Asian Journal of Plant Biology (e-ISSN 2289-5868) is an open-access, online-only, peer-reviewed journal that publishes research papers, short communications, mini reviews and review articles. AJPB considers scientific papers in all fields of plant biology that include plant agriculture, plant physiology, plant genetics, plant molecular biology, plant cell biology, plant physiology, plant systematics, plant ecology, plant-microbe interactions, phytoremediation, phytochemistry, phytomedicine, plant biotechnology, plant biochemistry, plant microbiology, mycology and plant pathology. Currently, the manuscript needs to be sent directly to the Editor-in-Chief. Send manuscript and cover letter via email attachment to hmyakasai.bch@buk.edu.ng
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Determining the Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) and Seedling Growth Effects of MARDI Nano-fertilizer on Rock melon (Cucumis melo)
New fertilizer formulations and nitrogen delivery systems are needed to address deteriorating nutrient-use-efficiency and environmental hazards due to farmers' dependency on chemical fertilizers. Nanofertilizers (NF) made from tailored smart nano materials are a viable alternative to inefficient and harmful traditional fertilizers. Nanotechnology and NFs may help solve chemical fertilizers formulation difficulties. To boost rock melon yields, MARDI has created a nano-fertilizer made from nano-emulsions. The relations between seed germination inhibition (%) of rock melon seed and different concentrations of MARDI nano-fertilizer showed that when nano-fertilizer concentrations increased from 10 to 45% with inhibition 3.3% to 100%, seed germination decreased. The LC50 value was calculated at 32.2% equal to 322,000 ppm, with upper and lower limits at 25.346% and 40.953%, 96 hrs after treatments, indicating the formulation is not toxic with a high LC50 value. In order to further study the effects of the created nano-fertilizer on the growth of rock melon plants across the adult, reproductive, and developmental stages, it is suggested that future field trials work use a concentration of 0.5% of the developed MARDI nano-fertilizer.
Copyright (c) 2023 Asian Journal of Plant Biology http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and Characterization of Biosurfactant-producing Bacteria from Ternary Effluent within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council
Almost all surfactants currently in use are chemically derived from petroleum. However, the diversity of biosurfactants, environment friendly characteristics, the possibility of their production through fermentation and their potential applications in areas such as environmental protection, surface crude oil recovery, health care and food processing industries, has made its interest steadily increasing in recent years. This research is targeted towards the isolation of indigenous biosurfactant producing bacteria from the local tanneries in Maiduguri. Physico – chemical parameters such as temperature and pH of all samples were tested at the site of collection, while others such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Desolved Oxygen (DO) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were tested ex – situ. Simple and selective microbiological media were used for the isolation. A total of ten (10) different bacterial isolates were obtained from the eighteen (18) samples tested. Identification of the isolates was achieved through morphological and Biochemical analysis. The isolates obtained included Providencia rettgeri, Salmonella enterica, Enterobacter cancerogenus, Leminorella richardii, Bacillus licheniformis, B. niacini, Paenibacillus residui, Proteus mirabilis, Lysinibacillus massiliensis and L. fusiformis. Of the ten (10) isolates obtained, only seven (7) were found positive for biosurfactant production. They incuded P. rettgeri, E. cancerogenus, L. richardii, B. niacini, P. residui, L. massiliensis and L. fusiformis, of which L. fusiformis showed the highest emulsification activity of 25% at 4cm emulsion height. The results suggest that the Majema tannery effluents harbour biosurfactant - producing bacteria. Thus, tannery effluents can be possibly remediated using the biosurfactants and bacteria producing the biosurfactants.
Isolation, Identification and Leavening Ability of Yeast from Local Fruits
Yeast is the organism used in the leavening of dough in a bakery. The study was carried out to determine the leavening ability of yeast isolated from different fruits. Three different yeast species were isolated from different fruits and were identified using cultural and microscopic methods. The yeast species isolated were tested for their temperature tolerance, ethanol tolerance, carbohydrate fermentation and leavening ability. The isolates were able to tolerate different temperature ranges (25 °C, 30 °C and 37 °C), and different concentrations of alcohols (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%). They were also able to grow and ferment glucose, sucrose, and fructose. The ability of the identified yeast species to increase the volume of the dough was examined by fermenting flour dough. The fermentation was conducted at 30 °C for 72 h. Yeast isolates from date, pineapple, mango and commercial beakers yeast were found to have a leavening ability of 66, 60, 40 and 58, respectively, and the control having 20 cm3/g. This indicates that the fruits could be a potential source of indigenous yeast species which can serve as good leavening agents.
Effect of Water Stress on the Morphology of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum M.) at Different Growth Stages
Large sections of tomato farming rely heavily on surface irrigation because rainfall is insufficient to supply crop water needs. This technique may result in water waste. Throughout and directly afterwards transplanting, at flowering, and during the development of fruit, tomatoes are extremely susceptible to water deficiencies. Therefore, preserving agricultural water supplies and boosting water productivity, coupled with increased tomato production, necessitate satisfying the water needs of tomatoes. This is why we set out to investigate how water stress affects tomato's (Tandilo and Rukuta varieties) agro-morphological traits in this study. The research was conducted at the Botanical Garden, Gombe State University. The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Block Design with six (6) replications and three (3) treatments. Three different water levels were termed as severe deficit at 14-day intervals, mild deficit at 7 d and control treatments were applied to each group. The impact of water stress on various tomato cultivars was calculated by measuring their height, stem diameter, leaf area, stem diameter, and number of branches. Water stress was found to significantly (P<0.05) reduce stem diameter, plant height, leaf area, and the number of branches. In conclusion, the agro morphological efficiency of tomato cultivars improved after modest water stress mitigation. Tandilo and Rukuta varieties can be adopted in semi-arid regions to optimize yield and ensure food security.
Comparative Analysis of Amylase Enzyme Produced by Aspergillus niger Using Rice and Maize Bran as Substrates
Amylase is used in the degradation of starch-containing materials into its simpler constituents. This study was aimed at comparing amylase production by Aspergillus niger isolated from different sources on different varieties of rice and maize bran. Different strains of A. niger were isolated from different sources and were identified using cultural, morphological and molecular characteristics. A. niger USGB:1024 isolated from soil obtained from a maize mill and A. niger BGSU:17-00030 isolated from spoiled tomato were used for amylase enzyme production as both gave positive results during screening. Amylase enzyme was produced using 15g of substrates, temperature 30 C, pH 6 and inoculum density of 1 ×106. A. niger USGB:1024 was found to produce an amylase enzyme with the highest activity (3.15±0.1 IU) on Chinese rice bran at fermentation day 5. A. niger BGSU:17-00030 also produced amylase enzyme with the highest activity (1.46±0.01 IU) on Chinese rice bran at 5 days of fermentation. The result has shown that A. niger USGB:1024 produced amylase enzyme with the highest activity than A. niger BGSU:17-00030.
Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus in Paddy Rice Field in Kwadon, Gombe, Nigeria
In this scenario, a rice and fish farming system is merged, where the fish are farmed alongside or interchangeably with the rice. Integrated fish farming is a sequential linkage between two or more farming operations. However, occasionally the advancement of rice-fish farming has been ham-pered by changes in rice growing methods as well as the widespread use of insecticides and artifi-cial fertilizers. A cutting-edge agricultural technique where the primary crop is rice and fish fin-gerlings are used as a secondary source of income. By generating employment opportunities and ensuring food security, rice cum fish culture not only helps farmers who are living in poverty to earn more money but also increases the output of their paddy crops. This study aims to assess the performance of the fish as a result of the rice-fish culture. Kwadom, in the Yamaltu-Deba local government area of Gombe State, Nigeria, practiced rice-fish culture. The study used six (6) rice paddy fields with the labels "pond X and X1 received artificial feed, pond Y and Y1 received poultry dropping, and pond Z and Z1 serve as control." at twenty-one (21) days following plant-ing, local rice seedlings Jamila and improved rice seedlings Faro 44 were transferred into the paddies. Each pond received 5 g of Clarias gariepinus per fingerling. But only one treatment (X and X1) produced positive results for the rice variety faro 44, which managed to live. When compared to the other 2 treatments (poultry dropping and control), the fish output in treatment one (artificial feed) had an overall weight (g) of 54000 g, which is considerably greater. The study's high mean in faro 44 reading of 96264.73 g was observed. An analysis of resource use efficiency found that, with the exception of labour, irrigation, and insecticide, most resources in the rice-fish industry were underutilized by farmers. In order to improve food security and maintain sustained rural development, it is crucial that the government actively supports the integration of rice and fish farming.
Assessment of Morphological Variations and Crop Performance among Commonly Cultivated Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.) Landraces in Gombe, Nigeria
Bambara groundnut is cultivated by low-income earning farmers at the subsistence level without knowledge of genetic diversity on major morphological and yield traits. This study aimed to assess morphological variations and crop performance among commonly cultivated Bambara groundnut landraces. The five most commonly cultivated Bambara groundnut landraces were collected from farmers and were planted randomly in a complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the Botanical Garden of Gombe State University. The results of the analysis of variance from this study revealed significant variation among some of the traits. The results on germination percentage showed that the landraces germinated between seven to ten (7-10) days after planting with 73% and 100% as the lowest and highest mean percentages. The highest mean number of leaves observed was in Stripped Black 122 whereas the lowest mean was 52. The highest mean observed at ten weeks after planting was 31.20 and the lowest mean was 23.00 in stripped brown and stripped black landraces. The highest mean plant canopy spread observed was 70cm in the white landrace, whereas the lowest mean plant canopy observed was 35cm in the black landrace. The highest mean biomass fresh weight observed was 214.95 among the white landrace while the lowest mean observed was 80.30 among the red landrace. A similar trend was recorded on biomass dry weight where the white landrace recorded 101.23 while the red landrace recorded the lowest mean biomass dry weight at 30.62 these traits have highlighted the significance chosen various parameters in selection for breeding and improvement of Bambara groundnut.
A Review on Endophytic Fungi: A Natural Source of Industrial Enzymes
Endophytic fungi are microscopic organisms that live inside plant tissue. They can create a vast array of enzymes and metabolites that present a variety of biological activities without causing any visible indications of their existence. Due to their extensive use in many industries and their simplicity in production, stability, and optimization, fungal enzymes have attracted attention. This paper describes potential applications for the enzymes made by endophytic fungus and explores their use in diverse industries. Additionally, endophytic fungi may develop into fresh sources of industrially valuable enzymes like lipases, amylases, and proteases. Endophytes have rarely been used as sources of industrially relevant enzymes due to the diversity of plants that are readily available. In view of that, search for endophytes from plants with the potential of industrial enzymes is of paramount importance.
Effect of Silicon Application Methods on Drought Tolerance, Growth and Yield of Some Varieties of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp in Gombe State
One of the things that limits crop yield is drought. It has been demonstrated that silicon (Si) plays a significant part in reducing environmental stress in cowpea. To investigate the impact of silicon (Si) on plant development, drought tolerance, physiology, and anatomy, the cowpea white variety and cowpea brown variety were chosen. Two cowpea types were sown in each pot during the trial, which was carried out in August 2021 at Gombe State university. Four treatments—a zero treatment, silicon (Na2SiO3) in soil, silicon (Na2SiO3) in seed, and silicon (Na2SiO3) in water—were used in the experiment, which was set up in a completely randomized block design. Vegetative, physiological, and reproductive factors are among those measured. The cowpea white treatment's findings for the vegetative parameters include the greatest averages for plant height (17.2), leaf count (14), stem diameter (1.9), and trifolium count. The greatest chlorophyll concentration of any treated silicon variety found in seed is 0.68, while the highest chlorophyll stability index of any variety found in soil is 50% for the cowpea white variation. Cowpea white of the treatment silicon in seed has the lowest transpiration rate of 0.1 mL, whereas cowpea white and brown of the treatment silicon in soil have the highest relative water contents (91.4% and 89.7%, respectively). The cowpea brown treatment silicon seed's reproductive properties had the highest mean flower count (3.7), compared to the white type, there were 1.7 pods, 17.1 pods, 5.7 pods, 12.0 seeds per pod, and 49g of total biomass. The cowpea white variety benefits from the Na2SiO3's effects on physiology and vegetative parameters, whereas the brown variations benefit from it in terms of reproduction.
Degradation Kinetics of Basic violet 3 by Staphylococcus aureus
Synthetic dyes are abundantly used in recent years and mainly consumed in the textile, pharmaceutical, plastic and cosmetic industries. The release of toxic constituents from dyes give adverse effect on human health and marine life. In textile industries, large amount of dye discharged into the wastewater and eventually to the aquatic system are mainly came from the critical step of dyeing and finishing processes in textile. The be able to precisely forecast the rate of bioremediation, depends on the gathering of precise rate of decolourisation, and this can be inaccurately acquired by natural logarithm transformation of the decolourisation process over time. In cases like this, a nonlinear regression of the curve must be performed making use of accessible rate models. Consequently, numerous primary models for example modified Logistic, modified Gompertz, modified logistics, modified Richards, modified Schnute, Baranyi-Roberts, Buchanan-3-phase, von Bertalanffy and the Huang models were utilized to fit the specific decolourisation rate. Several models did not converge and was disregarded and only Huang, Baranyi-Roberts, modified Gompertz, modified Richards and modified Logistics could actually model the data. The very best model according to statistical analysis was Baranyi Roberts with the highest value for Adjusted Coefficient of Determination and the lowest values for RMSE, AICc, HQC and BIC and the closest value to 1.0 for accuracy and bias factors. The Baranyi-Roberts fitted curve was discovered to conform to normality tests and is satisfactory to be used to fit the experimental data. The parameters extracted from this exercise may be used for additional secondary modelling training to gleam information about how substrate (dye) impact the rate of decolourisation of the substrate
Copyright (c) 2022 Asian Journal of Plant Biology http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SDS-degrading Bacterium Isolated from a Paddy Field
A bacterium capable of degrading sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) isolated from a paddy field water is characterized. In this report, we showed that almost complete degradation of SDS was observed in 6 to 10 days when the bacterium was grown on medium supplemented with SDS ranging from 0.75 to 1.75 g/L while higher concentrations showed partial degradation with no degradation was observed at concentrations higher than 2.0 g/L. The SDS-degrading bacterium was partially identified and provisionally named Pseudomonas sp. strain Maninjau1. We also showed that the presence of metal ions such as silver, copper, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury inhibit the ability of the bacterium to degrade SDS by 50%. Growth kinetic studies show a correlation coefficient value of 0.99 for the Haldane model indicates it fits the curve while a low correlation coefficient value of 0.67 for the Monod model indicates poor fitting. The specific growth rate μ was discovered to rise as the substrate concentration was increased but it reached a peak value followed by a slow decrease indicating substrate inhibition. The calculated qmax or maximum degradation rate was 0.917 h-1 (95% confidence interval or C.I. from 0.664 to 1.171) while the saturation constant Ks or half velocity constant was 0.178 g/L SDS (95% C.I. from 0.089 to 0.266). The inhibition constant Ki was 0.605 g/L SDS (95% C.I. from 0.358 to 0.941). The very high maximum degradation rate obtained in this study indicates that this bacterium can be an efficient agent for bioremediation of SDS especially in soils.
Modelling the Decolorization of Malachite Green by Staphylococcus aureus
Dyes plays an important role in our everyday life. From manufacturing plastics, paints, textile and even pills contain traces of dye used. With the ever-increasing demand for dye with growing world populations, the use of synthetic dyes has grown linearly. Bioremediation of dyes using microorganisms is on the rise. The ability to accurately predict the rate of bioremediation relies upon the gathering of the accurate rate of decolourisation, which is often inaccurately obtained by natural logarithm transformation of the decolourisation process over time. In this instance, a nonlinear regression of the curve needs to be carried out utilising available rate models. Hence, various primary models such as modified Logistic, modified Gompertz, modified logistics, modified Richards, modified Schnute, Baranyi-Roberts, Buchanan-3-phase, von Bertalanffy and the Huang models were utilized to fit the specific decolourisation rate. Several models failed to converge and was omitted and only Huang, Baranyi-Roberts, modified Gompertz, modified Richards and modified Logistics were able to model the data while other models failed to converge and were omitted. The best model based on statistical analysis was Baranyi Roberts with the highest value for Adjusted Coefficient of Determination and the lowest values for RMSE, AICc, HQC and BIC and the closest value to 1.0 for accuracy and bias factors. The Baranyi-Roberts fitted curve was found to conform to normality tests and is adequate to be used to fit the experimental data. The parameters obtained from this exercise can be utilized for further secondary modelling exercise to gleam information on how substrate (dye) affect the rate of decolourisation of the substrate.
Enumeration of Most Common Microbes Responsible for Tomatoes Spoilage
This study investigated the microorganisms associated with the spoilage of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) obtained from two markets in Jahun town, Jahun Local Government in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A total of five species of bacteria were isolated and identified viz: Bacillus subtilis, B. aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The most prevalent bacterial isolate was Bacillus subtilis with 24% and was found in all samples from the two markets. Klebsiella aerogenes was the least prevalent isolate with 0.8% and was found in samples from Jahun Central Market only. The fungal isolates were Penicilium notatum, Mucor mucido and Aspergillus niger. Whereas, Mucor mucido was the most prevalent with 26.4% and was found in fruit samples from all the markets, Penicillium notatum had the least prevalence of 7.3% and occurred both in Jahun Central and Kabala Markets. The mean microbial count ranges were 10 to 40 × 104 CFU/g for Jahun Central Market and 5 to 30 × 104 CFU/g Kabala Market. The presence of toxin producing fungi Aspergillus niger, which are capable of causing food poisoning as well as some bacterial isolates raises concern over public health risks that may be associated with the consumption of spoiled tomato fruits.
Response Surface Method for the Optimization of Bacillus sp. strain ZEID-14 Growth on Acrylamide as a Nitrogen Source
Acrylamide contamination in food is mainly from raw material of plant-based origin. Acrylamide biodegradation by soil bacteria is an important remediation process. Bacillus sp. strain ZEID-14, which had previously been identified and exhibited the ability to break down amides, was examined further to determine the crucial parameters that contribute to the optimum growth of acrylamide. The Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the previously identified three significant components (pH, incubation time and acrylamide concentration). The model was supported by the diagnostic plots including the half-normal, Cook's distance, leverage vs runs, residual vs runs, Box-Cox, DFFITS, and DFBETAS. Predicted optimal conditions were determined using "Numerical Optimisation" toolbox of the Design Expert software. Two optimal conditions were tested. The model predicted a maximum growth of 10.686 (95% C.I., 10.458 to 10.913) which was verified through experimental results with a growth of 11.257 (95% C.I., 11.051 to 11.462) with the actual results being near to the predicted values but was significantly higher than the predicted values. The second numerical optimization gave a solution with a predicted maximum growth of 9.305 Log CFU/mL (95% C.I. from 9.011 to 9.614) which was verified through experimental results with a growth of 9.978 Log CFU/mL (95% C.I. from 9.830 to 10.126) with the actual results were also significantly higher than the predicted values. The RSM exercise gave far better growth on acrylamide than OFAT with a higher response of about 2 log CFU/mL unit indicating the utility of RSM over OFAT in the optimization of growth of this bacterium on acrylamide.
A Two-Level Factorial Design for Screening Factors that Influence the Growth of Bacillus sp. Strain UPM2021n isolated from a Mangrove Sediment on Acrylamide
Acrylamide; a neurotoxicant, is an emerging pollutant of global importance. As a strategy for bioremediation, the breakdown of acrylamide by the action of microbes has seen a gradual but consistent increase in attention all over the world. An acrylamide-degrading bacterium tentatively identified as Bacillus sp. strain UPM2021n was screened for significant parameters contributing to optimized growth on acrylamide using a two-level factorial design. The two-level factorial design was adopted in screening of five independent factors influencing the growth of the bacterium on acrylamide. These factors include pH, temperature, incubation time, acrylamide concentration and glucose concentration. A total of 32 experiments with three replications of the centre points were carried out. The two-level factorial design was successful in finding important contributing parameters in the growth of this bacterium on acrylamide, which were pH and incubation time (p<0.05) that can be further optimized using RSM in future works. The important contributing factors or parameters were analysed using ANOVA, Pareto’s chart and pertubation’s plot and other diagnostic plots. The diagnostic plots such as half-normal, Cook’s distance, residual vs runs, leverage vs runs, Box-Cox, DFFITS, DFBETAS all supported the two-level factorial conclusion with the exception of potentially two outliers that meant the experiment should either be repeated again using blocks or the potential outliers removed from analysis. This significant factors in this study are well within the range reported in many acrylamide-degrading microorganisms. The significant factors obtained in this study will be further processed using Response Surface Method (RSM).
Isolation and Growth Characterization of Staphylococcus sp. strain Amr-15 on Acrylamide as the Sole Nitrogen Source
Some of agricultural pesticides contained polyacrylamide as a dispersant and wetting agent. Polyacrylamide is slowly degraded to acrylamide, a suspected carcinogen and a neurotoxicant that has been documented to cause deaths of ruminants exposed to this compound. An acrylamide-degrading bacterium has been isolated from polluted soils in Egypt. The bacterium was identified partially as Staphylococcus sp. strain Amr-15 based on biochemical tests. At room temperature, the effect of the initial pH on bacterial growth shows that the optimum pH range was discovered to be between 7.0 and 7.5. The optimal growing temperature at pH 7.5 ranged from 25 to 40 degrees Celsius. In a series of experiments using a 1.0 percent (w/v) starting concentration of various organic carbon sources, it was determined that both glucose and sucrose supported the greatest amount of cellular growth on acrylamide. Acrylamide dosages of up to 2000 mg/L were explored as a single nitrogen supply. The greatest growth occurred between 300 and 1000 mg/L of acrylamide, resulting in a nearly 7.0 log CFU/mL increase with a nett growth of near 3 log CFU/mL when compared to the control. Growth was practically tolerated at the highest dosage tested, 2000 mg/L, and growth stopped entirely at 2500 mg/L. Mercury at 2 ppm caused 82% of inhibition whilst other metal ions such as copper, cadmium, lead and chromium show from 30 to 50% inhibition. The concentration of acrylamide and the time it took for this bacterium to start growing show an inverse relationship. A lag time of 1-3 days was found as the content of acrylamide was raised from 100 to 1000 mg/L while growth was abolished at 1500 mg/L. The maximal growth rate increased as acrylamide concentrations increased, indicating an overall trend of increased toxicity.
Vegetation Structure and Diversity in Northern Yobe, Nigeria
The study examined the diversity of vegetation (tree species and shrubs) for the preservation, utilization and conservation of tree species in Northern Yobe. A point centred quarter (PCQ) method was employed to study the vegetation structure in six randomly selected experimental sites across the three local government councils in Northern Yobe (Yunusari, Yusufari and Geidam). A total of 22 tree species and 7 shrubs belonging to 15 families were identified, with Fabaceae being the family with the highest number of tree species (5 members), and followed by Combretaceae, Mimosaceae, and Rhamnaceae each with 3 members. Aracaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rhamnaceae, and Moraceae have 2 members each, while other identified families had a member of tree species. Specifically, Sodom apple was the dominant tree species based on Importance Value Indices (IVI) of 23.3, followed by Doum palm (22.0), then Guiera tree and Combretum species, each with IVI of 20.7, followed by Desert date (20.3), Thorn Acacia (19.9), and then Whistling thorn (19.3 as their IVI. The Diversity index was determined as 1, Simpson’s index of diversity was very low (-0.0082) and the species richness was 0.41. The low values indicate a less complex community, and the distribution pattern of the various parameters assesses was that of a typical Sahel-Savannah vegetation. Nevertheless, there was a large number of different tree species (29) recorded which implies many tree species are adaptable in the study area but only regenerated naturally without effort for intensive production. Therefore, the need of mass production of these trees in plantation and agroforestry for the conservation and utilization of the dominant (most adapted) tree species to halt environmental associated problems including desertification and erosion in the study area.
Woody Species Composition and Diversity of Wawa-Zange Forest, Gombe State, Nigeria
According to recent research, severe human-induced deforestation is causing 65 percent of the thirty Forest Reserves spread over Gombe State to progressively transform into the desert. The research was done in the Wawa-Zange Forest Reserve in Gombe State, Nigeria, to assess the richness of woody species and biodiversity preservation. The vegetation was sampled with the Point Centered Quarter technique. A complete enumeration of Woody (Trees and Shrubs) with (Diameter at Breast Height or DBH) ≥10 and ≥5cm was carried out. Using Simpson's Diversity and the Shannon-Wiener index, alpha diversity was evaluated. A total of 51 woody species from 16 families and 41 genera were discovered. 34 were trees while 17 were shrubs. Most species were found in the Fabaceae family. Ceasalpinoidae (10), Mimosoideae (4), Papilionoideae (3), Combretaceae (7), Rubiaceae (5), Anacardiaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae , Moraceae, Tiliaceae had two species each. The other families are namely Apocynaceae, Ebanaceae, Loganiaceae, Meliaceae, Rhamnaceae, Sapotaceae, Zygophyllaceae with one species each. Simpson index of Diversity was (0.55) and the Shannon-Wiener index was (2.07). This study concluded that plants with low Importance Value Index or IVI such as Pterocarpus erinaceous, Capparis mitchelli, and Pericopsis laxiflora need urgent conservation measures. Therefore, it is important to properly adopt conservation and sustainable management measures.
Isolation and Identification of Fungi Associated with Rot of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) In Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area, Adamawa State
Cucumber fruit (Cucumis sativus L.) is believed to have originated from Southern Asia and fourth most important vegetable after tomato, cabbage and onion. The objective is to isolate and identify fungi responsible for rot of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in the study area. Potato dextrose agar was used as growth medium. Three fungal pathogens (Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus brasiliensis) were identified through pathogenicity test to be causing rot of Cucumber fruit in Jimeta markets (Gwari Market, Jimeta Modern Market and Jimeta Shopping Complex Market), Yola North of Adamawa state. Isolation and identification of pathogens responsible for cucumber fruit rot in Jimeta Markets were carried out, where Rhizopus stolonifera had the highest (25-48%) frequency of occurrence while Aspergillus flavus was the least (22-38%). From the study, it is concluded that Aspergillus brasiliensis, Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus flavus were found out to be the fungal pathogen that caused rot of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit in the study area. The vulnerability of Cucumber fruit to fungal rot is not far from the poor way and manner at which the fruits are conveyed, stored and traded in the study area. It is recommended to farmers and fruit vendors to be conveying perishable fruits in soft bags and stored in cool dry places.
Macro- and Micropropagation of Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae): A Mini Review
The most popular member of the family Moringaceae is Moringa oleifera Lam. While originally from the western sub-Himalayas, India, Pakistan, Asia, and Africa, this plant has since found its way around the world. Growth of the plant is slow in areas with harsh climates, despite evidence of its excellent adaptability in tropical regions. Moringa oleifera has been studied for its potential as a biodiesel source, as well as its usage as a natural coagulant for water purification. The maturation period of Moringa oleifera is rather long because it is frequently cultivated from seeds. Therefore, it is currently unable to meet the growing demand for this species to fulfil its many household, nutritional, economic, and medical purposes. This review covers the uses and the establishment, maintenance, and development of mass propagation of the plant. The review also covers extensive parts of the plant, from a single cell to an entire plant, under artificial and axenic conditions is the focus of plant tissue culture (PTC), which is an integral part of Plant Biotechnology due to the many benefits it offers over traditional methods of propagation. Plant hormones have been shown to improve the success of vegetative propagation from cuttings, but in order to obtain uniform planting materials, tissue culture techniques involving plant materials like nodal segments, indirect organogenesis, multiplication using immature seeds, and regeneration of axillary cotyledons and buds are preferable.
Kinetic Analysis of the Adsorption of lead (II) onto Activated Carbon from Tridax procumbens
Adults who are exposed to high levels of lead may develop hypertension and kidney damage. Lead exposure is dangerous for everyone, but it can have devastating effects on pregnant women and their babies. Methods such as membrane separation, ion exchange, precipitation, and biosorption are currently in use for the removal of lead pollution. Biosorption has the fewest negative aspects of these technologies due to its low operating costs, high efficiency at detoxifying low concentrations of toxicants, and small volume of disposal materials. The biosorption of the biosorption of lead (II) onto the activated carbon from Tridax procumbens is remodeled using nonlinear regression and the optimal mode was determined by a series of error function assessments. The best kinetic model for adsorption of lead (II) was Pseudo-1st order with a reasonable difference in terms of corrected Akaike Information Criterion to the next best model, which was pseudo-2nd order, and followed by the Elovich. However, the error function analyses especially the AICc was not conclusive in ranking the pseudo-1st order model as the best model due to the low (less than 5) absolute values of differences between the model. The pseudo-1st order kinetic constants obtained were qe (mg/g) of 6.181 (95% confidence interval from 5.009 to 7.352) and k1 (per min) of 0.007 (95% confidence interval from 0.004 to 0.009). Nonlinear modeling enables the determination of a 95 percent confidence interval for the uncertainty range, which can be used in model comparison and discriminant analysis.
Gelam Honey Inhibition of Bacterial Pathogen: Determination of MIC and NIC Values Using the Lambert-Pearson Model
The curative effect of honey is due to the fact that it possesses antibacterial activity, it keeps wounds moist by retaining their natural moisture, and the honey's high viscosity contributes to the formation of a protective barrier that helps to keep infections at bay. All of these properties work together to make honey an effective wound healer. In addition, the immunomodulatory action that it possesses plays a part in the process of wounds healing. Honey's antibacterial efficacy against bacterial pathogens is frequently indicated by the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the non-inhibitory concentration (NIC) values. The reality that all of the MIC and NIC techniques that are now being used are just semi-quantitative in nature is the primary issue that develops as a consequence of this circumstance. Use of data-driven nonlinear regression analysis as one of the ways to determine this value is one of the methods that has the highest degree of precision out of all of the methods that may be used. Using the Lambert-Pearson modified Gompertz model, it was feasible to successfully determine the MIC and NIC of the gelam honey against different bacterial pathogen remodels. According to the Shukor's chart for MIC values, S. aureus is the pathogen most sensitive to gelam honey followed by E. coli and P. aeruginosa while the MIC value for B. cereus overlaps with P. aeruginosa indicating that more research is required to determine where B. cereus falls in terms of sensitivity. There is a good match between the data and the Lambert-Pearson model, with values for the coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.94 to 0.97. Based on these findings, it appears that honey from gelam trees has the potential to inhibit the formation of bacterial infections.
Isothermal Modelling of the Adsorption of Cadmium onto Activated Carbon from Tridax procumbens
There is currently no feasible method of recycling Cd compounds, despite the fact that Cd production, consumption, and environmental release have all skyrocketed in recent decades. This raises serious concerns about the potential dangers of Cd compounds to human health. This highlights the pressing need for cadmium pollution cleanup. Biosorption is one of several viable technologies with several advantages, including low operating costs, very efficient detoxification of toxicants at low concentrations, and a low amount of disposal materials. The biosorption of cadmium onto activated carbon from Tridax procumbens is remodeled using nonlinear regression and the optimal mode was determined by a series of error function assessments. The Freundlich model performed best in statistical tests including root-mean-square error (RMSE), adjusted coefficient of determination (adjR2), bias factor (BF), accuracy factor (AF), and corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc). This is in contrast to the published work using a linearized form where the Langmuir model best represents the biosorption. The calculated Freundlich parameters kF value using nonlinear regression was 1.501 (1/g) (95% confidence interval from 1.223 to 1.778) and nF value of 4.943 (95% C.I. from 3.492 to 6.393). Confidence intervals for the uncertainty range can be calculated using nonlinear modeling and then used for model comparison and discriminant analysis.
Prediction and Validation of 3-Dimensional Structure of Rice OsTHIC Abiotic Stress Responsive Gene
Rice is an important cereal crop believed to have been cultivated for hundred years. The ancestry and evolution of this plant and its diverse cultivars remain contentious. Thus, determining the cultivar's molecular mechanism of abiotic stress-responsive genes using a bioinformatics system continues to be an area to investigate. For better knowledge of the mechanisms of the abiotic stress-responsive gene from rice, a novel stress-related gene named OsTHIC was selected for this study. The OsTHIC gene accessions were collected from NCBI, then predict its secondary structure. I-TASSER server was used to predict the 3-dimensional [3D] model of the gene protein and validated using ERRAT and Ramachandran plot. The OsTHIC gene appeared to be highly conserved and structurally functional. The secondary structure of the OsTHIC indicated a high percentage of a random coil [47.35%], followed by an alpha helix [45.05%], then an extended strand [10.61%]. The prediction using I-TASSER modeller produced structures based on the protein sequence. The protein 3D model showed different model qualities using the two-refinement software which ERRAT Plot model refinement having the best score at 97.266%.
Isolation and Characterization of a Molybdenum-reducing and Carbamate-degrading Serratia sp. strain Amr-4 in soils from Egypt
Physical or chemical procedures could efficiently remove contaminants including pesticides such as carbamates from high concentrations of toxicants. Bioremediation, on the other hand, is frequently a less expensive option in the long term when used at low concentrations. Isolation of multiple toxicants removing microorganisms is the goal of bioremediation. In this paper we report on the molybdenum reduction of the bacterium and its ability to grow on the carbamates carbofuran and carbaryl as carbon sources. Both the carbamates carbofuran and carbaryl cannot support molybdenum reduction when used as the sole carbon sources. Between pH 6.0 and 6.8 and between 30 and 34 oC, the bacterium is most efficient in converting molybdate to Mo-blue. For molybdate reduction, glucose was shown to be the strongest electron donor, with maltose and sucrose coming in second and third, respectively, and d-mannitol and d-adonitol coming in last. Phosphate concentrations of 2.5 to 7.5 mM and molybdate concentrations of 20 to 30 mM are also needed. Identical to that of a decreased phosphomolybdate, the Mo-blue produced by the new Mo-reducing bacteria has an absorption spectrum similar to prior Mo-reducing bacteria. Inhibition of molybdenum reduction was 73.3, 50.1, 50.1 and 20.7 percent, respectively, by mercury, copper, silver and lead at 2 ppm. The bacterium was tentatively identified as Serratia sp. strain Amr-4 after biochemical investigation. This bacterium's ability to detoxify a variety of toxicants is highly sought after, making it a significant bioremediation agent.
Copyright (c) 2021 Asian Journal of Plant Biology
Isothermal Modelling of the Adsorption of Cibacron Blue onto Bean Peel
Biosorption is a sort of sorption technology in which the sorbent is a substance that is biologically sourced. In today's world, biosorption is seen as a simple, inexpensive, and ecologically friendly way for removing pollutants from the environment. One of the branches of bioremediation that is utilised to decrease environmental pollution in the context of minimising improper textile waste disposal is this method. The sorption isotherm of Cibacron Blue onto bean peel were analyzed using ten models—Henry, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Freundlich, BET, Toth, Sips, Fritz-Schlunder IV, Baudu and Fritz-Schlunder V, and fitted using non-linear regression. Statistical analysis based on root-mean-square error (RMSE), adjusted coefficient of determination (adjR2), bias factor (BF), accuracy factor (AF), corrected AICc (Akaike Information Criterion), BIC and HQC showed that the Freundlich model was the best model in terms of overall best criteria. The calculated evidence ratio was 8 with an AICc probability value of 0.89 indicating that the best model was at least 8 times better than the nearest best model, which was Sips. The calculated Freundlich parameters KF (Freundlich isotherm constant) and nF (Freundlich exponent) were 5.369 (L/g) (95% confidence interval from 4.359 to 6.379) and 3.125 (95% confidence interval from 2.717 to 3.533). The Langmuir constant was utilized to calculate the maximum adsorption capacity QmL (mg/g) which gave a value of 27.83 mg/g (95% confidence interval from 23.69 to 31.98). The nonlinear regression method allows for the parameter values to be represented in the 95% confidence interval range which can better allow comparison with published results.
Determination of the Detection Limit of the Detection of GMO in Food Using the Isothermal Solid-Phase Recombinase Polymerase Amplification on Microfluidic DVDs
A major drawback of the current literature on bioassay development is that these tests are not made using statistically robust methods for establishing the limit of detection. As an alternative, researchers often make use of simple detection-limit methods that are only roughly indicative of the actual detection limit. We can only assume that this is due to a practical need for simplified processes, in addition to the notion that the limit of detection theory has already been lowered to practice for bioassays. A DNA sensor based on light intensity of the scanning laser on a DVD drive with microfluidic layer etched onto the polycarbonate surface of an ordinary DVD has been previously developed for fast screening of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The resultant calibration curve showed a sigmoidal calibration curve but was not modelled according to any of the sigmoidal models available. The objective of this study is the remodel the data using the standard 4-PL model and to determine the Limits of Detection (LOD) based on the standard method. The LOD value obtained through the 4PL modelling exercise based on a pooled standard deviation method yielded an LOD value of 62 mg/g (95% confidence interval of 17 to 158), which was quite similar to the classical three standard deviation of the blank method but was lower than the rough estimation employed in the original publication.
Characterization of Morganella sp. for its Paraquat Degradation Potential
One of the beneficial roles of the microbial population is their ability to convert toxic herbicides to lesser toxic compounds such as water and carbon (IV) oxide. Paraquat which is an acutely toxic herbicide is used on farmlands and has been found to affect human health. This study was aimed at characterizing bacteria with the potential to degrade paraquat. Previously isolated bacteria from culture collection labelled A-F were screened for their potential to degrade and utilized paraquat as the sole carbon source in Bushnell Hass agar media. Of the six isolates, isolate E (Morganella sp.) was observed to have the highest growth and tolerance to paraquat after 72 h of incubation at 37 ºC. Characterization study revealed that Morganella sp. can utilize and grow with optimum conditions of pH 6.5, the temperature of 30 ºC and can tolerate up to 400 mg/L paraquat concentration with an increase in growth as inoculum size increases. Thus, these findings showed that Morganella sp. can degrade toxic paraquat to a less toxic form and therefore can be a good isolate for the future bioremediation process of the pollutant.
Anti-Protozoan Activities of Stachytarpheta angustifolia on Some Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats
This study focuses on the anti-protozoan activities of Stachytarpheta angustifolia (Tarkajiya; Hausa, Devil’s coach whip; English) on haematological parameters of Albino Wistar rats which is an unexplored study area. The work is aimed at the determination of the effects of S. angustifolia on Wistar Rats, when exposed to herbal extract on the haematological parameters of Wistar Rats infected with E. tenella Biomarkers. The plant was obtained whole; dried under the shade, made into a powdered form and aqueous extraction method carried by maceration technique. After infecting the experimental animals with the parasites; E. tenella, the following respective doses of 750 mg and 1500 mg were administered to the rats in groups of 3 and 4. Results obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). It was discovered that no significant harmful effect on the rats was recorded, but 60 % of the parasites were killed. This work demonstrated that the herbal extract killed the parasites but induced minimal stress to the animals as shown by the low haematological parameters in the study.
Study of Ethnoveterinary Medicinal Plants Used by Pastoralists in Northern Gombe State, Nigeria
Ethnoveterinary is the total of all practices that enable man to prevent his livestock from diseases, alleviate and relieve suffering to bring about healing, and increase the production and productivity of livestock within a minimum cost. Overutilization, overexploitation, deforestation for fuelwood, and farmland expansion expose some of the plants to threaten. The study was carried out in three randomly selected districts in Northern Gombe State, Nigeria. Among all, 80% of the respondents are male among which 56% are 35 years and above. 43 plants were reported used as ethnoveterinary plants in the area (oral interview) among which only 28 were found to be present in the field (field assessment). Guiera senegalensis is the most abundant plant (7.85%) followed by Piliostigma reticulatum (7.23%), Combretum collinum and Detarium microcarpum (3.00% both). Fabaceae is the most abundant family (30.85%) of the identified plants followed by Combretaceae (15.25%). Plant bark is the most common part used in curing and preventing animals from diseases which subject some of the plants (Burkia africana) to nearly endangered states. 28 plant samples were collected, identified, pressed, and laid in Botany Department Herbarium, Gombe State University, among these, 2 plant samples were not successfully identified. It is recommended that regulatory bodies should be empowered to check the uncontrolled deforestation occurring in the area