Digestive enzyme activity in the guts of Epilachna chrysomelina (fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) during post-embryonic development

The gut regions of Epilachna chrysomelina are endowed with multiple enzymes that aid digestion of host plant tissues. Digestive enzymes present in the gut regions of E. chrysomelina during various developmental stages were studied in the laboratory to determine the most destructive life stage of the beetle for proper management measures. Cellulase, α-glucosidase, amylase, lipase and proteinase activities were observed in the guts. The mid-gut recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) enzymes than other gut sections except amylase where higher activity was observed in the foregut. Lipase (38.24abs per min), α-glucosidase (25.65 abs per min) and proteinase (28.70abs per min) activities were significantly higher in the immature stages while cellulase (19.46abs per min) and amylase activities (16.62abs per min) were higher in the adult stage. The 4th instar larval and the adult stages recorded higher enzyme activities and thus can be regarded as the most destructive stages of development.

Heavy metal tolerance of filamentous fungi from the sediments of Visayas State University wastewater pond

The ability to tolerate high concentrations of heavy metals is one important characteristic of organisms that can be used for bioremediation. In this study, the heavy metal tolerance of filamentous fungi isolated from the VSU wastewater settlement pond was investigated. Specifically, the research was done to determine the Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn in the sediments of the pond, isolate and identify filamentous fungi from these sediments, identify the most tolerant isolate, and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of heavy metals to the identified isolate. Isolation of filamentous fungi from a composite of eight sediment samples was done through serial dilution and plating using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Isolates were then purified using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Colony and microscopic characteristics of the isolates were used to identify the isolates to genus level only. The tolerance of the isolates to Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn were then compared through analysis of their tolerance index based on the colony extension radius. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of these heavy metals were obtained for the isolate with the highest tolerance index. The Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn contents of the composite sediment sample were <0.0002mg kg-1, 0.0203mg kg-1, 7.419mg kg-1, and 0.106mg kg-1, respectively. Three filamentous fungi were successfully isolated from the sediments and were identified as Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp. and Trichoderma sp. Among these isolates, Rhizopus sp. was the most tolerant to all the heavy metals tested. Average range of MIC values of Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn to Rhizopus sp. were determined at 5mM<MIC≤6.5mM, 10mM<MIC≤15mM, 30mM≤MIC≤35mM, and 25mM<MIC≤30mM, respectively. These results showed that the Rhizopus sp. isolated is the most potential candidate in bioremediating heavy metal contaminated areas.

Changes in the nutritional composition of okra fruit and seed during early development

This study investigated the changes in nutrient content of the fruit and seed of Okra or Lady Finger during development and maturation. Okra flowers were tagged at flower opening or anthesis. Sample fruits (technically called capsules) that developed from the tagged flowers were collected at random at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 days after anthesis (DAA). The pericarp and seed samples were oven-dried and ground to a powdered form and analyzed for chlorophyll, sugar, starch, crude protein and crude fiber content using standard procedures. Chlorophyll and crude fiber content were strongly positively correlated with fruit age, being lowest in the pericarp of young fruits and highest in older fruits. Sugar, starch and protein content were all negatively correlated with fruit age. They were highest in the pericarp of young 3-day old fruits and steadily decreased with maturity, reaching lowest levels at day 24. In the seeds, protein and starch contents were weakly correlated with fruit maturity. Throughout seed development, sugar remained relatively low while starch and protein content remained high. Based on the results, okra fruits are best harvested as fresh green vegetable at 9 DAA. At this stage, the fruits are succulent, less fibrous and are rich in proteins and carbohydrates. Although much younger fruits also have high nutrient content, they are too small in size, so harvesting them at this stage would not be practical and profitable.

In vitro activity of Indian almond (Terminalia catappa) leaf crude extracts against selected dermatophytes

Fungal infections caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Aspergillus fumigatus , and Malassezia pachydermatis are among the major contributors to multisystemic health problems such as dermatitis, otitis, and respiratory disorders among humans and animals. This study was conducted to determine the in vitro antifungal activity of Terminalia catappa leaf crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts against these fungal pathogens by measuring the zone of inhibition (ZI) using the agar well diffusion technique. Qualitative phytochemical screening tests were also performed to determine bioactive compounds present in the plant extract. Results show that the plant’s crude aqueous (CAE) and ethanolic extracts (CEE) were found to be effective against all test fungi. M. pachydermatis showed susceptibility towards CAE and CEE from T1 (100%), T2 (75%), T3 (50%) and T4 (25%), with the highest mean ZI of 18.33mm and 13.33, respectively. On the other hand, T. mentagrophytes was inhibited by CAE and CEE at T1 (100%), T2 (75%) and T3 (50%) with the highest mean ZI of 9.67mm and 10.33mm, respectively. At the same time, it was observed that A. fumigatus had reactive sensitivity towards CAE and CEE at T1 (100%) and T2 (75%), with the highest mean ZI of 9.33mm and 10.33mm, respectively. Moreover, phytochemical tests showed that the plant’s leaf crude extracts contain alkaloids, saponins, and tannins, which could potentially inhibit fungal growth.

Climate change vulnerability assessment of the coastal resources in Moalboal, Cebu, Central Philippines

The municipality of Moalboal (Cebu, Central Philippines) falls under Cluster XI (coastal and marine areas of the south Sulu Sea are most prone to sea level rise) in the climate-ocean hazard typology. Coastal activities, such as aquaculture, fishing, recreation, and tourism are integral to Moalboal’s economy. Its economy is partly dependent on coastal resources and could be vulnerable to sea level rise. Hence, there is a need to determine the vulnerability profile of the municipality, through indicator-based vulnerability assessment. Results using vulnerability assessment tools coupled with GIS-based workflows showed that the overall vulnerability to climate change of mangroves was moderate and low for both seagrasses and corals. A better understanding of how human activities may directly and indirectly affect coastal resources is urgently needed. Integrated coastal zone management provides a major opportunity to address the many issues and challenges of climate change in an effort to design and develop adaptation strategies.

Plant residues, beneficial microbes and integrated phosphorus management for improving hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) growth and total biomass

Phosphorus (P) unavailability and lack of organic matter in calcareous soils in semiarid climates are the major reasons for low crop productivity. This field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during the summer of 2015 to investigate the impact of plant residues (PR) (faba bean, garlic and paper mulberry residues) and phosphorous sources [(60 and 120kg ha-1) from single super phosphate (SSP) and poultry manure (PM)] with (+) and without (-) phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on the phenological development, growth and biomass yield of hybrid maize “CS-200”. Among the PR, application of faba bean residue was found to delay phenological development (days to tasseling, silking and physiological maturity), improved growth (taller plants, higher leaf area per plant and leaf area index) and produced the highest biomass yield (faba bean>garlic>paper mulberry residues). Application of P at the rate of 120kg ha-1 from the inorganic source (SSP) was more beneficial in terms of better growth and higher biomass yield (120-SSP≥120-PM>60-SSP>60-PM kg P ha-1). The plots with (+) PSB showed enhanced phenological development, produced significantly taller plants with higher leaf area per plant and leaf area index and produced the highest biomass yield. On the basis of these results we concluded that the application of faba bean residues, phosphorus at the rate of 120kg ha-1 either from organic or inorganic sources with the inoculation of seed with PSB improved the growth and total biomass of hybrid maize in the study area.

Diversity, relative abundance and temporal spread of insects associated with Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) at Makurdi, Nigeria

Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa L., is cultivated extensively for food and income generation in Africa, but research on biotic constraints to its production has been scanty. A 48-plot (5m×5m wide each) field experiment laid in randomized complete block design was used to document the relative abundance (% RA), diversity, richness, and temporal spread of insect species infesting the crop at Makurdi, Nigeria. The insects were collected from all parts of early- and late-sown green-calyx (H. sabdariffa var. sabdariffa) and red-calyx (H. sabdariffa var. altissima) Roselle shoots. About 101 species (81 herbivores, 18 predators, 1 parasitoid, and 1 pollinator) in 45 families and 8 orders were collected. Shannon’s diversity index (2.1-2.4) and Margalef’s richness index (8.3-10.0) indicate a rich diversity of species on the crop. However, evenness of species, measured by Buzas and Gibson’s index, was low (0.1-0.41). The orders Coleoptera and Hemiptera accounted for 72.0% of the collection. Nineteen species were moderately (≥1 RA<5%) to highly abundant (RA≥10%) on the crop and among them Monolepta thompsoni Allard and Nisotra sjostedti Jac. were ubiquitous causing extensive leaf perforation all through the entire crop growth period. At the reproductive stage of growth, Dysdercus volkeri Fab., Oxycarenus hyalinipennis Costa and Earias sp. were the dominant insects causing fruit and seed damage. The frequency of occurrence and densities of M. thompsoni Allard, N. sjostedti Jac., D. volkeri Fab., O. hyalinipennis Costa and Earias sp. as well as their extensive damage, indicate that they are the key field pests of Roselle at Makurdi.

Comparative DNA Analysis of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palms with polyembryonic and monoembryonic origins

Makapuno is a rare, high-value coconut in the Philippines known for its extraordinary thick gelatinous meat with various uses in the food industry. Homozygous makapuno embryos do not germinate in vivo so plantlets are produced in vitro. where one plantlet grows from an embryo. Rare cases of polyembryony were observed in makapuno hybrids developed bythe Visayas State University, Knowledge of the genetic control of polyembryony may be used to increase the production of planting materials of these rare coconut types. DNA analysis of two sets of twins (polyembryonic), three monoembryonic hybrid palms, and their monoembryonic parental cultivars Coconiño and tall makapuno was done using seven DNA primers to determine differences which may be associated with polyembryony in the hybrids. Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis of PCR products showed DNA fragments amplified by primers CAC2 and CAC56 which are unique to the twins suggesting that polyembryony might have a genetic origin.

Is there a market power in the Philippine Rice Industry?

Rice, as a staple food for the Filipinos, is widely studied from production to consumption. However, observations of the National Food Authority domestic procurement and price stabilization policy, as well as results of the marketing and market-related studies, still reveal some gaps which call forth for an in-depth investigation and analysis. One ofthese is the possible presence ofmarket power, a market inefficiency in rice. Hence, this study aimed to ascertain the presence of market power in the Philippine rice industry. Secondary data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority from 1990 to 2015 were utilized. A structural econometric model using a time series approach was used in estimating the presence of market power. Results revealed the presence of market power in non-major rice-producing regions for well-milled and regular-milled rice in major rice-producing areas. The more the demand curve becomes inelastic the more the market power becomes apparent. The price elasticity of demand in the non-major rice-producing regions is -0.63 for both well-milled and regular-milled rice and -0.83 and -0.59, respectively, in the major rice producing areas. To minimize, if not solve market power, a substitute staple for rice may be introduced, programs/policies that will encourage more palay traders may be implemented, and farmers may be trained to operate like industry clusters.

Rootcrops processing waste management by Pyrolysis conversion

The waste products derived from the commercial processing of root crops are the soiled peels, trimmings, root tissues, and by-products like pulp fibers obtained from the finishing operations. These bulky waste products create the management problems of safe storage and environmentally sound disposal. Processing the wastes from cassava was found to be the most suitable for pyrolysis conversion from among the rootcrops considered. Results showed that, of the four (4) cassava waste forms, larger briquette was found to have the highest vinegar yield conversion at 1.842L per kg while the shred form had the lowest at 1.203L per kg. The rate of vinegar production was also fastest from the briquettes at 2.388L per h and lowest from the raw form at 1.544L per h. Better vinegar yields were therefore associated with solid fuel forms, smaller bed porosity, smaller surface reaction area, and lower gasification temperature. Other factors that also affected vinegar production were the loading rates, air supply conditions, and heat exchanger efficiency. In this study, the available Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD) was only 45.67°C, indicative of poor performance of the exchanger unit. The heat exchanger unit’s design can be improved in future experiments by using good thermal conducting materials, reconfiguration, and increasing the conductor interface area. This should result in higher vinegar yields.