Brachiaria Mutica Research Articles

Inventarisasi Gulma Pada Pertanaman Kacang Tanah (Arachis hypogaea L.) Di Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ilir Sumatera Selatan

Research on the inventory of weeds on peanuts crops (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the village of Tanjung Merindu sub district Tanjung Lubuk Ogan Komering Ilir, has been carried out paper March to April 2019. This study aims to determine what kind of weed found in peanut crop (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the village of Tanjung Merindu sub district Tanjung Lubuk Ogan Komering Ilir. The research used descriptive survey method with exploring technique. Weeds that can be made key determination, identification, and made herbarium. Result of research got 2 Division, 3 Class, 7 Ordo, 7 Familia, 9 Genus, and 9 Species weeds are: Cyperus rotundus L., Axonopus compressus Swartz., Imperata cylindrica L., Brachiaria mutica Forsk., Euphorbia hirta L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Mimosa pudica Duchass., Cleome rutidosperma Backer., dan Neprholepis exaltata Schott. Keywords: Inventory, Weeds, Peanuts.Â

Phytoremediation of Wastewater through Implemented Wetland – A Review

Contrary to the typical treatment system, built wetland systems have become high-performance wastewater treatment technology in recent years. In India as well, this technology is becoming more important for reducing water pollution. A built wetland is essentially a tank that has been planted with plants tolerant of waterlogged conditions and filled with a substrate. In this method, wastewater is treated by plants through phytoremediation. A manmade wetland's plant species is crucial in maintaining the temperature needed for a variety of biological and physiological processes necessary for the efficient treatment of wastewater. Hydraulic retention time (HRT), plant type, and bed material make up a built wetland's key elements. Generally, gravels and sand are used as the bed media and the plant species used are grasses like typha grass, canna indica, para grass, etc. Environmental-related parameters that are taken into consideration are pH, COD, BOD, TSS, NH3-N, PO4, nitrate, and Fecal coliform count in one complete macrophyte life cycle. The present paper gives information about the different types of constructed wetlands, pollutants removal mechanism by microphytes, engineering design used, and application of implemented wetlands.

Screening Wetland and Forage Plants for Phytoremediation of Salt-Affected Soils in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.

This study evaluated the salt tolerance and sodium (Na) bioaccumulation of Typha orientalis, Lepironia articulata, Eleocharis dulcis, Scirpus littoralis, Brachiaria mutica, Paspalum atratum and Setaria sphacelata at five salinity levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20‰ (corresponding to 0, 2.4, 6.9, 12.6 and 18g NaCl L-1). S. littoralis showed zero-reduction in total dry biomass and was classified as a salt tolerant plant based on the membership function value. The highest Na+ accumulation was observed in S. sphacelata (307.9mg plant-1) in spite of its salt sensitivity, followed by S. littoralis and T. orientalis at concentration of 155mg plant-1. Consequently, the Na+ phytoextraction potential of these species can be estimated as 46.2, 23.3 and 23.3kg ha-1 over 49 days, respectively. Taken together, they show high potential as Na+ hyperaccumulators, and can be selected in the national reclamation program for salt-affected soils in the context adaptation to climate change.

Domestic Wastewater Treatment Using Constructed Wetland with Para Grass Combined with Sludge Adsorption, Case Study in Vietnam: An Efficient and Alternative Way

The environmental pollution due to wastewater, especially domestic wastewater, is becoming more serious. Thus, this study was performed to assess the removal of pollutants by the combination of wetland technology, specifically constructed wetland (CW), with Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) together with the adsorption of red sludge. With an organic loading rate (OLR) of 120 (kg COD/ha/day), the treatment efficiency for wastewater in this study is quite high and the concentrations of parameters in the effluent were lower than the limits established by the QCVN 14:2015/BTNMT for domestic wastewater, which indicated the feasibility of this combination. These results are expected to open the possibilities of using environmentally friendly processes for wastewater treatment in urban and industrial areas.

Morphoagronomical and Nutritive Performance of Brachiaria Grasses Affected by Soil Type and Fertilizer Application Grown under Rainfed Condition in Ethiopia

The objective of the field experiment was to evaluate the agronomic performance and nutritive values of brachiaria grass in response to cultivars, soil type, and fertilizer application. A randomized complete block design containing three replications with three factors (fertilizer, cultivars, and soil types) was used. The cultivars were Brachiaria mutica, Brachiaria hybrid Mulato-II, Brachiaria hybrid Mulato-I, Brachiaria birzantha Marandu, and Brachiaria birzantha La liberated. The root splits were means of propagation for all cultivars. The spacing between blocks and plots was 1 meter while between plants and rows was 0.5 meter. Agronomic performance such as plant height (PH), number of tillers (NT), number and length of leaves, forage dry matter (DM) yield, and nutritive values of the cultivars were measured and analyzed. Forage samples were taken at 90 days harvesting age. A general linear model of statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.0 is used as a statistical method. The results revealed that all three factors interaction was highly significant ( p < 0.001 ) on all agronomic and nutritive values of Brachiaria grass cultivars. The agronomic performance and most of its nutritive values of brachiaria cultivars were higher ( p < 0.05 ) at black soil than in red soil; except for crude protein. The Brachiria mutica cultivar had a higher agronomic performance at both soil types than hybrid Mulato-II and hybrid Mulato-I. Based on the response recorded, it can be concluded that hybrid Mulato-II, B. mutica, and hybrid Mulato-I cultivars were performing better in the study areas. As a recommendation, farmers should consider cultivar, soil type, and presence of fertilizer in establishing brachiaria grass in the production system.

Effects of oil and grape seed tannin extract on intakes, digestibility, milk yield and composition of Saanen goats

An experiment was conducted as a 4×4 Latin square design using 4 lactating Saanen goats, 19 months old and 47.9±1.04 kg of body weight, to evaluate the effect of oil and grape seed tannin extract (GSTE) supplementation on feed intake, digestibility, milk yield and milk composition. Each experimental period lasted for 21 days including 16 days for adjustment and 5 days for sampling. Goats were fed a control diet (Ctrl) consisting of 60% concentrate and 40% fresh Para grass (dry matter, DM, basis) while other 3 treatments were supplementation of 2.5% soybean oil (SO); 2.5% soybean oil + tuna fish oil at 3:2 w:w (SFO); 2.5% soybean oil + tuna fish oil at 3:2 w:w + 0.8% GSTE (OCT). The results showed that oil and GSTE did not affect feed intake, digestibility, milk yield and composition of goats (P > 0.05). However, digestibility of EE was higher (P < 0.05) in SFO and OCT diets (85.4% and 84.7%, respectively) compared with Ctrl (76.2%). Combined data suggested that feeding 2.5% oil blend with or without 0.8% GSTE increased EE digestibility in goats without affecting intake, animal performance and milk composition.

Taxonomic notes on Some Species of Genus Urochloa from Nepal

The purpose of this paper is to study Urochloa species and update information on the genus in light of recent changes in the taxonomy of the Poaceae family. Urochloa is popularly known as para grass. Disease-free specimens were collected and their morphological features, such as roots, stems, leaves, and floral parts, were studied. Herbarium specimens from KATH were also examined. Five species of Urochloa, namely, Urochloa subquadripara, U. distachya, U. kurzii, U. ramosa, and U. villosa, were studied. As per observation, taxonomic notes, illustrations, and keys were made.

Urban surface water quality and the potential of phytoremediation to improve water quality in peri-urban and urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa – a review

AbstractIn 2017, 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) were still using unimproved drinking water sources, 80 million of whom relied on untreated surface water. Urban areas are vastly expanding all over the continent and many larger cities in SSA struggle to provide safely managed drinking water. Phytoremediation implemented in constructed wetlands (CWs) is a low-cost and sustainable alternative to highly costly and energy-consuming wastewater treatment plants. In addition, CWs offer the potential to be integrated into farming and aqua-culture systems and can therefore improve food quality and production. The most prominent pollutants in urban SSA surface waters and the pollutant removal efficiencies for microbial and chemical contaminations of different plant species were identified from the literature and the accumulation rates for Pb, Cr, and Cd were compared with each other. A strong focus was given to studies conducted in SSA or other (sub)tropical regions. This review identified a range of potential phytoremediators to treat contaminated surface water and highlights the need for further in situ studies in SSA. Plant species such as Lemna minor, Ipomoea aquatica, Spirodela polyrhiza and Brachiaria mutica show a high potential to phytoremediate the heavy metals Pb, Cr and Cd from surface water.

Forage production and quality of <i>Urochloa decumbens</i> cultivar ‘Basilisk’ in Okinawa, Japan

Two studies were conducted to assess forage growth and nutritive value of Urochloa decumbens (syn. Brachiaria decumbens) cultivar ‘Basilisk’ in comparison with other grass species grown in Okinawa during 2002–2005 and 2006–2008. Harvests were performed every 40 days from April to October and every 55 days from November to March. In Experiment 1, from 2002 to 2005 total dry matter (DM) yield of ‘Basilisk’ (119.5 t/ha) was significantly higher than that of Digitaria eriantha cultivar ‘Transvala’ (87.4 t/ha; P = 0.01), one of the most popular recommended grass varieties in Okinawa Prefecture. Mean DM digestibility of ‘Basilisk’ was 56.7%, significantly higher than that of other recommended grass varieties (54.5–51.4%). In addition, total digestible DM yield (64.8 t/ha) and crude protein (CP) yield (13.7 t/ha) of ‘Basilisk’ were significantly higher than those of other varieties including ‘Transvala’ (P<0.01). In Experiment 2, total DM yield of ‘Basilisk’ during 2006–2008 was 93.0 t/ha and significantly higher only than that of Urochloa mutica (syn. Brachiaria mutica) (78.6 t/ha; P<0.01), whereas mean DM digestibility (54.8%) was significantly higher only than that of Chloris gayana cultivar ‘Katambora’ (52.8%; P<0.05). Total digestible DM yield (48.8 t/ha) of ‘Basilisk’ was significantly higher only than that of U. mutica (40.3 t/ha; P<0.01) while its total CP yield (10.4 t/ha) was similar to those of other Urochloa cultivars (P>0.05). As a result, in 2016 ‘Basilisk’ was approved to be added to the list of grasses recommended for sowing in Okinawa Prefecture for improving beef production in the area. A suitable supply of seed to allow this cultivar to be sown widely is essential if its potential for improving beef production in the region is to be realized.

Evaluation of the food of red-billed quelea (Quelea. quelea) during off-cropping season in Gyawana ecosystem Adamawa State

The evaluation of the food items of red-billed quelea during off-cropping season in Gyawana ecosystem was carried out, to ascertain the wild food of Quelea quelea foraged on during off- cropping season. Red-billed quelea (Q, quelea) devastation of crops continues to be a problem that militates against food security in Adamawa State and other arid regions of Nigeria. The bird appears to have alternative food sources which ensure its survival and breeding during off- cropping seasons. The crop contents of Q, quelea were analysed. Nine (9) different food items were identified including seeds of different grasses, insect remains and Grits from the crops of one hundred and fifty (150) Q, quelea sampled for this study. Echinochloa colonum has the highest frequency and magnitude of occurrence in the food items foraged on by the Q, quelea with a mean value of 40.20±0.72, followed by Digitaria ciliaris (35.33±1.03), Digitaria iburua (29.96±1.12), Setaria pallidofusca (29.33±0.41), Roetboellia exaltata (21.67±0.25), Brachiaria mutica (1.71±0.16) and the least seed consumed is Cenchrus biflorus with a mean of 1.15±0.02. Grits was consumed in small quantity (0.15±0.36) by both sexes, while insects remained was observed only in female’s crop of the Quelea birds. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean number of various seeds consumed by the Q, quelea during the period of the study. The result shows no significant difference in the food items consumed by Red-billed Quelea during off-cropping season at P >0.05. Based on the findings of this research work, the researchers therefore, recommend that further study should be carryout on the food items of Q, quelea during cropping season and also biological control of this Quelea birds (Q, quelea).

Usability of Brachiaria mutica (para grass) and Cyperus rotundus (nut grass) as bioadsorbents for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution: isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics studies

Usability of Brachiaria mutica (para grass) and Cyperus rotundus (nut grass) as bioadsorbents for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution: isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics studies

Productive and Profitable Rice Based Cropping Systems for Coastal Plains of Kerala

The production potential and economics of rice-based cropping sequences for coastal plains of Kerala were investigated as part of the ongoing All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming Systems (ICAR) being implemented in the Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS) of Kerala Agricultural University located at Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, during Kharif, Rabi and summer seasons of 2019-2020. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eleven treatments i.e., CS1 : rice - fallow - fallow, CS2 : rice - rice - fallow, CS3 : rice - dhaincha - cowpea, CS4 : (rice + dhaincha) - rice - green gram, CS5 : rice - cassava - amaranthus, CS6 : rice - cassava - cowpea, CS7 : rice - para grass - fodder cowpea, CS8 : rice - fodder cowpea - fodder maize, CS9 : rice - okra - culinary melon, CS10 : rice - okra - yard long bean and CS11 : rice - rice - amaranthus, all replicated thrice. Among the cropping sequences, the productivity in terms of rice equivalent yield (28.93 t ha-1) and system productivity (0.079 t ha-1 day-1) was highest for CS10 : rice - okra - yard long bean. The maximum gross returns (`Rs. 901865 ha-1) and net returns (`Rs. 545705 ha-1) were also found to be highest for CS10 : rice - okra - yard long bean. However, B: C ratio was highest for CS9 : rice - okra - culinary melon (2.64) followed by CS10 : rice - okra - yard long bean (2.53).

First Report of Occultibambusa jonesii on Para Grass (Brachiaria mutica) in Yunnan, China

During a survey of ascomycetes in Yunnan in the dry season (April 2021), an ascomycete was found on para grass [Brachiaria mutica (Forssk.) Stapf] submerged in a freshwater stream in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α and rpb2 gene regions demonstrated that the novel strain (KUMCC 21-0469) shared the same branch length with Occultibambusa jonesii [GZCC 16-0117, ex-type strain] (98% ML, 1.00 PP) and grouped with O. aquatica with signifi cant support (91% ML, 1.00 PP). Morphological characteristics were inadequate to distinguish species in Occultibambusa. We therefore identify our new collection (KUN-HKAS122243, strain KUMCC 21-0469) as O. jonesii based solely on phylogenetic evidence. The conspecifi c status of O. aquatica and O. jonesii is questionable in this study due to the lack of genetic information on O. aquatica. The ex-type stain of O. aquatica has been acquired to be re-sequenced for further evaluation of its phylogenetic status. Occultibambusa jonesii was isolated from dead culms of bamboo in terrestrial environments in Guizhou Province, China. In the present study, the species was isolated from para grass submerged in a freshwater stream in Yunnan Province, China. This discovery is a new record on host/habitats and geography for O. jonesii. Detailed description and illustration of O. jonesii as well as the updated phylogenetic relationships of taxa in Occultibambusaceae and geographical distribution map of Occultibambusa are provided.

Effect of selected bioengineering measures on runoff, soil loss, and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) productivity in the semi-arid region of western India

Soil erosion and associated loss of soil nutrients and organic carbon are one of the major reasons for low crop productivity in major cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growing areas of India. This calls for designing acceptable and low-cost bioengineering measures to enhance system productivity and soil health. Thus, a field study was conducted at Vasad, Gujarat, India from 2014 to 2017 to evaluate the efficacy of selected bioengineering treatments on cotton crop production and runoff and soil loss. The eight experimental treatments consisted of bio-filters of three grass species, viz.Para (Brachiaria mutica), Guinea (Megathyrsus maximus),and Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) at two strip widths (1 m and 2 m), field bund, and the conventional system as practiced by the farmers of the region. The treatments were tested in 45 × 10 m plots having the gauging facility for recording runoff and soil loss data. Rainfall, runoff, sediment concentration, soil loss, organic carbon, nutrient loss, and growth and yield parameters of grass barrier species and the cotton crop were recorded and analysed. The filter strip of Guinea sp. at 2 m width was most effective, reducing runoff by 30%, soil loss by 66%, nutrients loss by 69%, sediment concentration to 1/3rd, and soil organic carbon loss by 65%. The lowest runoff coefficient value of 0.209 observed among the filter strips in this treatment, indicated about 79% of rainwater was conserved in situ. The available soil nutrients increased by up to 42% and SOC concentration by 61%, and cotton equivalent yield by 25% than that of the conventional system. We concluded that Guinea grass filter strips of 2 m width planted at 45 m spacing in cultivable lands having 2% slope minimized runoff, soil loss, nutrient loss, improved soil fertility and enhanced cotton productivity.

Role of Bacterial Consortium and Synthetic Surfactants in Promoting the Phytoremediation of Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil Using Brachiaria mutica

Crude oil is causing widespread pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Phytoremediation, which is an emerging technology, involves the efficient use of plant species to remove, detoxify, and/or immobilize contaminants in the soil through natural processes. For this study, Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) inoculated with a previously isolated and characterized bacterial consortium was grown in a pot containing crude oil-contaminated soil. The effects of different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1% of 10% detergent solution in ultrapure water) of nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100) on the degradation of crude oil in contaminated soil were observed. After 4-month experimentation, the maximum growth of the plant root length (28.57 cm), shoot length (65.73 cm), and dry biomass of root and shoot (92.42 g) in the pot having an application of surfactants of 0.1% augmented with the bacterial consortium (T7) was observed. Increasing the concentration of Triton X-100 from 0.01 to 1% augmented with a bacterial consortium led to the maximum removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons ranging between 6 and 40%. This is an indication of the inhibiting effect of Triton X-100 above 0.1% on the growth of plants. Furthermore, the hydrocarbon degradation was confirmed by the FTIR study that can be attributed to the adopted plant species' ability to degrade crude oil contamination, and it is evident through the FTIR results after 120 days of experimentation that the different functional groups are responsible for petroleum hydrocarbons present in soil samples. The current study concludes that the application of integrated treatment of crude oil-contaminated soil by using Triton X-100 and augmented with microbes can help to restore polluted soils for agricultural use. Future strategies such as bioaugmentation of contaminated soil with PGPR and the use of genetically modified (GMO) plants may result in amplifying plant tolerance and ultimately lower the level of soil pollutants for better soil health and boost plant yield.

Elucidating the Potential of Vertical Flow-Constructed Wetlands Vegetated with Different Wetland Plant Species for the Remediation of Chromium-Contaminated Water

Water scarcity is one of the key global challenges affecting food safety, food security, and human health. Constructed wetlands (CWs) provide a sustainable tool to remediate wastewater. Here we explored the potential of vertical flow-CWs (VF-CWs) vegetated with ten indigenous wetland plant species to treat chromium (Cr)-contaminated water. The wetland plants were vegetated to develop VF-CWs to treat Cr-contaminated water in a batch mode. Results revealed that the Cr removal potential of VF-CWs vegetated with different wetland plants ranged from 47% to 92% at low (15 mg L−1) Cr levels and 36% to 92% at high (30 mg L−1) Cr levels, with the maximum (92%) Cr removal exhibited by VF-CWs vegetated with Leptochloa fusca. Hexavalent Cr (Cr(VI)) was reduced to trivalent Cr (Cr(III)) in treated water (96–99 %) of all VF-CWs. All the wetland plants accumulated Cr in the shoot (1.9–34 mg kg−1 dry weight (DW)), although Cr content was higher in the roots (74–698 mg kg−1 DW) than in the shoots. Brachiaria mutica showed the highest Cr accumulation in the roots and shoots (698 and 45 mg kg−1 DW, respectively), followed by Leptochloa fusca. The high Cr level significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the stress tolerance index (STI) percentage of the plant species. Our data provide strong evidence to support the application of VF-CWs vegetated with different indigenous wetland plants as a sustainable Cr-contaminated water treatment technology such as tannery wastewater.

Comparative Evaluation of Selected Grass Species for Agronomic Performance, Forage Yield, and Chemical Composition in the Highlands of Ethiopia

The study was conducted to determine the effect of different grass species (Brachiaria mutica, Desho, and Napier) and harvesting stages on agronomic performance, forage dry matter yield, and chemical composition. The grass species used were Desho (Pennisetum pedicellatum), Brachiaria (Brachiaria mutica), and Napier (Pennisetum purpureum), and the harvesting stages considered were 60, 90, and 120 days after establishment of grasses, respectively. The data collected included the following: percent plant survival (PS), plant height (PH), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), leaf length per plant (LLPP), leaf width per plant (LWPP), number of nodes per plant (NNPP), leaf-to-stem ratio (LSR), dry matter yield (DMY), and chemical composition of the grass species. Samples of grass species were harvested at different ages after establishment, weighed, and dried, and then, ground subsamples were taken for determination of dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude protein yield (CPY), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Results showed that morphological characteristics, forage dry matter yield, and chemical composition of the forage grasses were significantly affected by interactions of species ( P < 0.001 ) and harvesting dates. The highest mean PH (115.2 cm), DMY (11.8 t/ha), and %CP (11.6) were recorded from Brachiaria mutica grass which was followed by Napier grass with mean PH of 87.25 cm and mean DMY of 9.8 t/ha. The %CP content of Desho and Napier grasses declined by 24%, while %CP content of Brachiaria grass declined by 26% with increased harvesting stages. Therefore, among tested grass species, Brachiaria mutica grass was recommended followed by Napier and Desho grass for on-farm evaluation and demonstration in the study area at all harvesting ages. Farmers engaged in forage grass production could seriously consider the harvesting stage as the grasses responded differently to the chemical composition.

Co-hydrothermal liquefaction of phumdi and paragrass an aquatic biomass: Characterization of bio-oil, aqueous fraction and solid residue

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of wet aquatic biomasses namely, Paragrass (PG) and Phumdi (PH) and a mixture of PG-PH were examined. Different reaction parameters such as temperature (260–300 °C) and solvents (water, ethanol, and methanol) were screened to optimize the products distribution. Maximum bio-oil yield (13.82 wt%) was observed for PG under water solvent. In case of mixture of biomass (PG-PH), maximum bio-oil yield (11.66 wt%) was observed with ethanol solvent. In case of PH biomass, maximum conversion of 98.4 wt% was found with water solvent at 300 °C. Individual liquefaction of PH and PG biomass majorly produced ester compounds (49.21 and 52.58%, respectively) in the presence of ethanol as solvent. Co-liquefaction bio-oil consisted of phenolic compounds (67.49%) with ethanol as solvent followed by 50.84% in water and 49.59% in methanol. In water solvent, PH biomass showed higher carbon conversion efficiency (69.8%). The PG-PH hydrothermal liquefaction derived aqueous fraction showed significantly higher (57000 mg/L) organic carbon. Obvious difference in the product yields and compounds formed during liquefaction reaction is ascribed to the distinct effect of solvents and temperatures on biomass macromolecular breakdown.

Optimal Mowing Regime in Enhancing Biodiversity in Seasonal Floodplains along Engineered Channels

The vegetation grown on grasscretes along channelized rivers have been regularly mown in Hong Kong. However, no baseline information on the relationship between different mowing regimes and the biodiversity of such riverbed vegetation is available. We therefore carried out a manipulative experiment along a channelized river to test the effect of mowing frequency and intensity on the abundance and species richness of terrestrial biodiversity. We conducted point counts and transect counts to survey birds, butterflies and Odonates, night surveys for amphibians and reptiles, quadrat surveys for vegetation and sweep net and pan traps for other macroinvertebrates. The results from Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) showed a taxon-specific effect of mowing regime. Bird species richness was significantly suppressed in plots mown with high frequency. Both butterfly abundance and species richness were greatly enhanced by low intensity and low frequency mowing. Odonate abundance, and the abundance and species richness of other macroinvertebrates remained high whenever a portion of vegetation was retained as refuge. Amphibians and reptiles did not prefer to utilize the vegetation grown on grasscretes, and thus showed no impact from different mowing regimes. The overall species richness of vegetation was not affected by mowing regimes, but the domination of tall invasive Brachiaria mutica was suppressed by any mowing activity. To cater for the need of most taxa, we propose a mosaic mowing regime, in which most parts along the channelized river could be mown infrequently to 600 mm tall while some of the patches remain unmown.

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using bacterial cellulase and its role in saccharification and bioethanol production from aquatic weeds

In this investigation, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using cellulase (partially purified from Glutamicibacter arilaitensis strain ALA4) as reducing agent. The biosynthesis of AuNPs was confirmed by observing the appearance of purple colour solution with surface plasmon resonance absorption peak (λmax) at 574 nm. The SEM analysis showed the synthesis of gold nanocrystals with an average size of 5–7 nm. Cellulase was partially purified from strain ALA4 using standard protocols, and further immobilized on AuNPs for assessing its role in the saccharification of alkali (4% w/v NaOH) pre-treated aquatic weeds (Alternanthera philoxeroides and Brachiaria mutica) biomass. The pre-treated biomass of A. philoxeroides exhibited maximum total reducing sugar (TRS) yield of 18.95 ± 0.18 mg/g at 72 h. The pre-treated biomass exhibited increased saccharification degree of 38.25 ± 0.8, 49.05 ± 0.7, 67.05 ± 0.7, 85.27 ± 0.8, and 67.99 ± 0.8% from 12 to 96 h. Likewise, the pre-treated biomass of B. mutica exhibited maximum TRS yield of 20.98 ± 0.17 mg/g at 72 h. The pre-treated biomass exhibited increased saccharification degree of 44.46 ± 0.7, 55.53 ± 0.8, 73.26 ± 0.7, 94.41 ± 0.8, and 73.3 ± 0.7% from 12 to 96 h. Bioethanol production from pre-treated aquatic weeds were estimated by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process using yeast cells immobilized on sodium alginate. Ethanol content was estimated using Gas Chromatography. The yeast cells immobilized in calcium alginate beads showed ethanol production of 45.09 and 50.1% from NaOH pre-treated A. philoxeroides and B. mutica biomass, respectively. Findings of this study suggested pronounced role of bacterial cellulase-assisted-synthesized AuNPs in biofuel industries for the successful production of bioethanol from distinct aquatic weeds biomass in a cost-effective manner in future.