Plant Material Research Articles

Performance of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Grafts cv. Alphonso Raised in Soilless Media in Various Types of Containers

In world, Konkan region is famous for cultivation of king of mangoes ‘Alphonso’. Along with production, export and processing of Alphonso, this coastal belt is famous for supply of best quality planting material producing more than one crore grafts every year. Mango grafts are raised in polybag of size 6” x 8” weighing 1.5 kg available for sale after 9 months. In recent years, it was reported by farmers that polybags produced seedlings having spiralled and deformed root system reduce outplanting survival and performance of mango grafts within few years after plantation. Use of discarded plastic water bottles as root trainer could be a feasible alternative for seedling propagation. An experiment entitled “Performance of mango (Mangifera indica L.) grafts cv. Alphonso raised in soilless media in various types of containers” was carried out during the period 2023 at Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri in randomized block design with four replications and six treatments viz. T1-Nursery bag (6×8 Inch), T2-Green bottle (2.25 lit), T3-Transparent bottle (2.25 lit), T4-Transparent bottle (1 lit), T5-Black root trainer (0.5 lit), T6-Nursery bag (6×8 Inch) (with soil:FYM 3:1 as control). Mango grafts raised in transparent bottle (2.25 lit) with media cocopeat + leaf manure + vermicompost (1:1:2) recorded the highest sprouting (98.13 %), height (29.33 cm), girth (12.32 mm), leaf area (523.48 cm2), root length (25.50 cm), dry root weight (11.00 g) and survival (98.13 %) at 180 days after grafting with 1.84 benefit: cost.

Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Virus – A Silent Threat?

Abstract Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is the causal agent of yellow leaf disease, a significant threat to global sugarcane production. SCYLV is disseminated via infected planting material and transmitted by aphids, primarily by Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner). The disease’s impact varies depending on the sugarcane cultivar, with some varieties showing little to no foliar symptoms, yet experiencing severe yield losses. Reliable diagnostic methods, including serological and molecular techniques, are crucial for accurate detection, though these methods vary in sensitivity. Advances in molecular techniques have revealed ten major SCYLV genotypes grouped into three phylogroups, further complicating detection efforts. Improved understanding of SCYLV’s distribution within the plant and its seasonal variability are yet to be understood. Management strategies focus on breeding SCYLV-resistant varieties, but this is challenging due to the virus’s variable impact on yield and the often asymptomatic nature of epidemics. Efforts to develop SCYLV-free propagative material have been implemented, but the virus can still spread via aphid vectors from neighbouring fields. Ongoing research aims to identify resistant cultivars, optimize diagnostic techniques, and better understand the epidemiology of SCYLV to mitigate its impact on sugarcane yield and quality. Information © The Authors 2024

Predicting the Duration of Forest Fires Using Machine Learning Methods

For thousands of years forest fires played the role of a regulator in the ecosystem. Forest fires contributed to the ecological balance by destroying old and diseased plant material; but in the modern era fires are a major problem that tests the endurance not only of government agencies around the world, but also have an effect on climate change. Forest fires have become more intense, more destructive, and more deadly; these are known as megafires. They can cause major economic and ecological problems, especially in the summer months (dry season). However, humanity has developed a tool that can predict fire events, to detect them in time, but also to predict their duration. This tool is artificial intelligence, specifically, machine learning, which is one part of AI. Consequently, this paper briefly mentions several methods of machine learning as used in predicting forest fires and in early detection, submitting an overall review of current models. Our main overall objective is to venture into a new field: predicting the duration of ongoing forest fires. Our contribution offers a new way to manage forest fires, using accessible open data, available from the Hellenic Fire Service. In particular, we imported over 72,000 data from a 10-year period (2014–2023) using machine learning techniques. The experimental and validation results are more than encouraging, with Random Forest achieving the lowest value for the error range (8–13%), meaning it was 87–92% accurate on the prediction of forest fire duration. Finally, some future directions in which to extend this research are presented.

Effect of IBA Concentration (Indol Butaric Acid) and Growing Condition on Performance of Cuttings in Mogra (Jasminum sambac)

An experiment was laid out to study influence of different levels of IBA and growing condition on cuttings of Mogra (Jasminum sambac) at Sheth D. M. polytechnic in Horticulture College, Anand Agricultural University, Model farm, Vadodara during 2022 to 2024. The study was conducted using completely randomized design with factorial concept and three replications for each treatment. Total 10 treatment combination of two factors viz., growing condition (open and NVPH) and IBA concentration (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm) were compared with control (deepen in distilled water). IBA significantly improved the performance of cuttings under naturally ventilated poly-house condition. 1500 ppm IBA concentration recorded significantly lower days to sprout (13.83 days), higher shoot length at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.80 cm, 7.64 cm and 11.63 cm), root length (4.18 cm), number of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.87, 6.03 and 8.47), fresh weight (11.63g), dry weight (4.18g) and survival percentage (66.11%). Where as in growing condition, naturally ventilated poly-house recorded significantly lower days to sprout (13.27 days), higher shoot length at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.40cm, 7.26 cm and 11.80 cm), root length (3.89 cm), number of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.72 , 4.80 and 7.85), fresh weight (11.80 g), dry weight (3.89 g) and survival percentage (64.56%). Semi hardwood cuttings of Jasminum sambac treated with 1500 ppm IBA concentration treatment for 5 min and planted in polybags under Naturally ventilated poly-house showed promising growth with higher sprouting and survival percentage as compared to other treatments. It was recommended to propagate semi hardwood cuttings of Jasminum sambac with 1500 ppm IBA concentration for 5 min and plant them in naturally ventilated polyhouse to get maximum sprouting percentage and quality planting material.

Multiple genotypes of a quarantine plant pathogen detected in New Zealand indigenous plants located in a botanical garden overseas

AbstractXylella fastidiosa is a xylem‐limited bacterial plant pathogen transmitted by insect vectors. It infects a wide range of plant species and causes devastating diseases. Botanical gardens are global repositories of plant diversity exposed to local biotic and abiotic stresses. We used molecular diagnostic tools for the detection of X. fastidiosa in a collection of New Zealand indigenous plants grown in a X. fastidiosa‐infected Californian area to determine if any species were infected with this bacterial pathogen and to help inform biosecurity responses. To this end, 130 New Zealand indigenous plant species comprising 72 genera, growing in the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, California, were screened for X. fastidiosa. Multiple PCR‐based methods were used to detect the pathogen at the subspecies and sequence‐type levels directly from plant material; nine plant species tested positive by at least two PCR‐based methods. All nine infections were identified as X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex sequence types 6 or 7 by the amplification of seven housekeeping genes. Three strains were cultured in vitro and their whole genome sequences were obtained; these strains belonged to three distinct clades within subspecies multiplex, indicating that the infections were not transmitted among these New Zealand indigenous plant species. The information gathered in this study will help to assess the risk of X. fastidiosa to New Zealand indigenous flora and the potential spillover to crops of agricultural importance. The work also shows the applied value of botanical garden collections as sentinels for international plant pathogen biosecurity risk assessment.

Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis) Fruit Extracts Obtained via Carbohydrase-Assisted Extraction

The enzyme-assisted approaches for plant phenolics extraction are more eco-friendly methods compared to acid or alkaline hydrolysis. Carbohydrase enzymes can release free phenolics from plant materials by cleaving the glycosidic bonds between phenolic compounds and cell wall polymers. In this study, the efficiency of carbohydrase-assisted treatment approaches was evaluated to extract bioactive phenolics from hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis) fruit residues. Enzymatic treatment of the fruits was operated by using a crude cellulolytic enzyme cocktail from Rhizomucor miehei NRRL 5282 and a pectinase preparate from Aspergillus niger. Both cellulase and combined cellulase–pectinase treatments improved the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of extracts. The TPC increased to 1899 ± 27 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g dry matter during the combined enzyme treatment, showing a strong correlation with the average antioxidant capacity determined by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (1.7-fold increment) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (1.15-fold increment) reagents. The major phenolics in enzyme-treated extracts were vanillic and ferulic acids, the concentrations of which increased 115.6-fold and 93.9-fold, respectively, during carbohydrase treatment. The planktonic growth of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Chromobacterium violaceum was slightly inhibited by the extracts with minimum inhibitory concentration values between 15.0 and 77.9 mg/mL, while the yeasts tested were quite resistant to the samples. B. subtilis and yeast biofilms were sensitive to the enzyme-treated extracts, which also showed quorum-sensing inhibitory effects against C. violaceum. The obtained bioactive hawthorn extracts hold potential as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobials.

Effect of High-Tannin and -Polyphenol Plant Material Supplement on Rumen Fermentation, Nitrogen Partitioning and Nutrient Utilization in Beef Cattle

The current issue of ruminant methane emissions is still being researched by animal nutritionists in an effort to find new approaches. In this study, five beef cattle were randomly assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to examine the effects of supplementation with high-tannin and -polyphenol plant materials on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen partitioning. Cattle offered total mixed ration (TMR) silage diets with or without tannin-rich tree leaf or plant herbs, such as Piper sarmentosum Roxb., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Anacardium occidentale L., and Careya arborea Roxb., were supplemented at a dose of 10 g/d. Prior to TMR feeding, the animals’ meals were supplemented with 10 g of fortified plant materials twice a day, along with 100 g of rice bran. The animals in the control group received only 100 g of rice bran and no other plant materials. The result showed that there was no difference in nutrient intake or digestibility between the supplemented and control groups. Although the effect of ruminal pH, NH3-N, Total VFA, acetate (C2), and butyrate (C4) was not significant (p > 0.05), the proportion of propionate (C3) tended to increase with supplementation (p = 0.07). There was no difference in the excretion of purine derivatives or the amount of microbial nitrogen supply, even though supplemented animals had significantly lower protozoal populations than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, when A. occidentale or C. arborea was added to the TMR silage diet, the nitrogen intake and retention increased considerably, although total nitrogen excretion decreased. In this approach, the leaves of Anacardium occidentale L. and Careya arborea Roxb. were particularly promising for strategic supplementation.

Enhancing cold tolerance in tobacco through endophytic symbiosis with Piriformospora indica

Tobacco, a warm-season crop originating from the Americas, is highly susceptible to cold stress. The utilization of symbiotic fungi as a means to bolster crops’ resilience against abiotic stresses has been proven to be a potent strategy. In this study, we investigated the effect of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica on the cold resistance of tobacco. When exposed to cold stress, the colonization of P.indica in tobacco roots effectively stimulates the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). This, in turn, reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby mitigating oxidative damage. Additionally, P. indica elevates the levels of osmolytes, such as soluble sugars, proline, and soluble proteins, thus facilitating the restoration of osmotic balance. Under cold stress conditions, P. indica also induces the expression of cold-responsive genes. Furthermore, this fungus not only enhances photosynthesis in tobacco by stimulating the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, strengthening Rubisco activity, and elevating PSII efficiency, but also fortifies tobacco’s nitrogen assimilation by inducing the expression of nitrate transporter gene and activating enzymes related to nitrogen assimilation. Consequently, this synergistic optimization of nitrogen and carbon assimilation provides a solid material and energetic foundation for tobacco plants to withstand cold stress. Our study demonstrates that a mycorrhizal association between P. indica and tobacco seedlings provides multifaceted protection to tobacco plants against low-temperature stress and offers a valuable insight into how P. indica enhances the cold tolerance of tobacco.

Green extraction of colorants from achiote seeds for dyeing mordanted nylon fabric

The extraction of sustainable colorants requires energy efficient technology for their eco-application in different fields. For current study on nylon fabric, the natural dye from achiote (Bixa orellana) has been extracted in aqueous and acidic media and valorized through microwave (MW) radiation. MW treatment has been applied to both extracted biomolecule and nylon fabric up to 10 min and the dyeing variables were optimized using statistical model. For getting permanent shades eco-salts of Al (III) and Fe (II) as well as biomolecules from waste plant materials (pomegranate and myrobalan) were utilized. ISO methods for assessment of colorfast shades have been employed. It was found that for nylon, by MW treatment of the dye material and polymeric stuff for 4 min, good color yield in terms of color strength (K/S=29.52) is obtained. It has been observed that when MW treated extract (pH=6) is employed at 40 °C for 55 min, good quality shade of high strength is obtained by using selected amounts of eco-chemical and organic molecules. It is concluded that MW treatment should be given to dyeing process for getting effective yield and tannin based green molecules as organic mordant can used to make dyeing process more ecofriendly and sustainable.

Ultrastructural Changes in the Tegument and Tissues of Fasciola hepatica Adults and Their Eggs Due to the Effect of an Ethyl Acetate Extract of Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. spp Mexicana.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia ludoviciana on the viability of adult Fasciola hepatica parasites and eggs. The collection of plant material was performed as described in previous reports. The dried material was macerated with ethyl acetate. Ovicidal assays were performed at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500mg/L A. ludoviciana extract. Bioassays of fasciolicidal efficacy in adult specimens of F. hepatica were performed at extract concentrations of 125, 250, 375 and 500mg/L. The effects of triclabendazole, a reference drug, and artemisinin were also evaluated. The ovicidal effectiveness of the extracts obtained after 16 h of incubation at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500mg/L was 48%, 52%, 87%, 89% and 92%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the fasciolicidal efficiencies during the first 24h post-treatment ranged from 82 to 100% (p < 0.05). In both cases, scanning electron microscopy revealed damage to the shells of the eggs treated with the extract, compromising their stability. In adult fasciolae, alterations to the integument that resulted in its erosion and detachment were observed. Histopathological studies of the affected specimens revealed damage to the tegumentary and subtegumentary cells and alterations in the ovaries, testicles and intestine. This damage was more severe after treatment with the extract than after treatment with the other compounds. Extract of A. ludoviciana causes damage to the tegument, intestine, ovaries, testes and eggs of F. hepatica.

Effect of The Water Origin on The Biological Properties of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Aqueous Extracts

Plant extracts, due to the high content of various biologically active compounds, have found their wide application in the foods, pharmaceutical industries, and agricultures, for the production of valuable and useful bioproducts. The aqueous plant extracts are most often used. The effect of the water origin used in their preparation on the extract’s composition has not been studied enough, which limits their use. The study was aimed to compare the biological effect of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extracts prepared using water of different origins (distilled, tap, spring, bottled). The preparation of aqueous extracts was carried out in two ways, differing in the extraction temperature. In the first method, boiling water was used to prepare the extract; in the second, cooled boiled water was used. The sage leaves mass for extract preparation was 1.65 and 3.30 g. The biological activity of the extracts was assessed by testing them for radish germination. It was shown the sage leaves extracts prepared using various waters origin can differ by one and half times in their allelopathic effect on radish seeds. It was proved the qualitative composition and mass of the substance extracted from the plant depend on the water origin used for extracts preparation. Thus, using the same amount of plant material to prepare extracts, you can increase their biological activity by fifty percent with the right choice of water.

A Review on Green Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles Applications

Nanotechnology pertains to the manipulation of materials at exceedingly small scales, specifically between 1 and 100 nanometers. Materials at this scale exhibit significantly different properties compared to the same materials at larger scales. An emerging trend is the utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) to address environmental issues. Metallic nanoparticles are among the several nanoparticles that are extensively utilized in environmentally sustainable endeavors. A sustainable, economical, and enduring approach is to synthesize nanoparticles through a more ecologically friendly procedure instead of a physical or chemical method. Plant components primarily function as reducing and capping agents in eco-friendly synthesis. Diverse metallic nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes have been created utilizing extracts from plant materials, including leaves, bark, fruits, and flowers. The synthesis of Nobel laureate metal nanoparticles is essential to the medical sector. A diverse array of glycosides and phenolic compounds constitutes numerous organic constituents in plants, facilitating the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. The absence of detrimental by-products in metal nanoparticle synthesis is the primary significance of green synthesis. The nanoparticles generated by an eco-friendly approach demonstrate several significant biological activity. A substantial body of literature demonstrates that the synthesized nanoparticles are efficacious against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The synthesized nanoparticles not only display antifungal efficacy against several cancer cell lines, including those of breast cancer, but also demonstrate antifungal activity against Trichophyton simii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum. Moreover, they exhibit potent antioxidant properties. The dimensions and morphology of these metal nanoparticles substantially influence their functionalities. Particles characterized by a large surface area and diminutive size provide significant potential for medical applications. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive summary of current advancements in the synthesis of nanoparticles utilizing biological entities and their numerous potential applications.

Geographic variability of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of nonvolant terrestrial small mammals (Rodentia) across 3 Brazilian biomes

Abstract In this study, we investigated landscape variability of the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of nonvolant small mammals in the 3 main Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado) while also considering the differential spatial distribution of C4 plants in these biomes. We compiled a subset of data on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios from nonvolant small mammals of the order Rodentia and compared the aggregated isotopic variability at the biome level using classical δ13C–δ15N biplot. The concept of isotopic niche width was used to test whether different foraging attributes drive their isotopic composition, while a Bayesian isotopic mixing model was used to estimate the proportion of 3 main food categories available to these small mammals. We also developed isoscapes in the Brazilian biomes, interpolating animals δ13C and δ15N based on the geographic coordinates of each sample and “sourcescapes” considering geographic variation of the dietary sources. The findings of this study advance our understanding of the foraging ecology of small mammals in biodiversity-rich regions of the Neotropics. Classical methodologies such as stomach content confirmed dietary choices revealed by the stable isotopic composition and also highlighted the importance of C3 and C4 plants in the diet of this group of animals, especially in biomes such as the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, where there is a predominance of highly altered landscapes. These results confirm that replacing the original vegetation with C4 crops has altered the feeding patterns of small mammals, which could lead to critical ecological changes in the trophic structure of these areas. Vertical stratification of the dietary niche and the interaction between biome and foraging lifestyle were also observed. However, in each biome, there was significant intraspecific and interspecific variation caused by preferences for ingestion of plant and animal material, leading to different degrees of omnivory. Finally, the high local variability between individuals and species requires a larger sampling design that may also contribute to improved spatial resolution of the isoscapes.

Analytical insight into caffeine extraction from typica coffee leaves based on crystallinity enhancement, optical phonon vibration upshift, and morphological evolution.

Caffeine extracted from callus cultures by in vitro technique induced from typica coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. typica) leaves was successfully carried out by a simple Soxhlet method. Analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns showed an increase in crystallinity fraction from leaves (13.56%) to callus (14.46%) and then to caffeine (39.18%). Crystallite size also varied, with average sizes of 18±6, 69±51, and 32.5±17 nm for leaves, callus, and caffeine, respectively. Fourier transmission infrared absorption data confirmed the presence of hydroxyl (OH) groups bound to carbon (C─COH), indicating caffeine content. The high stability of the C─COH is indicated by the broad optical phonon vibrations of the leaves: 247cm-1 to caffeine: 963cm-1. Quantitative analysis of dielectric function and electron loss function intensity peaks of each sample showed that leaves efficiently capture and store light energy while caffeine has less potency. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed irregular shapes of leaves, oval round shapes for callus, and rectangular crystals for caffeine due to crystal orientation during transformation and had a strong correlation with crystallinity fraction. Finally, the structure-based identification, chemistry, optical-dielectric function, and micro-surface properties have been fully studied, thus unmasking the phenomenon of slow transformation from leaves to caffeine form. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The result of this study can be applied to uncover new methodologies related to the classification, and biotechnological utilization of callus culture based on structural properties, optical-dielectric function, and micro-surface analysis. Methodologically, the resulting callus culture provides a sustainable and controllable supply of plant material for caffeine extraction, thereby reducing traditional methods involving field-grown plants and avoiding the use of pesticides.

Improving seedling recruitment and dryland restoration using a targeted fungicide seed coating

The success of seeding projects in dryland systems is sporadic, with failure primarily driven by low seedling emergence and survival. This sporadic nature is influenced by a litany of biotic and abiotic factors that act in synergy to reduce recruitment success. These factors include erratic seasonal weather patterns, competition, predation, plant material selection, and restoration strategies. While some events are unpredictable and uncontrollable, others may be mitigated through thoughtful deliberation. Pathogenesis from soil‐ and seed‐borne fungi is one form of predation that can decrease restoration success. Fungicide seed coatings are technologies used in the agriculture industry to mitigate fungal pathogens, yet these technologies are novel to wildland seeding. We evaluated the ability of a fungicide seed coating to improve bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) recruitment across a broad range of sites and determined how soil and climate affected seed treatments across six sites over 650 linear kilometers of sagebrush‐steppe habitat in the Great Basin, United States. Treatment effects varied by site; however, on average, the fungicide treatment increased germination by 16%, emergence by 42%, and juvenile plant establishment by 60%. Fungicide seed treatments had a greater effect on seedling emergence in soils with lower pH, reduced wet‐thermal accumulation during the winter, lower bulk density, and higher organic matter content. Most notably, the fungicide seed treatment resulted in higher plant establishment when emerged seedlings were exposed to longer periods of available soil moisture. Fungicide seed treatments can improve the establishment of native bunchgrasses, when soil and climate regimes are considered.

Effects of Oregano on Lactation Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation Parameters, and Methane Emissions in Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis

Growing concerns regarding antibiotic use in livestock, due to antibiotic resistance and potential human transmission, have led to increased interest in herbs and their derivatives, including essential oils, which possess antimicrobial properties that may enhance overall productivity and serve as a strategy for methane mitigation. The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of adding oregano to the diet in different forms (essential oils, plant materials, or leaves) on the dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), milk components, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, and methane (CH4) emissions of dairy cows. A literature search was conducted to identify papers published from 2000 to 2023. Effect size for all outcomes was reported as a standardized means difference (SMD) and raw means difference with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was determined using the Q test and I2 statistic. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that adding oregano had no effect on DMI (SMD = 0.081; p = 0.507) and MY (SMD = 0.060; p = 0.665). Milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and milk lactose percentage were not affected by oregano. The addition of oregano to the diet significantly decreased dry matter digestibility (SMD = −0.502; p = 0.013), crude protein digestibility (SMD = −0.374; p = 0.040), and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (SMD = −0.505; p = 0.014). Ruminal pH (SMD = −0.122; p = 0.411), total volatile fatty acids concentration (SMD = −0.038; p = 0.798), acetate (SMD = −0.046; p = 0.757), propionate (SMD = 0.007; p = 0.960), and butyrate (SMD = 0.037; p = 0.801) proportion were not affected by oregano. The addition of oregano to the diet tended to decrease CH4/DMI (SMD = −0.275; p = 0.095) but did not affect CH4 production (SMD = −0.156; p = 0.282). Heterogeneity (Q and I2) was non-significant for all parameters. We conclude that the inclusion of oregano in various forms (essential oils, plant materials, or leaves) in the diet of dairy cows reduces nutrient digestibility but does not significantly affect DMI, MY, milk components, ruminal fermentation parameters, or CH4 production. Future research should focus on optimizing the dosage of oregano (both EOs and plant materials) and exploring the impact of its form on lactation, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and CH4 emissions in dairy cows.

Identification of morphological and variety diagnostic molecular markers for commercial varieties of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Abstract Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt; family: Myristicaceae) is an important tree spice of great export value due to the presence of secondary metabolites with scope in health, wellness and cosmetic industries. Its dioecious in nature due to which it is propagated by budding and grafting which requires specialised skill and as a result authentic planting material production is very expensive. Based on the constant demand from farmers and stakeholders for a suitable, fast and easy technique for determining the authenticity of nutmeg varieties, an attempt was made to develop morphological and molecular markers for the identification of three commercial varieties that are in high demand in India; viz. IISR Vishwashree, IISR Keralashree, Sindhushree and a monoecious nutmeg (MN) accession, along with their biochemical profiles. Among the various morphological characters as per distinctiveness, uniformity and stability guidelines, the varieties showed distinctness mainly in leaf shape, shape of female flowers, fruit shape and seed shape. Out of 35 ISSR primers screened, six primers viz., IS 02, ISSR 12, ISSR 05, ISSR 14, ISSR 01 and UBC 834 generated clear, unique reproducible polymorphic bands capable of distinguishing the varieties. Among the varieties analysed, MN was found to be superior in terms of seed butter and essential oil in nut, mace and leaves. IISR Vishwashree was on par with MN in nut essential oil content. IISR Keralashree was superior in terms of oleoresin in nuts and mace. The morphological and molecular markers identified may be used for effective checking of authenticity of planting materials of commercially grown nutmeg varieties.

Phytochemical Constituent and Cumulative or Antagonistic Effects of Crops Plant Organ Combination on Free Radical Scavenging Capacity and Antioxidant Compound Content

Aims: In Burkina Faso, the majority of plant-based recipes are a combination of plant organs from the same or different species. For these recipes’ producers, the aim is to improve efficiency. However, our ethnobotanical surveys have revealed that for some species, efficacy is better when the species is not combined, or when it is combined in small proportions with other species. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of plant organ combination on free radical scavenging activity, phenolic compound content and flavonoid content. Study Design: The work combined harvesting and processing of plant material from September to November 2023, and laboratories analysis from January to March 2024 at Natural Substances Departement of Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologie, Ouagadougou. Methodology: We prepared two batches of recipes, first combining two species from the same genus, then two species from different genera. The powder of each plant without combination was also used to compare data. Phytochemical screening was first carried out with TLC and LC-MS analysis on each plant extract. We then assessed the phenolic compound content (PCC) using Folin-Ciocalteu method, flavonoid content (FCC) using aluminum chloride test, antioxidant content using TEAC method and free radical scavenging activity using DPPH method, for different batches. Results: Phytochemical constituent in the three species are phenolic compounds, terpenoids and nitrogen derivatives. The results of biological property evaluation suggest that for best efficacy and to obtain a high phenolic compound content, Lippia multiflora leaves should be used separately, or combined in 70% proportions with Lippia alba, then in 50% proportions if the combination is made with Ocimum basilicum. Conclusion: This research has provided relevant results to guide players in the field of traditional medicine and users of herbal remedies.

Variation in Morphological Characteristic and Growth Rate of Isolated Dikaryotic Ganoderma boninense Mycelia on Nutrient Medium and Rubberwood Block: A Cue for Their Virulency

Undeniably, the formation of new Ganoderma variants within the plantation rapidly declines the life expectancy of oil palm trees. The produced variants induce severe infection on the palm, largely impeding disease management approaches to prevent infection. Selection of the high virulent of Ganoderma spp. affiliated with stem rot disease is crucial for assessing the planting material to identify either resistant or tolerant oil palm cultivars and optimise treatment strategies in line with species varieties. So far, the genetic diversity and virulency of these Ganoderma species in the IOI Group estate have not yet been explored. About seven basidocarps were collected from Ganoderma-infected palms and identified as Ganoderma boninense. The cultural traits of these nine isolates, including P4.1E and PER71 showed distinct phenotypical variations on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Though sequence analysis revealed four PM09C isolates were 100 per cent identical, incompatible reactions were observed among isolates, similar to other isolates from different fields. The mycelia rate expansion on the nutrient medium had a significantly correlated relationship to the disease incidence (DI) (r = 0.750), disease severity index (DSI) (r = 0.690) and death rate (DR) (r = 0.732). Overall, these findings contribute to the understanding of Ganoderma species in the estate and provide valuable insights for developing targeted management strategies in evaluating tolerant planting material for future replanting. Keywords: Ganoderma, oil palm, basal stem rot, genetic diversity, virulency.

Rhizome Propagation Methods of Lowland Bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) in Central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Bamboo is a plant species that has a range of economic, environmental, and sociocultural importance. Bamboo can be propagated through sexual and asexual propagation methods. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. This study aims to evaluate different rhizome cutting materials that are relatively suitable for large-scale plantations. The materials for propagating bamboo by vegetative means are whole or portions of the rhizomes, each with a single culm having two to six basal nodes, preferably 1- to 2-year-old culms from the peripheral portion of the clump having 2, 4, 6 basal nodes and 1.5-2 cm, 2-4 cm, and 4-6 cm in diameter. The design of the experiment is a split plot design with three replications and nine plots. This experiment is laid in 1029 m2 (21 m x 49 m). The size of each plot is 45 m2 (15 m by 5 m), and the distance between plots and plants in plots is 2 m. The number of nodes is assigned in the main plot, and the diameter of the planting material is assigned in the subplot. There are a total of 9 treatment combinations and a total of 108 planting materials. Significantly higher (P = 0.01) mean survival rate (59%) was observed in the planting material with two basal nodes and 2-4 cm diameter and the planting material with six nodes and 2-4 cm diameter. Further research is crucial to devise effective vegetative propagation methods for large scale plantations without compromising the survival capability of the planting materials.