucchini plants- Diverse microbial antagonists have potential to control foliar disease in zucchini - New bio-based strategy supports sustainable crop disease management- Diverse microbial antagonists are promising for controlling mildew in zucchiniABSTRACTDowny mildew is recognized as a major constraint in zucchini production, caused by obligate fungal-like pathogens that thrive under humid conditions. In this study, the efficacy of selected bacterial (Lysobacter antibioticus Bali G, Pseudomonas corrugata SAJ6) and fungal (Trichoderma sp. Td22) antagonists was evaluated for the management of this foliar disease on zucchini plants as an alternative to chemical fungicides. The efficacy of these bacterial and fungal antagonists against a suspected downy mildew pathogen was assessed on zucchini leaves in a glasshouse. It was found that the antagonists provided 22 - 83% protection (P < 0.05) against the pathogen two weeks after application. However, the level of protection declined over time, with 46 - 60% of leaves infected five weeks after pathogen exposure, regardless of treatment. The combination of Trichoderma sp. Td22, the most effective agent, with either Lysobacter antibioticus Bali G, Pseudomonas corrugata SAJ6, or both, was observed to reduce its overall effectiveness. Survival of the biological agents on leaf surfaces was low, although prior research has indicated that survival may not be essential for sustained disease control. Further investigation is required to determine the potential role of these agents in inducing systemic acquired resistance in crops such as grapes and poppies. For commercial application, repeated treatments may be necessary to maintain disease management. Notably, the protection provided by Trichoderma sp. Td22 was found to be comparable to that of chemical treatments, representing a promising step toward more sustainable agricultural practices
PROXIMATE, TANNIN, AND AMYLOSE IN SIX SORGHUM VARIETIES ACROSS TWO PLANTING SEASONS
Full text linkARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Sorghum nutrition varies across varieties and growing seasons- Dry season increases starch and amylose content in some varieties- Rainy season enhances protein levels in sorghum grains- Genotype-environment interaction affects sorghum nutritional quality- Sorghum adaptation supports food diversification and climate resilienceABSTRACTSorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a potential staple food in Indonesia, offering an alternative to rice and corn due to its adaptability to marginal lands and drought tolerance. However, research on the impact of environmental factors, particularly different growing seasons, to the nutritional composition of sorghum varieties are still lacking. This study aimed to analyze the proximate contents of tannin and amylose in six sorghum varieties cultivated in two different planting seasons (wet and dry seasons). A Completely Randomized Design with three replications was applied in this experiment. The tested varieties included three newly developed superior varieties (Bioguma, Samurai, and Kawali) and three local varieties (Black Bonteb, Red Glutinous Sorghum, and KD4). The results showed that proximate composition varied across varieties and seasons. Starch content was generally higher in the dry season, with the highest observed in Kawali (64.16%) and Bioguma (63.11%), while the lowest was in Black Wareng (11.99%). Similarly, protein content peaked in Black Wareng (7.68%) and Red Glutinous Sorghum (7.37%), but was the lowest in Samurai (4.48%). Tannin levels also fluctuated by season, where Bioguma, KD4, and Kawali exhibited higher tannin content in the dry season, whereas Samurai, Red Glutinous Sorghum, and Black Bonteb had lower tannin levels. Notably, amylose content was significantly higher in Red Glutinous Sorghum (4.72%) and Black Bonteb (4.62%) across both seasons, contributing to their fluffier texture when cooked. These findings highlight the influence of environmental conditions on sorghum nutritional quality, reinforcing its potential for food diversification, including processed sorghum flour as a substitute for wheat flour
THE POTENTIAL OF Enhalus acoroides AS A BIOSTIMULANT TO ENHANCE MAIZE GROWTH AND DROUGHT TOLERANCE
Full text linkHIGHLIGHTS- Biostimulant Potential of Enhalus acoroides- Positive Effects of E. acoroides on Maize Growth- Reduction in H2O2 (Oxidative Stress) by Enhalus acoroides extractABSTRACTDrought poses a significant challenge to crop productivity, with maize particularly vulnerable. Enhancing maize tolerance to drought stress is crucial, and one promising approach involves using biostimulants derived from natural sources. The seagrass Enhalus acoroides is a potential biostimulant due to its rich phytochemical composition, including phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and pigments such as chlorophyll, lutein, pheophytin, and beta-carotene. These compounds exhibit antioxidant activity, suggesting their potential role in enhancing plant resilience to drought stress. This study evaluated the effects of E. acoroides extract on maize growth under drought conditions during the seedling phase and analyzed biochemical changes in maize plants treated with the extract. The extract was prepared using 10% dried E. acoroides leaves with a chloroform-to-ethanol solvent ratio of 9:1 (v/v) and subsequently dissolved in distilled water for final concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, and 0.25%. The results demonstrated that E. acoroides extract enhanced plant height, increased shoot and root fresh and dry weights. Additionally, plants sprayed with E. acoroides extract exhibited higher total sugar and protein content in the shoots as compared to non-sprayed plants. Under 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress, control plants showed severe leaf wilting, whereas extract-treated plants only had mild wilting. The chlorophyll, reducing sugar, total N, and tocopherol contents were also higher in extract-treated plants under PEG stress than in untreated controls. These findings indicate the potential of E. acoroides extract as a biostimulant for improving drought tolerance in maize
FATTY ACID PROFILES OF MICROALGAE ISOLATES FROM THE WATERS OF ITS DORMITORY POND IN SURABAYA, INDONESIA
Full text linkARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS- Microalgae from ITS Dormitory Pond were identified using morphological analysis.- The study analyzed the fatty acid composition of four microalgae genera.- Dictyosphaerium had the highest total fatty acid content.- The findings suggest potential applications of these microalgae in biotechnology.- Further research is needed to improve fatty acid production.
ABSTRACT
Microalgae are a diverse group of autotrophic microorganisms classified into prokaryotic and eukaryotic groups. Their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions enables the identification of species with distinct fatty acid profiles. The absence of a microalgae culture collection at Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) motivated the selection of the ITS Dormitory Pond as the research site. This study aimed to identify microalgae species present in the pond through morphological characterization and analyze their fatty acid profiles. Morphological identification was conducted using taxonomic references, while fatty acid composition was determined via GC-MS analysis. The results identified four genera: Dictyosphaerium, Vitreochlamys, Desmodesmus, and Chlorella. Their fatty acid profiles varied, comprising saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Dictyosphaerium contained 17.57% SFA, 12.28% MUFA, and 0.33% PUFA, while Vitreochlamys had 10.83% SFA and 10.19% MUFA. Desmodesmus exhibited 14.19% SFA, 7.39% MUFA, and 4.14% PUFA, whereas Chlorella had 1.92% SFA and 2.67% PUFA. These findings highlight the potential of microalgae from ITS Dormitory Pond as a natural source of fatty acids. Further research is recommended to optimize culture conditions for enhancing commercially valuable fatty acid production
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND ECOTOURISM IN URBAN FORESTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
No full textHIGHLIGHTS- Urban forests link biodiversity protection with public health and recreation- Five key research themes reflect ecological, social, and behavioral insights- Visitor experiences influence support for conservation and green behaviors- Most studies focus on the Global North, leaving tropical cities underexplored- A new framework shows how cities can balance nature, tourism, and well-beingABSTRACTIn the era of urbanization, urban forests play a crucial role in connecting biodiversity conservation and human well-being, providing recreational and tourism benefits in urban areas. This study aims to analyze the intersection of urban forests, biodiversity conservation, and their interaction with visitors, including preferences, perceptions, and behavior. We examine 83 open-access articles published between 2010 and 2025, retrieved from Scopus databases, and analyzed using bibliometric mapping and keyword co-occurrence analysis with VOSviewer, including clustering and thematic trends. This review identified five research clusters, which are (1) urban ecosystem and biodiversity, (2) recreational and ecotourism, (3) visitor preference and well-being, (4) human-nature interaction, and (5) behavioral science and health. Our results show that interdisciplinary studies on urban forests have been conducted since 2020, with a focus on environmental services, mental health, psychology, and pro-environmental behavior. However, research remains geographically biased toward the Global North, with limited representation from tropical and developing cities despite their rich biodiversity and rapid urbanization. This study proposes a conceptual framework that integrates the ecological and social dimensions of urban forest research. It emphasizes the need for place-based, behaviorally informed, and interdisciplinary approaches to maximize the multifunctional benefits of urban forests. As cities grow, urban forests, which serve as areas where people encounter biodiversity in the city, can act as strategic platforms for biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and enhancing public awareness and perceptions of the environment
ALGINATE-SEED ENCAPSULATION CONTAINING ENDOPHYTIC Bacillus cereus BTH21 FOR BIOCONTROLLING WILT DISEASE IN EGGPLANT
No full textHIGHLIGHTSSeed encapsulation using alginate and B. cereus BTH21 for biocontrol of wilt disease in eggplant.ABSTRACTBacterial wilt is a major plant disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum that infects important crops, such as eggplant, causing wilt, stunted growth, and reduced yield. The biocontrol of the pathogen can be done by employing antagonistic bacteria, yet direct inoculation into the soils are often ineffective due to low population of the pathogen in the soils, which also easily washed away by watering activity. Seed encapsulation technique, using alginate, zeolite and peat, containing antagonistic bacteria Bacillus cereus BTH21 to control R. solanacearum is the novelty proposed in this research. Hence, this research aimed to develop alginate seed-encapsulation technique containing Bacillus cells as a mean to biologically control R. solanacearum in eggplant. Endophytic Bacillus cereus BTH21 strains was isolated from healthy eggplant tissue obtained from Kediri, East Java Province, Indonesia. Subsequent isolation, purification and molecular identification confirmed the identity of the strain. Three seed-encapsulation formulations were made: a) control (no encapsulation); b) alginate + zeolite + Bacillus (Al+Z+B); and c) alginate + peat + Bacillus (Al+P+B). A field experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) where the alginate-encapsulated eggplant seeds were sown along with deliberate R. solanacearum inoculation (107 cfu/mL) into the soils. Observations were carried out every 7 days from 0 – 49 days after sowing (DAS) on several parameters, i.e., incubation period, infection rate, germination percentage, plant height, and number of leaves. The data were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test at a significance level of P < 0.05. The results showed that both seed encapsulation formulations prolonged incubation period (15 and 13 DAS) compared to the control (10 DAS), reduced infection rate, increased germination rate, as well as higher agronomic performances (plant height, number of leaves) compared to the control at 7 – 49 DAS. Overall, this results indicated the potential of alginate seed-encapsulation techniques containing biocontrol agents to control plant diseases