Lentinus squarrosulus (mont.): successful domestication and regional adaptability in Orlu, Imo State, eastern Nigeria

Aims: Effect of tree species composition and food selectivity on the population density of the Sclater’s guenon was carried out to determine how habitat composition and food preferences affect population density of the Sclater’s monkeys in the study area.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in forest patches of Lagwa community in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State (December 2019-November 2021).
 Study Design: The point centered quarter method was used to collect data on trees species, while the visual observation and line transect methods was used to collect data on food preference and population density of the monkeys.
 Methodology: The research was carried out within the wet and dry season. Faecal examination was used for collecting information on plant and fruit species consumed.
 Results: The most dominant tree species were Khaya ivorensis and Treculia africana with important value index (IVI) of 35.13 and 26.73 respectively, while Bosqueia angolensis was the least dominant species with IVI of 0.99. Tree species with diameter at breast height class of 41cm and above were absent in Eziudo, Obo and Umunekere communities. Dacryodes edulis, Elaeis guinensis, Mangifera indica and Musa balbisiana were the most consumed plant species. The mean troop sizes were 3.21±1.42 for the dry season and 2.78±1.25 for the wet season, with troop density for both seasons as 0.03±0.02.
 Conclusion: The findings presents the relationship between the Sclater’s monkey’s diet and their habitat, and how habitat changes can cause changes in the feeding pattern, type of food and meals consumed. Sensitization campaigns and provision of alternative food sources for humans can reduce disturbance of the habitat and further sustain the population of the monkeys.

Proximate compositions and bioactive compounds of edible wild and cultivated mushrooms from Northeast Thailand

Research on mushroom and mushroom products is dynamic with global increasing interest. The natural habitat of mushrooms being the wild, it is imperative to cultivate mushroom domestically in order to make it available to the populace. The aim of this research was to assess the perception of consumers to consumption of wild and cultivated mushrooms in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria; and validate nutrition quality of wild and cultivated mushroom. A survey was conducted using structured mixed questionnaires, to gather perception of 90 respondents on consumption of wild and cultivated mushroom. Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) Singer, sourced from the wild was cultivated using standard methods for mushroom cultivation and both mushrooms were analysed for proximate chemical and mineral components. Result revealed that 47.8% of the respondents got introduced to mushroom consumption through family settings; 53.3% of respondents were conversant with wild mushrooms, 27.8% with cultivated and 16.7% with both. A total of 71.1% was informed about mushroom poisoning; while 28.9% had no knowledge about it at all. About 45.6% sourced mushroom from the wild and 33.3% from mushroom farms. Only 28.9% consumed mushrooms for over 10 years; whereas, 13.3% had never tasted mushrooms. Year-round consumption was only by 12.2%; while 57.8% consumed mushroom once in a while. However, if cultivated mushrooms could be made available, 58.9% indicated interest in mushroom consumption. If nutrition facts of wild and cultivated mushrooms are the same, 38.9% were willing to consume cultivated mushrooms, 30.0% wild, 20.0% both and 11.1% insisted on no consumption. On the other hand, if nutrition analysis reveals different nutrition parameters for both types of mushrooms, 43.3% opted for cultivated mushroom, 42.2%, wild; 12.2% both; while 2.2% would eat neither of the mushrooms. Generally, from the results, both mushrooms possess adequate nutritive values; though, of all the parameter analysed, only zinc was significantly different (P<0.05). For some of the parameters (potassium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, total ash, crude fat, crude protein) the wild mushroom had higher values than the cultivated; whereas for other parameters (iron, manganese, magnesium, carbohydrates, crude fiber), the cultivated values were higher. Both mushrooms were relatively low in fat, ash and moisture; and high in carbohydrate, crude fiber and crude protein. Both mushrooms were high in minerals. There is no significant difference between the nutrition facts of the wild and cultivated test mushrooms. Keywords: Consumption pattern, Lentinus squarrosulus , nutrition, perception, wild mushroom

Aims: Assessment of conflict between humans and sclater’s guenon in relation to plant species utilization was carried out to determine the conflict between humans and monkey, and identify the plant species parts utilized by the monkeys in area.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Lagwa community forest, Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, between December 2019 and November 2021.&#x0D; Study Design: The Point transect and visual observation methods were used to collect data on population and food availability.&#x0D; Methodology: The research was conducted during the dry and wet seasons. Questionnaire were used to collect information on conflict between humans and guenons, while visual observation and faecal examination were used to identify plant species and part utilized.&#x0D; Results: Habitat loss, raiding of farms, destruction of roof tops, and food scarcity were the causes of conflicts between monkeys and humans, while awareness creation and establishment of wildlife sanctuary were ways of reducing conflicts between monkeys and humans. Twenty six plant species were utilized by the monkeys for cover. Pear (21%), oil palm (16%), and mango (13%) were the most utilized during the dry season, while Pterocarpus erinaceous (15%), Dacryodes edulis and Treculia africana (11%) were utilized mostly during the wet season. The monkeys consumed more seeds (63%), less fruits (25%), and leaves (13%) during the wet season, and fruits (71%), leaves and seeds (14%) during the dry season.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of this research is a guide to understanding the conflict that exist between humans and the sclater’s guenon, as well as communicate the type of plants and parts consumed by the animals. Awareness creation on the need to regenerate the remaining fragmented habitat and establishment of a rehabilitation centre for the animals can be a conflict reduction measure, and can provide alternative food sources for the animals.

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional and bioactive compounds composition of Pleurotus pulmonarius fruit bodies cultivated on tree logs of Dacryodes edulis, Mangifera indica and Treculia africana. Pure mycelium culture of P. pulmonarius was aseptically bulked in sorghum grains. Logs were cut into average length of 18 cm with inoculation holes of 3 cm × 15 mm diameter; using High Speed Drill (HSD) of 5 drill bit and allowed to decompose for 8months. During mushroom cultivation, logs were soaked in tap water for 24 hrs and pasteurized at 80°C in an improvised metallic drum (IMD) for 1hour; using cooking gas as heat source and allowed to cool overnight. 10 g of grain based spawn was inserted into 2/3 of each hole by way of inoculation and sealed with sterile polybag for mycelium incubation. Polybags were cut open after spawn run following primordial initiation. Fruit bodies were harvested at maturity, sun-dried ground and packed in airtight container prior to further analysis. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and mean separation by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) while levels of significance were determined at 5%. Results indicate that P. pulmonarius fruit bodies harvested from various tree logs were significantly different p<0.05 in their nutritional and bioactive compounds composition. Fruit body samples were rich in protein, carbohydrates, Na, K, and Ca. It was also observed that fruit bodies contained significant amount of Alkaloids, Tannins and Saponins; and could be useful in drug synthesis. Therefore, adopting this technique in oyster mushroom cultivation would lead to more jobs creation and food security; but this must be done with careful regulations to avoid indiscriminate felling of trees.

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional and bioactive compounds composition of Pleurotus pulmonarius fruit bodies cultivated on tree logs of Dacryodes edulis, Mangifera indica and Treculia africana. Pure mycelium culture of P. pulmonarius was aseptically bulked in sorghum grains. Logs were cut into average length of 18 cm with inoculation holes of 3 cm × 15 mm diameter; using high speed drill (HSD) of 5 drill bit and allowed to decompose for 8 months. During mushroom cultivation, logs were soaked in tap water for 24 hrs and pasteurized at 80°C in an improvised metallic drum (IMD) for 1 hour; using cooking gas as heat source and allowed to cool overnight. 10 g of grain based spawn was inserted into 2/3 of each hole by way of inoculation and sealed with sterile polybag for mycelium incubation. Polybags were cut open after spawn run following primordial initiation. Fruit bodies were harvested at maturity, sundried ground and packed in airtight container prior to further analysis. Data was analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and mean separation by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) while levels of significance were determined at 5%. Results indicate that P. pulmonarius fruit bodies harvested from various tree logs were significantly different p<0.05 in their nutritional and bioactive compounds composition. Fruit body samples were rich in protein, carbohydrates, Na, K, and Ca. It was also observed that fruit bodies contained significant amount of Alkaloids, Tannins and Saponins; and could be useful in drug synthesis. Therefore adopting this technique in oyster mushroom cultivation would lead to more jobs creation and food security; but this must be done with careful regulations to avoid indiscriminate falling of trees.

Studies were conducted to determine the yield potential, vitamins and heavy metals concentrations of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fries) Quell. fruit bodies cultivated on different wood logs. Pure mycelium culture of P. pulmonarius was aseptically multiplied using sorghum grains. Fully colonized spawn was used to inoculate Mangifera indica, Dacryodes edulis and Treculia africana logs and incubated in the dark room of a mushroom house at 27°C ± 2. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), while comparison between different means were done using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) at p<0.05 level of significance. Fruit body primordia of the oyster mushroom were first observed in D. edulis logs, followed by T. africana and then M. indica logs after 9, 10 and 12 days of inoculation respectively. T. africana gave the highest yield (156.0967 gm/kg) and Biological efficiency (0.836%) of P. pulmonarius fruit bodies while D. edulis was lowest at 62.3667 gm/kg and 0.200% biological efficiency. Fruit bodies of M. indica had the highest (3.19mg/kg) Zn content; slightly higher than those of T. africana (3.14mg/kg), while fruit bodies from D. edulis gave the lowest Zn (2.96mg/kg) concentration. Fe was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than other heavy metals studied in all the fruit body samples from the log substrates. Mushrooms of D. edulis gave the highest (184.87mg/kg) Fe concentration while those of M. indica gave the lowest (182.91mg/kg). Results showed that D. edulis fruit bodies gave the highest vitamin A content (4.33mg/100g) while M. indica (4.17mg/100g) gave the lowest. However, thiamine content of the mushroom was 0.13mg/100g in D. edulis and T. africana but 0.12mg/100g in M. indica. Mushroom growers should harness the wisdom of this wonderful innovation by utilizing wood logs first, before they can be used for other domestic purposes, such as fire wood.

Edible mushrooms, including wild mushrooms, are currently being investigated as natural sources to evaluate their prebiotic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the prebiotic potential of crude polysaccharides (CPSs) extracted from wild Lentinus squarrosulus UBU_LS1 and Lentinus polychrous UBU_LP2 and their application as cryoprotectants in the freeze-drying process to formulate a novel synbiotic product. Based on fruiting body morphology and molecular identification, two wild edible mushrooms named UBU_LS1 and UBU_LP2 were identified as Lentinus squarrosulus and Lentinus polychrous, respectively. L. squarrosulus UBU_LS1 and L. polychrous UBU_LP2 contained high amounts of CPS after hot water extraction. Monosaccharide component analysis showed that CPS_UBU_LS1 and CPS_UBU_LP2 were typical heteropolysaccharides. CPS_UBU_LS1 and CPS_UBU_LP2 showed hydrolysis tolerance to the simulated human gastric acidic pH solution, indicating that these CPSs are capable of reaching the lower gastrointestinal tract. Antioxidant activity determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay revealed that the CPS_UBU_LS1 and CPS_UBU_LP2 displayed greater antioxidant activity comparable with that of ascorbic acid. It was found that CPS_UBU_LS1 and CPS_UBU_LP2 have a high potential for stimulating growth in all probiotic strains. Moreover, both CPS compounds could possibly be used as cryoprotectants in freeze drying, since the viability of the selected probiotic L. fermentum 47-7 exhibited cell survival of greater than 70% after 90 days of storage at 4 °C. These results highlight that wild edible mushrooms L. squarrosulus UBU_LS1 and L. polychrous UBU_LP2 are potential natural sources of prebiotics and can be applied as cryoprotectants in the freeze-drying process. The crude polysaccharide derived from this study could also be considered as a potent antioxidative compound. Therefore, our study provides evidence to support the application of CPSs from wild edible mushrooms in synbiotic product development and in various functional foods. Finally, further evaluation of these prebiotics, including the determination of the potential rehabilitation of beneficial gut microbes in diseased individuals, is currently being conducted by our research group.

Root-knot nematodes have been implicated in poor growth and death of trees in the nursery and newly established forest plantations. Cultivating resistant tree species is one of the viable methods in the management of nematode pests once they are identified. A pot experiment laid out in completely randomized design was conducted to screen fifteen selected tree seedlings for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita. Each tree seedling was replicated eight times and was grown on a steam-sterilized soil. The seedlings were inoculated each with 7,000 eggs of Meloidogyne incognita at four weeks after planting. Data were collected on plant height and stem girth at 12 weeks after inoculation. At termination, data were also collected on gall index (GI), final nematode population (Pf) and reproductive factor (RF). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. Resistance or susceptibility status was assigned with Canto-Saenz host designation scheme. There was variability in the growth of the tree seedlings. Simphonia africana had the highest GI, Pf and RF of 3.3, 54,500 and 22.07, respectively and these values were significantly higher than values from other seedlings. Six tree seedlings; Simphonia africana, Theobroma cacao, Gmelina arborea, Piptadeniastrum africana, Chrysophyluum albidium and Parkia biglobosa were found to be susceptible to M. incognita, while six (Tetrapleura tetraptera, Anacardium occidentale, Annonas muricata, Dinium guinensis and Vitex doniana) were found to be resistant and three (Treculia africana, Mangifera indica and Dacryodes edulis) were tolerant. Resistant tree seedlings should be planted in M. incognita-infested plantation and susceptible species should be treated even in

A survey was carried out in two states, six locations of south east Nigeria during the normal flowering period for three (3) consecutive years to evaluate the intraspecific variations in flowering phenology of African pear flowering. The different types of the species growing in the forest, distant and nearby farms, including homesteads were used. 60 trees and 180 flowered branches were sampled for the survey. Parameters collected include time for flowering, number of flower per inflorescence, inflorescence length and number of inflorescence per panicle. Data collected were analysed using analysis of variance, regression and correlation. Standard errors and percentages were calculated where appropriate. Based on the observed floral nature, three distinct African pear tree species were identified – female, male and hermaphrodite trees. The time of flowering varied within and between locations. This ranged from December to March 2013 to 2015 for the period of study. Strong positive relationship exist between inflorescence length and flower per inflorescence. Significant (p&lt;0.05) differences were observed in mean flower per inflorescence and mean inflorescence per panicle in 2015 in Abia state. The mean inflorescence length, inflorescence per panicle and flower per inflorescence were statistically (p&lt;0.05) the same for 2014 and 2015 in Imo State. These ranged from 14.79cm to 18.74cm,13.81cm to 18.60cm; 4.16 to 5.66; 5.75 to 6.61, 21.40 to 92.71 and 45.66 to 110.18 respectively.Inflorescence length and inflorescence per panicle were significantly (p&lt;0.05) different in 2013in Imo State. In terms of the trees flowering circle, African pear can be seen as an annual since57% to 77% of the trees flower annually, while 23% to 43% flower biennially and triennially. Therefore the survey study discovered that there are variations in floral natures, inflorescence length, inflorescence per panicle, flowering circle, and time of flowering in African pear. This study will be useful for breeding purposes in African pear.

Mosquito-transmitted diseases like zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever are known to affect human health worldwide. Numerous synthetic insecticides have been used as vector control for these diseases, but there is the challenge of environmental toxicity and vector resistance. This study investigated the medicinal and insecticidal potential of Lentinus squarrosulus against Aedes aegypti. The fruiting bodies were identified morphologically as well as using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences for its molecular characterization. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) yield was confirmed with NanoDrop Spectrophotometer ND-1000 and amplified with ITSl and ITS4 primers. The amplicons were sequenced and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database identified the nucleotides. Its ethanol extract was subjected to phytochemical screening and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and tested against the pupa and fourth instar larva of Aedes aegypti with percentage mortality monitored. The Macrofungus was identified morphologically and confirmed with molecular characterization as Lentinus squarrosulus (LS). The gene sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession number MK629662.1). GC-MS analysis showed that its ethanol extract has 25 bioactive compounds with 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester having the highest percentage of 43.32% as well as methyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetate and 17-octadecynoic acid having the lowest percentage (0.09%). The macrofungus contained varied concentrations of phytochemicals including phenols (159mg/g GAE), tannins (1.6mg/g TAE), and flavonoids (31.4mg/g QE). The ethanol extract had significant potent effects on Aedes aegypti larva and pupa which could be due to the occurrence and abundance of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid in LS. The LC50 of the extract for larvicidal and pupicidal activities were 2.95mg/mL and 3.55mg/mL, respectively, while its LC90 were 6.31mg/mL and 5.75mg/mL respectively. Lentinus squarrosulus had insecticidal effects against the Aedes aegypti larva and pupa and possessed great potential as a source of alternative medicine and eco-friendly insecticides.

The study was carried out to document the mushrooms in Pallikkal village, Malappuram, Kerala and to analyse the preliminary phytochemical and biochemical constituents of Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus. The qualitative phytochemical analysis in methanolic extract was carried out to screen the presence of primary and secondary metabolites using the standard procedures. The edible mushrooms of Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus were performed to determine the total amount of carbohydrate, protein and phenol present in the fruiting bodies. In methanolic extract the phytochemical analysis results revealed the presence of carbohydrate, protein, phenol, tannin, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and steroids and the highest amount of carbohydrate (326.07 mg/g), protein (309.2 mg/g) and phenol (37.33 mg/g) were present in Agaricus bisporous. Keywords: Biochemical analysis, Mushroom, Phytochemical constituents, Documentation

This study focused on the cultivation of two local fungal species from spawn produced locally. The strains were isolated on PDA medium, then transplanted on sorghum-based seedling substrate. The production of fruit bodies was carried out on a substrate based on rice haulms mixed with sawdust of Gilbertiodedron dewevrei enriched with rice bran. In total, 4310g of Pleurotus tuber-regium fruit bodies and 894.22g of Lentinus squarrosulus were harvested after three successive emergences, the time between emergences being 3 to 4 days for Lentinus squarrosulus and 30 days for Pleurotus tuber-regium. This study makes it possible to produce spawn as well as mushrooms under local conditions, at a price that defies competition and is suitable for all budgets.

BackgroundThe discovery of potential, new cost-effective drug resources in the form of bioactive compounds from mushrooms is one way to control the resistant pathogens. In the present research, the fruiting bodies of five wild mushrooms were collected from Egypt and identified using internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of the rRNA encoding gene and their phylogenetic relationships, antimicrobial activities, and biochemical and phenolic compounds were evaluated. ResultsThe sequences revealed identity to Bjerkandera adusta, Cyclocybe cylindracea, Agrocybe aegerita, Chlorophyllum molybdites, and Lentinus squarrosulus in which Cyclocybe cylindracea and Agrocybe aegerita were closely related, while Chlorophyllum molybdites was far distant. Cyclocybe cylindracea and Agrocybe aegerita showed 100% similarity based on the sequenced ITS-rDNA fragment and dissimilar antimicrobial activities and chemical composition were detected. Bjerkandera adusta and Cyclocybe cylindracea showed strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. This activity could be attributed to the detected phenolic and related compounds’ contents. ConclusionOur finding provides a quick and robust implement for mushroom identification that would facilitate mushroom domestication and characterization for human benefit.

The distribution of medicinal and food tree species in Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State were assessed. Data were collected using socio-economic survey and biological study. A total of 50 respondents from the study area were randomly selected and relevant information on the uses and contributions of tree species of food and medicinal importance was collected through the use of semi-structured questionnaire and Focused Group Discussion (FGD). A total of ten communities were sampled, with one community in each of the ten political wards in the LGA. Tree species of ethno-botany and food relevance were identified and enumerated in the course of field survey in the study communities. The spatial distributions of six most-frequently utilized tree species were mapped using Geographical Information System (GIS). Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance. A total of 22 tree species, belonging to16 families, known to be used for medicinal and food purposes, were identified in the ten study communities. Dacryodes edulis of the family Burseraceae was the most abundant tree species in the area having about 13% of the species encountered. In the study locations, the least-occurring species were Dialium guineensis and Garcinia kola with 0.27% each. Fabaceae and Rutaceae were the most represented families with 13.64% and 3 species each belonging to each of the two families. The six (6) mostly utilized species in the area were Dacryodes edulis, Chrysophyllum albidium, Persea americana, Psidium guajava, Mangifera indica and Moringa oleifera. The seven tree species that were abundant in the study area were Annona muricata, Citrus sinensis, Cola nitida, Dacryodes edulis, Elaeise quineensis Magifera indica and Psidium guajava with relative density (RD) of 6.29, 11.98, 12.72, 12.99, 6.16, 9.20 and 9.47, respectively. Dennettia tripetala and Persea americana were frequent species with RD values of 4.33 and 4.06, respectively. Dialium guineensis Garcinia kola and Pentaclethra macrophylla were threatened, having RD of 0.27, 0.27 and 0.47, respectively. A total of 8 tree species including: Anacardium occidentale, Azadirachta indica, Chrysophyllum albidium, Citrus aurantiifolia, Citrus lemon, Gliricidia sepium, Irvingia gaboneensis and Moringa oleifera were rare in the area with RD of 1.76, 1.49, 2.44, 2.44, 1.49, 1.69, 1.76 and 2.10, respectively. The threatened species include Dialium guineensis, Garcinia kola and Pentaclethra macrophylla with RD values of 0.27, 0.27 and 0.47, respectively. In seven of the ten communities, (i.e. Emeabiam, Eziobodo, Nekede, Ihiagwa, Okuku, Obinze, and Umuguma), Dacryodes edulis was the dominant species with 23, 35, 32, 32, 9, 10 and 14 stems, respectively while Mangifera indica predominated in Avu, Irete, and Ndegwu with 24, 14, and 11stems, respectively.Keywords: Species abundance, status, distribution, utilization, extinction