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Phytotoxic Property of Seed Methanolic Extracts from Albizia (Fabaceae) Endemic Species of Madagascar
Hanitra Ranjana Randrianarivo,
Holy Christiane Ratsimanohatra,
Anjarasoa Ravo Razafndrakoto,
Clara Fredeline Rajemiarimoelisoa,
Lovarintsoa Judicael Randriamampianina,
Lolona Ramamonjisoa,
Danielle Aurore Doll Rakoto,
Victor Louis Jeannoda
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
256-265
Received:
29 October 2014
Accepted:
16 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: Investigations on the phytotoxicity of Albizia species were conducted under laboratory conditions in order to assess their possible use in the control of weeds and invasive plants. The effects of seed methanolic extracts obtained from A. androyensis, A. bernieri, A. divaricata, A. greveana, A. masikororum and A. viridis, all endemic of Madagascar were evaluated against seed germination and early seedling development of vegetables (Phaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum, Petroselinum crispum, Brassica sp., Cucumis sp., Allium cepa, Zea maÿs and Oryza sativa). The effects of these extracts on seed germination of weeds (Eragrostis pilosa, and Panicum subalbidum) and invasive plants (Acacia dealbata, Cassia rotundifolia and Pinus kesyia) were also studied. Globally, all the extracts (1 mg/mL) inhibited the seed germination of all the test plants. However, the inhibitory effect varied according to both the Albizia extract and the target plants. Inhibition rates could reach 100%. The extracts (0.45 to 7 mg/mL) also significantly (p<0.05) reduced the length of both epicotyl and hypocotyl and the effects were generally in a dose dependent manner. At the same concentration (7.2 mg/mL) with some extracts, the inhibitory effect was as high as glyphosate, a weed-killer widely used in agriculture. At low concentrations (0.45-0.9 mg/mL) a high stimulatory effect of up to 200% was observed with some extracts. Overall, the results obtained supported the probable involvement of seed secondary metabolites in the allelopathic interactions of Albizia species with other plants and could be exploitable in the control of undesirable plants.
Abstract: Investigations on the phytotoxicity of Albizia species were conducted under laboratory conditions in order to assess their possible use in the control of weeds and invasive plants. The effects of seed methanolic extracts obtained from A. androyensis, A. bernieri, A. divaricata, A. greveana, A. masikororum and A. viridis, all endemic of Madagascar w...
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Biology and Infection Mechanisms of Cryptosporiopsis spp Fungus Causing Blight Disease on Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale L.)
Menge Dominic,
Martha Makobe,
Bonaventure Agboton,
Shamte Shomari,
Andreas Tiedemann
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
266-275
Received:
23 October 2014
Accepted:
7 November 2014
Published:
23 November 2014
Abstract: Efficient isolation, purification and identification techniques of a new pathogenic fungus of cashew were developed. In the study, aspects related to identification, characterization of conidial morphology and infection of the Cryptosporiopsis spp fungus were investigated. Macroscopic observations of symptoms and signs of cashew blight disease as well as isolation, culturing and morphological characterization of its causative agent were carried out. Cryptosporiopsis spp fungus penetration and infection mechanisms on susceptible cashew leaves were studied. Cashew leaves were inoculated with fungal suspensions by pricking with pin, clipping with scissors and painting a fungal suspension onto the leaves with a paintbrush. Pathogenecity assays were performed on cashew leaves, nuts and apples. Irregular spot lesions, with a brown margin, formed on leaves especially on the young leaves. Direct conidial transfer was found to be the efficient method of isolation because it was less prone to contamination. Blight macroconidia are typical of Cryptosporiopsis having ellipsoidal, rounded at the apex, tapering into a scar at the base. Stomatal penetration of Cryptosporiopsis spp was visible through the simple staining technique using lactophenol solution. Penetration was by germinating conidia through a cuticle that caused an infection in leaves. Paint brush method of inoculation was found to be more effective as compared to other two methods based on the lesion size. Leaves inoculated with Cryptosporiopsis spp isolate began curling after 72 h thereafter developed dark, irregularly shaped spots with brown margins. An increased understanding of cashew blight is important for developing strategies for its management.
Abstract: Efficient isolation, purification and identification techniques of a new pathogenic fungus of cashew were developed. In the study, aspects related to identification, characterization of conidial morphology and infection of the Cryptosporiopsis spp fungus were investigated. Macroscopic observations of symptoms and signs of cashew blight disease as w...
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Salicylic Acid-Mediated Alleviation of Cadmium Toxicity in Maize Leaves
Khalid Al-Mureish,
Nasim Abdual Rahim Mohammed Othman,
Abdulbasset Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hakimi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
276-281
Received:
20 November 2014
Accepted:
30 November 2014
Published:
5 December 2014
Abstract: The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of salicylic acid (SA) pretreatment on the activities of antioxidant enzymes and some biochemical attributes in maize (Zea mays L.) seedling leaves exposed to cadmium (Cd) stress. The Cd toxicity in maize leaves was revealed by reduction of ascorbate and cysteine concentrations. However, a remarkable increase of such non-enzymatic antioxidants concentrations was noticed on the pretreatment with SA. Cadmium- induced oxidative stress also showed a pronounced increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage (El) and proline production. The important point to be emphasized here is that the pretreatment with SA attenuated the adverse effects of Cd on these attributes. Cadmium-induced activities of some key antioxidant enzymes, peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was further increased on the exposure to SA. While the lower catalase (CAT) activity dues to Cd toxicity was increased by SA pretreatment.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of salicylic acid (SA) pretreatment on the activities of antioxidant enzymes and some biochemical attributes in maize (Zea mays L.) seedling leaves exposed to cadmium (Cd) stress. The Cd toxicity in maize leaves was revealed by reduction of ascorbate and cysteine concentrations. However, ...
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‘Flower’ of Magnolia Grandiflora is not Flower and What about ‘Basal Angiosperms’
Valentin Krassilov,
Sophia Barinova
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
282-292
Received:
16 November 2014
Accepted:
30 November 2014
Published:
15 December 2014
Abstract: Gynoecial morphology of Magnolia grandiflora is revised, with ‘follicles’ reinterpreted as condensed branching systems forming a flower-like syncupulate infructescence (‘secondary flower). Flowers appear on the main axis in the axils or on basal ramifications of gynoecial paracladia, those developing into fruits being incased by glandular calyptras, commonly perceived as seeds. Fruit wall is formed of zygomorphic corolla tube with persistent calyx and petaloid tepals, containing a solitary inverted seed in the fertile locule, with analogies in diverse ‘eudicots’. These findings imply a reconsideration of ‘basal angiosperms’.
Abstract: Gynoecial morphology of Magnolia grandiflora is revised, with ‘follicles’ reinterpreted as condensed branching systems forming a flower-like syncupulate infructescence (‘secondary flower). Flowers appear on the main axis in the axils or on basal ramifications of gynoecial paracladia, those developing into fruits being incased by glandular calyptras...
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Comparative Determination of Phytochemical, Proximate and Mineral Compositions in Various Parts of Portulaca oleracea L.
Chinelo Anthonia Ezeabara,
Ikeh,
Chigozie Faith,
Chinyere Veronica Ilodibia,
Bibian Okwuchukwu Aziagba,
Ogochukwu Esther Okanume,
Mbaekwe,
Ebenezer Ike
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
293-298
Received:
18 November 2014
Accepted:
28 November 2014
Published:
15 December 2014
Abstract: Aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaf, stem and root of Portulaca oleracea L. were analyzed for phytochemical constituents and compared, whereas only aqueous extract was used for proximate and mineral composition determinations. There were presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, saponin, sterol, tannin and terpenoid in the leaf, stem and root of both extracts. Alkaloid and saponin have highest concentrations in both aqueous and ethanol extracts. High concentrations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium were present in the leaf, stem and root, whereas iron content was least in all the parts. Level of crude protein, crude fibre and fat were highest in the leaf while carbohydrate was highest in the stem and least in the leaf at p>0.05 level of significance. Generally, it was observed that various parts of Portulaca oleracea contained different concentrations of phytochemicals and nutrients. This work, therefore, confirmed the plant’s indigenous uses. In addition, it proposed extraction of the bioactive compounds and nutrients from them for manufacture of food supplements and development of new drugs. Ethanol extract of this plant is preferable for extraction of saponin, tannin and terpenoid whereas both aqueous and ethanol extracts would produce good level of alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol and sterol.
Abstract: Aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaf, stem and root of Portulaca oleracea L. were analyzed for phytochemical constituents and compared, whereas only aqueous extract was used for proximate and mineral composition determinations. There were presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, saponin, sterol, tannin and terpenoid in the leaf, stem and root of bo...
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Urena lobata: A Green Source of Anti-Oxidant
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
299-303
Received:
20 November 2014
Accepted:
11 December 2014
Published:
17 December 2014
Abstract: Anti- oxidants are crucial to human health. They have capacity to neutralize the free radicals responsible for giving birth to a variety of diseases. A diet rich in foods with high levels of anti-oxidants is associated with longevity and good health. We tried to replace the chemical anti-oxidants by herbal anti-oxidants. In plants, the anti-oxidants are present as flavonoids,so the flavonoids in Urena lobata were isolated , identified, quantitatively estimated and tested for their anti-oxidant activity.The flavonoids were extracted from the stem and the leaves separately to know the relative contents. Quercetin and Kaempferol were found to exist in the plant material.These were qualitatively tested by the method of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The isolation, purification and quantitative content determination was performed by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC). The anti-oxidant activity of the methanolic plant extract was examined by DPPH radical scavenging activity method. The anti-oxidant ability of the plant extract was found comparable with Vitamin C.
Abstract: Anti- oxidants are crucial to human health. They have capacity to neutralize the free radicals responsible for giving birth to a variety of diseases. A diet rich in foods with high levels of anti-oxidants is associated with longevity and good health. We tried to replace the chemical anti-oxidants by herbal anti-oxidants. In plants, the anti-oxidant...
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Effect of Pb-Stress on Growth and Mineral Status of Two Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Cultivars
Ambekar Nareshkumar,
B. V. Krishnappa,
T. V. Kirankumar,
K. Kiranmai,
U. Lokesh,
O. Sudhakarbabu,
Chinta Sudhakar
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
304-310
Received:
26 November 2014
Accepted:
9 December 2014
Published:
19 December 2014
Abstract: Heavy metal pollution of air and agricultural soils is one of the most important ecological problems on world scale. Among the heavy metals, lead (Pb) is one of the common environmental pollutants. To investigate Pb effects on nutrient uptake, two groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars (cultivar K6 and cultivar K9) were grown in pot cultures and stressed with lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) at four concentrations (100, 200, 400 and 800 ppm). Pb is accumulated in roots and leaf tissues in dose dependent manner in both groundnut cultivars, which resulted in reduced root and shoot growth and lower uptake of all mineral ions tested. The content of mineral ions such as Ca, Na, Mg, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn and Mn reduced in root and leaf tissues of both cultivars due to Pb stress. But the reduction in mineral ion content was less in cultivar K6 than in cultivar K9. The deficiency of mineral nutrients correlates in a strong decrease in the contents of total chlorophyll, and anthocyanin in both cultivars, but these effects are less pronounced in cultivar K6 than in cultivar K9.
Abstract: Heavy metal pollution of air and agricultural soils is one of the most important ecological problems on world scale. Among the heavy metals, lead (Pb) is one of the common environmental pollutants. To investigate Pb effects on nutrient uptake, two groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars (cultivar K6 and cultivar K9) were grown in pot cultures and...
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Growth and Yield Response of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) Genotypes to Wet Puddling, Flooding and Saturated Soil Culture
M. Rafiqul Islam,
Nurunnaher Akter,
S. M. Shahriar Parvej,
K. M. Shamsul Haque
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
311-316
Received:
27 November 2014
Accepted:
14 December 2014
Published:
22 December 2014
Abstract: Anoxia and hypoxia, caused by excessive rainfall and inadequate drainage are the most common environmental stresses in upland crops after wetland rice in many regions of Asia. Such stresses and/or puddling of soil in rice culture often reduce the growth and yield of post-rice upland crops. This study examined the growth and yield responses of three mungbean genotypes viz. VC3950-88, VC6173A and BARI Mung-5 to three different environmental stresses viz. wet puddling, soil flooding and saturated soil culture. Wet puddling significantly reduced the field emergence and vigor index of seedlings. Height of plants was also adversely affected due to the stresses, although recovery was comparatively better in flooded situation. Irrespective of growing conditions, leaf chlorophyll index reduced significantly and recovered almost completely. The extraordinary responses of plants to all the stresses were the damaging of roots and/or impairing of root and shoot growth. The subsequent recovery of root and shoot growth significantly varied depending on the types of stresses. The development of numerous adventitious roots and the production of greater amount of root nodules were the most important recovery mechanisms of plants to withstand flooding situation and saturated soil culture, respectively. As a result, seed production was less affected under these two conditions. In contrast, wet puddling situation performed the worst, showing depressed plant growth throughout the growing period and thus seed production was affected the most. Among the genotypes, VC6173A was best adapted under the three stresses, giving the highest seed yield by producing higher amount of pods, increased seed size and longer pod.
Abstract: Anoxia and hypoxia, caused by excessive rainfall and inadequate drainage are the most common environmental stresses in upland crops after wetland rice in many regions of Asia. Such stresses and/or puddling of soil in rice culture often reduce the growth and yield of post-rice upland crops. This study examined the growth and yield responses of three...
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Plasticity of the Tannosome Ontogenesis in the Tracheophyta
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
317-323
Received:
28 November 2014
Accepted:
16 December 2014
Published:
22 December 2014
Abstract: The tannosome, an organelle producing condensed tannins in the chlorophyllous organs of the Tracheohyta, is formed from the unstacked granal thylakoids by pearling into tiny spheres [1]. Other variants of intraplastidial ontogenesis of the tannosomes were investigated in the Tracheophyta by transmission electron microscopy. The “pearl necklace” model consists in the formation of vaguely ellipsoidal loculi by inflation of the intrathylakoidal lumen in which emerge, bound to the inner face of the lumen, “pear necklace”-shaped suites of osmiophilic spheres (30 nm); once filled with tannins, these loculi can be described as giant tannosomes bound by a single thylakoidal membrane. In the “snail” model, the granal thylakoids whirl upon themselves while pearling tannosomes which remain, in the stroma, aggregated in vaguely spherical osmiophilic structures. While in the former model [1], numerous isolated tannosomes are packed in a shuttle, the aggregated tannosomes (“pearl necklace” and “snail” models) are ejected from the chloroplast by budding into shuttles.
Abstract: The tannosome, an organelle producing condensed tannins in the chlorophyllous organs of the Tracheohyta, is formed from the unstacked granal thylakoids by pearling into tiny spheres [1]. Other variants of intraplastidial ontogenesis of the tannosomes were investigated in the Tracheophyta by transmission electron microscopy. The “pearl necklace” mod...
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Effects of Azospirillum amazonense and Bacillus subtilis on High-Yielding Rice (cv. Ma Lam 213) Cultivated on Sandy Loam Soils of Phu Yen Province, Vietnam
Van Thi Phuong Nhu,
Truong Trong Ngon,
Cao Ngoc Diep
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
324-333
Received:
10 December 2014
Accepted:
23 December 2014
Published:
31 December 2014
Abstract: Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of two endophytic bacterial strains (Azospirillum amazonense SHL70, Bacillus subtilisTAL4) together with different levels of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on the growth and grain yield of high-yielding rice (cv. Ma Lam 213) cultivated on silty clay loam soils of Dong Hoa district and Tuy An district, Phu Yen province, Vietnam in Summer-Autumn 2014 cropping-season. The results of two field trials showed that bacterial inoculation in rice plants (either SHL70 or TAL4 and especially mixture of SHL70 and TAL4) plus 60 kg N and 40 kg P2O5/ha having yield components and grain yield were not significant difference with those of rice only applying 120 kg N and 80 kg P2O5/ha without inoculation therefore both of bacteria strains provided 50% biological nitrogen and available phosphorus quantity for high-yielding rice requirement, improvement of quality grain and soil fertility of Dong Hoa district and Tuy An district, Phu Yen province.
Abstract: Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of two endophytic bacterial strains (Azospirillum amazonense SHL70, Bacillus subtilisTAL4) together with different levels of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on the growth and grain yield of high-yielding rice (cv. Ma Lam 213) cultivated on silty clay loam soils of Dong Hoa distr...
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Abnormal and Cytoplasmic Connection of Guard Cells of Stomata of Leafs of Six Species of the Monocots
Babak Delnavaz Hashemloian,
Azra Ataei Azimi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
334-338
Received:
12 December 2014
Accepted:
25 December 2014
Published:
4 January 2015
Abstract: The present investigation describes abnormal stomata and cytoplasmic connections between guard cells of neighboring stomata in mature leafs of six species of the monocots. The study is made on leaves of Amaryllis reticulate L. Her., Narcissus pseudonarcissus L., Iris langport Wern., Crocus sativus L., Ixiolirion tataricum (Pall.) and Allium cepa L. anomocytic stomata type was observed in all species. Several stomata abnormally include single guard cells, aborted guard cells arrested developments and cytoplasmic connection between guard cells of neighboring stomata was common to all species except in Allium cepa wasn’t observed cytoplasmic connection.
Abstract: The present investigation describes abnormal stomata and cytoplasmic connections between guard cells of neighboring stomata in mature leafs of six species of the monocots. The study is made on leaves of Amaryllis reticulate L. Her., Narcissus pseudonarcissus L., Iris langport Wern., Crocus sativus L., Ixiolirion tataricum (Pall.) and Allium cepa L....
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Evaluation of in Vitro Antioxidative, Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Activities of Rheum ribes Ethyl Acetate Extracts
Pembegul Uyar,
Nursen Coruh,
Mesude İscan
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2014
Pages:
339-346
Received:
26 December 2014
Accepted:
5 January 2015
Published:
28 January 2015
Abstract: Rheum species are medicinally important plants due to the presence of anthracene derivatives. This study was designed to determine the antioxidative, cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of Rheum ribes shoot and root ethyl acetate extracts using human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell line as a model system. R. ribes shoot and root dry powder samples were prepared and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were revealed to be a potential scavenger of DPPH radicals (IC50 value of 206.28 μg/ml for shoot and 10.92 μg/ml for root) and the chemical composition of the extracts was quantified by colorimetric determination of total phenol (GAE) and flavonoid (CAE) contents. HL–60 cells were cultured in the presence of various concentrations of extracts up to 72 h. R. ribes inhibited the survival of HL-60 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, shown by XTT assay. R. ribes caused HL-60 cells apoptosis via formation of phosphatidylserine externalization, as evidenced by flow cytometry. Exposure of HL-60 cells to higher concentrations of extracts for 72 h resulted in a shift of 87% of the cell population from normal to the early/late apoptotic stage. These findings suggest that Rheum ribes ethyl acetate root extracts exhibits potential antioxidant and cytotoxic properties against HL-60 cells better than shoot extracts and exert their toxicity via induction of apoptosis.
Abstract: Rheum species are medicinally important plants due to the presence of anthracene derivatives. This study was designed to determine the antioxidative, cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of Rheum ribes shoot and root ethyl acetate extracts using human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell line as a model system. R. ribes shoot and root dry powder sampl...
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