Biological Sciences - PJSIR

Report on the Detection of a Poty Virus Associated with Mosaic, Leaf Deformation and Stunting on Ocimum gratissimum (L.) in Calabar, Nigeria

Emmanuel Etim Ekpiken, Oduba Ikwa Eyong — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

During a survey of household gardens in Calabar (Nigeria) between the growing seasons 2021 and 2022, yellowing, mosaic and vein banding in the leaves, as well as severe stunting, were reported in scent leaf plants (Ocimum gratissimum family Lamiaceae). Diagnostic investigations of host range in the obtained symptomatic samples of the virus suggested a restricted host range, while ACP-ELISA results demonstrated that the isolate reacted positively with the poty virus antisera. Poty virus was further established when a pair of poty virus specific primers produced an amplicon of 700 bp from symptomatic samples. The amplicon was cloned and sequenced before the analysis of the basic local alignment search tool revealed that the cylindrical inclusion (CI) gene showed a 71.11% relationship to the Yam mosaic virus (MG711313). Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence with selected poty virus sequences from NCBI revealed it was nearest in closeness to Yam mosaic virus (MG711313) but was also in the same subgroup with Mullein poty virus (KU962959), Barleria repens mottle virus (ON854904) and PRSV (KF155416). The isolate in this investigation was tentatively determined to be a potyvirus species based on sequence identity at both the nucleic acid and protein levels, as well as phylogenetic analysis.

Presence of Anti-Nuclear and Anti-Double-Stranded DNA Antibodies among Healthy Individuals in the Twin Cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) of Pakistan

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Background: The study aimed to investigate antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double- stranded DNA antibodies among healthy individuals in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, emphasizing the need to understand their prevalence in the general population.

Objective: To determine ANA and anti-dsDNA levels, assessing their potential as disease biomarkers in the absence of clinical symptoms among healthy individuals.

Methods: A total of 659 individuals participated in the study, including 503 females (76.3%) and 156 males (23.5%). Blood samples were collected using convenient sampling technique followed by separation of serum using centrifugation. The levels of ANA and anti-dsDNA were quantified using non-competitive ELISA.

Results: The results of the study showed that only 0.91% of individuals tested positive for ANA and 0.46% for anti-dsDNA. This indicates a minimal presence of these antibodies in the healthy cohort. Furthermore, no significant association was found between ANA and anti-dsDNA.

Conclusion: This study highlights a low occurrence of ANA and anti-dsDNA among healthy subjects, suggesting their potential exclusive association with autoimmune diseases.

Assessment of Amylase Production Potentials of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Wheat Sourdough

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Consequent from increasing demand for amylase enzyme in the food industry, this study assessed the amylase production potentials of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from wheat sourdough. LAB were isolated from wheat sourdough samples and screened for amylolytic ability using the plate assay method. Isolates that were amylolytic were characterized and identified using standard methods. Submerged fermentation was carried out using the amylolytic lactic acid bacteria (ALAB) isolates at 30°C for 120 h. Reducing sugar yields and amylase activity were determined using the 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid method. The lactic acid bacteria isolates and their occurrences were as follows: L. plantarum 3(27.3%), L. brevis 3(27.3%), L. fermentum 2(18.2%), L. pentosus 1(9%) L. mesenteroides 1(9%) and P. pentosaceus 1(9%). A total of 11 isolates exhibited amylolytic activity with zones of starch hydrolysis in the range of 18-46 mm. L. plantarum TM3 and L. brevis KT1strains produced the highest reducing sugar concentrations (0.63mg/mL and 0.61 mg/mL respectively). Peak amylase activities of the ALAB isolates were observed at 24 h incubation time and ranged from 8.76 to 30.67 µmol/min/mL with L. plantarum TM3 and L. brevis KT1strains recording the highest amylase activities of 30.67 µmol/min/mL and 30.20 µmol/min/mL respectively. Findings from this study show that wheat sourdough is a good source of amylase-producing LAB strains such as L. plantarum TM3 and L. brevis KT1that could be exploited in starch degradation processes especially in the food industry.

Impact of Biological Fertilizer Under Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Physiology of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

To enhance the efficiency and productivity of rice seedlings, Post Harvest Lab., Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness Management, University of Karachi conducted a study to analyse the interactive effects of synthetic and biofertilizers on the physiology of rice seedlings. Individual and interactive effects of reclaimer (R), biozote (B), Trichoderma (T), urea and DAP on the productivity of rice seedlings were studied through a 5-inch pot on the open-pollinated, non-aromatic rice variety Pk-386. Different treatments of the individual biofertilizer and its mixture with synthetic fertilizers were used to assess the effects on germination, plant length, vigour, fresh weight, dry weight as well as moisture percentage. 3170.2 was the highest vigour recorded in the treatment of Trichoderma T with synthetic and biofertilizers. The highest moisture of 76.5% was calculated in the treatment of Trichoderma T with biofertilizers. Under the interactive combination of synthetic and biofertilizers, many treatments of biofertilizer mixture improved the major growth parameters of rice seedlings.

Biodiversity of Arthropods in Shallot Plantations Applied with Botanical Pesticide Djengkol Peel Extract on Peat Land

Helda Orbani Rosa, Salamiah, Muslimin Sepe — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The application of botanical pesticides has reported positive effects on increasing arthropod diversity indices in agriculture. This study aims to assess the effect of botanical insecticides from djengkol skin extract on arthropod diversity in shallot plantations in peatlands. This research was conducted on shallot plants on peatland with a randomised group design consisting of four treatments and repeated five times. The treatments consisted of three types of doses of djengkol skin extract, namely 0.125 Kg/ha, 0.25 Kg/ha, 0.375 Kg/ha and a control. This study focused on calculating the index of diversity, evenness, dominance and richness of arthropods. The results showed that the arthropod collection was 2743 heads consisting of Insecta comprises 9 orders (60 families), Arachnida with 1 order (9 families) and Diplopoda with 1 order (1 family). Application of botanical insecticides to shallot plantings on peatlands can increase the index of diversity, evenness, dominance and richness of arthropods.

Checklist of Butterflies from the Botanical Garden, Lahore

Rimsha, Ishrat Aziz — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The butterfly house at the botanical garden in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, serves as a sanctuary for a diverse array of butterfly species. This study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023, focusing on the butterfly species present in this sanctuary. A total of 24 species from three families Papilionidae, Pieridae and Nymphalidae were identified using standard identification literature. Specifically, 13 species belonged to the Nymphalidae family, 7 to Pieridae and 4 to Papilionidae. Nymphalidae was the most represented family, constituting 54% of the species diversity, followed by Pieridae (29%) and Papilionidae (17%). Notably, rare species such as the common blue bottle, common crow, paper kite, common windmill and chocolate pansy were observed. This research represents the first checklist of butterfly fauna in the Lahore botanical garden and underscores the need for further studies to comprehensively document the area’s butterfly biodiversity. This information is crucial for monitoring ecological trends and habitat conditions.

Effect of Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid and Zinc Levels on the Growth Quality and Yield of Muskmelon

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The use of foliar applications to enhance crop growth and yield has become an important strategy in modern agriculture, particularly for fruit crops like muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) known for its nutritional value and economic significance. This research focus on the growth, quality and yield of muskmelon was conducted at platoo Mardan, during 2018. The research was laid out in two factor Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Factor "A" consists of different zinc levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm) while Factor "B" consist of different salicylic acid (SA) concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm) which were applied as foliar application 40 days after sowing. The maximum fruit volume (12.40 cm3), rind thickness (0.28 mm) and total soluble solid (11.73 °Brix) were significantly affected by 75 ppm of zinc concentration. Whereas, the maximum number of branches (6.83), total yield/ha (12.61 tons) and fruit firmness (9.00 cm3) were recorded in plants treated with 50 ppm of zinc concentration. While salicylic acid the maximum yield/he (12.82 tons), fruit volume (13.18 cm3), rind thickness (0.28 mm), total soluble solid (10.62 °Brix) and fruit firmness (9.26 N) were recorded in plant treated with 150 ppm of salicylic acid. It can be concluded from the present results that the treatment of 75 ppm of zinc levels and 150 ppm of salicylic acid can improve the growth and production of muskmelon Cv. kandyalay under the agro. climatic condition of Mardan.

Assessment of Tolerance in Selected Onion Genotypes to Thrips Population in Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Muhammad Aqib , Muhammad Waqar Hassan, Liaqat Ali, Ghulam Sarwar — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Onion thrips are one of the most significant pests of onion. Study was conducted during rabi season of 2022-23 to screen seven onion genotypes namely Nasarpuri, Phulkara, Sultan, VRIO-2, VRIO- 3, VRIO-8 and VRIO-15 against thrips at experimental farm of Islamia University of Bahawalpur following randomized complete block design. Results showed maximum thrips on Nasarpuri (29.78) followed by 29.60 and 29.17 on VRIO-2 and Sultan respectively. Least population was on VRIO-8, VRIO-15 and Phulkara with 16.86, 15.40 and 13.35 thrips respectively. Study of plant morphological traits showed plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf width was positively associated with thrips population. Among physiological traits more thrips were negatively associated with relative chlorophyll content, linear electron flow (LEF) and photosystem2 (Phi2) but positively associated with NPQt or energy dissipation. There was weak positive correlation between thrips population and bulb yield which instead showed tolerance against thrips attack in those genotypes particularly for Nasarpuri, VRIO-2 and Sultan. On the other genotypes VRIO-8, VRIO-15 and Phulkara showed resistance to thrips abundance. Knowledge about tolerant and resistant genotypes is important and can be utilized in future breeding programs for development of promising onion genotypes.

Toxicity of Different Pesticides on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Tetranychidae: Acari) and Scolothrips longicornis Priesner S(Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Cucumber Under Laboratory Condition

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of five pesticides residue toxicity abamectin 1.8 ec, bifenazate 48 sc, hexythiazox 10 wp, fenbutatin oxide 55 sc and biopesticides tondexir 80 ec against two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae and the predator Scolothrips longicornis under laboratory condition. The results showed that bifenazate to be the most effective pesticides against the mite. The pesticides residue of bifenazate, abamectin and hexythiazox caused high mortality of two spotted spider mite through rates that ranged between 89.59 to 100% and this was significantly greater than the control. Furthermore, the results also showed pesticide residues of the tondexir very low mortality ratios 5.33 and 9.33% respectively after 7 days of the treatment. Hexythiazox and bifenazate were toxic to the predator up to two weeks after treatment and the mortality rates caused in low and high rates was 68.07, 78.33% and 39.55, 37.88% respectively. The result showed the mortality on leaf disks treated with tondexir, fenbutatin oxide was not significantly than control on untreated leaf disks at any time after application.

Identification of Wheat Genotypes for Water Stress Tolerance on the Basis of Morpho-Yield Traits

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The grain yield in greater amount under water stress has always been the prime objective of most of the studies pertaining to the identification of potential genotypes of wheat tested for morpho-yield and physiological traits. Selection of genotypes was thus based on their mean performance under water stress conditions imposed on tillering stages. Eighteen popular wheat varieties were evaluated for days to 75% heading, days to 75% maturity, plant height, tillers/plant, spike length, spikelets/spike, grains/spike, seed index, grain yield/plant, biological yield/plant and harvest index. The wheat varieties, viz., Bhittai, Marvi-2000, NIA-Sarang, TD-1, NIA-Sunder, Inqilab and Khirman, were identified as tolerant to water stress. Grain yield per plant was positively significant associated with its related traits in stress and water stress environments. These traits should be improved through simple selection in lateral generations of segregation populations.

Evaluating the Potential of Chromium Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Industrial Effluents for Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) Production

Amber Abid, Sumaira Mazhar — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Pakistan, more than 800 tannery industries are present. Untreated industrial effluents lead to contamination of nearby soil, aquatic life, groundwater quality and ultimately humans by noxious heavy metals and other contaminants. The current study has designed to evaluate potential of indole acetic acid (IAA) synthesis from chromium resistant bacteria extracted from industrial effluents. A total of 20 samples of wastewater and adjacent soil were collected from 5 different tannery industries of Gujranwala and Lahore, Pakistan. Sequestration of bacteria resistant to chromium was done by spread plate method and further proceeded by screening test for IAA production. Bacteria resistant to chromium were cultured in LB media and centrifugation was done at gravitational acceleration of 18,894 g for 20 min to obtain supernatant. Salkowski reagent added to supernatant in (2:1) ratio. Five Cr resistant bacteria which confirmed maximum IAA production were further examined by applying different experimental conditions such as variation in pH, temperature, Trp (tryptophan) concentration and inoculum size. Investigations revealed that, isolated chromium resistant bacteria showed maximum IAA production at 37 °C and acidic pH. The isolated Cr resistant bacteria showed increase in IAA production by increasing Trp (tryptophan) concentration and inoculum size. Sequestration of bacteria resistant to chromium from industrial waste will be beneficial for IAA production which can be further applied for plant growth enhancement as bio-fertilizer.

Antioxidant Activities and Phenolic Profile of Senna alexandrina

Syed Mubashar Sabir, Maria Khalid, Muhammad Usman Hameed, Muhammad Zubair Khan — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the antioxidant activities of Senna alexandrina leaves as well to determine its phenolic profile. The antioxidant activity was analyzed by in vitro lipid peroxidation assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS assay, antioxidant potential assay and metal chelation assay. The extract showed remarkable scavenging activities (58% in DPPH and 68% in ABTS assay respectively), iron chelation (60%), reduction potential (68%). The extract reduced the lipid peroxidation against FeSO4 (60%) and sodium nitroprusside (50%) in phospholipid homogenate extracted from egg yolk. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of quercetin, pyrogallol and gallic acid in leaves extract. On the basis of these results it is concluded that leaves extract of S. alexandrina are rich source of antioxidants and contain important phytochemicals.

Effect of Seed Priming on the Growth and Development of Callus from Mature Embryo of Wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum Desf.)

Halima Othman, Samih Tamimi, Monther Sadder — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Current research is focused on finding out effective strategies to overcome the adverse effects of environmental stress conditions on plants such as drought and salinity. Seed priming is a pre-sowing seed treatment strategy frequently used to boost up stress tolerance potential of plants. Although the beneficial effects of seed priming on stress tolerance are well explored, priming influence on the in vitro culture of plants has not been well explored which is the main objective of this work. To achieve this objective, the influence of priming on induction and growth of wheat callus derived from mature embryos of seeds subjected to hydro-priming, kinetin priming and CaCl2 priming was investigated. The results showed that all priming treatments reduced callogenesis potential and callus growth compared to those from unprimed seeds. Compared to its unprimed counterpart, the highest reduction in callus induction (66%) was recorded in the hydroprimed seeds followed by kinetin primed and CaCl2 primed seeds which reduced callus induction by 33-35%. Priming also reduced callus growth. Growth of callus raised from Hydro, kinetin and CaCl2 primed embryos were reduced by 18.60 %, 10.05% and 17.79% compared to control, respectively. Contrary to its effect on growth, the physiological status of callus cells was not affected by the priming treatments. Neither viability, nor MDA content of callus cells were influenced by the priming treatments. Furthermore, the priming treatments increased the membrane stability index (MSI) of callus cells. Cells from hydroprimed callus achieved a significant increase of MSI (51.6%) compared to control, which showed the lowest value (29.2 %). Cells of Kinetin and CaCl2 primed groups showed lower increase for this trait (47.3, 47.7%, respectively). It is concluded that priming although reduced callus growth, it had no damaging effect on its cellular component and can be effectively used for elucidating the mechanism of priming induced stress tolerance at the cellular level.