Research Article
Investigation of Major Storage Fungal Pathogens Associated with Seeds of Some Crops
Yitagesu Tadesse Demissie, Asela Kesho Sako
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 37-44.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.002
The storage fungi damage the grains in several ways; they reduce the germination capacity, produce undesirable odor and kernel discoloration, decrease the food value, and also produce toxins that are injurious to the health of consumers. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the presence, and determine the identity, and incidences of major fungal pathogens associated with crop seeds. Totally fifty-eight seed samples of nine crops were used to investigate the presence and incidence of fungi associated with them in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. Results of the study revealed that a total of 9 fungi belonging to 8 genera viz. Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Bipolaris sp., Botrytis sp., Alternaria sp., Ascochyta sp., Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizopus sp. were isolated from samples. The infection percentage varied from 0-100% in samples of seed multiplication store. Most varieties of crops showed 100% infection followed by 97.5% (HB1307 of barley and Alidoro of wheat), 95% (Kingbird of wheat and RIB13/14 of nug), 90% (Kuncho of teff), 50% (Holetta-1 11/12 of gomenzer), 20% (Ginchi-1 11/12 of nug and Yellow Dodola15/16 of gomenzer), 10% (Shambu 17/18 of oat), and 5% (Shambu 11/12 of oat, S-67 17/18 of gomenzer and Fogera 10/11 of nug) except linseed samples 0%. In general, seed-borne fungi were present in most seed samples of cereals, oils, and legume crops. Some of the identified fungi are potential producers of mycotoxins, thus their presence is important in terms of reduced food safety for humans and animals. In addition, some seed-borne fungi were also the causal agents of diseases of the roots, stems, and leaves of crops. Fungal incidence of seed was highly associated with storage conditions of the independent variables, such as temperature and relative humidity of storage. So, it is suggested that the management of fungal growth, mycotoxin production, and fungal contamination incidence of seed should be investigated and confirmed with additional studies.
Research Article
Efficacy of the Whole Plant Ethanol Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus on Trypanosoma Brucei-Induced Pathology in Wistar Rat
Maryam Babangida Sani, Hadiza Usman Muhammad, Maryam Abubakar, Yunusa Adamu Wada
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 45-59.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.003
African animal trypanosomiasis is one of the most important protozoal diseases affecting animal health and production. This study was conducted to assess the phytochemical composition of Phyllanthus amarus ethanol extract and to assess its safety and efficacy on Trypanosoma brucei-induced pathology in Wistar rats. The plant sample was obtained from around the residential area in Ahmadu Bello University, main campus, Zaria, Nigeria, and subjected to phytochemical screening following standard procedures. Sixteen Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each rat in the groups receiving 0.1 mL of 10⁶ T. brucei trypomastigotes. After three days of patency, rats in groups III to V were given different plant extract treatments for four days, while rats in groups I and II served as negative and positive controls. Following treatment, clinical parameters, parasitaemia, gross pathology and biochemical analysis were observed and recorded. The results showed that the ethanol extract contained primary constituents such as alkaloids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, triterpenes, anthraquinones, tannins, and steroids. The extract was found to be non-toxic and orally safe for Wistar rats. It showed moderate suppressive ability against parasitaemia, ameliorating fever, weight loss, and anaemia in Trypanosoma brucei-infected rats. It also demonstrated significant modulatory activity in reducing internal organ pathologies, liver enzyme pathology, and oxidative stress in the heart, kidney, and spleen. The study highlights the safety and efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus ethanol extract in managing African animal trypanosomiasis.
Research Article
Hedgehogs under Pressure, the Role of Rodenticides on Their Decline
Andreia Garcês, Isabel Pires
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 60-64.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.004
Erinaceus europaeus, commonly known as the Western European hedgehog, is a well-known and widespread mammal in Europe. These small spiny mammals are insectivores and play a significant role in controlling invertebrate populations. However, they face several threats, including habitat loss, road accidents, and encounters with certain chemicals, including rodenticides. Rodenticides are chemical agents used to kill rodents. These compounds are often designed to be attractive to rodents but can also be consumed by other animals, including hedgehogs, either directly or through the ingestion of poisoned prey. Unfortunately, secondary poisoning through the consumption of poisoned rodents is a significant risk for hedgehogs and other non-target species. The ingestion of rodenticides can lead to severe health issues and even death. This brief review aims to present the impact that rodenticides have on European hedgehogs (European Erinaceus, Linnaeus 1758).
Research Article
A Study of the Corrosion Behavior of Engineering Mild Steel in Acidified and Hydrolyzed Extracts of Zingiber Officinale (Ginger)
Nwangbo T. N, Idenyi N. E, Idu K. H
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 65-71.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.005
We report the use of weight loss technique in the study of the corrosion behaviour of engineering mild steel in acidified and hydrolysed corrosion media using Zingiber officinale (Ginger) extracts. Cylindrical steel rods were cut into corrosion coupons of predetermined dimensions of 15 mm by 10mm diameter. The coupons were then weighed before being suspended in situ in fours into beakers containing 10 mL, 15 mL and 20 mL of the extracts in 0.5 M and 1.0 M concentrations of H2SO4 and NaOH respectively. These setups were allowed to stand for a period of 28 days with a coupon withdrawn from each beaker after every 7 days, processed according to standard procedures before reweighing. The data of the weight loss were recorded and computations of the corrosion penetration rate using the formula; CPR=K∆W/ρA∆t were calculated. Plots of corrosion penetration rate against time, inhibition efficiency against concentration of extract and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were then plotted. The results obtained revealed that the corrosion rate profiles for passivating metals in which there is an initial sharp rise in corrosion rate, followed by a progressive decline as exposure time increased were observed. The inhibition efficiencies of the extract in the various media also showed significant increase in all the media. The Langmuir adsorption isotherms indicated that the adsorption of the molecules of the extract on the metal surface was uniformly distributed over the entire metal surface and also the adsorptive forces were strong enough to cause effective adhesion to prevent further corrosion attack. In conclusion, it was established that Zingiber officinale leaf extracts are good inhibitors of corrosion and that the inhibitive potency of the extract increases with increase in the concentrations of the extract and the corrosion media as exposure time increased, with the extract showing better inhibition characteristics in NaOH than H2SO4.
Letter to Editor
Response and Impact of Environmental Stress on Crop Reproduction
Narendra Kumar Ahirwar
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 72-73.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.006
Research Article
Biochemical and Haematological Parameters of Children Fed Optimized Cereal-legume Blend supplemented with Moringa leaf Powder
Yusuf A. B, Sahabi M. A
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 74-82.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.007
Childhood malnutrition is still a serious public health problem in Nigeria. This may be attributed to poor infant and young child feeding practices. In a bid to address this challenge, the current study was initiated to produce optimal complementary foods (CF). Six composite blends designated F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 were formulated from yellow maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), soyabeans (Glycine max), and Moringa oleifera. Nutrisurvey was used to calculate the proportion of ingredients in the composite blends to meet nutritional specification in codex guideline. Nutritional composition, functional and consumer acceptance analyses were conducted, as well as feeding trials in moderately malnourished children for eight weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical and selected haematological parameters of the children were used to assess the performance of the CF formulations. Results of proximate analysis indicated that moisture content; crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate were within the codex guidelines. The amino acid profile indicated that all essential amino acids were present in acceptable quantity. The functional properties revealed that bulk density ranged from 0.63-0.81, water absorption capacity 86-90%, swelling index 0.33-1.34, reconstitution index 2.20-3.20, and pH 6.52-6.69. The sensory evaluations suggest that the CF formulations were well accepted by the participants. The feeding trial indicated growth and recovery in the children at Endline. The current study therefore, revealed that with proper blending of local foodstuff, it is possible to prepare acceptable and nutritionally adequate CF.
Research Article
Phytochemical Analysis and Functional Properties of Lemon Grass Tea Supplemented with Ginger Powder
Yusuf A. B, Sani U. B
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 83-88.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.008
Herbal teas are used as therapeutic vehicles in many forms of traditional medicine and are popular global beverage. The purpose of this study was to assess the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition, functional properties and sensorial attributes of different formulations of lemon grass teas supplemented with ginger powder as supporting and activating herbs using standard analytical methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemist. Data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and results expressed as mean ±standard deviation of triplicate determinations. The qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and quinones. The quantitative determination of these phytoconstituents revealed that the alkaloid content ranged from (0.27-0.28mg/g), tannins (0.04-0.05 mg/g), saponins (0.17-0.18mg/g), flavonoids (0.28-0.30g/cm3) and phenol (0.47-0.49g/cm3). The results obtained for functional properties revealed that pH ranged from (6.26-6.30), reconstitution index (6.00-6.40 g/cm3), swelling index (2.3-3.1g/cm3), wettability (35.00-49.00 sec.), bulk density (0.27-0.31 g/cm3) and water absorption capacity (72.26-78.35). Mean scores of sensory evaluations for taste ranged from: (6.0-7.0), colour (6.0-7.0), flavour (7.0-8.3), consistency (5.0-6.0) and overall acceptance (7.0-8.0).in conclusion, based on the results of this study, lemon grass teas supplemented with ginger powder are good reservoir of phytoconstituents with potential nutritional health benefits.
Research Article
Resistance Evaluation of Gurage Coffee Accessions Against Coffee Berry Disease (Colletotrichum Kahawae Waller and Bridge)
Dereje Amare, Gerba Daba
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 89-95.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.009
Coffee Arabica is an important crop in the national economy of Ethiopia. Coffee berry disease (CBD), coffee wilt disease (CLD) and coffee leaf rust (CLR) are the most important coffee diseases in the country. Development of coffee cultivars for different localities having a character of diseases resistant, high yielding and quality coffee is important. Previous research works have little effort to provide varieties that are suitable for Gurage zone southern parts of Ethiopia. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate Gurage coffee accessions against CBD. Evaluations of Gurage coffee accessions were conducted under field by Attach Berry Test and laboratory by Detach Berry Test methods in Randomized Complete Block Design and Completely Randomized Design, respectively in 2018. The study result indicated that Gurage coffee accessions Gu-18, Gu-1 and Gu-4 had lower CBD infection level in both field and laboratory experiment, which was 5.4, 8.29 and 11.37 and 32.5, 45.0 and 25.8 %, respectively. Those coffee accessions that showed low level of infection are an opportunity for further breading research work and could be the best alternatives to CBD management particularly for the study area. Future research should focus on evaluating the promising Gurage coffee accessions in seedling inoculation test and in multi-location field trials for several years.
Research Article
Agronomic Performance and Grain Yield Stability of Elite Field Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) Genotypes Tested at Various Potential Growing Environments in Ethiopia
Sisay Argaye, Mesfin Tadele, Nigat Tilahun
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 96-104.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.010
Field pea is a multipurpose crop. Despite its diverse benefits, its production and productivity in Ethiopia has remained low compared to its potential due to several biotic and abiotic constraints. Hence, this experiment was carried out with the objective to select best field pea genotypes in terms of yield potential, stability, pest resistance and other desirable agronomic traits for high potential production areas of the country. A total of 17 field pea genotypes including two standard checks, Burkitu and Bursa were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications over nine locations in 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons. The computed analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) among the genotypes for all studied agronomic traits. One field pea genotype, GPHA-38 found better having 4 and 5%grain yield advantage over the two checks, Bursa and Burkitu, respectively. Additionally, GPHA-38 had comparable performance on the other agronomic traits with standard checks. Moreover, this genotype was found stable in grain yield among the test entries based on GGE biplot stability analysis. However, this genotype may not fulfill the criteria to present as candidate for variety verification trial due to low grain yield advantage and other agronomic traits compared with the checks. Therefore, considering its consistent performance and relatively better yielding capacity, the line GPHA-38 can alternatively be used as a trait donor parent in the pre-breeding programs.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
© Copyright Kuwait Scholars Publisher. All Rights Reserved.