May 2006
Gene pyramiding as a Bt resistance management strategy: How sustainable is this strategy?
Reports on the emergence of insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis delta endotoxins have raised doubts on the sustainability of Bt-toxin based pest management technologies. Corporate industry has responded to this challenge with innovations that include gene pyramiding among others. Pyramiding entails stacking multiple genes leading to the simultaneous expression of more than one toxin in a transgenic...
May 2006
Internet: A place for patent retrieval
Countries design patent laws according to their respective economic interest.Before one files intellectual property one should know the regimes under which his intellectual property is placed. Intellectual properties are always of intense debate. The basic reason for the controversies is due to lack of transdisciplinary approaches to address patent concepts. In this present mini-review, we are presenting some web...
May 2006
Characterization of a mannose-binding lectin gene from Typhonium divaricatum (L.) Decne
Monocot mannose-binding lectins (MMBLs) or agglutinins are an extended superfamily of structurally and evolutionarily related proteins and they play important roles in plant defenses. Here the full-length cDNA of monocot mannose-binding agglutinin (designated as TDA, GenBank accession no.: AY347940) was isolated from Typhonium divaricatum, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Sequence analysis...
May 2006
Microsatellites and agronomic traits for assessing genetic relationships among 18 New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties
The Africa Rice Center (WARDA) has developed several interspecific rice varieties by crossing the high yielding Asian rice (Oryza sativa subsp. japonica) with the locally adapted African rice (Oryza glaberrima). Eighteen varieties were named with the prefix NERICA (New Rice for Africa) but their genetic difference and patterns of relationship is largely unknown. A total of 102 polymorphic microsatellite...
May 2006
cDNA cloning and expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in wild potato (Solanum pinnatisectum)
The purple anthocyanins in potato tuber skin and flesh are primarily derived from petunidin. cDNA clones encoding the enzymes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DRF), and UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-0- glucosyltransferase (3GT), were isolated from Solanum pinnatisectum by RT-PCR with degenerated primers. Sequence...
May 2006
Effect of acid hydrolysis of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) pulp waste on the production of CM-cellulase and β- glucosidase using Aspergillus niger
Effect of acid hydrolysis of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) pulp wastes on the production of CM-cellulase and β-glucosidase using Aspergillus niger was investigated. Hydrolysis for 3 h with 2.5 M sulphuric acid yielded highest fermentable sugar. Acid hydrolysis enhanced CM-cellulase and β-glucosidase levels by 500% at 96 h and 200% at 120 h, respectively. Acid hydrolysed G. kola pulp wastes is a...
May 2006
Growth study on chrysene degraders isolated from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon polluted soils in Nigeria
Acinetobacter anitratus, Alcaligenes faecalis, Acinetobacter mallei and Micrococcus varians were isolated from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon polluted soils by enrichment culture using chrysene as sole carbon and energy source. Physiochemical evaluation revealed that these isolates grew well at a temperature range of 20 - 40°C, pH 6.0-8.0 but less tolerable to various salt concentrations except Micrococcus...
May 2006
α-Amylase production by Penicillium fellutanum isolated from mangrove rhizosphere soil
The effects of pH, temperature, incubation time, salinity, sources of carbon and nitrogen were tested in submerged fermentation process in production of α-amylase by Penicillium fellutanum isolated from coastal mangrove soil. The production medium without addition of seawater and with provision of maltose as carbon source, peptone as nitrogen source, incubated for 96 h, maintained with pH of 6.5...
May 2006
Effect of carbon source on the antimicrobial activity of Corynebacterium kutscheri and Corynebacterium xerosis
In an attempt to screen out new potent antimicrobial substances producing bacteria,Corynebacterium kutscheri NB-1 and Corynebacterium xerosis NB-2 were isolated and were found antagonistic to bacteria and fungi. Antimicrobial substances production of the bacterial strains was greatly influenced by variation of carbon sources. Galactose and glucose strongly enhanced the antimicrobial activity...
May 2006
Colonization ability of Herbaspirillum spp. B501gfp1 in sugarcane, a non-host plant in the presence of indigenous diazotrophic endophytes
Inoculating sugarcane with a mixture of diazotrophic endophytic bacteria has shown that they can provide substantial amount of biologically fixed nitrogen to the plant. The genera of diazotrophic endophytes previously isolated from sugarcane have been reported associating with other non-leguminous plants showing a broad host range. This study examined the colonization ability of a wild rice...
May 2006
Symbiotic effectiveness of acid-tolerant Bradyrhizobium strains with soybean in low pH soil
Eight acid tolerant strains of Bradyrhizobium isolated from soybean plants grown on acid soils in Madhya Pradesh, India, were examined for their ability to survive in soil and YEMB at low pH levels. All the tested isolates survived in acidic (pH 4 -6) conditions and their survival capacity was higher in soil than in nutrient medium at same levels of low pH. Variation among different strains showed that there...
May 2006
Solubilization of inorganic phosphates by fungi isolated from agriculture soil
Most agricultural soils contain large reserves of phosphorus (P), a considerable part of which accumulates as a consequence of regular applications of P fertilizers. However, a greater part of soil phosphorus, approximately 95–99% is present in the form of insoluble phosphates and hence cannot be utilized by the plants. In the present study fungal strains isolated from agriculture soil, having potential to...
May 2006
Mitotic index studies on edible cocoyams (Xanthosoma and Colocasia spp.)
Mitotic index studies were carried out on three cultivars of Xanthosoma and four cultivars of Colocasia. Young healthy roots (about 15 mm) were collected at 2 hourly intervals from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Root tips were fixed in 1:3 ethanol : acetic acid for 24 h and stored in 70% ethanol prior to squashing in FLP orcein. Microscopic counts showed that the dynamics of mitosis varied slightly between the two...
May 2006
Responses of three tomato cultivars to sea water salinity 1. Effect of salinity on the seedling growth
The effect of sea water salinity (1500, 2500 and 3500 ppm) on the growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) cultivars (Trust, Grace and Plitz) was studied. The sea water salinity delayed seed germination and reduced germination percentage especially with increasing salinity level. Chlorophyll b content was higher than chlorophyll a, and both of them decreased with increasing salinity. The seedling...
May 2006
Evaluation for the retention of reproductive structures by Bt and non-Bt intra hirsutum cotton hybrids in different sowing dates and spacings
The retention of the reproductive structures (bolls) was evaluated at 90,120 and 160 days of maturity in eight Bt and non-Bt hybrids from three Private R&D establishments on three dates of sowings (90,120 and 160 days of maturity) and two spacings of 67.5 x 60 cm and 100 x 30 cm. Ankur group Bt hybrids; 651, 2226 and 2534 had reproductive structures retentivity higher than their non-Bt counterpart hybrids in all...
May 2006
Azide-based mutagenesis suppresses Striga hermonthica seed germination and parasitism on maize varieties
Small-scale farmers currently produce more than 90% of the maize grown in Kenya. However, the parasitic weed, Striga hermonthica has become a menace because it is a widespread parasitic weed causing severe damages to major cereals like maize and sorghum. Mutant lines of maize were created in the laboratory using sodium azide (NaN3) and their performance in respect to the degree...
May 2006
Effect of organic root plus (biostimulant) on the growth, nutrient content and yield of amaranthus
The effectiveness of organic root plus (biostimulant) was compared with conventional fertilizer on the growth and yield of amaranthus in a glass house study. The treatments consisted of control, full rate each of biostimulant and fertilizer, and combination of fertilizer with biostimulant at full and half rates. The urea, single super-phosphate and muriate of potash were applied at 100 kg N, 60 kg...
May 2006
An endophytic Taxol-producing fungus BT2 isolated from Taxus chinensis var. mairei
BT2, a newly isolated endophytic fungus from Taxus chinensis var. mairei, was observed to produce Taxol. Besides Taxol, a potent anticancer drug, BT2 could also yield taxane baccatin III, which was an important intermediate for Taxol and semi-synthesis of Taxol in industry. The isolation of such a fungus may provide a promising alterative approach to produce Taxol, and BT2 can serve as a potential material for fungus...
May 2006
Production, purification and partial characterization of lipase from Trichoderma Viride
A new strain of lipolytic Trichoderma viride was isolated from the soil on a selective medium that contained olive oil as the only source of carbon and energy. The isolated strain was cultivated for lipase production in shake flasks at 30±1oC and the fermentation pattern was studied. The maximum extracellular lipase activity of 7.3 U/mL and the maximum intracellular activity of 320 U/g mycelium were...
May 2006
Scoparia dulcis reduces the severity of Trypanosoma brucei-induced hyperlipidaemia in the rabbit
We investigated the effect of oral administration of the herb, Scoparia dulcis, onTrypanosoma brucei-induced changes in plasma lipid profile in rabbits over a period of twenty eight days. Results obtained show that infection with T. bruceiresulted in significant increases in plasma total cholesterol, trriacylglycerol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, while the level of high density lipoprotein...
May 2006
Effect of modification with nitrocellulose and phenol formaldehyde resins on some performance characteristics of rubber seed oil alkyds
Three alkyd samples each of 50% oil length were prepared with phthalic anhydride, glycerol and crude rubber seed oil (I), refined rubber seed oil (II) and methyl esters of rubber seed oil (III) employing the alcoholysis method. All the alkyds were processed to acid value below 10 mg KOH/g. The alkyd samples were blended with nitrocellulose and phenol formaldehyde resins in different proportions. The performance of...
May 2006
Chemical composition of Hyptis suaveolens and Ocimum gratissimum hybrids from Nigeria
Four medicinal plants belonging to the family Lamiaceae were chemically screened for their chemical constituents including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenols. The medicinal plants investigated were Hyptis suaveloens and three putative hybrids of Ocimum gratissimum (Hybrid A, B and C). All the plant contains high percentage yield of crude alkaloids and flavonoids ranging from 10.44...
May 2006
Effects of fermentation and germination on the physicochemical properties of Mucuna cochinchinensis protein isolate
The proximate composition and functional properties of fermentated and germinatedMucuna cochinchinensis protein isolates were determined. Mucuna bean protein extracted at pH 8 and pH 10 had protein contents ranging from 89.6 to 90.1% for the fermented Mucuna bean flour while the germinated bean ranged from 88.1 to 89.8%. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the results of some of...
May 2006
Chemical composition and insecticidal properties of the underutilized Jatropha curcas seed oil
The chemical composition and insecticidal activity of Jatropha curcas L. seed were evaluated using standard techniques. The oil content of the seed is high (66.4%). Triacylglycenol was the dominant lipid species, while the major triacyglycerol was 1,2-Dioleoyl-3-linoleoyl-rac-glycerol. Linolenic acid was the dominant fatty acid in the oil. Physico-chemical properties of the oil indicated that the acid...
May 2006
Production of functional protein hydrolysates from Egyptian breeds of soybean and lupin seeds
Enzymatic hydrolysis is an agro-processing aid that can be utilized in order to improve nutritional quality of protein extracts from many sources. In this study, protein extracts from ungerminated and/or germinated local Egyptian soybean and lupin flours were hydrolyzed using the enzyme papain. The hydrolysis processes were carried out for 2 h and aliquots were withdrawn at different time intervals. We have analysed the...
May 2006
Investigation on modification of cassava starch using active components of ginger roots (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
Effects of ginger grates at concentrations of l, 5 and 20 g per 150 g of cassavastarch suspension in 200 ml of water at room temperature were investigated in order to evaluate the potentials of active components of the ginger in modifying pasting and some physicochemical properties of the starch. Pasting properties of the ginger modified cassava starch showed high peak viscosities (487.58 - 420.25 RVU)...
May 2006
Biochemical substitution of fungal xylanases for prebleaching of hardwood kraft pulp
xylanase enzymes of three fungi, Aspergillus indicus, A. flavus and A. niveus, were purified and characterized. The enzymes are used in the pretreatment of Hardwood kraft pulp prior to conventional alkali extraction and conventional chlorine extraction sequence (EDED process) normally used for bleaching of pulp. In the enzyme pretreated pulp when subjected to alkali extraction process the kappa number was...
May 2006
Micromorphological, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory investigations of stem bark of Daniellia oliveri
Anatomical and powdered samples of stem bark of Daniellia oliveri were investigated for its micromorphological profile, while the aqueous extract was investigated for its anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and rats, respectively. The micromorphological study indicated the presence of characteristic bundles of phloem tissues, separated by medullary rays, abundant grains of starch in...
May 2006
Insecticidal activity of four medicinal plant extracts against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Methanol extracts from four medicinal plants, Peganum harmala(Zygophyllaceae), Ajuga iva (Labiateae), Aristolochia baetica (Aristolochiaceae) and Raphanus raphanistrum (Brassicaceae) were studied for their insecticidal effects on the stored grain pest Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Response varied with plant species. Larvae growth was significantly inhibited when they were fed...
May 2006
Antidiarrhoeal activity of Ziziphus mauritiana root extract in rodents
Preliminary phytochemical screening of the root extract of Ziziphus mauritianarevealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and volatile oil. Intraperitoneal LD50 of the extract was found to be 447.21 ± 20 mg/kg (bw) in mice. The Antidiarrhoeal effect of the methanolic extract as evaluated exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of the spontaneous pendular movement of the...
May 2006
Antimicrobial activity of Rauvolfia tetraphylla and Physalis minima leaf and callus extracts
The in vitro antimicrobial activity of Rauvolfia tetraphylla and Physalis minimaleaf and callus extracts were studied against selected pathogenic fungi and bacteria, following broth dilution assay. Leaves and calli were extracted using absolute alcohol, benzene, chloroform, methanol and petroleum ether. Among the five solvents used, leaf and callus extracted in chloroform of both the...
May 2006
Characterization of quinapyramine (Trypacide®) drug-resistant Trypansoma evansi
Molecular karyotyping by pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used to characterizeTrypanosoma evansi isolates. Ten T. evansi isolates from camels were collected in Eastern and Western Sudan. Isolates from Eastern Sudan which were kept under continuous prophylactic treatment with quinapyramine (Trypacide®), were found to bear a single pattern and belonged to one karyotype group. From Western Sudan...
May 2006
Pharmacognostic investigation of the leaves of Gisekia pharnacioides
Pharacognostic investigation of the fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of the leaves of Gisekia pharnacioides Linn was carried out to determine its macro- and microscopical characters and also some of its physical constants. Externally, the leaves possess a symmetrical base, an entire margin, obtuse apex and a pilose surface. Internally, its shows the presences of an anisocytic stomata, unicellular,...
May 2006
Antibacterial assessment of whole stem bark of Vitex doniana against some enterobactriaceae
The effects of methanolic extracts of the stem bark of Vitex doniana against someEntrobacteriaceae was investigated. Clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi,Shigella dysentariae and Escherichia coli were treated with extracts of the stem bark of V. doniana for antimicrobial activity using in vitro agar diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory...
May 2013
Dano: A herbal solution for dandruff
Dano, a poly-herbal hair oil was studied for anti-dandruff activity using microbiological and clinical tests. There was a clear symptomatic relief from dandruff in all the volunteers after 10 days of use. Further, the isolation ofPityrosporum ovale, the causative organism of the dandruff in culture was not possible after use of the Dano oil. The plant extracts is from Wrightia tinctoria (Indrajev),...
May 2006
Enzyme treatment to decrease solids and improve digestion of primary sewage sludge
The aim of anaerobic digestion of primary sewage sludge is to convert the carbonaceous material contained in the solids into methane and carbon dioxide. The products of digestion are therefore gases, stabilised sludge solids which are subsequently dewatered and disposed of, and sludge liquor which is generally further treated. This investigation assessed the impact of addition of hydrolytic enzymes to anaerobic...
May 2006
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in water, sediment and periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus var radula) from the Elechi Creek, Niger Delta
The accumulation of three heavy metals; chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus var radula; shell and soft tissues), water and sediment collected from four stations along Elechi Creek course was studied. Elechi Creek receives effluents discharges from heavily industrialized and highly populated settlements. The water, sediment and periwinkles were processed and analyzed...
May 2006
Heavy metal concentrations in Malapterurus electricus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Ogba River in Benin City, Nigeria
The concentrations of heavy metals in two tropical fish species (Malapterurus electricus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) from Ogba river in Benin City, Nigeria, were investigated between November 2002 and October 2003 in order to ascertain the pollution status of the river. The results showed varying levels of accumulation of Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cd in the fishes. The levels of Cu, Mn, Cr and Ni, in...
May 2006
Effect of organic nutrient on microbial utilization of hydrocarbons on crude oil contaminated soil
The effect of organic nutrient (poultry manure) on biodegradation of soil (5 kg) contaminated with crude oil (50 g) was investigated for seven weeks. Four different test options were prepared namely; (i) 100 g of contaminated soil + 30 g of poultry manure; (ii) 100 g of contaminated soil + 60 g of poultry manure; (iii) 100 g of contaminated soil + 90 g of poultry manure; (iv) 100 g of contaminated soil only (control)....
May 2006
Extraction and nutritional properties of Solanum nigrum L seed oil
With the aim of diversifying the lipids sources eaten by the African populations and those of Congo Brazzaville in particular, a physicochemical study of Solanumnigrum L seeds was carried out and three chemical methods (Soxhlet, Bligh and Dyer, and Folch) were used to extract the oil. The dry matter content of the seeds is 94.22%. Average lipids content varies between 34.5 and 37.5% dry matter, proteins...
May 2006
Production, characterization and application of banana (Musa spp) flour in whole maize
Pasting properties of flour from six varieties of matured green banana (Musa spp) fruits identified as Gross michel (GM), Dwarf Cavendish (DC), Cavendish (CA), Lacatan (LA), Poyo (PO) and Red skin (RS) were determined. Flour of CA, used in formulation of banana–whole maize meal was assessed organoleptically for binding and mouth feels qualities. Peak viscosity ranged from 434.75 – 837.17 RVU; break...
May 2006
Influence of malting on the nutritional characteristics of kunun-zaki
Kunun-zaki, a traditional fermented cereal beverage was produced in this study using various combinations of malted cereals (millet, sorghum singularly or in combination with rice) and, were evaluated for its nutritional composition using chemical, organoleptic and growth studies and as well as the analysis of blood samples of the sacrificed animals. The results obtained show that the weaning albino rats fed with...
May 2006
Effect of salt on the fermentation of soybean (Glycine max) into daddawa using Bacillus subtilis as starter culture
Previous studies showed that 1% salt improved the organoleptic attributes of traditional fermented daddawa. Also, Bacillus subtilis as a monoculture starter produced daddawa of same quality with traditional daddawa. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1% salt on some biochemical changes occurring in the fermentation of soybean into daddawa using Bacillus subtilis as starter. Viable...
May 2006
Effects of salt and phosphate levels on the emulsion properties of fresh and frozen hen meats
Meat samples have been taken from 2 different parts of old hen carcasses in this research. The aim was to find the emulsion characteristics of these meat samples in fresh and after frozen stored and thawed at different phosphate (K2HPO4) and salt (NaCl) levels. It was observed that fresh meat samples generally had higher emulsion capacity (EC) and emulsion stability (ES) values than frozen meat samples, and breast...
May 2006
Dynamics of limnological features of two man-made lakes in relation to fish production
Limnological features of Oyan and Asejire lakes, South-Western Nigeria, were investigated between July 2000 and December 2001. Rainy season (April-October) mean monthly rainfall values of 120.3 ± 52.4 mm and 15.9 ± 10.3 were recorded for Oyan and Asejire lakes respectively, while corresponding dry season (November-March) values were 18.2 ± 34.7 and...
May 2006
The effect of dietary inclusion of Mansonia altissima on feed intake, feed efficiency, and feed conversion of laying birds and cocks
An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion ofMansonia altissima on feed intake, feed efficiency, and feed conversion of laying birds and cocks. A total of 60 birds consisting of 48 layers and 12 cocks were used in a completely randomized design of four treatment groups, A, B, C, D of 15 birds each. Results showed that significant differences (P < 0.05) existed at the level of...
May 2006
Suitability of the H2S test for detection of fecal contamination in drinking water
The suitability of H2S field test to detect fecal contamination in drinking water was assessed by analysing 635 water samples from various sources at room temperature and at 37°C after 18, 24, and 48 h of incubation. The H2S test showed 216, 85, 96 and 85% correlation with Eijkman test, membrane filter technique, most probable number (MPN) test for coliform and membrane filter technique (MFT), respectively. Hence...
May 2006
Palm kernel agar: An alternative culture medium for rapid detection of aflatoxins in agricultural commodities
The feasibility of using palm kernel agar (PKA) as an alternative culture medium to desiccated coconut agar (DCA), the conventional medium for the recovery of aflatoxigenic fungi from mixed cultures and the detection of aflatoxigenic fungi and direct visual determination of aflatoxins in agricultural commodities was assessed. The medium recovered aflatoxigenic fungi in 48 h from mixed cultures and agricultural...
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