bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Salt Stress on Germination and Growth Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: OLOGUNDUDU Akinbode Foluso , ADELUSI Adekunle Ajayi , AKINWALE Richard Olutayo
Published: July 2019

The response of eight varieties of Oryza sativa L. (‘NERICA 1’, ‘NERICA 5’, ‘NERICA 12’, ‘NERICA 19’, ‘IR 29’, ‘IR 20’, ‘IWA 11’, and ‘POKKALI’, a salt tolerant check) against four salinity levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 ds m-1) were studied at germination and early growth stages. Data were analyzed using Statistical Analytical System (SAS) and means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) for Final Germination Percentage (FGP), Speed of Germination (SG), Germination Energy Percentage (GE%), shoot and root length and root and shoot dry weight. Based on dry matter yield reduction, rice varieties were classified as tolerant (T), moderately tolerant (MT), moderately susceptible (MS) or susceptible (S). Germination was not recorded at 20 ds m-1 salt concentration in all cultivars. Salinity decreased FGP, SG, GE% and led to reduction in shoot and root length and dry weight in all varieties and the magnitude of reduction increased with increasing salinity stress. Rice varieties ‘NERICA 12’, ‘IR 20’, ‘IWA 11’ and ‘NERICA 19’ showed greater salt tolerance during germination (germinated at 10 ds m-1 salinity). However, ‘NERICA 1’, ‘IR 29’, and ‘IR 20’ performed better based on dry matter yield reduction. The result suggested that ‘NERICA 1’, ‘IR 29’, and ‘IR 20’ might be used for further study of salinity effect on growth processes and physiological consequences at advanced stage of growth. The physiological responses of rice plants to salinity at various developmental stages are therefore critical for identifying salinity tolerance in the cultivars.
Overcoming Hard Water Antagonistic to Glyphosate or Imazethapyr with Water Conditioners
Authors: ALIVERDI Akbar , GANBARI Ali , RASHED MOHASSEL Mohammad-Hassan , NASSIRI-MAHALLATI Mehdi , ZAND Eskandar
Published: July 2019

Carrier water quality may affect the activity of weak acid herbicides when concentrations of some cations are high. A dose-response experiment on glyphosate and imazethapyr activity, which were carried by the carrier types of distilled water and hard water, against jimsonweed were conducted to compare the water conditioning chemicals ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, citric acid and potassium phosphate, with magnetized carrier as a new method. A magnetic field of 0.7 Tesla was applied to prepare the magnetized carrier. With the exception of potassium phosphate with imazethapyr, the activity of glyphosate and imazethapyr was significantly increased in the presence of the water conditioning methods when distilled water was used as the carrier. Ammonium sulfate was the most effective method. The activity of both herbicides was decreased when applied with hard water carrier. Potassium phosphate was not effective at reducing the antagonism of cations in the hard water carrier. In glyphosate, the performance of water conditioning methods in softening hard water carrier could be ranked as follows: ammonium sulfate (2.52-fold) > magnetized carrier (2.12-fold) ≥ citric acid (1.64-fold) ≥ ammonium nitrate (1.39-fold) > potassium phosphate (0.96-fold). In imazethapyr, this order was as follows: ammonium sulfate (2.99-fold) > ammonium nitrate (2.66-fold) > magnetized carrier (1.81-fold) ≥ citric acid (1.64-fold) > potassium phosphate (1.10-fold).
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization Enhances Biochemical Status and Mitigates Adverse Salt Effect on Two Legumes
Authors: DATTA Promita , KULKARNI Mohan Vinayak
Published: July 2019

Symbiotic association between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species and host plant roots improves plant growth and protects them from several abiotic stress factors. In the present study, the effect of Glomus mosseae and Glomus fasciculatum as an individual inoculation and in combination was studied on two legumes (Glycine max and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) under soil salinity stress gradient [1.04 (control) to 8.26 dS/m]. Individual and co-inoculation of both the AM fungi alleviated adverse salt effect, with improvement in plant dry weight matter and biochemical parameters. However, these two isolates worked better in combination with respect to higher accumulation of soluble carbohydrate, reducing sugar, protein, proline concentration etc. C. tetragonoloba showed better response as compared to G. max in relation to improvement in nutritional profile under salt stress after AM treatment. As compared to non-mycorrhizal counterparts, co-inoculation with G. mosseae and G. fasciculatum in C. tetragonoloba enhanced total chlorophyll (14.83% at soil salinity of 3.78 dS/m), soluble carbohydrate (17.26% at soil salinity of 5.94 dS/m), proline (8.79% at soil salinity of 3.78 dS/m) while exposed to different soil salinity levels. Also, co-colonization with both the isolates showed more root colonization (%) and may be responsible for the better effect in salt stress alleviation. Electrolyte leakage of mycorrhizal plants was lowered at soil salinity gradient of 2.10 to 8.26 dS/m and hence, maintained membrane stability. These two isolates can be utilized as bio-inoculant in alleviation of adverse salt effect in soil in association with the two test legume plants.
Effects of Saffron Corm and Leaf Extracts on Early Growth of Some Plants to Investigate the Possibility of Using Them as Associated Crop
Authors: FALLAHI Hamid-Reza , PARAVAR Arezoo , BEHDANI Mohammad-Ali , AGHHAVANI-SHAJARI Mahsa , FALLAHI Mohammad-Javad
Published: July 2019

Saffron intercropping with other plants needs to preliminary investigations about the possible negative interactions between saffron and associated crop. In this study, allelopathic effects of saffron leaf and corm extracts on germination and seedling growth indices of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), arugula (Eruca sativa) and rapeseed (Brassica napus) was investigated in six separate experiments based on completely randomized design. Experimental treatments were consisted of different levels of saffron leaf and corm extracts including 0, 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6%. The maximum germination percentage of all selected crops was obtained at control treatment (on average 92%) and then decreased with increasing extracts concentration. So that, the germination percentage of arugula, canola and alfalfa in highest concentration of extracts were 18, 10 and 8% for leaf extract and 72, 68 and 93% for corm extract, respectively. The relatively similar trend was observed about germination rate, root and plumule lengths and dry weights. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of saffron leaf extract was more than corm extract on initial growth indices of studied plants. The lowest inhibitory effect of saffron leaf extract and even relatively high stimulatory effect of corm extract were obtained on alfalfa initial growth criteria. Considering the differences in allelochemicals mode of action and concentrations in laboratory bioassays with natural condition, it is necessary to investigate the effects of saffron residues on growth of selected associated crops in greenhouse and field scales for the final decision.
Abscisic Acid and Cytokinin-Induced Osmotic and Antioxidant Regulation in Two Drought-Tolerant and Drought-Sensitive Cultivars of Wheat During Grain Filling Under Water Deficit in Field Conditions
Authors: SARAFRAZ-ARDAKANI Mohammad-Reza , KHAVARI-NEJAD Ramazan-Ali , MORADI Foad , NAJAFI Farzaneh
Published: July 2019

Phytohormones play critical roles in regulating plant responses to stress. The present study investigates the effect of cytokinin, abscisic acid and cytokinin/abscisic acid interaction on some osmoprotectants and antioxidant parameters induced by drought stress in two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) of ‘Pishgam’ and ‘MV-17’ as tolerant and sensitive to drought during post-anthesis phase, respectively grown in field conditions. The most considerable effect of the treatments was exhibited 21 days after anthesis. Under drought conditions, the flag leaf soluble carbohydrate content increased in both cultivars while starch content was remarkably decreased in ‘Pishgam’ as compared to ‘MV-17’. Abscisic acid increased total soluble sugar and reduced starch more than other hormonal treatments, although it decreased studied monosaccharaides in ‘Pishgam’, especially. Drought stress induced high proportion of gylycinebetain and free proline in ‘Pishgam’ cultivar. Application of abscisic acid and cytokinin/abscisic acid interaction increased gylycinebetain and proline content in both cultivars under irrigation and drought conditions. The tolerant cultivar exhibited less accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in relation to significant increase of catalase and peroxidase activities and α-tocpherol content under drought conditions. All hormonal treatments increased the named enzyme activities under both irrigation and drought conditions, while higher accumulation of α-tocopherol was only showed in case of cytokinin application. Also, abscisic acid and cytokinin/abscisic acid could decrease drought-induced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde level to some extent, although abscisic acid increased both of hydrogen peroxide andmalondialdehyde content in irrigation phase, especially.
Composition and Distribution of Vascular Epiphytes in Different Areas in Obafemi Awolowo, Nigeria
Authors: OLOYEDE Fatai Adekanye , ODIWE Anthony I. , OLUJIYAN Ayodeji S.
Published: July 2019

Composition and distribution of vascular epiphytes were studied in three different areas at Obafemi Awolowo University estate, Nigeria. Each plot, in the selected area, was used for identification of host and epiphytes. Trees were carefully examined. Presence, positions on the host plants and life-forms of all the epiphytes were recorded. Diameter at breast height of the hosts, bark characteristics and height were determined. The climatic data of the areas were measured to determine the relationship between them and epiphytes distributions. Result showed 41 epiphytes belonging to 14 genera and 11 families were identified. Open area had the highest number of epiphytes (22) followed by forest patches (14) then secondary forest (five). The epiphytes were not host specific except epiphytic ferns and Ficus vogelii. Diameter at breast height has effect on the epiphytes distribution and composition. The distribution of epiphytes and environmental factors were lowest in the secondary forest. Moraceae was the most dominant host family (44.8%) while Nephrolepis undulata and Nephrolepis biserrata were the most common species of epiphytes. Most epiphytes preferred sub-canopy level, few occurred in the canopy level but none at emergent level. Climatic factors, diameter at breast height and bark characteristics of the host plants are useful in determining compositions and distributions of these epiphytes.
Investigating the Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Properties of Three Sedge (Cyperaceae) Species
Authors: ADENIYI Tiwalade Adeyemi , ADEONIPEKUN Peter A. , OMOTAYO Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2019

In order to evaluate the medicinal value of notorious sedge weeds, three species:Cyperus esculentus, Cyperus rotundus and Mariscus alternifolius were investigated for their phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial properties. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical constituents and in vitro antimicrobial activities were evaluated against four fungi species: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Candida albicans, and three bacteria species: Escherichia coli,Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Two solvents, water and ethanol, were used to produce the extracts and were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity evaluation of the extracts against pathogens was carried out at 100 mg/ml concentration by Disc Diffusion method for fungi, Disc Diffusion and Agar Well Diffusion methods for bacteria. Observed activities were related to standard antibiotics, antifungal and antibacterial, which served as controls. Phytochemically, the plant extracts showed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, ketose sugars, steroids, reducing sugars and tannins. The ethanolic extract of C. rotundus exhibited the highest activity against A. niger, E. coli and S. aureus. No extract was active against C. albicans. From these findings, it was concluded that C. rotundus is a potential source of bioactive compounds for new drugs upon isolation and purification for treating infections caused by these pathogens.
Introduction pages
Authors: SESTRAȘ Radu E.
Published: July 2019

Abstract
 The Survey of Microbial Quality of the Dry Sample, Extract and Brewing of some Medicinal Plants

Authors: VALIASILL Razieh , AZIZI Majid , BAHREINI Maasome , AROUIE Hossein
Published: July 2019

Medicinal plants may be exposed to a wide range of microbial contamination during pre- and post- harvest stages and they can present high microbial counts. In this study, the microbial quality of 44 samples of dry herbs namely: mint (Menthaspp.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), summer savory (Satureja hortensis), zataria (Zataria multiflora), Indian valerian (Valeriana wallichii), their brewing and extracts were analyzed. Total count using plate count agar medium (PCA), coliform count by Violet Red Bile Agar (VRBL), Enterobacteriacea by Violet Red Bile Glucose (VRBG) were evaluated. Medium Baird-Parker agar (BP) medium and Tryptone Bile X-Gluc (TBX) medium were used for the isolation and enumeration of Staphylococcus aurous and E. coli spp. respectively. Furthermore, Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar medium (XLD) and Bismuth Sulfite Agar medium(BSA) were used for detection of Salmonella spp. Fungal and mold contamination was assessed using yeast extract glucose chloramphenicol agar. The results showed that the contamination of the samples with total count (100%) and Enterobacteriaceae (85%), total coliform (83%), mold and yeast (98%) and E. coli ssp. (2.27) were detected, including in the study samples the absence of pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aurous, Salmonella spp. Moreover, the extract had a lower microbial load in comparison to dry herb samples. Also, the lowest and the highest of contamination rates were observed for Indian valerian and zataria, respectively. According to the results, there is a need to control the environmental conditions and improve hygiene in the production process; even more, it is recommended to choose a suitable decontamination method for disinfection during packing medicinal plants and during post-packing manipulation and transport.
Airborne Pollen Records of Shomolu Local Government Area in Lagos State
Authors: ADENIYI Tiwalade A. , ADEONIPEKUN Peter A. , OLOWOKUDEJO James D. , AKANDE Idowu S.
Published: July 2019

Data on the prevalence of pollen in the atmosphere is limited and almost non-existent for Lagos State and Nigeria. Pollen grains are known to be highly allergenic and thus they are potential causes of respiratory diseases. To investigate airborne incidence of pollen, so as to construct a pollen calendar and contribute to current trends in the development of aeropalynology/allergy study in Nigeria, three highly populated locations in Shomolu Local Government areas of Lagos State: University of Lagos, Bariga and Gbagada, were sampled. Aero-samplers were harvested monthly from January 2013 to December 2013. After acetolysis treatment and analysis, the total pollen count was 4393, belonging to 38 pollen taxa and 29 families. The main taxa include Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Amaranthaceae, Ludwigia and Alchornea. Monthly pollen counts were highest in October and lowest in June. Almost three-quarters of the total pollen content came from grasses and weeds. This composition reflects the ornamental and grassland flora of the town, as well as the natural vegetation surrounding the urban area. The total pollen concentration correlates positively with the temperature and negatively with the wind, rainfall and relative humidity, which was similar in the dominant taxa Amaranthaceae and Alchornea. Dominant taxa Cyperaceae and Ludwigia have significant positive correlation with wheezing cough. Results from this work will form the basis for a forecast service required to inform and educate the general public and allergy sufferers about pollen distribution in Lagos State.
Effect of Harvesting Time and Iron Application on Moldavian balm
Authors: KHALILI Prshang , AMIRNIA Reza
Published: July 2019

Dracocephalum moldavica L. of the Labiatae family is an annual herbaceous plant. In Iran it is known as Badrashbi and Badrashboo. Recent publications have reported antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of its essential oil, which have a wide usage in industry. In this research, the effects of iron foliar application and different yields’ harvest times on the essential oil content and some morphological treats (plant height, branch number, fresh and dry weights, essential oil content and leaf Iron content) were investigated under experimental study in faculty of Agriculture of Urmia University during 2012. A factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used in the present study. Results showed that foliar application of iron had a significant effect on branch number, fresh and dry weight, biomass and oil percentage. Similarly, harvest time had a significant influence on fresh and dry weight, essential oil content, essential oil yield and leaf iron content, but its effect was not significant on stem diameter and branch number. The best harvest time for Dracocephalum moldavica L. was at 100% of flowering and 6 ml/l of iron application showed the best results in all characters measured.
The Recent Nesting Record of Female Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas,  at Pamban, Gulf of Mannar
Authors: VENKATESAN Vellathi , KALIDAS Chellapa
Published: July 2019

A female green turtle was sighted at Pamban along the Gulf of Mannar just after the nesting on the beach on 15th January 2011. Morphometric measurements of the turtle were taken and data suggests that this individual is adult. A total number of laid eggs were 109. The distance between the nesting site and the high tide line was found to be 7 m. The depth and diameter of the nesting pit was 52 and 16 cm, whereas the mean egg diameter and weight were found to be 44.3 mm and 40.5 g respectively. Pamban coast may also be considered an important place for nesting, because of the continuous mixing of waters of GOM and Palk Bay areas, which in turn create current patterns continuously throughout the year in addition to the monsoon season. Conservation of nesting habitat along Gulf of Mannar will be important to maintain the green turtle population.
Checklist of Palatable Grass Species from Peninsular India
Authors: GORADE Puroshottam Dattatraya , DATAR Mandar Nilkanth
Published: July 2019

Grasslands are common landscapes of India and dominate peninsular Indian landmass. Though secondary, these grasslands are important from cultural as well as economical point of view. Domestic cattle population of this region largely depends on these grasslands as food source. The grasslands, exposed to anthropocentric activities like burning and grazing, are facing several changes like replacement of palatable species by unpalatable ones. As an attempt to understand the fodder potential of grasslands of this region, a comprehensive checklist of palatable grass species, based on literature survey and field experience, was compiled. Local pastoral communities were interviewed for information on palatable grass species and their utility potentials. Various herbaria were consulted for confirmation of habitats, presence and absence of awns and grass phenology. The grasses with awns are consumed before the maturation and after the dispersal of awns. A total of 143 grass species were documented as palatable, of which 64 are awned and 79 are unawned. The palatable grasses were classified in 9 habitats and the palatability grade based on their use value is assessed. This documentation will be helpful for understanding and better management of grasslands of peninsular India.
Tree Species Diversity and Population Structure in the Tropical Forests of North Central Eastern Ghats, India
Authors: PREMAVANI Dumpa , NAIDU Maradana TARAKESWARA , VENKAIAH Malleboyina
Published: July 2019

The tree species diversity and population structure were studied in four stands of the tropical forests in the north-central Eastern Ghats, based on tree inventories conducted on four 1-ha plots. In the four independent plots, two 5 x 1000 m transects were established and all trees with ≥ 15 cm girth at breast height were enumerated. The density, frequency, basal area and IVI along with diversity indices viz. Shannon index, species richness, equitability and species dominance were computed to see the variation in tree community. A total of 92 species representing 73 genera under 40 families of angiosperms were recorded. Tree species richness was as low as 34 species per hectare plot in Geddapalli to as high as 48 species in Koruturu. Tree density ranged from 360 stems per hectare in plot Geddapalli to 526 stems in plot Chintapalli and that of total basal area from 16.31 m2 ha-1 in Koruturu to 31.15 m2 ha-1 in Chintapalli. The number of species and stems decreased from the smaller to the largest girth classes. The tree inventories of the study area when compared to those of the other tropical forests showed great differences in density and basal area. This may probably be due to differences in geography and annual rainfall patterns. The information on tree species structure and function can provide baseline information for conservation of the biodiversity.
Phytochemical Screening for Secondary Metabolites in Boswellia serrata Roxb. and Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br.
Authors: SUBHASHINI DEVI Prattipati , SATYANARAYANA Botcha , TARAKESWARA NAIDU Maradana
Published: July 2019

Boswellia serrata, an important source of oleo-gum resin commonly known as Indian olibanum and Wrightia tinctoria are well documented for their pharmaceutical properties. Indiscriminate removal, difficulty in vegetative propagation and poor germination accounts for the depletion of useful plant species. Plant tissue culture techniques are used as an alternative method for the production of specific metabolites and also for the propagation of plant species at a large scale. In the present study preliminary screening for the presence of secondary metabolites was reported in order to understand the levels of phytochemicals, so that in vitro production of secondary metabolites using cell cultures will be initiated in future studies. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the two plants show the presence of all the three major groups of secondary metabolites, like nitrogen containing alkaloids, phenolic compounds like flavonoids, tannins, terpenes like steroids, saponins etc. Significant levels of all three major secondary metabolites were present in both species. However, higher activities of phenols (277.0±4.36), tannins (240.67±5.21), alkaloids (963.3±11.7) and flavonoids (150.0±2.89) were observed in B. serrata. All the three major groups of secondary metabolites in both species demonstrate the rich content of many useful biochemicals like pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances, agricultural chemicals etc. However, higher quantities in B. serrata indicates its richness in medicinal properties over W. tinctoria.
Effect of Soaking, Cooking, Germination and Fermentation Processing on Physical Properties and Sensory Evaluation of Sorghum Biscuits
Authors: AFIFY Abd El-Moneim M. R. , EL-BELTAGI Hossam Saad , ABD EL-SALAM Samiha M. , OMRAN Azza A.
Published: July 2019

Three white sorghum varieties (named ‘Dorado’,‘Shandaweel-6’ and ‘Giza-15’) were investigated for grain characteristics and processed whole meal flour (via soaking, cooked, germinated and fermented sorghum). ‘Giza-15’ variety was the highest one in 1,000 kernel weight and hectolitre, followed by ‘Dorado’ and ‘Shandaweel-6’ that were significant lower. Sorghum varieties were non-significant different in L scales. ‘Giza-15’ was the highest variety in a and b scales. Sorghum varieties were significant different in c scales and non-significant different in h scales. Shandaweel-6 recorded the highest value in water holding capacity (WHC).‘Giza-15’recorded the highest variety in oil holding capacity (OHC). The most significant increase in WHO was after fermentation treatment, followed by cooking treatment. Regarding OHC, the most significant increase was after germination treatment. Biscuits prepared from 50% whole meal flour of raw, soaked, cooked, germinated and fermented sorghum were evaluated for sensory and physical characteristics. The sensory results showed that 50% sorghum whole meal flour could be incorporated to prepare acceptable quality biscuits. The diameter of sorghum biscuits increased, while the diameter of wheat biscuits decreased. Hardness of sorghum biscuits was significant decreased in all treatments compared with wheat biscuits. Hardness of germinated sorghum biscuits was close to wheat biscuits values.
Simplified Regeneration Protocol for Cycas revoluta Thunb. Mature Zygotic Embryos
Authors: NADERI Rohangiz , MOHAISENI Khadije , TEIXEIRA DA SILVA Jaime A. , OMIDI Mansour , NADERI Behjat
Published: July 2019

Mature zygotic embryos of Cycas revoluta Thunb. were used as explants to investigate direct and indirect organogenesis. Explants were incubated on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (½ MS) basal medium supplemented with various plant growth regulators, singly or in combination (all at 0.5 mg l-1): 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kin), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Kin×2,4-D, BA×Kin and BA×2,4-D. Cultures were placed at a low light intensity (4 µmol m-2 s-1 PPFD). Adventitious shoot regeneration was observed in the presence of 0.5 mg l-1BA after 35 days. The highest number of direct and indirect shoots per zygotic embryo was 3.67 and 29.67, respectively. Roots were induced on indirect shoots by continuous culture on rooting medium (½ MS,‏ 0.1 mg l-1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid) and hardened successfully in perlite. Each rooted plantlet with pinnate leaves and a primary tap root was individually isolated and acclimatized 185 days after the beginning of culture, with a 10% success rate.
Composition and Dynamics of Migratory and Resident Avian Population in Wintering Wetlands from Northern India
Authors: JHA Kaushalendra Kumar , MCKINLEY Craig R.
Published: July 2019

Twelve wetlands occurring in four different ecozones in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, were selected for studying the winter composition and dynamics of avian populations. Wetland information was collected from office records of the UP Forest department. Bird populations were estimated by transect method and block-in-flock-in-sector method for woodland and aquatic birds, respectively. Across the twelve selected wetlands a total of 486,182 individuals belonging to 161 species of birds on 15,592 ha were recorded during the winter of 2010-11. The data were analyzed to assess the relationship between wetland characteristics and avian populations. Aquatic vegetation, surrounding vegetation, water availability and climate were found as important factors related to avian populations. January was found to be the peak of bird assemblage, while winter times before and after January were the waxing and waning period, respectively. Species richness and species diversity of aquatic birds varied between 18-58 and 1.90-3.20, respectively, and of all bird species between 23-109, and 1.73-3.81, respectively. The density of aquatic birds ranged between 17-384 ha-1. The most common migratory birds in wetlands were Northern Pintail, Common Teal and Greylag Goose. Common resident birds included Asian Openbill, Darter, Little Egret, Common Coot, Little Cormorant, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Common Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Cattle Egret, Indian Sarus Crane and White-throated Kingfisher. For improved conservation of aquatic avian fauna, management prescriptions are suggested for wetlands under current management which could also be extended to other wetlands, whereas conservation of avian fauna to be the emphasis.
Responses to Environmental Stress in Plants Adapted to Mediterranean Gypsum Habitats
Authors: LLINARES Josep V. , BAUTISTA Inmaculada , DONAT Maria del Pilar , LIDON Antonio , LULL Cristina , MAYORAL Olga , SHANTANU Wankhade , BOSCAIU Monica , VICENTE Oscar
Published: July 2019

Gypsum areas are stressful environments inhabited by gypsophytes, plants that are exclusive for such habitats, and by plants that grow on gypsum but also on other soil types, the so-called gypsovags. To investigate possible differences between gypsovags and gypsophytes with respect to basic stress response mechanisms, two common osmolytes, glycine betaine and total soluble sugars, as well as monovalent (Na+ and K+) and bivalent (Ca2+ and Mg2+) cations, were quantified, under field conditions, in two Iberian endemic gypsophytes (Gypsophila struthium subsp. hispanica and Ononis tridentata) and two common Mediterranean gypsovags (Rosmarinus officinalis and Helianthemum syriacum). Their spatial variation according to a topographic gradient and their temporal variation over a period of three successive seasons were correlated with climatic data and soil characteristics. This analysis confirmed that water stress is the main environmental stress factor in gypsum habitats, whereas the percentage of gypsum in the soil does not seem to play any relevant role in the activation of stress responses in plants. Glycine betaine may contribute to stress tolerance in the gypsophytes, but not in the gypsovags, according to the close correlation found between the level of this osmolyte and the gypsophily of the investigated taxa. Cation contents in the plants did not correlate with those present in the soil, but the gypsophytes have higher levels of Ca2+ and Mg2+ than the gypsovags, under all environmental conditions, which may represent an adaptation mechanism to their specific habitat.
SDS-PAGE Characterisation of Crude Seed and Leaf Proteins in Corchorus Species
Authors: AJALA Christiana Adeyinka , MORAKINYO Joseph Akintade
Published: July 2019

Crude protein separation was carried out for Corchorus incisifolious, Corchorus aestuans, Corchorus tridens and Corchorus olitorious using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Plants were collected both from wild and cultivated sites and samples included leaves and seeds for the electrophoretic study. Distinct polymorphism in electrophoretic banding patterns of seed and leaf proteins following SDS- PAGE was observed in the four Corchorus species studied. Forty- two polypeptide bands were observed in the seed and a total of eleven polypeptide bands were observed in the leaves of the Corchorus species studied. The electrophoretic study revealed protein bands with various intensities ranging from high, to low and faint. The results showed that there was variation in both the seed and leaf proteins of the Corchorus species studied. A dendrogram constructed based on the Single Linkage Cluster Analysis (SLCA) clustering method revealed three major clusters for seeds. Cluster I consisted of C. incisifolious and C. aestuans, cluster II consisted of C. tridens, while cluster III consisted of C. olitorious. The leaf protein extracts were grouped into two clusters, cluster one containing C. incisifolious and C. aestuans, while the other contained C. tridens and C. olitorious.
Herbicidal Activity of Coumarin When Applied as a Pre-plant Incorporated into Soil
Authors: NAZEMI Amir-Hossein , ASADI Ghorban Ali , GHORBANI Reza
Published: July 2019

Due to having a short half-life and novel site of action, the herbicidal potential of natural compounds are lionized. Coumarin is a secondary metabolite from Lavandula sp., family Lamiacae. The impact of eight concentrations of coumarin (0, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400 ppm) were separately used as a pre-plant incorporated into soil on six plant species under greenhouse conditions. Generally, coumarin had phytotoxic effect against all plant species. The phytotoxic effect was concentration-dependent. The high concentrations could inhibit the emergence of seedlings (probably by stopping germination of seeds). Based on ED50 parameter, the ranking of plant species for tolerance to coumarin was S. halepense > Z. mays > C. album > A. retroflexus > E. cruss-gali > P. oleracea. Based on selectivity index, coumarin at a concentration of 365.69 ppm can control P. oleracea without damaging Z. mays, whereas any concentration it cannot control other weeds without damaging Z. mays.
Phenotypic Correlations among Pollen Quality and Morphological Traits of Saintpaulia
Authors: BUTA Erzsebet , CANTOR Maria , POP Rodica , HORȚ Denisa , SESTRAS Radu E.
Published: July 2019

In order to estimate the correlation between pollen viability, germination and the morphological traits, 15 Saintpaulia genotypes were analysed. Pollen viability was obtained by staining with potassium iodide (25%) and germination was estimated using solid nutrient medium (15% sucrose, 85% humidity, 22 °C temperature). Several morphological traits such as number of flowers, diameter of leaves rosette, number of leaves, length and width of leaves and petiole length were evaluated to determine growth indices. The results obtained indicated that ‘Hot Pink Bell’ genotype achieved the highest number of flowers and the largest diameter of leaves rosette. Genotypes ‘Tomahawks’ and S. grotei recorded the highest number of leaves. Higher width of leaves values was obtained in ‘Aloha Orchid’, while genotype ‘Park Avenue Blue’ was noted for a high length of leaves. Positive correlations were recorded among viability and germination in S. jonantha, S. rupicola and S. grotei. Significant positive correlation was registered between pollen viability and the number of flowers, but also between germination and the number of flowers per plant. The results indicated a possible correlation between viability, germination capacity and the morphological traits in most genotypes studied.
Index of Relative Importance of the Dietary Proportions of Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) in Semi-Arid Region
Authors: MEWADA Tana P.
Published: July 2019

Characterisations of the Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) diet during three distinguished seasons (monsoon, winter and summer) in the semi-arid region of western India was under study. Diet was estimated using scat analysis, based on the calculation of Index of Relative Importance (IRI) in order to determine the contribution of different food items in the Sloth bear diet. Sloth bears were observed to feed on a wide variety of prey items. They are specialized on insect prey, particularly termites or ants, and are considered as myrmecophagous. The myrmecophagousis character was confirmed by the highest score of insect part (IRI = 21.37) from the samples (n = 566), which was followed by Diospyros melanoxylon (IRI Score 13.51), Ficus spp. (IRI score 12.69) and Cassia fistula (IRI Score 10.13). Sloth bear dietary proportions varied among the three seasons under the study interval. Data suggested that the Sloth bear is essentially behaving as an omnivore, having similar diet (in terms of high incidence of wild fruits and insects) with the bears inhabiting semi-arid regions. The opportunistic and generalist strategy of selecting diet ingredients has probably helped the species to survive in semi-arid habitat across the North Gujarat.
Induced Chitinase and Chitosanase Activities in Turmeric Plants by Application of β-D-Glucan Nanoparticles
Authors: ANUSUYA Sathiyanarayanan , SATHIYABAMA Muthukrishnan
Published: July 2019

The chitinase and chitosanase activities after β-D-glucan nanoparticle (GNP) application turmeric plants (leaves and rhizomes) were measured. Foliar spray of GNP (0.1%, w/v) elicited marked an increase in the activity levels of chitinases and chitosanases. Such a growth of enzyme activities was enhanced by subsequent spraying GNP on turmeric leaves at regular intervals. Application of β-D-glucan nanoparticles enhanced the level of defense related enzymes in leaves and rhizomes, which correlated well with new isoforms of the enzymes. Qualitative differences in isoforms of these defense enzymes were investigated during the hereby time-course study. In general, the expression of chitinase activity was comparatively lower in rhizomes than in leaves. Chitinase and chitosanase activity reached maximum values during the 7th month. Exploiting the nanoparticle (derived from natural polysaccharide) potential may refer to induce defense enzymes that may diminish the use of toxic chemicals for disease control. Thus the use of nanoparticles could be proposed as an alternative, non-conventional and ecologically friendly approach for plant protection and hence for sustainable agriculture.
Evaluation of Diversity and Traits Correlation in Spring Wheat Cultivars under Drought Stress
Authors: NAGHAVI Mohammad Reza , TOORCHI Mahmoud , MOGHADDAM Mohammad , SHAKIBA Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2019

In order to study of diversity and classify agro-morphological characters under normal irrigation and drought stress in spring wheat cultivars, 20 cultivars were evaluated in the research farm of University of Tabriz, Iran. According to the results, significant correlation was found between grain yield and number of spikes per plant, number of tiller per plant, number of fertile tillers, spike length, root length, root number, root volume, root diameter and root dry weight under both conditions. Moreover, 1,000 grain weight and plant dry weight had significant positive correlation with grain yield under drought stress. Factor analysis detected four and two factors which explained 96.77% and 90.59% of the total variation in normal irrigation and drought stress conditions, respectively. In drought stress condition the first factor justified 69.52% of total variation and was identified as yield factor. The second factor explained 21.07% of total variation and represented the biomass and plant height factor. Cluster analysis was based on the four and two factors obtained. According to the amount of factors for clusters obtained under drought stress, ‘Kavir’, ‘Niknejhad’, ‘Moghan 3’, ‘Darya’ and ‘Marvdasht’ were identified as the most drought tolerant cultivars. Other cluster was comprised of ‘Bahar’, ‘Pishtaz’, ‘Bam’, ‘Sepahan’, ‘Sistan’, ‘Pars’ and ‘Sivand’ and was named as the most sensitive under drought stress. Tolerant cultivars identified within the study can be used for direct culture or as genitors in breeding programs.
Insulin Requirements in Relation to Insulin Pump Indications in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: GHIMPEŢEANU Gabriela , IANCU Silvia Ş. , ROMAN Gabriela , ALIONESCU Anca M.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of the current research was to assess changes in daily insulin requirements in type 1 diabetic patients transitioning from multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) using an external insulin pump, according to clinical indications for changing therapy. The charts of 70 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) initiating insulin pump therapy were retrospectively reviewed before CSII and after optimization of glycaemic profile with CSII during hospital admission. Daily insulin doses, basal/bolus distributions, dose changes during treatment transition and glycaemic outcomes with MDI and optimized CSII according to insulin pump indications were evaluated. Daily insulin doses were not significantly different among indication groups, with both MDI and CSII; likewise, the overall daily distribution of basal/rapid insulin ratio was similar, around 40/60. With optimized CSII, significant differences were found only in basal/bolus distribution in patients initiating CSII for recurrent hypoglycemia, who had a significantly lower basal (6.4% lower) and a complementary higher bolus requirement, compared to patients initiating CSII for HbA1c ≥ 8.5%. At transition, basal insulin needs declined similarly in the high HbA1c and impractical/inflexible MDI groups by approximately 20%, and up to 30% in the recurrent hypoglycaemia group; bolus doses decreased by 20% when the indication was high HbA1c and by approximately 15% for the other indications. Glycaemic control was significantly improved only in patients initiating CSII for high HbA1c (≥8.5%). Insulin pump indication should be considered when starting T1D patients on CSII. These findings may support clinicians in decision making regarding insulin dose changes when initiating insulin pump therapy.
Genetic Differentiation Studies among Natural Populations of Tilapia zillii
Authors: OLADIMEJI Tofunmi E. , AWODIRAN Michael O. , KOMOLAFE Olaniyi O.
Published: July 2019

The population structure of Tilapia zillii (Gervais 1848) from three reservoirs in Nigeria, Osun State (Opa, Osu and Igun) was determined by employing morphological and molecular (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) methods. For morphological studies, 25 morphometric measurements and six meristic counts were recorded on 40 individuals within each population. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on the morphometric and meristic data using the PAST software. For RAPD studies, genomic DNA was extracted from caudal fin tissue using CTAB method and five primers were used to initiate PCR amplifications. All the clusters produced by the Principal components analysis (PCA) of the morphometric and meristic parameters overlapped indicating a low level of genetic differentiation between the three populations of T. zillii studied. The UPGMA cluster diagram from RAPD analysis identified two major genotypic groups with inter and intra group relationships. All individuals in the first cluster were from the Osu reservoir, while individuals from Opa and Igun reservoirs constituted the second cluster. Nei’s unbiased measure of genetic distances was 0.8532, 0.7321 and 0.7111 for Osu, Igun and Opa populations respectively. This revealed that Opa and Igun populations were genetically closer, while Osu populations is distant from them. The results suggest that the RAPD technique could be used to differentiate populations of T. zillii. However, additional methods such as microsatellite and sequence analysis can be used to maximize the efficiency of genetic differentiation studies.
Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Weed Species on Germination and Initial Growth in Raphanus sativus L.
Authors: STRATU Anisoara , OLTEANU Zenovia , LOBIUC Andrei
Published: July 2019

The current paper presents the results of a study on the effects of aqueous extracts from five weed species (Amaranthus retroflexus, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Echinochloa crus-galii, Setaria verticillata) on germination and initial growth in Raphanus sativus L. The following indicators have been analyzed: indices of germination (the germination percentage; the speed of germination; the speed of accumulated germination and the coefficient of germination rate), the length of the root and hypocotyls, the pH of aqueous extracts, the UV-Vis absorption spectra of aqueous extracts. The results of the investigations showed the following aspects: the aqueous extracts reduced the values of calculated germination indices and root growth in the first ontogenetic stages of the test species; the pH of the extracts was slightly acid to neutral. Qualitative spectrophotometric analysis indicated the possible presence of phenolic and organic compounds in the extracts. C. arvense, S. verticillata and E. crus-galii presented the most pronounced effect on germination and growth processes.
In Vitro Secondary Embryogenesis Derived from Meta-Topoline Treatment on Mass Propagation of Phalaenopsis ‘AMP 17’
Authors: PRAMANIK Dewi , YUFDY Muhammad PRAMA , SHINTIAVIRA Herni , WINARTO Budi
Published: July 2019

Phalaenopsis ‘AMP 17’ is an important orchid commodity in Indonesia with high market demand; however, scaling up the orchid commercially is constrained by the availability and sustainability of qualified seedlings. To overcome the problem, a reliable in vitro propagation protocol, especially via secondary embryogenesis, was undertaken. In the present study, in vitro secondary embryogenesis derived from meta-topoline (mT) treatment on mass propagation of Phalaenopsis ‘AMP 17’ was successfully established. Embryos, as explant sources, were prepared by culturing meristem tips of flower stalk shoots on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.5 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ) and 0.25 mg/L N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) for ± 3 months. High secondary somatic embryo (SSE) formation up to 64.90% with 12.30 SSEs regenerated per embryo was determined on half-strength MS augmented with 0.5 mg/L BAP and 2.5 mg/L mT. The combination also stimulated the result of high multiplication rate of SSE formation, up to 10.1 fold on the third subculture, maintained low conversion rate of germinated-embryos down to 55% and improved qualified-growth of the germinated embryos. The mT treatment produced 86% survival plantlets with high qualified-performance. The system could be applied as an alternative method to step forward towards an improved propagation protocol, commercially efficient due to high productivity. Detail findings in each step were discussed.
African Sandalwood or Nepalese Sandalwood: a Brief Synthesis
Authors: TEIXEIRA DA SILVA Jaime A. , KHER Mafatlal M. , SONER Deepak , NATARAJ Murugan
Published: July 2019

African sandalwood or East African sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud.; Santalaceae), also known as Nepalese sandalwood (Osyris wightiana var. rotundifolia P.C. Tam), is a hemi-parasitic tree known for its fragrant wood. The essential oil is extracted from the root bark for the perfume industry and different parts of the tree have various medicinal uses. African sandalwood contains an array of phytochemicals such as dihydro-β-agarofuran polyesters, agarofuranases, polyesters, other sesquiterpenes and bisabolanes. This mini-review focuses on the general biology, traditional uses, phytochemical properties, propagation for conservation, and hemiparasitism of O. lanceolata.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from several NTFP Plants
Authors: BHOWMIK Somnath , DATTA Badal Kumar , SAHA Ajay Krishna , CHAKMA Pradyut , MANDAL Narayan Chandra
Published: July 2019

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts plays an important role in the field of nanotechnology. In this study, rapid, simple approach was applied for synthesis of silver nanoparticles using , Clerodendrum infortunatum, Mucuna interrupta, Phlogancanthus thyrsiflorus and Sansevieria trifasciata aqueous leaf extract. The plant extract acts both as reducing agent as well as capping agent. To identify the compounds responsible for reduction of silver ions, the functional groups present in plant extract were investigated by FTIR. Various techniques used to characterize synthesized nanoparticles are Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and UV–Visible spectrophotometer. Results confirmed that this protocol was simple, rapid, one step, eco-friendly, non-toxic and might be an alternative conventional physical/chemical methods. Conversion of silver nanoparticles takes place at room temperature without the involvement of any hazardous chemicals.