March 2003
Plant gene technology: social considerations
The genetic modification of plants by gene technology is of immense potential benefits, but there may be possible risks. The advantages and social concerns of plant gene technology are discussed. Key words: Gene technology, genetically modified plant, agriculture.
March 2003
Microcystis aeruginosa: source of toxic microcystins in drinking water
Cyanobacteria are one of the earth’s most ancient life forms. Evidence of their existence on earth, derived from fossil records, encompasses a period of some 3.5 billion years in the late Precambrian era. Cyanobacteria are the dominant phytoplanton group in eutrophic freshwater bodies worldwide. They have caused animal poisoning in many parts of the world and may present risks to human health through...
March 2003
Screening cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] varieties by inducing water deficit and RAPD analyses
The effects of water deficit induced by polyethylene glycol-6000 on some cowpea varieties, which belong to the national germplasm in Senegal are reported. Our results showed that, the length of the epicotyl was not affected by water deficit but the length of primary root was influenced only in Mouride variety. Water deficit influenced mostly the number of lateral roots. The 985 variety showed a great increase of its...
March 2003
Effects of sulphuric acid, mechanical scarification and wet heat treatments on germination of seeds of African locust bean tree, Parkia biglobosa
Effects of different treatment methods on the germination of seeds of Parkia biglobosa(mimosaceae) were carried out. Prior treatment of seeds with sulphuric acid, wet heat and mechanical scarification were found to induce germination of the dormant seeds. These methods could be applied to raise seedlings of the plant for field propagation. Key words: Scarification, germination, seeds, Parkia...
March 2003
Enhancement of the feeding value of some agro-industrial by-products for laying hens after their solid state fermentation with Trichoderma viride
This study with some agro-byproducts was carried out to provide information on the use of fermentation by-products; brewer’s dried grains (BDG), rice bran (RB), palm kernel meal (PKM) and corn bran (CB). Changes in the nutrient compositions of some selected agro industrial by-products on biodegradation with Trichoderma viride and their feeding value as an energy source for layers were investigated. The...
March 2003
Changes in the cellulose, sugar and crude protein contents of agro-industrial by-products fermented with Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium sp.
Changes in the protein, sugar and cellulose of three agro-industrial by-products after fermentation with Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium sp. in solid state were determined. Cellulose was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in all the agro wastes by all the fungi after 14 days. Highest percentage reduction was achieved by A.niger in all the agro wastes; 36.51% for...
March 2003
Identification of exopolysaccharides-producing lactic acid bacteria from Burkina Faso fermented milk samples
Spacer region between 16S and 23 S rRNA genes of thirteen lactic acid bacteria strains from Burkina Faso fermented milk samples were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Pediococcus spp, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp mesenteroides were identified. The Lactobacillus group was the...
March 2003
Colletotrichum circinans and Colletotrichum coccodes can be distinguished by DGGE analysis of PCR-amplified 18S rDNA fragments
The rDNA 18S region of Colletotrichum circinans and C. coccodes was amplified by PCR to evaluate this DNA region as a tool for species delineation. PCR amplification of the 18S of both species produced 1.65 Kb long fragments that covered most of the entire 18S rDNA molecule. DGGE analysis of the amplified fragments distinguished C.circinans from C. coccodes isolates. This result...
March 2003
Isolation of a kernel oleoyl-ACP thioesterase gene from the oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq.
Thioesterases play a central role in determining chain lengths of fatty acids in oil storage tissues and have been isolated from a number of plant sources. While in some species enzymes that are specialized for the predominant fatty acids in the tissues examined have been found, in others, enzymes that are active over a broad range were observed. We have isolated a cDNA clone from the developing kernel of the oil...
March 2003
Dockovdia cookarum infection and the prosobranch gastropod Lanistes libycus host in Omi Stream, Ago-Iwoye, south-western, Nigeria
Dockovdia cookarum infection was studied in relation to the abundance and size classes of Lanistes libycus from Omi Stream, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria, between September 1997 and June 1998. 57.6% of the 262 L. libycus recorded were collected during periods of heavy rainfall. 17.2% (45) of the L. libycus examined had D. cookarum infection. The water mite prevalences were...
March 2003
Intestinal helminthiasis and urinary schistosomiasis in some villages of Ijebu North, Ogun State, Nigeria
Intestinal helminthiasis and urinary schistosomiasis were studied between April and December, 2002, in six villages of Ijebu North Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria. Faecal samples from 199 subjects were examined using direct smear and brine concentration methods. Urine samples were tested for haematuria and proteinuria using diagnostic reagent strips. Three helminthic parasites were identified in the faecal...
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