Callistemon Citrinus Research Articles

In vitro assessment of Schistosoma mansoni cercaricidal activities of Solanum nigrum and Callistemon citrinius leaves extracts and cercarial genetic changes by RAPD-PCR

Abstract: Background: Schistosomiasis is contracted by exposure to fresh water containing cercariae that develop into adult worms after penetration of human skin. Interruption of schistosomiasis vital cycle by elimination of cercariae may enhance methods of transmission control. Objective: To evaluate the vitro effect of methanol extracts of Solanum nigrum ( S.nigrum) and callistemon citrinus (C. citrinus) leaves on Schistosoma mansoni cercarial genetic makeup by random amplification of polymorphic DNA-Polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). Material and methods: The effect different concentrations of both plants extracts on cercarial morphology and mortality was observed with different lethal concentrations (LC). Also, assessment of DNA change in exposed S.mansoni cercariae to LC50 of both plants in comparsion with non-exposed ones by RAPD-PCR assay was investigated. Cercariae were divided into three groups: group A: control non-exposed cercariae; group B: cercariae exposed to S.nigrum; and group C: cercariae exposed to C.citrinus. Results: The cercaricidal potency of tested extracts was concentration-dependent. The cercaricidal toxicity of S. nigrum extracts was 1.2 times higher than that of C.citrinus(LC90 values were 50 mg/L and 60 mg/L, respectively). RAPD-PCR revealed different band polymorphism patterns for each primer used and cercariae exposed to S.nigrum revealed a higher number of band polymorphism (20 bands) than that obtained by cercariae exposed to C.citrinus (16 bands) which were different from those of control group reflecting the genetic variability among the groups studies. Conclusion: C.citrinus and S.nigrum are effective cercaricidal agents that can be utilized to minimize water transmission of schistosomiasis. Also, RAPD-PCR is useful for examining the genetic polymorphism of schistosomal cercariae induced by plants extracts, and assessment of genetic of damage of drug development fields.

Chemopreventive effect of Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels against colon cancer induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in rats.

Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels is a shrub native of Australia. In spite of containing an important number of bioactive compounds (1,8-cineole, limonene and α-terpineol) recognized as a potential chemotherapeutic agents, it is only used as an ornamental plant in Mexico. This study investigated the chemopreventive effect of C. citrinus leaves extract on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups of eight rats. Group 1 served as negative control, groups 2 and 3 were given subcutaneous injections of DMH (65mg/kg b.w.) twice a week the first 2weeks, and then one the third week. In addition, group 3 was administrated with leaves extracts (250mg/kg b.w., orally daily) during the 22weeks of the experiment. Animals were killed and the presence of colon tumors and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were scored for number and distribution pattern along the colon. The activity of two-phase II enzymes quinone reductase (QR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) was determined in the liver and three segments of the colon: proximal, middle and distal. The results show that rats feed with C. citrinus leaves extract significantly reduced the size of tumors, the number of ACF and the crypt multiplicity. Additionally, C. citrinus leaves extract increased or maintained the activity of QR and GST in the different tissues as compared with DHM-treated group (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that Callistemon citrinus extract could have a chemopreventive effect against colon carcinogenesis.

Stomatal Index of a few common tree species in the Kishangarh Marble Slurry Dump-yard area, Ajmer (Rajasthan): A case study

The size and number of the stomata present on the foliar epidermis of Tree species is directly influenced by the Suspended Particulate Matter. Marble dust is a very fine powder having approximately 40% particles below 75?m diameter of which approximately 30% are having a size less than 25?m present in the atmosphere. A comparative micro-morphological study of stomatal index of the dominant tree speciesAlbizialebbeck, Azadirachta indica, Callistemon lanceolatus growing in the vicinity of Marble slurry dump-yard, Kishangarh (Ajmer) was done from the month of April 2014 to March 2015.The stomatal index of the lower epidermis of A. indica and A. lebbeck leaves from polluted sites was found to have greater value as compared to that with those of unpolluted site during the months of May to October while in case of the rough, leathery leaves of Callistemon lanceolatus, the stomatal index value in leaves from polluted site was less during these months. This may be attributed to the prevailing winds and weather conditions in the area of study which play a crucial role in the accumulated particulate matter on the phylloplane of the selected tree species viz.A. lebbeck, A. indica,C. lanceolatus.

Chemical constituents with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity from the aerial parts of Callistemon lanceolatus (Sm.) Sweet

Callistemon lanceolatus (Sm.) Sweet grows all over the world and used to treat cough and bronchitis. The air-dried powder of the aerial parts was exhaustively extracted with methanol and the concentrated extract was adsorbed on silica gel for preparation of slurry. It was dried and subjected to silica gel column packed in petroleum ether. The column was eluted with organic solvents in order of increasing polarity to isolate 1-triacosanol (1), n-eicosanyl palmitate (2), n-heptadecanyl arachidate (3), n-tricosanyl palmitate, (4), 4-hydroxyphenethyl carbocerate (5), 4-hydroxyphenethyl gheddate (6), urs-12-en-3α-acetoxy-18β-H-28-oic acid (7) and stigmast-5-en-3β-ol-3β-D-glucuronopyranoside (8). Among them, compound 5 and 6 were new fatty acid ester isolated from this plant. Compound 7 showed MIC 32 µg/mL against E. coli which was comparable to amoxicillin having same MIC 32 µg/mL. Compound 5 and 6 showed significant antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH due to the presence of phenolic groups.

Bioactivities of phytochemicals in Callistemon citrinus against multi-resistant foodborne pathogens, alpha glucosidase inhibition and MCF-7 cancer cell line

This study investigates in-vitro activities of phytochemicals in Callistemon citrinus against multi-resistant foodborne pathogens, alpha-glucosidase enzyme and MCF-7 cancer cell line. Assays were prepared with lyophilized extracts to determine antioxidant capacity, inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme and growth of foodborne bacteria. Annexin-V detection kit was used for apoptosis detection and FT-IR spectroscopy to confirm structural and functional groups of phytochemicals. Cytotoxicity of the extracts against MCF-7 cells was monitored with xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyser. The result from FT-IR analysis gave a peak at 3295 cm−1 wavenumber, confirming the presence of O–H alcohol functional group. FT-IR analysis also showed the presence of different functional groups such as carboxylic acids, aromatics, alkanes, alcohols, aliphatic amines, alkenes and amine groups in the extracts. Callistemon exhibited strong antioxidant capacities with EC50 values of 0.474 ± 0.03 and 0.787 ± 0.15 mL sample/g of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydeazyl (DPPH) from leaf and flower extracts, respectively. Growth inhibition of most gram-positive foodborne bacteria by phytochemicals from flower extract appeared more promising as an alternative antimicrobial agent for food preservation. IC50 value of 3.69 ± 0.61 μg/mL obtained from leaf extract showed its inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase enzyme for managing diabetes type-2. A dose response obtained from real-time monitoring with xCELLigence system indicated higher cytotoxicity of the extracts against MCF-7 cell line at ≥200 μg/mL concentrations within 24 h of incubation. The versatility of phytochemicals in Callistemon observed in this study signifies its potential for enhancing feed or food functionality, moderating blood glucose level and inhibiting the growth of foodborne pathogens or invasive carcinoma in man.

Antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities and phytochemical analysis of three ornamental plants grown in Mexico.

This study evaluates the antibacterial, cytotoxic activities, and phytochemical composition, of Callistemon citrinus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Plumbago auriculata leaves and flowers, three ornamental plants in Mexico. However, in other countries offers a range of other uses. Ethanol extracts of C. citrinus leaf and flower presented stronger antibacterial activity than the extracts obtained from the other two plants. C. citrinus leaf showed low cytotoxicity (LC50 <600 µg/mL) on the brine shrimp test, whereas the ethanol extracts of H. rosa-sinensis and P. auriculata leaves showed no cytotoxic activity. Flower extracts obtained from the three plants did no exhibit cytotoxicity. GC-MS analysis revealed that the ethanol extract of P. auriculata leaf contained lupeol triterpene and lupeol acetate, neither of them have been previously reported in this genus. Gamma sitosterol was present in the leaf and flower extracts of P. auriculata. Higher contents of linoleic and linolenic acids were found in extracts of H. rosa-sinensis leaves and flowers. The ability of the ethanol extracts of C. citrinus leaves and flowers to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria indicates a potentially broad antimicrobial spectrum. Moreover, the absence of cytotoxicity suggests the potential use of this plant to treat microbial infections.

Eco-Friendly Control Strategies of Green Stink Bug, Nezara viridula L. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Repellency and Toxicity Effects of Callistemon citrinus, Bottle Brush Essential Oil

The bioactivity of Callistemon citrinus leaves essential oil against green stink bug, Nezara viridula was evaluated as alternative eco-friendly pesticide. The tested essential oil have high insecticidal activity toN. viridula adult where, the lethal concentrations of LC10, LC25 and LC50 were recorded (105.22, 536.80 and 3274.72 ppm), respectively. The repellent effects on N. viridula adult of the three tested concentrations were 48.01, 56.35 and 81.33 % after one hour of exposure time, respectively. The chemical composition analysis of bottle brush essential oil by GC/MS revealed 24 compounds represented 99.47% of the whole amount oil. The major constituent 1,8- cineole represented (73.81%) followed by α pinene (13.13%), D-limonene (5.50%), β-pinene (2.49%) and α-Terpineol (1.10%) assumed 96.03% of the total oil composition, while the minor components were 3.97%. Treatment with all concentrations of C. citrinus essential oil exhibited some physiological defects that cleared in the reduction in total soluble protein levels and elevation in carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, nonspecific estrases and acid & alkaline phosphatases activities. Moreover, the LC50 inhibited acetyl cholinesterase activity in treated adults. Therefore the oil proved high potency in controlling the N. viridula.

Study of Trees Flowering Period and Its Usage in the Landscape

Trees in the landscape has strong character in color which is performed by flower, however flower appear only in certain period. This study aims to determine the flowering period of trees, climate factors that affect period of flowering, and its usage in planting plan. This study was conducted for 12 months from September 2013 to August 2014 using 10 species of flowering trees. Based on the observation, all species showed peak flowering in certain month while 8 species namely Caliandra surinamensis, Callistemon citrinus, Cassia siamea, Cerbera mangas, Jacaranda acutifolia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Plumeria rubra, and Spathodea campanulata showed flower along the year, and 2 species namely Samanea saman and Tabebuia caraiba showed no flower in certain month. Based on analysis of percentage of flowering showed a significant correlation with climate factors. Rain days significantly affected flowering of J. acutifolia and S. saman, maximum temperature affected flowering of P.rubra, minimum temperature affected flowering of Samanea saman, length of irradiation affected flowering of Cassia siamea, P.rubra and T. Caraiba and relative humidity affected flowering of P.rubra and T. caraiba. Aesthetic value of site can be increased by using more species with different in period of flowering to show flower blooming along the year.

Silver nanoparticles mediated by Callistemon citrinus extracts and their antimalaria, antitrypanosoma and antibacterial efficacy

In this report, three biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from the reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) by the aqueous crude extracts of aerial parts of Callistemon citrinus plant were characterized by means of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR).The XRD revealed that the AgNPs were crystalline in nature while the TEM showed that the shapes were spherical with an average size of 29 nm. The SEM and EDX demonstrated triangular shaped materials and that the AgNPs were made up of silver and oxygen only, absorption spectra confirm by UV–vis signifies the dispersed nature of the synthesized nanoparticles with absorption band observed at 280 nm for the leaf. FTIR had absorption bands at about 1700 cm−1 in all spectra's establishing the CO stretching owing to amide bond, another remarkable peak at 3400 cm−1 was seen in the crude extract which was ascribed to the OH stretching from water as a result of the aqueous nature of the plant extracts used. It is interesting to know that this peak was not seen in the AgNPs demonstrating the development of calcined AgNPs, in addition to this, peak at 420 cm−1 was observed for all the three nanoparticles synthesized and this shows the successfully synthesis of the AgNPs. The antimicrobial activities of the of the AgNPs was also confirm via both gram positive and gram negative bacteria strains with a very significant inhibitory action, MIC values of 7.8125 mg/mL were documented for all the silver nanoparticles. Potent antiplasmodial activities with IC50 ranging from 2.99–5.34 μg/mL were also recorded and a poor IC50 of 107.30 μg/mL for antitrypanosoma activity of the leaf AgNPs was also documented.

Evaluation of the effect of some plant molluscicides on the infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae

Objectives To study the effect of sublethal concentrations (LC50) of methanol extracts from Solanum nigrum and Callistemon citrinus leaves on the infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae by an in-vivo study. Background The high cost of synthetic molluscicides and their negative impacts on the environment necessitated search for an alternative approach by using plant extracts for the control of schistosomiasis. Using molluscicides could be more effective if these agents also possess cercaricidal activity. Materials and methods Methanol extracts of S. nigrum and C. citrinus leaves were prepared and their LC50on S. mansoni cercariae were determined. The experimental mice used in this study were divided into three groups. Group I including mice infected with S. mansoni cercariae preexposed to S. nigrum. Group II included mice infected with S. mansoni cercariae preexposed to C. citirnus. Group III included mice infected with nonexposed S. mansoni cercariae (control group). The attenuating effect of the plants on cercariae was evaluated through different parameters including parasitological, histopathological, and scanning electron microscopic examinations. Results LC50of S. nigrum and C. citrinus methanol extracts were 25 and 40 mg/l, respectively. Parasitological results showed a significant reduction in worm burden, mean number of ova per gram tissue in mice of group I and group II in comparison with those of group III (control group). These results were associated with decrease in the size and number of hepatic granulomas. All these obtained results were more significant with S. nigrum than C. citrinus. Obvious tegmental damages were also detected by scanning electron microscopic in both groups (I and II). Conclusion Methanol extracts of both S. nigrum and C. citrinus leaves exhibited cercariicidal activity but S. nigrum was found to be more potent. This study provides a considerable scope in exploiting local indigenous resources for schistosomiasis control.

Branched CdO/ZnO Core/Shell Heterogeneous Structure and Its Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Performance.

Branched nanostructures of semiconductors based on one-dimensional heterostructures have many promising applications in optoelectronics, supercapacitors, photocatalysts, etc. Here, we report a novel branched core/shell CdO/ZnO hetero-nanostructure that resembles a Crimson bottlebrush (Callistemon Citrinus) but with intriguing hexagonal symmetry. The nanomaterials were fabricated via an improved one-step chemical vapor deposition method and consist of a CdO wire as the core and ZnO as the shell. With cadmium acting as a catalyst, ZnO nanowires grow as perpendicular branches from the CdO/ZnO one-dimensional core/shell structure. The nanostructures were characterized with X-ray diffraction scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A homogeneous epitaxial growth mechanism has been postulated for the formation of the nanostructure. The materials show a broad and strong absorption ranging from visible to ultraviolet and a better photoelectrocatalytic properties in comparison to pure ZnO or CdO. Our synthetic strategy may open up a new way for controlled preparation of one-dimensional nanomaterials with core/shell heterostructure, which could find potential applications in solar cells and opto-electrochemical water-splitting devices.

DETERIORATIONS IN BIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BIOMPHALARIA ALEXANDRINA SNAILS EXPOSED TO METHANOL EXTRACT OF CALLISTEMON CITRINUS LEAVES

Schistosomiasis is one of the deleterious parasitic diseases in many developing countries. One important approach to control the disease is to eliminate its intermediate hosts. Therefore, methanol extract from Callistemon citrinus leaves was evaluated against biological & biochemical aspects of Schistosoma mansoni infected and uninfected B. alexandrina snails,in addition to examination the histological changes in tissues of the snails’ digestive gland. The plant extract exhibited considerable molluscicidal potency against B. alexandrina snails. The egg-laying capacity and reproductive rate (R0) of S. mansoni infected and uninfected snails were suppressed post exposure to LC25 of methanol extract for 24h/week for 4 successive weeks. Reduction rate of R0 for snails infected only and those infected treated with LC25 were 65.8% and 70.9%, respectively. Infection rates of B. alexandrina snails with S. mansoni and cercarial production/infected snail were reduced as a reflection of their exposure to LC10 of the plant extract either pre-, during or post their exposure to miracidia. The total number of hemocytes of S. mansoni infected and uninfected snails was elevated post 24h of exposure to the plant extract. However, it was reduced after 4 weeks of successive exposure to the extract, but the large granulocytes were elevated. Also, exposure of B. alexandrina snails (infected and uninfected) to the plant extract caused deleterious morphological changes in their hemocytes. The activities of antioxidant enzymes LPO, CAT & SODwere elevated in tissue homogenate of uninfected snails after one week of exposure to the extract, while that of GSH was decreased. Moreover, the plant extract deteriorated the histological characters of digestive gland cells in treated snails ranged from degeneration and necrotic of its tubules, atrophy of different cell types and hyaline substance in enlarged digestive lumen..

English

Diversity of plant species could have a different influence on urban microclimate and thermal comfort. However, the magnitude of different plant species to ameliorate urban microclimate by cooling the urban microclimate and improving thermal comfort based on their allometric properties at any particular time of the day is unknown for urban environments. This paper presents the result of a study conducted in Kenya to quantify the attenuation effects of plant species on microclimatic parameters and thermal comfort as influenced by plant allometric properties.The microclimatic and instantaneous scales were adopted to analyse in-loco degree of influence of individual tree on microclimate. The choice of species was based on the search of independently isolated mature plant species with different allometric properties. Using this criterion, four species were selected in Uhuru Park, and five species were selected in Central Park for evaluation. Relative Percentages of variation of microclimatic parameters and discomfort index as influenced by plant species were calculated. The results showed differences in performance. Ficus benjamina (12.00%) presented the highest ability to reduce thermal discomfort followed by Cassia spectabilis (10.19%),Warburgia ugandensis (8.37%), Ficus religiosa (7.86%), Callistemon citrinus (5.72%), followed by Dypsis decaryi (4.48%), Bambusa vulgaris (3.87%), Terminalia mantaly (3.91% ) and Schinus molle (2.82%).The diurnal discomfort index of all the analysed tree species ranged 20°C to 25°C from 11.00 am to 18.00 pm, which meant that discomfort was expressed by < 50% of the population who sat under the shade.The differences in microclimate control are due to specific tree allometric properties of the analysed and the individual sample species, like structure and density of the treetop, size, shape and colour of leaves, tree age and growth. Key words: Discomfort index, environmental parameters, scale, plant species.

Antioxidant and apoptotic effects of Callistemon lanceolatus leaves and their compounds against human cancer cells

Callistemon lanceolatus (Myrtaceae) has been utilized in folk medicine and its pharmacological properties are widely studied. Phytochemicals are effectively recognized as bases of pharmacologically potent drugs for the development of anticancer therapeutics. The free radical scavenging potential of numerous extracts of C. lanceolatus leaves, Hexane leaf extract (HLE), Chloroform leaf extract (CLE), Ethyl acetate leaf extract (ELE), Methanol leaf extract (MLE), and Aqueous leaf extract (ALE)) were determined by Biochemical assay. We evaluated the anticancer activity of C. lanceolatus leaves extracts against different human cancer cell lines viz liver cancer cells (HepG2), breast cancer cells (MCF7), and normal human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cell line. The ELE and MLE extracts of C. lanceolatus leaves showed potential antiproliferative effects on HepG2 cells. On the basis of free radical scavenging potential and cytotoxicity studies, ELE and MLE extracts of C. lanceolatus leaves are further evaluated in detail for numerous biological activities. ELE and MLE extracts reduced the cell growth, ROS generation, lowering the potential of cell migration and inhibits the metastatic activity in HepG2 cell lines. ELE and MLE extracts treated HepG2 cells showed down-regulation of STAT3 and up-regulation of p53 and inhibition of cdk2 and cyclin A activity. Phytochemicals analysis have shown that the ELE and MLE possess some anticancer compounds like 4-Fluoro-2-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid, neopentyl ester; fumaric acid, di(pent-4-en-2-yl) ester; 2,3-Dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one and 2-Furancarboxaldehyde,5-(hydroxymethyl). Molecular docking results demonstrate that interactions of compounds present in ELE and MLE extracts with the SH2 domain of STAT3, might be responsible for their inhibitory effects. We have further concluded that the ELE and MLE extracts of C. lanceolatus arrests the cells at S and G2/M phase and subsequently induced cell death by regulating the DNA damage in HepG2 cells.

Sideroxylin (Callistemon lanceolatus) suppressed cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and an increase of lipid peroxidation

Sideroxylin is a C-methylated flavone isolated from Callistemon lanceolatus and exerts antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. However, the anticancer effects of sideroxylin and its intracellular signaling mechanisms have not yet been identified. Results of our study showed that sideroxylin decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis, causing DNA fragmentation, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and an increase of lipid peroxidation in ovarian cancer cells (ES2 and OV90 cells). Additionally, sideroxylin activated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, P38, and MAPK proteins and the use of LY294002, U0126, SB203580, and SP600125 to block their phosphorylation, respectively, in ES2 and OV90 cells. Collectively, the results of present study indicated that sideroxylin was a novel therapeutic agent to combat the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells through the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of PI3 K and MAPK signal transduction.

Nutrient accumulation in four ornamental tree species under saline stress conditions

ABSTRACTThe present investigation was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India to screen four ornamental tree species ideal for salt-affected environment. Screening was done on the basis of nutrient accumulation in leaves and roots. The 1-year-old tree seedlings growing in 10″ pots were subjected to five levels of sodium chloride salinity stress (control, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mM). Experimental design utilized was factorial completely randomized block with three replicates in each treatment. In addition, the sodium (Na+)/ potassium (K+) ratio in leaves and roots of all ornamental tree species was determined. Based upon nutrients content and Na+/K+, the order of salinity tolerance observed in the study was Casuarina equisetifolia > Acacia auriculiformis > Callistemon lanceolatus > Putranjiva roxburghii.

Effects of Callistemon citrinus aqueous extract on prepatent and patent infections with Schistosoma mansoni in experimentally infected mice

Schistosomiasis is a chronic debilitating parasitic disease that causes hepatic damage and is known to be endemic in developing countries. Recent control strategies for schistosomiasis depend exclusively on chemotherapeutic agents, specifically praziquantel. Unfortunately, praziquantel has low efficacy in the early phase of infection, and resistance to treatment is increasingly reported. The aim of this work was to find an alternative treatment by assessing the in vivo activity of aqueous extract of Callistemon citrinus against Schistosoma mansoni in both prepatent and patent phases in experimentally infected mice. The study was conducted on 80 male BALB/c albino mice divided into eight groups. Callistemon was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg on days 14 and 45 post infection as a single therapy and in combination with praziquantel. Porto-mesenteric worm burden, hepatic and intestinal egg counts, hepatic granuloma number and diameter, and oogram pattern were assessed to evaluate the anti-schistosomal properties of C. citrinus. Liver enzymes and total bilirubin were tested to assess hepatoprotective effects. Results revealed that the use of C. citrinus was associated with a significant decrease in worm burden and tissue egg load together with an increased percentage of dead eggs. In addition, there was a significant reduction in granuloma formation. Callistemon also led to a significant improvement in liver function. The best results were obtained when C. citrinus was given in the prepatent phase of infection and when combined with praziquantel. Although the effects of C. citrinus are considered to be promising, further studies using different extracts, active ingredients and doses are needed.

Australian native flowering plants enhance the longevity of three parasitoids of brassica pests

AbstractFloral resources from native plants that are adapted to the local environment could be more advantageous than the use of nonnative plants. In Australia, there is a dearth of information on the benefits of native plants to natural enemies and their selectivity against pests. Accordingly, we examined the longevity of the parasitoids Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) and Cotesia glomerata (L.) (both Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) exposed to flowering shoots from Australian native plants which was compared with the nonnative buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), often used in conservation biological control. Longevity of parasitoids was significantly enhanced by the Australian natives Westringia fruticosa, Mentha satureioides, Callistemon citrinus, Leptospermum cv. ‘Rudolph’, Grevillea cv. ‘Bronze Rambler’, Myoporum parvifolium, Lotus australis, and nonnative F. esculentum. The highest mean survival by native plant species was 3.4× higher for D. rapae with Leptospermum sp. and 4.3× higher for D. semiclausum with M. parvifolium. For C. glomerata, Grevillea sp. increased longevity by 6.9× compared with water only. Longevity of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), a major crop pest, was enhanced by all plants against which it was screened except Acacia baileyana, a species that had no effect on parasitoid longevity. Several Australian native plant species that benefit parasitoids were identified. None of the plant species provided a selective benefit to the parasitoid D. semiclausum compared with its host P. xylostella; however, the benefit of M. parvifolium and Grevillea sp. on the longevity of D. semiclausum was relatively higher compared with the pest. These results suggest the need for field studies to determine whether native Australian plants increase P. xylostella impact in nearby brassica crops.

Cotton fabric dyeability assessment of floral extracts obtained from binary mixtures of Callistemon citrinus and Tagetes erecta L

ABSTRACTParameters affecting extraction of natural colorants from five binary mixtures of floral parts of Callistemon citrinus and Tagetes erecta L., like ratio of each flower in the binary mixture of powdered floral parts, amount of powdered binary mixture to liquor ratio and extraction time, were optimized for dyeing of cotton fabric. Optimum dyeing was obtained at 60°C with 70 g/L exhausting agent (Na2SO4), material to liquor ratio of 1:50 along with dyeing time of 100 min. The dyed fabric revealed good anti-bacterial activity and excellent ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).

Split water application for a water supply reduction in Callistemon citrinus pot plant.

Split water application for a water supply reduction in Callistemon citrinus pot plant.