Dark Green Research Articles

Deep learning assisted, smartphone based universal Multi-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-G4 portable chip for simultaneous detection of CaMV35S and NOS

Portable and fast genetically modified organisms (GMOs) detection can achieve accurate labeling and precise regulation. Here, we build a universal and intelligent Multi-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-G4 detection chip platform for simultaneous CaMV35S and NOS detection. The use of multiple primer pairs for RPA enables one-tube amplification of dual targets. Independent cleavage of Cas12a for dual targets was controlled by flow amplification products into the respective detection chambers containing CaMV35S crRNA and NOS crRNA. The detection results are obtained based that uncut G4 in solution can produce peroxidase activity to catalyze ABTS2− making the negative result approaching dark green. The multi-RPA-CRISRP/Cas12a-G4 colorimetric platform achieves a 1 aM LOD for CaMV35S and NOS in 55 min. The Yolov5 deep learning algorithm and the analysis of gray values was trained and developed for colorimetric detection that is more sensitive than the naked eye. These algorithms are integrated into a smartphone app to automate the reading of test results. The 100% accuracy of colorimetry detection and the 93.3% accuracy of portable chip detection for rice and soy sauce samples demonstrate our method can rapidly and inexpensively detect samples of GMOs across species. Overall, our efficient, low-cost portable Multi-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-G4 detection platform coupled with deep learning algorithms enables portable GMOs detection with automated signal readout.

Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Chlorogenic Acid from Ethanol Fraction of Cordia subcordata: HPLC, HPTLC, FTIR, and LC-MS Analysis.

Cordia subcordata was subjected for soxhlet extraction using soxhlet apparatus by hydroalcoholic solvent (Ethanol:water; 70:30). The obtained crude extract was subjected to organoleptic properties. The extract was dark greenish or greenish-black in color. The odor of the extract was strong like tamarind. The extract taste was bitter mixed with pungent and the texture was sticky solid. The yield of the extract was 9.1%. It was observed that crude extract contains carbohydrates, reducing sugars, monosaccharides, proteins, amino acids, fats and oil, steroids, cardiac glycosides, saponin glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. The presence of many phytochemicals in the extract signifies its substantial contribution to various disorders. The crude extract was subjected to column fractionation using various solvents. For column fractionation, we used polar solvents and analyzed the resulting fractions using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to determine the presence of individual or multiple compounds. From TLC analysis, it was observed that the ethanol fraction contains a single compound and therefore same fraction was subjected for HPLC, HPTLC, FTIR, and LC-MS analysis. From HPLC analysis, it was clearly identified that this ethanolic fraction contains chlorogenic acid and it displayed a peak at 8.428 minutes. The HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid. From HPTLC analysis, chlorogenic acid was identified at 0.65 Rf value. From the present investigation, we concluded that this developed method can be used for the isolation of chlorogenic acid from C. subcordata.

Physiological characteristics of ornamental caladiums (Caladium x hortulanum Birdsey, Araceae Juss.) through leaf colour diversity

This work aims to analyze the physiological characteristics of caladium ornamental plants with different leaf colors. Ten leaf colors, i.e., dark maroon, maroon, red, pink, white, pinkish young green, yellow, lime green, pinkish dark green, and dark green, were arranged in a completely randomized design and subjected to colorimetric red–green–blue (RGB) and portable photosynthesis measurement. Caladium leaf color, defined by the colorimetric RGB value, significantly impacted leaf physiological properties. Heatmap analysis apparently clustered caladiums into dark-colored group and light-colored ones. Dark-colored caladiums, as indicated by lower RGB values, exhibited higher photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency (WUE). In contrast, light-colored caladium show a higher RGB, leaf temperature and light use efficiency (LUE) than the dark ones. By considering their leaf color-based physiological adaptability, this work recommends moderate sunlight and adequate water conditions for growing light-colored caladiums, while dark caladiums potentially tolerate excess light and water scarcity. Further research, including quantitative pigment analysis, is necessary to verify this hypothesis.

Fine mapping and transcriptome profiling reveal CpAPRR2 to modulate immature fruit rind color formation in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo).

A large fragment deletion of CpAPRR2, encoding a two-component response regulator-like protein, which influences immature white rind color formation in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). Fruit rind color is an important agronomic trait that affects commodity quality and consumer choice in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). However, the molecular mechanism controlling rind color is unclear. We characterized two zucchini inbred lines: '19' (dark green rind) and '113' (white rind). Genetic analysis revealed white immature fruit rind color to be controlled by a dominant locus (CpW). Combining bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) and Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers, we mapped the CpW locus to a 100.4kb region on chromosome 5 and then narrow down the candidate region to 37.5kb using linkage analysis of 532 BC1 and 1613 F2 individuals, including 6 coding genes. Among them, Cp4.1LG05g02070 (CpAPRR2), encoding a two-component response regulator-like protein, was regarded to be a promising candidate gene. The expression level of CpAPRR2 in dark green rind was significantly higher than that in white rind and was induced by light. A deletion of 2227bp at the 5' end of CpAPRR2 in '113' might explain the white phenotype. Further analysis of allelic diversity in zucchini germplasm resources revealed rind color to be associated with the deletion of CpAPRR2. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that CpAPRR2 was a nuclear protein. Transcriptome analysis using near-isogenic lines with dark green (DG) and white (W) rind indicated that genes involved in photosynthesis and porphyrin metabolism pathways were enriched in DG compared with W. Additionally, chlorophyll synthesis-related genes were upregulated in DG. These results identify mechanisms of zucchini rind color and provide genetic resources for breeding.

Mutation mapping of a variegated EMS tomato reveals an FtsH-like protein precursor potentially causing patches of four phenotype classes in the leaves with distinctive internal morphology

BackgroundLeaf variegation is an intriguing phenomenon observed in many plant species. However, questions remain on its mechanisms causing patterns of different colours. In this study, we describe a tomato plant detected in an M2 population of EMS mutagenised seeds, showing variegated leaves with sectors of dark green (DG), medium green (MG), light green (LG) hues, and white (WH). Cells and tissues of these classes, along with wild-type tomato plants, were studied by light, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. We also measured chlorophyll a/b and carotene and quantified the variegation patterns with a machine-learning image analysis tool. We compared the genomes of pooled plants with wild-type-like and mutant phenotypes in a segregating F2 population to reveal candidate genes responsible for the variegation.ResultsA genetic test demonstrated a recessive nuclear mutation caused the variegated phenotype. Cross-sections displayed distinct anatomy of four-leaf phenotypes, suggesting a stepwise mesophyll degradation. DG sectors showed large spongy layers, MG presented intercellular spaces in palisade layers, and LG displayed deformed palisade cells. Electron photomicrographs of those mesophyll cells demonstrated a gradual breakdown of the chloroplasts. Chlorophyll a/b and carotene were proportionally reduced in the sectors with reduced green pigments, whereas white sectors have hardly any of these pigments. The colour segmentation system based on machine-learning image analysis was able to convert leaf variegation patterns into binary images for quantitative measurements. The bulk segregant analysis of pooled wild-type-like and variegated progeny enabled the identification of SNP and InDels via bioinformatic analysis. The mutation mapping bioinformatic pipeline revealed a region with three candidate genes in chromosome 4, of which the FtsH-like protein precursor (LOC100037730) carries an SNP that we consider the causal variegated phenotype mutation. Phylogenetic analysis shows the candidate is evolutionary closest to the Arabidopsis VAR1. The synonymous mutation created by the SNP generated a miRNA binding site, potentially disrupting the photoprotection mechanism and thylakoid development, resulting in leaf variegation.ConclusionWe described the histology, anatomy, physiology, and image analysis of four classes of cell layers and chloroplast degradation in a tomato plant with a variegated phenotype. The genomics and bioinformatics pipeline revealed a VAR1-related FtsH mutant, the first of its kind in tomato variegation phenotypes. The miRNA binding site of the mutated SNP opens the way to future studies on its epigenetic mechanism underlying the variegation.

Effects of Maturation on Antibacterial Properties of Vietnamese Mango (Mangifera indica) Leaves.

This study, for the first time, has investigated the relationships between alterations of mangiferin contents in mango leaves at different maturity stages and their antibacterial properties. Leaves were classified into six different maturity stages based on their color: (1) young dark reddish brown, (2) young yellow, (3) young light green, (4) mature green, (5) old dark green, and (6) old yellow leaves. Ethanol extracts were then examined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, applying broth dilution and agar well diffusion methods. In addition, we also measured the mangiferin contents in leaves at different stages for the purpose of evaluating how the changes in this phytochemistry value affects their activities against bacteria. The results showed that extracts from leaves at young ages had better antibacterial properties than those from old leaves, as evidenced by the lower minimum inhibitory concentrations and larger inhibitory zones. In addition, we also found that the contents of mangiferin were significantly decreased followed the maturation process. These results suggest that mango leaves at young stages, especially dark reddish brown and young yellow leaves, are preferable for application in bacterial infections and other therapies related to mangiferin's constituents.

Formulation and Antioxidant Activity Analysis of Jotang Herb (Acmella paniculata) Extract Mask Cream

Pollution in the environment can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can reduce the amount of antioxidants in the skin. Antioxidants are compounds that can inhibit oxidation reactions by binding to free radicals and reactive molecules. Herbaceous plant jotang (Acmella paniculata) has secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, which can protect the internal and external organs of the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals on the skin. One of the treatment preparations used for the skin is a cream mask, as the use or application at the final level of skin care can improve cleanliness and health and stimulate and repair skin cells. This study aims to determine a formula that has a good antioxidant value using the DPPH method (2,2-diphenyl-1-pikrilhidrazyl). In this study, preparations were made with 3 formulas, namely Formula I (1% w/w), Formula II (10%w/w), and Formula 0 (Control). Evaluation of physical properties included organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, spreadability tests, pH tests, viscosity tests, cream-type tests, and antioxidant tests. The result showed that the organoleptic test had a cream mask dosage in the form of semi-solid, distinctive jotang odor, light and dark green, had a homogeneous dosage form, spreadability around 5.1-5.7 with an average pH value of 6, had a good viscosity value and had a type of cream M/A and a high antioxidant value in formula II (10% w/w ) with an IC50 value of 21.959 μg/ml. Based on statistical tests, significant results were obtained of 0.000p (0.05) so that it can be interpreted that there was a significant difference in each concentration of jotang herb extract to the resulting IC50 value.

A mutation in the brassinosteroid biosynthesis gene CpDWF5 disrupts vegetative and reproductive development and the salt stress response in squash (Cucurbita pepo).

A Cucurbita pepo mutant with multiple defects in growth and development has been identified and characterized. The mutant dwfcp displayed a dwarf phenotype with dark green and shrinking leaves, shortened internodes and petioles, shorter but thicker roots and greater root biomass, and reduced fertility. The causal mutation of the phenotype was found to disrupt gene Cp4.1LG17g04540, the squash orthologue of the Arabidopsis brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis gene DWF5, encoding for 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase. A single nucleotide transition (G > A) causes a splicing defect in intron 6 that leads to a premature stop codon and a truncated CpDWF5 protein. The mutation co-segregated with the dwarf phenotype in a large BC1S1 segregating population. The reduced expression of CpDWF5 and brassinolide (BL) content in most mutant organs, and partial rescue of the mutant phenotype by exogenous application of BL, showed that the primary cause of the dwarfism in dwfcp is a BR deficiency. The results showed that in C. pepo, CpDWF5 is not only a positive growth regulator of different plant organs but also a negative regulator of salt tolerance. During germination and the early stages of seedling development, the dwarf mutant was less affected by salt stress than the wild type, concomitantly with a greater upregulation of genes associated with salt tolerance, including those involved in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, ABA and Ca2+ signaling, and those coding for cation exchangers and transporters.

Image-based sensing of salt stress in grapevine

Grapevine is among the most economically important crops suffering environmental constraints, including drought and salt stress. Although imaging is increasingly used to detect abiotic stress in agriculture, image-based phenotyping in grapevine still needs optimisation. This study presents the RGB-(red, green, blue)-based phenotyping of the early stage of salt stress response in potted grapevine (Aleatico/SO4) irrigated with saline water (100 mM NaCl) for 9 days in contrast with vines irrigated with fresh water. The response was measured using stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration (E), maximum potential photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), stem water potential (SWP) concurrently with RGB imaging via a robotised platform.The image-based phenotyping of salt-stressed vines employed two sets of measurements: (i) the pixel fraction of specific colour bands (Yellow, Green, Brown and Dark Green) and (ii) the mean pixel value of R, G and B and other RGB-based colorimetric indexes. Results show that the responses of gs, A, E, Fv/Fm were closely related to increasing soil electrical conductivity (EC) and that imaging could detect the EC threshold of approx. 4 dS m-1 causing a ~60 % decrease in these physiological traits compared to the pre-stress level. The SWP declined to about –0.7 MPa at the end of the experiment. The change of the relative pixel fraction of Dark Green to increasing EC has been analysed within a dose-response context, showing that a decrease of 1 % of the Dark Green colour band corresponded to the 4 dS m-1 EC threshold. This study also examined the use of the mean pixel value of the R, G and B channels as proxies of EC along with new RGB-based indexes resulting from the rearrangement of original R, G and B mean pixel values. Results show the suitability of the mean pixel value of R and Coloration Index [(R-B)/R] to serve as predictors of EC (R2 >= 0.80).

Estimation of Andrographolide and Antioxidant Activities in Andrographis peniculata Commercial Products by Color Parameters

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall.ex Nees is a standing out medicinal herb. It contains a large quantity of andrographolide and wildly used a traditional herb in many countries. Andrographolide is found in all part of the plant. However, those part are different in color, active compound content and antioxidant activity. Even though, there are several methods to determine andrographolide and antioxidant. They are chemical involved, complicated and time consuming. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop estimation method of andrograhpholide content and antioxidant activities by CIE color parameters. The result showed that range of CIE color parameters of andrographolide sample were broad with range from light greyish yellow-green to greyish dark green. Antioxidant activity was barely correlated with colors. However, andrographolide content showed moderate correlation with colors. Dark green andrographis herb contain higher andrographolide than light greyish yellow-green one. Furthermore, andrographolide content could be numerical estimated by CIELab and CIELCh color parameters. The developed estimating method were easy, rapid and no chemical involved. HIGHLIGHTS Andrographolide content showed moderate correlation with colors Darker and greener andrographis herb was assumed that contain higher amount of andrographolide Andrographolide content could be numerical estimated by CIELab and CIELCh color parameters The estimating model were easy, rapid and no chemical involved GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Fortified chocolate mousse with powder and extract from Moringa oleifera leaves for nutritional value improvement

This study focuses on the characterisation and incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOP) from Luanda (Angola) and its extract (MOE) in fortified chocolate mousse. Dark green (DG) leaves presented superior nutritional values compared to other leaves. DG contained a higher concentration of mineral salts (10 ± 1 mg/100 g of dry leaves), phenolic compounds (267 ± 4 mg GAE/g), vitamins (1.9 ± 0.2 mg/g of dry extract) and strong antioxidant capacity (IC50, 115 ± 8 µg/mL). Therefore, DG leaves were used to fortify the chocolate mousse. The leaves were prepared in three samples: control, 2 % MOP (w/w) and 2 % MOE (v/v). Textural and rheological analysis of chocolate mousse samples revealed a pseudoplastic profile for all samples, with decreased texture attributes and viscosity due to the incorporation. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that MOP and MOE samples presented 93 % and 88 % resemblance to the original product regarding general acceptance, respectively.

Ceratocystis fimbriata Causing Postharvest Fruit Rot of Pear in Punjab, Pakistan.

Pear (Pyrus communis) is an important deciduous fruit cultivated on a worldwide scale including Pakistan. During August 2021, a postharvest fruit rot disease was observed on several pears at various farmers market in Okara- a district of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The incidence of the disease varied from 7 to 20% with 35% disease severity. Necrotic spots (10 to 20 mm diameter) were first observed on the infected pear fruit. The spots enlarged gradually and developed into a brown, water-soaked and rotted lesion. Eventually, the whole fruit became soft, rotted and covered with a gray-brown mycelium. The isolates were obtained from the symptomatic tissues (n = 18) incubated on carrot discs that had been surface sterilized in 100-ppm streptomycin solution. After consistent sporulation of a fungus on the carrot discs, the ascospore masses formed at the tip of perithecia were transferred to malt extract agar (MEA). Primary conidia were cylindrical and hyaline (7 to 11 × 4 to 7 μm) and secondary conidia were hyaline and barrel-shaped (7 to 12 × 5 to 8 μm). Endoconidiophores with primary conidia were (12 to 27 × 2.6 to 5.5 μm). Perithecia produced on carrot discs were dark brown to black, and the base was 157 to 278 μm in diameter. Ascomatal necks were 512 to 656 µm long, dark brown to black, lighter in color at apices, tapering from base (23 to 45 μm diameter) to apex (13 to 24 μm diameter). Ostiolar hyphae were 41 to 79 μm long. Ascospores were hyaline, hat shaped, 3 to 4 μm long, and accumulated in a sticky matrix at the tips of perithecial necks. Mycelium was initially hyaline but became dark greenish brown after 7 days. Dark brown, thick-walled aleuroconidia (13 to 19.5 × 9 to 14 μm) appeared on culture plates after 2 months. Based on morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata (Engelbrecht, 2005; Suwandi et al. 2021). To further confirm species identification, genomic DNA of two representative isolates (UO-05 and UO-06) was obtained using an extraction kit. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified using ITS1/4 (White et al. 1990). A BLAST search with GenBank accession nos. OR185451 and OR185456 indicated 99 to 100% identity with several C. fimbriata including type species (MH856050.1; KC493160.1; MT560374.1). Pathogenicity tests were conducted by inoculating nine disease-free pear (cv. Concord) fruit after disinfesting in 75% ethanol. A prepared spore suspension (1.0 × 106 spores/ml) was dropped on the wounds (a depth of 1 mm diameter) on the pear surface, which were made by a sterilized needle. 10 μl of a prepared spore suspension was dropped onto nine pears. Sterile water (10 μl) was dropped on the wounded sites of nine pear fruits as negative controls and all fruits were incubated in a growth chamber at 30/26°C (day/night, 90% relative humidity). Symptoms similar to those on the naturally infected fruits began after 4 to 5 days of inoculation, while controls remained healthy. The fungal isolates recovered from inoculated pears were morphologically identical to the C. fimbriata isolates originally recovered from symptomatic fruits fulfilling Koch's postulates. The pathogen has been reported to cause postharvest fruit rot of passion fruit and cucumber (Firmino et al. 2016; Li et al. 2019). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. fimbriata causing fruit rot of pear in Punjab Province. The detection of this disease will help pear growers to take actions to monitor and prevent disease outbreak as well as develop an effective management practice when it occurs.

Determinants of anemia among pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia: unmatched case-control study.

The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending a tertiary referral hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. An unmatched case-control study was conducted on pregnant women who visited the antenatal clinics of a tertiary referral hospital between March and July 2021. The study recruited pregnant women who had a hemoglobin level of <11 g/dL into the anemic group, while those with hemoglobin levels ≥11 g/dL were included in the non-anemic group. Demographics, clinical, obstetrics, nutrition-related, hygiene- and sanitation-related, and parasitic infection-related data were collected. A total of 449 pregnant women (399 anemic and 50 non-anemic) participated in the study. A total of 224 (56.7%) in the anemic group and 31 (62.0%) in the non-anemic group did not consume any dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, bukurey, cagaar, and koomboow (p=0.040). Notably, 255 (63.9%) in the anemic group and 21 (42.0%) in the non-anemic group had a middle-upper arm circumference <23 cm. More than half of anemic [335 (84%)] and non-anemic [46 (92.0%)] were classified under low dietary diversity score. Majority of the study participants, 288 (72.4%) of the anemic and 39 (78%) of the non-anemic groups, used pit toilets in dwellings, and 70.2% (134/191) of the anemic and 64.4% (246/382) of the non-anemic groups disposed of solid waste in open fields. This study demonstrated that women who consumed green vegetables such as spinach, bukurey, cagaar, and koomboow in their diet had middle-upper arm circumference less than 23 cm, and those with low dietary diversity significantly developed anemia during pregnancy.

Motivations for and experiences of childbirth abroad amongst Nigerian women: A qualitative study.

Birth tourism, the practice of a woman travelling out of her country of residence to another country to give birth, is common globally. Despite this, there is limited literature on the motivations and experiences of women who gave birth abroad. This study aims to address this gap by seeking to understand the motivations for and experiences of childbirth abroad among Nigerian women. Using purposive and snowball sampling, 27 Nigerian women who had children abroad were recruited via social media platforms. In-depth interviews were conducted remotely, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis was used, which included data familiarisation, code generation, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining themes, and producing the report. We found that motivations for seeking childbirth abroad varied based on the mother's desires for their children, needs, and circumstances. These motivations were formed at different times before and after pregnancy and evolved over time. The experience of childbirth abroad is mostly good. However, there are also bad experiences, with some women feeling like they were treated differently because they were "self-paying" patients, "black", or not country residents. The cost of care is deemed exorbitant, but most pay their bills. Support of loved ones around childbirth abroad was considered crucial, although not always available. Through it all, realising the expected and collateral benefits of childbirth abroad made it all worth it. In conclusion, motivation for childbirth abroad varies and evolves. While globalisation, broken health systems, and ongoing sustained economic challenges in Nigeria and similar settings continue to motivate women to seek childbirth abroad, their experiences of childbirth abroad suggest that though it might be greener on the other side, it is not necessarily dark green. Systems are needed to elevate their voices in the public discourse and safeguard them from bad experiences of childbirth abroad.

VARIATION IN THE MACRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF LEAVES IN RESPONSE TO AUTOMOBILE POLLUTION IN SELECTED URBAN TREE SPECIES IN THE CITY OF DHAKA

The present study was carried out at National Botanical Garden, Dhaka, considered as control site and Motijheel- Sayedabad roadside areas as polluted site to compare the impact of automobile pollution on leaves macro- morphological traits of selected ten plants growingin the polluted areas with those growingin control sites. Leaf morphological characteristics including leaf abnormalities of both young and mature leaves were assessed. Variations in leaf color such as light green, dark green, browning, yellowing and change in the leaf’s shape either normal or deformed were also assessed for both the sites. All the selected plant species showed highly significant (p&lt;0.0001) reduction at polluted site in theirall leaf macro-morphological traits(leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, leaf perimeter, specific leaf area and petiole length) when compared with control site. The findings of this study revealed that the automobile pollution stress influenced tree morphological features in the Dhaka city. This study also indicated that plants go through adaptive processes in order to survive in automobile polluted environments.

Endogenous Knowledges and Diversity of Amaranths (Amaranthus ssp) Grown in Burkina Faso

he present study is an ethnobotanical survey on Amaranthus spp coupled with accessions collection carried out in ten (10) provinces of Burkina Faso. It aims at contributing to a better knowledge of the extent of the culture and the agricultural management modes of the cultivated species of Amaranthus spp. Ninety-nine (99) accessions were collected. The ethnobotanical survey showed that the cultivation of amaranth is clearly increasing (67.57%). Agro-morphological and organoleptic characteristics are used by farmers for cultivars identification. Thus, three main morphotypes (dark-green, light-green and red) with several variants were identified. Among these morphotypes, the morphotype dark green was cited by respondents in the ten provinces surveyed. In this study, a greater number of morphotypes were recorded in three provinces (Houet, Oubbritenga and Yatenga). Three (3) areas of use and fifteen (15) specific uses of the different organs of amaranth were reported by the 270 respondents. For 99.6% of the respondents, it is mainly used for human consumption (vegetable sauce, baag-benda, gnougou and couscous). Amaranth’s leaves are sold at on-farm level or in markets and yaar. The price of these leaves packaged in bags of 50 kg bags, varies from 1,500 to 2,500 FCFA. How to Cite: Ouedraogo Jacques, Kiébré Mariam, Sawadogo Pingawindé, Kiébré Zakaria, Bationo/ Kando Pauline, 2023. "Endogenous Knowledges and Diversity of Amaranths (Amaranthus ssp) Grown in Burkina Faso." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 10, pp. 1-10.

Color-Causing Mechanisms of Guatemala Jadeite Jade: Constraints from Spectroscopy and Chemical Compositions

The jadeite jade in Guatemala exerts remarkable commercial quality, which has attracted wide attention. Guatemalan jadeite jade displays a rich variety of colors; however, the color formation of this jadeite jade has not been systematically investigated to date. In this paper, we study different colors of jade samples to trace the compositions and color-causing mechanisms through petrography, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), as well as electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The results show that jadeite and omphacite are the main mineral compositions of Guatemalan jadeite jade, together with minor albite and other impurities. The color of Guatemala jadeite jade is mainly related to Cr3+, Fe2+, and Fe3+, of which a small amount of Cr3+ causes the jadeite jade to be emerald green. Moreover, 1~2% FeO contents can lead to the blue or gray color of the samples, while the Fe3+ makes the sample dark green. The green color of some Cr3+-free jadeite is caused by the electron transition between bands of Fe3+, and the green color is related to the iron content. Moreover, the chemical composition analysis shows that some metallic elements existed in Guatemalan jadeite jade, such as Ca, Ti, Al, Si, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cr, Na, Mg, and Sr, and some trace elements were lost or unevenly distributed, which may lead to the heterogeneity of the color of the samples. Our present investigation provides insights into color discrimination, quality evaluation, and identification of Guatemala jadeite jade.

The Role of Leaf Nutrients in Vascular Streak Dieback Disease in Cocoa Plants (Theobroma cacao L.)

Background: Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is an important disease in cocoa and a decrease in nutrient supply is indicated to increase the severity of this disease. This study aimed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of nutrients that play a role in protecting cocoa plants from VSD. Methods: The research location was selected based on criteria such as being a smallholder cocoa plantation area, having 5-10-year-old plants and the presence of VSD disease. A sampling technique for observing disease severity was systematically conducted, with the main sample being farmers’ plantations. Cocoa leaf samples were taken from branches at one-third of the plant height, specifically from the upper canopy (leaves 3-4), which were physiologically mature, healthy and dark green. The variables observed were disease severity and cocoa leaf nutrient contents. The influence of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, B, Cu and Zn on VSD severity was analyzed using path analysis. Result: The results showed that disease severity was related to nutrient content in the leaves. The cocoa leaf nutrients that have a direct influence on the increase in VSD disease severity are K, Ca, Mn and Cu, while nutrients N, P, Mg, Fe, B and Zn have a direct influence on reducing VSD disease severity. Nutrients N and P have a significant direct influence, whereas nutrient K has a significant indirect influence through its interaction with nutrients N and P in reducing VSD disease severity.

Isolation and identification of Candida spp. isolated from patients with oral candidiasis in Kerbala, Iraq.

83 oral swabs were collected from patients clinically diagnosed with oral candidiasis and Who attended the Children’s Teaching Hospital in Kerbala City. Samples were cultured directly on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium(SDA) supplemented with amoxicillin, and it was found that there was growth in 63 samples (76%) classified according to the type of pathogen 58 samples (92%) yeast and 5 samples (8%) bacteria. Most isolated yeasts belonged to the genus Candida, which amounted to 93.1% (54 samples), while the non-Candida yeasts recorded 6.9% (4 samples). Candida albicans was recorded as the dominant among the Candida species at 53.7% (29 isolates), followed by C. dubliniesis (18.5%) (10 isolates), C.lusitaniae 12.9% (7 isolates), C.tropicalis 7.4% (4 isolates), C.parapsilosis 5.6%, and C.kefyr 1.9% (1 isolate). The results of the physiological examinations showed the ability of all C.albicans, and C.dubliniesis isolates to produce germ tubes and chlamydo spores on cornmeal agar medium compared to the other species. All species showed the ability to produce pseudohyphae, but C.albicans isolates are the only ones that can grow under a temperature of 45 m. The growth results on HiCrome™ Candida Differential Agar (M1297A) confirmed the physiological tests, where all C. albicans isolates appeared in light green and C. difficiensis in dark green. In contrast, C.lusitaniae isolates appeared in purple, C.tropicalis in metallic blue, C.parapsilosis in white to pale pink, and C.kefyr in pink to purple. The diagnosis of the isolated species was confirmed using the Vitek device by the Vitek 2 YST card, and the results were interpreted by comparing the results of biochemical reactions and information available in the system database. The Vitek system was also used to examine the sensitivity of the isolated species to six antifungals, which are Fluconazole, Flucytosine, Capsufungin, Amphotericin B, Micafungin, and Voriconazole, using the Vitek 2AST-YS08 card. All species isolates are sensitive to Capsufungin, except one isolate of C.tropicalis and one of C.parapsilosis showed moderate sensitivity to this antibiotic. As for Amphotericin B, two isolates of C. albicans showed resistance (6.9%), and one isolate of C. lusitaniae showed resistance to Amphotericin B by 14% compared to the other species that showed sensitivity to this antibiotic by 100%. In comparison, all species were sensitive to Flucytosine at 100%, except 3 isolates of C. albicans were resistant to this antibiotic (10.3%) and 1 C. dubliniesis (10%). Keywords: Candida sp., Oral candidiasis, Fungal pathogens

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of the Leaves of Coccinia barteri Hook F (Cucurbitaceae)

Background: In general, Coccinia barteri is offered and sold in its raw form. This natural form could be adulterated, substituted, or contaminated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to use pharmacognostic analyses to verify the authenticity of the leaves of the Coccinia barteri plant.&#x0D; Methods: The organoleptic studies were carried out through sensory organs. Histological analyses were conducted by microscopic examination of the specimen mounted on hand slides. Phytochemical screening and chemomicroscopic evaluation were also carried out using various standard methods.&#x0D; Results: The leaves of Coccinia barteri come in a range of forms and sizes. They are lustrous, bright, and dark green. They are also tiny and feature opposite imparipinnate compound leaves. The organoleptic evaluation showed a leafy odour and an astringent taste. Microscopic evaluation showed glandular trichomes, wavy epidermal cells, and anomocytic stomata. The leaf had anomocytic stomata and hypostomatic. with an average stomatal number, index, density, length, width and size of 13.75 ± 0.40%, 15.44 ± 0.42 mm-2, 80.88±2.82 mm-2, 29.26µm, 26.17 ± 0.4 µm and 766.38± 39.49 µm, respectively.&#x0D; The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, proteins, glycosides, and flavonoids, while tannins and fixed oils were not detected. Chemotaxonomic studies showed the presence of starch grains, lignified tissues, calcium oxalates, gum, and the absence of protein and oil globules.&#x0D; Analytical evaluation of the leaves of Coccinia barteri produced 7.00% total ash, 0.93% acid insoluble ash, 2.96% water soluble ash, 8.40% moisture content, 29.67% alcohol extractive value, 40.17% water extractive value, and 21.00% ethyl acetate extractive value.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study provides information on the morphology, microscopic, and phytochemical profile of the leaves of Coccinia barteri.