International Journal of Agricultural Technology

Biodegradation of dyes in textile wastewater using local fungal isolates

Ali, N. F., Abd-Elsalam, I. S. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Textile wastewater contains dyes and excessive amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and metal compounds, as well as organic pollutants that. Wastewater also contains chemical wastes that are not biodegradable that can cause infectious disease. The chemical and biological waste in sewage and water must be broken down before it is deposited to the soil and environment. The extensive use of dyes often causes pollution problems. The presence of very low concentrations of dyes in large water bodies is shown to be highly visible and indisputable and also reduced light penetration and photosynthesis. In addition some dyes either toxic or mutagenic and carcinogenic. In this study, waste water was treated by microbial isolates from Egyptian soil. The potent fungal isolate used for the degradation of the excess dye used in textile industry and waste water. The study investigated the biodegradation process under different growth conditions. Different parameters were involved , dyes concentration, inoculum size incubation time, temperature, and growth medium. The decolorization efficiency for these dyes were investigated. Reactive yellow 145 is used the maximum wave lengthof 475. These isolates were belong to species such as Aspergillus niger, A.ochraceous, Mucor recemosus , Penicilluim notatum and P. chrysogenium. After they screened for optimum efficiency and the condition for temperature and pH which optimized and the effectiveness of biodegradation process. The results showed that the maximum decolorization 65.77% was obtained at pH 6.5, fermentation time of 6 day, dye concentration of 90mg/h, and agitation rate 200 rpm.at 30C⁰.

Efficacy of indigenous Beauveria bassiana and Purpureocillium lilacinum for controlling Planococcus minor (Maskell) in durian fruits

Anutrakunchai, S, Thongkamngam, T. — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Planococcus minor (Maskell) spread in durian fields has a great impact on durian farmers. Because P. minor can damage durian at almost every stage, from fruit setting to harvest. Therefore, it is necessary to select indigenous entomopathogenic fungi that have the potential to control P. minor in durian fruits. The efficacy of indigenous B. bassiana and P. lilacinum for controlling P. minor (Maskell) in durian friuts was investigated. Insect pest samples were collected from durian orchards in three provinces: Chanthaburi, Trat, and Rayong. The collected samples were morphological identified to confirm the presence of B. bassiana and P. lilacinum. The results indicated that both spore suspension of B. bassiana and P. lilacinum at 10⁴, 10⁶, and 10⁸ spore/ml were able to inhibit all growth stages of all P. minor. The concentration of 10⁸ spore/ml resulted in the highest mortality rates for P. minor nymphs, achieving 97% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, indigenous B. bassiana and P. lilacinum should be applied to
P. minor at the nymph stage rather than during the adult stage, as the nymphs are more susceptible affected entomopathogenic fungi.

Stingless bees collecting pollen in durian orchards, Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi Province

Anutrakunchai, S., Thongkamngam, T., Puramongkon, P., Charoensuk, K. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Stingless bees are small social insects that collectsnectar and pollens from plants for food and play a crucial role in pollination. The results are identified into two species: Tetragonula pagdeni and Lisotrigona furva. T. pagdeni primarily collected the dominant pollen from nectar-rich flowering plants which were Asystasia gangetica (83%), Tridax procumbens (65%), and Wedelia trilobata (53%). Interestingly, T. pagdeni collected the occasional pollen from Durio zibethinus (L.) which was “Mon-Thong (1%) and Kradum Thong (1%). Unlike T. pagdeni, the smaller L. furva focused on various plants and weedy plants with smaller flowers, which, collecting pollen from A. gangetica (12-20%), T. procumbens (14-18%), Bougainvillea glabra (15%), Gomphrena globosa (8%), Eleutheranthera ruderalis (11%), and Eleusine indica (13%), and however, no pollen of D. zibethinus was observed. Overall, the study shows that both species adapt their foraging behavior in response to environmental changes, such as El Niño and La Niña, highlighting their resilience and adaptability to survive in varying climatic conditions.

Enhancing Lentil Growth and Yield through Sustainable Foliar Applications

Monika Aswal; Dr. Priya Chugh; Rashmi Sharma, Sayantika Bhattacharya — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to assess the impact of various foliar applications on growth and yield of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). Lentil, a vital staple food, is rich in vitamin A, fiber, potassium, vitamin B, and iron. Despite being the third most produced pulse crop globally, its cultivation faces sustainability challenges, prompting the exploration of alternative systems. The present experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of 2022-23 in a randomized block design with seven treatments, including NPK, cow urine, Panchagavya, Jeevamrutha, Boron, and Vermiwash, and a control on the lentil variety Pant Lentil-09. Foliar spray was applied at specific intervals, and various growth and yield parameters were recorded. The results of the study indicated that the 10% Panchagavya treatment significantly enhanced plant height and dry matter accumulation at 60 and 90 DAS, showing 40.40% and 31.60% increases, respectively. The treatment also led to significant improvements in yield attributes. The number of pods per plant and the number of seeds per pod increased significantly, resulting in a remarkable 157.60% increase in the number of seeds per plant. Seed yield, straw yield, and biological yield were also notably greater under the 10% Panchagavya treatment, with a corresponding improvement in the harvest index. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the positive impact of organic fertilizers and micronutrients on crop growth and yield. Panchagavya, with its diverse mix of beneficial microorganisms and nutrients, has emerged as an effective foliar application for lentil crops reported first time. It is offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical-based agriculture.

Biocontrol potential of Bacillus spp. against bacterial blight and bacterial leaf streak pathogens in rice

Banluehan, J, Tunchai, M. — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Bacterial leaf blight and bacterial leaf streak are major rice diseases caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc). In this study, rhizosphere soil samples were collected from healthy rice in Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi, and Surin provinces of Thailand. Among 135 bacterial strains isolated from the soil samples, only six isolates were selected mainly based on their strong antagonistic activity against Xoo. By dual-culture test, isolated strain KRI2 provided the largest Xoo inhibition zone diameters of 30.16 mm, followed by SRN19 and SPB1_1 with diameters of 24.30 mm and 24.06 mm, respectively. The largest Xoc inhibition zone diameter was obtained from strain SRN19 (15.46 mm), followed by strain SPB1_1 (14.21 mm) and strain SPB1_10 (14.00 mm). In addition, all six selected strains were able to inhibit the growth of Curvularia lunata, the rice pathogenic fungus. Morphological characterization revealed that all six strains were Gram-positive bacteria with rod shape. Molecular characterization by 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis exhibited that all six strains belong to the genus Bacillus. Four isolated strains, SPB1_1, SPB1_10, SRN19, and KRI6, were identified as Bacillus velezensis. KRI2 and KRI4 were identified as Bacillus sonorensis and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Besides, antagonist-related lytic enzyme production ability and plant growth-promoting traits of the six strains were observed. It was found that all six strains were able to produce protease and cellulase but showed an ability to solubilize phosphate and nitrogen fixation slightly.

Socio-economic study of mud crab (Scylla serrata) households in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia

Cahyadinata, I., Nusril., Nopiana, M. — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Results indicated that the food security of mud crab fishermen households in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia was generally secured. It was found that 92% of fishermen's households were very secure, 4% were quite secured, and 4% were less secure. Meanwhile, based on multidimensional poverty category of mud crab fishermen households was not impoverished. Overall, 67% of people were not poor, 22% were vulnerable poor, 3% were poor, and 7% were very poor. Furthermore, the welfare of mud crab fishermen households is found to be in the category of high welfare. Those included in high welfare was 53% and in moderate category is 47%. In addition, the feasibility of mud crab fishery business carried out by fishermen which was in the feasible category with a BC ratio of 3.04. The socio-economic status of fishermen households as indicated by the sufficient category were grouped into good, sufficient and bad were accounted for 27.9%, 70.8%, and 1.3%, respectively. Improving the socio-economic status of fishermen's households could be done through the expansion of the mud crab fishing industry. Then, increasing income would increase food security, reduce multidimensional poverty, enhance welfare and raise business feasibility. Increasing income could be completed by enlarging the volume mud crabs caught by fishermen as well as selectively selling bigger size to have higher revenue.

Comparative analysis between Artemia parthenogenetica and Artemia franciscana size from China, Vietnam and United States of America Sources

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Artemia, also known as brine shrimp, are important organisms in the aquaculture industry due to their ability to adapt to high salinity environments and high nutritional value, making them suitable live food for various aquatic species. Our research is focused on two distinct species of Artemia franciscana and Artemia parthenogenetica from various geographical regions. Because of the current demand, Artemia is the preferred the choice for small-sized live feed for aquatic larvae. Hence, it is crucial to choose suitable artemia sources that correspond with the dietary requirements of aquatic larvae. The results were significantly differed between the species, suggesting potential for optimizing specific strains tailored to distinct aquaculture applications. The findings revealed notable disparities across the species, suggesting the possibility of enhancing certain strains customized for specific aquaculture purposes. The sizes of cysts and the Instar I stage in Artemia franciscana from Vietnam were 31.7 ± 7.25 μm smaller than those of A. franciscana from United States of America and A. parthenogenetica from China. The gathered statistics provided preliminary criteria for choosing strains that are well-suited size of live feed to certain aquaculture hatcheries.

Efficacy of poultry manure and biochar of cassava peels on root-gall nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in an endemic Ultisol.

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In an endemic ultisol, the efficacy of poultry manure and biochar derived from cassava peels against the root-gall nematode of okra was investigated at Undergraduate Demonstrative Farms, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. With four replicates, the field trial was a 2x4 factorial in a randomized complete block design. Two types of okra, Maha and Dizengoff okra, were used in the treatments, along with three organic soil amendments: poultry manure, biochar made from cassava peels, biochar made from cassava peels with poultry, and the control. The number of leaves, height of plant (cm), total number of pods, weight of pod (g), weight of shoot (g), weight of root (g), and root index (0–4) were the data that were taken. The Dizengoff okra variety yielded significantly (P<0.05) higher plant height (10.01 cm) and shoot weight (5.40 g) than Maha okra variety (8.44 cm and 5.19 g), respectively. The findings additionally demonstrated that the Maha okra variety exhibited higher quality in terms of pod weight (85.60 g) and number of pods (16.50 g), which varied considerably (P<0.05) from the Dizengoff okra variety's 12.06 and 75.00 g, respectively. Compared to all other soil amendments employed in this study, okra plant growth and yield parameters were boosted in plots treated with a mixture of biochar made from cassava peels and poultry manure. The best way to lessen the harm that the nematode did to the okra plant was to apply a mixture of biochar made from cassava peels and poultry manure. This mixture can be utilized as a sustainable management technique against the root-gall nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in an endemic soil.

Maturity parameters characterization and classification of Lemon (Citrus limon (cv. California)) based on reflectance-fluorescence imaging and machine learning model

Yelina Kusuma Firdaus, Joko Prasetyo, Yusuf Hendrawan, Dimas Firmanda Al Riza — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Reflectance and fluorescence imaging were employed to assess maturity in California lemons (Citrus limon cv. California) based on skin color and texture, alongside internal quality indicators. Fluorescence imaging outperformed reflectance alone in predicting maturity levels, likely due to enhanced capture of biochemical and textural variations in lemon surface. Machine learning analysis using both support vector machines (SVM) and k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) revealed that SVM models trained on fluorescence images provided the most accurate classification. Specifically, fluorescence imaging data processed with SVM (without scaling) achieved 100% accuracy in training and 92% in testing, surpassing other model and feature configurations. These findings showed the utility of fluorescence imaging for potential, non-destructive lemon maturity classification, offering a promising framework for broader applications in citrus and other horticultural commodities.

Potential of snake fruit (Salacca zalacca) cultivars on product quality for fermented vinegar beverages

Hirankerd, W., Tachai, S., Darapong, P., Sumana, B. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Results showed that using naturally vinegar fermentation methods was not successful in two of the cultivars, Mo and Sumalee. Although Noen Wong did succeed in the naturally fermenting vinegar, the final product had undesirable flavor characteristics. Vinegar fermentation from all three snake fruit cultivars using the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the Acetobacter pasteurianus bacteria, yielded the desired product of vinegar beverage. A higher level of total phenolic content was detected in the vinegars produced from Noen Wong cultivar, while those produced from Mo cultivar exhibited the highest levels of antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation based on the 9-point hedonic scales and tested with 30 panelists, showed that vinegars produced from Mo and Sumalee cultivars showed the highest overall preference, with an average score of 6.07-6.13, which indicated a medium pleasant level of the vinegar preference. This study concluded that the Mo cultivar is found to be most suitable for making fermented vinegar beverage, however, it is recommended that the color characteristics could be improved.

The prevalence of capripoxvirus causing lumpy skin disease in beef cattle with no clinical signs on a well-managed cooperative farm

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Capripoxviruses were confidently detected in cattle, exhibiting a prevalence of 1.17% (9 out of 770 samples). The PCR products from the infected cattle consistently ranged from 1,000 to 1,500 base pairs, even at very low viral loads. Importantly, no significant differences in infection rates were found between the summer and rainy seasons (P > 0.05), and the prevalence was not associated with specific geographical regions or the timing of blood sample collection (P > 0.05). Notably, infected cattle displayed no clinical signs, such as skin nodules, emphasising that the disease can be present without causing visible harm. These findings strongly reinforce the necessity for stringent disease prevention measures in beef cattle production to effectively mitigate potential losses.

Forming packaging from durian husk fiber using modified starch and cassava starch

Khanitta, R., Waritchon, N., Kunlaporn, P.1, Suporn, S., Juthathip, N. — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The formation of packaging from durian husk fibers using modified starch and cassava starch as binders through a heat baking process was analyzed for physical, chemical quality, and shelf life. The results showed that packaging made from durian husk fibers presented a good physical appearance, including strength, hardness, flexibility, and brightness. Packaging formed with cassava starch provided better oil, water resistance, and hardness than modified starch. The water and oil resistance values were 9.2-125.5 sec/ml and 25.8-85.8 sec/ml, respectively. The hardness of the packaging is 0.90-0.93 kg/cm². The chemical composition of the packaging is contained 7.83-7.94 % moisture and 1.42-4.55 % ash. The moisture content of the packaging increased after storage. A 35-day shelf-life revealed no significant difference in color value, with the L*-value decreased (67.96-68.57), the a*-value increasing (3.75-4.21), and the b*-value decreased (18.42-18.99) over time.

Plant essential oils, trans-anethole and eugenol, for housefly knockdown and mortality

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The knockdown and mortality of some compounds from natural oils (trans-anethole, eugenol and a combination of trans-anethole and eugenol) against adult houseflies (Musca domestica) compared with cypermethrin was investigated. The knockdown and mortalities were highest at 100% of 1% trans-anethole with KT₅₀= 31 min and LT₅₀ = 31 min. The mortality index of trans-anethole was 82.1 times that of cypermethrin. In contrast, 1% eugenol had knockdown and mortality was 36% and 0.5% trans-anethole + 0.5% eugenol had knockdown and mortality of 68%, with mortality indexes of 1.6 and 3.2 times versus cypermethrin. The trans-anethole high toxicity and low residue made it a superior control for houseflies.

A simple and cost-effective method to measure moisture content for multigrain

Pimpan Pruengam, Siwalak Pathaveerat, Sirinad Noypitak — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

An integrated moisture inspection card was developed for measuring the moisture content of grains. The moisture content of paddy, corn, and soybean influenced the color change of cobalt chloride-coated paper. Experiments using corn and soybean with coated paper were conducted in a jar with head space of 25%, 50%, or 75%, with the lid closed for 30, 45, or 60 minutes. The results showed that the highest color value in corn and soybean was produced with a head space of 75% and a testing duration of 60 minutes (HS75DT60). This differed from paddy, where the highest color value was observed for HS75DT45. This discrepancy explained that corn and soybean are oil crops with a pericarp or seed coat. For all grains, using a testing duration of 45 minutes resulted to increase coefficient of correlation, indicating a better relationship between moisture content and color values. The card production process standardizes the printed RGB color values by converting from the L*, a*, and b* values. Additionally, the card was calibrated its relation to the moisture content of various grains, making it suitable for use in a wide variety of applications.

Effects of LDD1 compost and chemical fertilizer on the growth, yield and antioxidant activity of Chrysanthemum indicum L.

Phadungsawat, B., Yeemin, J. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Chrysanthemum, one of the most valuable crops and medicinal plants, is increasingly cultivated for its pharmacological benefits. The combination of LDD1 compost and chemical fertilizer showed the highest number of flowers, which was significantly greater than other treatments. Additionally, LDD1 compost alone resulted in the highest dry root weight. The antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds extracted from dried chrysanthemum flowers was evaluated by measuring total flavonoids, phenolics, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Although the flavonoid and phenolic contents did not significantly differ among the treatments, fertilization led to significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to non-fertilized plants. The study highlighted the potential of using LDD1 compost, or a combination of LDD1 compost and chemical fertilizer at half the rate, to promote vigorous growth, high yields, and enhanced antioxidant activity. This approach helps to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Fructooligosaccharides supplementation: effects on broiler chicken performance, intestinal morphology, microbial community, and stress indicators

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Feeding broilers with different amounts of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) under conditions of higher stocking densities and reused litter did not affect growth performance (p>0.05). However, FOS supplementation improved gut health by increasing villus height to crypt depth ratio. It also promoted the growth of Lactobacillus and reduced the incidence of Escherichia coli. The decrease in heterophils to lymphocytes ratio in FOS-supplemented group indicates a reduction in stress levels.

Occurrence, isolation, and identification to genus level of entomopathogenic nematodes (epns) in Central Panay Island, Philippines

LEONIE CONSABO, Pillada, E. M. G., Gallego, A. M., Panaligan, A. C. G. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Soil samples were isolated entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) from Central Panay Island, Philippines found to be positive for EPNs. However, no presence of EPNs was recorded in some sampling areas such as the Bingawan rice farm and fallow area; Tapaz, Capiz fallow area, and Lambunao, Iloilo residential area. The highest and lowest frequency occurrences were obtained from the municipalities of Calinog and Bingawan in Iloilo with a 100% and 50% recovery rate, respectively. There was a correlation between the vegetation types and the occurrence of EPNs. Regardless of vegetation cover, EPNs were often found in moderately acidic (pH 5.56) to neutral (pH 7.23) soils. Thus, the occurrence of EPNs was influenced by the vegetation type and soil pH value. The color of Corcyra cephalonica or rice moth cadavers infected by the EPN was gray and minute black spots. A compound microscope revealed that bursa is presented in males and first-generation adults are hermaphroditic. The collected EPN isolates belong to the genus Heterorhabditis of the family Heterorhabtidae.

Effect of seed soaking with nitrophenolate–based biostimulant on germination and growth of chilli var. Kanchanaburi 1

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The results showed that there was significant difference in germination rate. Three ppm of nitrophenolate–based biostimulant increased the germination rate more than the other treatments. However, there was no significant difference among treatments in the leaf number at 14 and 21 days after planting and also the plant height at 14 days after planting. The seeds which were soaked in 7 ppm of nitrophenolate–based biostimulant for 5 hours, resulted in the tallest plant height at 21 days after planting.

Mycorrhizal mass multiplication in trap culture method in Cynodon sp. and evaluation of growth parameters

Aniruddha Saha, Asit Ray, Nilanjana Das — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In the present study, one such method known as the trap culture method is utilized for the mass multiplication of mycorrhiza in Cynodon dactylon, and it is found to be successful for the mass production of the mycorrhizal spores. Mycorrhiza increased P and K in soil following application of mycorrhizal spore preparation. The mycorrhizal spores improved plant growth which was manifested by vigorous growth in treated plants. Biochemical analysis of twigs of C. dactylon revealed that protein content, reducing sugar, PAL content, and Chlorophyll content increased but total phenol and total sugar content reduced. Root colonization percentage, spore quantification, and soil health increased in the treated sets as compared to the controlled sets. Thus, mass multiplication of mycorrhiza in the trap culture method improved plant health as well as soil health in an eco-friendly manner.

Understanding pojada and the challenges of harvesting abaca in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines

Aladin Repaso, Salingay, R. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, abaca plays a significant role in providing alternative income as an intercrop to tree crops like coconut. However, the sustainability of the abaca industry is greatly affected by instances when the abaca is left unharvested and situations where the pojada system overharvests. Results revealed that 92% of the respondents used decorticating machines during harvesting. Instead of harvesting three to four times a year, harvesting was done once or twice, comparable to the pojada system. The respondents perceived pojada as a system that had favorable and detrimental impacts on abaca. The leading problem of the respondents was the delay or absence of harvesting due to the lack of skilled harvesters, insufficient financial capital, distant markets/traders, limited buying of deco fiber, and lack of spindle stripping machines. These challenges suggested that the government provide support such as labor-efficient machines, skills training, trade capitalization, and incentives to harvesters for the sustainability of the abaca industry in the region.

Species of commercially-farmed crickets in Thailand

Ruang-Rit, K., Poommarin, P., Seritrakul, P. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Result found that there are four species of commercially farmed crickets in Thailand with some farms raising two or more types of crickets. First, the “Thongdum Cricket” (Two-spotted cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus) is the most commonly raised in 92 farms. The “Thongdum Cricket” has two phenotypes as the red-coloured and black-coloured body. Genetic evidence from mitochondrial DNA sequences at the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene found that these two phenotypes are found in the same species. Second, the “House Cricket” (Acheta domesticus) commonly known in Thai as “Sa-ding” is raised in 65 farms. Third, the “Thongdaeng Cricket” (Ground Cricket, Teleogryllus mitratus) has yellow V-shape mark between the two eyes when viewed anteriorly and is raised in 33 farms. The name “Jing Krong” is often mistaken which instead of the correct one of “Thongdaeng Cricket”. The genetic sequence information confirmed these species should be named “Thongdaeng Cricket”. Last, “Thonglai Cricket” (Crazy red field cricket, Gryllus locorojo) has distinct M-shaped marking on the head, and the body is red-brown. This species is raised in 15 farms, and is often mistakenly called “Vietnam Cricket” because they were imported originally from Vietnam.

Yield and artemisinin content of six polyploid accessions of Artemisia annua grown at medium altitude in Indonesia

Siswanto, U., Subositi, D., Isnawati, A., Widiyastuti, Y. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The high incidence of malaria in Indonesia has resulted in a very high dependence on malaria drugs. The effort to self-sufficiency in artemisinin raw materials has been very possible because of the suitable geographical climate for large scale cultivation of Artemisia annua. Artemisinin production would be efficient and economical if the content levels reach more than 0.6%. Artemisia annua is a short-day plant, which is a typical of sub-tropical plant. Growing this species in the tropics causes a short vegetative period and results in low levels of artemisinin. The results showed that 6 polyploid accessions of Artemisia annua grown in medium altitude in Indonesia demonstrated different morphological characteristics based on growth, leaf shape, branching, stem colour, and flowering characteristics. Each of evaluated accession performed growth, yield, and artemisinin content, inconsistently. Artemisinin levels of each individual sample of each accession were highly fluctuated indicating that each accession number was not genotypically stable or uniform. Further evaluation is required to determine a suitable accession to grow.

In vitro biocontrol potential of natural substance combination against plant pathogens

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The antimicrobial potential of chitosan (CHT), banana peel vinegar (BPV) and plant-derived extracts from basil leaves (BE), fingerroot (FRE), and mangosteen peel (MSE) was evaluated against Diaporthe phaseolorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Curvularia sp., and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). Among these, MSE and FRE exhibited the highest efficacy, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.006 mg/ml and 0.048 mg/ml, respectively. Both extracts also inhibited Xcc, showing partial synergistic effects with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.625. These results highlight the antimicrobial potential of natural compounds, offering valuable insights for developing sustainable strategies in plant disease management and biofungicide formulation.

Application of tempeh and split gill mushroom extracts in herbal fresh sausage: Evolution of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Somsri, A., Yodsenee, K., Suthirawat, S., Pilasombut, K., Rumjuankiat, K. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Tempeh, recognized as a high-protein meat alternative, is gaining popularity across Asian countries, while split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune), rich in essential nutrients, are increasingly consumed in Southeast Asia. The antioxidant activities of all treatments were significantly higher than the control (p<0.05). Furthermore, formulations containing split gill mushroom (R3, R4, and R5) exhibited lower initial total plate count (TPC) values compared to the other formulations. Sensory evaluation was then conducted on sausages containing tempeh, split gill mushrooms, and their combinations in ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1, yielding overall acceptance scores of 3.93, 3.30, 4.27, 5.33, and 3.37, respectively. The combination with a 3:1 tempeh-to-mushroom ratio demonstrated the highest consumer acceptance. Therefore, the study on the application of tempeh and split gill mushroom extracts in herbal fresh sausage is provided valuable information for developing plant-based products and functional foods in the future.

Feeding diet containing concentrate with fermented Arenga pinnata by-product on nutrient intakes, digestibility, and milk quality of lactating dairy cows

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Utilizing fermented Arenga pinnata, a product produced by Pleurotus ostreatus that was transferred for 5 weeks until the full hyphae were grown, as an alternative feedstuff. This biomass was ready to be used as one of the ingredients in substitution with rice bran in the concentrate. They were concentrated with fermented Arenga (CFA) by-products, specifically CFA0 (0/35), CFA10 (10/25), CFA15 (15/20), and CFA20 (20/15). In comparison, other ingredients were ground corn, soybean meal, palm oil, mineral mix, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, yeast, NaCl, CaCO3, and TSP (Triple Superphosphate). Those were all in the same amount, totalling 65%. The results showed that the crude protein content of fermented A. pinnata was improved by 11.62%, compared to 1.55% in non-fermented A. pinnata. Its crude fibre content decreased from 30.18% to 24.31%, respectively, in non-fermented and fermented A. pinnata. Meanwhile, the contents of NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, and cellulose were reduced with increased levels of fermented A. pinnata by-product in rice bran. On the other hand, Ca, P, and Ca/P (2.04) were found to be high in CFA20. Feces production (19.50 kg/d on average) was not different (P>0.05) among the three diets containing fermented A. pinnata by-product concentrates in lactating dairy cows. The nutrient contents in feces were not differed (P>0.05) among these diets, except for ether extract (P<0.05), which was shown to be higher in CFA15 and CFA20. All nutrient intakes were very significantly (P<0.01) decreased with increased the fermented A. pinnata by-product in concentrates. Digestibility of nutrients was not differed substantially (P > 0.05), while ether extract was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in CFA15 (86.57%) and CFA20 (87.51%), compared to a diet without fermentation. A. pinnata in the concentrate. Milk yielded (8.52 kg/d in FCA0 and 8.31 kg/d in CFA20 diets) and milk composition were not significantly affected (P > 0.05). These results indicated that incorporating up to 20% fermented A. pinnata into the concentrate, replacing rice bran found to be a suitable option for lactating dairy cows' diets.

Characterization and biological screening of the culturable endophytic actinomycetes from Garcinia cowa Roxb.

Tilarux, P., Suwanposri, A., Anartngam, P., Supong, K. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Actinomycetes associated with plants are relatively interactive sources of potential natural products. Two culturable endophytic actinomycetes strains, GcL-T1-1 and GcLT2-2, were isolated from a leaf of cowa (Garcinia cowa Roxb.). Determination of morphological and physiological properties, strains GcL-T1-1 and GcLT2-2, formed filament cells and presented spores on the mycelia which were classified to actinomycete group. In addition, strain GcL-T1-1 belonged to Streptomyces based on morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, which contained LL- diaminopimelic acid in peptidoglycan of cell wall. The molecular identification using similarity value of 16S rRNA gene, a non-streptomycete GcL-T2-2 was classified within the family Micromonosporaceae, genus Micromonospora that presented the highest similarity with M. schwarzwaldensis HKI0641^T (99.93%), follow with M. haikouensis 232617^T (99.23%), M. humi DSM 45647^T (99.16%), M. maritima D10-9-5^T (99.16%), M. sediminicola DSM 45794^T (99.16%), M. oryzae CP2R9-1^T (99.16%) and M. mangrove 2803GPT1-18^T (99.16%). In addition, neighbour-joining phylogeny confirmed that strain GcL-T2-2 formed a phyletic line within Micromonospora. Biological screening for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, ethyl acetate crude extract of Micromonospora sp. GcL-T2-2 exhibited activity against Bacillus cereus and NCI-H187 tumor cells at MIC of 50 µg/mL and IC₅₀ of 48.12 µg/mL, respectively. The Garcinia cowa associated Streptomyces strain GcLT1-1 exhibited cytotoxic activity with NCI-H187 tumor cells at the IC₅₀ value of 43.20 µg/mL. However, antagonistic activity against Alternaria brassicicola and Colletotrichum acutatum was an inactive result that displayed MIC value of more than 50 µg/mL.

Thymol-carvacrol supplementation in broilers: impact on performance, blood biomarkers, and gut health

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The stress conditions are induced by a high-dose live coccidiosis vaccine, and thymol-carvacrol supplementation in broilers were significantly improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter and grower phases as compared to the negative control. In contrast, antibiotic supplementation resulted in better growth performance throughout the rearing period. In addition, antibiotic supplementation lowered serum levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17), with thymol-carvacrol supplementation showing comparable but less pronounced effects, followed by the negative control. In addition, antibiotic supplementation improved intestinal morphology as evidenced by the decreased crypt depth and increased villus height to crypt depth ratio, followed by thymol-carvacrol supplementation compared to the non-supplemented groups. These results suggest that thymol-carvacrol supplementation can improve the gut health and performance of broilers under stress conditions.

Factors affecting farmers' decision to use subsidized seeds on hybrid corn farming in Seluma Regency, Bengkulu Province. Indonesia

Satria Putra Utama, Bambang Sumantri, Ahmad Rahmawan — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The results indicated that factors such as age, education, land area, seed prices, productivity, and time spent in farmer groups collectively influence farmers' choices between subsidized and non-subsidized hybrid corn seeds. The likelihood test ratio (57.594) exceeded the chi-square value (3.841) at α = 0.05, indicating a significant impact. Furthermore, the research variables revealed that farmers had a 50.50% probability of using subsidized corn seeds, as indicated by the R square value 0.505. Meanwhile, a 49.50% probability of using subsidized corn seeds was influenced by factors not accounted for in the model. The analysis showed a negative influence on various variables, including land size and the duration of farmers' membership in the farmer group. Additionally, the price of corn seeds influenced farmers' use of subsidized and non-subsidized hybrid corn seeds. Other variables, such as age, education, and productivity, did not positively influence farmers' decision to utilize hybrid corn seeds. The findings of this study underscored the necessity for further knowledge dissemination and explicited information provision to farmers concerning the implementation of the seed subsidy program in the study area.

Effects of sterilizing agents, phenolic compound inhibitors, and plant hormones in vitro on lateral bud explant culture of three durian varieties

Wiangsamut, B., Tilarux, P., Wattana, K. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The most effective sterilizing agent for achieving sterility in durian lateral bud explants of ‘Monthong’, ‘Kradum Thong’, and ‘Puangmanee’ durian varieties was a 0.3% mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) solution for 10 minutes. This treatment resulted in significantly higher contamination-free survival rates (P < 0.05) by 70%, 60%, and 50%, respectively, compared to the control treatments. The control treatments involved 30% Clorox (sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl) for 15 minutes followed by 5% Clorox for 10 minutes, resulting in 0% survival. The liquid Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at a concentration of 1.0 g/L achieved the most effective reduction in mucilage (phenolic compounds), resulting in 100% effectiveness. PVP acts as an antioxidant, contributing to reduced phenolic compound formation. As a result, the lateral bud explant of durian remained green and clean, and the phenolic compound on the cut surface of the explant effectively dissolved. Notably, this result was significantly better (p < 0.05) than using the control liquid medium (WPM). Over 7 months of subculturing on a solid medium once every month, findings revealed a distinct pattern in ‘Monthong’ durian lateral bud explants. When it cultured on WPM supplemented with 1.0 mg TDZ (Thidiazuron)/L and 10% coconut water, these explants exhibited significantly longer green callus lengths than the rest tested solid media. The combination of a low TDZ level (1.0 mg/L) with coconut water in the WPM solid medium appeared to play a crucial role in promoting callus formation. Interestingly, WPM supplemented with 3.0 mg BA (6-Benzyladenine)/L led to lateral bud explants of ‘Kradum Thong’ durian splitting into two shoots, each with leaf growth. Conversely, WPM supplemented with 3.0 mg TDZ/L promoted larger shoots with green leaf color. These findings provided valuable insights into optimizing tissue culture conditions for different durian varieties.

Effect of gamma irradiation on median lethal dose for mutation induction in Zinnia elegans and Cosmos bipinnatus

Yeemin, J., Dadkhunthod, P., Chothongtanasate, A., Phadungsawat, B. — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Zinnias and cosmos are popularly grown as decorative flowers in homes, gardens, and as potted plants. In this study, the appropriated gamma radiation doses for inducing mutations in zinnias and cosmos were investigated. It was found that gamma radiation significantly improved the seed germination parameters of both zinnias and cosmos. Vegetative growth traits showed that both zinnias and cosmos had decreased survival rate, fewer shoots, and reduced plant height as the irradiation dose increased. At a dose of 800 Gy, seeds were able to germinate, but seedlings grew to be stunted and eventually died. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of zinnias and cosmos was determined as 459.6 and 345.5 Gy, respectively. Gamma radiation also affected the development of flowers as it delayed the flowering time in zinnias. In addition, gamma irradiation induced morphological changes in both plants, including stunted stems, curled leaves, smaller flowers and light green variegated leaves in zinnias, and the asymmetry and curling petals, in cosmos. Our findings provide crucial information for optimizing the gamma radiation dose to induce mutagenesis in zinnias and cosmos while minimizing other deleterious effects.