Biological Sciences - PJSIR

Synchronization of Synthetic Insecticides with Aggregation Pheromone Against Rhynchophorus ferrugenius (Oliver).

Mushtaq Hussain Soomro — 2024-03-04

Aggregation pheromone (ferrolure+) has the potential for successful detection, monitoring and management of Red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugenius. Therefore, studies were undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of aggregation pheromone (ferrolure+) along with synthetic insecticides i.e., Karate 0.25 EC (Lambda-cyhlothrin), Coragen 20SC (Chlorantranliprole), Curacron 50 EC (profenophos), Steward 150EC (indoxacarb) and Talstar 10EC (bifenthrin) for the management of RPW. Control treatments with and without ferrolure+ were also maintained. Four traps per acre were applied in each study arranged in a randomized complete block design. Weekly observations were taken till the effectiveness of ferrolure+. Results confirmed that addition of synthetic insecticides showed a negative impact on the mean capture of RPW except for indoxacarb (7.59±0.89 weevils per trap) that attract significantly same but comparatively less RPW attracted towards only ferrolure+ pheromone traps (8.74±0.96 weevils per trap). Overall RPW captured in remaining treatments i.e., chlorantranliprole, lambda-cyhlothrin, profenophos and bifenthrin were 4.56+0.65 weevils per trap; (5.22+0.69) weevils per trap; 5.63+0.71 weevils per trap and 5.48+0.89 weevils per trap, respectively. A gradual rise was recorded in mean capture of RPW in all treatments till week five after installation and then declined rapidly upto week eight. More than double number of females were captured in traps with maximum male to female ratio (1:2.26) captured in lambda-cyhlothrin treatment. Therefore, it is suggested that ferrolure+ traps should be included in the integrated management programs of RPW and indoxacarb pesticide, if required, may be added in trap to get maximum killing of weevils, particularly females that will also help reduce future population growth.

Antifungal Potential of Leaves and Barks of Azadirachta indica

Saima Tauseef — 2024-03-04

The morbidity of fungal infection is very high all over the world. The treatment of fungal infections is becoming difficult due to expensive antifungal drugs, which have limited efficacy with side effects. Azadirachta indica (neem) tree has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Keeping in view the folklore medicinal importance, we determined the antifungal effect of leaves and bark decoctions and infusions in this work. Agar well diffusion method is used for the determination of antifungal potential. Decoctions and infusions prepared from dried and fresh leaves of neem tree showed promising anti- dermatophytic activity against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton tonsurans which was found to be better than antifungal drug fluconazole. This study supports the traditional use of neem trees to treat fungal infections.

Chemical and Molecular Characterization of Three Plant Species from Lamiaceae that Grow in Syria

Ghaleb Tayoub — 2024-03-04

The chemical composition of the essential oils extracted from three medicinal plant species that grow in Syria, namely Thymus syriacus Boiss., Origanum syriacum L. and Thymbra spicata L., was identified by GC-MS. Results showed that T. syriacus oil contained 27 compounds, T. spicata oil contained 39 compounds and O. syriacum oil contained 33 compounds. Thymol was the most abundant component in the three species. Monterpenes and sesquiterpes were the chemical markers for those species and may be considered as general chemical markers for all species belonging to Lamiaceae family regardless of their genus. Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) analysis used to evaluate the genetic variation between the three species showed a close genetic relationship between T. syriacus and T. spicata. Overall, results, indicated that it is possible to discriminate between the three plant species based on both of their chemical composition and ISSR markers.

Identification and Characterization of Phytochemicals and Polyphenolic Compounds in Ethylacetate Fraction of Desmodium velutinum (Wild.) DC. Methanol Root Extract Using High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Chinelo Chinenye Nkwocha — 2024-03-04

This present study evaluated the phytochemical and bioactive constituents of Desmodium velutinum root. This was carried out using standard methods and HPLC. The extraction of 1000 g of Desmodium velutinum root with methanol (80%) produced an extract with a percentage yield of 3.45%. The fractionation of 40 g of Desmodium velutinum root methanol extract using ethylacetate gave a percentage yield of 15%. Results of the quantitative phytochemical analysis showed alkaloids (6.82 ± 2.31 mg/g), flavonoids (1.03 ± 0.01 mg/g), tannins (3.82 ± 0.03 mg/g) and phenols (5.12 ± 0.06 mg/g), while saponin and steroids were not detected. The high performance liquid chromatography analysis of the ethylacetate fraction of Desmodium velutinum root methanol extract showed the concentration of various constituents of flavonoids, phenols and tannins. The flavonoids include chlorogenic acid (0.6052 µg/g), catechin (1.1424 µg/g), rutin hydrate (0.1253 µg/g), caffeic acid (0.1725 µg/g), quercetin (0.3689 µg/g) and an unidentified flavonoid compound with retention time, 0.065 min. The phenols identified were ascorbic acid (0.1482µg/g), p-coumaric acid (0.0174 µg/g), rutin (0.0205 µg/g), ferulic acid (0.5782 µg/g), apigenin (0.2344µg/g) and an unidentified phenolic compound with retention time, 15.907 min, while the tannins identified were ellagitannin (0.2214 µg/g) and gallotannin (0.1396 µg/g) as well as eight (8) unidentified tannic compounds with different retention time. This study reveals that ethyl acetate fraction of Desmodium velutinum methanol root extract contains bioactive compounds and this validate its possible option as therapeutic agent or drug formulation, as it could aid in the prevention and alleviation of cancer, ulcer and other health complications.

Studies on Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Extracts and Active Fraction of Pachypodanthium staudtii (Annonaceae) Stem Bark

Ezinne Chinecherem Okorafor — 2024-03-04

This study evaluates the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the stem bark extracts (methanol, PSM and dichloromethane, PSD) and active fraction of Pachypodanthium staudtii. In-vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, total phenolic content (TPC) and reducing power assay (RPA), while the hepatoprotective activity was verified against CCl4-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP), in-vivo antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, SOD and catalase, CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated using standard models. Histopathological studies were carried out on the liver isolates. The result showed that PSM significantly inhibited DPPH (IC50=63.70µg/mL) compared to PSD (IC50=1591.58 µg/mL). PSM showed a higher phenolic content of 2536.26 mgGAE/g compared to 1916.78 mgGAE/g for PSD. Fraction A showed a phenolic content of 553.01 mgGAE/g. Significant (P<0.05) decrease in hepatic biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP) was observed at varying degrees in PSM and PSD treated groups compared to CCl4-control group. Fraction A showed significant (P<0.05) effect on hepatic biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP), in vivo antioxidant (SOD, CAT) and MDA levels compared to the CCl4-control group. Histopathology studies revealed restoration of liver architecture and healing from CCl4 intoxication in the liver.

Alleviation of Chromium Stress in Brassica juncea L. and Soil Remediation by Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) Bacteria

Muhammad Zeeshan Arshed — 2024-03-04

Several species from the Brassica genus are very important agricultural crops cultivated in different parts of the world and also known to be heavy metals (HMs) accumulators. In our present research work, Brassica juncea L. was grown in soil spiked with different concentration levels (0.2 mm, 2 mm and 20 mm) of chromium (Cr) under natural environmental conditions. Plants were treated with Cr resistant bacterial strains (E.coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus and Salmonella). The visible symptoms after the exposure of Cr to B. juncea appeared in the form of a reduction in plant growth, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and lower the plant biomass accumulation. Likewise, the reduction in photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids) in leaves varied at different concentrations. The accumulation of lipid per- oxidation in leaves was determined as 2 thiobarbituric reactive metabolites, chiefly malondialdehyde. The results revealed that the inhibitory responses of both Cr on plant growth which were dependent on concentration and time. It was investigated by applying different HMs resistance bacterial strains to soil. The plant growth increased by decreasing the effect of Cr. In a nutshell, this study indicated that the utilization of bio-fertilizers (bacterial strains) for enhancing the plant's growth and reducing Cr stress in soil which is beneficial in stress reading programs.

Fruit Vinegars as Biological Control Strategy Against Fruit Born Fungal Pathogens

Asmara lmtiaz — 2024-03-04

The aim of the study is to use natural sources as antifungal against food born fungi to avoid chemical toxicity on fruits and vegetables. In current study, antifungal property of different vinegars have been evaluated against some fruits born fungi. Fungal isolates were identified by macroscopic and microscopic study. Antifungal activity of three types of vinegars was evaluated by agar well diffusion method. Three types of fungal isolates i.e. Acremonium species, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium solani isolated form orange, guava and strawberry respectively, were identified using 40x and 100x lenses of microscope. Synthetic white vinegar and mixed fruit vinegar showed maximum activity against Acremonium species forming zone of inhibition of 15±0.05 mm and 12±0.05 mm. Syzygium cumini vinegar showed maximum antifungal activity against A. flavus forming zones of inhibition 10±0.05 mm. Vinegar coatings, sprays or fumes can be better alternate of chemical fungicides to keep fungal pathogens and chemical toxicity away from food.

Cooking Quality and Yield Analysis of Extra-ordinary Long Grain Rice of Pakistan

Farah Shamim — 2024-03-04

Rice is one of the primarily grown cereals in the universe and is eaten by 60% of the world population as a staple food. Three indigenous extra long grain rice varieties grown in Punjab, Pakistan were analyzed for their cooking, chemical and physical properties. A comparison of newly developed varieties was done with the existing Basmati 515, super Basmati. Among all studied traits, varieties differ considerably at P > 0.001 value for paddy yield, plant height, grain dimensions, elongation/expansion ratio, gel uniformity, temperature for gelatinization, alkaline spread value and aroma on sensory perception. The volume expansion ratio varied from 4.5 to 5.5. The highest volume expansion ratio was acquired for Kissan Basmati. Grain elongation after cooking ranged between 14.7 to 16.6 mm. The values for the amylose ranged between 22.50 to 24.0% and amylopectin ranged between 76-77.5%. The range of AGL of extra long grain ranged from 8.10 to 8.23 mm, L/B ratio from 4.47 to 5.47. All verified varieties showed resistance against BLS, blast and BLB incidence.

Bark Recovery of Rubber Clone PB 260 Through Application of NAA+, Kinetin and Oleo-chemicals

Murni Sari Rahayu — 2024-03-04

Clone PB 260 firstly planted in 1975 and popular due to its excellent vigor and productivity during maturity (1.5-2 tonnes/ha10), the dense foliage reduced extensive weeding and is resistance against major leaf diseases. The knowledge on the bark recovery rate is very important to maintain high yield of latex production on rubber plantation. The study which was conducted on the experimental farm of Rubber Research Institute, Sungei Putih, Deli Serdang, north Sumatra, Indonesia was aimed to obtain the optimum combination concentration of growth regulators (NAA+ and kinetin) and various oleo-chemicals to accelerate bark recovery and response of bark recovery rate for rubber clones PB 260. Factorial randomized block design, which consists of two factors, namely growth regulatorcon centrations (N1=50 ppm NAA+ + 50 ppm kinetin; N2=100 ppm NAA+ + 50 ppm kinetin; N3=150 ppm NAA+ + 50 ppm kinetin) and oleo- chemicals (01=palmitic acid; 02=oleic acid and 03=stearic acid) were used in this study. The parameters measured were the number of latex vessels, skin thickness, sucrose levels, thiol levels, inorganic phosphate level, latex yield and total solid content (TSC). The results showed that growth regulator concentrations significantly affect the number of latex vessels but did not significantly affect the skin thickness, sucrose levels, thiol levels, inorganic phosphate levels, latex yield and total solid content (TSC). The most optimum growth regulator combination was N2 at various parameters observed. 0leo-chemicals application showed significant effect on the number of latex vessels, skin thickness and latex yield, but showed no significant effect on levels of sucrose, thiol levels, inorganic phosphate level and total solid content (TSC). Thus, application of growth regulator and oleo-chemicals are beneficial to accelerate bark recovery rate in order to maintain latex production on rubber plantation.

Food Adulteration in Pakistan: A Major Threat to Youth's Health and Life

Nazma Malik — 2024-03-04

The recent malpractices in the food industry is one such sad and global trend. The quantum of this menace in Pakistan is such that has given rise a situation labeled as food emergency. The increase in food adulteration coincides with an alarming increase in the number of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract infections and cancer along with an increase in mental disorders, especially in youth i.e., depression, frustration and lack of concentration. This study aims at establishing how various adulterants elements added erroneously or intentionally are affecting the physical and mental growth of our youth and what policy implementation steps should be taken to safeguard the physical and psychological wellbeing of our future generations. The purpose of this study is to find out to what extent food adulteration is responsible for this trend in the disease index, especially that of the youth. Being a country where 60% of the population is below the average age of twenty five years forming the productive group, it is importance to establish as to why are we facing the challenges of food safety, is it the lack of legislation, execution of laws, lack of awareness of all of these.

Comparative Evaluation of Sugarcane Genotypes for Adaptability Stuides in the Agro-ecologies of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan

Abdul Khaliq — 2024-03-04

The aim of this study is to identify sugarcane genotypes that combine high yield and stability across environments to identify best potential cultivars of sugarcane for a region during the years 2017- 18 and 2018-19. Fourteen sugarcane genotypes under varietal development programme of Sugarcane Research Institute, Faisalabad were evaluated in two different locations of northern region in Punjab, Pakistan for their yield response and stability in that ecology, The research trials was carried out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The sugarcane genotype S2005-US-54 stand best performer by achieving cane yield of 122 t/ha and sugar yield of 15.52 t/ha at Bhalwal, while sugarcane genotype CPF-253 and CPF-252 produced high cane yield of 129 t/ha, 125 t/ha and sugar yield of 16.69 t/ha, 15.25 t/ha at Chelianwala respectively. The adaptability and stability studies of fourteen genotypes concluded that CPF-253, S2005-US-54, CPF-252 produced the highest cane yield of 123.5 t/ha, 121.5 t/ha, 115t/ha respectively and most of the productive genotypes being high yielding ability was best suited for planting in northern agro-ecologies in Punjab.

Impact of Basal and Split Potassium Application on Yield Parameters of Two Wheat Varieties

Tarique Ali Jatoi — 2024-03-04

Traditionally, potassium is applied in a single dose as a basal application on wheat crop which is unavailable to plants for later stages of growth due its luxury consumption by plants during initial stages of growth, adsorption to colloids, absorption by soil microbes and leaching loses. However, potassium application in an appropriate manner by altering its mode of application can greatly influence crop yield. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to study the impact of basal and split potassium application on yield and attributing traits of two wheat varieties at the experimental field of barley and Wheat Research Institute Tandojam, Pakistan during 2018-19. Two wheat varieties, namely TD-1 and Kiran-95 were sown in two factor randomized complete block design (main plot = varieties, sub plots = treatments) with three replications. The treatments were as follows: T1 = No K application, T2 = K application at 60 Kg K20/ ha at the time of sowing, T3 = K applications in two splits, i.e. 30 Kg K20/ha at sowing and 30 Kg K20/ha at tillering stage. The K application in two splits showed greater response as compared to basal application alone. In case of varieties, TD-1 performed well relatively in all parameters. Moreover, the highest number of tillers 12.13 per plants, number of grains 611.75 per plant, seed index (51.5), grain yield 2661.80 Kg/ha, straw yield 4503.30 Kg/ha, K content in grains (0.56%) and K content in straw (0.96%) was observed in split K application. For higher crop production therefore, K should be applied in two splits application.

Review on Health Concern: Trans Fatty Acids and Hydrogenation Process

Hadia Shoaib — 2024-03-04

Trans fats are the worst fat that human being consumed in a diet. It has been produced during the hydrogenation process of edible oil/fats. Basically it has an adverse effect on human health by raising bad cholesterol (LDL) and decreasing the %level of good cholesterol (HDL). This ultimately increases the chance of heart stroke due to high build-up of bad cholesterol in blood arteries. Now days, the growing interest related to the consumption of foods products comprising trans fatty acids (TFAs) has been increased due to their risky effects on health. The permissible consumption limit of trans fat in foods should be less than 1%. Therefore, it is necessary to focuses on the process that generate TFAs in different food products. Hydrogenation is main source for TFAs production, the part of industrial hydrogenation is mainly affected to raise the level of trans fat (10-50%) comparative to thermal process (1-3%).