Effects of coffee management on Bee Floral Diversity, Honey Yield and Quality: The Case of Gera District, Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess the effect of forest management for coffee cultivation on bee flora diversity, honey yield and quality as forest crop products in Gera district. Forest coffee (FC) and Semi-forest coffee (SFC) plots were selected for bee flora assessment. Total of 34 plots (FC = 17, SFC = 17) with plot size 20 m x 20 m (400 m2) were assessed. Sixty bee flora species belonging to trees (30), shrubs (21) and woody lianas (9) were identified and compared across plots. Results show that more bee flora diversity in FC (2.03) than SFC (1.09) system. Honey yield data was collected from 78 (FC = 52, SFC = 26) beekeepers. The honey yield of FC was higher than SFC system in both high and low production years. The honey production on average was 9.58 kg hive-1 for FC and 6.44 kg hive-1 for SFC in high production year while 6.5 kg hive-1 for FC and 4.24 kg hive-1 for SFC in low production year. To assess the honey quality, 6 kg honey samples (FC = 3, SFC = 3) were collected. Six honey quality parameters i.e. moisture, ash, pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity (EC) and total soluble solid (TSS) contents. The biochemical variation in the composition is significantly different (P<0.05) in ash content, pH, EC and free acidity when comparing FC with SFC honey samples while the percentage of moisture and TSS contents were insignificant (p>0.05). The study revealed that coffee management is associated with a decline in bee flora diversity, honey yields and on top of this, it has implications on honey quality deteriorations. Thus, there is an urgent need for control and monitoring on the expansion of SFC cultivation, which needs immediate conservation measures. Therefore, conservationists have to take actions for biodiversity conservation specially bee flora species diversity and ecosystem services that accompanied with coffee management and FC intensifications.

Mentha arvensis, a medicinal and aromatic plant, has high nutritional value and several-uses: A review

Mentha arvensis or mint is a renowned medicinal and aromatic plant. It is annual plant and cultivated in the tropical and sub-tropical regions under irrigation. Its cultivation has significant importance, such as for food flavoring, medicinal applications, essential oil applications, and also using in traditional purposes. Its essential oil contains many components phenolic, aldehydes, ketones, and carbohydrates. Menthol is a fundamental component of Mentha arvensis essential oil. Menthol has also several industrial applications, especially in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and by-products. There are many types or variations of menthol found in Mentha arvensis depending on the species or cultivars as well as cultivation conditions, such as weather, irrigation, soil type, pruning, and other agronomical practices. It has interesting and valuable botany, morphology, and ecology. Its growth rate is strongly affected by the change of variables, such as pH, temperature, and nutritional values of soil. The extraction of essential oil and the post-harvest analysis are done by using traditional methods for Mentha arvensis oil production in developing countries. Research on oil extraction methods, maximizing yield per hectare, and optimum preservation are needed for the further, especially in post-harvest of mint leaves and roots.

Variation in chemical composition and microbial contamination of Maize (Zea mays, L.) seedlings collected from different locations of Buner, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The current study was aimed to investigate the proximate composition, mineral profile, total bacterial count (TBC), and total fungal count (TFC) in the maize seedlings of “Azam variety” collected from 14 different locations of “District Buner” namely: Agarai, Ambela, Bashkata, Dagger, Elai, Jangai, Karapa, Khanano Derai, Koga, Makhrani, Nawagi, Pir-Baba, Shalbandai, and Sultanwas. The laboratory analysis of maize seedlings revealed that the highest moisture content (13.16 %) was recorded in the samples from Sultanwas, crude fiber (2.55 %) and crude protein (12.38 %) were recorded in Agarai, while ash (3.48 %), crude fat (3.46 %), and NFE (79.94 %) were found maximum in Koga. The lowest value of the moisture (7.66 %) was found in the sample of Shalbandi, crude fiber (0.68 %) was found in Bashkata, NFE (67.28 %) was found in Khanano Derai, whereas ash (1.30 %), crude fat (1.36 %), and crude protein (7.25 %) were reported in Makhrani. In the case of mineral, the maximum Na (71.55 mg 100 g-1), K (415.67 mg 100 g-1), and P (405.41 mg Kg-1) were found in Shalbandai, Daggar, and Sultanwas while the lowest was observed in Elai and Makhrani. Likewise, maximum Fe (6.85 mg 100 g-1) was recorded in Koga, Zn (5.48 mg 100 g-1), and Mn (2.9 mg 100 g-1) in Makhrani, while Cu (2.96 mg 100 g-1) and Mg (175.4 mg 100 g-1) were found in Dagger. However, the minimum concentration of Zn (4.08 mg 100 g-1) and Cu (0.05 mg 100 g-1) were found in Agarai, Mn (0.4 mg 100 g-1) in Sultanwas, Fe (0.45 mg 100 g-1) in Pir-Baba and Mg (111.1 mg 100 g-1) in Jangai. The TBC and TFC were highest in Elai (3.94 ×104) and Pir-Baba (4.46×103) samples while the lowest value was observed in Karapa (3.6×103) and Makhrani (1.3×102), respectively. Besides, some fungal genera were also identified in the collected samples including Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Pencillium spp., and Rhizopus spp. Overall, It was concluded that geographical and environmental conditions are the major contributing factor that impacts the chemical composition and micro-flora of maize variety in different locations.

Nutrient Uptake, Partitioning, and Production of Two Subspecies of Brassica using Different Solution Concentrates in Floating Hydroponics Systems

In this study, we investigated nutrient uptake, partitioning, and production of two subspecies of Brassica in response to nutrient solution concentration in floating hydroponics systems. This study used a complete randomized block design factorial with two factors. The first factor was two Brassica subspecies consisting of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pak Choi) and Brassica rapa var. parachinensis (Choy Sum). The second factor was the concentration level consisting electrical conductivity (EC) 1 mS cm-1 and EC 2 mS cm-1. The results indicated the absorption rates of nitrogen (N,) phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in leaves, roots and stems were similar in both nutrient concentrations. In general, all combination treatments resulted more accumulation of P followed by N, also K as the smallest proportion. P was mostly accumulated at the root and leaves (19.60 to 25.90 mg g-1), while majority of N was collected in leaves ranging from 18.00 to 24.30 mg g-1. The highest K content was detected in the stem (10.70 to 14.20 mg g-1). P uptake was 1.69 to 2.47 times higher than K, while N uptake was 1.44 to 2.04 times higher than K. Both two subspecies and concentrations performed no significant effects on nutrient uptake. Although same species, the plant growth parameters of Pak Choi and Choy Sum are very different including plant height, leaves number, width and length. Both two subspecies adapted well with both concentrations. However, significant differences were recorded in the combination of subspecies and nutrient concentration on plant growth and production parameters. To achieve higher market portion, Pak Choi would be more suitable to be planted on EC 1 mS cm-1, while Choy Sum was favorable at both concentrations.

Comparison of Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid Purification Methods of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) and Its Relatives

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) and its relatives (Garcinia hombroniana, Garcinia celebica, Garcinia forbesii, Garcinia malaccensis, Garcinia porecta, Garcinia subeliptica, Chalophylum inophylum) contain polyphenol compound. The polyphenol compound makes pure deoxyribose nucleic acid is difficult to reveal. The aim of this research was to find the deoxyribose nucleic acid purification method of mangosteen leaves and its relatives. The research was conducted from January to August 2015 at the Center of Horticultural Tropical Studies Laboratory, Bogor Agricultural University. The mangosteen leaves were isolated based on cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) buffer extraction added by 2X chloroform isoamyl alcohol (CIAA 24:1), 3X CIAA 24:1, and sliced gel purification using Fermentas kit extraction. The result showed that CTAB added by 2X CIAA was the best treatment for Garcinia mangostana L. and its relatives for purification of deoxyribose nucleic acid. This modified method produced an apparent amplified polymerase chain reaction using PKBT7 inter simple sequence repeat marker. It was applicable to evaluate genetic diversity interspecies.

The critical period of aluminum stress on soybean root growth

Aluminum is prevalent in soils of tidal swamps. Soybean is known to be very sensitive to aluminum stress and so when tidal swamps are converted to soybean cropland, considerable effort and expense are required to overcome Al toxicity in soybean roots. It is therefore necessary to determine at what time in early development soybeans can best endure aluminum stress and identify aluminum-tolerant cultivars. This study was conducted by testing the impact of aluminum exposure on three soybean cultivars (Tanggamus, Karasumame, and M652) (relative to no-exposure controls) at four time periods at 10, 20, and 30 days after planting. No significant effect of aluminum on root growth in the first five days after exposure was observed, but the toxic effects became evident after soybeans had been exposed to aluminum for 10 days. Soybean seedlings that experienced aluminum stress earliest (at 10 days after planting) were more negatively impacted by Al exposure than seedlings exposed later (e.g., 30 days after planting). Root growths of the three cultivars we tested in this study were all detrimentally impacted by aluminum exposure. However, the M652 cultivar was the most sensitive to aluminum exposure. We conclude that the critical threshold period for soybean root growth to succumb to aluminum stress is within the first 30 days after planting, whereas the tolerance to aluminum stress occurs only during the first 10 days of exposure.

Variation in yield components and bioactive contents of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L.) with application of animal manures in ultisol lowland of Bengkulu

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L) is known as herbal medicine that grows in subtropical regions and spreads from Asia to Europe. Plant parts that are used are seeds that contain bioactive compounds such as thymoquinone and thymol. Information about the growth and production from Indonesia is still limited. Therefore it is necessary to develop efforts to cultivate black cumin in Indonesia, especially in sub-optimal land as initial information in the field of plant adaptation studies. This study aimed to determine the effect of manure on yield components and bioactive content of black cumin in the ultisol lowland of Bengkulu. The study was conducted at Dehasen Bengkulu University research station at an altitude below 100 m above sea level. The accessions of India, Syria, and Kuwait were used at the main plot, whereas media for growing viz cow manure, chicken manure, and without manure as a subplot. The study was conducted in February 2019 using the Split Plot Design with three replications. Observations were made on the components of yields and bioactive levels of seeds. The results showed that the application of chicken manure increased the components of the yield of black cumin seed by parameter number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, and number of seeds per plant and tended to reduce the weight of 1000 seeds. An increasing level of thymoquinone in the cultivation of black cumin in ultisol lowland of Bengkulu was obtained in the cow manure application. The increased levels of seed thymoquinone were accompanied by decreased levels of thymol for all accession used.

Biofortification of calcium on mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivated in floating hydroponic system

Calcium (Ca) is one of the essential macrominerals needed by the human body as a major component in the formation of bones and teeth. Calcium is fulfilled by eating calcium-rich foods, both animal and vegetable. Mustard and lettuce are vegetables that can be a source of Ca. Efforts to increase the Ca content in plants can be done through increasing the concentration of Ca given through fertilizer or in nutrient solution. However, excessive Ca application is not recommended because it will be toxic to plants. This study aims to determine the effect of various Ca concentrations in hydroponic nutrient solutions on the growth and yield of mustard vegetables (Brassica juncea L) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). This study used a floating hydroponic system with a completely randomized design. Treatment of Ca concentrations of hydroponic nutrient solutions that were tried were 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 ppm. The parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, level of greenness of leaves, fresh and dry weight, and concentration of calcium in the leaves. The results showed that Ca treatment significantly affected the number of leaves and the level of leaf greenness. Application of 400 ppm Ca in hydroponic nutrient solution is the highest Ca concentration that could increase Ca content in mustard and lettuce plants. Application of Ca 300 ppm is the highest concentration of hydroponic nutrient solution that can increase the Ca content of plants without causing a decrease in plant biomass, and therefore the treatment of Ca 300 ppm can be used for biofortification of Ca by hydroponic in mustard and lettuce plants.

Extraction of high-quality genomic DNA and identification of different DNA barcoding markers for chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The genetic studies of individual plants, especially self-pollinated species like chickpea need to be evaluated at the DNA level with the help of molecular markers for identifying genetic variations among the plants. High-quality DNA extraction is a prerequisite for genetic studies. Extraction of intact genomic DNA with high – molecular mass is essential for the study of many molecular biology applications like Polymerase Chain Reaction, endonuclease restriction digestion, southern blot analysis, and also for the construction of a genomic library. Several plant DNA extraction methods are available, even though the DNA isolation methods that give good yield employing both quantity and quality is quite difficult especially for self-pollinated crops like a chickpea. This work was focused on developing a standard protocol for the extraction of genomic DNA and identifying different barcoding markers. The result revealed that the CTAB extraction method with slight modification in protocol had been optimized for DNA isolation. The purified DNA, which was isolated through the CTAB method, had excellent spectral qualities and is efficiently digested by a restriction endonuclease, and is found to be more suitable for long-fragment PCR amplification. DNA barcoding is considered as a promising tool because it provides a practical and standard identification of plants. The isolated DNA sample was processed with a classical DNA barcoding approach by amplifying and sequencing with a universal primer. According to the result, among the different barcoding markers studied, the RbcL and Mat K were found to given the best result for molecular species identification in chickpea.

Field-based investigation of aged biochar coupled with summer legumes effect on wheat yield in Pakistan

There is a debate about whether the aged biochar effect can increase the crop yield or not. Herein, a field-based experimental data set and analysis provide the information on the aged biochar effect coupled with summer legumes on the yield of subsequent wheat. Briefly, in summer 2016, three different types of legumes i.e. mungbean, sesbania, and cowpea were grown with the intention of grain for human consumption, green manuring for soil fertility improvement, and fodder for livestock consumption. A fallow was also adjusted in the experiment with the purpose of comparison. Biochar was added to each experimental plot in triplicates at the rate of 0, 5, and 10 tons ha-1. After the harvesting of legumes, the biomass of each sesbania treatment plot was mixed in the field while the biomass of mungbean and cowpea were removed from each respective plot. To investigate the aged biochar effect, the wheat crop was grown on the same field layout and design (randomized complete block) of legumes. The data analysis highlighted that significantly maximum grain yield (kg ha-1), biological yield (kg ha-1); thousand-grain weight (g), and straw yield (kg ha-1) were obtained in the plots mixed with sesbania. Regarding the aged biochar effect, maximum yield was obtained in the plots with 10 tons ha-1treatment dose. Additionally, the interaction of aged biochar coupled with legumes was non-significant. In conclusion, this work could prove that aged biochar coupled with summer legumes enhanced the yield of subsequent wheat on a sustainable basis due to its long-term numerous benefits to the soil-plant system.