Banana Flower Research Articles

Banana Flowers (Musa sp.: Musaceae): an Essential Source of Nectar for Honeybee During the Dearth Period in Egypt

Banana Flowers (Musa sp.: Musaceae): an Essential Source of Nectar for Honeybee During the Dearth Period in Egypt

Oviposition, feeding preference, and biological performance of Thrips hawaiiensis on four host plants with and without supplemental foods

Thrips hawaiiensis is a polyphagous flower-inhabiting insect pest that causes considerable damage to numerous plants worldwide. However, not much is known about the interaction between this thrips species and its host plants. In the present study, laboratory experiments were performed to determine the oviposition and feeding preferences and compare the biological performance of T. hawaiiensis on four host plants with and without supplemental foods. In the choice tests, when compared with mango and tea petals and bean pods, the T. hawaiiensis population showed stronger oviposition and feeding preferences for banana petals. Under laboratory conditions, the T. hawaiiensis population reared on banana petals showed a significantly faster development, longer lifespan, and higher survival and fecundity levels than the populations reared on the other three host plants. Diets with supplemental foods (honey solution or tea pollen) reduced the developmental time, prolonged the longevity and enhanced the fecundity of T. hawaiiensis compared with banana petals alone. These findings indicate that the banana flower is an optimal host to increase the T. hawaiiensis population and suggest that additional foods, such as honey solution or tea pollen, are beneficial to the population performance of this species. More importantly, knowledge of the benefits of supplemental foods on predator–prey interactions and their potential use in biological control programs are also discussed. Overall, the present study improves our understanding of the ecological features of T. hawaiiensis and provides useful information on the interaction of T. hawaiiensis and its host plants. In the future, these contributions can help establish a better integrated pest management (IPM) control program for thrips.

CALLUS INDUCTION ON BANANA FLOWER’S EXPLANT IN VITRO USING 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC (2,4-D)

ABSTRACT
 The objective of the study was to obtain the best 2,4-D concentration on callus induction of the banana flowers in banana propagation using indirect organogenesis method. Kesuna, local banana cultivar obtained from Sembung Gede, Tabanan was used as explant material. Callus induction was performed using 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid with concentration of 0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 ppm. Each treatment was represented by 3 bottles and each bottle was planted with 3 explants, so each treatment was represented by 9 explants of banana flowers. The results showed that the concentration of 2.0 ppm 2.4-D induced callus with the fastest time and gave the highest percentage of the explants producing callus. The calluses were subsequently subcultured into regeneration medium using 0.5 mg/L Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.005 mg/L Napthaleneaceticacid (NAA). The calluses were subsequently sub-cultured into a regeneration medium using 0.5 ppm (BAP) and 0.005 ppm Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) to induce shoots and roots and performed plantlets.
 
 Keywords: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, banana’s flowers, callus

PENGARUH LAMA PERENDAMAN DALAM LARUTAN KAPORIT DAN KONSENTRASI ASAM SITRAT TERHADAP MUTU PEKTIN CAIR KULIT PISANG KEPOK

Indonesia is an agricultural country where most of the farmers grow fruits andvegetables. Each harvest of harvests will leave a part that is considered to have noeconomic value anymore. This part is known as waste. Agricultural waste can be in theform of fruit peels, fruit flesh (which is taken by seeds), leaves, stems and so on. Alongwith technological advancements, starting with the utilization of waste with the properapplication of technology, will be able to raise the value of waste. The abundance ofbanana production in Indonesia shows that, throughout the year there will be abundantavailable banana waste, in the form of banana peels, banana flowers (heart), or bananastem stumps. Banana peel pectin is one of the products produced by banana peels thatare not yet known in the Indonesian community. Pectin can be extracted from the residueof fruit processing, such as orange peel, the rest of the making of apple juice, coconutfiber, banana peel, brown skin and others. The content of pectin in various fruits variesgreatly. In fruits of different varieties the pectin content will differ. The banana peelwaste which is around 62-67% of the total weight, can be used as a source of pectin. Ifthe skin of a banana is used as a source of producing pectin, it will be one of the wasteutilization businesses, as well as an effort to develop industries, especially smallindustries in the supply of pectin, which is currently still expensive with such a large use.Solving or extracting pectin from fruits is affected by cooking and pH of the solution.Research Methods: The design model used in this study is factorial randomized completedesign (RAL), which consists of two main factors, namely: Factor I: Immersion Length inChlorine Solution (P) consisting of 4 levels: P1 (1 min), P2 (3 min), P3 (5 min), P4 (7min). Factor II: Citric Acid Concentration (K) consisting of 4 levels: K1 (1.5%), K2(2.0%), K3 (2.5%), K4 (3.0%). The study used 2 replications. The results of the studygenerally indicate that the effect of immersion time in chlorine solution and theconcentration of citric acid on the quality of the liquid pectin of kepok banana influencesthe observed parameters. The best crude pectin content is 2.039% (7 min) and 2.604%(3.0%). The best methoxyl content is 3.930% (7 min) and 5.210% (3.0%). The best jellygrade is 299,254 (7 min) and 299,445 (3.0%). The best thickness is 1.036 (7 min) and1.045 (3.0%).

Effect of banana flower powder on rumen fermentation, synthesis of microbial protein and nutrient digestibility in swamp buffaloes

Replacement of chemical compounds by dietary sources as rumen enhancers have been of great interest and concern by researchers. Four, rumen-fistulated swamp buffalo bulls with average liveweight of 365 ± 15.0 kg were randomly assigned to treatments, to investigate the impact of banana flower powder (BAFLOP) as a rumen modifier on pH, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, microbial protein synthesis and volatile fatty acids. All buffaloes were allotted according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Dietary supplementation treatments were as follows: 2 g concentrate/kg bodyweight (BW; T1), 15 g concentrate/kg BW (T2), 15 g concentrate/kg BW plus BAFLOP 300 g/head.day (T3) and 15 g concentrate/kg BW plus BAFLOP 600 g/head.day (T4). Untreated rice straw was fed ad libitum. The findings showed that total feed intake was increased in buffaloes fed a diet supplemented with concentrate at 2 g/kg BW, while rice straw intake was reduced. Nutrient digestibility was increased by BAFLOP supplementation at both levels (T3 and T4; P < 0.05). Ruminal pH dropped (5.9) in buffaloes fed with concentrate at 15 g/kg BW, while buffaloes with BAFLOP supplementation could maintain ruminal pH when fed with high-concentrate diet. Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen increased in the buffaloes fed concentrate at 15 g/kg BW, especially with BAFLOP supplementation. Feeding high-concentrate diet increased the concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids and propionic acid (C3), while the concentration of acetic acid and the acetic acid:C3 ratio and methane production were subsequently reduced (P < 0.05). In addition, efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was increased by the BAFLOP feeding (P < 0.05). In the present study, using BAFLOP as a dietary rumen enhancer at 300–600 g/head.day resulted in an increased rumen pH, C3 concentration, nutrient digestibility and microbial protein synthesis, while mitigating ruminal methane production. Higher nutrient digestibility and lower ruminal methane production, more dietary energy and production efficiency are expected.

How Do Banana Flowers Develop?

Banana flowers form deep within the stem of the banana plant, long before they appear to us. The flowers occur in groups called hands, and the hands are arranged into larger clusters of flowers. Both the number of flowers in a hand and their pattern of development are different between cultivated (supermarket) and wild species of bananas. In supermarket bananas, each hand has many flowers, and the flowers develop in a regular pattern from right to left. In the wild species called the hairy banana, there is no regular pattern of flower formation. Flowers of the hairy banana are never formed in the regular right-to-left manner as found in the supermarket species. This is surprising and illustrates an important point about science: we do not always get the answers we expect. When they are first formed, banana flowers have no parts. They go through a process to form the flower parts that we see. After we describe how this takes place, we give you a project, so you can see how this happens on your own. You will work as a scientist to discover the pattern of development in banana flowers.

The Inhibition of Tobamovirus by Using the Extract of Banana Flower

Some extract of the banana plants parts have been identified to produce a compound that has efficacy as traditional medicine and human virus inhibitor. There was no previous report on the use of the banana flower as the plants antiviral sources for plant pathogen. The objective of this study was to identify the potency of two types of the banana flower as the Tobamovirus inhibitor substance. The antiviral was prepared from the extract of Ambon banana (Musa acuminata Colla) flower and Klutuk banana (Musa balbisiana Colla) flower, as the comparison extract of Mirabilis jalapa L. leaf which is widely known to have antiviral on various plant viruses was used. This study applied the Complete Randomized Design with three replications. Collected data includes the virus incubation period and the inhibitor power upon the local necrotic symptom on indicator plant. Results of this study showed that the extract of Ambon and Klutuk banana flower was able to inhibit the Tobamovirus with inhibition levels of 86.34% and 91.22%.IntisariBeberapa ekstrak bagian tanaman pisang diketahui memiliki kandungan senyawa yang berkhasiat sebagai obat tradisional dan zat yang dapat menghambat virus manusia. Belum pernah dilaporkan penggunaan bunga pisang sebagai sumber antiviral terhadap virus tumbuhan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui potensi ekstrak bunga dua jenis pisang sebagai zat penghambat Tobamovirus. Antiviral disiapkan dari ekstrak bunga pisang Ambon (Musa acuminata Colla) dan pisang Klutuk (Musa balbisiana Colla), sebagai pembanding digunakan ekstrak daun Mirabilis jalapa L. yang sudah banyak diketahui mengandung antiviral pada berbagai virus tumbuhan. Penelitian ini dirancang menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan 3 ulangan. Data yang dikumpulkan meliputi masa inkubasi virus dan daya hambat gejala nekrotik lokal pada tanaman indikator. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak bunga pisang jenis Ambon dan Klutuk mampu menghambat Tobamovirus dengan tingkat penghambatan sebesar 86,34% dan 91,22%.

Flight Activities and Pollen Load of Three Species of Stingless Bees (Apidae: Melliponinae)

Stingless bees (Apidae: Melliponinae) are eusocial bees that have caste division within colony, namely queen, males, and workers. In the world, there are about 700 species of stingless bees and at least, 32 species have been described. In this study, we studied flight activities (returning and leaving of the nest) and pollen load of three species of stingless bees, i.e., Tetragonula laeviceps, Heterotrigona itama, and Lepidotrogona terminata. Morphologically, H. itama have a largest body size (average body length 5.52 mm), followed by L. terminata (average body length 4.99 mm), and T. laeviceps (average body length 3.86 mm). Peak activity of leaving and returning of the nest of H. itama occurred earlier (09.00-10.00) than in T. laeviceps and L. terminata (10:00-11:00). The highest pollen load occurred in L. terminata (270,950 pollen grains), followed by H. itama (69,802 pollen grains), and T. laeviceps (40,802 pollen grains). T. laeviceps carried dominantly pollen of banana flowers (Musa sapientum), L. terminata carried pollen of Acorus gramineus (Araceae), and H. itama carried pollen of Acanthaceae plant.

Banana blossom agar (BABA), a new medium to isolate members of the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex useful for resource limited countries.

Isolation of representatives of the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex can be made using dopamine containing media, such as Niger seed agar and l-DOPA agar. Here, we describe an alternative medium that uses banana flowers. Banana is a dopamine containing fruit and is widely available in tropical and subtropical countries that have high numbers of cryptococcosis patients. This banana blossom-based agar is useful for the enrichment of isolates of the C.neoformans/C.gattii species complex from environmental and clinical materials. The banana blossom agar (BABA) with and without creatinine can differentiate between the melanin forming isolates of the C.neoformans/C.gattii species complex from other yeasts that do not form melanin.

Effects of flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on nutritional quality of banana (Zingiberales: Musaceae) buds

The abundance of banana flower thrips (Thrips hawaiiensis Morgan) in a banana (Musa acuminata Colla “Williams” cultivar) plantation was investigated using yellow sticky traps (29.70 cm × 21.00 cm) in 2015. Banana flower thrips occurred throughout the year with monthly variation, and the maximum occurrence was observed in October and November during the bud burst (73.80 ± 6.32 adults/trap) and young fruit (70.06 ± 5.69 adults/trap) periods. The damage rates were as follows: interior flowers >3rd-layer flowers > 2nd-layer flowers > 1st-layer flowers > young fruits. This result indicates that thrips migrated to lower bracts, young fruits, and other flower buds as bracts gradually opened. Results also showed that the reducing sugar, vitamin C, protein and ash contents in thrips-damaged flowers were all significantly lower than those in undamaged flowers, while there was no significant difference between damaged and undamaged young banana fruit. Our results indicated that the abundances of banana flower thrips were closely associated with the growing stage of banana. Thrips mainly infested flower buds and caused a reduction in nutrients for the host plant, especially the reducing sugar and vitamin C contents, which reduced the nutritional quality of banana fruits and the quality of flower bud by-products of banana.

LOCAL WISDOM OF KEMBAR MAYANG IN WEDDING TRADITION OF JAWA ETHNIC

The research is concerned with the local wisdom of Kembar Mayang in wedding tradition of Jawa ethnic. Local wisdom can be in the forms of knowledge, skills and policies used for the welfare of the peoples concerned. Tied to this, Kembar Mayang, about a meter in height, has been known as a pair of symbolic ornaments made from of janur or coconut leaf, trunks of banana tree, fruits and flowers of five colors and usually presented in the wedding tradition of Jawa ethnic. The research is conducted by means of descriptive qualitative method and supported by phenomenological approach. Data collection technique and procedures cover observation, interview, questionnaire and documentation with 20 key informants consisting of community leader, scholars, and community members. The results show that there are four points of local wisdom in Kembar Mayang: Maintaining Family Honor, termed keris-kerisan in the form of dagger-shaped webbing; Mutual Protection, termed payung-payungan in the form of umbrella-shaped webbing; Fidelity, termed manuk-manukan in the form of bird-shaped webbing; Tenacity and Sacrifice, termed walang-walangan, in the form of praying mantis- shaped webbing. Kembar Mayang as a cultural heritage is to be preserved to be used as a guideline in social life.

PENGARUH SUBSTITUSI IKAN TUNA (Thunnus sp) TERHADAP MUTU ORGANOLEPTIK DAN KIMIA ABON JANTUNG PISANG (Musa acuminate balbisiana colla)

The purpose of this research is to know the making of shredded banana flower that has been boild and fried (abon) with an experiment of tuna substitution of 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% from weight of banana flower. The highest yield of 42% was obtained from the making of abon consisting of 25% banana flower and 75% tuna. The best result of organoleptic test result is D treatment (comparison of banana flower and tuna were 25%: 75%) in the likes category. Protein content increases with the increasing number of substitutes of tuna , otherwise the fiber content decreases. Fat content was between 18-20%. The most preferred abon chemical content (abon D) in every 100 g of abon contains 302 calories, 20.6% carbohydrate, 14.0% protein, 18.2% fat, ash content 4.2% and water content 42.9% and fiber 0.92 g. Abon D is made from 25% banana heart and 75% tuna meets SNI abon fish standard, except for the water content is still a bit high that is more than 10% of SNI standards.

Therapeutic Effect of Banana Flower (Banana Male Bud) on Diabetic Rats

Therapeutic Effect of Banana Flower (Banana Male Bud) on Diabetic Rats

KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN ORGANOLEPTIK KERUPUK JANTUNG PISANG KEPOK (Musa Paradisiaca balbisiana) DENGAN SUBSTITUSI TEPUNG MOCAF (MODIFIKASI CASSAVA)

<p>Kerupuk is the most favourite snack in Indonesia. Kepok Banana flower (musa paradisiaca balbisiana) as the base componen of kerupuk bananan flower to up grade the economic margin. Substitution mocaf flavor from tapioca flavor to produce kerupuk without gluten. This research aim is to know chemical and organoleptic characteristic kerupuk bananan flower substituted with mocaf (modificated cassava). This product use banana kepok flower, mocaf with formula 90%:10%. Blend banana flower to smallest size, mix with mocaf and spice, steam 5 minute, and dry with cabinet drying 6 hour 50 0C to proseses it. Chemical characteristic show water level is 2%, protein is 0,37% and viber is 7 %. Organoleptic characteristic of banana flower with sensory analisis show mean score colour 5,2 (nearly like), score taste 6 (like), score tecsture 5,8 (like), score shape 4,7 (nearly like)and overall score are 5,7 (like). Suggested to make more innovation to produce banana flower mocaf crispy with more attractive in colour and shape.</p>

Banana Flower Extract Suppresses Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Regulating the Inflammatory Response and Inducing G1 Cell-cycle Arrest

The banana flower is used for ameliorating urinary disturbance. However, there is limited evidence to support the efficacy or mechanism of action of banana flower against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In the present study, the anti-BPH activity and mechanisms of banana flower extracts were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The banana flower extract is a water-soluble extract obtained by sonication. MTT assay was used to examine whether banana flower extract exhibited cytotoxic effects on BPH-1 cells. The effect of banana flower extract on cell-cycle distribution was examined by flow cytometry. The expression of cell-cycle-regulatory molecules was determined by western blot analysis. Testosterone propionate (TP)-induced rat model of BPH was used to evaluate the anti-BPH activity of banana flower extract in vivo. Banana flower extract reduced epithelial cell line BPH-1 cell viability through cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase. Moreover, banana flower extract reduced the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 6, while it increased the expression of p53 and p27. Interestingly, banana flower extract suppressed BPH-related inflammatory responses through suppressing cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production. Finally, banana flower extract administered orally to male rats reduced prostatic weight and serum dihydrotestosterone level, and improved prostate gland morphology. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that banana flower extract contains citric acid, taurine, pantothenic acid and nicotinic acid components. In summary, banana flower extract may be used as a therapeutic agent for BPH via anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Ethnic Pork Curry Products of Assam: Production Process, Quality and Storage Stability

Curry products are ethnic spicy Indian food products prepared with meat, vegetables, spices, condiments etc. Different curry products prepared from pork, traditionally in Assam state of North Eastern India have been documented in this study. Formulation and procedure followed for preparation of five pork curry products viz., pork - thekera tenga curry, pork - fermented bamboo shoot curry, pork - elephant apple curry, pork - banana flower curry and pork - banana stem curry was gathered by undertaking survey and interacting with local processors of the region. These products were analyzed for standard quality parameters like physicochemical characteristics, microbiological quality and sensory acceptability. Storage stability of the products under aerobic refrigeration (4±1 oC) was also evaluated. Products were stable up to 20 days of storage under aerobic refrigeration condition. The study revealed that ingredients used in curry preparation like thekera tenga, fermented bamboo shoot and elephant apple contribute significantly to sensory attributes and also help in enhancing storage stability of the pork curry products.

Extraction and characterization of proteins from banana (Musa Sapientum L) flower and evaluation of antimicrobial activities.

Ultrasonic assisted alkaline extraction of protein from banana flower was optimized using response surface methodology. The extracted proteins were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular weight distribution was determined by gel electrophoresis. The maximum protein yield of 252.25mg/g was obtained under optimized extraction conditions: temperature 50°C, 30min extraction time and 1M NaOH concentration. The alkaline extraction produced a significantly high protein yield compared to enzymatic extraction of banana flower. Chemical finger printing of proteins showed the presence of tyrosine, tryptophan and amide bonds in extracted protein. Alkaline and pepsin assisted extracted banana flower proteins showed characteristic bands at 40 and 10kDA, respectively. The extracted proteins showed antibacterial effects against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The high protein content and antimicrobial activity indicate the potential applications of banana flower in the food and feed industry.

IMPACT OF ACTIVE COMPOUNDS ISOLATED FROM BANANA (MUSA SP. VAR. NANJANGUD RASABALE) FLOWER AND PSEUDOSTEM TOWARDS CYTOPROTECTIVE AND DNA PROTECTION ACTIVITIES

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate for cytoprotective and DNA protective properties of the compounds isolated from ethanol extract of banana flower (EF) and ethanol extract of banana pseudostem (EE).Methods: The four active compounds viz., umbelliferone (C1) andlupeol (C2) from EF and stigmasterol (C3) and β-sitosterol (C4) from EE were isolated by activity-guided repeated fractionation through silica gel column chromatography. The isolated compounds were evaluated for cytoprotective on erythrocytes and pTZ57R/T plasmid DNA protection against hydroxyl radicals.Results: The study revealed that the compounds (C1-C4) at a concentration of 1 mg/ml exhibited 90% protection on erythrocytes membrane oxidation and also protect the pTZ57R/T plasmid DNA damage induced by hydroxyl radicals.Conclusion: These results endorse an insight for a strong chemical basis to the alleged beneficial role of EF and EE in reducing oxidative stress conditions.

Traditional Galactagogue Foods and Their Connection to Human Milk Volume in Thai Breastfeeding Mothers.

Thai traditional galactagogue consumption is still observed today. However, there are few scientific studies that describe this practice. Research aim: The aim of this study was to describe the connection between traditional galactagogue consumption and human milk volume. Self-reported maternal surveys ( N = 36) were conducted of mothers and their infants who breastfeed exclusively. The mothers were interviewed about traditional galactagogue consumption and intake of protein-rich foods using a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. They were also assessed for energy and nutrient intake using the 24-hr dietary recall method. Their infants were between 1 and 3 months of age and were test weighed for 24 hr to measure their mother's own milk volume. Partial correlation was used to test the relationship between galactagogue consumption and milk volume by controlling the infants' birth weight, weight-for-age, maternal energy, and carbohydrate intake. The results revealed that consumption of some traditional galactagogues was significantly correlated to human milk volume, including banana flower, lemon basil, Thai basil, bottle gourd, and pumpkin ( p < .05). Furthermore, there were significant correlations between consumption of some kinds of protein and milk volume, including egg tofu, chicken, fish, and seafood ( p < .05). Maternal energy and carbohydrate intake were related to milk volume ( p < .05), but protein intake was not. Certain kinds of traditional galactagogues and proteins are associated with human milk volume. However, studies related to the active ingredients in these galactagogues are required to secure a recommendation about use of traditional galactagogues among breastfeeding mothers.

EFFECT OF MUSA BALBISIANA COLLA EXTRACT ON BREAST MILK PRODUCTION IN BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS

Background: Musa balbisiana Colla, known as Jantung Pisang Klutuk/Pisang Batu, is considered as a traditional food that can increase breast milk production. Little is known about its benefit in Indonesia. Thus, to examine the impact of musa balbisiana colla on the production of breast milk is needed.Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of the extract of banana flower (Musa balbisiana Colla) to increase milk production of breastfeeding mothers.Methods: This was a quasy-experimental study with pre-posttest control group design. This study was conducted in the working area of the Health Center (Puskesmas) of Pesantren II in January – February 2017. There were 16 respondents were recruited by accidental sampling, divided to intervention group (8 respondents) and control group (8 respondents). Randomization was performed to select the respondent in each group. The quantity of milk production was measured based on the volume of milk production, while the quality of milk production was based on the levels of prolactin in early (pre) and late (post) using Electro chemilumi-nescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) method. Independent t-Test was used to analyze the data.Results: Findings showed that the mean of the volume of the breast milk production in the experiment group was 470.681 ml, and in the control group was 364.650 ml with SD 113.502. While the mean of prolactin levels in the experiment group was 35.337 nanogram, and in the control group was -38.381 nanogram. There was a significant effect of consuming Musa balbisiana Colla extract on the volume of breast milk production (p-value 0.003) and prolactin levels (p-value 0.001) (&lt;0.05).Conclusion: There was a significant effect of banana flower (Musa balbisiana Colla) extract on breast milk production and prolactin level in breastfeeding mothers. The findings of this study could be used to be alternative daily menu for postpartum mothers and a solution for midwives to deal with those who have inadequate production of breast milk and low prolactin levels.