Basella Alba Research Articles

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Gnetum africanum (Welw.) Germplasm Using DNA Barcoding Method

Gnetum africanum is a twisted woody climbing wild plant i.e.liana found growing naturally in dense equatorial rainforest but currently domesticated in tropical areas of the world. There has been taxonomic confusion in classifying this liana due to its observable diverse morphological characters. Indeed, morphological characterization alone has not offered the needed solution. However, there is dearth of information on the molecular characterization of Gnetum africanum. Morphological and molecular descriptors, could help offers the needed phenotypic and genotypic characterization of this plant much better. This study is aimed at characterizing Gnetum africanum land races to identify species that could be used for the development of high yielding hybrids. Three different land races or accessions of Gnetum africanum was collected from different locations in Nigeria. High quality genomic DNA was isolated from the different samples; it was checked for purity and quantified as appropriate. The DNA samples were subjected to PCR amplification and DNA barcoding studies (chloroplast large subunit of ribulose -1, 5-bisphophate carboxylase rbcL gene). The amplicons were gel eluted, sequenced and checked for homology by using Basic local alignment search tool -BLAST. Identification was obtained from the top similar outcomes of the samples. For Ekim Fig. 1b sample, the forward blast showed 95% similarity with Basella alba voucherID: NC041293.1 and the reverse had 88% similarity with Talinum fruticosum cultivar ID: MK598685.1. For Etinan Fig. 1a sample, the forward blast had 86% similarity with Rhabdothamnussolandri voucher ID: JQ933464.1 and for reverse, there was no similarity founded.

Effects of organic fertilizers produced from fish pond sediment on growth performances and yield of Malabar and Amaranthus vegetables

The increasing intensification of aquaculture production requires the development of strategies to reduce its environmental impacts such as the pollution caused by the discharge of nutrient-rich sediments into local water bodies. This research was undertaken to investigate and evaluate the effect of using organic fertilizers produced from the pond sludge of freshwater snakehead fish (Channa striata) composted with organic amendments of peanut shells and coir fiber on growth performance indices and yields of Malabar spinach (Basella alba L.) and Amaranthus cruentus (Amaranthus L.) vegetables in the dry and wet seasons. An organic fertilizer quality experiment showed that the richest nutrient contents of the produced organic fertilizer were achieved when using 30% sludge mixed with 70% organic amendments (50% peanut shells + 50% coir fiber). This was selected and used for a vegetable cultivation experiment. For the reference treatment, only chemical fertilizer was applied, while in the other four treatments, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the chemical fertilizer were substituted with the organic fertilizer. A 25–50% reduction in the chemical fertilizer application resulted in better growth performance indices and final yields than the other treatments, including the reference treatment, for both crops. The highest yields of Malabar spinach and Amaranthus cruentus vegetables were found in Treatment 3 (50% chemical fertilizer combined with 50% organic fertilizer), followed by Treatment 2 (25% organic fertilizer combined with 75% inorganic fertilizer) (P < 0.05). The results show that the reuse of sludge from snakehead fish ponds mixed with agricultural by-products as organic fertilizer for vegetables not only improves vegetable productivity but also reduces the costs of chemical fertilizer and decreases environmental pollution.

Distinct Morphological and Analytical Features ofSpinacia oleraceaDifferentiating from Conventional Spinach Plants

Spinacia oleracea (S. oleracea), also known as spinach or Indian spinach, is a rich source of carotenoids and flavonoids with a wide range of health benefits. Besides S. oleracea, many other plants are also known as spinach or its common versions, which could be misleading in the identification of S. oleracea in any nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. Thus, the present study aims to differentiate S. oleracea from other conventionally known spinach plants by its macroscopic, microscopic, and phytochemical features. Although these plants were morphologically distinct, analytical investigations were useful in differentiating S. oleracea from other spinach plants in dried or powdered forms. In the present study, HPTLC fingerprinting could efficiently differentiate between these plants based on the isoflavones present in the leaves of S. oleracea. Followed by a robust and simple HPLC-PDA method that was validated for 20β- hydroxyecdysone and isoflavones as authenticating markers with kaempferol from S. oleracea leaves for quality control. These selected bioactive markers specific to S. oleracea were present in the range of 3.101–1232.820 mg/kg and were found absent in spinach samples. Essentially, the described set of methods could be used for species authentication and standardization of S. oleracea differing from other plants known as spinach.

First Report of Fusarium oxysporum Causing leaf spot on Basella rubra in Malaysia.

Basella rubra (family Basellaceae), locally known as 'Remayong Merah', is an edible perennial vine served as leafy greens in Malaysia. In May 2021, leaves with circular brown spots ranging from 3 to 10 mm wide with purple borders were found on B. rubra growing in Penampang (5°56'55.6"N 116°04'33.5"E), Sabah province. The disease severity was 80% with 10% disease incidence on 50 plants. As the disease developed, the lesions grew larger and they developed necrotic centers. Leaves with brown spot symptoms from five plants were collected from the field. Five leaf pieces (5 x 5 mm) were excised from lesion margins, surface sterilized based on Khoo et al. (2022b), before incubation on water agar at 25°C. When five pure cultures were obtained, the fungi were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25°C. After 5 days, fluffy white mycelia tinged with pink pigmentation showing on the underside of the colony were observed on PDA. Mycelia became violet in color as the culture aged. The isolates were incubated on carnation leaf agar at 25°C with a 12-hour light/dark photoperiod for 10 days. Sickle-shaped, thin-walled and delicate macroconidia (n= 30), predominantly 3 septate, ranging from 21.6 to 38.3 μm long by 2.7 to 4.2 μm wide in size were observed. Kidney-shaped, aseptate microconidia (n= 30) ranged from 6.2 to 11 μm long by 2.6 to 3.9 μm wide in size, and were formed on monophialides in false heads. Chlamydospores were detected both terminally and intercalarily, singly or in pairs, with smooth or rough walls. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh mycelia of a representative isolate from Penampang based on Khoo et al. (2022a). The primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990) and EF1/EF2 (O'Donnell et al. 1998) were used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1α) region, respectively based on PCR conditions as described previously (Khoo et al. 2022b). The products were sent to Apical Scientific Sdn. Bhd. for sequencing. In BLASTn analysis, ITS sequence (OK469301) was 99% (506/507 bp) identical to isolate TSE07 (MT481761) of Fusarium oxysporum, and the TEF1α sequence (OM743433) was 100% (705/705 bp) identical to isolate BLBL5 of Fusarium oxysporum. The TEF1α sequence of Penampang was analyzed at the Fusarium MLST site (https://fusarium.mycobank.org/), and had 98% similarity to TEF1α of F. oxysporum (NRRL 22551). The pathogen was identified as F. oxysporum based on morphological (Leslie and Summerell 2006) and molecular data. A volume of 0.16 ml of spore suspensions (1 × 106 conidia/ml) were inoculated on a spot on each leaf of every three healthy B. rubra seedlings at the two-leaf stage. An additional three B. rubra seedlings were mock inoculated by pipetting sterile distilled water on similar aged leaf. The seedlings were maintained in a greenhouse at 25°C with a relative humidity of 80 to 90%. Six days after inoculation, all inoculated leaves exhibited the same symptoms as observed in the field, while the controls showed no symptoms. The experiment was repeated two more times. The reisolated fungi had the same morphology and DNA sequences as the original isolate obtained from the field samples, completing Koch's postulates. F. oxysporum has been reported previously in Bangladesh and India causing leaf spot disease on B. rubra (Dhar et al. 2015; Shova et al. 2020). To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. oxysporum causing leaf spot on B. rubra in Malaysia. The identification of leaf spot caused by F. oxysporum will enable plant health authorities and farmers to identify practices to minimize disease on this important crop.

Comparative assessment of the heavy metal phytoextraction potential of vegetables from agricultural soils: A field experiment

A field study was established to determine the phytoextraction potential of six vegetable species, namely Amaranthus viridis L., Basella alba L., Brassica chinensis var. Parachinensis, Brassica rapa L., Capsicum frutescens L., and Ocimum tenuiflorum L.. These edible plants were selected for their short growth cycles and high biomass production, which are some traits for efficient phytoremediation. Following acid digestion of the soil and vegetable samples using the USEPA 3050B acid digestion method, the extracts were analyzed for Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn using ICP-OES. Results in soil samples showed that the concentrations of both beneficial and essential heavy metals, and non-essential heavy metals are below the WHO, USEPA, and CCME soil quality guidelines. Al is one of the highest concentrations found in the soil samples but it tends to accumulate in the root part of all vegetable species compared to the aboveground parts. In general, B. rapa L. accumulated the highest level of Cd (0.4 mg/kg) and Pb (5.71 mg/kg), while B. alba L. accumulated the highest Cr (2.62 mg/kg) in all plant parts. The findings in this study indicated that Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were mostly accumulated in leaves of A. viridis L. (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), B. alba L. (Co, Fe and Mn), B. chinensis (Mn and Zn) and O. tenuiflorum L. (Mn), and roots of C. frutescens L. (Co, Cu, Fe and Mn), B. alba L. (Co, Cu and Zn), A. viridis L. and B. chinensis (Cu and Fe) and B. rapa L. (Fe). Cr, Pb and Ni were significantly greater in B. alba L. (Cr) And B. rapa L. (Ni and Pb) roots. MTF >1 was observed in the roots of all species for Co, Cd, Zn, and Ni. BTC values varied between the different vegetable species with A. viridis L. having the greatest heavy metal mobility between its plant parts and the best heavy metal phytoextraction potential among other species. The PCA biplots showed that heavy metals were partitioned differently between various plant parts of the vegetable species and can be explained by the first two components (PC1 and PC2) which were associated with the root and/or leaf parts for most vegetable species.

Production of Summer Vegetables Using Conservation Agriculture Techniques: Experiences from Northern Bangladesh

Poor soil quality and decreasing crop yields brought on by ongoing monocropping in the fields of small-scale farmers in Bangladesh have demanded a search for sustainable production methods that are more resource efficient and environmentally friendly. Conservation agriculture is such a beneficial approach that effectively addresses crop productivity and soil quality enhancements using locally available resources. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the impacts of conservation agricultural practices on the growth and yield of summer vegetables cultivated in the northern region of Bangladesh. The study was carried out at farmers field situated in the Chilmari upazila of Kurigram district using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during July to September 2020. The trial vegetables, i.e., Red amaranth, Kangkong and Indian spinach had showed the better yield of 4.95 t/ha, 14.5 t/ha and 19.5 t/ha in compared with traditionally cultivated vegetable cultivated methods in the farmers field, according the conservation agriculture method had enhanced vegetable yield. As part of conservation agriculture practices, soil organic matter content, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels, as well as pH for better crop production, were all positively increase with the implications of conservation techniques like, adding organic manure, minimal tillage, permanent crop residues and crop rotation. Therefore, the study came to the conclusion that traditional agriculture would need to adopt conservation agriculture methods in order to produce more food while using fewer resources and doing so in a more efficient manner while having the least possible negative effects on the environment.

Development of a novel non-water infrared refractance window drying method for Malabar spinach: Optimization of process parameters using drying kinetics, mass transfer, and powder characterization

In the present work, a novel non-water Infrared Refractance Window drying (IR-RWD) method was developed for Malabar spinach. Experiments were conducted using a hybrid experimental design. Fresh Malabar spinach was pretreated using the vacuum steam pulsed blanching (VSPB) method. Results showed that VSPB inactivated POD and PPO activities to 9.77% and 5.42% within four cycles, respectively. The optimum conditions were found at 1.2 mm sample thickness, 40% infrared power, and 3.67 cm distance between IR emitter and glass plate resulting in 67.38 % chlorophyll retention, 7.72 overall color changes, 16.57 mgGAE g−1 total phenolic content, and 11.20 kJ kg−1 specific energy consumption. The Page model showed the best fit to the drying kinetics. Furthermore, Biot number indicated the impact of both internal and external resistance on moisture diffusivity. XRD and FESEM characterization of dried powder showed a semi-crystalline phase and square plate, porous morphology. The non-water IR-RWD was a promising alternative to traditional water RWD.

Performance of Leafy Vegetables Intercropped With Brinjal

An experiment was conducted during rabi and kharif season of 2018 - 2019 and 2019-2020, respectively at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Cumilla to find out the suitable crop combination of leafy vegetables with brinjal for increasing productivity and economic return through intercropping system. Five treatments viz. Brinjal + Red amaranth (T1), Brinjal + Leaf amaranth (T2), Brinjal + Patshak (T3), Brinjal + Spinach (T4) and Sole crop of brinjal (T5) were used in rabi season. In kharif season all the treatments were same except T4 where Indian spinach was used with brinjal instead of spinach. Results showed that yield and yield contributing characters of brinjal did not differ significantly due to different intercropping systems. Yield of brinjal was comparatively low in intercropping but total productivity increased due to additional yield of leafy vegetables. Increase of total productivity in terms of brinjal equivalent yield (BEY) was 2.03 to 25.68% (Rabi) and 2.36 to 22.29% (Kharif) and in intercrop combination compared to sole crop. All the intercropping combinations showed higher brinjal equivalent yield (BEY), gross return and benefit cost ratio (BCR) over sole crop. Among the intercropping combinations, Brinjal + Spinach (rabi) and Brinjal + Indian spinach (kharif-1) was the most feasible and profitable in respect of BEY (48.94 and 27.62 t/ha, respectively), gross return (Tk. 1223400 and 1105000/ha, respectively), gross margin (Tk.908823 and 782487/ha, respectively) and benefit cost ratio (3.88 and 3.42, respectively). Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 46(1): 89-97, March 2021

Assessment of nutritional and sensory qualities of whole grains cookies formulated from vegetables and mushrooms

Malnutrition and obesity keeps increasing in the developing countries alongside, the burden of diet-related diseases, therefore, regular food is expected to be functional by providing additional health benefits; other than basic nutritional needs. In this study, 10, 25 and 50 % of two edible mushrooms namely; Termitomyces robustus and Lentinus squarrosulus and four vegetables; Basella alba, Launea taraxacifolia, Senecio biafrae, and Crassocephalum ruben were used to substitute whole grain flours of wheat, millet, guinea corn and yellow corn, separately, in formulation of cookies, with the aim of improving the nutritional properties and health benefit potential of the cookies. Proximate composition of the cereal flours were in the range of 7.27±0.06 -11.56 ±0.20% (moisture), 0.52±0.05 - 2.51±0.26 % (Ash), 8.48a±0.44- 14.97d±0.10% (protein), 8.72a±0.86- 12.35e±0.13 (fat), 0.19a±0.05 - 1.91e±0.03 % (fibre) and 63.78±0.43- 68.84b±0.56 % (carbohydrate). The nutritional and sensory qualities of representative cookies from each formulation were determined. Generally, supplementation with the vegetables and mushrooms had positive effect on the mineral, vitamins and proximate compositions, which is an indication of good nutritional quality; also the non-wheat flours compared favourably with the wheat flour nutritional-wise. Although, there was significant difference in sensory quality and acceptability of the non-wheat and wheat cookies, the results show that it is possible to use the named mushrooms, vegetables and grains to partially (≤ 10 %) substitute for wheat flour in the production of flour -based food systems with acceptable physical characteristics.

Biochemical Characterization of Four Leafy Vegetables Collected in the Northern Zone of Brazzaville (Republic of Congo)

The present study involved the biochemical characterization of four leafy vegetables (Basella alba. Hibiscus sabdariffa. Solanum macrocarpon and Lagenaria siceraria) selected and collected from two markets (Texaco and Thomas Sankara) and two market gardening sites (Jardins Talangaï and Nkombo) in the northern part of the city of Brazzaville, in Congo. The water content and pH of the selected leafy vegetables in the four sites were determined from the fresh material, while their protein, lipid, ash and mineral contents were established from the dry material using standard methods. The results reveal that the studied leafy vegetables have a very high-water content ranging from 84.49±0.36-94.63±0.68%, a pH ranging from 2.7±0.6 to 7.3±0.6, a lipid content ranging from 2.09±0.74 to 5.02±0.42%, a protein content within the range of 14.87±0.81% and 35.81±1.85%, and an ash content varying between 6.86±0.53 and 41.59±1.62%. Furthermore, these results show a high content of mineral elements, with values ranging from 3.94±0.95 to 83.57±3.7mg/100g, 920.01±0.45 to 4677.99±2.24mg/100, 101.25±1.02 to 372.80±1.56mg/100g, and 192.28±1.73 to 1452.57±4.71 mg/100g, respectively for iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. In accordance to these results the studied leafy vegetables available and accessible, are rich sources of protein and micronutrients. Thus, their consumption in sufficient quantities could contribute to the improvement of nutritional status and an adequate protection against malnutrition-related diseases.

RSM-BBD optimization approach for degradation and electrochemical sensing of Evan’s blue dye using green synthesized ZrO2–ZnO nanocomposite

The Zirconium Oxide-Zinc Oxide (2ZrO2-7ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by solution combustion method using Basella alba raw juice at 600oC. We investigated the properties of the ZrO2-ZnO NPs via characterizations like X-Ray powder Diffraction, Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses. X-ray powder diffraction studies revealed that the cubic ZrO2 and hexagonal wurtzite ZnO having the average particle size was found to be 12.6 nm and was 10.8 nm. The influence of contact time, initial dye concentration, and pH were among the independent variables used in the study. At a fixed dye concentration and catalytic load, a series of photocatalytic tests were carried out at an identical experimental condition. ZrZn4 has a high degradation capability, and it degraded 100% of the dye in 90 min. The Response Surface Model (RSM) was used to optimize and describe the interdependencies of the different variables. The method was evaluated using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under the constraints, the best conditions for EB elimination are 1.25 mg/L dye concentration at pH 12.0 and a contact time of 60 min, with a 99% response. A second-order polynomial model was used to understand the experimental results, and the effectiveness of the chosen model was verified by the strong agreement in determination coefficient values. The possible use of the 2ZrO2-7ZnO NPs as electrode modifier for EB sensing purposes was then evaluated using carbon paste electrodes, using cyclic voltammetry.

In vitroFree Radical Scavenging and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Basella alba

Basella alba is an edible perennial plant in the family Basellaceae. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent, widely spread in Asia and Africa, and used as a leafy vegetable.Worldwide the number of people with diabetes is increasing every year. Due to the several risk factors inherent to the disease, the treatment of type II diabetes is complicated. Many plants with hypoglycaemic effects can be usedto develop drugs for diabetes mellitus. Decreasing the postprandial hyperglycemia is one of the aspectsof treating type II diabetes mellitus. This is possible by inhibiting certain carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes like αamylase and α-glucosidase. The objective of the present study was to evaluate in-vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activity of the ethanolic extract of Basella alba. The extract showed significant radical scavenging activities like DPPH, ABTS, Super oxide, Nitric oxide and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activities with IC50 of 83.0 µg/mL, 87.5µg/mL, 91.0µg/mL, 96.5µg/mL and 70.0µg/mL. The extract also showed strong α-amylase inhibition with IC50 77.8 mg/mL. These results suggest the possible use of Basella alba in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Elucidation of neuroprotective potential of Basella alba extracts in chronic alcohol and aluminium chloride induced neurodegeneration

Elucidation of neuroprotective potential of Basella alba extracts in chronic alcohol and aluminium chloride induced neurodegeneration

Diversity and abundance of terrestrial molluscs and their associated nematode fauna in urban kitchen gardens in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Terrestrial molluscs can become agricultural pests and transmit parasites, playing an important role in different biological communities. In the present study, we evaluated the diversity and abundance of this group in two horticultural areas in Rio de Janeiro (Manguinhos and Jacarepaguá neighborhoods), as well the presence of parasitic nematodes associated with these molluscs. We collected specimens in the austral spring and summer, with four sites being sampled within each study area, including malabar spinach, sweet potato, chicory greens, and cassava plantations, and one site in an adjacent, non-cultivated area. We collected a total of 522 live mollusc specimens and identified 16 species from 10 different families. The greatest abundance of molluscs was recorded in summer (363) and at Jacarepaguá (309). Overall, 174 (57%) of the 303 specimens analyzed parasitologically were positive for nematodes. Larvae of superfamily Metastrongyloidea, which includes nematodes that are a concern for public health and veterinary medicine, were found parasitizing the slug Sarasinula linguaeformis, in Manguinhos. Our results contribute to understanding of the diversity of terrestrial molluscs occurring in kitchen gardens in the city of Rio de Janeiro, and provide important insights for generating subsidies for health education actions and control of parasitic diseases transmitted by them.

Nutraceutical and antinutritional properties of wild edible plants consumed by pregnant women and school-age children (6-12 years) in Najjembe sub-county, Buikwe district, Uganda

Wild edible plants (WEPs) immensely contribute to the diets and livelihoods of rural and marginalised communities. In rural Uganda, they play an important role as break tea packages for school-age children and due to their perceived nutraceutical significance, they are always added to the diets of pregnant women. In this study, it was hypothesised that Basella alba L. (Malabar spinach, Ceylon spinach, Indian spinach, Vine spinach, Malabar nightshade), Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk. & Broome) R. Heim (Cendawan Tali; Cendawan Taugeh) Cucurbita pepo L. (Courgette, Marrow, Pumpkin, Summer squash, Table queen squash, Vegetable Marrow, Zucchini) and Solanum anguivi L. (Forest bitter berry, African eggplant) have high nutraceutical significance and could contribute to the diets of school-age children and pregnant women. Using the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods (method 935.14 and 992.24), the nutraceuticals and antinutrients in B. alba, T. microcarpus, C. pepo, and S. anguivi were investigated. All analyses and measurements were done in triplicate to increase the validity and reliability of the results. Solanum anguivi had the highest crude fibre (25.22±0.08 %), fat (6.55±0.05 %), and energy (371.37±1.17 Kcal) content. Termitomyces microcarpus had the highest protein (21.99±0.16 %) and moisture (10.71±0.35 %) content. Basella alba and C. pepo had the highest ash (19.39±0.01 %) and total carbohydrate (69.15±0.62 %) content. In comparison with the recommended dietary daily intakes for pregnant mothers and school-going children, all the plants had high Potassium, Phosphorous contents (except for T. Microcarpus which had low K contents), iron, copper, zinc, and manganese., but with selenium content being below the detection limit. All the analysed species were good in antioxidants, C. Pepo being the best with an IC50 of 11.78±0.47 mg/ mL followed by B. alba (14.69±0.74 mg/ mL). Solanum anguvi and T. microcarpus had the highest amount of phenols (14.48±0.02 mg/g GAE) and tannins (0.42±0.00 mg/g GAE). Basella alba had the highest amounts of flavonoids (2.45±0.01 mg/g RAE). All the plant species had low contents of phytates ranging from (0.40±0.01 for S. Anguivi to 0.72±0.08 for B. Alba). Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the permissible limit recommended by FAO/WHO Expert Committee in Food Additives. Thus, the analysed WEPs are a rich source of important nutrients and can be used to complement staple foods to ensure balanced nutrition for pregnant women and school-age children. Nonetheless, further comprehensive antinutrients and heavy metals analyses should be conducted to ensure that they do not affect the bioavailability of the nutrients. For value addition, nutrient-dense cocktails / phytonutraceuticals should be developed to alleviate malnutrition-related illnesses in vulnerable groups of people. Key words: Wild edible plants, Nutraceutical, Antinutrients, Heavy metals, Pregnant women, School-age children

Effect of Planting System on Productivity of Hybrid Maize-Indian Spinach Intercropping System

A field experiment was undertaken at Joydebpur, Jashore and Ishurdi Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute during Kharif seasons of 2016 and 2017 to find out suitable combination of hybrid maize and Indian spinach as intercropping system for higher productivity and monetary advantage. Treatments included in the experiment were: T1 = Hybrid maize normal row (75 cm × 20 cm ) + 1 row Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T2 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 1 row Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T3 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 2 rows Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T4 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 3 rows Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T5 = Sole maize (75 cm × 20 cm) and T6 = Sole Indian spinach (40 cm × 25 cm). Grain yield of maize was the maximum in sole crop but it was decreased 1.0 to 12.6% at Joydebpur, 5.2 to 17.1% at Jashore and 13.4 to 22.2% at Ishurdi due to inter specific competition for growth resources among maize and Indian spinach due to intercropping. All intercropping treatments showed better performance than sole maize crop. The highest maize equivalent yield (19.22 and 18.80 t ha-1 at Joydebpur, 13.30 and 11.58 t ha-1 at Jashore and 11.23 and 11.10 t ha-1 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively), gross margin (Tk. 196300 and Tk. 192000 ha-1 at Joydebpur, Tk. 111130 and Tk. 85330 ha-1 at Jashore and Tk. 88450 and Tk. 86500 ha-1 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively) and benefit cost ratio (3.13 and 3.07 at Joydebpur, 2.26 and 1.97 at Jashore and 2.11 and 2.08 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively) were observed in hybrid maize paired row + 3 rows Indian spinach intercropping. The highest land equivalent ratio (1.32 and 1.39 at Joydebpur and 1.50 and 1.47 at Jashore in 2016 and 2017, respectively) was also found in the same treatment. On the other hand, at Ishurdi, the highest LER (1.34 and 1.35 in 2016 and 2017, respectively) was observed in MNR + 1 rows ISP treatment followed by MPR + 3 rows ISP treatment. The results revealed that hybrid maize paired row + 3 rows Indian spinach and Hybrid maize normal row + 1 row Indian spinach intercropping might be economically profitable for hybrid maize + Indian spinach intercropping system at Joydebpur, Jashore and Ishurdi.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(1): 75-82

Basella alba Leaves‐Assisted Eco‐Fabrication of Ag/ZnO Nanocomposites for Anti‐Bactericidal Activity and Catalytic Degradation of Anthropogenic Pollutants

AbstractBasella alba aqueous leaf extract was employed for the synthesis of ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanocomposites (NC), eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals. UV‐visible spectroscopic analysis, X‐ray diffraction studies, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopic analysis were used to determine the optical properties, crystalline structure, phytoconstituents, surface morphology, and elemental composition of the fabricated nanomaterials. The synthesized NC were employed as antioxidant in order to determine their free radical‐quenching effect. In vitro antibacterial activity assays exhibited their enhanced potential on selective gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacterial pathogens. The Ag/ZnO NC display a rapid catalytic reduction rate for rhodamine B, methylene blue, and methyl orange with degradation rates of 88 %, 90 %, and 92 %, respectively. Thus, an environmentally benign, cost‐effective synthetic methodology is presented for the size‐controlled synthesis of nanomaterials which act as multifunctional platform to alleviate organic pollutants.

Basella alba stem extract integrated poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan composite films: A promising bio-material for wound healing

Natural extract-based bio-composite material for wound healing is gaining much attention due to risk of infection and high cost of commercial wound dressing film causes serious problem on the human well-being. Herein, the study outlines the preparation of Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan/Basella alba stem extract (BAE) based bio-composite film through solvent casting technique and well characterized for wound healing application. Incorporation of BAE into Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan matrix has shown existence of secondary interactions confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Good morphology, thermal stability and significant improvement in flexibility (∼63.38 %) of the films were confirmed by SEM, TGA and Mechanical test results, respectively. Hydrophilic property (∼9.04 %), water vapor transmission rate (∼70.07 %), swelling ability (∼14.7 %) and degradation rate (∼14.04 %) were enhanced with increase in BAE content. In-vitro studies have shown good antibacterial activity against foremost infectious bacterial strains S. aureus and E. coli. Additionally, BAE integrated Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan film has amplified anti-inflammatory (∼79.38 %) property, hemocompatibility and excellent biocompatibility (94.9 %) was displayed by cytotoxicity results. Moreover, in-vitro scratch assay and cell adhesion test results illustrated prominent wound healing (96.5 %) and adhesion. Overall results of the present work proclaim that developed bio-composite film could be utilized as a biomaterial in wound care applications.

PROXIMATE, FUNCTIONAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BASELLA ALBA FLOUR AND BASELLA ALBA PROTEIN CONCENTRATE

This study aimed at determining the proximate, functional, and physicochemical properties of Basella alba whole flour (BWF) and Basella alba protein concentrate (BPC) for use as food ingredients with a view to improve their utilization by producing concentrate from its protein content which will serve as a cheap but abundant source of protein. OAU farm provided fresh Basella alba leaves. The stalk was quickly cut off, and the leaves were cleaned under running water to get rid of any mud or dirt that had stuck to them. Following cleaning, the leaves were dried in an oven for 4-5 hours at 60 °C. The powdered leaves were then sieved through sieves with a mesh size of 60 to 80. (Basella alba whole flour). The whole flour was used to prepare the concentrate by combined process of insolubilisation, neutralization and lyophilisation. The resulting flour was subjected to proximate, functional, and physicochemical properties determination. The results of the functional properties revealed that Basella alba protein concentrate (BPC) exhibited higher bulk density, water absorption, Oil absorption capacity and emulsifying properties when compared with BWF. This implies that that BPC will find better application as food ingredient. The proximate composition's findings revealed that the BPC has higher protein content than the BWF. In conclusion, the study revealed that Basella alba protein concentrate can be used as protein fortification and enrichment owing to its favorable protein content.

Comparative study of natural dye-sensitized solar cells using inedible extracts from kumkum, kamala and malabar spinach fruits

In this work, natural dyes were extracted from inedible plant sources, especially seeds of Bixa orellana (kumkum), pericarp of Mallotus phillipensis (kamala) fruits and ripe fruits of Basella alba (malabar spinach) and a detailed comparative study on the efficiency of such extracts or natural compounds as dye sensitizers for solar cell performed. The major constituents or pigments in these extracts are bixin in Bixa orellana, rottlerin in Mallotus phillipensis and betalain/betacyanin in Basella alba fruits. The efficiency of the best performing devices was 0.67% for kumkum, 0.55% for kamala and 0.32% for malabar spinach extracts. Theoretical calculations were also performed to compare the results and it showed congruity with the experimental observations. The thermodynamic parameters such as the electron injection efficiency and the regeneration efficiency were calculated using density function theory (DFT) for the three natural dyes and it was observed that kumkum dye to be the most efficient and malabar spinach to be the least efficient among the three natural dye sensitizers as the same trend with the experimental results. These bio-compatible and inedible extracts are easily available and inexpensive for their use as sensitizers as an alternative to the toxic and expensive synthetic sensitizers.