Vetiver Research Articles

Fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products like metronidazole, naproxen, and methylparaben and their effect on the physiological characteristics of two wetland plants

Plants play a vital role in the phytoremediation process, attenuating various pollutants. However, the dynamic root uptake and fate of emerging pollutants in plants, along with their effects on plant characteristics, have received limited research attention. This study explores the potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) and Colocasia esculenta (Taro) in mitigating pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) - metronidazole (MNZ), naproxen (NAP), and methylparaben (MeP), under hydroponic conditions. Both plants demonstrated similar specific uptake potentials for the target pollutants (5.23 to 5.76 mg/g of biomass dry weight), with pollutant accumulation in plants remaining very low (<10 %). Notably, a substantial fraction of pollutants (66.27 % to 78.42 %) underwent metabolism. Qualitative analysis identified five MNZ and NAP metabolites and six MeP metabolites in plant tissues. Over a 28-day PPCPs exposure, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted in reduced chlorophyll content, root activity, protein, and carbohydrates, alongside increased oxidative stress levels. The study highlighted distinct accumulation patterns, with NAP (anion) primarily in roots and MeP (cation) and MNZ (neutral) predominantly in aerial parts. Phloroglucinol staining confirmed the intact endodermis (Casparian Strips) in Vetiver roots, indicating symplastic transport of PPCPs to aerial parts. Moreover, significant morphological alterations were observed in plant roots exposed to target pollutants. During recuperation, a decrease in accumulated ROS indicates partial self-recovery from oxidative damage. In conclusion, both Vetiver and Taro emerge as promising candidates for removing specified PPCPs, emphasizing the critical role of addressing emerging contaminants for sustainable development and preserving the environment and human wellbeing.

A closer look at root water potential: experimental evidence based on drought stress of Chrysopogon zizanioides

AimsGradients in water potential of soil and plant system drives the water movement in soil-plant-atmospheric continuum. Here, we demonstrate how root water potential measured directly from the roots upon changes in soil water potential would contribute to the understanding of the drought response in Chrysopogon zizanoides.MethodsPlants of Chrysopogon zizanoides L. were sampled at different soil water status (inducing drought) and growth periods (3-, 4- and 5- months). The roots and leaves of the plants were dissected to measure the root water potential and specific leaf area, respectively. The root water potential was measured in a WP4C dew-point potentiometer. Root diameter corresponding to the roots measured for root water potential was also measured.ResultsOur findings showed a logarithmic increase in gradient between soil and root water potential under the induced drought stress, similar to the existing findings of root hydraulic conductance. Specific leaf area significantly decreased with root water potential, indicating the hydraulic continuity between roots and leaves. A new power law correlation between root diameter and root water potential established a trait-based understanding of root water uptake.ConclusionThe aggregation of such root water potential measurements using potentiometer would offer strategies to explore the implications of below-ground plant behaviour in applications such as slope stability and irrigation.

A Mini Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Vetiver Oil from 1961 to 2022

A Mini Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Vetiver Oil from 1961 to 2022

Removal of turbidity from lake water using novel Chrysopogon zizanioides and Hemidesmus indicus

The primary objective of the research is to investigate the efficacy of the natural filtration process utilising the novel species Chrysopogon zizanioides and Hemidesmus indicus for turbidity reduction. The novel Chrysopogon zizanioides and Hemidesmus indicus serve as filter media for the purpose of eliminating turbidity in lake water. The features of the natural fibres were determined using SEM analysis, EDS analysis, and FTIR analysis. There are two groups being considered: group 1 consists of the unique Chrysopogon zizanioides, and group 2 consists of Hemidesmus indicus. There are 18 samples in each category. The sample size is N = 36. The pretest power is determined using a significance level of 0.05 and a confidence level of 95%, resulting in a power of 80%. The turbidity level of the lake water is 25.5 NTU. Upon completion of the process, the new Chrysopogon zizanioides demonstrates a turbidity removal percentage of 77.24%, while Hemidesmus indicus achieves a turbidity removal percentage of 80.23%. The statistical analysis conducted using SPSS yielded a significance level of 0.224 (P < 0.5). The average NTU values of groups 1 and 2 are 6.50 and 5.65 correspondingly. The standard deviation for the two cases is 4.36939 and 4.02502, respectively. Hemidesmus indicus is more effective at removing turbidity than Chrysopogon zizanioides.

A sustainable green solution to domestic sewage pollution: Optimizing floating wetland treatment with different plant combinations and growth media

Water quality degradation poses a global threat, with surface water resources bearing the brunt of pollution from various sources, including inadequately treated wastewater discharged from industrial and commercial processes. This discharge introduces a wide range of pollutants, compromising surface water quality and potentially contaminating groundwater. Floating Wetland Treatment (FWT) systems, particularly utilizing affordable and easy-to-construct bamboo rafts, emerge as a promising eco-technology offering a sustainable solution for rehabilitating water bodies polluted with inadequately treated domestic sewage. Research exploring the combined remediation potential of different plant combinations remains limited, although several studies demonstrate the efficacy of individual plant species in FWT systems. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of three terrestrial plant combinations (Canna indica, Chrysopogon zizanioides, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) supported by bamboo rafts in treating domestic wastewater. Among FWT methods, systems utilizing bamboo as floating rafts stand out due to their affordability, ease of construction, and adaptability to diverse plant species. FWT systems were meticulously designed with three plant combinations, utilizing soil and coco peat as growth media. Different FWT systems exhibited variations in their ability to remove several key water quality indicators. These variations were influenced by operational conditions, system design, plant selection, and growth media. Notably, the peat-based FWT system (FWT-BPCV) combining Canna indica and Chrysopogon zizanioides consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in reducing various pollutants, including total nitrogen (78.9 %), ammonia (90.2 %), total phosphorus (86.9 %), COD (92.8 %), BOD5 (94.8 %), TDS (70.7 %), TSS (93.6 %), turbidity (93.3 %), phosphate (73.2 %), electrical conductivity (62.5 %), and E. coli (78 %). This research suggests that FWT-BPCV is an eco-friendly wastewater treatment solution and an effective option for domestic wastewater treatment practices.

Nonessential amino acids in tropical ruminant feed: Investigating grass and legume forages of Indonesia.

This study aimed to examine the concentration of nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) in ruminant feed in tropical areas, with a focus on forage grasses and legumes in Indonesia. A total of 11 grasses (Chrysopogon zizanioides, Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria humidicola, Paspalum dilatatum, Paspalum atatum, Chloris gayana, Pennisetum polystachion, Panicum maximum, Cenchrus biflorus, Andropogon canaliculatus, and Digotaria decumbens) and six legumes (Arachis hypogaea, Pueararia Javanica, Centrosema pubescens, Clitoria ternatea, and Arachis pintoi) were analyzed for NEAA content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Based on the results of this research, it was found that almost all NEAA content in forage was less than 3% (Serine (Ser), Alanine (Ala), Glycine (Gly), Tyrosine (Tyr), Proline (Pro), Cysteine (Cys), and Asparagine (Asn), except for glutamic (Glu) acid and arginine (Arg) in some legumes. The Glu content in grass ranges from 0.76% to 2.61%, and the Arg content ranges from 0.92% to 2.09%. These two NEAAs were most abundant in grasses and legumes, with concentrations of 5.10% to 6.27% and 3.10% to 5.53%, respectively. Our study concluded that Glu and Arg were the most abundant NEAAs in tropical forages in Indonesia, with legumes having a higher concentration of NEAAs compared to grasses. Among the legumes, A. hypogaea had the highest NEAA content (23.40%), while among the forages, C. zizanioides had the highest NEAA content (12.37%). However, it was observed that neither legumes nor grasses could fulfill the metabolizable TNEAAs requirements for gaining cattle (250 kg of empty body weight gain), unlike commercial concentrates, which were found to meet the requirements, especially for Arg, Glu, and thyronine. The provision of concentrate is necessary to supplement forage to meet the NEAA needs for cattle.

Revealing the shielding effect of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) essential oil and their possible use in cosmeceuticals

Revealing the shielding effect of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) essential oil and their possible use in cosmeceuticals

Quantitative Estimation of Secondary Metabolites of Shadanga Paniya Classical Ayurvedic Formulation and Constituent Herbs

Abstract Background: In the present scenario, ayurvedic drugs and their formulations need standardization to understand their pharmacokinetics and to prevent any safety issues. Shadanga Paniya (SP) is a classical ayurvedic formulation composed of six herbs and most of the constituent herbs have been shown the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and total phenolic contents (TPC). Materials and Methods: Preliminary qualitative estimations of alkaloids, flavonoids, and TPC in SP formulation and its constituent herbs were done using Dragendroff’s method, sodium hydroxide solution, and ferric chloride solution. The quantitative estimations were done using bromocresol green, aluminum chloride colorimetric method, and Folin–Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent method. Statistical Analysis Used: All the qualitative and quantitative analyses were replicated in three independent assays, and the results were reported as a mean ± standard deviation. Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that constituent herbs of SP formulation have the presence of flavonoids and total phenolic acid, whereas alkaloid was only found in Vetiveria zizanioides herb. The quantitative estimation of alkaloids, total flavonoids, and total phenolic acid contents of SP formulation was found as 86.105 ± 6.4 mgAE/g, 87.8 ± 4.0 mgRE/g, and 105.8 ± 3.8 mgGAE/g, respectively. This is the first report on the phytochemical estimation of SP formulation.

Variability in the Physical Properties of an Eroded Cultivated Steep Land Under Farmers’ Practice and Vetiver Technology (Bio-Engineering Structure).

Variability in soil properties is evident in the variability in crop performance in a field and failure of engineering structures. During erosion particles are detached, transported and deposited at different locations down the slope. An experiment was conducted on 20 and 30% slopes within the Cross River University of Technology to assess variability in soil physical properties as induced by water erosion on erosion plots constructed and planted to maize/cassava mixture. No vetiver [farmer’s practice] and vetiver grass strips at 5m, 15m and 25m [bioengineering structure] constituted the treatments. Core samples (0 – 15cm) were collected at 5m intervals down the slope in all the treatments for determination of some soil physical properties. Infiltration was measured using double ring infiltrometer. Coefficient of variability (CV%) values ranged from 2 – 4% [bulk density], 2 – 4% [porosity], 16 – 33% [gravimetric moisture], 3 – 8% [void ratio], 16 – 33% [volume wetness], 15 – 32% [degree of saturation], 16 – 37% [water volume ratio], 2 – 7% [air-filled porosity], 16 – 33% [available moisture holding capacity] for the two slopes. Initial infiltration ranged between 1.87 – 2.90cm per minute and 82.63 – 127.80cm after 260 minutes for cumulative infiltration. Coefficient of variability were 19.5% [initial infiltration] 6.18% [cumulative infiltration] for 20 and 30% slopes respectively. CV% values of &lt;15%, 15 – 35% and &gt;35% are considered low, moderate and high respectively. Understanding field variability of soil properties could be a veritable tool for precision soil management to optimize and increase profitability.

Effect of combination of vetiver grass cultivation and fertilization on soil restoration in spoil ground along expressways

Effect of combination of vetiver grass cultivation and fertilization on soil restoration in spoil ground along expressways

PEMBUATAN SABUN CUCI TANGAN CAIR BERBASIS BERBAGAI MERK MINYAK ZAITUN DENGAN PENAMBAHAN MINYAK ATSIRI SEREH WANGI (CYMBOPOGON WINTERIANUS JOWITT)

Soap is a product that functions as a cleaner and wash. Hand washing soap in the form of a solution (liquid) is preferred because it looks more attractive and is more practical. Liquid Soap Liquid soap is made through a saponification process using oil and using alkali (KOH). Olive oil contains α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and β-carotene which function as antioxidants. The use of essential oils is good in making perfume, cosmetics, medicines, soap and fragrances, essential oils function as a fixative. The essential oils used are generally patchouli oil, citronella oil, vetiver oil and sandalwood oil. This research aims to make liquid hand washing soap based on various brands of olive oil with the addition of citronella essential oil. The liquid hand washing soap produced is in accordance with SNI, where olive oil-based liquid hand washing soap with brands "B" and "C" has a normal pH, namely 7.03 and 6.98, while brand "A" has a slightly acidic pH, namely 6.01 and brand “D” has a slightly alkaline pH, namely 7.95. The specific gravity produced by brand "A" is 1,027 g/ml, brands "B", "C" and "D" are 1,024 g/ml, 1,096 g/ml and 1,099 g/ml. The liquid hand washing soap based on olive oil with the addition of citronella essential oil produced does not contain microbes with the clean power of brand "B" being higher at 191 FTU turbidity compared to brand "A" at 173 FTU turbidity, brand "C" at 166 FTU turbidity and the “D” brand only has 122 FTU turbidity.

Contaminants Correlation and Curtailment Prospect of Waterhyacinth, Waterlettuce and Vetiver Grass in Wastewater Treatment.

This study seeks to elaborate the correlation of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals from a wastewater effluent in Zaria. The contaminants reduction capacity of Vetiver grass (C. zizanoides), water hyacinth (E. crassipes) and Water lettuce (P.stratiotes) were analysed.Temperature, pH, EC, TDS, Cl, PO4-, DO, BOD, COD, Na, K, NO3, TSS, NH3, SO4 and Cu, Cd, Pb, Mn, Mg, Co, Ni, Cr and Zn concentrations were determined using standard method,digestion and assessment of heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry machine. There was positive correlation between TDS with EC, BOD with NO3-N, pH with Temperature, DO with COD and N, and Cl with K. Zn with Pb and Cd, Cr with Co indicating common source of contamination. Negative correlation was observed between HCO3 with NH3.N and SO4-, Temperature with N and DO, K with BOD and NO3-N, Cr with Ni, Mg with Cu and Zn indicating uncommon source of contamination. The significant correlation was verified by using t-test. The systematic calculation of correlation coefficient between water quality parameters and between heavy metals was carried out. Hydroponic method of phytoremediation was adopted to evaluate the curtailment potentials of the three plants.There was significant difference at P ≤ 0.05 (95% confidence) across days 7, 14 and 21 in reduction during treatment with water hyacinth for EC (846.1, 699 .00 and 502.1 mg/L), TDS (410.5, 340.0 and 259.0 mg/l), NH3 (1.25, 1.04 and 0.84 mg/l) and Cd (0.021, 0.018 and 0.012 mg/l)., with vetiver grass for EC (828.2, 654.1 and 488.1mg/L), TDS (398.6, 282.8 and 198.2 mg/L), COD (476.5, 355.5 and 265.5 mg/L), NO3 (3.34, 2.13 and 1.40mg/L), TSS (11.6, 8.66 and 6.58mg/L) and Cd (0.019, 0.011 and 0.01mg/L)., and with water lettuce for EC (833.0, 709.6 and 587 mg/L), TDS (452.6, 404.0 and 284.0 mg/L), Cr (0.12, 0.10, and 0.79mg/L), Pb (0.21, 0.18 and 0.13mg/L) and Cd (0.019, 0.013 and 0.011 mg/l). Vetiver grass was found to be more prospective in the curtailment of contaminants.

Phytoremediation capacity of Umbrella palm and Vetiver in improving surface water quality by Floating Treatment Wetland

Surface water is polluted due to many reasons, mainly wastewater and irrigation discharges, and loses its value for potential uses. In this study, phytoremediation was applied to improve the surface water provided from a branch of the Gediz River, which meets the freshwater needs of Izmir Bird Paradise but is not qualified as a quality water source in terms of ecosystem. For this purpose, the removal efficiencies of Cyperus alternifolius L. (umbrella palm) and Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (vetiver) for total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and total organic carbon (TOC) were tested in the tanks, which were set with the floating treatment wetland (FTW) with a control group. TP, TN and TOC were measured in water on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days, while macro and micronutrients were measured in the plants at the beginning and end of the study. TP removal was 92%, 82%, and 45%; TN removal was 62%, 52%, and 24%; and TOC removal was 79%, 66%, and 13% in umbrella palm, vetiver and control tanks, respectively. The translocation factors (TF) that were expected to be &amp;gt;1 in plants were determined as Cd (1.55), Pb (1.27), B (1.19), and Cr (1.11) in vetiver, and B (1.33) and Pb (1.14) in umbrella palm. Considering the increase in biomass, it can be said that the umbrella palm accumulates metal at a higher rate. This study demonstrates that with the usage of umbrella palm and vetiver, FTW has the potential to be used as a green treatment method.

Effect of greywater treated by horizontal subsurface flow wetlands planted with Chrysopogon zizanioides and Andropogon gayanus on the germination of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seeds under Sahelian climate

Greywater reuse for agricultural irrigation may contribute to reduce pressure on scarce freshwater sources and the use of chemical fertilizers in Sahelian countries. However, treatment methods that reduce the harmful effects of untreated greywater are essential for sustainable agriculture. This study aims to evaluate greywater treatment capacity by Horizontal Subsurface Flow wetlands (HSSF) planted with Chrysopogon zizanioides (HSSF-C) and Andropogon gayanus (HSSF-A), and to investigate the suitability of the effluents on the germination of tomato seeds. Three pilot-scale HSSF (planted with Chrysopogon zizanioides or Andropogon gayanus and an unplanted (control)) were designed and their removal efficiencies of organic matter, nutrients and fecal bacteria were evaluated. Principal component analysis showed planted systems provided higher removal efficiencies than the unplanted system. HSSF-A showed the best performance for removal of organic (COD, BOD5) and mineral (NO3−, NH4+) matter while HSSF-C showed the best performance for removal of phosphorus compounds and fecal indicators (thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli). HSSF-UP showed the lowest performance for removal of all parameters. The reduction of thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli were significantly greater in the two planted systems and exceeded 2 log10 removal. However, no significant difference was observed between the planted and unplanted HSSF for fecal indicators. Furthermore, germination rates obtained with greywater treated by HSSF were higher than 80%, approaching that obtained using distilled water, while the lower germination rates were observed with seeds irrigated with raw greywater (58%). This is a clear indication of the beneficial effect of treated greywater by HSSF wetlands on seeds germination. In addition, residual content of fecal indicators and physicochemical characteristics of the treated greywater are compliant with WHO reuse guidelines for restricted irrigation. The results demonstrate the possibility of using constructed wetlands for greywater treatment and its reuse in gardening in Sahelian countries.

Soil decontamination: bioremediation and phytoremediation

Practically all agro-industrial activities and the maintenance of cities have the potential to pollute and contaminate the environment. Thus, measures to mitigate the impacts of these activities must be evaluated, including bioremediation. In this sense, this work aimed to characterize the process of soil decontamination using bioremediation and phytoremediation. To this end, a bibliographic review based on scientific articles, books, dissertations, and theses was used. Bioremediation refers to the use of living organisms to remove, reduce, or neutralize pollutants from the environment. The technique can be performed on-site (in situ) or off-site (ex situ). Plants can also be used for bioremediation, characterizing, in this case, phytoremediation. Plants for phytoremediation must show tolerance to the contaminant and the ability to absorb and metabolize it. These plants include pigeon peas, pig beans, crotalaria, vetiver grass, and others. Bioremediation is expanding, requiring further studies.

Review Paper: Use of Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides L.) and Rice Husk Biochar in Remediation of Mercury (Hg) Polluted Soil

Indonesia has abundant natural resources. One of the great natural resources is mineral resources in the form of gold. With this potential, the number of national mining locations continues to increase, both large, medium, small and unlicensed gold mining (PETI) carried out directly by the community, either in groups or individually, which can have a negative impact on the environment. pollution such as land and water. , because the results of gold processing which contain heavy metals (Hg) are immediately thrown away without any further processing. This can harm the surrounding environment and even enter the food chain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study and find out related information regarding the effectiveness of phytoremediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury (Hg) using vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides L.) and soil ameliorant materials in the form of rice husks. biochar to reduce the concentration of these heavy metals, as well as the mechanisms involved in phytoremediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals. The vetiver root plant (Vetiveria zizanoides L) is very effective for use in remediating soil contaminated with mercury (Hg) or other heavy metals. The use of biochar can influence the growth and absorption of heavy metals by vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides L). Biochar is also able to improve the physical and chemical properties of soil and stabilize heavy metals in the soil.

The oils adsorption potential of heat and sulfuric acid treated Chrysopogon zizanioides biomass through in-vitro approach

BackgroundFinding an environmentally sound solution for oil pollution remediation work is crucial because oil pollution in aquatic habitats is one of the most serious environmental issues. MethodsThis study aimed to assess the oil adsorption capability of powdered form of C. zizanioides biomass adsorbent, as untreated, heat and H2SO4 treated adsorbents. Significant FindingsThe SEM analysis revealed that the heat-treated adsorbent has porous microstructures which can interact with oil pollutants. According to the FTIR and EDS analyses, the heat-treated biomass adsorbent has a higher number of functional groups and a significant elemental composition. The heat-treated adsorbents have greater oil adsorption efficiency. Hence, the petrol adsorption competence of untreated, heat, and H2SO4 treated C. zizanioides biomass adsorbents was noticed as their weight enhanced up to several folds than their initial weight. Whenever the oil is compared, it is clear that absorption is preferred in the following order: diesel (10.63, 13.51, as well as 12.12 g) >oil (9.65, 14.85, and 11.85 g)>petrol (7.59, 14.24, and 11.53 g). The heat-treated C. zizanioides biomass outperformed than others in terms of adsorption and retention. Thus, it can be used to remediate the oil contamination from aquatic system.

A mesocosm study on the use of clay minerals to improve heavy metal phytoremediation capacity of vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Roberty)

Fast-paced global industrialisation due to population growth poses negative environmental implications, such as pollution by heavy metals. We assessed the application of vetiver grass assisted by clay minerals for the remediation of soil and water contaminated by multiple metals in a mesocosm study. The technique was tested previously in a greenhouse study that confirmed the effectiveness of 2.5% (w/w) attapulgite and 2.5% (w/v) bentonite to improve vetiver grass remediation of soil and water contaminated by multiple metals. At the end of the experiment, the total accumulation of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn by vetiver grass from the soil was 1.8, 38.1, 19.0, 7.2 and 55.4 mg/kg, respectively, while in water, the total metal accumulation of Al and Mn by vetiver grass was 4534.5 and 104.5 mg/kg, respectively. The results confirm the effectiveness of attapulgite and bentonite as amendments to improve the remediation potential of vetiver in soil and water under natural conditions. Metal accumulation was generally higher in the roots than in shoots. We found the removal efficiency in the soil to be in the order Zn &gt; Cr &gt; Cu &gt; Ni &gt; Co and Al &gt; Mn in water. Results also demonstrated that heavy metal accumulation was even better under natural conditions than in the greenhouse study. For example, Zn accumulation increased from 0.4 mg/kg in the greenhouse study to 55.4 mg/kg in the outdoor study. This study validates the application of bentonite and attapulgite-assisted phytoremediation for heavy metal contaminated soil and water. Significance: Heavy metal pollution of soil and water is very common in industrialised and mining areas. It is important to find cost-effective, eco-friendly and easy-to-apply methods of removing these heavy metals from soil and water, so as to provide a clean and safe environment for living organisms. Phytoremediation is the use of plants to remove pollutants from the environment and is a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly method. Attapulgite and bentonite (clay minerals) are effective in improving the phytoremediation capacity of a phytoremediation plant known as vetiver grass.

Stenocarpella chrysopogonis, a New Species Causing Leaf Streak Disease of Chrysopogon zizanioides in Southern China.

Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) has been widely used in recent years for ecological environment management, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and essential oil extraction. In 2019, a leaf streak disease of C. zizanioides was observed in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China. The disease appeared as large streak lesions on the leaves, on which conidiomata were formed. A pathogenicity test with the fungus isolated from these lesions confirmed Koch's postulates and thus the fungus as the causal agent of this disease. A morphological resemblance of the pathogen to Stenocarpella was noted upon microscopic examination. Phylogenetic trees inferred from both individual and combined ITS, LSU, and tef1 sequences confirmed the pathogen as a species of the Diaporthaceae and revealed it to be closely related to Phaeocytostroma and Stenocarpella species. As morphological characters clearly placed the pathogen in the genus Stenocarpella, it was described as S. chrysopogonis.

Suitability of Vetiver straw fibers in improving the engineering characteristics of compressed earth blocks

Although conventional earth construction has been replaced by modern materials in industrialized nations over the last century, interest in earthen materials has surged in industrialized countries due to their economic, social, and environmental sustainability benefits. Compressed earth blocks (CEBs) have gained popularity for their energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to fired clay bricks or cement concrete (CC) blocks. This research explores the potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as Vetiver, a perennial grass found in tropical and subtropical regions, to enhance the engineering properties of CEBs. While the use of Vetiver roots for soil erosion prevention and slope stabilization is well documented, the impact of Vetiver straw fibers on CEBs has not been sufficiently researched. Here, CEBs were manufactured with varying Vetiver straw fiber contents (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3% by dry soil mass). The physical properties of the Vetiver straw fiber-reinforced CEBs revealed a reduction in bulk density and volumetric shrinkage. As for the strength-ductility behavior, the Vetiver straw fibers noticeably increased the ductility of the CEBs. However, the rise in strength was not significant, and it showed little change over time. Durability characteristics were assessed through capillary water absorption and wear resistance tests, indicating reduced water absorption and enhanced wear resistance in CEBs with Vetiver straw fibers. Microstructural analysis through scanning electron microscopy reveals a more uniform and isotropic soil matrix with fewer voids, indicating stronger bonding between the fibers and the soil. Overall, Vetiver straw fiber has demonstrated its potential as a valuable reinforcement material for CEBs, making them more sustainable and resilient.