Clove Oil Research Articles

Investigation of the effect of ultrasonic exposure on polymer solutions in the production of biodegradable packaging materials

One of the options for improving the structure and properties of films obtained from polymer solutions is ultrasonic exposure to solutions of various chemical nature. The use of this effect on polymer solutions with various additives and agents showed not only an improvement in physical and mechanical properties, but also antibacterial properties, which contributed to an increase in the shelf life of food products. The main components of the compositions whose studies are presented in scientific articles were: polyvinyl alcohol, proteins and pullulan, they were mixed with various additives and agents, with different duration of exposure to ultrasonic treatment of solutions. The studied compositions had the following compositions: polyvinyl alcohol and hemicellulose with an antioxidant agent of tea; polyvinyl alcohol, sodium-carboxymethyl cellulose, zinc oxide nanoparticles, as well as multilayer graphene nanoplates; polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan; fish scale collagen, polyvinyl alcohol and potassium sorbate; egg white; quinoa protein and chitosan; pea protein; rice protein hydrolysate and chitosan; whey protein hydrolysate; aqueous soy extract with bee wax and essential oil of cloves; oat protein with pullulan and nizin; pullulan with the addition of nanoemulsion with cinnamon essential oil; pullulan and trehalose with tea polyphenols saturation. Some of the films made from these formulations were tested on food products such as strawberries, apples, pears and cupcakes. Based on the considered scientific data, it can be concluded that in order to improve the properties of films from polymer solutions, it is necessary to have an optimal time of ultrasound exposure to solutions, since longer ultrasonic exposure can worsen the physical and mechanical properties, namely, to reduce the tensile strength and elongation at break, in contrast to moderate exposure.

The Dose-Dependent Role of Sage, Clove, and Pine Essential Oils in Modulating Ruminal Fermentation and Biohydrogenation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Promising Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions and Enhance the Nutritional Profile of Ruminant Products

The livestock industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with ruminant animals, including cows, sheep, and goats, being responsible for a substantial share of these emissions due to methane production. Reducing methane emissions from ruminants is crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of livestock production. Additionally, there has been a growing interest in improving the nutritional quality of ruminant products through modifying their profile of fatty acids. The current study aimed to investigate the potential of sage (SAG), pine (PIN), and clove (CLO) essential oils as natural additives for modulating in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics and biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Within the current experiment, three dose levels (300, 600, and 900 mg/L) of essential oils were evaluated using rumen inoculum from three mature Dalagh ewes (58 ± 2.84 kg body weight). The results revealed that the essential oils had a significant impact on gas production, methane and carbon dioxide production, ruminal fermentation parameters, and ruminal biohydrogenation of dietary PUFAs. The essential oil treatments resulted in reduced gas production compared with the control group. Methane production was significantly reduced by all doses of the essential oils, with the highest dose of CLO resulting in the lowest methane production. In addition, the essential oils affected ruminal fermentation parameters, including pH, ammonia concentration, and production of total volatile fatty acids. Promising modifications in ruminal biohydrogenation of PUFAs and the profile of fatty acids were also observed in the current study. These findings suggest that SAG, Pin, and CLO hold promise in mitigating methane emissions and improve the nutritional value of ruminant products. Further investigation is required to evaluate their effectiveness in practical feeding strategies for livestock.

Larvicidal activity and biochemical effect of some essential oils and indoxacarb against peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important insect pest of fruits in Egypt. The desire for fresh fruits free of insecticides drives the adoption of environmentally friendly biopesticides to manage pests. The current study sought to estimate the toxicity and biochemical alterations of 3rd larval instar of B. zonata affected by clove, neemazal T/S, garlic, ginger and orange oils compared with indoxacarb at LC50 under laboratory conditions. Results after 24 h of treatment indicated that neemazal T/S is more toxic than other tested oils compared with higher toxicity of indoxacarb with LC50 values of 86.09, 174.72, 4514.38, 7224.01, 9387.73 and 2590.2 μg/mL for indoxacarb, neemazal T/S, ginger, clove, garlic and orange oils, respectively. Moreover, after 24 h of treatment, the larval content of digestive enzymes drastically decreased. All compounds caused a remarkable reduction in protease (except clove oil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), phenol oxidase enzyme, α-esterase (except indoxacarb and neemazal T/S) and β-esterase (except ginger oil and neemazal T/S) activity. Also, total carbohydrates, total lipids and total proteins take the same trend. All treatments at LC50 increased the activity of cytochrome p450 and glutathione-s-transferase against 3rd larval instar of B. zonata compared with control. Our findings recommended that the tested botanicals could be an effective substitute for conventional insecticides as well as their safety for human beings and beneficial organisms.

Smart composite nanofibers based on PLA/PEG with the addition of clove oil as thermal regulators

Smart nanofibers based on PLA and PEG with the addition of clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllus) (EO) were obtained using the electrospinning technique. The nanofibers were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, TGA and DSC. For the PLA/PEG/EO composite (mass ratio 2/1/0.25), the temperature of the maximum decomposition rate was approximately 370°C. This composite exhibited good latent heat energy storage (melting enthalpy 77.5 J/g at 34.7°C). Smart nanofibers can be used as thermal regulators in medicine, electronics, and food and textile industries.

Characterization and optimization of clove oil-loaded nanomicelles for the possible topical use of bacterial infection-led atopic dermatitis

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis is an abnormal skin condition that impacts a significant number of people in the US, with an estimated 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults being affected by it. The study aimed to characterize and optimize clove oil-based nanomicelles for the possible topical use of bacterial infection-led atopic dermatitis. Clove oil-loaded nanomicelles were produced and carefully analyzed for vesicle diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphological attributes, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, stability, dermatokinetic parameters, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging behavior and antibacterial activity. Different models, such as Korsmeyer, Higuchi, first order, and zero order were employed to evaluate the in vitro release from the formulations.ResultsThe average size of the clove oil nanomicelles was found to be 100.15 nm with a PDI of 0.2104; they were observed to be darker against a light background. The evaluated mean zeta size was 121.3 nm, the zeta potential was − 15.31 mV. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of the formulation was 61.32 ± 0.98 μg/mL; clove oil was 73.56 ± 1.63 μg/mL, against ascorbic acid was 54.51 ± 0.79 μg/mL. Among the four models tested for in vitro release kinetics, the Korsmeyer Peppas model was followed by the nanomicelles formulation. Clove oil nanomicelles generated a higher concentration of 148.68 w/v on the skin epidermis within 1.5 h, whereas the conventional formulation exhibited 55.287 w/v. Moreover, clove oil nanomicelles generated a higher concentration of 125.84 µg/mL on the skin's dermis within 2 h, whereas the conventional formulation produced 68.263 µg/mL. The nanomicelles also inhibited bacterial growth within a 24-h period.ConclusionsThe study presents initial evidence regarding the potency of clove oil-based nanomicelles and their enhanced efficiency on the skin. Thus, the prepared formulation can further be studied and incorporated for the possible use against bacterial infection-led atopic dermatitis.Graphical abstract

Biochemical and insecticidal efficacy of clove and basil essential oils and two photosensitizers and their combinations on Aphis gossypii glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The present study investigates the insecticidal and biochemical effects of two essential oils (EOs) and two photosensitizers against cotton aphids in a laboratory setting. The EOs evaluated were clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum), while the photosensitizers were rose bengal and rhodamine B. The individual median lethal concentrations (LC50) revealed that clove was ~4.44 times more potent than basil, and rhodamine B was ~1.34 times more potent than rose bengal. The mortality rates increased using higher concentrations of the photosensitizers and prolonging exposure time to sunlight. The most effective combination against adult aphids was found to be a mixture of sub-lethal concentrations of clove and rhodamine B, resulting in a mortality rate of 92.31%. Conversely, the combination of basil and rose bengal exhibited the lowest efficacy with a mortality rate of 33.33%. Biochemical analyses indicate that Rhodamine B, basil, and the basil-rhodamine B mixture (mixture C) significantly reduced trehalase activity. However, the protease activity significantly increased in aphids treated with rose bengal, clove, and the clove-rose bengal mixtures (mixtures A and B). The lipase activity is notably decreased upon treatment with rhodamine B and clove. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity decreased in aphids treated with rose bengal and the basil-rhodamine B mixtures (mixtures C and D), suggesting that GST did not play a role in detoxifying these compounds, thereby explaining the susceptibility of A. gossypii. Overall, the combination of essential oils and photosensitizers has demonstrated a synergistic effect in controlling Aphis gossypii, offering great potential as an effective strategy for aphid management.

Anti-oomycete activities from essential oils and their major compounds on Phytophthora infestans

Botanicals are various plant-based products like plant extracts or essential oils. Anti-fungal activities of selected essential oils were tested on the pathogen causing potato and tomato late blight (Phytophthora infestans). Tests to evaluate anti-oomycete activities of commercial essential oils and their major compounds were carried out in vitro in microplate in liquid media. Anti-oomycete activities on Phytophthora infestans strain were obtained from essential oils/major compounds: Eucalyptus citriodora/citronellal; Syzygium aromaticum (clove)/eugenol; Mentha spicata/D-Carvone, L-Carvone; Origanum compactum/carvacrol; Satureja montana (savory)/carvacrol; Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)/terpinen-4-ol, and Thymus vulgaris/thymol. As an active substance of mineral origin, copper sulfate was chosen as a control. All selected essential oils showed an anti-oomycete activity calculated with IC50 indicator. The essential oils of clove, savory, and thyme showed the best anti-oomycete activities similar to copper sulfate, while oregano, eucalyptus, mint, and tea tree essential oils exhibited significantly weaker activities than copper sulfate. Clove essential oil showed the best activity (IC50 = 28 mg/L), while tea tree essential oil showed the worst activity (IC50 = 476 mg/L). For major compounds, three results were obtained: they were statistically more active than their essential oils (carvacrol for oregano, D- and L-Carvone for mint) or as active as their essential oils sources (thymol for thyme, carvacrol for savory, terpinen-4-ol for tea tree) or less active than their original essential oils (eugenol for clove, citronellal for eucalyptus). Microscopical observations carried out with the seven essential oils showed that they were all responsible for a modification of the morphology of the mycelium. The results demonstrated that various essential oils show different anti-oomycete activities, sometimes related to a major compound and sometimes unrelated, indicating that other compounds must play a role in total anti-oomycete activity.

Control of Ceratocystis paradoxa causing point-end rot disease on salak fruit with clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanii) oil vapour in vitro

Salak is an indigenous Indonesian fruit susceptible to point-end rot disease. Disease control during storage is crucial to maintain the quality of the fruit until it reaches consumers. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanii) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil vapour in controlling the causal agent of point-end rot on salak. Morphological identification of pathogenic fungi causing point-rot disease was carried out by observing macroscopic and microscopic morphology using a 40x magnification microscope. Genomic DNA amplification of isolates was using Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) primers 1 and 4. The assay with vapour exposure was using three concentrations (4, 8, and 12 µl) of cinnamon and clove oil, respectively and without essential oil, with four replicates and 3 Petri dishes as treatment units. The parameter was percent of mycelial growth, diameter of colony and fungal viability. The result showed that based on morphological and molecular characterization of the SB1 sample, the pathogen could be classified as C. paradoxa. Clove and cinnamon oil vapours with concentrations ranging from 4 µl can inhibit the growth of C. paradoxa fungi in vitro. The lowest fungal viability was when exposed to clove and cinnamon essential oils with 12 µl and 8 µl, respectively.

Augmentation of the anesthetic potency of clove oil for immersion anesthesia in fishes

Augmentation of the anesthetic potency of clove oil for immersion anesthesia in fishes

Efficacy of Some Essential Oil for the Management of Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) on Stored Wheat

The experiment was conducted in Completely Block Design (CRD) at the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Naini Agriculture Institute Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh with three replications seven treatments and untreated control against Rice Weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) i.e.T1 (Neem Oil), T2 (Clove Oil), T3 (Lavender Oil), T4 (Karanj Oil), T5 (Eucalyptus oil), T6 (Lemongrass Oil), and T7 (Tea tree Oil) and T0 (control). The experiment was conduct on the efficacy of different essential oil for the management of rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae and adult mortality at 24, 48 and 72 hrs of exposure. The treatments included Neem Oil (0.5ml/lit), Clove Oil (0.5ml/lit), Lavender Oil (0.4ml/lit), Karanja Oil (0.4ml/lit), Eucalyptus Oil (0.5ml/lit), Lemon grass Oil (0.5ml/lit) and Tea tree Oil (0.5ml/lit). Among the treatments the largest number of mortality was observed in neem oil (83.33%), followed by karanj oil (77.77%), and least mortality was observed in the lavender oil (31.11%), rest of the treatments were found intermediate as followed by clove oil (67.77%), followed by eucalyptus oil (57.77%), followed by lemon grass oil (54.44%) and tea tree oil (51.10%). Percent weight loss of treated wheat grains at intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days after treatment. The results revealed that neem oil (7.32%), followed by karanj oil (11.99%). Least weight loss was recorded in lavender oil (41.06%). Whereas rest of treatments were found intermediate. And the highest germination was found in neem oil treated wheat seeds. The present study clearly revealed that these naturally occurring indigenous plant products could be used to manage the storage insect pests in wheat.

Bioactive Paper Packaging for Extended Food Shelf Life

Food safety and quality are major problems for food producers and industry, governments, and consumers. Conventional plastic-based food packaging is difficult to dispose of and recycle due to its provenience from fossil resources and resistance to biodegradation. Therefore, currently, the trend is to develop new eco-friendly food packaging that can replace these materials. The limitations of conventional packaging can be solved by developing new active materials with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, based on cellulose, a natural biodegradable organic compound derived from renewable resources. In this study, new materials with antioxidant and antibacterial activity were obtained by combining a “green” functionalization approach (enzymatic activation) and surface modification using bioactive agents (essential clove oil and cold-pressed grape seed oil). Kraft paper was firstly activated with cellulase, followed by impregnation with the above-mentioned oil solutions, and then its properties were evaluated. The increased values of the O/C ratio for modified Kraft paper indicate an increased polarity due to the presence of phenolic groups. This resulted in an improved hydrophobicity, with the water contact angle increasing from 97° to over 110°. Following different interactions with the functional groups of vegetable oils, the modified Kraft paper exhibited distinct antioxidant and antibacterial properties. However, modified paper with clove essential oil showed higher antioxidant activity (due to the higher content of phenolic compounds), while modified paper with cold-pressed grape seed oil had better antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (−), Salmonella enteritidis (−), and Listeria monocytogenes (+) bacterial strains, and was more effective at reducing bacterial growth on fresh beef and fresh curd. The newly obtained bioactive paper provides an effective packaging material that can help control foodborne pathogens in food, thus extending its shelf life and safety.

Study the effectiveness of essential oils (anise, clove) and Bacillus thuringienesis in controlling Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) on honey bees Apis mellifera.

This study was conducted at the A.L.- Musayyib Technical College / Department of Biological-Control Techniques from 1/10 /2021 to 1/4 /2022. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of essential oils (anise, clove) and Bacillus thuringienesis in controlling Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) on honey bees Apis mellifera. The results revealed that the efficiency of the bacterial suspension with different concentrations was less effective in the average destruction of the adult Varroa mite in the field compared with the Epistan pesticide and the control treatment in which only distilled water was used and the natural fall of the Varroa mite. The highest mean of Varroa mites killed using the bacterial suspension spray at a concentration of (33 x 106) CFU/ml after 48 hours of treatment was (6.63), which indicates a significant difference with the control treatment, which amounted to (4.54), while the lowest mean of Varroa death was at a concentration of (33). × 104) CFU / ml after 24 hours of treatment, as it reached (4.25). As for the Epistan pesticide treatment, it was used to compare it with the rest of the results of the study, where the pesticide treatments were significantly superior in all periods on the concentrations of the bacterial suspension and the control treatment and the natural fall with a significant difference, the average of death was (34.25, 34.00, 31.46, 27.4, 42.25) after ( 24, 48, 72, 96, 142) hours, respectively. The results showed that treating bee hives with cotton soaked in essential oil (for cloves, anise) significantly affected the average mortality of Varroa mites. It was shown that clove essential oil was significantly superior to the essential oil of anise with two concentrations (1, 2) ml/cell in the periods (24,48) hours after treatment. Whereas, the average mortality of Varroa at a concentration of (1) ml/cell of clove oil (was 19.12, 23.17), while at a concentration of (2) ml/cell, it reached (27.17, 32.12) after (24, 48) hours, respectively. While the average mortality of Varroa mites was at a concentration of (1) ml/cell of anise oil (17.4, 21.00), while at a concentration (2) ml/cell, it reached (24.96, 28.83) after (24, 48) hours, respectively compared with the control treatment and the natural fall. Keywords: Bacillus thuringienesis, Pimpinella anisum, Varroa destructor, Apis mellifera.

Effect of Intra-Testicular Administration of Clove Oil on Testicular Morphometry in Dogs

The present work was designed to study the effect of intra-testicular administration of clove oil solution on testicular morphometry. Thirty sexually mature adult male dogs were taken and randomly divided into 5 groups comprising six animals in each. The animals were administered intratesticular injection of clove oil (G-I), clove oil along with lignocaine (G-II), clove oil with olive oil (G-III) and eugenol (G-IV) once @ 1.0 mL in each group. The testicular morphometry in terms of size (length, width, thickness); testicular circumference and paired volume of intact testes was determined. The testicular size was increased on day 7 as compared to day 0 and then decreased gradually from day 7 to day 45 in clove oil, clove oil along with lignocaine, clove oil with olive oil and eugenol administered groups. The reduction in mean paired volume of testes (PVT) at day 45 was highest in G-II (35.74 %) followed by G-IV (26.57%), G-I (26.22 %), Group-III (25.19 %) and G-V (0.12 %). Mean decrease in scrotal circumference at day 45 was highest in G-II (8.14 %) followed by G-IV (7.64 %), G-I (5.91 %), G-III (3.66%) and G-V (0.29 %). These findings were also supported by semen quality evaluated in selected few animals. The study revealed that intratesticular administration of clove oil along with lignocaine and eugenol separately reduced testicular size which may be attributed due to degenerative changes in the testicles.

Effect of Essential Oil against Seed Associated Mycoflora of Wheat Seeds

In the present investigation wheat seed samples were collected from farmers of Bihar and mycoflora associated with wheat seed samples were isolated by standard blotter paper and towel paper methods. Mycoflora i.e. Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium moniliforme, Alternaria triticina, Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. were isolated from wheat seed samples. Different essential oils (Citronella, Eucalyptus, Lemon grass, Clove and Neem oil) were tested in-vitro against isolated pathogens from farmers saved wheat seed samples at different concentrations i.e. 100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm by “poisoned food technique”. Lemongrass oil has shown highest percent inhibition of growth (67.74, 67.74 and 68.81%) among different essential oil tested against Bipolaris sorokiniana at all three concentrations 100, 200 and 300 ppm respectively. Neem oil found highest percent inhibition of growth (67.56, 71.17 and 73.87%) among different essential oils tested against Fusarium moniliforme, Aspergillus sp. (60.60, 67.67 and 67.67%) and Penicillium sp. (38.33, 41.66 and 50%) at all three concentrations 100, 200 and 300 ppm respectively. Eucalyptus oil has shown highest percent inhibition of growth (58.33, 64.58 and 68.75%) among different essential oils tested against Alternaria triticina at all three concentrations 100, 200 and 300 ppm respectively.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Effects of the Extracts and Oils of Harjel (Solenostemma argel) Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on the Fungus Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production, Sudan

Sudan is one of the largest countries in Africa and is rich in many valuable plants that produce materials important for human and animal health. Some of these were used in traditional medicine. The present study aims to investigate the antifungal activities and the phytochemical composition of the extracts and oils of three plants (Hargel et al.). The study was conducted at the Food Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Gezira. The mycelial growth and spore germination methods were used for the antifungal tests, using a selective medium, while thin-layer chromatography was used for phytochemical tests and aflatoxin analysis. The effects of clove oil and some amino acids were used for comparison. The results of the fungal growth showed that the leaf extracts of Hargel were highly effective and gave complete inhibition (0.0 cm radial growth), while the stem extracts and oil of Hargel were less effective, given (0.3 mm). Rehan (Basil) oil was the most effective (0.0 cm) compared to (0.4cm) and (0.5cm) for the extracts of the leaf and stem, respectively. The oil, leaf, and stem extracts of Parsley and clove oil were all highly effective, giving (0.0 cm) radial growth. The results of the effects of the amino acids on radial growth indicated that they were all highly effective, giving complete (0.0 cm) at a higher concentration (100mg/ml). The results of the effect on mycelial weights showed that the oils of the three plants, as well as that of clove, gave complete inhibition (0.0 mg weight); in contrast, the extracts of leaf of Hargel, Parsley, and Basil showed (1.74, 3.26 and 3.34, mg respectively) while, the extracts of the stems gave (3.29, 1.86 and 1.86, mg respectively). Among the amino acids tested, only methionine, leucine, and arginine were adequate (7.0, 7.4, and 7.4 mg, respectively). Concerning the effects of the spore germination, it was found that all the oils tested gave complete inhibition (0.0 %, pore germination) and the stem extracts of the three plants. However, only the leaf extracts of Parsley were highly influential; those of Harjel and Rehan were less effective (7.69% and 15.0 % germination, respectively). All the amino acids tested were less effective, giving about (10.0 % germination). The leaf and stem extracts of Harjel and both Parsley and Clove oils inhibited aflatoxin production by the fungus at all concentrations. The stem extracts of Rehan, the leaf extracts of Parsley, and the oil of Harjel inhibited aflatoxin production at higher concentrations only. The stem extracts and Rehan's oil were found to be unable to inhibit aflatoxin production at all tested concentrations. The chemical analysis of the tested plants' extracts and oils revealed that they contained saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolics but not Steroids. However, glutamic acid was the only amino acid that inhibited aflatoxin production at all concentrations. From the results, it could be concluded that the oils of the plants were more effective than the extracts, and the leaf and stem extracts of Parsley were better among the extracts. It could be recommended that more plant extracts be tested since some plants may be more effective.

Effect of Edible Coatings of Cassava Starch Incorporated with Clove and Cinnamon Essential Oils on the Shelf Life of Papaya.

Applying edible coatings added with plant essential oils is a strategy used to delay ripening processes in climacteric fruits such as papaya. Formulations comprising 3% or 4% cassava starch (w/v), added with clove or cinnamon essential oils (2 mL/L), were tested for microbial inhibition (in vitro) purposes. Moreover, these fruits' physicochemical and microbiological aspects were assessed at 25 °C, for 12 days. Slight variations in pH and Brix values were observed during storage. On the other hand, there were no significant variations in carotenoid contents over storage time. The papaya fruits' coating contributed to reducing their weight loss from 40.66% (uncoated sample) to 24.10% on the 12th storage day, as well as delayed changes often observed during the ripening process. The 4% cassava starch coatings added with essential oils were more efficient in reducing microbiological levels. The herein proposed treatments reduced aerobic mesophilic bacteria, as well as molds and yeast counts, by 1.48 and 1.95 log CFU/g, on average, respectively, in comparison to the control sample. The assessed microorganism counts were higher in the uncoated sample than in the coated papaya fruits, after 12 days of storage. Thus, the tested coatings can potentially delay the emergence of post-harvest changes; consequently, they can help improve the quality of papaya fruits and extend their shelf life.

Comparative Efficacy of Anesthetic Agents (Clove Oil and Sodium Bicarbonate) on Cultured African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Comparative Efficacy of Anesthetic Agents (Clove Oil and Sodium Bicarbonate) on Cultured African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

IMPROVING PEMPEK’S SHELF LIFE USING YAM’S STARCH BASED BIOPLASTICS PACKAGING WITH ADDITION OF CLOVE OIL

This study aimed to determine the effect of yam starch and clove oil based bioplastics packaging on the microbiological and sensory properties of pempek during storage. This research was carried out by using different packaging on pempek: bioplastics and polyethylene plastic. Pempek in each group was kept for 0, 8, 16, 24, 48 hours at room temperature. The total of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was determined using colony forming unit and the sensory properties were obtained by the determination of color, texture and aroma of pempek using 5 skilled panelists. The results showed that the use of bioplastics packaging decreased the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in pempek compared to polyethylene plastics. The decrease in acidity was in line with the growth of Staphylococcus aureus that was steeper in pempek packaged with polyethylene plastics. The use of bioplastics also maintained the sensory properties of pempek (smell of damage) during storage better than the polyethylene plastic did.

Assaying the effects of some essential oils on Root-knot Nematode [Meloidogyne javanica (Treub 1885) Chitwood 1949] in the laboratory

Nematodes are man’s faceless enemy whose activities encourage hunger and poverty. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of selected plant oil extract in the control of root knot Nematode [Meloidogyne javanica] in the laboratory. The experimental design used was Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with fourteen treatments, replicated three times. Egg hatch inhibition test on M. javanica eggs and juvenile mortality test were separately performed by exposing the eggs and juveniles to different dosage of the essential oils. Neem seed oil statistically proved effective in inhibiting egg hatch followed closely by Garlic clove oil and then Moringa seed oil. All the essential oil treatments were more effective than carbofuran treatment. The surfactant Sodium Lauryl Sulphate was shown to have nematicidal properties as it also recorded zero egg hatching at all the doses applied. The second stage juveniles of M. javanica recorded a higher mortality rate (100%), when they were treated with Neem seed oil, closely followed by Garlic clove oil and then Moringa seed oil. All Surfactant treatments caused 100% juveniles’ mortality. The higher the doses of the essential oils, the higher the juvenile mortality rate. Neem seed oil at all the dosage proved effective in controlling Meloidogyne javanica causing high rate of juvenile mortality and suppressing M. javanica egg hatch. The nematicidal characteristics exhibited by the essential oils might be due to the phytochemicals present in the oils.

Using Essential Oils to Protect Peaches from Post-Harvest Rot Caused by Rhizopus Species

Rhizopus is an important post-harvest pathogen that causes rot in fruits and vegetables. During 2022, a considerable incidence of post-harvest rot of peaches was observed in local markets in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The symptoms appeared as whiskery moldy growth on the surface of the fruit. The pathogen was isolated and identified as Rhizopus species based on morphological features. Under the microscope, sporangiospores of Rhizopus were observed as light brown in color. The colony was very fast-growing and spreading. The color of Rhizopus mycelium was greyish. The pathogenicity was confirmed to satisfy Koch’s postulates. The pathogen caused lesions on the surface of peach fruit. The current study also assessed the antifungal effects of essential oils on the growth of Rhizopus. Two essential oils were used: clove oil and cinnamon oil at concentrations of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. The disease lesion with a diameter of 1.6 cm was treated with clove oil, 1.3 cm with 100% concentrated cinnamon oil, and 2.4 cm with the control (inoculated with Rhizopus). Cinnamon oil gave the maximum inhibition of Rhizopus on peach fruit compared to clove oil. The loss in fruit weight was minimum (2 g) in cinnamon-treated fruit compared to clove oil (3 g), control (2 g), and the infected one without any treatment (7 g). In conclusion, the study provides important information about Rhizopus as a significant post-harvest pathogen causing rot in fruits and vegetables, with a specific focus on peach fruit in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The findings suggest that cinnamon oil could be a potential natural antifungal agent to mitigate post-harvest rot caused by the fungus in peaches.