Showing papers in "International Journal of Biosciences in 2013"

The effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on performance, digestive organs and serum lipid concentrations in broiler chickens during starter period

Abstract: The aim of current study was to investigate the effect of different levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs) on growth Performance, digestive organs and serum lipids concentration in broiler chickens during starter phase (121d). Three hundred one-d-old broilers (Ross- 308) were randomly divided into 5 treatments including 75 birds. All treatments were replicated 4 times, using 15 birds in each pen. The experimental diet was T1) basal diet (control, without ZONPs), T2, T3, T4 and T5 supplementation basal diet with 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg of ZONPs respectively. This study was lasted 21 d and birds accessed as ad libitum to feed and water throughout research. Live body weight (LBW) and feed intake (FI) measured as weekly and feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculated at the final of research. On d 21, 4 birds in each group were selected as randomly, blood samples collected from bronchial vein and after centrifuging (3000 rpm for 15 min at 4°C), serum removed and stored in 20 °C until analysis. The results revealed that ZONPs had significantly affected on body weight gain (P 0.05), triglyceride (TG) (P>0.05) and cholesterol (P>0.05), as well as increased high density lipoproteins (HDL) (P<0.05), respectively compared to control treatment. In conclusion, ZONPs can improve growth performance especially at the levels of 30 to 90 mg/kg of diet in broiler

Chemical and biological investigations of the leaves of Gynura procumbens

Abstract: The crude n-hexane (HX), dichloromethane (DCM), methanol (ME) and ethyl acetate (EA) extracts of the leaves of Gynura procumbens were subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities and cytotoxicity against brine shrimp nauplii. The DCM and EA extracts exhibited mild antimicrobial activities, whereas, HX and ME extracts did not show any sort of sensitivity. On the other hand, the brine shrimp lethality with LC50 values was 70.71, 0.78, 4.42 and 59.46 µg/mL for HX, DCM, ME and EA extracts, respectively indicates the presence of potent bioactive compounds. At the same time, among the four crude extracts, only ME and HX extracts showed potential antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 20.35 and 48.0µg/mL. A pure compound was isolated from HX extract and the structure of the compound was elucidated as stigmasterol by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of snake bites by Malayali tribal's and rural people in Salem district, Tamilnadu, India.

Abstract: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among the Malayali tribes and rural people in the Salem district of Tamilnadu for the investigation of snake bite herbal medicines. Traditional botanical drug is the main way of health care for large population of this area. Periodic find trips were undertaken during October 2010 to November 2012 to various rural and forest areas of Salem district. The author has conducted an interview of total 150 informants. The highest number of medicinal species came from Acanthaceae (23.52%). The investigation revealed some unknown medicinal uses of medicinal plants. The botanical name, family, local name (Tamil), used plant part(s), mode of preparation and medicinal uses are provided and traditional practice of 51 plant species, 35 genera and 26 families are discussed here for the treatment of snake bite. The dicots are represented by 47 species of 31 genera and 22 families while monocots are represented by 4 species of 4 genera and 4 families. 92.15% dicotyledons and 7.85% monocotyledons were recorded. The most popular preparations were juice, decoction and paste. Different plant parts were utilized to treat snake bite. The indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants has large potential for investigation and the discovery of new snake bite drugs. Hence there is an immediate necessity to conserve the biodiversity as well as the traditional knowledge by proper documentation for further research in snake bite. Phytochemical constituents investigations of above plants demand to be taken up to find out the detailed ingredients that support in the snake bite.

The effect of dietary silver nanoparticles on performance, immune organs, and lipid serum of broiler chickens during starter period.

Abstract: This research was carried out to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) on growth performance, immune organs, and serum lipids of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 240 one-day-male broilers (Ross 308) distributed in four groups of 60 birds, including 4 replicates and 15 birds in each pen. Birds were fed on experimental diets including: T1 (control) without SNPs, T2, T3 and T4 supplementation basal diet with 4, 8 or 12 mg SNPs per kg of diet, respectively. At 21 d about 5 ml bloods (4 birds per groups) was removed from bronchial vein of four birds per replicate. Serum removed by centrifuged and stored at -20°C till the start of analysis. After blood sampling, birds were slaughtered and then visceral organs removed. Although the weight of selected organs was calculated regarding the total live body weight of each birds. The results indicated that SNPs have no significant effects on the performance (P≥0.05), there is a relative increased weight in SI and liver compared to control group (P≤0.05). Considering the abort points, the bursa weight was decreased compared to control treatment (P≤0.05). In addition TG, LDL, VLDL, and uric acid increased significantly (P≤0.05) in all treated than the control, as well as, HDL had significantly (P≤0.05) decreased compared with control. Relative weight of bursa Fabricius decreased (P≤0.05) in birds fed supplementation diet with levels of SNPs compared with control, especially in T4 birds. In conclusion, the SNPS no suitable alternatives as growth performance, Therefore, because of the mention changes may lead to negative effect on performance, immune response and health of broiler chickens.

Centella asiatica: from folk remedy to the medicinal biotechnology - a state revision.

Abstract: Centella asiatica or “gotu kola” has been used since long time ago as an ethno-pharmacological plant and supposed to be a potent medicinal plant for its various pharmacological effects favorable for human health. Many studies described the noteworthy protective effect of C. asiatica against numerous diseases. Biological activities of C. asiatica have been linked to the most major compounds in it. This state paper is a part of our ongoing research on C. asiatica, its activity, isolation of novel metabolites, and applying the biotechnological methods to improve this plant and its phytochemical activities.

Effects of seed inoculation by Rhizobium strains on yield and yield components in common bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract: To study the effect of Rhizobium inoculation treatments (inoculation with strains number 133, 116 and their integrated application) and chemical nitrogen fertilizer application (based on soil analysis in form of Urea) on certain agronomic traits of three common bean cultivars (viz. Bahman, Darkhshan and Sayyad) a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm of College of Agriculture, University of Tehran (Karaj, Iran) during 2010 and 2011 growing seasons. The treatments arranged as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The characteristics such as seed yield, pods number per plant, 100 seed weight, harvest index and biological yield were measured. Inoculated bean cultivars by rhizobium strain 116 produced the highest bean grain yield (5791 kg/ha). Bahman cv. inoculated by rhizobium strains 133+116 produced the highest number of pods per plant (55.97 pods/plant). Sayyad cultivar inoculated by rhizobium strain 116 produced the highest seed yield. Under the environmental conditions of this experiment, application of rhizobium strains proved to have the capability to replace the chemical nitrogen fertilizer in bean production.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on nodulation of some selected grain legumes at Bauchi, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.

Abstract: Nodules were collected at bi weekly intervals from legumes grown in three rainy seasons in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The legumes include cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), groundnut (Arachis hypogea (L.)) and soybean (Glycine max (L.)) treated with nitrogen fertilizer at 0 and 20kgN/ha and phosphorus fertilizer at 0, 13.2, 26.4 and 39.6kgP/ha. The treatments were laid out in a split-split plot design and replicated three times. The legumes were randomly allocated to the main plot, the phosphorus fertilizer levels to the sub plot and the nitrogen level to the sub-sub plot. The results showed that application of nitrogen at 20kgN/ha significantly (P≤0.05) reduced number of nodules at 2week after sowing (WAS) only. On the other hand, application of phosphorus at 26.4kgP/ha significantly (P≤0.05) produced higher number of nodules throughout the study period than the other levels used. Amongst the legumes, groundnut consistently and significantly (P≤0.05) gave higher number of nodules than cowpea and soybean. The cropping season of 2005 significantly (P≤0.05) produced higher number of nodules than 2004 and 2006 rainy seasons.

An anatomical investigation on Asteraceae family at Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh

Abstract: Anatomical (especially stomata and trichome) investigation of the family Asteraceae (Compositae) growing throughout the Rajshahi Division situated in the northern part of Bangladesh was carried out A total of 36 species under 29 genera of the family Asteraceae were collected and identified Among the recorded species, both anomocytic and anisocytic stomata were found in 21 species; anomocytic stomata in 10 species; anisocytic stomata in 3 species; anomocytic and paracytic stomata were found in 1 species; anomocytic, anisocytic and paracytic stomata were found in 1 species Out of the 36 species, stomata were found to be present both on the upper and lower surface in 33 species and only on lower surface in 3 species Three types of trichomes, ie nonglandular multicellular, non-glandular unicellular and glandular multicellular trichomes were recorded Nonglandular multicellular trichome was found in 25 species, non-glandular unicellular in 1 species and glandular multicellular trichome was found in 1 species Trichomes were absent in rest of the species Anatomical characters are importance for systematic studies

Antibacterial activity of 50 medicinal plants used in folk medicine.

Abstract: Emergence of bacterial resistance is critically an alarming situation in the health care industry The bacterial resistance getting more serious and effort of developing new drugs initiated Researchers from different part of the world extensively involved in the research One of the method they employed is using the medicinal plants These medicinal plants were used in the folk medicine to treat the illness In previous time, the medicinal plants were just employed as a treatment without knowing the active compound/s which responsible to cure the disease Most of the research done were based on the belief in traditional medicine and after the research done many researchers had concluded that the practice in the earlier time using the medicinal plants were right and having activities to overcome certain illness example involving bacterial illness Some researchers proved that usage of medicinal plants in earliest time revealing negative results In this review, all 50 medicinal plants were used in folk medicine and the modern research proved that the plants were having antibacterial property as claimed by in earliest time Further research using the medicinal plants are needed to overcome the emergence of the bacterial resistance To date synergistic study are very limited and it should be conducted so that any synergistic activities may reverse the bacterial resistance

Exploration of near-extinct folk wisdom on medicinally important plants from Shinaki Valley Hunza, Pakistan.

Abstract: Study explores near extinct Ethnobotanical wisdom on medicinaly important plants from Shinaki Valley of Hunza. Research attempted to save and surface rapidly dying healing and treatment practices alongwith the gradually perishing floral wealth from the area. A total of 108 phanerogamic species belonging to 37 families were recorded. Indigenous communities use 38 species (35.18%) for medicinal purposes including abdominal pain, jaundice, flu, cough, dandruff, asthma, bone fracture, blood pressure, rheumatism, diabetes, cancer and cardiac anomalies. Based on the frequency and scope of utilization Berberis lycium stood 1 st followed by Artemisia maritima 2nd and Linum usitatissimum 3rd. At present only 1.4% population practice folk medication compared to 80% in 1950s. Several adverse causes have left many important plant species under severe pressure. Under such visible and invisible hostile pressures, Ethnobotanical knowledge and indigenous wild and cultivated medicinally important floral species are perishing concurrently. Distilled folk insights documented can help pharmacognosy and innovation into existing medication for several ailments. Conservation of threatened species is an exigent need to prevent extinction of several species.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in goats and sheep of district Mardan, Pakistan.

Abstract: This study was carried out in order to investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats and sheep of District Mardan, Pakistan. Indirect Haemagglutination Test (IHA) was used for detection of T. gondii antibodies in sera. Out of 350 goats 148 (42.28%) were detected positive for T.gondii antibodies. The prevalence in male and female goats were 39 (26%) and 109 (54.5%) respectively. Goats of age ≥ 2 years had the highest seroprevalence (54.44%) followed by those of 1-2 years old (33.33%) and those ≤ 1 year old (20%). Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were detected in 128 out of 290 examined sheep (44.13%). A total of 55 (45.83%) out of 10 male sheep were detected seropositive for T. gondii infection and 73 (42.94%) out of 170 female sheep were detected seropositive. High prevalence of T. gondii was seen in female as compared to male sheep. Among the examined sheep, those which were ≥ 2 year old had the highest infection (66.66%) followed by 1-2 year old (36.36%) and ≤ 1 year old (13.33%). The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was higher in all goats and sheep with titer ranging from 1:80 to 1:160. The infection rate in sheep was higher as compared to goats. The results of the present study indicate that T. gondii infection is very common in goats and sheep of District Mardan, Pakistan, which may be a risk factor for public health in this area because goats and sheep are the intermediate hosts of T. gondii. Proper control strategies and suitable measures should be carried out in this region, in order to minimize the risk of exposure of human population to T. gondii infection.

Toxicological and repellent potential of some plant extracts against stored product insect pest, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract: Laboratory experimentations were conducted for the evaluation of contact and repellent activities of acetone based plant extracts of Allium sativum (Garlic), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Citrus limon (Lemon) and Eucalyptus globules (Safaida) against the insect pest of stored grain commodities, Tribolium castaneum. Various concentrations (5, 10 and 15%) of the plant extracts were applied on the filter papers in the bioassay experiments and after the release of 15d old beetles, mortality was evaluated after fixed intervals (24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 and 168h). Repellent action was also checked using the area preference method and preference of adult beetles were checked after fixed period (24, 48 and 72h). Contact toxicity experiments revealed that E. globules (9.41%) proved to be more effective followed by A. sativum (9.20%), C. limon (8.39%) and A. indica (7.48%). Repellent action confirmed E. globule (76.29%) to be more potent and A. indica (63.08%), A. sativum (59.62%) and C. limon (50.12%) were least effective, respectively. Results reflected a positive potential of plant extracts as suitable substitute of conventional synthetic insecticides for the management of insect pest attacking stored commodities.

The interactive effects humic acid application and several of nitrogen fertilizer on remobilization star wheat

Abstract: In order to study the effect of the application of Humic acid and different levels of nitrogen on remobilization, production, and yield of star wheat a field experiment was carried out in the region of Viss in the form of split plot and randomized complete block design with four replications in crop year of 2011-2012. Main plots included various levels of nitrogen fertilizer (N0=50, N1=100, and N3=150 kgNha-1) and subplots included the application of Humic acid (H0= lack of Humic acid, H1=foliar spraying at stem elongation stage, H2=foliar spraying at reproductive stage).Results indicated that the effect of nitrogen and Humic acid on leaf area index, grain yield, rate of remobilization, share of remobilization, rate of photosynthesis and share of photosynthesis was significant. The highest amounts of leaf area index, grain yield, remobilization rate, current photosynthesis rate and share were obtained in treatment of 150 kgNha-1. The highest leaf area index, grain yield, remobilization rate, current photosynthesis rate and share were obtained at foliar spraying at reproductive stage. In examining the interactive effect of nitrogen and humic acid on leaf area index, remobilization rate, remobilization rate and share, the difference was significant. Also, at level of 150kgNha-1 the difference was significant for grain yield and current photosynthesis share at foliar spraying at reproductive stage but the difference was not significant at level of 100 kgNha -1 at foliar spraying at stem elongation stage. Therefore, for economical benefits, the application of 100 kgNha-1 along with humic acid foliar spraying at stem elongation stem is recommended.

Effect of breeding mode, type of muscle and slaughter age on technological meat quality of local poultry population of Gallus gallus species of Benin

Abstract: Indigenous chickens in Benin represent various populations including Holli, Sahoue, Fulani, North and South ecotypes. The current study aims to assess the technological quality of their meat according to genetic type, breeding system and age. Thus, 52 chickens of each ecotype were divided in two lots of 26 birds bred respectively under traditional system and improved system. For each breeding system, 26 cockerels of each ecotype were slaughtered at 20, 24 and 28 weeks old. It appears that the meat of South chickens had the highest shear force (47.76 N), redness (8.08) and chroma (P<0.01). The lowest pH24 was recorded in North (5.66) and Fulani (5.71) ecotypes (P<0.05). The highest luminance was found in meat of North chickens (59.74). Chickens Holli had the lowest yellowness and the highest hue value (3.72). The cooking loss of thigh of Sahoue was higher than in the other genotypes (P<0.05). The chickens bred under traditional system had the highest shear force and luminance (P <0.001), whereas birds of improved system had the highest pH24, yellowness and chroma (P<0.05). The shear force, redness, yellowness, hue, chroma and pH of thigh were higher than those of the breast (P<0.001). The breast was clearer than the thigh-drumstick (58.98 vs 49.09; P<0.001). The luminance, redness, yellowness, chroma and cooking loss decreased with age (P <0.05) while shear force and pH increased (P<0.001). Overall, South chickens provided the toughest and darkest meat, while traditional free range system was more favorable for firm and white chicken meat production.

Association of growth hormone gene polymorphism with growth and fatness traits in Arian broilers.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of HG gene polymorphism on chicken growth and body composition traits in Arian broilers. Blood samples randomly collected before slaughter from four different commercial Arian broiler lines (A, B, C and D; 400 samples) at 6 weeks of age. Genomic DNA was extracted and a fragment of 776 bp in size amplified using PCR-RFLP method. To determine the restriction site in intron 1 of GH gene of the animals, the MspI endonuclease and the resultant digested products were run on 2% agarose gel studied. Birds were slaughtered at 6 weeks of age and body composition was determined. The treatment of the fragment at GH loci with MspI restriction enzyme was revealed A1, A2 and A3 alleles. According to the results, recorded allele was: A1 allele (414, 217, 125 bp); A2 allele (125, 147, 237, 267 bp) and for allele A3 (237, 539 bp), respectively. The comparison of least square means of different genotypes indicated that polymorphism in the GH gene was significantly associated with body weight, tsmurd kci weight and percentage of drumstick weight at 6 weeks of age (P<0.05). According to the results, HG genes could be candidate gene that can affect some body composition traits in Arian broiler chickens.

Investigation on nutritional potential of soursop (Annona muricata L.) from Benin for its use as food supplement against protein-energy deficiency

Abstract: The microbiological and nutritional characterization of Soursop pulp (Annona muricata L.) was investigated. The moisture content was ranged from 18.33 to 24.53%. The pH was between 4.1 and 4.8 with a mean acidity of 1.75%. The soursop pulps are rich in nutrients such as carbohydrates (23.05%), proteins (7.41%), ash (2.22%) and fiber (24.73%). All samples analyzed were rich in minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, with a higher content of potassium (1.29 to 1.35%). Anti-nutritional factors such as oxalate and phytate were detected in samples, and values were lower than established toxic level. The total flora count of samples from markets ranged from 2 × 10 1 to 7 × 10 1 . The enumeration of total coliforms and fecal coliforms was less than 10 cfu/g with an absence of pathogens. The results of physicochemical parameters of soursop puree during storage shown that moisture content, pH and acidity were 21.53±0.14%, 4.1±0.03 and 0.22±0.01%. These physicochemical parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the storage time in unpasteurized puree. However, in pasteurized puree, the stability of physicochemical parameters is observed for 15 days of storage at 25°C. However, due to the fact that the soursop fruit is rich in nutrient and have high moisture content, which would encourage microbial growth and so deterioration, more attention should be paid to its microbial quality.

Effect of drying methods on the phytochemicals composition and antioxidant activities of Carica papaya seed.

Abstract: The effect of drying methods, namely, air-drying (AD), freeze-drying (FD), oven-drying (OD) and sun-drying (SD) on the phytochemicals composition and antioxidant activities of Carica papaya seeds, a medicinal plant, was investigated. Drying methods had significant (P 0.05). Sun-drying led to the highest (P 0.05), and then AD. Consistent with the trend of the effect of the drying methods on the antioxidant phytochemicals, FD displayed the highest (P < 0.05) levels of antioxidant activities - 1,1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging ability, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), followed by AD, OD and SD. The DPPH scavenging ability of the seeds due to drying methods increased in a dose-dependent manner, having IC50 in the order of FD (14.19 mg/ml ) < AD (15.7 mg/ml ) < OD (16.56 mg/ml ) < SD (17.85 mg/ml ). Freeze-drying could be the preferred drying method for C. papaya seeds for a higher retention of its antioxidant properties.

Bioaccumulation profile of heavy metals in the gills tissue of Wallago attu (MULLEY) from Kalpani River Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.

Abstract: We examined the bio accumulation profile of 05 heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni and Zn) in the liver tissue of fresh water fish Mulley, Wallago attu collected from 04 different polluted sites of Kalpani River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Pakistan. The heavy metals concentration recorded in the liver of Wallago attu was determined by using Perkin Elmer AS 3100 flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Metals bio accumulated in the liver tissue in the order of Cd>Cr>Zn>Ni with no detection of lead (Pb) in any fish sample. Cadmium (Cd) was the highest and nickel (Ni) was the least accumulated metal in the fish liver. Mean concentrations of detected four heavy (Cr, Cd, Ni, Zn) in the liver of Wallago attu in all 04 samples were 0.90±0.8118, 3.33±1.3595, 0.04±0.0250, 0.72±0.1937 μg g -1 (wet weight). Overall, cadmium (Cd) was more accumulated in the fish liver as compared to other heavy metals. At present cadmium has crossed the permissible limits of FAO (1983). Our findings suggest that fish liver have comparatively more chemical affinity to bio accumulate cadmium (Cd) as compared to heavy metals like Zn, Cr and Ni.

Introduction of seed treatment techniques (seed priming).

Abstract: The increasing population of the world and everlasting demand for food on one hand, and the limitations present on expanding farmlands on the other hand provokes incentives for scientists to innovate more efficient methods for making improvements in crops production. For meeting this need, numerous methods have been developed that can be classified in two general groups: crop production and crop eugenic. Applying these methods is a complicated practice because the activity of plants depends on many factors including climatic conditions, soil, plant-specific factors and existing interactions between each. However, many exploratory researches are dedicated to this field now. One of the most common approaches that have been adopted by many countries is pre-farming treatment. The previous century was the age of dominance for chemical treatments. Although these methods proved to be efficient in increasing the productivity of crops, they had harmful side effects on environment. So, the focus of scientists and scientific researches has shifted toward the biophysical methods.

Drinking water quality and risk of waterborne diseases in the rural mountainous area of Azad Kashmir Pakistan.

Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate drinking water safety at three different levels including sources, system and household in district Bagh, an earthquake affected area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan. Portable water testing kit (Oxfam-DelAgua) was used for the detection of thermo-tolerant fecal coliform (Escherichia coli). A total (n=254) number of drinking water samples were examined for the presence of fecal coliform. It was found that, 68.5% (174 out of 254) of the overall samples tested were contaminated with Escherichia coli. The 52% (40 out of 77) of the water samples at source level, whereas 69% (58 out of 84) of water sample collected from system and 71% (66 out of 93) at household level were found contaminated with Escherichia coli. It was concluded that unprotected drinking water sources, improper management of waste, vulnerable sewage and ignorance regarding health and hygiene are the main reason of water contamination in the area.

Assessment of yield and yield components of corn (Zea mays L.) under two and three strip intercropping systems.

Abstract: Intercropping can be described as the growing of two or more crops simultaneously on the same field. In order to investigate the effects of three spices (corn, soybean and sunflower) strip intercropping on yield and yield components of corn (Zea mays L.) a field experiment was carried out as randomized complete block design (RCB) with three replications in 2011. Results showed that the chlorophyll content of corn significantly affected by neighboring of soybean and sunflower. The maximum chlorophyll content of corn leaves was obtained at intercropping of corn-soybean, additive corn-soybean, corn-soybean-sunflower and corn-soybean-sunflowersoybean while, minimum chlorophyll content of this cultivar was showed at pure culture of corn. The effect of different intercropping on number of leaves, height of plant and diagonal of ear and biological yield of corn was not significant. The most ear length, number of rows in ear, number of grain in row, grain weight, grain yield and harvest index of corn were showed at intercropping of corn-soybean and corn-soybean-sunflower-soybean. The neighboring of sunflower by beside of corn significantly inhibited yield and yield component of this cultivar as the lowest yield of corn was obtained at intercropping of corn-sunflower.

Some physico-chemical attributes of pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars grown in Pakistan.

Abstract: Four pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars grown in District Hunza-Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, locally called Shughri, Batung, Puno-Batung and Phycho were analyzed for their physio-chemical and functional attributes. Physicochemical characteristics of the tested genotypes revealed variable amounts of moisture (80.17-86.67%), crude fiber (5.10-10.00%), ash (1.56-1.83%), total soluble solids (11.03-14.42 o Brix), total sugars (10.19-11.12%), pH (4.12-5.24) and titratable acidity (0.12-0.26% in terms of malic acid) respectively. Similarly, ascorbic acid was established in the range of 2.80-4.30 mg/100g, total phenolic content 29.13-38.87 mg GAE/100g and antioxidant activity from 29.36-46.73% among the investigated genotypes. Some mineral estimation (mg/100g) was also carried out which showed reasonable concentrations of K (163.27-833.85), Mg (38.57-86.74), Ca (23.26-48.39), P (5.20-13.70), Na (0.95-4.19) and Fe (0.40-2.86) in the tested cultivars. Physical and geometric dimensions such as fruit length ranged from 40.10 to 87.50 mm, width 36.22 to 68.85 mm, thickness 37.36 to 73.80 mm, geometric mean diameter 37.71 to 74.69 mm, volume 22.33 to 227.4 cm 3 , surface area 4468 to 17527 mm2, sphericity 84.20 to 89.90 % and fruit weight ranged from 35.11 to 231.96 g. The findings of this study showed that Shughri and Phycho grown in both locations were rich in functional components and mineral

In vitro antibacterial activity of Camellia sinensis leaf extracts to some selective pathogenic bacterial strains.

Abstract: Plant and plant material are essential for animal and human health care and also important for microbial management program. Pakistan has a great wealth of C. sinensis which has valuable use as tea not only in Pakistan but all over the world. The present study was carried out in vitro to determine antibacterial activity of C. sinensis leaf extracts against Pathogenic bacterial starin by using leaf cold water extract. Antimicrobial activity of C. sinensis was evaluated by well diffusion methods. The zone of inhibition against the tested bacteria was found ranging from 20.00 to 24.31mm. The highest zone of inhibition produced by Cold water extract S. typhi was (24.21 mm), E. coli (20.31 mm) and S. aureus was (22 mm) respectivily. The extracts of C. sinensis leaf were found to be valuable antibacterial agent. This study furnish the way for further consideration and investigate to find out the active compounds accountable for the plant biological activity with the necessary minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Further studies should carry out to find out the accurate mechanism of action by which extracts exert their antimicrobial effect to recognize which can be used in drug development for safe health care services

Evaluation of the chemical composition of Pentadesma butyracea butter and defatted kernels

Abstract: Studies were carried out on P. butyracea kernels to determine their nutritional and antinutritional composition. The kernels contained 41.9% of butter. The physicochemical properties of the butter are as follows: saponification value, 192.5 mg KOH/g of oil; refractive index (20°C), 1.462; unsaponifiable matter, 1.8%; acidity, 0.41%; peroxide value, 17.3 meq O2/kg of butter. The butter contains high levels of oleic acid (47.3%) and stearic acid (47.2). The composition of triacylglycerols (TAGs) was characterized by two components SOO and SOS. The DSC melting curves of butter revealed two melting points of 20.4°C and 39.3°C and melting enthalpy values of 30.6 J/g and 78.2 J/g. Stigmasterol (56.3%) and campesterol (27.6%) were the abundant sterols. Protein content (7.3 % dry weight) was recorded in the kernel containing eighteen amino acids in varying proportions. Three sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose) were identified. An ash content of (4.1% dry weight) was contained calcium, magnesium potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. The result of the antinutritional factors showed that levels of phytate (0.42%), total phenol (0.14%) and oxalate (1.06%).

Effects of phytohormone seed priming on germination and seedling growth of cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.) under different duration of treatment

Abstract: The experiment was undertaken with an objective to determine how the rate of seed germination and seedling growth can be influenced by various concentrations of growth regulators i.e. GA3 and IAA in cowpea. Seed moisture content was determined and found optimum for seed testing. The seeds were soaked in different concentrations (20, 40, and 60 ppm) of GA3 and IAA for 6 or 12 hours. Four replicates of each treatment with 15 seeds per replicate were arranged for precise analysis. Significant variation was found between the treatments in all aspects. Distilled water showed highest germination rate as well as the higher radicle and plumule length in contrast to other treatments. We found a drastic differences between the time soaking and the 6 hrs was more effective than 12 hrs in all aspects.