Physicochemical Assays Research Articles

Haskap Juicing Method Effects on Haskap Juice Quality

This research is the first study on the influence of juicing methods on the ‘Aurora’ haskap juice quality. Three common juice extraction methods, namely, using a steam juicer, a centrifugal juicer, and a bladder wine press, were applied for haskap juice extraction. Both physicochemical assays and tests of antioxidant activities were employed to evaluate the qualities of the haskap juice. Generally, the centrifugal juicer increased and the steam juicer reduced concentrations of measured juice components relative to the press. The juice from the centrifugal juicer had the highest cloudiness. Sugar concentrations were about 40% lower in steam juice compared to the centrifugal juicer. Pressed juice had a slightly lower soluble solid content than the juice made with the centrifugal juicer and concentrations of glucose and fructose were similar between these methods. The methods altered pH and malic acid content without affecting the concentrations of tartaric and malic acids. Similar effects of juicing methods were seen in secondary compounds associated with health benefits and antioxidant capacities. Anthocyanin concentrations in press and centrifugal juicer extracts were similar, about 1.6 times higher than steam juicer extracts. Total phenolics and antioxidant activities were from two to four times higher in the centrifugal juicer extraction compared to steam juicing. Ascorbic acid and total flavonoid content in the haskap juice was increased by centrifugal juicing and decreased by steam juicing compared to the press. Overall, the juice extracted with the centrifugal juicer had concentrations of juice components that were 1.5–2 times higher than the steam juicer. The pressed juice had similar to slightly lower concentrations of components compared to the centrifugal juicer.

Improvement of the Physicochemical Limitations of Rhapontigenin, a Cytotoxic Analogue of Resveratrol against Colon Cancer.

It has been argued that methoxylated stilbenes are better candidates for oral administration than hydroxylated stilbenes, including resveratrol, as they share many biological activities but have better bioavailability. By contrast, they have a disadvantage to consider, i.e., their lower hydrophilic character that leads to precipitation issues in the final product. In this work, we analysed and compared the growth inhibition of colorectal cancer cells of the methoxylated stilbene rhapontigenin and some analogues and overcame potential problems in the development of fortified products by designing inclusion complexes. Among several cyclodextrins, we found the one that best fit the molecule by physicochemical and bioinformatics assays. The stoichiometry and the encapsulation constants with natural and modified cyclodextrins were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The most promising complexes were analysed at different temperature and pH conditions, determining the thermodynamic parameters, to discover the optimal conditions for the preparation and storage of the products. The results showed that rhapontigenin solubility and stability were significantly improved, achieving a sevenfold increase in water solubility and maintaining more than 73% of the stilbene after three months. These findings could be of great interest for industries that aim to deliver novel bioactive compounds with higher solubility and lower degradation.

Gasoline discrimination using infrared spectroscopy and virtual samples based on measurement uncertainty

In a previous work, we proposed a methodology for pair-wise discrimination of gasoline samples by creating virtual samples based on physicochemical assays or distillation curves. Satisfactory results were achieved, although specialist and specific apparatus (not commonly available at police laboratories) were required. The present study goes a step further and for the first time investigates the possibility of infrared (IR) spectroscopy to enable a virtual samples-based methodology for comparison of gasoline samples in pairs. IR spectroscopy feasibility for in situ applications is attractive for forensic investigations. The performances of one handheld NIR device and one dual-range (FT-NIR and FT-IR) benchtop spectrometer were evaluated. The estimation of uncertainty in infrared spectral measurement (needed to generate virtual samples) is barely discussed in literature. So far, there are no literature reports describing quantification and comparison of measurement uncertainties for the spectral acquisitions evaluated here, especially regarding their use for generating virtual samples. A stepwise procedure to quantify uncertainties associated with IR spectral acquisition, at each wavenumber, is described. This method can be useful for understanding both the sources of variability in IR measurements and the system under investigation. Uncertainty estimation was based on experimental data and considered intermediate precision, repeatability and variations in sample temperature as sources of variability. Virtual samples were employed in a discrimination approach using SIMCA models. Results for portable NIR, FT-NIR and FT-IR data sets showed complete discrimination for 96.3%, 93.4% and 93.7% of the 1431 pairs of gasoline samples evaluated, respectively. These results were comparable and similar to those obtained for the physicochemical properties data set (95.7%), although slightly inferior to the result obtained for distillation curves (99.2%). Using IR non-destructive methods in this case could enable faster investigations and simpler analysis, especially for the low-cost handheld spectrometer. In a screening approach, atmospheric distillation assays can be employed only if infrared techniques are not capable of distinguishing the samples subject to comparison. In this work, a pair of samples was considered to be completely discriminated only when a null false positive error (FPR) was achieved, although a more flexible criterium may be acceptable in practice. Finally, the methodology could be extended to other applications where sample comparison is important.

HIV and SIV Envelope Glycoproteins Interact with Glycolipids and Lipids.

The present study demonstrates that, in addition to interacting with galactosylceramide (GalCer), HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV envelope glycoproteins are able to interact with glucosylceramide (GlcCer), lactosylceramide (LacCer), and ceramide. These interactions were characterized by using three complementary approaches based on molecular binding and physicochemical assays. The binding assays showed that iodinated radiolabeled HIV-1 and HIV-2 glycoproteins (125I-gp) interact physically with GalCer, GlcCer, LacCer, and ceramide previously separated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) or directly coated on a flexible 96-well plate. These interactions are specific as demonstrated, on the one hand, by the dose-dependent inhibition in the presence of various dilutions of immune, but not non-immune, sera, and, on the other hand, by the absence of interaction of these glycolipids/lipids with 125I-IgG used as an unrelated control protein. These interactions were further confirmed in a physicochemical assay, based on the capacity of these glycolipids for insertion in a pre-established monomolecular film, as a model of the cell membrane, with each glycolipid/lipid. The addition of HIV envelope glycoproteins, but not ovomucoid protein used as a negative control, resulted in a rapid increase in surface pressure of the glycolipid/lipid films, thus indirectly confirming their interactions with GalCer, GlcCer, LacCer, and ceramide. In summary, we show that HIV and SIV envelope glycoproteins bind to GalCer, GlcCer, LacCer, and ceramide in a dose-dependent, saturable, and specific manner. These interactions may function as receptors of attachment in order to facilitate infection of CD4 low or negative cells or promote interactions with other receptors leading to the activation of signaling pathways or pathogenesis.

Lignin-enriched tricalcium phosphate/sodium alginate 3D scaffolds for application in bone tissue regeneration

The bone is a connective, vascularized, and mineralized tissue that confers protection to organs, and participates in the support and locomotion of the human body, maintenance of homeostasis, as well as in hematopoiesis. However, throughout the lifetime, bone defects may arise due to traumas (mechanical fractures), diseases, and/or aging, which when too extensive compromise the ability of the bone to self-regenerate. To surpass such clinical situation, different therapeutic approaches have been pursued. Rapid prototyping techniques using composite materials (consisting of ceramics and polymers) have been used to produce customized 3D structures with osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. In order to reinforce the mechanical and osteogenic properties of these 3D structures, herein, a new 3D scaffold was produced through the layer-by-layer deposition of a tricalcium phosphate (TCP), sodium alginate (SA), and lignin (LG) mixture using the Fab@Home 3D-Plotter. Three different TCP/LG/SA formulations, LG/SA ratio 1:3, 1:2, or 1:1, were produced and subsequently evaluated to determine their suitability for bone regeneration. The physicochemical assays demonstrated that the LG inclusion improved the mechanical resistance of the scaffolds, particularly in the 1:2 ratio, since a 15 % increase in the mechanical strength was observed. Moreover, all TCP/LG/SA formulations showed an enhanced wettability and maintained their capacity to promote the osteoblasts' adhesion and proliferation as well as their bioactivity (formation of hydroxyapatite crystals). Such results support the LG inclusion and application in the development of 3D scaffolds aimed for bone regeneration.

Polycaprolactone nanofibers colonized by HeLa cells: an alternative for in vitro investigation of fungal infection.

Introduction: In vitro 3D equivalent tissues can be used for studies of fungal infections. Objectives: To develop 3D electrospun nanofibers using polycaprolactone (PCL) colonized by HeLa cells as a possible in vitro model for the investigation of fungal infection. Materials & methods: A PCL solution was synthesized and electrospun. HeLa cells were cultured on the nanostructured PCL scaffolds, forming a 3D structure. Physicochemical, biological and Candida albicans infection assays were performed in this model. Results: The nanostructured PCL scaffolds showed favorable physicochemical characteristics and allowed the colonization of HeLa cells, which showed indications of extracellular matrix production. Conclusions: Fungal infection was evidenced in the 3D nanostructured PCL scaffolds, being viable, economical and compatible to study fungal infections in vitro.

Improved PIEZO1 agonism through 4-benzoic acid modification of Yoda1.

The protein PIEZO1 forms mechanically activated, calcium-permeable, non-selective cation channels in numerous cell types from several species. Options for pharmacological modulation are limited and so we modified a small-molecule agonist at PIEZO1 channels (Yoda1) to increase the ability to modulate these channels. Medicinal chemistry generated Yoda1 analogues that were tested in intracellular calcium and patch-clamp assays on cultured cells exogenously expressing human or mouse PIEZO1 or mouse PIEZO2. Physicochemical assays and wire myography assays on veins from mice with genetic disruption of PIEZO1. A Yoda1 analogue (KC159) containing 4-benzoic acid instead of the pyrazine of Yoda1 and its potassium salt (KC289) have equivalent or improved reliability, efficacy and potency, compared with Yoda1 in functional assays. Tested against overexpressed mouse PIEZO1 in calcium assays, the order of potency (as EC50 values, nM) was KC289, 150 > KC159 280 > Yoda1, 600). These compounds were selective for PIEZO1 over other membrane proteins, and the physicochemical properties were more suited to physiological conditions than those of Yoda1. The vasorelaxant effects were consistent with PIEZO1 agonism. In contrast, substitution with 2-benzoic acid failed to generate a modulator. 4-Benzoic acid modification of Yoda1 improves PIEZO1 agonist activity at PIEZO1 channels. We suggest naming this new modulator Yoda2. It should be a useful tool compound in physiological assays and facilitate efforts to identify a binding site. Such compounds may have therapeutic potential, for example, in diseases linked genetically to PIEZO1 such as lymphatic dysplasia.

Protective effects of alpha-mangostin encapsulated in cyclodextrin-nanoparticle on cerebral ischemia.

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during and after the onset of an ischemic stroke induces neuronal cell death and severely damages brain function. Therefore, reducing ROS by administrating antioxidant compounds is a promising approach to improving ischemic symptoms. Alpha-mangostin (α-M) is an antioxidant compound extracted from the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit. Reportedly, α-M decreases neuronal toxicity in primary rat cerebral cortical neurons. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective activity of α-M in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Pretreatment with α-M inhibited excessive cellular ROS production after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro using an SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma) cell line. In addition, α-M maintained mitochondrial membrane potential and suppressed mitochondrial-specific ROS production induced by OGD/R. Meanwhile, the low bioavailability of α-M due to its poor water solubility has been an insuperable obstruction impeding extensive investigations of the biological functions of α-M and its medical applications. To overcome this problem, we synthesized a cyclodextrin-based nanoparticle (CDNP) that is known to increase the loading efficiency and binding constant of α-M, compared with cyclodextrins themselves. This nano-formulated α-M (α-M/CDNP) was optimized for an in vivo ischemic stroke model. Our results indicated that α-M/CDNP (25mg/kg/injection) reduced infarct volume and improved neurological behavior (p=0.036 and p=0.046, respectively). These in vivo results suggest that α-M appears to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with the help of a nano-formulation with CDNP. Combining an in vitro BBB model and a physicochemical binding assay between α-M and albumin, it is speculated that α-M released from CDNP would interact with albumin during its prolonged circulation in the blood, and the resultant α-M/albumin complex may cross the BBB through the absorptive-mediated transcytosis pathway. These findings suggest the potential clinical application of α-M in ischemic stroke treatment.

An approach based on virtual samples for gasoline discrimination using physicochemical properties or distillation curves

Forensic cases such as fuel theft may require comparison of gasoline samples to decide whether or not gasolines seized at different locations are from the same origin. For example, a police investigation may need to identify if a gasoline sample seized from a tanker truck is the same as a sample from a filling station tank. This work proposes a novel methodology based on gasoline physicochemical properties or distillation curves enabling comparison of gasoline samples in pairs. A pair-wise comparison approach generally requires repeated measurements. Aiming to overcome the need for numerous repeated measurements, a computational approach to generate virtual samples from real gasoline measurements was developed. Measurement uncertainties of the methods were considered in this approach. The real and virtual samples were then used to compose the data set evaluated by pattern recognition techniques. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied for exploratory studies and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) was used for classification. Fifty-four common gasoline samples containing anhydrous ethanol fuel (27–30%v/v) collected from fuel stations located in the state of Pernambuco (Brazil) were used in this study. The 1431 possible pairs of samples were evaluated by SIMCA, with between 96% and 99% of them completely distinguishable when physicochemical assays and distillation curves were employed, respectively. These results suggest that the proposed methodology could be useful for helping in investigations requiring this type of gasoline comparison as fast as possible. Moreover, the strategy developed could also be extended to other applications that require discrimination of samples in pairs.

Conformity assessment of medicines containing antibiotics – A multivariate assessment

Pharmaceutical products must meet quality requirements to ensure the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment. Non-compliance of medicines can cause economic losses and compromise the patient's health. In this work, the risks of false compliance/non-compliance decisions for parenteral antibiotics (cephalothin, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) were evaluated on the basis of analytical results, measurement uncertainties and specification limits. Physicochemical and biological quality assays were performed according to pharmacopeial procedures. Measurement uncertainties were determined using the bottom-up approach or the probability of false-positive/false-negative results. The risks of false compliance/non-compliance decisions were estimated using the frequentist approach and Monte Carlo simulations. Guard-bands were determined through a validated spreadsheet for calculating univariate and multivariate acceptance limits. All risk values (particular risks and total risk, consumer's or producer's risk) were below the maximum permissible risk value. The univariate and multivariate guard-bands defined more restrictive specification values, reducing the risks of false compliance/non-compliance decisions. One antibiotic presented unsatisfactory results regarding the drug content and was classified as out of specification product. The application of risk management tools in the pharmaceutical area contributes to improving the quality and safety of products and supports decision-making.

Bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil using local organic materials and earthworms

Bioremediation technologies have demonstrated significant success on biological quality recovery of hydrocarbon contaminated soils, employing techniques among which composting and vermiremediation stand out. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of these processes to remediate diesel-contaminated soil, employing local organic materials and earthworms. During the initial composting stage (75 days), the substrate was made up using contaminated soil, lombricompost, rice hulls and wheat stubbles (60:20:15:5% w/w). Diesel concentration in the contaminated substrate was about 5 g kg−1, equivalent to a Total Petroleum Hidrocarbons (TPH) experimental concentration of 3425 ± 50 mg kg−1. During the later vermiremediation stage (60 days), the earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Amynthas morrisi were evaluated for their hydrocarbon degradation capacity. Physicochemical and biological assays were measured at different times of each stage and ecotoxicity assays were performed at the end of the experiments. TPH concentration reduced 10.91% after composting and from 45.2 to 60.81% in the different treatments after vermiremediation. Compared with TPH degradation in the treatment without earthworms (16.05%), results indicate that earthworms, along with indigenous microorganisms, accelerate the remediation process. Vermiremediation treatments did not present phytotoxicity and reflected high substrate maturity values (>80% Germination Index) although toxic effects were observed due to E. fetida and A morrisi exposure to diesel. Vermiremediation was an efficient technology for the recovery of substrate biological quality after diesel contamination in a short period. The addition of organic materials and suitable food sources aided earthworm subsistence, promoted the decontamination process and improved the substrate quality for future productive applications.

Novel Antimalarial Drug Screening Based on Methyl Eugenol, Cinnamaldehyde, and Thiosemicarbazone with Cysteine Protease Inhibition: In Silico Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and ADMET Studies

Plasmodium falciparum malaria contributes to significant global diseases. Computer-aided drug design, screening, and discovery were used to analyze a novel series of Methyl Eugenol Benzaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone (MEBThi) and Methyl Eugenol Cinnamaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone (MECThi) derivatives for malaria falciparum inhibition. This present study showed that 16 molecules from 28 of MEBThi and MECThi have affinities and interaction with active-site residues of cysteine protease, a key player in erythrocyte proliferation of P. falciparum. 13-MECThi demonstrates the best binding affinity at ˗8.0 kcal/mol while co-drug ˗5.6 kcal/mol. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic assays of 13- MECThi have also revealed this potent compound. Toxicity analysis shows that 13-MECThi does not have mutagenicity and carcinogenicity characters, whereas co-drug has mutagenicity probability. The molecular dynamic evaluation illustrated that the 13-MECThi complex has higher Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) values, indicating its structure was more flexible than the chloroquine complex. Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) complex of receptor and 13-MECThi has no fundamental differences with chloroquine complex. This designed compound should be considered a falciparum antimalarial drug.

Quality assessment of ciprofloxacin tablets - an antimicrobial drug marketed in Bangladesh

Ciprofloxacin is a syntheticfluroquinolone derivative. It is prescribed as a potent antibiotic to treat bacterial infections. An attempt was made to assess the quality of six brands of ciprofloxacin tablets marketed in Bangladesh. Various physicochemical tests, viz., weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration, dissolution and assay for the content of the active ingredient, were performed in accordance with the methods described in the United States Pharmacopoeia 38 (USP 38). UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique was used for dissolution test while High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to estimate the potency. All the samples passed the physical tests carried out except one sample (code 004), which failed the friability test.Dissolution profile of each brand was satisfactory. All the brands of examined for the content of the active ingredient complied with the limit stipulated in USP 38 for ciprofloxacin except two brands (003 and 004) which showed slightly higher potency of the drug.
 Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 10(1 & 2): 9-17, 2021 (June & December)

Aloe vera cookies preparation, nutritional aspects, DPPH assay and physicochemical assay

Aloe vera has been widely used for various therapeutic purposes over the millennia. It is becoming increasingly popular due to its antiviral and antibacterial qualities. For many years, aloe vera has been employed in biomedical research. It's a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value of any food product. This research aims to expand on the nutritional value of cookies by including Aloe vera gel. It would focus on the substance's biological and pharmacological characteristics. The nutritional quality of aloe vera cookies was evaluated after being manufactured with all-natural, chemical-free ingredients. The primary objective was to investigate its functional properties, sensory characteristics, and quality characterization. Quality control was performed on aloe vera cookies, and the results were discussed. The process is quick and straightforward, and it comes at a reasonable cost that boosts nutrient content, but it can also be utilized as a part of a well-balanced diet. Because of its beneficial characteristics, aloe vera-based cookies could be particularly beneficial for most vulnerable groups in underdeveloped countries. The cookies are safe to eat daily as a snack food. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 57(2), 117-122, 2022

Secretory glycoprotein NS1 plays a crucial role in the particle formation of flaviviruses

Flaviviruses, which are globally distributed and cause a spectrum of potentially severe illnesses, pose a major threat to public health. Although Flaviviridae viruses, including flaviviruses, possess similar genome structures, only the flaviviruses encode the non-structural protein NS1, which resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is secreted from cells after oligomerization. The ER-resident NS1 is known to be involved in viral genome replication, but the essential roles of secretory NS1 in the virus life cycle are not fully understood. Here we characterized the roles of secretory NS1 in the particle formation of flaviviruses. We first identified an amino acid residue essential for the NS1 secretion but not for viral genome replication by using protein-protein interaction network analyses and mutagenesis scanning. By using the recombinant flaviviruses carrying the identified NS1 mutation, we clarified that the mutant flaviviruses employed viral genome replication. We then constructed a recombinant NS1 with the identified mutation and demonstrated by physicochemical assays that the mutant NS1 was unable to form a proper oligomer or associate with liposomes. Finally, we showed that the functions of NS1 that were lost by the identified mutation could be compensated for by the in trans-expression of Erns of pestiviruses and host exchangeable apolipoproteins, which participate in the infectious particle formation of pestiviruses and hepaciviruses in the family Flaviviridae, respectively. Collectively, our study suggests that secretory NS1 plays a role in the particle formation of flaviviruses through its interaction with the lipid membrane.

Characterization of nanoparticles-based vaccines for COVID-19.

Several vaccines against COVID-19 use nanoparticles to protect the antigen cargo (either proteins or nucleic acids), increase the immunogenicity and ultimately the efficacy. The characterization of these nanomedicines is challenging due to their intrinsic complexity and requires the use of multidisciplinary techniques and competencies. The accurate characterization of nanovaccines can be conceptualized as a combination of physicochemical, immunological and toxicological assays. This will help to address key challenges in the preclinical characterization, will guide the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines for current and future health crises, and will streamline the regulatory process.

Perakitan Varietas Unggul Padi Beras Merah Aromatik Tekstur Nasi Pulen

Consumption of high nutritional is increasing; therefore, it is necessary to develop pigmented trice variety with high yield, good adaptability, and good grain quality favored by consumer such as soft texture. The development of aromatic rice variety includes crossbreeding, selection, yield trials, resistance test to pest and diseases, physico-chemical properties assay, analyzing of minerals contents and anthocyanin which were done consecutively during 2012 to 2016. The results showed that a promising line of BH39D-MR-11-1-1-6 revealed consistent grain yield in 16 multi-location yield trials both in the dry season and the wet season in average 6.78 t/ha dan 5.35 t/ha, respectively. The line demonstrated its yield potential of 10,67 t/ha, mid-resistance to biotype 1 of brown planthopper, resistance to pathotype III and mid-resistance to pathotype IV and VIII of bacterial leaf blight, and mid-resistance to four races of rice blast (race of 033, 073, 133 and 173). This line had relatively comparable iron content with the check variety of Inpari-5 Merawu but higher in zinc content compared to other lines tested. The dehulled rice was red and contains a high total phenolic compound amounting (5,743 mg AAE/100 g), and its texture was soft and fragrance. The BH39D-MR-11-1-1-6 has been released as new rice variety named as Inpari Arumba and had a great potential to become a national specialty rice choice.

Analytical development insights spanning viral vectors & gene editing

David McCall, Commissioning Editor of Cell & Gene Therapy Insight speaks to Santoshkumar Khatwani, Director Analytical Development, Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. Dr Santosh Khatwani graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2010 with PhD in Chemistry under the guidance of Prof. Sylvia Daunert. The research work focused on the use of generically engineered recombinant protein and enzymes for bio sensing and biomaterial applications. Furthermore, he obtained postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota (until 2012) under the supervision of Prof T Andrew Taton and Prof Mark D Distefano with focus on the use of site-specific covalent conjugation for synthesis of protein–DNA conjugates and analytical assays for the generating novel engineered enzymes with improved functional attributes. Dr Khatwani then joined BioVision Inc. in 2012 and served under different capacities until 2017 where he oversaw the manufacture, testing and release of several recombinant protein, enzyme and assays for various metabolically important enzymes. Furthermore, Dr. Khatwani joined the field of cell and gene therapy at multiple companies including Thermofisher Viral Vector Services (formerly Brammer Bio, 2017–2018), Asklepios Biopharmaceuticals (2019) and Sangamo Therapeutics (2018–2019, 2019-present) at various leadership roles where he has led the development of various analytical assays including physicochemical, biophysical and biological assays to support the manufacture and release of viral vectors in cell and gene therapy. Currently Dr. Khatwani is serving as Director of Analytical Development at Sangamo Therapeutics with strong focus on developing analytical solutions and CMC in support of product development at early and late phase of the clinical development.

Characterization of hostplant innate immunity from Kharif-II rice cultivars against rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guen.) via in-situ screening and physicochemical assays

• BRRI rice 87 and 72 appeared as moderately resistant to RLF infestation. • Cluster analysis grouped Kharif-II rice cultivars into 4 distinct clades. • Tannin and phenol (mg/g) were key precursors of resistance in rice. • Trichome density acted variably in providing physical protection against RLF. • PCA discovered 14 key variables out of 30 regarding total variance explained. In 2019 and 2020, ten rice ( Oryza sativa ) cultivars including check commonly grown in the Kharif-II season (June-November) were in-situ screened against rice leaf folder (RLF, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis ) in RLF-prone experimental plots in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, following RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) with three replicates and physicochemical analyses in the lab to evaluate their innate immunity to the pest. Of ten cultivars, only BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) rice 72 and 87 tended to be moderately resistant (damage scale 3.00–4.99), while BRRI rice 73, 80, and 90 were susceptible to RLF (damage scale 7.00–8.99) and none appearing to be highly resistant or susceptible. In-field evaluation of Kharif-II rice cultivars against RLF, principal component analysis identified 14 key variables of 30 contributing maximum variance of PCA1 and PCA2. Cluster analysis grouped studied rice cultivars into four clades with clade II of BRRI rice 72 and 87 belonging to resistant club with high tannin and phenol contents (mg/g) assuring relatively higher yield (MT/ha) over others. A 3-D surface plot demonstrated, upsurge of larvae/ hill speeded up RLF incidence and severity (%) while bubble plot depicted, tiller infection (%) and RLF-fold length (cm) enhanced by leaf width (cm) limited the grain yield (MT/ha) in rice, well-supportive to correlation analysis. As per regression analysis, unit increment of tannin and phenol content (mg/g) declined tiller infection by 11 and 14%. Identified these two resistant cultivars could be used as potential parents in further breeding programs to develop an elite high yielding Kharif-II rice line by combining their novel resistance through hybridization.

Improved ginseng production under continuous cropping through soil health reinforcement and rhizosphere microbial manipulation with biochar: a field study of Panax ginseng from Northeast China.

ABSTRACTThe production of ginseng, an important Chinese medicine crop, has been increasingly challenged by soil degradation and pathogenic disease under continuous cropping in Northeast China. In a field experiment, an Alfisol garden continuously cropped with Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) was treated with soil amendment at 20 t ha−1 with maize (MB) and wood (WB) biochar, respectively, compared to conventional manure compost (MC). Two years after the amendment, the rooted topsoil and ginseng plants were sampled. The changes in soil fertility and health, particularly in the soil microbial community and root disease incidence, and in ginseng growth and quality were portrayed using soil physico-chemical assays, biochemical assays of extracellular enzyme activities and gene sequencing assays as well as ginsenoside assays. Topsoil fertility was improved by 23% and 39%, ginseng root biomass increased by 25% and 27%, and root quality improved by 6% and 18% with WB and MB, respectively, compared to MC. In the ginseng rhizosphere, fungal abundance increased by 96% and 384%, with a significant and insignificant increase in bacterial abundance, respectively, under WB and MB. Specifically, the abundance of Fusarium spp. was significantly reduced by 19–35%, while that of Burkholderia spp. increased by folds under biochar amendments over MC. Relevantly, there was a significant decrease in the abundance proportion of pathotrophic fungi but a great increase in that of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, along with an enhanced microbial community network complexity, especially fungal community complexity, under biochar amendments. Thus, biochar, particularly from maize residue, could promote ginseng quality production while enhancing soil health and ecological services, including carbon sequestration, in continuously cropped fields.