N-hexadecanoic Acid Research Articles

Antifungal potential of volatiles produced by Bacillus subtilis BS-01 against Alternaria solani in Solanum lycopersicum.

Bacterial biocontrol agent/s (BCAs) against plant diseases are eco-friendly and sustainable options for profitable agricultural crop production. Specific beneficial strains of Bacillus subtilis are effective in controlling many fungal diseases including Alternaria blight caused by a notorious pathogen "Alternaria solani". In the present study, the biocontrol attributes of a newfangled strain of B. subtilis (BS-01) have been investigated and its bioactive compounds were also identified against A. solani. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by BS-01 in organic solvents viz., n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate were extracted and their antifungal efficacy has evaluated against A. solani. Also, the preventive and curative biocontrol method to reduce the fungal load of A. solani was estimated by both foliar and seed applications on infected tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants as determined by quantitative PCR assays. Growth chamber bioassay revealed that both foliar and seed application of BS-01 on tomato plants previously or subsequently infected by A. solani significantly reduced the pathogen load on inoculated tomato foliage. Results showed that antifungal bioassays with various concentrations (10-100 mg mL-1) of extracted metabolites produced by BS-01 in ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest inhibition in fungal biomass (extracellular metabolites: 69-98% and intracellular metabolites: 48-85%) followed by n-hexane (extracellular metabolites: 63-88% and intracellular metabolites: 35-62%) and dichloromethane (extracellular metabolites: 41-74% and intracellular metabolites: 42-70%), respectively. The extracted volatile compounds of BS-01 were identified via GC-MS analysis and were found in great proportions in the organic fractions as major potent antifungal constituents including triphenylphosphine oxide; pyrrolo[1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl); pyrrolo[1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(phenylmethyl); n-hexadecanoic acid; n-tridecan-1-ol; octadecane; octadecanoic acid; eicosane and dodecyl acrylate. Separate or mixture of these bioactive VOCs had the potential to mitigate the tomato early blight disease severity in the field that would act as a sustainable plant protection strategy to generate profitable tomato production.

Microbial Treatment of di (2-ethyl hexyl) Phthalate by Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus Isolated from Landfill Soil

The bacterial strains were isolated from landfill soil contaminated with phthalate, collected from dump yard near Byepass, Patna. Thestrain named T23 was chosen among the isolated strains due to its high efficacy towards the degradation. We observed the effects ofvarious environmental and chemical factors for optimising the conditions for degradation. The strain T23 was identified as Lysinibacillusxylanilyticus based on its phenotypic as well as phylogenetic characteristics by performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and for thedetermination of the metabolic end products after degradation. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was doneand the degradable intermediates obtained were 7, 10, 13-Hexadecatrienoic acid, Cyclotrisiloxane, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Oleic Acid andErucic acid. The strain T23 showed maximum degradation at pH 8.5 and temperature was 10.5 and it could tolerate up to 0-15% NaCl.Maximum degradation was exhibited at the carbon source, dextrose, and nitrogen source, casein. The 23 strain was having maximumpotential for degradation which can be used for various remediation purposes.

GCMS and FTIR analysis of ethanol and methanol leave extract of Urena lobata (Caesar weed) for bioactive phytochemical constituents

This study was designed to apply the highly sophisticated biological and chemical characterization techniques–(GC-MS) Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and FTIR spectroscopy to screen for bioactive phytocompounds present in ethanol and methanol extracts of U. lobata .The leaves of the plant were collected from a farm in Umuode village in Osisioma Ngwa local government area of Abia state, Nigeria. Ethanol and methanol extracts of the leaves were prepared and analyzed using Buck M910 Gas chromatography system with HP-5MS column (30m in length x250µm in diameter x 0.25µm in thickness film). Analysis of functional groups in the phytocompounds were done using Buck scientific M530 USA FTIR.12 vibrational functional groups were revealed by the FTIR screening in the ethanol and methanol extracts of U. lobata leaves. Some of the functional groups were indicative of alcohols, phenols, aromatic compounds, unsaturated hydrocarbons, vinyl ethers, amines, isonitriles and aliphatic compounds. GC-MS analysis of the ethanol leaf extract revealed 41 bioactive compounds with the following being most abundant, 9-octadecenoic acid(16.8%), dodecenoic acid(13.43%),n-hexadecanoic acid(11.73%), octadecanoic acid (9.78%), 1-docosene(9.57%) while the methanol extract revealed 47 bioactive compounds with the following having the highest abundance, n-hexadecanoic acid (26.65%) and (9.11%), dodecanoic acid(6.89%), 1-docosene(6.06%), erucic acid(4.09%).These phytocompounds and many others present in the leaf have been reported to possess multiple therapeutic activities. This therefore explains the use of this leaf in ancient medicine to treat numerous disease conditions. It further implies that the leaf could be exploited for the formulation of therapeutic molecules.
 Keywords: Urena lobata, GC-MS, FTIR, Spectroscopy, Phytocompounds, Functional group, Phytoconstituents

The Therapeutic Potential and efficacy determination of “Kushmanda Rasayanam” ayurvedic formulation by chromatographic techniques

Background
 The present study deals with the GC MS analysis of one Ayurvedic medicine, Kushmanda Rasayanam. Kushmanda rasayanam is a medicine prescribed to treat cough, breathing problems, chest injuries, bleeding disorders and depletive diseases. It is also claimed that its use increases memory power, intellect and is a good heart tonic.
 Results
 The medicine was procured from standard Ayurvedic vendor at Chennai, India and was subjected to GC MS analysis following proper protocol. It was observed that some important biomolecules such as beta.-1, 5-O-Dibenzoyl-ribofuranose, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 11-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, n-Propyl cinnamate, E,E,Z-1,3,12-Nonadecatriene-5,14-diol, Ethyl iso-allocholate, Cholesterol, Hexadecanoic acid, 1-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-ethanediyl ester do have far reaching medicinal values.
 Conclusion
 The antioxidant, membrane stabilizing, and anti-inflammatory assays have indicated poor potential of Kushmanda rasayanam as compared to the respective standards.
 
 Key words- GC MS, Kushmanda Rasayanam, Ayurvedic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, beta.-1,5-O-Dibenzoyl-ribofuranose, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Cholesterol

Melanogenesis Inhibitory Activity, Chemical Components and Molecular Docking Studies of Prunus cerasoides Buch.-Ham. D. Don. Flowers.

Safe depigmenting agents are currently increasing in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry because various compounds have been found to have undesirable side effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the melanogenesis inhibitory effects of Prunus cerasoides Buch. -Ham. D. Don. flower extracts and their molecular mechanism in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. Moreover, we also examined phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, chemical constituents of potential extracts, and molecular docking. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents with the greatest scavenging activity were found in the butanol extract of the P. cerasoides flower compared to other extracts. From all extracts, only crude, diethyl ether, and butanol extracts showed an inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity, cellular tyrosinase activity, and melanin content as well as the downregulation of the gene expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2) in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. Based on the molecular docking study, n-hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecanoic acid, and eicosanoic acid might show an inhibitory effect against tyrosinase and MITF. In conclusion, this finding demonstrates that both the diethyl ether and butanol extracts of the P. cerasoides flower can effectively reduce tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis through the downregulation of the melanogenic gene expression in B16F10 cells and through the molecular docking study. Taken together, the diethyl ether and butanol extracts of the P. cerasoides flower could be an anti-melanogenic ingredient for hyperpigmentary or melasma treatment.

Chemical composition by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and antioxidant activity of Cassia alata plant leaf

Nature has provided humans with a diversity of medicinal plants employed in curing and taking care of many ailments. These medicinal plants contain many phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, which have been reported to possess some pharmacological properties. The study investigates the phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity shown by the Cassia alata plant leaf- a known medicinal plant. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique was applied in evaluating the chemical composition while Ferric reducing activity power (FRAP) and 2, 2-Dipheny l-1-picryl hydrazyl radical activity inhibition techniques were utilized to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanol extract of the plant leaf. Ascorbic acid served as the standard. For different amounts of 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/ml, the result of inhibitions of DPPH were revealed to be 4.14±0.00%, 12.99±0.55%, 19.55±0.06% and 25.73±0.17% respectively while that of the standard ranged from 18.41±0.17% -88.39±0.09%. Also, the FRAP results at different amounts of 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg/ml are detected to be 0.00±0.00%, 2.72±0.02%, 5.66±0.06% and 11.5±0.34% while the standard ranged from 5.09±0.16% - 52.99±0.21%.The GC-MS chemical assay of C. alata extracts afforded ten compounds which include 1-Butanol-3- methyl acetate, Pentadecane, 2, 6, 10, 14-tetramethyl., β-D-Glucopyranose-4-o-β- galactopyranosyl, Hexadecanoicacid- methyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester [ZZZ], Phytol, 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic -2, 3- dihydroxyl propyl ester, Ethyl -iso-allocholate and Vitamin E. Hexadecanoic acid- methyl ester was found to the highest 77.1% in composition while 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic -2- 3- dihydroxyl propyl ester 8.6% was detected to be the least. Some of these bioactive compounds have been observed to have pharmacological and biological activities which are desirable in pharmaceutical formulations.

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY PROFILING, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EVALUATION, AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES OF ESSENTIAL OIL AND SCENTED EXTRACT FROM THE Porana volubilis Burm. f. FLOWER

Volatile components of Porana volubilis Burm. f. flowers from Bangkok were extracted by using steam distillation and solvent extraction prior to analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and their antiinflammatory activity was assessed in vitro and in silico. Forty-two compounds were identified with essential oil. The key volatile components were detected in the hexane-scented extract. Twenty-one compounds were detected with major volatile components of octacosanaol, dodecanoic acid, nonacosane, n-hexadecanoic acid, and tetratriacontane for ethanolic scented extract. The essential oil and extract were evaluated for their in vitro anti-inflammatory effect by protein denaturation assay. The essential oil showed the most potent anti-denaturation activity with IC50 values of 537.6 g/mL. The primary components of essential oil were submitted ta molecular docking research based on their anti-inflammatory effect. The obtained results revealed that the main components were found as the crucial interactions for binding in the bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding site. The results obtained demonstrated the essential oil of P. volubilis is the potential source for the anti-inflammatory agent.

Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of Magnolia champaca leaves

Plants remain a vibrant source of diverse bioactive phytochemicals that are secondary metabolites protecting them from infections and predations. Magnolia champaca is reported to possess a multitude of phytochemicals. In the present study, the phytochemical constituents of the methanolic extract of Magnolia champaca leaves were analysed qualitatively and with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis was performed to identify the chemical nature of the extract and to find structurally similar compounds. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, glycosides, phenols, steroids, tannins and saponins. FTIR spectroscopic analysis revealed structurally related compounds. GC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of 99 diverse compounds with varied biological activities, among which 1,2,4-butanetriol, n-hexadecanoic acid, cis vaccenic acid, phytol, trans longipinocarveol and caryophyllene oxide were found predominantly. Thus, the identification and characterisation of the phytochemicals in the extract favour the development of novel therapeutic agents.

Chromatographic Determination of the Chemical Composition of Apple Chips Extract

The qualitative composition of the extraction of dried apples of green (Golden, Mutsu) and red (Florina, Aidared) varieties by gas-liquid chromatography with mass-selective detection has been established. The chips were obtained by convective drying at the temperature of +(63–70) °С to a final dampness of 6–8 %. Water-alcohol extract was analyzed on the Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 gas chromatomas-spectrometer with a full ion current (SCAN), the scanning range of 40–1000 Da. The peaks were processed and identified based on the open source data (NIST 2017 and Wiley 5th Edition). In the studied samples of apple extraction, 30 characteristic components were found, among which carbohydrates predominate – mono- and disaccharides, their derivatives and products of dehydration and oxidation. The apple extract contains higher fatty acids: n-hexadecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, oleic acid. Compounds formed as a result of drying (5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyrane-4-one), as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which perform antioxidant and weak antibiotic functions in the body, were identified. Vitamins could not be determined using this method.

Phytochemical and Antibacterial Evaluations of Chloroform Extract of Mondia whitei (Hook F) skeels

Mondia whitei, also known as Mondia, is an aromatic plant of Apocynaceae family. It is used as aphrodisiac, antidepressant, fertility medication and to improve appetite. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical and antibacterial properties of the plant. The chloroform extract of M. whitei was screened for its antibacterial effects using agar diffusion method against five bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi). The extract was active against S. typhi, K. pneumoniae and S. aureus at 400, 400 and 200 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the extract was observed in a dose-dependent manner and was compared with standard antibiotic, ciprofloxacin. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, phlobatannins and phytosterols. The GC-MS analysis of the extract afforded seventeen (17) compounds with major components being n-hexadecanoic acid (23.80%). The exhibited antibacterial activities justify the ethnomedicinal uses of M. whitei root.
 Keywords: Mondia whitei, GC-MS, Antibacterial activity, Phytochemical

Some Volatile Metabolites Produced by the Antifungal-Trichoderma Asperellum UZ-A4 Micromycete

The fungus of the genus Trichoderma is characterized by high biological activity and the ability to synthesize many compounds of great scientific interest. Among them, producers of amino acids, nucleic and organic acids, vitamins, surface-active substances, numerous hydrolases, various antibiotics and other substances were revealed. In this work there were studied volatile organic compounds produced by the fungus Trichoderma asperellum Uz-A4, isolated from the soil of the cotton field of the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan infected with phytopathogens. The antagonistic activity of the fungus about phytopathogens Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani was evaluated. Trichoderma asperellum Uz-A4 micromyzet showed high activity on the 4 th day against Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani about Aspergillus niger on the 9th day. From the culture fluid of the fungus Trichoderma asperellum Uz-A4, 11 main substances have been isolated and identified. Mass - spectrometric analysis has shown that these are the substances of Phenylethylcohol; 5-hydroxymethylfurfural; Dehydroa Ceticacid; 1-Dodecanol; 2,4-di-tert-Butylphenol; Diethyl Suberate; n-hexadecanoic acid; 1-hexadecanol, 2-methyl; Phthalic Acid, Ethyl Pentadecyl Ester; Mono (2-Thylhexyl) Phthalate; Octadecanoic Acid. A chemical formula, molecular weight and the absorption spectrum of these substances have been determined. The results indicated that these secondary metabolites could be useful for biological control applications of T. asperellum Uz-A4 strain against diverse plant pathogens.

Phlogacanthus cornutus: chemical profiles and antioxidant effects

Phlogacanthus cornutus is a rare species and the chemical profiles and the bioactivities of this plant are unknown. In present study, the chemical components of the acetone extract as well as the antioxidant activity of acetone extract and its fractions such as n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate of P. cornutus were firstly reported. A total of 33 constituents were identify in the acetone extract of this plant using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry assay, in which trans-cinnamic acid (21.26%), neophytadiene (6.36%), linolenic acid (5.86%), dihydroagathic acid (5.71%), n-hexadecanoic acid (5.53%), phytol (4.14%) and cis-cinnamic acid (3.23%) were the major compounds. The acetone extract and its fractions such as n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate of P. cornutus showed DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 234.31, 185.95, 758.65 and 458.52 µg/mL respectively.

Composition of Essential Oil Isolated From Marigold (Tagetes Erecta L.) Flowers Cultivated in Lahore, Pakistan

The composition of essential oil of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flowers was investigated. The oil was analyzed by GC-MS for identification of various components. Among these, 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol, α, α,4-trimethyl-, acetate was the most abundant compound (31.67%) followed by phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1- dimethylethyl)- (14.35%) and eucalyptol (14.27%). Other compounds included dodecanoic acid (5.97%), tetradecanoic acid (5.58%), octadecane (4.93%), propanoic acid, 2-bromo-2-methyl-, ethyl ester (5.43%), cyclohexanol, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethanyl)-, acetate (5.33), n-hexadecanoic acid (4.70), p-menth-1-en-8-ol (4.20%) and thymol (3.57%). Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(4): 683-688, 2022 (December)

Analysis of bioactive compounds present in different crude extracts of Benincasa hispida and Cucurbita moschata seeds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Plant seeds are the resources of many different bioactive components. The chemical composition of the different crude extracts from Benincasa hispida (White pumpkin) and Cucurbita moschata (Pumpkin) seeds with three different polarity-based solvents (n-hexane, n-hexane-chloroform (2:1), and methanol) was analyzed to identify the biologically active compounds. Each of the extracts was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Different extracts of targeted seeds showed different biologically active compounds that have different pharmacological potentialities. 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (ZZ) was the most potent bioactive compound present in three different extracts of both B. hispida and C. moschata. Another bioactive compound comparatively low percentage present in both plants was n-hexadecanoic acid. Other major pharmacologically active compounds present in both plants were 9- Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester, and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (E, E). Besides these compounds, a few more biologically active compounds were present in the two plants separately. The findings of this study support the use of these seeds in modern functional foods, nutraceuticals, and medicinal purposes, and the whole seeds would give better health benefits rather than use any extract. Although further pharmacological examinations should be carried out to conclude the medicinal application of the seeds of these two plants as well as to understand the mechanism of the potential health benefits.

Chemical Profile and Antifungal Activity of Leaf Extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata against Macrophomina phaseolina

Macrophomina phaseolina is a highly problematic fungus that causes diseases in hundreds of plant species. In order to search for an alternative to chemical fungicides for the control of this devastating pathogen, leaf extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata was assessed for the control of M. phaseolina. Five concentrations of leaf extract in methanol viz. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% (w/v), were checked against M. phaseolina. All these concentrations significantly suppressed the fungal growth resulting in 34–74% decreased biomass of M. phaseolina over control. GC-MS analysis of this extract showed the presence of 54 compounds. Squalene was the predominant compound with 24.11% peak area followed by vitamin E (8.96%). Other important compounds were hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester (6.21%), thiophene, tetrahydro-2-methyl- (5.68%), cyclopentanol (5.61%), neophytadiene (6.25%), 1-tert-butoxypropan-2-yl 2-methylbutanoate (6.03%), ibogamine-18-carboxylic acid, 12-methoxy-, methyl ester (2.95%), phytol (2.26%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (2.20%). Some of these major compounds might be responsible for antifungal property of methanolic leaf extract of T. divaricata against M. phaseolina.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ACETONE EXTRACT FROM LEAF AND FRUIT PEEL OF Citrus hystrix

Citrus hystrix has been well known for its uses as food and biological activities. In this study, the chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant effects of acetone extract isolated from C. hystrix leaves and fruit peels were firstly investigated. GC/MS analyses results revealed that there were 56 and 87 chemical components identified from leaf and fruit peel of the studied plant, respectively. The leaf extract was characterized by the predominance of α-pinene, D-limonene, citronellal, caryophyllene oxide and n-hexadecanoic acid while sabinene, β-pinene, D-limonene, citronellol, citronellol acetate, dihydro-α-ionon, δ-cadinene, n-hexadecanoic acid were the major constituents in the fruit peel extract. The two studied extracts showed antibacterial effects against six oral bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium and displayed a notable antioxidant activity in the ABTS assay with IC50 values of 38.59 ± 0.59 µg/mL and 85.89 ± 1.85 µg/mL, respectively.

Bioactive Compounds Profile of Solok Arabica Coffee Analyzed by GC-MS Method

The type of coffee affects the compounds in it, the environment, and the soil. One of the areas in West Sumatera where a Coffee Producer is Solok Regency. The kind of coffee that is cultivated in Solok is Arabica coffee. The height of the planting point has an influence on the taste, so Solok Arabica coffee has a different taste from the flavors of other Arabica coffees that are widely spread throughout Indonesia. This study aims to determine the compounds contained in Solok Arabica coffee, which was roasted at 200oC for 10 minutes. The compound detection in Solok Arabica coffee was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of GC-MS analysis detected 25 compounds in Solok Arabica coffee at 200oC for 10 minutes, and 4 of them were detected in large quantities, namely pyridine, caffeine, n-hexadecanoic acid, and butyl 9,12-octadecadienoate with amounts between 70-97 m / z. Pyridine is a benzene derivative by replacing CH groups with N atoms, which are toxic to humans because they can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and irritation when in contact with the skin. Caffeine is the main bioactive component of the purine ring system in coffee. The sensory test method used to determine the typical Arabica Coffee of “Ranah Minang” is cupping to assess the taste of the coffee. n-hexadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid with antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, nematicide, anti-androgenic, hemolytic, pesticide, lubricant, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, antipsychotic, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization alters biochemical, molecular defense responses and root exudate composition against Phytophthora capsici infection in black pepper

Mycorrhizal symbiosis benefits the host plants in several aspects. Among the soil microbiota, AM fungi have established a substantial potential to decrease crop damage from plant pathogens in several crops, yet the mechanism of its action in black pepper has not yet been studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of mycorrhizal colonization on biochemical, molecular defense responses, and root exudates composition in the Phytophthora capsici -black pepper host-pathosystem. Four biochemical parameters such as total phenols, orthodihydroxy (OD) phenols, peroxidase activity, and lignin were studied to delineate the effect of mycorrhizal colonization upon pathogen inoculation. Total phenol, OD phenol, and lignin content increased consistently upon challenge inoculation with P. capsici as well as in AM alone inoculated plants in both leaves as well as roots. Similar peroxidase activity was noticed in AM alone and challenged inoculated plants. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that AM pre-inoculation led to up regulation of pathogenesis related genes viz., cAPX, Osmotin and β-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and NPR 1 in black pepper leaves and roots upon of P. capsici inoculation. Sole inoculation of P. capsici also positively influenced the copies of most genes studied. Root exudates of AM colonized plants showed higher fatty acid/fatty acyl compounds viz., tetradecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and nonacos-1-ene compared to P. capsici inoculated plants. On the other hand, most of the alkane hydrocarbons such as (z)-3-tetradecene, octylcyclohexane, 4-cyclohexylundecane, and decylcyclohexane were observed majorly in the root exudates of P. capsici inoculated plants. Multivariate analysis of the root exudate data revealed that AM colonization in black pepper roots normalized the content of root exudates during Phytophthora infection comparable to control plants. Our findings indicates that the AM colonization enhances the resistance of P. capsici in black pepper plants by alterations in defense enzymes and gene expression and root exudates composition.

Bitter Melon Novel Bioformulation “Thar Jaivik 41 EC”: Characterization and Bio-Efficacy Assessment as a Biopesticide on Horticulture Crops

Citrullus colocynthis L. is a wild watermelon, commonly named bitter melon or bitter apple, that naturally grows in arid regions of India among other hot arid areas of the world. Its non-edible fruits contain certain phytochemicals of therapeutic and nutraceutical value. The effectiveness of biopesticide formulations that are known to possess insecticidal properties was tested. This is the first botanical pesticide formulation developed from C. colocynthis, named “Thar Jaivik 41 EC”. The phytochemicals of C. colocynthis seed were identified using GC-MS/MS, and a total of 59 constituents were identified, of which seven have significant insecticidal properties: n-hexadecanoic acid; octadecanoic acid; dotriacontance; 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z); 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester; 6-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester; and hexatriacontane. Among the different levels of tested concentrations, “Thar Jaivik 41 EC” was found most effective at 3 mL L−1 for managing various insect pests such as pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and aphid (Toxoptera citricida) through repellent, deterrent, antifeeding action and by causing respiration abnormalities. Moreover, it caused the least harm to natural enemies such as coccinellids at this concentration. The phytotoxicity response of “Thar Jaivik 41 EC” on tested crops revealed that it is highly safe for plants, showing no toxicity symptoms when applied at higher doses than the recommended one (3 mL L−1). Integration of the “Thar Jaivik 41 EC” formulation in agriculture would help to safeguard farmers’ benefits, such as reduced pest levels, improved food safety and quality of products, which would allow them to fetch higher prices, as well as provide intangible benefits to the consumers and environment.

Supercritical fluid extraction of bioactive compounds from quinilla (Manilkara bidentata) seed

Quinilla seeds (QS) are a potential source of little-known bioactive compounds with high biological values. This work evaluated the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of bioactive compounds from QS for the first time, evidencing the relations between pressure and temperature to the extract yield and composition. Pressures from 15 to 35 MPa and temperatures from 313 to 333 K were tested, and the process was modeled based on the principle of mass conservation. The highest SFE yield was 20.0 g extract/100 g QS, achieved at 35 MPa and 313 K. Close values were obtained at 25 MPa-313 K and 35 MPa-323 K. The composition of the extracts varied with the operating conditions, and the three main compounds presented in all extract were squalene, phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, and n-Hexadecanoic acid. The SFE extracts of QS present potential applications in the cosmetic and pharmacological industry that require further study. The proposed mathematical model was in excellent agreement with the experimental data, and it was effectively employed to estimate the SFE yield for large-scale SFE plants.