bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Osmolytic Agents on Somatic Embryogenesis of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Authors: VAHEDI Maryam , KALANTARI Siamak , ALIREZA SALAMI Seyed
Published: July 2019

A protocol for callus induction from meristem tissues and subsequent somatic embryo formation were established in this study. Explants were taken from apical and lateral meristems of saffron and these explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with combinations of 2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2.4-D) and Kinetin (Kn). The effects of osmotic agents such as abscisic acid (ABA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Gelrite on somatic embryogenesis were also investigated. After 45 and 60 days of culture, calli were induced from apical and lateral meristems, respectively. The apical meristems yielded higher quality calli when compared to the lateral meristems. The highest frequency of callogenesis and the growth rate of callus were achieved from apical meristems on Murashige and Skoogs (MS) medium supplemented with 2.4-D (2 mg/l) and Kinetin (0.5 mg/l). After 45 days of subculture, the segments of nodular calli were transferred to plant growth regulator (PGR)- free media for induction of pre-embryogenesis embryo formation. Pre-matured embryos were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different osmotic agents such as Gelrite, ABA and PEG to study their effects on embryo maturation. Both PEG and ABA proved more effective for somatic embryo maturation as compared to Gelrite.
Microbial Spoilage, Actions of Preservatives and Phytochemical Screening of Mango (Mangifera indica) Seed Powder
Authors: AREKEMASE Musa Olusegun , OYEYIOLA Ganiyu , SAAD Fathia Oluwatoyin , TERWASE Daniel Salem
Published: July 2019

The work was carried out to determine the organisms responsible for the microbial spoilage of kernels of Mangifera indica. A specialized kit was employed to confirm the Gram negative organisms present in the spoilt kernels of M. indica. The effects of chemical preservatives such as sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, citric acid and sodium chloride at different concentrations on the microbial counts and pH of mango seed powder stored at room temperature over a period of 12 weeks were studied. The mango seed kernel powder (MSK) was screened for phytochemicals. The bacteria isolated include: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter clocae, Enterobacter asburiae and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The Gram negative organisms confirmed were Enterobacter clocae, Enterobacter asburiae and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The isolated fungus was Aspergillus niger. In the analysis of different chemical preservatives on mango seed powder, the most effective preservative was 3.0% sodium benzoate followed by 5% sodium acetate and 5% common salt. Citric acid was the least effective of all the preservatives used at equal concentrations. Sodium benzoate at 3% had the least bacterial count of 0.8 x 103 CFU/ml which was maintained from the 8th week to the last week of storage. Citric acid at 0.1% and 1.0% concentrations had bacterial counts of 3.50 x 103 CFU/ml and 2.0 x 103 CFU/ml respectively at the end of the 12 weeks of storage. The pH of the chemically preserved powdered kernels of M. indica from the 1st to the 12th week ranged from 2.70-6.01. The phytochemicals present in the mango seed powder included tannins, saponnins, polyphenol, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and steroids.
Anther Ontogeny and Microsporogenesis in Helianthus annuus L. (Compositae)
Authors: ÇETİNBAŞ Aslihan , ÜNAL Meral
Published: July 2019

In this study, anther ontogeny and microsporogenesis were analysed in Helianthus annuus L. The undifferentiated anther is ovoid-shaped and the differentiation starts with the appearance of archesporial cells. Mature anthers are tetrasporangiate. The anther wall is composed of epidermis, endothecium, middle layer and plasmodial tapetum. Endothecial cells show no fibrous thickening. Tapetum is amoeboid type with binucleate cells. Epidermal layer remains intact until anther dehiscence; however, middle layer, endothecium and tapetum disappear during development. At the end of regular meiotic division tetrahedral microspore tetrads are formed. Pollen grains are triporate, suboblate and angulaperturate.
Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench) as Influenced by Compost Application under Different Light Intensities
Authors: DADA Victor A. , ADEJUMO Sifau A.
Published: July 2019

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is one of the popular vegetables, especially rich in iron, vitamins and other minerals. Poor soil fertility and inconsistent light intensity, due to unfavorable weather condition, reduce okra performance. Response of two okra varieties (‘NH47-4’ and ‘Clemson spine’) to different rates of compost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha), under different light intensities (L0: control (no reduction) or 100% light intensity, L1: 33%, L2: 46% and L3: 76%, light reduction) were assessed in pot and field trials. The experimental design was a factorial experiment fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data on growth and yield attributes were collected. The results showed that the reduction in light intensity (L3) increased the numbers of fruits and leaf area by 50 and 47% respectively on the field, but delayed flowering. High light intensity (L0) though enhanced leaf area formation and early flowering, but hastened leaf senescence and abscission. Compost generally increased growth rate, leaf area and dry matter accumulation of the two okra cultivars compared to control under varying light intensities. Compost at 15 t/ha performed better and increased fruit number by 66% on the field. Between the two cultivars, ‘Clemson spine’ responded better than ‘NH47-4’ plants in terms of yield. Low light intensity (76% light reduction) in combination with higher compost rate however enhanced prolonged fruiting and leaf formation in the two okra varieties. The application of compost at 15 t/ha is therefore recommended for optimum yield of okra under low light intensity.
Optimization of Cultural Conditions for Production of Antibacterial Metabolites from Streptomyces coelicoflavus BC 01
Authors: RAGHAVA RAO Kothagorla Venkata , BHASKARA RAO Dadi , SATYANARAYANA Botcha , RAGHAVA RAO Tamanam
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study was to optimize various cultural conditions for the production of antibacterial metabolites by Streptomyces coelicoflavus BC 01 isolated from mangrove soil, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The effect of various factors such as carbon and nitrogen sources, different concentrations of NaCl and K2HPO4, different temperature, pH, incubation time and agitation on antibacterial metabolites production were studied. The production of antibacterial metabolites by the isolate Streptomyces coelicoflavus BC 01 was greatly influenced by the cultural conditions. Glucose (1.2%) and soya bean meal (1%) seemed to be the best carbon and nitrogen source respectively, followed by NaCl (1%) and K2HPO4 (0.25%). Maximum production of antibacterial metabolites was observed at a temperature of 30 °C, with pH 7.2, at 160 rpm for 96 hrs. These optimized parameters can be further useful to design a fermentation medium to achieve maximum yield of antibacterial metabolites from Streptomyces coelicoflavus BC 01.
Growth, Yield and Proximate Composition of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as Influenced by Land Preparation Methods
Authors: OLAYINKA Bolaji Umar , YUSUF Bilqis Temitope , ETEJERE Emmanuel Obukohwo
Published: July 2019

Field experiments were carried between May and July 2014 to investigate the effects of three land preparation methods (flat surface, raised beds and ridges) on growth, yield and proximate composition of groundnut. The plots layout followed complete randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that growth parameters such as plant height, number of primary branches and leaf area were the highest in raised beds, followed by ridges and flat surface. Yield components such as number of matured pods per plant, number of seeds per plant and seed weight per plant were significantly higher in raised beds compared to other planting methods. Higher pod and seed yield were recorded under raised beds, but these were not statistically different from those of ridges. Regardless of the planting method, the percentage moisture, ash, fibre crude protein, crude fat and carbohydrate had values that ranged between 11.30 ± 0.88-10.67 ± 0.61%, 2.38 ± 0.33-2.07 ± 0.20%, 4.97 ± 0.05-9.95 ± 0.19%, 23.84 ± 0.14-26.51 ± 0.20%, 44.17 ± 0.37-48.86 ± 0.47% and 5.89 ± 0.14-9.59 ± 0.19% respectively. However, raised beds planting method had a remarkable influence on ash, fiber and crude protein, but limit the fat and carbohydrates contents of the seeds when compared to other planting methods. In view of its influence on growth, yield and some aspects of proximate composition, raised beds method of planting is therefore suitable for producing Arachis hypogaea L., ‘MK 373’ cultivar of groundnut.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Root Extracts of Abitulon indicum
Authors: OWK Aniel Kumar , MORTHA Krishna Rao , LAGUDU Mutyala Naidu
Published: July 2019

Antimicrobial activity of Abitulon indicum roots was studied against seven pathogenic bacteria and three fungal strains by agar well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity was recorded for hexane, chloroform, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts. Alcohol (ethanol and methanol) extracts exhibited the highest degree of antimicrobial activity compared to aqueous, chloroform and hexane extracts. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was turned out to be the most susceptible bacterium to the crude root chemical constituents, using the standard Tetracycline and Clotrimazole. Minimum inhibition concentration values of hexane, chloroform, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts were determined by the agar dilution method and ranged between 62.5 and 1,000 µg. The study suggested that the root extracts possess bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria and fungi, revealing a significant scope to develop a novel broad spectrum of antimicrobial drug formulation from Abitulon indicum.
Growth and Development of Acanthiophilus helianthi (Diptera: Tephritidae) Feeding on Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius
Authors: SAEIDI Karim , MIRFAKHRAEI Shahram , MEHRKHOU Fariba
Published: July 2019

Safflower fly, Acanthiophilus helianthi Rossi (Diptera: Tephritidae), undergoes four stages (egg, larva, pupa and adult) during its growth and development. In this study, observation showed that the egg’s stage took 1.16 ± 0.00, larva’s stage took 12.02 ± 0.13 and pupa’s stage took 7.03 ± 0.08 days before the emergence of adults. The male adult survived for 21.97 ± 2.69 days, while the female lived 19.19 ± 1.50 days. It was observed that the eggs were laid in a cluster, with a range between 10 – 50 eggs per cluster. The length and width of the individual egg were 1.12 ± 0.03 mm and 0.20 ± 0.00 mm respectively. The percentages of the survived individual larva decreased from the first instar until third instar. In the experiment, the length and width of the larva reached 7.77 ± 0.08 mm and 1.84 ± 0.03 mm respectively. Pupae were observed changing in colour from pale white to dark brown. The length and the width of the pupae observed were 6.78 ± 0.16 mm and 2.90 ± 0.02 mm. The longevity of the adults Acanthiophilus helianthi Rossi was influenced by the diets they consumed, the presence of other individuals, wideness of the areas, differences in time taken within the life cycle (between different stages) and temperature in the laboratory.
Organic Additives Improves the in Vitro Growth of Native Orchid Vanda helvola Blume
Authors: DAVID Devina , JAWAN Roslina , MARBAWI Hartinie , GANSAU Jualang Azlan
Published: July 2019

In vitro seed germination has been proven to be the most efficient technique to propagate orchid. The application of this aseptic technique has contributed to conservation of many endangered orchid species. In this study, undehisced capsules of Vanda helvola Blume were collected from Orchid Conservation Centre in Lagud Sebrang Agriculture Park, after 120 days from hand pollination and aseptically cultured on three types of basal media such as Murashige and Skoog (MS), Knudson C (KC) and Vacin and Went (VW). After 90 days of culture, 66.40 ± 4.14% of seeds successfully germinated on KC medium. The effect of organic additives such as tomato juice, coconut water, peptone and yeast extract at different level of concentrations in KC basal medium were also tested on seed germination and seedling development of this native orchid. After 90 days of culture, over 90% of seeds were tremendously germinated on KC medium supplemented with 10% or 15% (v/v) of tomato juice. The incorporation of peptone at 0.1% (w/v) in KC basal media promoted rapid development of protocorm to seedling. Seedlings on this treatment produced an average of three leaves and two roots after 90 days of culture and were successfully acclimatized.
Ohmic Treatment of Pear Purées (cv. ‘Conference’) in Terms of Some Quality Related Attributes
Authors: NISTOR Oana Viorela , VASILE Aida , ANDRONOIU Doina G. , MOCANU Gabriel D. , BOTEZ Elisabeta , STĂNCIUC Nicoleta
Published: July 2019

The effect of ohmic treatment on some quality related characteristics of pear purée (cv. ‘Conference’) such as color, reducing sugars, total phenols, rheological behavior and microbial counts, was analyzed. The inactivation kinetics of pectin methyl esterase (PME) in pear crude extract and purée were studied by conventional thermal and ohmic treatments. Thermal inactivation of PME in crude extract was described by a first-order kinetic model. The activation energy values suggested the presence of two isoenzymes with different thermostability. The ohmic heating reduced PME activity by 96% at 25 V·cm-1. Minimal changes induced by ohmic heating on above quality related aspects were observed. Supporting this statement, there were no significant changes in the nutritional and sensorial attributes. It was reported an increase of 3% of reducing sugar content for the ohmic heated samples. The phenolic content of the treated samples registered a reduction of 59% in comparison with fresh pear purée. The pear purée presented a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour. The Ostwald de Waele model was fitted to rheograms and the consistency coefficient (m) and flow behavior index (n) were determined. Results obtained for the microbial charge were higher in the control samples. Thus, microbial counts showed complete inactivation of yeast and mold at voltage gradient higher than 17.5 V·cm-1.
Impact of Magnetic Treatment of Irrigation Water on the Growth and Yield of Tomato
Authors: YUSUF Kamorudeen Olaniyi , OGUNLELA Ayodele Olanrewaju
Published: July 2019

This study was carried out to determine whether magnetic treatment of the irrigation water may actually enhance vegetative growth and yield of tomato. Three magnetic flux densities of 124, 319 and 719 G (treatments T1, T2 and T3) were used to treat the water and a control experiment (Tc) which was irrigated with non-magnetically treated water was also set up. The magnetic field was produced by an electromagnet that had a variable voltage unit varying the voltage from 4 to 12 V. The tomato were planted in buckets, kept in a transparent garden shed for 130 days and irrigated with magnetically treated water and non-magnetically treated water. A completely randomized design experimental layout was used in this study and each of the three treatments was replicated seven times. The results indicated that tomato crop irrigated with magnetically treated water grew faster than that of the non-magnetically treated water and the stem diameters were bigger than those of control. The heights of tomato plants (T1, T2 T3 and Tc) after 47 days were 560.0, 556.4, 588.6 and 469.3 mm respectively. The total yield after 130 days of survey for T1, T2 T3 and Tc were 892.1, 1075.8, 1045.7 and 637.7 g respectively. The percentage increment in yield from the plants treated with magnetically treated water varied from 39.9 to 68.7% compared to the yield from untreated water.
Effects of Super-Absorbent Polymer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: SHEKARI Fariborz , JAVANMARD Abdollah , ABBASI Amin
Published: July 2019

Limitation of water resources and its great impact on agricultural and natural resources play a crucial role in the efficiency of water use. Applying super absorbent polymer to the soil may be one of the methods to minimize the stress of weather dryness in arid and semi-arid regions. In order to evaluate the effects of hydrophilic polymer application on yield and water use efficiency of rapeseed plants, an experiment was conducted under field condition in 2012 at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh. Treatments’ factors were: (i) 3 super absorbent polymers (SAP) (Taravat A200) levels of 0 (without application), 75 and 150 kg ha-1 A200 application, (ii) three irrigation levels of 80, 120 and 180 mm evaporation from class A basin in main plots, (iii) two cultivars ʻHyola 401ʼ and ʻRVSʼ in sub plots as factorial split plot combination based on completely randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that in all of the measured traits within the experiment there were significant differences between SAP levels. Furthermore, increasing irrigation interval led to an increase in a thousand seeds’ weight, but decreased seed yield. Increasing water stress raised seed oil percent and infertile silique and subsequently resulted in reduced oil yield. ʻHyola 401ʼ was more susceptible to embryo abortion compared with ʻRVSʼ. As a conclusion of the research, SAP (A200) application in quantities smaller than 75 kg ha-1 may be recommended for rapeseed production under field condition.
The Effect of Halopriming and Salicylic Acid on the Germination of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) under Different Cadmium Concentrations
Authors: ESPANANY Arezoo , FALLAH Seyfollah , TADAYYON Ali
Published: July 2019

The hereby study was based on a factorial experiment conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications, at Agriculture College, Shahrekord University, Iran, in 2014. The role of salicylic acid (SA), potassium nitrate (KNO3) and potassium chloride (KCl) was evaluated on seed germination of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under different cadmium concentrations. Treatments included four levels of seed priming (no priming, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, salicylic acid) and four levels of cadmium concentration (0, 10, 20, 30 mg/L). Cadmium chloride caused a significant inhibition in germination percentage, root elongation, shoot elongation and seedling dry weight. The shoot length was more sensitive to cadmium concentrations than the root length. Primed seeds with SA (100 mg/L) proved protection against Cd stress and increased the germination percentage, root elongation, shoot elongation and dry weight of seedlings compared to the control treatment. Seeds treated with SA alleviated the Cd negative effect on germination parameters. In conclusion, using seed priming with salicylic acid can be recommended as a good technique for fenugreek crop on fields exposed to high cadmium toxicity.
Prevalence and Antibiogram of Generic Extended-Spectrum β-Lactam-Resistant Enterobacteria in Healthy Pigs
Authors: UGWU Ifeoma Chinyere , ANYANWU Madubuike Umunna , UGWU Chidozie Clifford , UGWUANYI Ogbonna Wilfred
Published: July 2019

This study was conducted to isolate generic extended-spectrum β-lactam (ESBL)-resistant enterobacteria from pigs reared in Enugu State Southeast, Nigeria and determine the antibacterial resistance profile of the isolates. Rectal swabs were collected from 190, randomly selected, apparently healthy pigs. Isolation of ESBL-resistant enterobacteria was done using Mac Conkey agar supplemented with 2 µg/ml of cefotaxime. Phenotypic characterization of the isolates to generic level was done following standard biochemical methods. Phenotypic resistance of the isolates to antibacterial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method. Out of 46 ESBL-resistant enterobacterial isolates, 4 (8.7%) were Escherichia coli, 11 (23.9%) were Salmonella species, while 31 (67.4%) were Klebsiella species. Resistance of the Salmonella isolates was 45.5% to ciprofloxacin, 36.4% to ofloxacin and levofloxacin, 9.1% to norfloxacin, amikacin and gentamicin, 27.3% to streptomycin, 72.7% to chloramphenicol and 90.9% to tetracycline. Resistance of the Klebsiella isolates was 93.5% to ampicillin, 12.9% to ciprofloxacin, 19.4% to ofloxacin and levofloxacin, 9.7% to norfloxacin and streptomycin, 64.5% to chloramphenicol and 38.7% to tetracycline. Resistance of the E. coli isolates was 100% to gentamicin, 75% to ampicillin and streptomycin, 50% to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline, and 25% to ofloxacin, levofloxacin and amikacin. All the isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, cefpodoxime, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and aztreonam. Resistance of the isolates to more than 3 classes of antibacterial agents tested was 54.8% for Klebsiella, 90.9% for Salmonella and 100% for E. coli, respectively. This study has shown that pigs reared in Enugu State Southeast, Nigeria, are colonized by ESBL-resistant Enterobactericeae and are potential reservoirs and disseminators of these organisms.
Acetylene Resembling Effect of Ethylene on Seed Germination: Evaluating the Effect of Acetylene Released from Calcium Carbide
Authors: MASHAYEKHI Kambiz , SHOMALI Aida , MOUSAVIZADEH Seyyed Javad
Published: July 2019

Some vegetable seeds need a very long time to germinate. In these kinds of seeds the second phase of germination is very long. As acetylene’s chemical structure is almost similar to the gaseous hormone ethylene, its’ physiological effect on seed germination should be very similar as well. Therefore, an experiment was established in order to enhance seed germination, by treating seeds with acetylene released from interaction of calcium carbide (CaC2) with water (H2O). A simple system was designed for efficient and proper use of gaseous acetylene resulted from the two substrates interaction, which conducted the produced gas obtained inside the interaction chamber into a sealed container wherein seeds were floating in water. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of one concentration of acetylene with different exposure periods (between 1 to 8 hours) on parsley, celery and Swees chard seeds’ germination (chosen as late germinating vegetables). The effect of acetylene on seed germination speed and percent was investigated. There were significant differences in both percent and speed of germination within the various treatments. By floating for 3, 5 and 3 hours for parsley, celery and Swiss chard respectively, the highest germination rates were observed. The highest germination speed was achieved by 5, 5 and 3 hours floating respectively for parsley, celery and Swiss chard. Based on the results obtained, the current experiment suggests that acetylene has positive effect on enhancing seed germination of named vegetables, and played the role of ethylene, its effects resembling in regard to seed germination process.
The Impact of Carbon Source, Explants and Growth Regulators on Callogenesis and Organogenesis of Artemisia annua
Authors: GHASSEMI Bita , DEHGHAN NAYERI Fatemeh , HOSSEINI Ramin
Published: July 2019

Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Artemisia annua L. plant is known for its antimalarial activity. The low content of artemisinin has stimulated researchers to enhance its production through biotechnological approaches such as tissue culture. The present study was initiated to study the effect of some important factors alone and in combination, on the callogenesis and organogenesis of Artemisia annua. The type of carbon source had a significant effect on NAA efficiency to callogenesis of A. annua, whereas the best callogenesis of A. absinthium was observed at 2 mg/L BAP + 30 g/L sucrose and in the absence of NAA, with root explants. Presence of BAP also had an important effect on callogenesis, especially in high concentrations. A suitable suspension culture was obtained in the MS basal medium containing 0.5 mg/L NAA and BAP, with 30 g/L glucose. Artemisinin was naturally production was at least 0.03 mg/g (w.dt) at the first day and peaked on the 16th day with 0.31 mg/g (w.dt) in the cell culture of A. annua. The maximum number of shoots (2.167 ± 1.484) was induced at 0.5 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L NAA + glucose (30 g/L) with leaf explants. However, treatments containing glucose did not show a good shoot induction. Longer shoots were induced in the medium containing either 0.5 mg/l NAA + 0.5 mg/l BAP + sucrose with leaf explants (1.493 cm ± 0.342) or 0.5 mg/l NAA + sucrose with stem explants (0.697 cm ± 0.930). Medium containing 0.5 or 2 mg/l NAA and sucrose (without BAP) induced more roots though.
Prevalence and Antibiogram of Generic Enterococci in Ready-to-Slaughter Beef Cattle
Authors: ANYANWU Madubuike U. , OBETTA Timothy U.
Published: July 2019

Rectal swabs were collected from 95, systematic randomly selected, apparently healthy beef cattle, in order to isolate generic enterococci in Nsukka Southeast, Nigeria, and thus to determine the antibacterial resistance profile of the isolates. Isolation of enterococci was done using Slanetz-Bartley enterococci selective medium. Phenotypic characterization of the isolates to generic level was done following standard biochemical methods. Phenotypic resistance of the isolates to antibacterial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method. From 95 swabs, 93 (97.89%) were positive for enterococci. Of the 93 isolates, 10 (10.75%) were haemolytic Enterococcus species, while 83 (89.25%) were non-haemolytic Enterococcus species. Out of 75 isolates, all (100%) were resistant to cefoxitin, 66 (88%) were resistant to ampicillin, 71 (94%) to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 68(90.7%) to ceftriaxone, 42 (56%) to streptomycin, 74 (98.67%) to gentamicin, 16 (21.3%) to tetracycline, 5 (6.7%) to vancomycin, 62 (82.7%) to sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and 1 (1.3%) to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. None of the isolate was resistant to imipenem. The enterococcal isolates exhibited 22 resistance patterns. Out of 75 isolates, 1 (1.3%) isolate was resistant to 1 class of antibacterial agents, 9 (12%) were resistant to 2 classes, and 65 (86.7%) to 3 or more classes. This study has shown that cattle slaughtered in Nsukka Southeast Nigeria are potential reservoirs and disseminators of multidrug-resistant enterococci.
Phytochemical Contents of Five Artemisia Species
Authors: KURSAT Murat , EMRE Irfan , YILMAZ Okkeş , CIVELEK Semsettin , DEMIR Ersin , TURKOGLU Ismail
Published: July 2019

In the present study, the fatty acid compositions, vitamin, sterol contents and flavonoid constituents of five Turkish Artemisia species (A. armeniaca, A. incana , A. tournefortiana, A. haussknechtii and A. scoparia) were determined by GC and HPLC techniques. The results of the fatty acid analysis showed that Artemisia species possess high saturated fatty acid compositions. On the other hand, the studied Artemisia species were found to have low vitamin and sterol contents. Eight flavononids (catechin, naringin, rutin, myricetin, morin, naringenin, quercetin, kaempferol) were determined in the present study. It was found that Artemisia species contained high levels of flavonoids. Morin (45.35 ± 0.65 – 1406.79 ± 4.12 μg/g) and naringenin (15.32 ± 0.46 – 191.18 ± 1.22 μg/g) were identified in all five species. Naringin (268.13 ± 1.52 – 226.43 ± 1.17 μg/g) and kaempferol (21.74 ± 0.65 – 262.19 ± 1.38 μg/g) contents were noted in the present study. Present research showed that the studied Artemisia taxa have high saturated fatty acids and also rich flavonoid content.
Tillage Practices in the Context of Climate Change and a Sustainable Viticulture
Authors: DOBREI Alina , NISTOR Eleonora , SALA Florin , DOBREI Alin
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate options for maintenance of soil in vineyards located on flat land or mild slopes, and soils with a medium or high fertility. Tillage in the vineyard is carried out to preserve the soil loosening, for maintaining the humus and nutrients in soil, for activation of chemical and biological processes and last but not the least to maintain weed control. Choosing the most suitable system of vineyards floor management (middle rows, undervine, around vineyard) is a major problem which depends on preserving or enhancing soil fertility, improvement or worsening the soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics, ensuring water from soil and weed control. The experimental variants consisted of different practices of soil tillage, as follows: V1-bare row middles and grass strips/bare soil under vine; V2-bare soil/herbicides treatment under vine; V3-bare row middles/bare soil under vine; V4-bare row middles with ripped soil/bare soil under vine; V5- raw middles and grass strips/manual hoeing under vine; V6-bare row middles/rotary hoe under vine; V7-raw middles and grass strips/herbicides treatment under vine. Observations were made on ‘Burgund’ cultivar regarding buds viability, grape production, yield quality and sugar content. The highest yield per hectare was achieved in the soil with bare raw middles prepared with rotary hoe under vine (V6). On soils with moisture deficiency and a high content of clay, vineyards floor management is recommended to be maintained both under vine and on raw middles, as well with the adjustable rotary tiller.
Evaluation of Sixteen Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genotypes in Derived Savannah Environment Using Path Coefficient Analysis
Authors: ENE Chikezie O. , OGBONNA Peter E. , AGBO Christian U. , CHUKWUDI Uche P.
Published: July 2019

Sixteen exotic and indigenous cucumber genotypes (Cucumis sativus L.) were evaluated under early and late seasons planting. This was to characterize the cucumber genotypes based on their performance in the derived savannah of Southeast Nigeria agro-ecological zone and estimate character association and contribution towards total fruit yield per hectare. The vegetative traits, such as vine length, number of branches, number of leaves and leaf area were measured at 8 weeks after planting. The phonological traits measured were: days to flower initiation and days to 50% flowering. The reproductive traits like number of staminate flowers per plant, number of pistillate flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and total fruit yield per hectare were also recorded. Obtained data was subjected to analysis of variance in randomized complete block design and path analysis. The results showed a highly significant difference (p<0.01) among the genotypes in all the traits studied in both seasons. ‘Beit Alpha’ genotype gave the highest fruit yield/ha in early season planting, while in the late season, the highest yield producer was ‘Ashely’. In both seasons, vine length, number of branches and leaves, leaf area, number of pistillate and staminate flowers/plant, number of fruit and fruit weight/plant showed positive and significant correlation with total fruit yield/ha. In both seasons, the highest positive direct effect on yield was recorded in fruit weight/plant. Significantly (p<0.05), the highest total fruit yield/ha was recorded in the early rainy season planting in this agro ecological zone. Based on high fruit yield, ‘Beit Alpha’ genotype for early season planting and ‘Ashley’ genotype for late season are recommended for cultivation in the Derived Savannah, Southeast Nigeria agro ecological zone.
The Influence of Colour Features on Seed Identification Using Machine Vision
Authors: ANVARKHAH Sepideh , PANAH Ali Davari Edalat , ANVARKHAH Alireza
Published: July 2019

Little studies have been done on morphology of medicinal plants seeds. This paper presents an automatic system for medicinal plant seed identification and evaluates the influence of colour features on seed identification. Six colour features (means of red, green and blue colours of the seed surface, as well as means of hue, intensity and saturation) were extracted by algorithm and applied as network input. Different combinations of colour features (one, two three, four, five and six colour features) were used to find out the most accurate combination for seed identification. Results showed that the six colour feature was the most accurate combination for seed identification (99.184% and 87.719% for training and test of neural network respectively). One colour feature had the lowest average accuracy values for seed identification (3.120% and 2.771%). In general, increasing the number of colour features increased the total average of accuracy values.
Forest Structure, Composition and Above Ground Biomass of Tree Community in Tropical Dry Forests of Eastern Ghats, India
Authors: SAHU Sudam Charan , SURESH H.S. , RAVINDRANATH N.H.
Published: July 2019

The study of biomass, structure and composition of tropical forests implies also the investigation of forest productivity, protection of biodiversity and removal of CO2 from the atmosphere via C-stocks. The hereby study aimed at understanding the forest structure, composition and above ground biomass (AGB) of tropical dry deciduous forests of Eastern Ghats, India, where as a total of 128 sample plots (20 x 20 meters) were laid. The study showed the presence of 71 tree species belonging to 57 genera and 30 families. Dominant tree species was Shorea robusta with an importance value index (IVI) of 40.72, while Combretaceae had the highest family importance value (FIV) of 39.01. Mean stand density was 479 trees ha-1 and a basal area of 15.20 m2 ha-1. Shannon’s diversity index was 2.01 ± 0.22 and Simpson’s index was 0.85 ± 0.03. About 54% individuals were in the size between 10 and 20 cm DBH, indicating growing forests. Mean above ground biomass value was 98.87 ± 68.8 Mg ha-1. Some of the dominant species that contributed to above ground biomass were Shorea robusta (17.2%), Madhuca indica (7.9%), Mangifera indica (6.9%), Terminalia alata (6.9%) and Diospyros melanoxylon (4.4%), warranting extra efforts for their conservation. The results suggested that C-stocks of tropical dry forests can be enhanced by in-situ conserving the high C-density species and also by selecting these species for afforestation and stand improvement programs. Correlations were computed to understand the relationship between above ground biomass, diversity indices, density and basal area, which may be helpful for implementation of REDD+ (reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks) scheme.
Effects of Different Hormonal Concentrations and Culture Medium on Multiplication and Rooting of Stage II Banana (Musa cavendishii)
Authors: WIJERATHNA Yapa Mudiyanselage A.M. , KUMARIHAMI Herath Mudiyanselage P.C.
Published: July 2019

Banana (Musa spp.) breeding has been a slow developing process, due to the absence of seeds and low propagation rates. Selection of valuable cultivars and micro-propagation are promising techniques to accelerate the cultivation process. Therefore, callus culture was carried out, aiming the establishment of plant regeneration protocol that might be used in banana breeding programs. Sword suckers were used as explants, whereas vigorously grown apical shoots obtained from initial in vitro germinated seedlings were sub-cultured in six different MS media at pH 5.8, supplemented with MS Minerals + MS Vitamins + 36.7*FeNaEDTA + 3% sucrose + 0.65% agar (+) different hormonal conditions.  Among the different concentrations tested within the experiment, MS Media (MS Minerals + MS Vitamins + 36.7*FeNaEDTA + 3% sucrose + 0.65% agar) with hormones 1 TDZ + 10 IBA showed the highest shoot proliferation and a high rate of multiplication. Even so, there were no significant differences observed for root initiation and plantlet establishment among the six tested medium.
Pollen Grain and Hybridization Studies in the Genus Capsicum
Authors: OLATUNJI Tomi Lois , MORAKINYO Joseph Akintade
Published: July 2019

The current study aimed to evaluate the pollen viability of the commonly cultivated varieties of Capsicum species and assessed the potentials for gene exchange among the genotypes through hybridization studies. Capsicum annuum var. abbreviatum, C. annuum var. acuminatum, C. annuum var. grossum and C. frutescens var. baccatum were the species and varieties used in this study. The present findings indicated that the percentage of pollen viability varied in the studied Capsicum genotypes. The highest pollen viability was obtained in C. annuum var. abbreviatum (96.3%), followed by C. annuum var. grossum (95%), and C. annuum var. acuminatum (91.1%). The lowest pollen viability was recorded in C. frutescens var. baccatum (86.2%). The pollen viability was high in most varieties indicating that meiosis is normal, resulting in viable pollen grains. Several intraspecific and interspecific crosses were performed among the Capsicum genotypes and three putative hybrid fruits were produced. Percentage successes obtained in the crosses were low and comparable in both intra and inter-specific crosses. In the entire crosses pattern, pollination success of 10% was recorded for C. frutescens var. baccatum and C. annuum var. acuminatum. Knowing the nature and viability of pollen grains may help in predicting the success rate of hybridization and the successful crosses between C. frutescens var. baccatum and C. annuum var. acuminatum suggest that these two varieties are the closest genetically.
Bridelia retusa (L.) Spreng. Fruits: Antimicrobial Efficiency and their Phytochemical Constituents
Authors: OWK Aniel Kumar , LAGUDU Mutyala Naidu
Published: July 2019

Antimicrobial analysis of hexane, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of Bridelia retusa fruits was performed by agar well method and minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by serial two-fold dilution method. Seven human pathogenic bacteria species including Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and three fungal species were used in the study and the results indicated that the Gram positive bacteria and fungi were more sensitive than the Gram negative bacteria, to both solvent and aqueous Bridelia retusa fruit extracts. Moreover, Enterococcus faecalis was found as the most sensitive bacteria, whereas Proteus vulgaris and Aspergillu niger were the most resistant to the tested extracts. Phytochemical analysis of fruits revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloid, saponins and terpenoids, which have been implicated in antimicrobial activities. Hence, it would be recommended to explore the maximum potential of Bridelia retusa in the medicinal and pharmaceutical field and investigation are endorsed for further application useful in phytomedicine.
Length-Weight Relationships and Condition Factors of Several Nigerian Fish Species
Authors: AMOO Timothy O. , KOMOLAFE Olaniyi O.
Published: July 2019

The length-weight relationship and condition factor of Sarotherodon galilaeus and Oreochromis niloticus were observed in Strabag Lake. A total number of 365 individuals of the fish species were caught during the period of study with Sarotherodon galilaeus constituting 65.21% of the total catch while Oreochromis niloticus made up 34.79% of the catch. The mean weight (W) and mean total length (TL) were 56.04 ± 1.019 g and14.64 ± 0.103 cm respectively for S. galilaeus;62.86 ± 2.184 g and15.84 ± 0.171 cm respectively for O. niloticus. The values of constants a and b (growth exponent) were determined from the length and weight data which transformed into the linear equation of log W = log a + b log L. These parameters were then fitted to the exponential equation, W = [aL]b. The respective exponential equation for the length-weight relationship was W = 0.068[L]2.5 for S. galilaeus and W = 0.034[L]2.7 for O. niloticus which shows that both species exhibited negative allometric growth (b < 3.0). The correlation coefficient (r) and condition factor (K) recorded were 0.944 and 6.70 respectively for S. galilaeus and 0.911 and 3.49 respectively for O. niloticus specimens. The species showed negative allometric growth and were thriving well in the environment.
Morphometric Study of Several Species of the Genus Jatropha Linn. (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: KOLAWOLE Opeyemi Saheed , ABDULRAHAMAN Abdullahi Alanamu , JIMOH Mahboob Adekilekun , OLADELE Felix Ayotunde
Published: July 2019

Morphological parameters of several Jatropha species, namely Jatropha curcas L., Jatropha gossypifolia L., Jatropha podagrica Hook., Jatropha integerrima Jacq. and Jatropha multifida L. were subjected to quantitative analysis within the present study. Twelve traits of the leaves, fruits and seeds were analysed: leaf length, leaf width, leaf length/width ratio, petiole length, petiole width, fruit length, fruit width, fruit length/width ratio, seed length, seed width, fruit stalk length and fruit stalk width were subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. Highly significant positive correlations have been noted, while negative correlation was observed between leaf width and leaf length/width ratio, fruit width and leaf length/width ratio. Traits such as leaf length, leaf width and leaf length/width ratio contributed significantly along with other traits to discriminate the studied Jatropha species.  J. podagrica and J. integerrima were found to have more similarities, with a stronger coefficient of agglomeration (69.072) than J. curcas and J. podagrica with 315.028 coefficient of agglomeration respectively. The generated dendrogram showed the relationship between the studied Jatropha species, whereas great affinity was noted between J. podagrica and J. multifida as compared with J. gossypifolia and J. integerrima which are distantly related. The closeness observed between J. podagrica and J. multifida is in line with their current sub-generic grouping.
Studies on the Variability and Combining Ability for Improved Growth and Yield of Local Eggplant Genotypes (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: AKPAN Ndueso Michael , OGBONNA Peter , ONYIA Vincent , OKECHUKWU Emeka , ATUGWU Agatha , DOMINIC Ima-obong
Published: July 2019

Ten genotypes of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) comprising of four genitors and six hybrids generated using diallel crosses were evaluated to estimate the magnitude of genetic variability,  their general combing ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for improved growth and yield of eggplant. The results obtained showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference among the genotypes in all the traits studied.  The highest fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare was obtained in ‘Yalo’ × ‘K3’ combination, with 1.77 kg per plant and 50.50 tonnes per hectare, respectively. The cluster analysis grouped the studied genotypes into three and six clusters for genitors alone and genitors with first filial generation (F1s), respectively. Principal component analysis showed that number of leaves, number of fruits and number of branches per plant contributed more to the total variations observed in the eggplant populations. Significant GCA and SCA effect were obtained for most characters analyzed, indicating the importance of both additive and non-additive genetic components. The genotype ‘Iyoyo’ was the best general combiner in regard to days to flowering and number of fruits per plant. ‘Yalo’ was the best general combiner in fruits’ circumference and diameter, fruit yield per plant and per hectare. The cross ‘Uyo’ × ‘Iyoyo’ was the best specific combiner in days to flowering, whereas ‘K3’ × ‘Iyoyo’ and ‘Yalo’ × ‘K3’ were the best specific combinations in number of fruits, fruit yield per plant and per hectare.
Salicylic Acid and UV-B/C Radiation Effects on Growth and Physiological Traits of Satureja hortensis L.
Authors: ABRUN Abdolvahed , FATTAHI Mohammad , HASSANI Abbas , AVESTAN Saber
Published: July 2019

Higher UV irradiation may affect the structure of ecosystems directly or indirectly. In the present work, Satureja hortensis L. defence mechanisms against UV stress was studied with or without salicylic acid (SA). For this aim, a factorial based experimental was conducted on completely randomized design with three UV treatments (control, UV-B and UV-C) as first factor and two SA levels (0 and 1 mM) as second factor. The results showed UV-B and C decreased shoot dry weight, plant height (PH), node number (NN), inter-node distance (IND), root length (RL), leaf area index (LAI) and chlorophyll content, but increased stem diameter (SD), leaf thickness (LTh), total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TFC) and antioxidant activity. Plants treated with SA (1 mM) showed higher growth factors than non-treated one. It seems that SA can be used as an alternative substance against UV stress.
Flower Pollinator Interactions within Two Tropical Tree Species of Mizoram, North East India
Authors: KUMAR Kewat Sanjay , KHANDURI Vinod Prasad
Published: July 2019

Understanding the interactions between plants and pollinators is vital in exploring the structural and functional dynamics of tropical forest ecosystem. Such interactions are also helpful in resolving issues of regeneration, maintenance of biodiversity and conservation of tropical forest resources. The aim of this study was to understand the foraging behaviour of floral visitors of two valuable forest species in North East India, viz. Schima wallichii Choisy and Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. The types and behaviour of pollinators were assessed by counting of the total number of visits by insects during day time (05:00-18:00) per field visit/flower in the peak flowering season, foraging rate (number of flowers visited/minutes) and average time spent per flower. The frequency of pollinator visits was also determined in terms of visits/flower/hour. Ten species belonging to seven families were recorded visiting S. wallichii flowers. The flowers of L. speciosa were mainly visited by three species in the family Apidae and one species in the family Calliphoridae. Various moth and bee species were involved in pollination of S. wallichii flowers. The Xylcopa spp. of bee showed a high level of functional synchronisation with the floral morphology of L. speciosa.
Effect of Selenium Enrichment on the Growth, Photosynthesis and Mineral Nutrition of Broccoli
Authors: GHASEMI Yousef , GHASEMI Kamran , PIRDASHTI Hemattollah , ASGHARZADEH Roqieh
Published: July 2019

Broccoli is placed in primary selenium (Se) accumulator group plants, which is considered as an important source of Se for providing human daily need. This experiment used an outdoor hydroponic system to evaluate the effects of Se foliar application at the rates of 0, 10, 50, and 100 μg Se/ml concentrations fortnightly. Among yield parameters, the head weight of broccoli was significantly affected. Se treated broccoli plants produced heavier head than the control; however, head weight among three Se concentrations (Se10, Se50, Se100) was not significantly different. Although most of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were not significant, Se treated broccolis maximal fluorescence yield (Fm) was higher than the control. Significant increase in chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll) was observed as a result of Se treatments. Different Se concentrations did not have positive or negative effects on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake. Se treatment at 100 μg Se/ml concentration however, contributed to the highest content of sulfur in broccoli head. Se content of broccoli head increased with the increase in sprayed Se concentrations. The highest concentration of Se (1.41 mg Se/kg dry matter) in broccoli head was recorded in Se100, which showed significant difference compared with Se0 and Se10.