Garuma Nemera Roge, Fantahun Fisseha, Tigist Bidira
{"title":"Management of Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) Using Hermetic and Non-Hermetic Storage Containers: A Short Communication","authors":"Garuma Nemera Roge, Fantahun Fisseha, Tigist Bidira","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.550.554","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.550.554","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: Maize is one of the most important food crops in developing countries. The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais , is one of the most important post-harvest pests of the crop. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hermetic and non-hermetic containers as well as black polythene plastic bags treated in the sun on maize weevil survival and seed viability. Materials and Methods: The treatments were three unreplicated black polythene plastic bags and two plastic water bottles. The black polythene plastic bags were prepared manually. In each of these containers, 150 g of undamaged, weevil-free maize grain was added along with 15 live adult maize weevils. One of the plastic water bottles was kept hermetically sealed, while the other was perforated to allow air entry. The black polythene plastic bags were tightly sealed and put in the sun at a mean temperature of 30°C for 20 min, 40 min and an hour, respectively. Treatments of the plastic water bottles were kept for a week. Data were analysed using Excel software. Results: The oxygen depletion resulted in 100% adult weevil mortality after a week in a hermetic container. The black polythene plastic bags exposed to the sun for 40 min to 1 hr resulted in 100% adult mortality. The germination test results in this study indicated that black polythene plastic bags exposed to the sun for a maximum of an hour and above resulted in decreased germination capacity. Conclusion: The hermetic containers and black polythene plastic bags were thus found to be effective against maize weevil control.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139136464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ameliorative Effect of Tender Coconut Water on Benzene Induced Lymphoid Malignancy in Wistar Rat","authors":"Onuoha Chinedu Emmanuel, Ezekiel. F. Hallie","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.493.501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.493.501","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139136826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. J. Anyanwu, J. A. Olanite, O. Onifade, Victor Idowu Olowe, Samuel Echezona Okere, Ibiam Ikwuo Ekpe
{"title":"Biodegradation of Leguminous Husks into High Protein Feed Products Using Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)","authors":"N. J. Anyanwu, J. A. Olanite, O. Onifade, Victor Idowu Olowe, Samuel Echezona Okere, Ibiam Ikwuo Ekpe","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.344.350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.344.350","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: High cost of conventional feedstuff is a major constraint to commercial livestock production in Nigeria. Leguminous crop residues which are abundant and cheap can fill the gap but are of very low nutrient quality. This study investigated the effect of P. ostreatus on three leguminous residues namely, groundnut shell (GS), cowpea husk (CH) and bambara nut shells (BS) with sawdust (SD) as the control. Materials and Methods: The 500 g of the different moist substrates which had been previously dried and milled into smaller particle sizes of at least 2 mm in diameter, were inoculated with 10 g of P. ostreatus spawn which were covered with transparent cellophane bags and placed in a dark room for 5 weeks to allow optimum conditions for colonization of the substrate. The samples were replicated 3 times. Subsequently, samples from each replicate were bulked, oven-dried and milled for chemical analysis. Results: The proximate analysis before and after the treatment showed an increase in nutrient quality parameters, crude fibre 42.05 vs 30.95%, 42.45 vs 37.90%, 52.32 vs 28.8%, 68.35 vs 59.5% for (GS), (CH), (BS) and (SD), respectively, crude protein 9.24 vs 18.08. 9.45% vs, 14.18, 9.30 vs 11.03% and 1.93 vs 2.63% for (GS), (CH), (BS) and (SD), respectively, ash content 10.60 vs 8.30%, 7.80 vs 12.56%, 10.90 vs and 13.50%, 0.5 vs 1.5% for (GS), (CH), (BS) and (SD), respectively, fat and oil 12.26 vs 1.90%, 5.70 vs 18.52%, 3.78 vs 3.78% and 7.04 vs 1.88% for (GS), (CH), (BS) and (SD), respectively. Conclusion: The mushroom variety Pleurotus ostreatus , could be used to enhance the nutritive quality of the crop residues under study.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139331757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Concept of Dried Seminal Biochemical Parameters in Substantiating Male Infidelity","authors":"Eni-yimini Agoro, Emmanuel Eri","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.229.233","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.229.233","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: Infidelity is the desecration of a couple’s vows on sexual serenity and individuality leading to psychological damage, post-traumatic stress disorder, family breakdown and at times murder. Solutions to infidelity are multifaceted of which early detection with evidence could be of great help. This study was therefore designed to find an alternative approach to discovering a scientific means of detecting the occurrence of sexual intercourse which is the fulcrum of infidelity. Materials and Methods: The under wares of the subjects recruited for the study were collected after voluntarily enrolling in the study. The study was categorized into four groups, no-sex male (NSM), sex group (S), sex bath wash (SBW) and sex bath and no wash (SBNW). Concentrations or activities of seminal zinc, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and acid phosphatase (ACP) were analyzed using WHO-approved methods after the elution of the semen-stained under wares in distilled water. One-way ANOVA ( Post hoc -LSD) on SPSS (version 21) statistical software was used for the data analysis. Results: The findings of the study showed a significant increase in concentrations or activities of PSA and ACP when compared amongst the groups, whereas the seminal electrolytes were not significant. In a similar vein, comparisons of other parameters such as seminal magnesium, inorganic phosphate and zinc exhibited non-significant differences between the various studied groups. Conclusion: The concentrations of PSA and ACP could be utilized as an adjunct investigative tool in affirming the occurrence of sexual intercourse and infidelity in particular.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139332497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Pasha, Sridhar Aravind, Asma Begum, Shaik Muzammil Pasha
{"title":"Antimicrobial and Biodegradable Sanitary Pads with Nanomaterials Fused Polymers","authors":"C. Pasha, Sridhar Aravind, Asma Begum, Shaik Muzammil Pasha","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.218.228","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.218.228","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: Sanitary pads and diapers are routinely used nowadays to manage menstrual and toilet secretions. The commercially available menstrual pads contain harmful chemicals sodium polyacrylate and dioxins. Biodegradable pads with antimicrobial properties are a novel concept. This work highlights sanitary pads and diapers containing lignocellulose based, chemical-free, nanomaterial, pectinosone and chitinase-coated pads with long-lasting antimicrobial activity. The prepared pad was evaluated for its water-holding capacity, biodegradability test, antimicrobial activity, pH, inlet time and toxicity. Materials and Methods: Considering the findings of the current novel study, nanoparticles such as copper, silver and zinc were synthesized and characterized, pectinosone and chitinosone were prepared and coated on agarose. Further, the novel pad was examined for biodegradability, water-holding capacity, antimicrobial activity, pH, inlet time and toxicity tests. Results: The novel pad showed a high absorbance (37-40 mL), an inlet time of 3.6 sec, a neutral pH, anti-microbial activity and no toxicity. The complete biodegradability of the novel pad was achieved in 3 months. Conclusion: The prepared novel sanitary pad is having a high-water holding capacity, long duration anti-microbial activity with a neutral pH. The pad is completely biodegradable and non-toxic and is prescribed for routine purposes.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139332707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Trichoderma longibrachiatum’s Secondary Metabolite-A Review on Potential Compounds for Plant Growth and Biological Control for Plant Pathogens","authors":"Priya Ramasamy, Balachandar Subbu, Prabhakaran Narayanasamy","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.202.211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.202.211","url":null,"abstract":"Indeed, a significant amount of agricultural production has been lost due to plant diseases that were caused by phytopathogens. Chemical pesticides are applied to protect the crops from the reduce substantial yield loss. Improved crop yields have been achieved for a long time through the use of synthetic chemical pesticides. However, the use of these pesticides may one day be limited due to their negative effects on human health and the environment. Global ecological awareness of the use of natural products and microorganisms to manage plant diseases has led to the use of beneficial antagonistic bacteria and fungi in different methods. Several microorganisms limit pathogen growth or indirectly increase plant-mediated resistance. Trichoderma is one of the most effective biological control agents for soil and foliar diseases. The Trichoderma spp., biocontrol potential depends on number of mechanisms such as antibiosis, mycoparasitism and the host induced systemic resistance. As typically recognised saprophytic fungi, Trichoderma species generate and exude a wide range of secondary metabolites into their environment while having little nutritional requirements. The non-ribosomal peptides (peptobiols, siderophores, gliotoxin and glovirin), polyketides, terpenes, pyrones and isocyanine are some of the Trichoderma spp., derived secondary metabolites. These metabolites are associated in different biological activities like biocontrol activities and or microbial intrractions. Since, it’s becoming more important to extract these molecules from safer, biodegradable antifungal solutions, which may be the next generation of biological pesticides, studies on Trichoderma’s antifungal active components are intensifying. This article is reviewed particularly about the major secondary metabolites that are produced by the beneficial fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum and enhance the present knowledge on the potential compounds for plants.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139333374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on the Hepatic Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids","authors":"Eni-yimini Agoro, I. Anyiam","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.195.201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.195.201","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus ) is one of the most popular and commonly used members of the Malvaceae family. The study investigated the phytochemical content of okra and its attendant metabolic role on the liver in maintaining the optimal concentrations of glucose and lipids in the body. Materials and Methods: Thirty albino rats divided into 5 groups (A, B, C, D and E) constituted the sample size as validated by mead’s equation. The control group was given sterile water, whereas okra extract of varying concentrations was given to the remaining four treatment groups. The administration was repeated daily for 4 weeks followed by anesthesia and then blood collection. Results: Data analysis was performed on SPSS version 21 software by using one-way ANOVA ( post hoc -LSD) statistical tool. The biochemical parameters analysed included liver chemistries, lipid profile, glucose and glycated haemoglobin using, WHO approved methods. The study revealed a significant decrease in concentrations of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), albumin and triacylglycerol, whereas other parameters were stable. Conclusion: Based on the results above, it could be concluded that A. esculentus enhances the metabolic role of the liver in maintaining the optimal concentrations of lipids and glucose in the body.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139333607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Study on Yield and Gut Flora Diversity on Vermicomposting of Bio-Waste Using Eisenia fetida","authors":"Rahtinabala Kanagaraj, Muthupandi Guru, Dorai Pandian Kannan","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.294.301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.294.301","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: Management of accumulated refuse materials can be made effective through vermicomposting. The study aims to find the yield of compost from different bio-wastes and biochemical characterization of microbes present in the gut region. Materials and Methods: Collected and dried biowastes were spread over concrete tanks for composting. Addition of cow dung slurry for pre-treating the biowastes. Eisenia fetida was inoculated into the tanks in a ratio of 10:1 and left for vermicomposting. About one gram of earthworm tissue was dissected and taken for analysis. Microbiological methods were employed to isolate, identify and characterize the vermin bacteria. Results: Degradation of hard fibrous sugarcane bagasse resulted relatively in a higher vermicompost production (55.79 and 70.34%) and an increased percentage (29%) of earthworm when compared to other wastes used in the study. As 70.34% recovery during the second study period was obtained because of the longer pre-composting period. Eight different bacterial isolates identified from the gut region were found to be present in the soil, which has plant growth-regulating functions. Conclusion: The results of the work can be applicable in multi-faceted fields, including natural resources conservation, organic farming, recycling and reuse of solid and agro-wastes.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139332873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of Different Biochars and the Impact of Heavy Metals on Growth and Yield of Amaranthus at Zagyuri Irrigation Field Tamale, Ghana","authors":"Haruna Musah Nimatu, G. Nyarko, H. Bayor","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.322.336","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.322.336","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: Vegetables are essential for human health, but in Northern, Ghana limited due to scarcity of water for irrigation. The study aims to determine the effects of different biochar wastewater filtrates on chlorophyll content, growth, yield parameters and heavy metal remediation of Amaranthus under pot cultivation in both rainy and dry seasons. Materials and Methods: The study employed a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment combinations consist of eight levels of treated wastewater, groundnut husk biochar produced in open field conditions, wastewater and pipe borne water, rice husk biochar and groundnut husk biochar both pyrolyzed at 400 and 600°C. The wastewater was prefiltered by corn cob biochar to reduce suspended solids and turbidity. The wastewater and pipe water were added as controls. Amaranthus ( Amaranthus cruentus ) was used as a test crop. Results: The studies revealed that high levels of contamination in the WW (wastewater) and soil reduced the vegetative growth parameters (leaf number, leaf area and chlorophyll content) of Amaranthus for both seasons even though the nutritional composition of the WW was observed to be higher than what was observed in the other irrigated source. Generally, filtrate from groundnut husk biochar pyrolyzed at 600°C resulted in the highest growth and yield parameters as well as reducing cadmium and lead in Amaranthus leaves for both rainy and dry seasons. Conclusion: This study recommended that the use of groundnut husk biochar(s) should be adopted in remediating wastewater to minimize the adverse effects of cadmium and lead on Amaranthus.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139333253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Differential Biotic and Abiotic Induced Stress Levels Confer Varying Morphological Responses in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Cultivars","authors":"Ayisha Marfo Amadu, A. S. Appiah, K. O. Ayeh","doi":"10.3923/ajbs.2023.302.321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3923/ajbs.2023.302.321","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: Extreme and prolonged water deficit together with the evolving nature of plant viruses has a negative impact on plant growth. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the morphological responses of okra cultivars subjected to drought and virus stress treatments. Materials and Methods: Three watering treatment blocks were set up in a split block design and plants under each block were arranged further in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Means of plant growth measurements and yield parameters were compared using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistics using Minitab (version 17.0) statistical software and means of treatments were compared by Tukey mean comparison at a 5% probability level. Results: The lowest reduced plant height of 19.60±0.84 cm corresponded to Indiana plants grown under a combination of severe drought and virus treatment. The least number of leaves were reported in Indiana plants grown under a combination of severe drought and virus treatment (1.66±0.57). The highest and least stem diameter were recorded in Essoumtem control plants (9.10±0.17 mm) and Indiana plants grown under a combination of severe drought and virus treatment (2.96±0.15 mm), respectively (p = 0.00, F = 74.53). Conclusion: Results concluded that virus infection and drought stressed plants may result in impaired growth in okra cultivars used in this study.","PeriodicalId":8481,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139333916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}