Department Of Botany Research Articles

Biological Control Using Streptomyces sp. Kp109810 and Different Genotypes of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) on Root Rot Diseases

This study was carried out through two experiments in laboratory and greenhouse at the Agricultural botany department and Biological Control Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University. The isolated fungi, which caused root-rot of pepper plants, were identified as Rhizoctonia solani (R) and Macrophomina phaseolina (Mc) from infected pepper samples. The pathogenic fungi showed deformation, shrinkage, and collapse when observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Streptomyces sp . KP109810 (S) showed the presence of PKSII and NRPS genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The extract was analyzed for chemical profiling by Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and a unique pattern of secondary metabolites was observed. The strain was positive production for protease and chitinase while it was negative for cellulase. Antagonistic Streptomyces sp . KP109810 was subjected to a comprehensive in vitro screening for various plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Streptomyces sp . KP109810 (S) showed strong antagonism against test fungi (R and Mc) which showed 84.6% and 78.7% maximum inhibition respectively, in dual culture plat assays as a result of diffusible compounds produced by (S), the inhibitory effect of volatile compounds was recorded up to 78.2% against (R) and 66.3% against (Mc) and multiple plant growth promoting attributes such as Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), phosphate solubilization activity, siderophore, NH3 and HCN production. Five genotypes of pepper planted in greenhouse and treated with six treatments: control, (S), (R), (Mc), (S+R) and (S+Mc). Through mean performance analysis, results showed Saidah and SUPER MARD genotypes have tolerant ability to root rot diseases over rest studied genotypes, although there is a significant decrease in growth and yield under (R) and (Mc) treatments for all genotypes. Streptomyces sp treatment acts as biocontrol to these fungi by reducing the percentages of damping-off and root rot severity. There is a positive significant correlation between fruits weight/plant and all studied traits except root length under control and biotic stress conditions. Fruits weight / plant, fresh weight of root and shoot traits used as a good indicator to select root rot resistance genotypes of pepper as they have high values of heritability (h2) and high values of genetic advance as a percent of mean (GAM).

Fungistatic Activity of Floral Volatile Compounds of Alstonia scholaris

Aims: The fragrant flowers of Alstonia scholaris are rich in volatile compounds or essential oils, which comprise terpenes such as 1,8-cineole and linalool. The effects of the oils on the growth of Aspergillus niger were assessed for the first time in the present study.
 Study Design: Fungal growth assay.
 Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Botany, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, between September 2006 and December 2006.
 Methodology: The volatile compounds of A. scholaris were extracted through steam distillation and hydrodistillation by using a Clevenger apparatus. The effect of the steam distillate (10% v/v) on the number of spores of A. niger was observed over 5 days. Furthermore, three fractions with distinct fragrances and boiling points were collected through hydrodistillation. The effects of each fraction on mycelial growth and sporulation in A. niger were examined. Accordingly, each hydrodistilled fraction was incorporated in growth medium (10% v/v) inoculated with fungal spores. The growth of the fungus was observed over 5 days. Distilled water was used as the control. All experiments were conducted in triplicate.
 Results: The fungal samples treated with steam distillates showed a significantly lower number of spores than the control after 5 days (165 ± 36 vs. 35 ± 7 spores/mL) at P ≤ .05. Furthermore, the fungal samples treated with the hydrodistilled fractions exhibited a delayed mycelial growth and sporulation compared with the control over 5 days. Fraction 1 was most effective in delaying mycelial growth (Day 4 vs. Day 1). Notably, on Day 4 none of the treated samples but the control sample exhibited sporulation.
 Conclusion: The volatile compounds of A. scholaris flowers clearly suppressed and delayed both mycelial growth and sporulation in A. niger but did not inhibit growth entirely. Hence, the floral volatile compounds exhibit fungistatic activity against A. niger.

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Organic Acids Produced by Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi

THE aim of this study was to identify and quantity the organic acids produced by phosphate solubilizing fungi using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) apparatus. Eight phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) were selected from 23 fungal isolates according to their potential to solubilize tricalcium phosphate in broth Pikovskaya,s medium.These fungal isolates were collected from culture bank in Botany and Microbilolgy department, Beni-Suef University.PSF were identified as Aspergillus, penicillium and Trichoderma. The PSF isolates decreased the initial pH of the media when they were incubated for seven days. The pH of the media decreased from 6.3 to 2.4 in case of Aspergillus japonicus 2. The decreased pH clearly indicated the production of organic acids. The highest total concentration of organic acids was secreted by Aspergillus japonicus 2 (2642.1mg/L). By using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), seven different organic acids were detected (salicylic, ascorbic, citric, formic, lactic, oxalic, and malic acids). Salicylic acid was the highest quantitatively produced organic acid by all PSF; its concentration was 1823.8 mg/ l by Aspergillus japonicus 2. There was a significant positive correlation between the titrable acidity and phosphate solublization (r = 0.34, P ≤ 0.05) and a negative significant correlation between pH and phosphate solublization (r = - 0.27, P≤ 0.05).The immobilized phosphorus was negatively correlated with titrable acidity (r = - 0.24, P ≤ 0.05).

MORPHOTAXONOMIC RE-CLASSIFICATION OF C. ANNUUM VAR. ACCUMINATUM FINGERH AS C. FRUTESCENS VAR. ACCUMINATUM

The taxonomic identities of some Capsicum varieties are somewhat controversial. This study is aimed at using morphological characters to ascertain the Capsicum species to which variety accuminatum belongs. The study was conducted at the Experimental Plot of the Department of Pure and Applied Botany, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Latitude: 7.214952; Longitude: 3.437090) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in 10 replicates. Quantitative and qualitative characters were evaluated through measurements and visual observation respectively. Data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis Systems version 9.2 and Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to separate means at p ˂ 0.05. The reults revealed erect growth habit, lanceolate leaf shape, pendant flower position, white corolla colour, obtuse fruit shape at pedicel, elongated fruit shape, and pointed fruit shape at blossom end on variety accuminatum as characteristic features of C. frutescens. Plant canopy width 103.41±(4.30) cm, number of branches per plant 24.70±(0.15), days to flowering 73±(0.21), fruit length 11.69±(0.07) cm and fruit width 5.78±(0.05) cm in variety accuminatum are closer to mean values in C. frutescens. This study showed that variety accuminatum is morphologically and evolutionary related to C. frutescens. Therefore, re-naming of C. annuum var. accuminatum is hereby suggested and proposed to be C. frutescens var. accuminatum.
 

Consequences of Microwave Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure on Germination and Free Proline Content of Green Gram and Red Bean

Background: Plants are crucial key component of well-formed ecosystem and have significant role in the living world, therefore, it would be helpful to scrutinize their interaction with variable radio and microwave frequency fields.
 Objectives: A laboratory test was conducted in October 2018 in the Department of Botany, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi to investigate the microwave radiation influence on plant development, and clarify the mechanisms of energy exchange and stimulation of plant development. The experiment was laid down at completely randomize design to evaluate the effect of microwave electromagnetic radiation at different durations of time on seed germination and free proline content (stress indicators) in green gram (Vigna radiata. L) and red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris. L) seedlings.
 Methodology: Seeds were treated with three different time periods of microwave radiation (5, 15 & 30sec). Control seeds were not treated.
 Results: The analysis of obtained data showed that the differential exposure of microwave had significant effect on germination rate, germination percentage and free proline content of both plants. The exposed electromagnetic radiation improved the germination rate in both types of seed along with improved germination percentages. Proline contents of both plants also markedly responded with electromagnetic radiation and proved themselves a responsive stress indicator with differential radiation exposures.
 Conclusion: The 15sec exposure of microwave radiation enhanced germination in green gram seeds, while 30sec exposure improved red bean seed germination along with breaking dormancy effect of hard seed coat. Therefore, the technique provides a quick and effective method of treatment especially for the seeds having an impermeable seed coat.

<p><strong><em>Gymnosporangium raphiolepidis</em></strong><strong> <em>comb. nov. </em>(Pucciniales) for <em>Aecidium</em> <em>raphiolepidis</em> inferred from phylogenetic evidence</strong></p>

Rhaphiolepis indica (L.) Lindl. var. umbellata (Thunb.) H. Ohashi is a rosaceous shrub distributed mainly on the seashore of warm-temperate, subtropical to tropical areas of Japan, Korea, China, Philippines, and Borneo (Nakanishi 2018). This plant has been used for greenings of parks, gardens and streets in Japan. The occurrence of an aecial stage of a rust fungus on its shoots and leaves was observed near seashore of Chiba and Ibaraki Prefectures and Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands, Japan in early summer of 2017, 2019 and 2020 (Figs. 1A, B). Morphological observations were made for the identification of this rust fungus with light microscopy by the same method reported by Kasuya & Ono (2018). Spermogonia were not found on specimens. Aecia surrounded with peridia (Figs. 1C, D) were hypophyllous, often gregarious on hypertrophied lesion along veins, rounded or elliptical, cupulate, and 100–300 μm in diam. Their margins were revoluted, lacinate, and white. Peridial cells (Fig. 1E) were firmly conjunct, 20–25 × 15–20 μm in size, outer walls were striate, and 4–7 μm thick, inner walls were verrucose, and 2–3 μm thick. Aeciospores (Fig. 1F) were angularly globose, subglobose to ellipsoid, and 15–22 × 14–20 μm (av. 19 × 17 µm; n = 30) in size. Their walls were almost hyaline, finely verrucose with big granules (appendages or pore plugs), and 1–2 μm thick. The above morphological characteristics were almost identical with descriptions of Aecidium raphiolepidis Sydow (1922: 61) by Ito (1950), Sato (1975) and Hiratsuka et al. (1992) although the size of peridial cells was a little smaller than that of their descriptions. Therefore, the rust fungus on R. indica var. umbellata was identified as A. raphiolepidis. Specimens used in this observation were deposited in the Fungal Herbarium of the Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Japan (TNS).

In-Silico Comparison of the SARS-COV-2 Genome and Other Viruses

Andreea Lorena Mateescu1, NicolaeBogdan Mincu1,2, Marioara Avram1,3, Roxana Apetrei1,2* and Dana Stan1 Author Affiliations 1DDS Diagnostic,032032 Bucharest, Romania 2Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania 3National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies (IMT), Romania Received: September 08, 2020 | Published: September 16, 2020 Corresponding author: Roxana Apetrei, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, DDS Diagnostic, 032032 Bucharest, Romania DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2020.30.004958

A review of research progress and projection of future publication trend amongst the science stream academics of University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

An increase in emphasis on research productivity evaluation can be discerned commonly in higher educational institutions world over. As far as the Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna is concerned such an in depth study had not been done. This bibliometric study analyzed the research publications produced by the academics of Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna. The objective of this study is to empirically measure the research output during the time period of 2003 to 2018 to find out the department wise output, year wise publication output, authorship pattern and degree of collaboration, media of research communication, relative growth rate, doubling time and to forecast future publication trend of academics. The year wise publication output shows an increasing pattern. But the output growth is not uniform. Findings revealed that Faculty of Science has produced 1359 publications with an annual average of 85 and with the maximum of 139 during the study period. The highest number of publications is from the Department of Zoology (22%). The Department of Botany shows second highest number with 21% of the publications. The lowest number is from the Department of Fisheries (4%). The research output from departments of Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, and Chemistry are more or less the same. Mean value of the degree of collaboration of authors during the overall sixteen years is found to be 0.84. Single author publications are less (15%) than collaborative effort (85%). Abstract form of publications is more in number 836 (61%). Journal article is 501 (37%) and Book form is 22 (2%). A uniform dropping pattern was observed in the mean relative growth rate (RGR) from 0.439 to 0.122 considering four year blocks from 2003 to 2018. The mean doubling time showed an increasing tendency through each consecutive block of four year period. It ranged from 0.89 in the first block to 5.80 in the last block of a total of sixteen year time span. The forecast for 2025 based on least square estimate the number of publications should be 186 if status remains unchanged. Thus Faculty of Science has to endeavor and orient their research efforts more towards publishing journal articles than short communications and giving priority towards interdisciplinary research to obtain greater impacts with the vision of establishing excellence of the institution.

Effect of osmopriming and thermopriming on amelioration of mercuric chloride stress tolerance in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Present work is based on presumptions that soak through of Vigna radiata seeds in osmotin like Polyethylene glycol (osmopriming) and low temperature treatment (thermopriming) has revealed to be a fundamental, impregnable and inexpensive technique for capability of seeds to increase seedling development and crop production through induced mercuric chloride stress of 5 ppm and 10 ppm recommended to persuade resistivity in test specie. Seeds of Vigna radiata variety (Ramzan) collected from National Institute of Food and Agriculture Islamabad were sown in earthen pots having 18 cm lower and upper inside diameter, height and thickness of 20 cm and 2 cm respectively occupied with air dried soil and silt 2.5 kg of (2:1) in triplicates in the greenhouse, Department of Botany, University of Peshawar. The result concluded that thermoprimed seeds with 4 °C has significant effects on most of the physiological attributes including chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’, carotinoids, protein and proline content in the treatments including T7 (4 °C), T8 (4 °C + 5 ppm HgCl2), T9 (4 °C + 10 ppm HgCl2) followed by osmopriming with PEG in the treatments e.g. T4 (PEG), T5 (PEG + 5 ppm HgCl2), T6 (PEG + 10 ppm HgCl2). While in case of POD and SOD content in T2 (5 ppm HgCl2) and T3 (10 ppm HgCl2) the non significant differences with T9 (4 °C + 10 ppm HgCl2) at P ≤ 0.05 indicating the enhanced level of tolerance in Vigna radiata after osmo and thermopriming. The study revealed the degree of resistivity to different levels of induced mercuric chloride stress signifying successful demonstration of priming method will support agricultural manufacturing to advance seed quality and germination rate beside with deactivating osmotic modification by improving POD and SOD content.

Synergistic Potential of the Leaves of Aspillia africana (Compositae) and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) Against Some Selected Bacterial and Fungal Isolates

Background: The plethora of secondary metabolites inherent in plants that could be synthesized and formulated into useful drugs for the treatment of diseases is not fully understood. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the leaves of Aspillia africana and Psidium guajava plants on some selected bacterial and fungal isolates.Methodology: Fresh and matured leaves of Aspillia africana and Psidium guajava were collected at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The plants were identified and voucher deposited at the Herbarium unit of the Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife. The pure isolates of the bacteria and fungi were obtained from Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The bacteria isolates were maintained on nutrient agar slant and the fungal isolates on PDA. Extraction of the plant materials using methanol, ethanol and aqueous fractions were carried out using standard protocols. The isolates were inoculated on a nutrient broth. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined by broth dilution method while minimal bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations respectively were determined following established protocols.Results: The results showed that Bacillus cereus, Cornybacterium pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli were all resistant to the plant extracts. The fungal isolates; Candida albicans, Tryptophyton rubrum, Penicillium expansium, and Aspergillus flavus were resistant to Psidium guajava extract as no significant activity was observed. All the plant extracts produced considerable antimicrobial activities with Streptococcus faecalis and Staphyloccocus. aureus. whereas, these organisms were resistant to ofloxacin, sparfloxacin, chloramphenicol, augmentin, ciprofloxacin and septrin.Conclusion: This study revealed that the therapeutic properties of Aspillia africana and Psidium guajava are better enhanced with their synergistic potential to the tested microorganisms.Keywords: Aspillia africana; Bactericidal; Psidium guajava; Synergistic;therapeutic.Background: The plethora of secondary metabolites inherent in plants that could be synthesized and formulated into useful drugs for the treatment of diseases is not fully understood. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the leaves of Aspillia africana and Psidium guajava plants on some selected bacterial and fungal isolates.Methodology: Fresh and matured leaves of Aspillia africana and Psidium guajava were collected at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The plants were identified and voucher deposited at the Herbarium unit of the Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife. The pure isolates of the bacteria and fungi were obtained from Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The bacteria isolates were maintained on nutrient agar slant and the fungal isolates on PDA. Extraction of the plant materials using methanol, ethanol and aqueous fractions were carried out using standard protocols. The isolates were inoculated on a nutrient broth. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined by broth dilution method while minimal bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations respectively were determined following established protocols.Results: The results showed that Bacillus cereus, Cornybacterium pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli were all resistant to the plant extracts. The fungal isolates; Candida albicans, Tryptophyton rubrum, Penicillium expansium, and Aspergillus flavus were resistant to Psidium guajava extract as no significant activity was observed. All the plant extracts produced considerable antimicrobial activities with Streptococcus faecalis and Staphyloccocus. aureus. whereas, these organisms were resistant to ofloxacin, sparfloxacin, chloramphenicol, augmentin, ciprofloxacin and septrin.Conclusion: This study revealed that the therapeutic properties of Aspillia africana and Psidium guajava are better enhanced with their synergistic potential to the tested microorganisms.

Fungicidal Property of Andrographis paniculata extract on Fungal Organisms from Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (Melon Seeds)

Antifungal property of A. paniculata on fungal isolates from Citrullus colocynthis was investigated. Citrullus colocynthis were bought from traders in a major market in Abia State, Nigeria. The melon seeds were first cleaned and disinfested by keeping them in a freezer at -50C for 7 days to kill all hidden infestations. The disinfested seeds were dried in a Gallenkamp oven at 40oC for 4 hours before they were stored in plastic sterile containers with tight lids. Fresh plant of A. paniculata was collected from botanical garden of the Rivers State University and was identified in the botany department. The leaves of the plant were shade dried and blended into fine powder. Twenty grams (20g) of the powdered leaves was extracted using methanol and ethanol. The filtrate was evaporated and the resulting crude extract was used for antifungal sensitivity test. Fungi associated with rotted C. colocynthis were identified using standard microbiological methods. The antifungal activity of the extracts was carried out using the well in agar diffusion method. In this method, 48 hours old fungal isolate was inoculated on dried Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates in duplicates. five wells were bored using sterile 6mm cork borer on the dried seeded plates before 0.2ml of the different concentrations of 100, 50, 25, and 12.5mg/ml of the methanol extracts were transferred into the wells using sterile pipettes. Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus arrhizus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp and Mucor sp were identified from the melon seeds. The zone diameters of methanolic extract of A. paniculata on Rhizopus arrhizus, A. niger, A. flavus, Rhizopus sp and Mucor sp were 11.50±0.71, 19.50±0.71, 34.50±0.71, 15.00±0.00 and 17.00±0.00mm, respectively. The zone diameters of ethanolic extract of A. paniculata on Rhizopus arrhizus, A. niger, A. flavus, Rhizopus sp and Mucor sp were 0.00±0.00, 16.50±0.71, 34.50±0.71, 20.50±0.71 and 0.00±0.00mm, respectively. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the antifungal activity of the extract across the fungal isolates. The antifungal activity of the leave extracts showed that the ethanolic extract and the methanolic extract were very active on the fungal isolates and the antifungal activities of the extract was greatly influenced by the concentration of the extract, with higher concentrations of extract having high zone diameter.

Экспериментальное исследование анальгетической активности густого экстракта цветков пижмы обыкновенной (Tanacetum vulgare L.)

Болевой синдром является проявлением многих патологических процессов и причиной снижения качества жизни пациента. Лекарственные средства с выраженной обезболивающей активностью широко применяются в клинической практике, однако обладают рядом опасныхдля жизни пациентов побочных эффектов. В связи с этим поиск новых эффективных обезболивающих лекарственных средств является актуальной задачей фармакологии. Перспективными в этом плане являются средства растительного происхождения, в частности экстракты пижмыобыкновенной.Объектом данного исследования был густой экстракт цветков пижмы обыкновенной (ГЭЦПО), полученный на кафедре ботаники Национального фармацевтического университета и стандартизированный по содержанию суммы флавоноидов (3,69 % в пересчете на лютеолин) и суммы гидроксикоричных кислот (16,88 % в пересчете на хлорогеновую кислоту).Цель исследования – экспериментальное изучение анальгетической активности ГЭЦПО.Для изучения анальгетической активности ГЭЦПО были использованы две модели: термической стимуляции («горячая пластина»), воспроизведенной на белых лабораторных самцах крыс, и химического раздражения («уксуснокислые корчи»), воспроизведенной на белых беспородных самцах мышей.Результаты исследования показали, что на модели «Горячая пластина» ГЭЦПО проявляет умеренную, но стойкую анальгетическую активность на уровне 26,1 %, 38,2 % и 38,7 % соответственно через 1 ч, 2 ч и 3 ч после введения, при этом достоверно (р < 0,05) уступая препаратам сравнениядиклофенаку натрия с анальгетической активностью 40,0 %, 79,8 % и 54,3 % соответственно и метамизолу натрия с анальгетической активностью 26,5 %, 74,0 % и 64,1 % соответственно. На модели "Уксуснокислые корчи" ГЭЦПО проявляет умеренную анальгетическую активность на уровне58,4 %, несколько уступая (р > 0,05) препарату сравнения диклофенаку натрия (97,5 %).Установлено, что ГЭЦПО обладает умеренной антиноцицептивной активностью на экспериментальных моделях как с периферическим, так и с центральным механизмом формирования болевой реакции. По силе анальгетического действия ГЭЦПО уступает препаратам сравнения нестероидному противовоспалительному средству диклофенаку натрия и анальгетику-антипиретику метамизолу натрия. Полученные данные являются экспериментальным обоснованием дальнейшего изучения ГЭЦПО как перспективного анальгетического средства.

Growth, yield and uptake of some nutrients by tomato as affected by iron concentration

ABSTRACT The micronutrient iron is needed for optimum growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The specific amount of iron required for adequate vegetative growth, yield quality and uptake of nutrients of tomato needs clarification. The experiment was carried out during the rainy season, May and September 2019, in the screenhouse of the Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Treatments were: 0.053 (normal nutrient solution), 0.265 (iron×5), and 0.53 (iron×10) g∙L−1. Shoot height, leaf number, leaf area, internode length, flowers and fruit number increased over time for plants treated with iron×10. The translocation factor of P, Mg, Ca, K, Na, and bioaccumulation factor of Na, K, and Mg were greater in plants treated with iron×10. The high concentration of iron has practical implications on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of tomato.

Characterization of Polyphenols, Flavonoids and Their Anti-microbial Activity in the Fruits of Vangueria madagascariensis J. F. Gmel

Aim: The study aimed to characterize phenolic acids, flavonoids, and determine their antimicrobial activities in fruits of Vangueria madagascariensis (Tamarind of Indies).
 Study Design: The design of the study included picking of Vangueria madagascariensis fruits from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) botanical garden and analysis for their antimicrobial activities at the Botany department research laboratory, JKUAT. Characterization of phenolic acids and flavonoids were conducted at MacEwan University Canada.
 Place and Duration: JKUAT, Kenya and MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta Canada between June 2013 and June 2016.
 Methodology: Phenolic acids and flavonoids from Tamarind of Indies were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSN). The antimicrobial assay was determined using the disk diffusion method.
 Results: Based on the retention time, the UV spectrum, and the tandem MS behavior, the results revealed a profile composed of 25 phenolic compounds. Some of the identified phenolic compounds included: 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-feruloyl quinic acid, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin, 3,4-di-caffeoylquinic acid, 4, 5-di-caffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol, diosmetin, caffeic acid, epicatechin, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside. The fruit extracts had a probable presence of quercetin 3-O-6’-malonylglucoside, ikarisoside C, epimedin C, unknown epigallocatechin-3-gallate and quercetin conjugate derivatives. Furthermore, the fruit extracts from Vangueria madagascariensis showed appreciable antimicrobial properties against human pathogen strains. Strong antimicrobial activity was observed for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The Vangueria madagascariensis was found to be highly potent against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis even at low concentrations of 0.1 mg/mL.
 Conclusion: The research findings may suggest value of the use of Vangueria madagascariensis fruits as a rich source of antioxidants with therapeutic and nutraceutical value.

Morphological intraspecific variability of some <i>Thymus vulgaris</i> L. varieties in connection with their productivity

Relevance. Common thyme or garden thyme Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae L.) is the medicinal and aromatic plant containing essential oil which is the source of thymol and other phenol derivatives. This species is characterized by significant morphological and chemical polymorphism. Thymus vulgaris L. has numerous varieties and subspecies which are complicates for the identification of raw materials and makes its quality unstable. The study of intraspecific variability, not only by phenotype but also by biochemical parameters, is an urgent task in the search for varieties and samples of Thýmus vulgáris L. that are promising for the medical industry.Materials and methods. The research material was obtained from botanical institutions and firms in Russia, the Czech Republic and Germany and introduced on the experimental field of Vegetable Growing Department of The Russian State Agricultural University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Studies were conducted from 2014 to 2019. Sowing the seeds was carried out in the 3rd decade of March in cassettes in a winter greenhouse. Seedlings planted in the field at the end of MayField experiments were laid at the «Vegetable Experimental Station named V.I. Edelstein » in accordance with generally accepted methods of field experiments. A comprehensive comparative assessment of the studied samples was carried out according to a number of criteria, in accordance with the recommendations of the State Register of Selection Achievements and the matrix of the morphological description of plants of the Lamiaceae family developed at the Leibniz-Institut for Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung (IPK, Germany). Harvesting of raw materials and crop yield was carried out in the phase of mass flowering. Laboratory studies were carried out in the laboratories of the Vegetable Growing Department, Department of Botany, Selection and Seed Production of Garden Plants, Russian State Autonomous University – Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazev. The quantitative determination of essential oil was carried out according to the GF RF XIV. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel.Results. The possibility of growing samples of Thymus vulgaris L. of different geographical origin under the conditions of introduction in the Moscow region is shown. A comparative study of the main morphological characteristics of plant samples of Thymus vulgaris L. revealed significant variability in the form of inflorescence, leaf index, the presence or absence of pubescence, anthocyanin staining, torsion of the leaf, color of corollas and leaves, plant height, yield, quantitative content of essential oil and flavonoids. At the same time, the height of the plants was relatively stable every year and between varieties. According to a set of indicators, the most productive and stable samples was “Di Roma”, which is characterized by a high yield of aerial mass (104 g / plant), a consistently high content of essential oil (1.04-1.8%) with a predominant thymol component (39-80%), high flavonoid content (1,47-2,26%). Varieties "Medoc" and "Deutsche Winter", which at a lower yield are characterized by a high content of essential oil and flavonoids.

Morphological assessment of glutamate zerovalent iron nanoparticles by scanning electron microscopy and its combined effect with indole acetic acid on amelioration of lead toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.).

Food safety is a priority issue for sustainable global development that can be affected by heavy metals, contributing to morbidity and even mortality in crop growth. Heavy metals often accumulate in the soil due to the use of extensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides; therefore, the current experiment was aimed to determine the effect of glutamate zerovalent iron nanoparticles (Glu-ZVFeNPs) and indole acetic acid (IAA) on physiological mechanism of lead (Pb+2 ) stress tolerance at 4 and 8 ppm in Zea mays variety. Seeds of the selected variety were collected from Cereal Crop Research Institute Persabaq Nowshera and planted in earthen pots in triplicate in the greenhouse of the Botany Department of the University of Peshawar. Nanoparticles were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Maximum growth responses were recorded from T12 (untreated + NPs + IAA), while minimum were recorded from T5 (8 ppm) indicating from the minimum amplitude of chlorophyll "a" and "b" contents, root length, shoot length, and root/shoot ratio. T5 (8 ppm) enhanced the values of osmolytes and antioxidant enzymes peroxidase and superoxide dismutase which has been ameliorated by the combined application of Glu-ZVFeNPs + IAA, indicating that the plant may resist the toxic effects of heavy metal stress at high concentration. From the present study, we concluded that adverse result of Pb+2 has been condensed by application of Glu-ZVFeNPs + IAA treatment as compared to the foliar application of IAA and Glu-ZVFeNPs individually.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Five Plants as Possible Antileishmaniasis Control Agent

Leishmaniasis is a major public health problem globally and manifests in three clinical forms including visceral cutaneous and mucocutaneous. Visceral leishmaniasis is fatal if left untreated for a period of 2 years, while cutaneous leishmaniasis cause crusted papules or ulcers on exposed skin. Plant families containing active compounds against other protozoan diseases may be suitable against leishmania parasites. This study report the compounds extracted from five plants (Olea europaea, Kigelia Africana, Terminalia mollis, Croton macrostachyus and Bridella micrantha extracts). The plants were collected from Baringo County in Kenya and authenticated at the National Museums of Kenya (Department of Botany). The plant samples were dried, pulverized into fine powders and extracted using methanol at the Center for Traditional Medicine and Drugs Research, KEMRI. The plant extracts contained varying amounts of phytochemical compounds such as tannins, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinone, cardiac glycoside, polyphenols, cumarins, anthocyanins, trepenoids, glycosides and triterpenoids. The presence of tannins, flavanoids, alkaloids and saponins with known biological activities offer opportunity to test these compounds against leishmania parasites.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of typhoid fever in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Typhoid fever had become one of the most serious infectious diseases among the urban populace of Kaduna metropolis, Northern Nigeria due to its escalating cost of treatment via the conventional system, current economic melt-down, and drug-resistant strategy of the Salmonella spp. People, therefore, resorted back to the use of medicinal drugs that are cost-effective with no side effects. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to identify the medicinal plants used for the treatment of typhoid fever in Kaduna metropolis to establish a check-list of the pharmacognostic activity of the most frequently used plant. Self-structured questionnaires were administered among herbalists and individuals representing the consumer population. Plant specimen were also collected along the line, identified and authenticated at the herbarium of the Department of Botany, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The results obtained revealed that 40 different plant species representing 29 families of plants were used in the treatment of typhoid fever in Kaduna. Among the most frequently used species include Alchornea cordifolia, Balanites aegyptiaca, Blighias apida, Datarium microcarpum, Gardenia aqualla, Grewia mollis, Lawsonia inermis, Morinda lucida, Nanclei latifolia, Ocimum gratissimum, Plumeria rubra, and Mangifera indica. It was found that the leaves and stem were the major parts used for herbal preparation and were administered orally in the form of decoction and infusion. Furthermore, need for incorporating the traditional herbalists in the management of typhoid fever by orienting them through seminars and workshops on how to formulate standard doses for the treatment strategies. Thus, medicinal herbs are effective in the treatment of typhoid fever.

Analysis of the influence of laser irradiation on the accumulation of biomass and polysaccharides pleurotus ostreatus (JACQ.) Р. Kumm

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of laser irradiation of mycelium on the amount of biomass and synthesis of P. ostreatus polysaccharides.Materials and methods. For the study, 6 strains of P. ostreatus from the Collection of cultures of basidiomycetes of the Department of Botany and Ecology of Vasyl Stus DonNU were used. A device consisting of LED lasers was used for laser irradiation of vegetative mycelium: BRP – 3010–5, with red spectrum radiation with a wavelength of 635 nm; BBP – 3010–5 with blue spectrum radiation with a wavelength of 405 nm and BGP – 3010–5 with green spectrum radiation with a wavelength of 532 nm. The level of biomass accumulation was determined by weight. The polysaccharide content was determined by the phenol-sulfur method.Results. The most effective was green light irradiation with a wavelength of 532 nm. For strain P-192 – the amount of biomass increased by 71.4 %. For strains P-191 and P-155 biomass increased by 60 % and 53.5 %. For strains P-108, P-154 and P-6v, the amount of biomass increased from 33.3 to 50 %. For strain P-192, the amount of mycelial endopolysaccharides increased by 42.0 %. For strains P-191 and P-6v, the amount of endopolysaccharides increased by 39.3 % and 38.7 %. For strains P-108, P-155 and P-154 the amount of mycelium endopolysaccharides increased from 30.7 % to 35.8. For strain P-192 the content of exopolysaccharides increased by 30.5 %. For strains P-154 and P-191, the amount of exopolysaccharides increased by 28.1 % and 27.8 %. For strains P-108, P-155 and P-6v the content of exopolysaccharides increased from 24.6 % to 25.8 %.Conclusions. The most effective mode of photoactivation of P. ostreatus mycelium for obtaining target products was determined. In particular, the best response was observed in response to green light with a wavelength of 532 nm for strain P-192 – the amount of biomass increased by 71.4 %, the amount of mycelium endopolysaccharides increased by 42.0 %, and the content of exopolysaccharides increased by 30.5 %

Diversity Studies in Vigna Species and Their Implications in Further Breeding

Aims: To evaluate, identify and select superior genotypes with better agronomic traits with respect to insect resistance and yield components for the development of improved cowpea varieties.
 Study Design: The plants were raised using completely randomized design (CRD).
 Place and Duration of Study: Screen house of the Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between between July 2017 and January 2018.
 Methodology: A total of 67 Vigna accessions consisting of 36 V. vexillata and 31 V. unguiculata species were evaluated and the quantitative and qualitative attributes of the various accessions studied were documented. The data obtained in the study were subjected to univariate analysis involving descriptive statistics, as well as multivariate analysis involving the General Linear Model (GLM) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The differences among means of each variable were tested using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at ˂0.05 using System Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.13. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was also used to test the correlation among the quantitative attributes of the varieties studied.
 Results: The results of the investigation showed that there was significant variation in most of the quantitative attributes of the species studied though many of the qualitative vegetative attributes were considerably uniform. The Principal Component Analysis showed that some of the important traits that contributed significantly to the variation were number of days to seedling emergence, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, petiole length, pod length, pod breadth, seed length, seed breadth, number of seeds per pod and number of locules.
 Conclusion: From the findings obtained in this study, it could be concluded that the desirable traits of Tvnu1249 (V. vexillata) such as early maturity, and Tvnu72 (V. vexillata) with high percentage seed set and resistance to flower bud thrips could be transferred into Sanzi and Ifebrown (V. unguiculata varieties) with larger seed sizes and high percentage seed set through hybridization and other breeding techniques.