Showing papers in "International Journal of Biosciences in 2015"

Effect of silver, copper and iron nanoparticles on wheat germination

Abstract: The effect of the exposure of wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds to silver, copper and iron nanoparticles on germination and seedling vigor index has been studied under laboratory conditions. Seeds were exposed to silver, copper and iron nanoparticles under various conditions. Germination percentage and root shoot length were calculated. The results showed a reduction in germination percentage on exposure to silver and copper nanoparticles while maximum germination percentage was on application of iron nanoparticles. Similarly while root and shoot growth was also enhanced under iron nanoparticles application while severereduction in root and shoot length was observed on exposure to copper nanoparticles. So copper has inhibitory while iron has stimulatory effect on wheat germination and growth.

Evaluation of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes based on resistance indices under field conditions

Abstract: Among the different abiotic stresses, drought is the limitation that induces a highly negative effect on crop production. In order to classify drought tolerant genotypes in bread wheat, an experiment was conducted in a split plot experimental on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications under two irrigation and water deficit stress conditions during 2013-2014 cropping season in Isfahan Province of Iran. Five drought resistance indices including Tolerance Index (TOL), Stress Susceptibility index (SSI), Stress Tolerance Index (STI), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) and Mean Productivity (MP) were calculated for each genotype based on both grain yields under non-stress and stress conditions. Result of correlation analysis between grain yields and calculated drought resistance indices revealed that MP, GMP and STI were the best indices for identifying high yielding genotypes in non-stress and stress conditions. Gabriel Biplot Multivariate chart revealed that ‘Ouhedi’ genotype relatively identified as drought tolerant. Therefore it is recommended to be used as parents for improvement of drought tolerance in other cultivars.

Marker-assisted introgression of saltol locus into genetic background of BRRI Dhan-49.

Abstract: The major purpose of this research was to introgress Saltol QTL into the genetic background of BRRI dhan49 through marker-assisted backcrossing. FL478 was used as a donor parent of Saltol QTL. Marker assisted backcrossing strategies were applied to develop BRRI dhan49-Saltol lines. A primer polymorphism survey was carried out between the two parental genotypes viz. BRRI dhan49 and FL478. A total of 363 SSR and InDel primers were surveyed and a total of 96 markers (27%) were found polymorphic. A cross was made between BRRI dhan49 and FL478 to produce F1 seeds and F1 was confirmed by RM493. Foreground selection was carried out using RM493 in all generations. Fifty six SSR markers were used for background selection. The Graphical Genotype (GGT) software was used to estimate the percentage recovery rate of the recurrent parent genome and to find out the genome ratio of the parents in the selected progenies of the backcross populations. From BC1F1 generation five best plants were selected based on background recovery of recurrent parent and backcrossed with recurrent parent. From BC2F1 generation, six plants were selected based on the highest background recovery of 80.7% to 89.5%. BC2F2 seeds were produced by selfing of selected BC2F1 individuals. The Saltol introgressed lines performed better in salt stress condition in hydroponic screening. The developed BRRI dhan49-Saltol lines would be useful for developing salt tolerant rice varieties or for using in other breeding programs.

Role of nao-ceria in the amelioration of oxidative stress: current and future applications in medicine

Abstract: Cerium nanomaterial is utilized in many fields including consumer’s products, biomedical treatment and pharmacy. Broad range of applications attracted the industrial interest many folds for greater exposure to the human and surroundings. It received much attention in the last few years due to its glorious antioxidant activities because of fast and expedient mutation of oxidation state between Ce +4 and Ce +3 by simply or drastically modifying its electronic configuration according to surroundings. This ability emerged the cerium nanoparticles (Ce-NPs) as desirable and remunerative material in the fields of biomedicine, drug delivery, bioanalysis and bio scaffolding. In biomedicines, nano-ceria is being employed for natural body enzymatic mimicking against noxious reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review provides a comprehensive introduction to Ce-NP’s antioxidative ability, its mechanisms and potential applications in future therapeutic medication.

Physico-chemical characterization of bitter apple (Citrullus colosynthis) seed oil and seed residue

Abstract: This reach work was carried out for the characterization of Citrullus colocynthis seed oil and seed residue as an important aspect of nonconventional oils because most of the applications based on their physico-chemical characteristics. Seed oil was extracted using soxhelt extraction assembly with n-hexane and subjected to physicochemical characterization. The proximate analysis showed that the Citrullus colocynthis seed contained 28.50% oil, 6.43% moisture, 13.99% crude protein, 2.23% ash and 46.73% crude fiber. The seed residue was found to be a good sources of minerals containing calcium (130.78 ppm) followed by potassium (123.21 ppm) magnesium (89.53 ppm), Iron (43.32 ppm), zinc (10.05 ppm), and manganese (0.513 ppm). The oil was liquid at room temperature with physico-chemical characteristics like free fatty acid, 1.09 (% as oleic acid); iodine value, 119.53 (g I2/100g); acid value, 3.91(mg KOH/g of oil); totox value, 15.83; saponification value, 196.66%; unsaponifiable matter, 1.44 %; refractive index (20 ˚C), 1.4873; viscosity, 37.9 (cP); and color (1-in. cell) 10R + 70.7Y. The oils revealed a good oxidative stability as indicated by the determinations of p-anisidine value, 1.85, and peroxide value, 6.97 (meq O2/100g). The oil was found to contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, especially C 18:2 (54.70%) and C 18:1 (33.66%). The contents of tocopherols (α and δ) in the oil were 1.90 and 0.32 g/100g, respectively. The results of the present study demonstrated that the seeds oil and seed residue of Citrullus colocynthis is a potential source of valuable oil which might be utilized for functional as well as medicinal applications.

Screening and characterization of cellulase producing bacteria from soil and waste (molasses) of sugar industry.

Abstract: The aim of present work is to illustrate the screening and characterization of cellulytic bacteria from soil and waste (molasses) of sugar industry. Soil and waste samples (molasses) from Colony sugar mills Phalia, Punjab, Pakistan were used for the screening of cellulytic bacteria by serial dilution and pore plate method. Bacteria were further Characterized by morphological and biochemical tests. Submerged fermentation process was used for enzyme production. Different production parameters: temperature, pH, incubation time and substrate concentration were optimized. Soluble proteins in the culture supernatant of isolated bacteria were measured by the dye binding method of Bradford. Enzyme activity was measured by dinitrosilsalic acid (DNS) method.Out of 26 isolates six were selected on the basis of clear zone produced 7mm ≥. These six potential isolates were further screened for cellulytic activity among which one SM3-M8 exhibited promising activity of cellulase. This bacterial isolate was then characterized by morphological and biochemical tests and identified as Bacillus sp. SM3-M8 gave maximum cellulase production and activity at temperature 45oC, pH 7, CMC concentration 0.5% after 48 hours of incubation. Sugar industrial wastes provided a good source for isolation of cellulase producing bacteria. Isolation and screening and characterization of microbes for cellulase production provided a valuable and novel enzymes for the conversion of lingocellulosic waste into ethanol.

Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Thymus kotschyanus grown wild in Iran

Abstract: The aims of this study were to extraction and identify the compounds formed and antimicrobial properties of essential oil on Iranian Thymus kotschyanus. Plant essential oil was prepared by a hydro-distillation method using Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for determining their chemical composition. 49 compounds consisting 99.94% of the total components were identified from the essential oil of Thymus kotschyanus obtained. Among those, carvacrol (50.40%), 1, 8 cineole(8%), thymol (6.78%), borneol (6.46%) and E-Caryophyllene (4.35%) were the major oil components. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was investigated by micro broth dilution and disc diffusion methods. The results of this study shows that Thymus kotschyanus essential oils have inhibitory effect respectively on yeast, Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria(yeast> Gram-positive bacteria> Gram-negative bacteria).Also, essential oil showed high antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Bacilluscereus two medically important pathogens.

Effects of nano zinc and humic acid on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of savory (Satureja hortensis L.).

Abstract: In the research greenhouse of the Institute of, University of zabol, Iran). a factorial experiment was condition in the form of completely randomized design (CRD) on four replications. The treatments were humic acid concentrations in four levels (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 on each one 1000 m/liters water) and nano ze chelated fertilizer in four levels (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg; on each one at 1000 m/liters per water) Results of variance analysis showed that the interaction effect of humic acid × nano ze chelated fertilizer and the effect of humic acid and nano ze chelated fertilizer management on Plant height, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus,Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil content was significant at 1% probability level. minimum plant height, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus,Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil content of the treatment control and maximum plant height, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus, Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil content of treatment were gained in N4. maximum, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus, Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil were gained from H4 fertilizer treatment Except plant height that maximum, plant height was obtained H3 fertilizer treatment. maximum plant height, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus, Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil content of treatment were obtained in N4H4.

Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on carcass parameters, relative weight of digestive and lymphoid organs of broiler fed wet diet during the starter period

Abstract: The aim of the trial was to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the carcass yield, digestive and lymphoid organs weighted index of broilers fed wet diet during the starter period. A total of 300 one-day old male broilers (Ross- 308) were randomly allotted to 5 treatments and 4 replicates and a total of 20 experimental units and 15 broilers in each replicate in a completely randomized design. The study was performed during the starter period (1-21d). The results showed that the addition of ZnO-NPs in fed wet diet at the age of 21 days had significantly affected on the percentage carcass of broilers than dry rations and control (P<0.05). The highest and lowest percentage of carcass in T3 (dry ration+200mg of NPs-ZnO) and T2 (dry ration+100mg of ZnO-NPs) was observed (P<0.05). Wet diet containing 200 mg of ZnO-NPs had significantly increased the relative weight of the proventriculus when compared to other treatments (P<0.05). In addition, dry diet is treated with 100 mg of ZnO-NPs significantly increased the relative weight of the pancreas compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). Although, no significant relative weight of lymphoid organs, but the maximum weight percent related to treatments containing zinc oxide nanoparticles observed. According to the data of the present study could be concluded that adding ZnO-NPs to dry diets compared to wet diet probability improve carcasses yield and increase relative weight of digestive and lymphoid organs of broilers during the starter period.

Comparative analysis of phenolic compounds in two samples of Rosa damascena by HPLC.

Abstract: Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae) commonly known as Damask rose is widely grown in Kashan and Tabriz of Iran which has different therapeutic indications among Iranian traditional medicine practitioners. R. damascena is a rich source of phenolic compounds responsible for its medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to quantify the phenolic compounds present in R. damascena samples. The analytical separation and determination of phenolic compounds were performed using reversed phase HPLC with UV detector. Based on the results obtained throughout this study total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of sample from Tabriz (217.728 ± 0.13 and 22.8 ± 0.18 mg CE/g, respectively) were significantly higher than Kashan (134.568 ± 0.11 and 15.84 ± 0.23 mg CE/g respectively). Also phenolic compounds including gallic acid, syringic acid and quercetin were detected in both samples. The most abundant phenolic compound was gallic acid with amounts of 118.213 mg/g in Tabriz and 86.562 mg/g in Kashan samples (p < 0.05) but there was not any significant difference between two samples in the case of quercetin and syringic acid. The present study represents differences in total phenolics and gallic acid between two studied samples which might be implicated in different antioxidant activity and therapeutic applications of R. damascena from Tabriz and Kashan.

Identification of bacterial blight resistance gene Xa7 in rice (Oryzae sativa L.) through STS marker.

Abstract: Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo) is the most destructive disease of rice that limits rice yield in all major rice-growing regions of Pakistan, especially in irrigated lowland conditions. Since bacterial pathogen is difficult to manage, development of host plant resistance is the most effective mean to control this disease. In this investigation, a major gene (Xa-7) conferring broad spectrum resistance to various races of the pathogen has been identified in various varieties and advance lines of rice by STMS marker. Out of 74 rice varieties, 31 to 44 showed the presence of Xa-7. Identification of Xa7 gene in rice could be utilized for increasing the level of resistance of existing rice varieties.

Use of coal derived humic acid as soil conditioner for soil physical properties and its impact on wheat crop yield

Abstract: Humic acid has been utilized as a soil conditioner for improving soil physical health and enhancing sequestration of soil carbon in recent years. In this study, a loamy sand soil was amended at various levels (HL0 control, HL1 10 Kg H.A ha-1, HL2 20 Kg H.A ha-1, HL3 30 Kg H.A ha-1, HL4 60 Kg H.A ha-1, HL5 90 Kg H.A ha-1, HL6 120 Kg H.A ha-1 and HL7 150 Kg H.A ha-1) of both grades (Lab grade and Commercial grade) of humic acid. Soil physical and hydraulic properties were analyzed, including soil aggregate stability, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and volumetric water content. The yield performance of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum) grown in soil amended with different rates of humic acid was also assessed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that significant improvement in physical properties like aggregate stability, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture content with the application of humic acid at 150 kg ha -1 level. And this improvement was also reflected in valuable increase in wheat crop yield. These results strongly suggest positive improvement of soil physical and hydraulic properties by the addition of humic

Screening selection and optimization of extracellular methanol and ethanol tolerant lipase from Acinetobacter sp. K5b4.

Abstract: An extracellular methanol and ethanol tolerant lipase producing bacterial strain K5b4 was isolated from soil samples contaminated with hydrocarbon residues, and further identified as Acinetobacter species. The immobilized lipase from Acinetobacter sp. K5b4 retained more than 98% of its residual activity after incubation with pure methanol and ethanol for 24 hours. The highest hydrolytic activity of the immobilized enzyme was obtained in the presence of 75% (v/v) methanol in the assay solution. In contrary, the enzyme was able to maintain its original activity up to only 25% (v/v) ethanol meanwhile, at elevated concentrations of 50 and 75% (v/v) the enzyme activity were reduced by 10 and 40% respectively. Maximum lipase activity of 31.5 mU/mL was achieved after 48 hr cultivation when the optimized medium (pH 7.0) that composed of 1.0% (w/v) olive oil, 0.2% (w/v) glycerol, 0.15% (w/v) yeast extract, and 0.05% (w/v) NaCl was inoculated with 0.4% (v/v) seed culture and incubated at 30°C and 150 rpm agitation speed. However, the presence of CaCl2 in the growth media did not show any inhibitory or stimulatory effect on the enzyme production as it compared to the control experiment. Meanwhile, the other mineral salts MgCl2, MnCl2, KCl and CoCl2 were negatively affected the production of lipase enzyme. The inhibition of lipase production from Acinetobacter sp. K5b4 in presence of glucose suggesting that lipase gene expression is prone to catabolic repression. * Corresponding Author:Muhamad O. Allimoun muhamadodeh@gmail.com

Genome identification of bananas (Musa L.) from East Java Indonesia assessed with PCR-RFLP of the internal transcribed spacers nuclear ribosomal DNA.

Abstract: East Java Province has high diversity of local banana cultivars with various local names and diverse morphological characteristics. The genome identification of those banana cultivars are needed to provide valid identity of the banana accessions to be used as basic data for in-situ and/or ex-situ banana conservation management and for further breeding banana material. Polymerase Chain Reaction – Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region nuclear ribosomal Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (nrDNA) using RsaI restriction endonuclease enzyme was conducted to 68 banana accessions collected from 17 Regencies in East Java Province. The RsaI digested fragments showed consistent polymorphic banding DNA patterns; in M. acuminata the wild species and cultivars produced two fragments of 530 bp and 120 bp whereas M. balbisiana species and its hybrid cultivars produced three fragments of 350 bp, 180 bp and 120 bp. From this study it was found that about 45 accessions were identified as M. acuminata species (AA/AAA genomes). It comprises of 3 wild species M. acuminata (AAw), 17 M. acuminata diploid cultivars (AA) and 25 M. acuminata triploid cultivars (AAA). Wild species M. balbisiana identified only one accession (BBw), and the hybrid cultivars comprises of 14 M acuminata × balbisiana (ABB) cultivars and 8 M. acuminata × balbisiana (AAB) cultivars. Clustering analysis result based on restriction fragment ITS region showed that BBw, ABB and AAB genome groups were close related and clustered as sister group whilst AA/AA genome group became the out-group with similarity coefficient between 0,635 to 1.00

Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Erwinia carotovora pv. carotovora and Alternaria solani.

Abstract: Resistant plant pathogens have emerged against the conventional antibiotics. Alternative to these conventional antibiotics application of eco-friendly nanoparticles is an important strategy to manage plant disease. In the present research antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) i.e. Ag, AgP, AgIB, AgAE and AgBE and antibiotics (Nystatin and Streptomycin) were evaluated against plant pathogens Erwinia carotovora pv. carotovora and Alternaria solani. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized Block Design (CRD) with three replications. The antibiotic Nystatin was used as a standard antibiotic reference in case of antifungal activity while streptomycin in case of antibacterial activity. For the antifungal and antibacterial activity different concentration were prepared as 150ppm, 200ppm and 250ppm and zone of inhibition(mm) for all silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and antibiotics were prepared and inhibition zone was measured in millimeters(mm). Results revealed that the silver nanopartiles(AgNPs) i.e. AgAE and AgIB showed largest inhibition zone with the tested Erwininacarotovorapv. carotovora where the activity was 14.33mm and 13.13mm respectively followed by AgBE (10.40mm), AgP(10.33) and Ag(7mm) while the reference antibiotic streptomycin produced lowest inhibition zone(5.66mm). In case of Alternaria solani maximum inhibition zones were achieved from silver nanoparticles(AgNPs), AgAE and AgIB where the antifungal activity was 27mm and 24mm followed by AgBE(22.33mm), AgP(21.66mm) and Ag(18.66) while the reference antibiotic nystatin produced minimum inhibition zone(4mm). Further it was noticed that increasing the concentration of silver nanoparticles(AgNPs) significantly (P<0.05) increased the inhibition zones of the test plant pathogen and higher concentration(250ppm) posses strong antimicrobial activity. We can conclude that silver nanoparticles(AgNPs), had maximum inhibitory effect against Erwininacarotovorapv. carotovora and Alternaria solani when compared with the antibiotics

Effect of humic, fulvic acid and calcium foliar application on growth and yield of tomato plants.

Abstract: This study was laid out to determine the effect of humic, fulvic acid and calcium foliar application on growth, yield and fruits quality of tomato plants. A field experimental in completely randomized block design with three replications was conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. The tomato transplants, ‘H9663’ cultivar, were grown on clay soil during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. The individual and combination applications of humic acid (0.4 %), fulvic acid (4%) and chelated calcium (0.25 %) solutions were applied as foliar sprays on tomato plants at four times (after two, four, six and eight weeks from transplanting). Growth and nutrients content (N, P, K and Ca) of tomato plants as well as yield and fruits quality were investigated in treated and untreated plants. Results indicated that all foliar applications of humic, fulvic acid and calcium , either individual or in combinations, increased vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality. On the other hand, these treatments decreased the incidence of blossom end rot in tomato fruits. Foliar application of humic acid plus fulvic acid plus calcium gave the maximum values in the investigated properties. In conclusion, application of humic, fulvic acid and calcium as foliar application improved the plant growth, yield and fruits quality of tomato. * Corresponding Author: M.E Husein  shahein97@yahoo.com International Journal of Biosciences | IJB | ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print), 2222-5234 (Online) http://www.innspub.net Vol. 7, No. 1, p. 132-140, 2015

Response of yield and yield components of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Shiroodi) to different phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and mineral phosphorous

Abstract: Plant growth stimulating rhizosphere bacteria are a heterogeneous group of rhizosphere bacteria which improve plant growth indices throughout diverse mechanisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) in terms of improving growth and yield of the rice plants (cv. Shiroodi). Experiment was conducted at Neka, Mazandaran province, Iran as split plot arrangement based randomized complete block design with four replicates in 2012. Main plots were phosphorous at three levels (0, 83 and 165 kg ha -1 from concentrated superphosphate triple source) and sub plots were phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) at four levels [control, inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens (PSF), P. putida (PSP), and coinoculation of PSF and PSP]. Results showed that there were a significant difference for mineral phosphorous and PSM in terms of number of stems, biological yield, straw yield, and paddy yield. Paddy yield varied from 457.8 gr m-2 in the control treatment to 625.1 and 630.2 gr m-2 in plots which received either 83 or 165 kg ha -1 mineral phosphorous, respectively. Inoculated rice plants with PSM had higher yield attributes. Paddy yield ranged from 498.9 gr m -2 in the control to 528.9, 561.5 and 561.6 gr m -2 in the PSF, PSF+PSP and PSP inoculated plants, respectively. Consequently, the maximum paddy yield of 699.9 gr m-2 (51.8% more than control) was recorded in plots which inoculated with PSP and received 83 kg ha -1 P.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon nardus against Enterococcus faecalis.

Abstract: Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon nardus is a common medicinal plant that is widely used for various medicinal properties. The aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition and to assess the antibacterial activities of Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon nardus. Chemical composition of C. citratus and C. nardus essential oils were analyzed by using GC and GCMS. The chemical analysis was carried out by using GC-MS for identification of components of the two essential oils. The percentage composition of the studied oil samples listed twenty four compounds identified in C. citratus oil sample that included geranial (32.4%), beta citral (23.8%) and geraniol (12.0%) as major components. Twenty three compounds were identified in C. nardus essential oil including Elemol (17.3%), Citronellol (12.5%) and Naphthalene (10.1%) as major components. C. citratus and C. nardus essential oils were studied for their antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. In vitro antibacterial activity was performed by disc diffusion method in MH agar. C. citratus essential oil showed maximum zone of inhibition against E. faecalis (6.00±1.73) whereas the highest zone of inhibition of C. nardus oils against E. faecalis (7.00±2.65). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was carried out. C. citratus essential oil extract showed MIC results at the concentration of 62.5 mg/ml, whereas C. nardus essential oil showed MIC results at the concentration of 31.25 mg/ml. As a conclusion, the current study found these oils have the potential to be used as anti bacterial properties.

Effects of dual inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia on Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. seedling growth and soil enzyme activities in senegal

Abstract: Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. is a multipurpose legume that is economically and ecologically important in Sahelian areas, especially in Senegal. It has long been used for arabic gum production. However, drought and overexploitation lead to decreased soil fertility and tree productivity. An experiment was conducted to examine the response of A. senegal seedlings to inoculation with mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus fasciculatum, Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus verriculosum) and rhizobial strains (ORS 3574, ORS 3593, ORS 3607 and ORS 3628) in glasshouse conditions. After 6 months of culture under non-sterilized field soil from Dahra (northern part of Senegal), plant height, arbuscular mycorrhizal root colonization rate and soil acid phosphatase activity were significantly enhanced by the combined inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia. However, plant biomass, soil spore density and hyphal length were significantly improved by the single inoculation with mycorrhizal or rhizobial strains. The number of nodules was higher for rhizobial inoculated plants. No significant increase in shoot nutrient contents was observed after inoculation. The microbial inoculation enhances the soil acid phosphatase activity whereas no positive effect was noticed on soil total microbial activity. These results indicate that the single inoculation with AMF or rhizobia improves A. senegal seedling growth under this non-sterilized field soil better than the dual inoculation. It is suggested that, for the success of a dual inoculation, a careful selection of effective combinations of microsymbionts is necessary to enhance plant growth and soil bio-functioning and for restoration of soil fertility in a given environment.

Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of some clinical isolates from Al-Rass General Hospital.

Abstract: In this investigation, 98 clinical isolates of 10 different bacterial pathogens were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. The sources of these isolates were urine, blood, sputum and wound swaps collected from patients from Al-Rass General Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Bacterial isolates were identified and tested for susceptibility by disk diffusion method as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The results have shown that, of the 98 bacterial isolates representing 9 different bacterial pathogens, 71 (72.4 %) were Gram negatives and 27 (27.6 %) were Gram positives. 21 different antibiotic disks were used. The majority of these isolates were resistant to most antibiotics tested. Accordingly, almost all the isolates were defined as multidrug resistant (MDR). Acinetobacter baumanii and Enterococcus faecalis are among the most resistant MDR which poses a serious concern. There is a need for continuous monitoring of the susceptibility of pathogens to antibiotics prescribed in hospitals.

Genetic diversity of sweet and grain sorghum populations using phenotypic markers.

Abstract: Genetic diversity of eight sorghum populations using phenotypic markers was explored to generate reliable and important information for successful crop improvement. Mean square values of the studied 16 quantitative traits were used to estimate the degree of population variance based on the variability among the set of quantitative traits measured. Computed simple correlations through pair wise statistical method of the quantitative traits showed a close relationship implicating high heritability of the many related pairs. Calculated results of genetic distances found a wide variation of genetic distances between pairs of phenotypic traits. The analysis of the principal component of the quantitative traits was highly effective since the first four principal components (PC) accounted for 97.19 % of the total variation. The biplot not only showed that some quantitative traits were significantly positively correlated, but also demarcated sweet and grain sorghums. Cluster analysis grouped the populations into two main clusters with a landrace and wild sorghum species each segregating to a singleton. The observed genetic distance ranged from 0.47 to 0.99. Phenotypic frequencies of qualitative traits were used to calculate the phenotypic diversity of the qualitative traits by employing the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H´). The phenotypic diversity index ranged from grain covering (.70) to leaf midrib color (.95). Therefore, the analysis of genetic diversity under present investigation of the sorghum populations using phenotypic markers is insightful as it provided useful knowledge about the quantum of genetic divergence of the studied populations. The findings under the present study support the continued use of phenotypic markers for genetic diversity studies

Effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on physiological and biological responses of olive (Olea europaea cv. Conservolia) under water stress

Abstract: Water deficit is the major environmental stress limiting agriculture worldwide by inducing physiological, morphological and biochemical changes in plants. This study was carried out to investigate the protective role of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on alleviation of water stress in olive (cv. Conservolia). Our results showed that water deficit (D2 treatment) significantly decrease gs and RWC while increase peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity and proline content compared with D1 treatment. However, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity, RWC and proline content were improved by the application of SNP (the forth levels of SNP). Also, SNP treated plants showed the lower gs. Hence, these findings suggested that SNP treatment could be used as a simple, practical and inexpensive method for modulating the negative effects of water deficit in olive.

Screening drought tolerant genotypes in wheat using multivariate and stress tolerance score methods

Abstract: In order to study the response of bread wheat genotypes to drought stress, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rainfed and irrigated conditions during the growing season 2012-2013. In this study, drought tolerance indices including stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), mean productivity index (MP), stress susceptibility index (SSI), tolerance index (TOL) and harmonic mean productivity (HMP) were calculated and adjusted based on grain yield under drought (Ys) and irrigated conditions (Yp). Drought tolerance indices discriminated genotypes 11, 13, 8 and 2 as the most drought tolerant, hence they are recommended to be used as parents for genetic analysis, gene mapping and improvement of drought tolerance in common wheat. Principal component analysis (PCA), exhibited that first and second PCA accounted for 97.66% of the variation. The result of stress tolerance score (STS) was the same as multivariate analysis, but STS equation was much easier. Therefor it can be introduced as a suitable screening technique for identification of drought tolerant genotypes.

Toxic potential of Melia azedarach leaves extract against Odontotermes obesus and Microtermes obesi.

Abstract: The termites are small insects (order: Isoptera, class: Insecta), world widely distributed but their infestation cause a loss of billions of dollar each year in a single country. The two termite species Microtermes obesi and Odontotermes obesus are commonly found in Pakistan and for the present study, were collected from the locality of Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad in the month of June 2013. The extracts in water and methanol solvent with varying concentrations (100ppm, 200ppm, 300ppm) of Melia azedarach were tested against both termite species selected. 40 termite workers were placed in each petri dish having filter paper soaked in every concentration of extract taken in each solvent. Mortality of termites and LC50 and LC90 was calculated after each 24, 48 and 72 hrs of the experiment compared with day zero and found to be 0.002 and 0.007 % in water solvent and 0.0003 and 0.0004% after 72 hrs in methanol solvent against O. obesus respectively. Similarly LC50 and LC90 value against M. obesi after 72 hrs were found to be 0.001 and 0.009% in water solvent and 0.002 and 0.008% in methanol solvent. The results were analyzed by using one way ANOVA and Tukey test. Total carbohydrate (mg/g), lipid mg/dl (triglyceride, cholesterol and high density lipid) and Protein (mg/g) contents of dead termites were estimated by Lowry’s method, phenol sulphuric acid method and by biochemistry analyzer. Carbohydrate, lipid contents were decreased and protein contents of both the termite species was increased as compared to control. The change in these biochemical components may be due to the insecticidal stress caused by these extract which lowered the feeding, proper digestion of food and metabolism. The M. azedarach leaves extract were found to be toxic for both termite species. The active component can be characterized and isolated by GCMS for commercial use.

Evaluation of efficacy of Punica granatum L. (Persian gulnar) on uterine leiomyoma related menorrhagia: a pilot study.

Abstract: Uterine leiomyoma is a common problem for women and menorrhagia is its main symptom. In Iranian Traditional Medicine, Gulnar (abortive flower of Punica granatum Linn) has long been applied for its hemostatic effects. Many current medical treatments are associated with adverse health conditions and side effects so this study was done to assess the efficacy of Persian Gulnar on controlling symptoms of uterine leiomyoma related to menorrhagia. This was a before/after style pilot study conducted on 19 women aged 18-50 years and suffering from uterine leiomyoma related menorrhagia. The Gulnar syrup administration was repeated for 3 consecutive menstrual periods. Records were taken for menstrual duration and menstrual-blood loss and evaluations were made according to the Pictorial Blood loss Assessment Chart at the end of each menstrual period. Quality of life was assessed using the Menorrhagia Questionnaire. Also abdominal ultra-sonography, before intervention and after, at the end of the study, was done to evaluate leiomyoma size. Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment scores and means of numbers of bleeding days significantly declined after 3 months of treatment with the syrup. Results also showed significant changes of quality of life scores in the intervention group after 3 months compared to the baseline. The average uterine fibroid size decreased by 16.1% in the 3 months of the trial. In conclusion, pomegranate syrup seems to be effective in reduction of uterine size and leiomyoma bleeding and improving the quality of life.

Solubilization of inorganic phosphate by Pseudomonas strains isolated from rice rhizosphere

Abstract: The use of phosphate solubilizing bacteria to mobilize large reserves of insoluble P in soils instead of phosphate fertilizers is an ecologically safe and economically reasonable alternative to assure a sustainable agriculture. In this work, the mineral phosphate solubilization activity was evaluated for 4 Pseudomonas strains isolated from rice rhizosphere. For qualitative tests, different media were used; NBRIP, YED and Pikovskaya (PVK) amended with 0.5% Ca3(PO4)2 and modified PVK medium containing CaHPO4, Ca5HO13P3, FePO4 and AlPO4 as P source. All bacteria were able to dissolve calcium phosphates, while none was surrounded by transparent halos when FePO4 and AlPO4 were the P source. Quantitative test was assessed in PVK substituting glucose by sucrose and galactose. The highest levels of soluble P were recorded in the presence of glucose, while it didn’t exceed 43.64 μg / ml and 19.19 µg / ml in the presence of galactose and sucrose, respectively. Therefore, glucose has been chosen as a carbon source to assay the effect of carbon concentration on P solubilization ability. The level of dissolved P was enhanced with increasing amount of glucose (1%, 2% and 3% (w/v)). In all cases, the P biosolubilisation was accompanied by a significant pH decrease of the liquid media. A significant inverse correlation was found between P concentrations and pH reduction. Thus, acidification of the media seems to be the main mechanism for calcium phosphates solubilization in this study, and these test strains could serve as efficient biofertilizer candidates for improving crop production in low P soils.