Tropical Regions Research Articles

Study on Seroprevalence and Leptospiral Antibody Distribution Among Livestock Breeders and Farmers in Golestan Province.

The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and the distribution of serovars in livestock breeders and farmers in Golestan province. Seventy samples of serum collected from farmers and ranchers suspected of leptospirosis were examined using an ELISA method for surveying Immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-leptospiria. Also from samples, DNA was extracted and PCR was performed using by primers for 16s rRNA. Demographic properties of positive patients were analysed. Chi-square statistical test shows a statistically significant difference between the gender and prevalence leptospirosis (p-value = 0.004). Also, by examining the age, it was shown that 68.57% of patients are in the middleaged rang. According to the results obtained from the study and investigation of blood serum IgM-and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in people suspected of leptospirosis, 3 cases of the patients had IgM higher than 11 and were known to be positive for leptospirosis. Also, by examining the IgG level of patients, 5 cases had intermediate results, and 2 cases were found to be positive for IgG. The PCR results showed that 41.42% of patients tested positive for the 16s rRNA. Leptospirosis is a common disease among farmers, and in Golestan province, considering traditional farming methods, it is considered an important infectious disease. Therefore, health and safety measures should be expanded to control and prevent this disease. Also, by employing mechanised agricultural methods, the prevalence of leptospirosis in this region can be significantly reduced.

Triploid Formation and Heat Tolerance of Angelonia angustifolia with Various Ploidy Levels

Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia), a popular potted flower and bedding plant, often experiences severe wilting or leaf drying during hot summers in tropical and subtropical regions. Polyploidization may enhance the heat tolerance of angelonia plants. In this study, diploid (2x) angelonia ‘Serena Purple’ and ‘Serena White’ were crossed with tetraploid (4x) lines to produce interploidy plants. More seed production was observed from 4x × 2x crosses than from 2x × 4x crosses. Despite observing triploid block in interploidy hybridization, triploid plants were successfully obtained from the interploidy seeds. Growth, flowering, and photosynthesis of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid plants were assessed at day/night temperatures of 30/25 °C and 25/20 °C. All angelonia plants exhibited increased height and stem diameter as well as reduced leaf SPAD-502 value, leaf thickness, flower number, flower length, net photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance at 30/25 °C compared with those at 25/20 °C. At 30/25 °C, triploid and tetraploid plants had higher leaf SPAD-502 values, leaf thickness, and net photosynthetic rates than those of diploid plants. Diploid plants had the most branches at 25/20 °C, but their branch and flower numbers decreased the most at 30/25 °C compared with those of triploid and tetraploid plants. Notably, at 30/25 °C, triploid plants exhibited the earliest f lowering and produced the most branches and flowers compared with those of diploid and tetraploid plants.

Carbon isotope composition of biomass and water use efficiency in young plants of Jatropha curcas L. under irrigated or water deficit conditions

Jatropha curcas L. is a non-food crop quoted as a promising natural feedstock for biodiesel production in tropical and subtropical regions. Although an efficient mechanism of drought avoidance through stomatal control of transpiration has been demonstrated in this species, low carbon assimilation and growth rates preclude any advantage of such strategy under water limitation. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted with the objective of investigating varietal differences in water use as the trade-off between carbon isotope composition (δ13C) in different tissues and water use efficiency, in young plants of J. curcas. The first experiment was a survey with seven provenances of J. curcas under non-limiting water availability. There were no significant differences among provenances for leaf gas exchange rates, growth and whole-plant transpiration (T). However, significant effects of provenance and tissue (stem bark or leaf) in δ13C were demonstrated. The provenances CNPAE183 and CNPAE222 were selected for the second experiment, as variations in water use traits and δ13C between the two provenances were observed. Soil water deficit, imposed for 18 days, led to significant physiological, biochemical, and morphological changes. An early and sharp response to water deficit in CNPAE183 as compared to CNPAE222 was observed, as indicated by a 44% higher rate of decrease of T in the former. In addition, water deficit led to increase of δ13C, which was more pronounced in CNPAE222 (13% in young leaves) when compared to CNPAE183 (11% in young leaves). In both provenances, δ13C was less negative in young as compared to mature tissues. Significant and direct correlations between stem bark and leaf δ13C and leaf-level intrinsic water use efficiency were observed. Contrasting results, particularly on T and δ13C, suggest the existence of genetic diversity for water relations and metabolic traits linked to drought tolerance in J. curcas. Using stem bark or leaf δ13C measurements as the basis for large-scale screening of water-use efficient genotypes should be considered.

Rôle du laboratoire dans le diagnostic d’une onychomycose : méthodes et interprétation

AbstractOnychomycosis does not represent more than 50% of all nail pathologies. Anthropophilic dermatophytes ( Trichophyton rubrum and T. interdigitale) are the main agents encountered on feet. Yeasts of the genus Trichosporon and Candida ( Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, etc.) predominate on fingernails where nail damage can be associated with perionyxis. Other filamentous species, called “pseudodermatophytes”, have a particular affinity for keratin, such as dermatophytes. These keratinophilic species belong to the genus Neoscytalidium from tropical and subtropical regions, and Arachnomyces nodosetosus from temperate or cold countries, mainly involved in onyxis on the feet of elderly people. Among the environmental molds that can sometimes parasitize nails, there are mainly species belonging to the genera Scopulariopsis, Aspergillus and Fusarium, their pathogenic power must however be clearly defined. The role of the Laboratory is precisely to identify the species in question, and to demonstrate that the fungus isolated from samples of a pathological nail is indeed the pathogen in question.

Metabolomics analyses provide insights into the nutritional quality profiling in 95 avocado germplasms grown in China

Avocado is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions of China. Diverse germplasms have been generated through natural hybridization and selective breeding. Here, to screen high-quality avocado germplasms, we characterized the nutritional quality of 95 avocado germplasms grown in China based on metabolomics. The oil content of the 95 avocado germplasms was 2.18 %–16.60 % and followed a normal distribution. We further profiled nine fatty acids, 16 hydrolyzed amino acids, and eight mineral elements in avocado fruit, which varied widely among different germplasms. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between fatty acid components, as well as between amino acid components and between mineral elements. Clustering analysis and evaluation of the 95 avocado germplasms identified 14 germplasms with high nutritional quality. These findings provide a basis for evaluation of avocado fruit quality and utilization of high-quality avocado germplasms, as well as important implications for the breeding of avocado.

Binding properties of olfactory proteins to host volatiles, free fatty acids and cuticular hydrocarbons in the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis.

As eusocial insects prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, termites are characterized by highly organized behaviors and exceptional adaptability, rooted in caste differentiation and chemical communication. These traits make them excellent models for studying insect social structures and ecological interactions. Investigating how termites use chemical signals to perceive and respond to their environment provides insights into their coordination and adaptation within complex ecosystems. This study delved into the chemosensory mechanisms of Reticulitermes aculabialis, examining the interactions of four olfactory proteins with 70 ligands, including host volatiles, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), and free fatty acids (FFAs). Molecular docking simulations revealed varied affinities of the olfactory proteins for long-chain hydrocarbons (n-C23 to n-C28), suggesting a nuanced chemical communication system through specific hydrocarbon detection. RacuCSP1 and RacuCSP2 exhibited specific binding to linoleic acid and undecanoic acid, respectively, highlighting the significance of FFAs in the physiological and behavioral processes of termites. The four olfactory proteins showed a strong affinity for longifolene in fluorescence competitive binding experiments. Notably, RacuOBPs specifically exhibited unique affinities for terpenoid volatiles such as β-lonone and neocembrene, while RacuCSPs specifically bound with terpenoids like 3-carene, myrtenol, α-pinene oxide and β-pinene indicating their critical roles in host detection. Behavioral observations following gene silencing revealed that RacuOBP5 was essential for recognizing longifolene and α-lonone recognition, while RacuCSP1 was key for detecting α-pinene in termites. These findings enhance our understanding of the termite chemosensory system and offer insights for developing precise pest management strategies.

Combined effect of gilsonite, sasobit, and soft binder on performance characterization of high RAP binder

The purpose of this research is focused on the performance evaluation of Gilsonite-modified binders (GMBs) and high-aged binder (HAB) content (more than 40 %) with and without the use of WMA additive. Accordingly, GMBs and GMB-WMA samples were prepared by combining PG52–28 softer binders and 4 %, 8 %, 12 %, and 16 % of Gilsonite with and without Sasobit. The results indicated that increasing the Gilsonite increases the viscosity, improves the rheological behavior, reduces the rutting, and increases the fatigue life Although higher Gilsonite content has performance advantages, it also has negative effects in terms of performance and low temperature/fatigue resistance. While the use of a composite-modified binder showed an effective way to overcome these limitations and optimize the overall performance characteristics of HAB. Adding 4, 8, 12, and 16 Gilsonite combined with Sasobit increased the rutting resistance by 46 %, 64 %, 80 %, and 87 % respectively, compared to the base binder. Combining Sasobit with 8 and 12 Gilsonite upgraded the performance of the base binder from PG58–22 to PG70–16 and PG76–10. The fatigue life of the AB/G+WMA containing 4, 8, 12, and 16 Gilsonite was 2.11, 2.25, 2.52, and 2.38 times greater than the base binder, respectively. Based on optimization results, Gilsonite/Sasobit combinations were recommended for different traffic conditions: G15.3+S1.8 for heavy traffic areas, G11.6+S1.9 for tropical regions, and G6+S2 for cold climates. The goal was to optimize the blends to leverage the benefits of Gilsonite while mitigating any drawbacks, depending on the specific climate and traffic conditions. The study demonstrates that the synergistic use of Gilsonite and Sasobit can significantly enhance the performance characteristics of asphalt binders, enabling tailored solutions for different applications and environmental conditions.

Dynamic and Thermodynamic Environmental Modulation of Tropical Congestus and Cumulonimbus in Maritime Tropical Regions

Abstract We have quantified the impacts of varying thermodynamic environments on tropical congestus and cumulonimbus clouds (CCCs) within maritime tropical regions. To elucidate this relationship, we employed the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) to conduct high-resolution (1 km) simulations of convection over the Philippine Archipelago for a month-long period in 2019. We subsequently performed a cloud-object-based analysis, identifying and tracking hundreds of thousands of individual CCCs using the Tracking and Object-Based Analysis of Clouds (tobac) tracking library. Using this object-oriented dataset of tracked cells, we examined differences in individual storm strength, organization, and morphology due to the storm’s initial environment. We found that storm strength, defined here as maximum midlevel updraft velocity, was controlled primarily by convective available potential energy (CAPE) and precipitable water (PW); high CAPE (>2500 J kg−1) and high (approximately 63 mm) PW were both required for midlevel CCC updraft velocities to reach at least 10 m s−1. Of the CCCs with the most vigorous updrafts, 80.9% were also in the upper tercile of precipitation rates, with the strongest precipitation rates requiring even higher PW. Further, we found that vertical wind shear was the primary differentiator between organized and isolated convective storms. Within the set of organized storms, linearly oriented CCC systems have significantly weaker vertical wind shear than nonlinear CCCs in low- (0–1, 0–3 km) and midlevels (0–5, 2–7 km). Overall, these results provide new insights into the environmental conditions determining the CCC properties in maritime tropical regions.

Canopy structure and herbage intake rate of three tropical forage grasses cultivated as pure or mixed stands

Context Using forage grass species with complementary growth and resource-use strategies to enhance forage plant diversity in pastures may be an alternative to traditional monocultures in tropical regions. Aims This study aimed to determine whether a mixture of three perennial tropical forage grasses (Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina, Panicum maximum cv. Massai, and Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã) could be an alternative to enhance herbage intake rates relative to their respective monocultures. Methods The treatments corresponded to three perennial tropical forage grasses cultivated as monocultures and as a mixture composed of all three species. Defoliation management corresponded to a pre-cutting height of 35 cm and post-cutting height of 17.5 cm. Key results The botanical composition of the mixture was dynamic throughout the experimental period, with variations in the proportion of species across seasons. The upper half of the canopy predominantly comprised leaves for all treatments. The canopy structure of the mixture allowed for greater herbage intake rates than monocultures during winter/early spring. Andropogon gambagrass showed lower herbage intake rates than the other treatments. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that it is possible to combine tropical forage grass species without compromising canopy structure and grazing animal responses, compared with single-species grass pastures. Implications The selection of forage species for mixed pastures should consider their phenological cycle, growth, and resource-use strategies to achieve temporal complementarity and provide an optimal grazing environment for animals throughout the year.

Analysis of the Development of Rural Aqueduct Organizations in the Central Zone of Colombia: A View from Sustainable Livelihoods

Within the framework of sustainability analysis regarding the processes developed by man, water resources in rural scenarios have been a priority due to the impact generated by population growth and climate changes in tropical regions. In Colombia, the shortage of drinking water from aqueducts has become a problem especially in rural areas, even though its administration has been set and led by local community organizations. In this sense, in this research, the aim was to understand the dynamics of sustainable livelihoods in rural areas and their relationship with water resources in Boyacá, Colombia. For this purpose, surveys were carried out in two rural aqueducts in the municipalities of Boyacá and Oicatá paying special attention to the variables that affect human, social, technical, physical, natural, and financial capital. According to the results, the water supplied by community organizations directly affects the daily activities of family units, as well as the agricultural production systems. In addition, significant relationships were identified between human and financial capital, as well as social and technical capital; however, population increment and the accentuation of dry seasons have become a threat in these regions in Colombia. In conclusion, the analysis of the work developed by the organizations of rural aqueducts allows us to understand that water plays a fundamental role in the construction of society.

URBAN HEAT ISLAND ANALYSIS USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING IN KOSHOFE LAGOS STATE

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are a significant concern in urban areas, particularly in tropical regions like Lagos, Nigeria. This study employs geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (rs) techniques to analyze the urban heat island effect in Koshofe, a rapidly urbanizing area in Lagos. The research aims to identify the spatial distribution, intensity, and factors influencing UHI in koshofe. Using Landsat 8 and sentinel-2 satellite imagery, land surface temperature (LST) was retrieved and analyzed. GIS spatial analysis and mapping techniques were applied to examine the relationship between lst, land use/land cover (LULC), population density, and urban morphology. The study also investigated the impact of urban planning strategies on UHI mitigation. Results show that Koshofe experiences significant UHI effects, with lst varying between 28°c and 38°c. Built-up areas, particularly commercial and industrial zones, exhibited higher (LST) values compared to vegetated areas. Population density and urban density were found to be positively correlated with (LST). The study identified areas with high UHI risk, including major road networks and informal settlements.

Seed Morphology and Tetrazolium Quick Seed Viability Test of Malabar Neem (Melia dubia Cav.) Under Laboratory Condition

Melia dubia Cav. commonly known as Malabar Neem, is an economically important fast-growing indigenous multipurpose tree species of India. It has a wide range of applications from medicinal utilities such as treating pain, fever, and infections, to agricultural and industrial uses viz., fodder, seed oil, resin, fuel wood, timber and its wood being utilized in the paper, matchbox, and plywood industries. Malabar Neem generally is distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions of India and introduced in many countries of South Africa, the Middle East, North and South America, Brazil, Bermuda, Argentina, Southern Europe, Southeast Australia, and Asia Pacific regions. Nevertheless, it is a most promising tree species which is highly suitable for agroforestry or farm forestry with a life cycle of 8 to 12 years that gaining economic importance both in domestic and global markets and plantations in degraded lands. Consequently, the demand of Melia seedlings among Indian farmers has been increased, however the poor seed viability and very low seed germination hampered the good quality nursery production and large-scale plantations. Before seed sowing in nursery, there is need to determine the actual seed viability and to know the required seed quantity of Melia to be sown in forest nursery. Therefore, the present research study was conducted at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh of India to study the seed morphology and seed viability testing protocol using tetrazolium (TZ) test. The seeds of Melia species stained with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 % solution of TZ and incubated at 30°C temperature for 24 hours. The tetrazolium test performed with 100 seeds in 4 replications in CRD design and analyzed with OPSTAT statistical software. The length, width and weight of fruit, drupe and seed were recorded in the range of 9.40-12.97 mm, 6.55-9.70 mm & 2.84-2.99 g; 5.84-14.32 mm, 2.76-9.72 mm & 1.672-1.798 g; and 1.2-1.98 mm, 1.02-2.98 mm & 3.12-3.74 g, respectively. The colour of fruit was yellow with oval shape having smooth surface. The result of TZ test showed that the seeds of Malabar Neem soaked in 0.5 % tetrazolium solution at 30 °C temperature for 24 hours found to be the highest seed viability percentage (40.25 %) which is recommended as a quick seed viability protocol in M. dubia. Overall, the results of the present research study fulfilled all the gaps to test quick seed viability of a seed lot before seed sowing in nursery for accurate knowledge of the seed requirement in quantity for the purpose of quality seedling production in nursery.

A Growing Public Health Problem in Europe with Potential Severe Renal Involvement.

Dengue is an arboviral infection transmitted by the mosquito of the Aedes genus, widespread especially in tropical and subtropical regions but now with worldwide involvement. Cases of contagion are also progressively increasing in Europe, and the differential diagnosis with other infections is not always easy. Renal involvement with acute renal failure is possible and caused by the direct action of the virus, hemodynamic instability, rhabdomyolysis, or acute glomerular damage. In patients most at risk of renal involvement, there is high morbidity and mortality, with more extended hospital stays and follow-ups over time, which increases the burden on healthcare systems. Knowledge of this infection by nephrologists is essential for reducing morbidity, mortality, and, therefore, healthcare costs.

Emerging mosquito-borne flaviviruses.

Flaviviruses comprise a genus of enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses typically transmitted between susceptible and permissive hosts by arthropod vectors. Established flavivirus threats include dengue viruses (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and West Nile virus (WNV), which continue to cause over 400 million infections annually and are significant global health and economic burdens. Additionally, numerous closely related but largely understudied viruses circulate in animals and can conceivably emerge in human populations. Previous flaviviruses that were recognized to have this potential include ZIKV and WNV, which only became extensively studied after causing major outbreaks in humans. More than 50 species exist within the flavivirus genus, which can be further classified as mosquito-borne, tick-borne, insect-specific, or with no known vector. Historically, many of these flaviviruses originated in Africa and have mainly affected tropical and subtropical regions due to the ecological niche of mosquitoes. However, climate change, as well as vector and host migration, has contributed to geographical expansion, thereby posing a potential risk to global populations. For the purposes of this minireview, we focus on the mosquito-borne subgroup and highlight viruses that cause significant pathology or lethality in at least one animal species and/or have demonstrated an ability to infect humans. We discuss current knowledge of these viruses, existing animal models to study their pathogenesis, and potential future directions. Emerging viruses discussed include Usutu virus (USUV), Wesselsbron virus (WSLV), Spondweni virus (SPOV), Ilheus virus (ILHV), Rocio virus (ROCV), Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), and Alfuy virus (ALFV).

PREVALENCE OF SNAIL VECTORS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS ALONG ANTAU RIVER, KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE

Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, is a parasitic disease that affects over 230 million people worldwide, with 700 million at risk, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, including Nigeria. The disease is transmitted through freshwater snails that host Schistosoma parasites. This study aims to understand the prevalence of snail vectors responsible for transmitting schistosomiasis along Antau River, Keffi, Nasarawas State. A snail sampling survey conducted at three locations - Saura Bridge, Antau Bridge, and Mannu Bridge - along Antau River yielded a total of 216 snails. The distribution showed Saura Bridge with the highest population (96 snails, 44.4%), followed by Antau Bridge (81 snails, 37.5%) and Mannu Bridge (39 snails, 18.1%). Five snail species were identified, with Melanoides spp dominating (173 snails, 80.1%), followed by Anisus spp (28 snails, 13.0%), Planorbarius spp (11 snails, 5.1%), Biomphalaria spp (3 snails, 1.4%), and Physa spp (1 snail, 0.5%). Biomphalaria spp, a known schistosomiasis vector, had a high cercarial shedding rate (66.7%) near Antau Bridge, signaling a potential risk for disease transmission. Physico-chemical analysis revealed favorable snail habitat conditions, with a mean water temperature of 28.0°C, pH of 7.0, and dissolved oxygen ranging from 6.58 mg/L to 6.75 mg/L. The study concludes that while the overall risk of schistosomiasis transmission may be low due to the small population of Biomphalaria spp, targeted vector control measures are necessary, particularly around Antau Bridge, to prevent further transmission of schistosomiasis. Key recommendations include regular monitoring of snail populations, public health education, and targeted mollusciciding to control the Biomphalaria spp population. The findings provide data for the development of control strategies aimed at reducing the burden of schistosomiasis in the region.

Molecular phylogenetic and biogeographic evidence of Lepidagathis Willd. (Acanthaceae, Barlerieae) focusing on Indian endemics.

Lepidagathis Willd., a genus belonging to the Acanthaceae family, is primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, encompassing approximately 153 species. While considerable morphological research has been conducted on Lepidagathis, it has not completely dispelled taxonomic ambiguities and conflicting interpretations. Molecular analysis emerges as a valuable tool for resolving these taxonomic uncertainties, but the availability of nucleotide sequence data for Lepidagathis has been limited thus far. This study delivers a phylogenetic analysis of Lepidagathis species, utilizing both chloroplast and nuclear regions. The results of Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses consistently segregate the studied Lepidagathis species into two principal clades, denoted as Clade A and Clade B. Notably, this analysis firmly positions the Indian endemic Lepidagathis within Clade A, supported by robust statistical evidence. Furthermore, our biogeographical analysis strongly suggests that the origin of Lepidagathis might be traced back to Eurasia. This research establishes a foundational molecular phylogeny of Lepidagathis, offering valuable insights for future taxonomic investigations. Additionally, it sheds light on the evolutionary history and biogeographical origins of the Lepidagathis genus.

Investigation of Phytochemical Composition, Radical Scavenging Potential, Anti-Obesogenic Effects, and Anti-Diabetic Activities of Kaempferia parviflora Rhizomes.

Kaempferia parviflora or commonly known as "Kunyit hitam" by locals, is an edible plant, native to tropical regions, has been extensively utilized for culinary and medicinal applications. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological activities of the rhizomes of K. parviflora. The ethanol crude and fractionated extracts (hexane and chloroform) of the rhizomes were evaluated for their total phenolic content, total steroidal content, as well as antioxidant, anti-obesogenic, and anti-diabetic activities. The chloroform extract demonstrated the highest concentration of plant sterols (432±0.23 mg BSE/g extract) and a substantial amount of phenolic compounds (1.19×103±0.41 mg GAE/g extract). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that the chloroform extract of the rhizomes is predominantly composed of bioactive flavonoids including tectochrysin (1), 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (2), 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone (3), 3,4',5,7-tetramethoxyflavone (4), and 4',5,7-trimethoxyflavone (5). Furthermore, the chloroform extract exhibited the highest overall radical scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, which can be attributed to the presence of compounds 1-5 in the extract. Collectively, these findings suggest that the chloroform extract of the rhizomes of K. parviflora is a potentially valuable source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-obesogenic, and anti-diabetic properties, with potential application in therapeutics and functional foods.

Incidence of Pathogens in Fruits and Vegetables in Tropical Bwari Town

Introduction: In numerous tropical regions of developing nations, the prevalence of foodborne illnesses is perceived to be more severe than in developed countries, due to insufficient food safety initiatives or the lack of a structured institutional framework for street food vendors. The study's objectives of examining microorganisms associated with fruits and vegetables, the prevailing temperature and the hygiene practices of various fruit and vegetable sellers were all met. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire completed by twenty vendors were used. Laboratory techniques like serial dilution, biochemical testing, and culture techniques were used. A handheld thermometer was used to determine the prevailing temperature, and descriptive statistics using Microsoft Excel was used to analyze data. Results and Discussion: Statistical analysis revealed that 80% of vendors had washing facilities, 70% worked in a clean environment, 20% washed their hands before handling fruits, 70% dressed correctly, and 70% kept their fruits and vegetables above the WHO temperature standard. A laboratory investigation revealed the bacteria counts of (watermelon being the highest 8.3×105, cucumber 5.4×105, carrot 2.3×105, orange 3.7×105). Microbial species encountered were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, amongst others, which increases health risk. Conclusion: The study concluded that temperatures, handling processes, and inadequate hygiene all had impact on fruits and vegetables sold in tropical Bwari area. It also established a link between temperature and the prevalence of bacteria in fruits and vegetables. As a result, the study suggests monitoring and surveillance of fruit and vegetable sellers, national vendor hygiene policies and public awareness.

Native accumulator plants with a differential mercury phytoremediation potential in a region in Southern Amazon.

Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential trace metal, toxic to living beings and complex to quantify and mitigate in the environment. In this study, 25 plant species native to an Amazon-Cerrado transition area were tested for use in Hg remediation. Species identification, Hg quantification in plant biomass and soil at each sampling point, and evaluation of Hg compartmentalization in each plant were carried out. The results were subjected to statistical tests and evaluated using translocation coefficients (FT), bioconcentration (FBC), and bioaccumulation (FB). The results demonstrated that the distribution and accumulation of Hg differed between species and between the parts of the plant evaluated. Soil was the predominant source of Hg in the study area. The study highlighted seven species with Hg phytoremediation potential. Five translocator species were characterized, among these a preferentially bioaccumulating and bioconcentrating species, in addition to a bioconcentrating species and a preferentially bioconcentrating and bioaccumulating species of Hg. Potentially accumulating species stood out, Blechnum serrulatum Rich. (Blechnaceae), Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (Arecaceae), and Montrichardia arborescens (L.) Schott (Araceae), all widely distributed in tropical regions, characterized as rooted, terrestrial, or amphibious and associated with ruderal environments.

Evaluation of nematicidal potential of leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus for management of Meliodogyne incognita in Tomato

The resistance of nematode pests to synthetic nematicides and its attendant hazards both to the crops and the ecosystem have caused growing interest. This study is aimed at investigating the nematicidal potential of the leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus. Afrohybanthus enneaspermus is an evegreen shrub found in the tropical regions. The herbs have been used in ethonomedicine in the treatment of various ailments such as fever, diabetes, cough, skin infections and so on. According to standard methods in this study, in-vivo and In-vitro nematicidal screening of leaves extract was carried out against juvenile nematode pest (Meliodogyne incognita) while the pot experiment was carried out on tomato plants infected with root knot nematode. At the growth rate of the Tomato (Tropimech +), plant height was significantly lowered at 4 WAP (four weeks after planting) in tomato plants inoculated with 2,000 root-knot nematodes (RKN) applied with 20 g powered of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus compared with the rest of the treatments. With the application of 15% aqueous plant extracts and the inoculation of 2,000 RKN, plant height was significantly higher (32.8), followed by Plant alone and 20% aqueous plant extract. However, plant height was significantly lowered in plants applied with 20g powered of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus and nematode compared to the other treatments. At 6 weeks plant height is significantly higher in tomato plants inoculated with 5% aqueous plant extract with 2000RKN followed by others that are at the same range except 20g powered extract with 2000RKN that is significantly lowered . At 7 weeks plant height is significantly higher in tomato plants inoculated with 5% aqueous plant extract with 2000 RKN followed by others that are at the same range except 20g powdered extract with 2000 RKN that is significantly lowered. The research concluded that leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus is effective in management of root Knot nematodes, however, in- vitro experiments, it is established that the powder form of the leave has higher effectiveness in management of nematode than its organic extract.