Plant Powder Research Articles

Facile green synthesis of lanthanum oxide nanoparticles using Centella Asiatica and Tridax plants: Photocatalytic, electrochemical sensor and antimicrobial studies

Lanthanum oxide (La2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the facile green combustion method using the leaf powders of Centella asiatica and Tridax plants (C-La2O3 and T-La2O3 NPs). Various analytical and electrochemical techniques were employed to understand the morphology, crystallinity, and band gap of La2O3 NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that the NPs exists in a hexagonal crystal structure with a crystallite size of 20 nm. The morphological studies (SEM and TEM) revealed La2O3 clusters with porous structures. UV-DRS (diffuse reflectance) spectra was used to arrive at the band gap of 5.44 eV and 5.61 eV for C-La2O3 and T-La2O3 NPs. The thermogravimetric studies showed a 2-step decomposition process involving La(OH)3. Electrochemical and photocatalytic studies were conducted to explore the efficiency of C-La2O3 and T-La2O3 NPs. The better photocatalytic degradation was observed for T-La2O3 NPs with 60% efficiency. In addition, La2O3 NPs also exhibited good antimicrobial activities.

Influences of Dietary Supplementation with Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on Performance, Parameters of Growth Curve and Carcass Characteristics in Japanese Quail.

Simple SummaryIt is known that the bioactive compounds (N-benzyl-palmitamide, benzyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolates and phenolics) in the maca plant are appetizing, as well as having antioxidant effects and improving reproductive ability. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding maca plant powder to the ration at different levels on growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production and some reproductive characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Addition of maca powder to the diet increased the feed consumption but did not affect growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production or fertility. In addition, maca powder reduced embryonic deaths and improved chick quality. According to these results, the positive effects of short-term application of maca powder are not observed during the fattening period in Japanese quails.Maca plant contains rich nutrients and in addition, it has various bioactive substances (N-benzyl-palmitamide, benzyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolates and phenolics). It is used to improve reproductive properties and has antioxidant effects for both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding maca plant powder to the ration at different levels on growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production and some reproductive characteristics in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The experimental groups were formed by adding 0% (control), 0.05% and 0.1% maca powder to the diet, and a total of 300 birds were used. Growth (weekly body weights, parameters of Gompertz growth function), feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of quails in the 42-day fattening trial were determined. Reproductive characteristics were measured up to 22 weeks of age. Addition of maca powder to the diet increased the feed consumption (p < 0.05) but did not affect body weights at 35 and 42 days of age, β0 and β1 parameters or point of inflection weight of the Gompertz model, carcass traits, partial egg production or fertility. It may be advisable to add 0.1% maca powder to the diets of breeders. Besides, maca powder reduced embryonic deaths and improved chick quality (both p < 0.05). It is thought that different results for reproductive traits can be obtained if maca powder is used for a longer period in the diets of breeder quail flocks.

Comparative phytochemical, thin layer chromatographic profiling and antioxidant activity of extracts from some Indian herbal drugs

Natural antioxidants play a significant role to prevent cell breaking and regenerate cells. Three plants native to India named dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus alsinoides), Indian banyan (Ficus bengalensis) and chicory (Chicorium intybus) are used as medicine in India traditionally to treat diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity as well as to compare phytochemical profiles of the aqueous extracts of the selected three plants. The dried plant powder was extracted with ethanol individually by using the Soxhlet method for eight hours and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. Similarly, the air-dried powder was extracted with water, and the water was evaporated. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) profile of the extracts was determined by using TLC densitometer and the antioxidant activity was determined by the conventional 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The TLC profile shows that there are no similarities of retention factor (Rf) values among the plant extracts which means all three plants contain different chemical compounds. The antioxidant activities of the aqueous extracts at different concentrations show different antioxidant activities. Percentage inhibition is dose dependent, as doses are increasing then percentage inhibition is also increasing for all three plant extracts. Among the selected plants, the highest activity was found in C. intybus and the lowest was in E. alsinoides. The order of the antioxidant activity among the selected plants was C. intybus < F. bengalensis < E. alsinoides. Based on the TLC profile and antioxidant activities, the highest activity of the selected plant species was evaluated.

Effect of Microwave-Assisted Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction of α-Solanine from S. retroflexum and Analysis on UHPLC-qTOF-MS

Abstract A new, fast and efficient method, hyphenated microwave-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (MA-ATPE) was applied in the extraction of α-solanine from Solanum retroflexum. This environmentally friendly extraction method applied water and ethanol as extraction solvents. Central composite design (CCD) was performed which included numerical parameters such as time, mass of plant powder and microwave power. The categorical factors included the chaotrope — NaCl or the kosmotrope — Na2CO3. Fitting the central composite design response surface model to the data generated a quadratic model with a good fit (R2 = 0.920). The statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) parameters such as time and mass of plant powder were influential in the extraction of α-solanine. Quantification of α-solanine was achieved using a robust and sensitive feature of the ultra-high performance quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-qTOF-MS), multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The optimized condition for the extraction of α-solanine in the presence of NaCl and Na2CO3 was a period of 1 min at a mass of 1.2 g using a microwave power of 40%. Maximal extraction of α-solanine was 93.50 mg kg−1 and 72.16 mg kg−1 for Na2CO3 and NaCl, respectively. The synergistic effect of salting-out and microwave extraction was influential in extraction of α-solanine. Furthermore, the higher negative charge density of the kosmotrope (Na2CO3) was responsible for its greater extraction of α-solanine than chaotrope (NaCl). The shorter optimal extraction times of MA-ATPE make it a potential technique that could meet market demand as it is a quick, green and efficient method for removal of toxic metabolites in nutraceuticals.

Effects of four herbs as a dietary on properties of egg and immune response against Newcastle and avian influenza vaccine in Japanese laying quail.

This study shows the effectiveness of diet containing Trachyspermum copticum (TC), Majorana hortensis Minch (MH), Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl (SL), and Zingiber officinale (ZO) on the growth performance, biochemical factors, and qualitative agents of eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and their immune responses against Newcastle and Avian Influenza vaccine. For this prepose, 675 quails were divided into 9 groups with three replicates and fed with different treatment diets (basic diet with no supplements (control treatment diet) and diets supplemented with one of two levels (0.5 and 2%) of each plant powders). Data showed that the use of TC 2% increased the Haugh unit significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control (P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, shell weight (g) and shell thickness were also remarkably enhanced in treated groups compared with the control group. Moreover, the findings of this study showed the thiobarbituric acid and yolk cholesterol level reduced remarkably (P < 0.05) in the MH and SL groups without significant adverse effect on albumen protein (%) and total protein (%) level. In this study, TC-2%, ZO-2%, and SL-2% all increased the antibody titers against avian influenza. The use of a diet containing MH-2% increased Newcastle disease in Japanese quail in comparison to both controls and different levels of other medicinal herb powders. Based on these results, using these four herbal plant powders in Japanese quail, diets could positively affect their egg qualitative and biochemical factors.

Effect of the Addition of Thyme “Thymus vulgaris” Leaves on the Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Lamb Meat

Background: The shelf life of meat products can be increased by adding synthetic antioxidants. These antioxidants have long been used, but their safety has recently come into dispute due to a suspected carcinogenic potential. This is why meat technologies have extracted new natural antioxidants from spices and herbs, which are the best alternatives to synthetic compounds. So, the addition of natural flavors (essential oils, powder or extract of aromatic plants) to the meat can improve organoleptic quality and consumer acceptability. Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and organoleptic qualities of meat fortified with thyme powder. With this purpose, 16 samples from four muscles of legs from 4 lambs were used in this work. The muscles were divided into two groups, control group (meat without any supplementation) and thyme group (meat supplemented with thyme). In this later group, a dose of 5% of ground thyme dry leaves was added to the meat. Result: Results showed no significant differences were found among groups for cooking loss, but was slightly higher for meat treated with thymus (33.29 vs. 28.36%). No significant differences between the two groups were observed for the ash, fat and crude protein contents of the meat. At the same manner, no effect was observed on meat lightness (L) and yellowness (b*) (P greater than 0.05), on the contrary, redness (a*) of the meat was affected by addition of thyme (11.28±1.23 vs. 23.06±9.80). Also, significant (P less than 0.05) differences were observed in texture scores, flavor, color and taste between control and the 5% thyme-supplemented meat samples. The overall acceptability of supplemented meat samples was highest (P≤0.05) as compared to control (5.91±2.32 vs. 4.35±2.66). In conclusion, addition of thyme leaves did not affect the physical and chemical properties of meat, except for redness and improved sensory quality.

In Vivo Anthelminthic Activity of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ceratotheca sesamoïdes&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Endl Whole Plant Powder

Small ruminants are an important lever for livestock production in Burkina Faso. With a numerically important livestock population, small ruminants contribute to the fight against poverty and participate greatly in the country's economy. Despite its importance, the development of small ruminant breeding is strongly hindered by parasitic diseases due to gastrointestinal nematodes. The appearance of parasite resistance to anthelmintic molecules makes the treatment of gastrointestinal parasitosis more and more problematic. In order to provide rural farmers with an effective and accessible biological alternative, <i>C. sesamoïdes</i> whole plant powder in vivo anthelmintic efficacy was tested on mossi sheep artificially infested. Mossi sheep was artificially infested with 3200 L3 larvae of <i>H. contortus</i> 30 days before the beginning of the experiment. Two (2) treated batches of 6 sheep each received respectively 14g/kg of body weight and 7g/kg of body weight while one negative control batch of 6 sheep without treatment and one positive batch of 6 sheep treated with levamisole were constituted during the 21 days of experimentation. The Fecal Eggs Count (FEC) reduction rate was high during treatment and reached 87.08% and 74.91% at D21 respectively for the dose of 14g/kg body weight and 7g/kg body weight. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two doses tested and between the two doses and the positive control, whereas the difference was significant (P<0.05) compared to the negative control. The animal’ weight evolution was not significant (P>0.05) compared to the negative control. The mean hematocrit level varied between D0 (27.66) and D21 (30.5) for the 14g/kg body weight dose while that of the animals treated with the 7g/kg body weight dose decreased slightly between D0 (27.33) and D21 (26.66). Biochemical blood tests show no suspicion of hepatic and renal impairment. Thus, <i>C. sesamoïdes</i> could be used as an alternative for the treatment of small ruminant’s gastrointestinal nematodes in the form of whole plant powder in Burkina Faso.

Study the evaluate the efficacy of botanicals and inert dusts for pulse beetle management

Custard apple leaf powder (10g/kg) showed the maximum (18.33%) mortality of pulse beetle after 7 days. The minimum mortality (5.00%) was observed in grains treated with cow dung ash. All the plant powders and inert dusts at their application rates of 5g/kg and 10g/kg reduced the number of eggs laid by pulse beetle when compared with the control, which had the maximum (60.33, 64.33 and 66.33) eggs after 3, 7 and 10 days. The lowest (19.67, 21.33 and 23.00) number of eggs was recorded on grain treated with custard apple leaf powder (10 g/kg). The cow dung dust was least effective at the dose level of 10 g/kg. The plant powders and inert dusts even at their lowest application rate reduced the emergence of adults when compared with control, where the maximum (44.00, 51.33 and 58.67%) adults emerged after 30, 60 and 90 days of intervals. The minimum (20.67, 23.33 and 27.33 %) adults emerged in seeds treated with custard apple leaf powder (10g/kg). The minimum seed damage of 26.67 per cent was recorded in custard apple leaf powder treated seeds, while maximum seed damage (63.33 %) was recorded in the control. The minimum weight loss of 7.17 per cent was recorded in custard apple leaf powder treated seeds, while maximum weight loss (23.40%) was recorded in the control. The maximum germination (52.67 %) was recorded in custard apple leaf powder treated seeds of green gram, while and minimum germination (31.33%) was recorded in control.

Efficacy of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Plant Powder on Health, Growth and Carcass Traits of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica)

The objective of the current work was to assess the effects of Tulsi plant powder on the health, growth and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail. In total, 300 quails (1-week old) were distributed into four treatment groups with five replicates each. The first group (T0) was a control group where a basal standard diet was offered to the birds. Groups T0.5, T1 and T1.5 were supplemented with Tulsi plant powder at a rate of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, respectively. Data were analyzed in SPSS software by applying one-way ANOVA and significant and notable means were analyzed through Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test. Dietary supplementation of T1.5 significantly (p≤0.05) increased the feed intake, body weight, gain in weight and presented a better feed conversion ratio. Significantly higher glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, WBCs, RBCs and HCT were observed in the quails from T1 than in the control group (p≤0.05). However, the quails from T1.5 had significantly (p≤0.05) higher hemoglobin, MCV, platelets and total protein contents. On the other hand, the T0 group was only higher in LDL contents. Non-significant (p>0.05) in MCH, MCHC, triglyceride, VLDL were noted among the experimental groups. It was concluded that the dietary supplementation of Tulsi plant powder at 1.5 % is beneficial for improving the growth performance and can be used in the diet of Japanese quail without compromising the health status and carcass traits.

TOXICITY OF SOME BOTANICAL POWDERS ON MAIZE WEEVIL Sitophilus Zeamais MOTSCHULSKY 1855 (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

Maize production system is challenged by a lot of biotic and abiotic stressors. Among the biotic stressors, the maize weevil is infamous for causing severe damage to stored maize, reducing both qualitative and quantitative qualities. Incessant use of synthetic insecticide to manage maize weevil has led to a public outcry and a need for more eco-compatible options. Botanicals provide a cheap, safe and easy-to-make, and eco-friendly option for maize weevil management. This study was designed to assess the toxicity of four medicinal plant powders on some parameters of maize weevil. The study was conducted in June-July, 2020 in the Food Science laboratory of Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda. Plant powders of Carica papaya seeds, Cupressus macrocarpa leaves, Piper nigrum seeds and a control (no-input) were assessed. All the parameters assessed were significantly influenced by botanical powders (P &lt; 0.05). The highest F1 emergence suppression was observed from piper treatments, followed by cypress and pawpaw treatments. The highest and lowest maize weight loss after storage were 21.0g and 13.25g from control and piper treatments respectively. The highest germination percentage was 95.0%, followed by 80.0%, 75.0% and 52.5% from piper (bush pepper or black pepper, cypress, pawpaw and control treatment, respectively. High repellency potential was observed from botanicals and that of piper can be described as a ‘very good repellant’ and ‘good repellant’ for the other botanicals. The highest adult weevil mortality was 80.05, recorded from piper. The current study demonstrate that botanical powders can play a significant role in maize weevil management. Piper seed powder is highly recommended for management of maize weevil. In addition, it is recommended that botanical powders be incorporated into integrated pest management strategies in order to guarantee safe, healthy and quality maize in storage. Such activities are in line with the objective of sustainable development goals (SDG).

BIO-EFFICACY OF GROUNDED SESAMUM RADIATUM AND PSORALEA CORYLITOLIA ON EMERGENCE OF ANOPHELES GAMBIAE AND CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS

Mosquito larvae are highly distributed species in tropical regions where breeding sites are diverse and causing a number of public health diseases, when they emerge. This study tested the efficacy of two grounded insecticidal plant powders against the emergence of Anopheles and Culex species. Larvae of mosquitoes were collected using 350mL deep ladles and scooping spoon from Ethiope East LGA, Delta State, Nigeria. The mosquito larvae were exposed to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5g of Psoralea corylitolia and Sesamum radiatum in 100mL of water. This corresponded to 0.005, 0.01, and 0.015g/mL concentration of experimental set up respectively. Mosquitoes were exposed to these treatments in 20 larvae per concentration in quadruplicates. Mean mortality and time of mortality were recorded. Probit model was used to determine LT50 and LT95. Mortality of larvae increased as concentration and time increased. Highest mortality was recorded in Culex mosquitoes exposed to 1.5g of Psoralea corylitolia and was closely followed by Anopheles mosquitoes exposed to same concentration of Sesamum radiatum. The differences between the mortalities were highly significant (P&lt;0.00001). Emergence depreciated as the concentration increased with high mortality especially with 0.5g of Psoralea corylitolia exposed to Anopheles mosquito larvae. The insecticidal test plants did not determine the sex of mosquitoes and it was not significant (F sex ratio=1.127; P=0.357). Physicochemical parameters supported the mortality of both larvae exposed to Sesamum radiatum from 30 minutes till end of the post experimental exposure. Lethal time for 50% of mosquitoes ranged from 31 to 5858min whereas LT95 ranged from 1435 to 10218min for the two insecticidal test plants respectively. There is need for more study with the trial of oil of Sesamum radiatum and the determination of the gas chromatograph of this novel plant to ascertain the active components.

Insecticidal activity of leaf powders against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

In laboratory studies leaf powders of ten plants, namely, Ageratum conyzoides L., Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) Lantana camara L., Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae), Piper nigrum L., Piper longum Linn (Piperaceae), Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), Azadiracta indica L. (Meliaceae), Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), Annona squamosa Linn. (Annonaceae) were evaluated for their efficacy to cause mortality, reduction in progeny emergence and repellency against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Adult weevils were exposed to three concentrations (1, 5 and 10%) of each plant powder. Observations for contact toxicity were recorded upto 7 days after treatment at 24 hours interval. Highest mortality was recorded from leaf powders of P. nigrum and P. longum at 7 DAT. Lowest emergence of S. oryzae adults were documented from A. conyzoides, A. indica, L. camara in all concentrations tested whereas leaf powders of A. reticulata, A. indica and P. longum effected more repellence towards S. oryzae adults at 24 HAT.

Composite Plant Powder with Pani Induces Electrogenic Biofilm of Diverse Bacterial Species Generating High Power in Activated Sludge Water Fed Microbial Fuel Cell

Composite Plant Powder with Pani Induces Electrogenic Biofilm of Diverse Bacterial Species Generating High Power in Activated Sludge Water Fed Microbial Fuel Cell

Comparative effectiveness of turmeric (Curcuma longa), garlic (Allium sativum) and curry leaves (Ocimum africanum) against stored insect pest of Maize, (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch)

The bioactivity of turmeric, garlic and curry oil and powder were evaluated and compared against maize storage pest, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) at 28+20C and relative humidity (r.h.) 65+5% in the laboratory. Ten pairs of newly emerged weevils were introduced separately into each of the plastics containing 20 g maize seed treated with plant oil at different concentrations, 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00% v/v and similarly plant powder at dosage levels of 0.25 g, 0.50 g and 1.00 g of the tested plant parts. Each treatment, including the control comprised four replicates which were laid out 3×3 factorial arrangements in a completely randomized design. Results indicated that oil and powder of curry, and turmeric evoked significant mortality (82.50%) and (81.00%), while garlic powder is equally effective (72.00%) in achieving mortality of the weevil. There was an appreciable reduction in means of exit hole and percent seed damage in treated maize seeds at 0.50% and 1.00% concentrations. Curry had exit hole (12.25 &11.00), turmeric had (12.75&11.75); also lower seed damage was recorded in curry (11.00% & 21.75%), while turmeric had (20.75% &31.00%). There was however corresponding high percent undamaged seed recorded in curry (89.00% & 78.25%) and turmeric (79.25% & 73.25%). All the plant parts tested reduced weight loss in the stored maize seeds when compared with the control. Adult mortality significantly correlated with exit hole (r = 0.381), seed damage (r = 0.0509) and undamaged seed (r = -0.0643). Therefore, 0.50% was lowest concentration at which control was achieved.

Formulation and evaluation of eco-friendly handmade herbal mosquito repellent cone

A mosquito belongs to the insect-family Culicidae, order Diptera, suborder Nematocera and class Insecta. Mosquito act as vector which carries many disease causing parasites and viruses. Preventing mosquito spread is immensely necessary to stop spread of various contagious diseases. Now days, uses of plant based mosquito repellent have increased as synthetic repellents contains many noxious chemicals which can cause possible toxicity like skin toxicity and causes swelling, redness, itching and many health problems. The herbal mosquito repellent cones were prepared by using saw dust, cow dung, gum acacia, neem powder, eucalyptus powder and lemon grass powder. Lemon grass has insecticidal property. Saw dust increases the combustion. Gum acacia act as binder. Cow dung shows antioxidant and mosquito repellent property. Neem has mosquito repellent property. Herbal mosquito repellent cone were prepared by hand rolling method. The evaluation parameters of herbal mosquito repellent cone contain burning time (min), smoke visibility, odor, irritation test, ash weight (g.) and mosquito repellent activity. The formulation LNC containing lemon grass powder along with neem powder and cow dung in equal ratio shows best activity and maximum effectiveness in reducing mosquito number in comparison with all other formulations. In present study, the powders used in formulation were herbal based and eco-friendly and producing no side-effect on use. Here an attempt has been made to find out the novel formulation of different herbal plant powders containing alone and with combination for mosquito repellent cone.

Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Properties of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Antirhea borbonica and Doratoxylon apetalum against Atherogenic Lipids in Human Endothelial Cells.

The endothelial integrity is the cornerstone of the atherogenic process. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation occurring within atheromatous plaques leads to deleterious vascular effects including endothelial cell cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vascular antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of polyphenol-rich extracts from two medicinal plants from the Reunion Island: Antirhea borbonica (A. borbonica), Doratoxylon apetalum (D. apetalum). The polyphenol-rich extracts were obtained after dissolving each dry plant powder in an aqueous acetonic solution. Quantification of polyphenol content was achieved by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay and total phenol content was expressed as g gallic acid equivalent/100 g plant powder (GAE). Human vascular endothelial cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of polyphenols (1–50 µM GAE) before stimulation with oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs). LDL oxidation was assessed by quantification of hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Intracellular oxidative stress and antioxidant activity (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were measured after stimulation with oxLDLs. Cell viability and apoptosis were quantified using different assays (MTT, Annexin V staining, cytochrome C release, caspase 3 activation and TUNEL test). A. borbonica and D. apetalum displayed high levels of polyphenols and limited LDL oxidation as well as oxLDL-induced intracellular oxidative stress in endothelial cells. Polyphenol extracts of A. borbonica and D. apetalum exerted a protective effect against oxLDL-induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (10, 25, and 50 µM GAE) similar to that observed for curcumin, used as positive control. All together, these results showed significant antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties for two plants of the Reunion Island pharmacopeia, A. borbonica and D. apetalum, suggesting their therapeutic potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases by limiting LDL oxidation and protecting the endothelium.

Insecticidal potency of mixtures of plant powders and Actellic SuperTM (Pirimiphos-methyl + Permethrin) on Callosobruchus chinensis F. and Sitophilus zeamais Motch

Insect pests still cause substantial quantitative and qualitative grain loss ranging from 20 to 100% in small holder farming systems in tropical countries. Synthetic pesticides are recommended as stop gap measures for the management of stored product insect pests. However, their application has not been fully exploited in small scale farming due to environmental, health, and economic concerns. As a result, new researches have shifted focus to exploiting pesticidal plants as alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Therefore, the current study evaluated mixtures of plant powders and reduced amount of Actellic superTM (pirimiphos-methyl + permethrin) as alternative insecticide formulation against Callosobruchus chinensis and Sitophilus zeamais. Green grams and wheat grains were mixed with a mixture of plant powders in the ratios of 1:1, 1:3 and 1:9 to obtain four rates (0.0, 2.0, 6.0 and 10%w/w). Grains and plant powders were also mixed with reduced amount (10, 25, and 50 %) of recommended rate of Actellic SuperTM to obtain dosages as above. Twenty unsexed adults, 1-5 day old S. zeamais and C. chinensis were introduced into treated grains. The mixture of C. lusitanica: T. vogelii powders in the ratios of 1:1, 1:3 and 1:9 caused mortality in C. chinensis of 55, 95 and 85%, respectively. At the same ratio, E. saligna: L. camara mixture produced mortality in S. zeamais of 77, 82, and 85% respectively. In mixture of C. lusitanica and T. vogelii and reduced amount of Actellic SuperTM by 50% the mortality of C. chinensis was 85 and 80 % respectively. Similarly, E. saligna and L. camara and reduced amount of Actellic SuperTM by 50% caused a mortality of S. zeamais of 48 and 97% respectively. The application of plant powders and reduced amounts of synthetic insecticide has the potential to be applied in stored product pest control

Facile green synthesis of Molybdenum oxide nanoparticles using Centella Asiatica plant: Its photocatalytic and electrochemical lead sensor applications

The molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (MoO3 NPs) have been successfully synthesized via green combustion method using Centella asiatica plant powder. The powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopic (DRS) techniques were used to characterize the MoO3 nanoparticles. The PXRD patterns of the sample revealed pure hexagonal phase. The Scherrer's method was employed to find the crystallite size of the synthesized material and the result obtained was confirmed by the TEM analysis. The optical energy band gap value (Eg) of the sample was calculated using the Tauc relation, and it was found to be around 3.41 ​eV. The photocatalytic degradation of MoO3 NPs on Direct Green (DG) and Navy Blue (NB) dye was evaluated under UV light irradiation. The electrochemical study of prepared electrode with graphite powder in 0.1 ​M KOH electrolyte solution displayed superior redox potential output as intended by cyclic voltammetric and amperometric studies, where the material was employed for its sensing abilities such as a highly toxic metal like lead.

Phytochemical investigation of Euphorbiatrigona

Euphorbia species (Family: Euphorbeaceae) have wide applicability in traditional medicines and biofuel sector, and are also rich sources of secondary metabolites, especially terpenoids, attributed with various pharmacological properties. Though 82 Euphorbia species are reported in India, most of the species are uninvestigated for their constituents or potential utilities. Present study reports the isolation and characterization of chemical constituents, estimation of major triterpenoids using a validated HPTLC method and cytotoxicity of plant and latex extracts of Euphorbia trigona. As the secondary metabolites epi-friedelinyl acetate, 3β-friedelinol, taraxerol, rhoiptlenone, stigmasterol and stearic acid were isolated and characterized from E. trigona. HPTLC estimation showed 3β-friedelinol at 0.91 ​± ​0.11% and taraxerol at 1.45 ​± ​0.12% was present in E. trigona plant powder (dry weight). Plant and latex extracts were found non toxic towards normal cell line H9C2 (cardiac myoblasts) and showed insignificant cytotoxic effects towards HeLa (cervical cancer cell line) upto 100 ​μg/ml concentration.

Insecticidal activities of indigenous plants from Volta Region, Ghana in managing Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus in stored maize

Abstract. Ankutse DK, Eziah VY, Afreh-Nuamah K. 2021. Insecticidal activities of indigenous plants from Volta Region, Ghana in managing Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus in stored maize. Intl J Trop Drylands 5: 48-60. The rising rate of pest resistance, and the high expense and health risks associated with insecticide use, have become a source of public concern. This study aimed to discover and evaluate plant species used by farmers in the Volta Region to control Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky, 1855) and Prostephanus truncatus (Horn, 1878) in stored maize grains. In a survey, Azadirachta indica, Clausena anisata, Phyllanthus amarus, Picralima nitida, Vernonia amygdalina, Nauclea latifolia, and Momordica charantia were discovered to be grain protectants against stored insect pests. All of the plants indicated above were employed in the experiment, except for A. indica, which has a long history of being used to combat grain storage pests. The insecticidal activity of dried powders (5 and 10%) and aqueous extracts (0.1 and 0.2 g/mL) of plants against P. truncatus and S. zeamais was examined. Plant species and dose rate influenced repellency. In the V. amygdalina treatment, plant powders and methanol extracts were the most poisonous to insects. The toxicity of V. amygdalina to P. truncatus and S. zeamais was 83.3 and 86.7%, respectively, at higher concentrations of 0.2 g/mL. At 0.2 g/mL, all plant extracts exhibited a significant difference in Actellic repellent (P0.05); nevertheless, C. anisata had the highest repellent action against P. truncatus and S. zeamais, with 80.0 and 66.7%, respectively. As grains were treated with plant extracts, oviposition and egg emergence were reduced compared to the control. When embryonic stages of insects were treated with methanol extracts of botanicals, the number of adult insects decreased. These findings show that the studied plants have the potential to aid in the development of post-harvest protection technology against the principal pests of stored grains, P. truncatus and S. zeamais. As a result, farmers should use it to control P. truncatus and S. zeamais in stored maize grains.