MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

文章

Clonal propagation of Pelargonium sidoides: A threatened medicinal plant of South Africa

FB Lewu, DS Grierson and AJ Afolayan*

Abstract: Pelargonium sidoides is used in herbal medicine for the treatment of various infections. Apart from the local uses, the roots are being indiscriminately harvested for local and export trade. A study was conducted to determine the appropriate plant part and the minimum vine length suitable for the clonal propagation of P. sidoides in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, three vine tip cuttings (2, 4 and 6 cm) of the species were rooted in potted experiment in a green house. In the second experiment, ten days old petioles were excised from their mother plants and rooted alongside 6 cm vines length to assess suitable plant part for vegetative propagation of the species. Data were collected and analyzed on various growth and development indices. In the first experiment, the 6 cm vine length exhibited best result for different parameters measured. Petioles gave significant yield difference over 6 cm vine length and generally showed high potential for vegetative propagation in terms of rooting ability and survival rate. The importance of these findings on the propagation and conservation of P. sidoides is discussed.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Clonal propagation, ex situ conservation, medicinal plant, Pelargonium sidoides, stem cutting.

Full text

Download：810

文章

Genetic diversity of Capsicum using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs

O.A. Adetula

Abstract: Pepper (Capsicum sp.) is one of the most popular and widely grown vegetables in Nigeria. A total of one hundred and fifty germplasm collections were characterised, evaluated and conserved in the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan Nigeria. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed on selected forty accessions of Capsicum annum and Capsicum fructences to estimate genetic diversity and taxonomic relationships. Cluster analysis using UPGMA seperated the accessions into four major groups. Based on the morphological and molecular data, remarkable difference was exhibited by the Capsicum accessions.[...] Read More.

Keywords: RAPD, genetic diversity, Capsicum.

Full text

Download：744

文章

High level production of the recombinant gag24 protein from HIV-1 IN Escherichia coli

Ramón E. Narciandi Díaz*, José Motolongo Viquillon, Luis Pérez Figueroa.

Abstract: The gag24 gene of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) was expressed under the control of the tryptophan promoter in Escherichia coli. The effect of several parameters on the production of gag24 was studied. The expression level achieved (25%) depended on the host strain and the induction conditions. The developed fermentative process was scaled-up to 50 L, where 417 mg/L of volumetric production and 34 mg/L.h of productivity, were obtained.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Escherichia coli, gag24, HIV-1, scale-up.

Full text

Download：772

文章

Factors affecting delivery and transient expression of -glucuronidase gene in Dendrobium Sonia protocorm-like-body

Janna OA*, Maziah M, Ahmad Parveez GKA, Saleh K

Abstract: The effect of the biolistic device parameters and other factors affecting delivery and expression of uidA gene in Dendrobium Sonia was investigated. Three week old protocorm like body (PLB) were bombarded with gold microparticles coated with pAHC25 plasmid harbouring the uidA gene which encodes -glucuronidase. The factors investigated were the helium pressure, target distance, macrocarrier flight distance to stopping screen, distance from stopping screen to target tissues, vacuum pressure, gold microparticles size, spermidine and calcium on DNA precipitation, and the number of bombardments. Two days after bombardment, the PLB were subjected to histochemical GUS assay, and transient GUS activity was recorded as blue spots using a Leica stereomicroscope. All the factors tested showed significant effects (p[...] Read More.

Keywords: biolistic transformation, orchid, Dendrobium, protocorm like body,-glucuronidase assay.

Full text

Download：756

文章

Optimization of ISSR marker for African edible-seeded Cucurbitaceae speciesâ€™ genetic diversity analysis

Djè Y, Tahi GC, Zoro Bi IA, Malice M, Baudoin JP and Bertin P

Abstract: We applied a molecular approach using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers on three African edible-seeded cucurbits (Citrullus lanatus L. Matsumura and Nakai, Cucumeropsis mannii L. Naudin and Cucumis melo var. agrestis L. Naudin). To obtain clear and reproducible bands on 1.5% agarose gels, we screened 21 ISSR primers and three parameters (annealing temperature, gel tray, and voltage and running time). The resolution of 11 ISSR markers was performed, with optimal annealing temperature (Ta) varying from 50 to 52°C. The best combination to obtain clear and well-distinguished band patterns was 1.5% agarose gel with a 20-lanes tray (6 mm width) at 80 V for 5 h. Applying the 11 ISSR primers on DNA extracted from an accession of C. lanatus, 66 bands with 4 to 11 bands per primer was observed.[...] Read More.

Keywords: ISSR, Cucurbits, genetic diversity, molecular markers, optimization.

Full text

Download：795

文章

Detection of GMO in food products in South Africa: Implications of GMO labelling

C.D. Viljoen*, B.K. Dajee and G.M. Botha

Abstract: Genetically modified (GM) crops currently account for 29% of crop production worldwide. South Africa is currently the only country in Africa to commercially grow GM crops. Despite a lack of regulations to provide for food labelling that allows for consumer preference, many products carry negative or positive labels with regard to genetic modification. The aim of this study was to test different maize and soy products to determine the uptake of GM food into the human food chain as well as the validity of “non-GMO” (genetically modified organisms), “GMO free” or “organic” labels, on local as well as imported products. Of the 58 products selected and sampled randomly, 44 tested positive for the presence of GM. Furthermore, of the 20 products with a GM related label, 14 tested positive for GM. These results demonstrate the extent of GM in the human food chain in South Africa and highlight the need for effective regulations to protect consumers against misleading claims.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genetic modification (GM), food, labelling.

Full text

Download：905

文章

Bioprospecting and antifungal potential of chitinolytic microorganisms

Vipul Gohel, Anil Singh, Maisuria Vimal, Phadnis Ashwini and Chhatpar H.S.*

Abstract: Fungal plant diseases are one of the major concerns to agricultural food production world wide. Soil borne pathogenic fungi such as Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Phytopthora attack most of the economically important crop plants (either through seed root before germination or seedling after germination) resulting in loss of billions of dollars. Moreover, the management of chitinous waste is also pressing need today. Mycolytic enzymes (chitinases, proteases and glucanase) producing microorganisms may help in solving these problems. These microorganisms have ability to lyse the fungal cell wall and also have the potential to manage the chitinous waste by producing chitinases. Many chitinolytic microorganisms have potential to control fungal plant pathogens but they are not fully successful in all the cases due to different geological and environmental conditions. Thus, bioprospecting to find novel, highly chitinolytic microorganisms which help in developing potential biocontrol agent. Furthermore, to increase the survivability of biocontrol agents, a formulation may also be necessary. This review is focused on the progress of chitinase genes, chitinolytic microorganisms and their diversity as well as formulation of chitinolytic producers which have the potential to control fungal plant pathogens[...] Read More.

Keywords: Bioprospecting, biocontrol, chitinolytic enzymes, formulation.

Full text

Download：751

文章

Toxicity evaluation of flucycloxuron and diflubenzuron on the cellular model, Paramecium sp.

Rouabhi, R.*, Berrebbah, H., and Djebar, M.R.

Abstract: The effect of two pesticides, the diflubenzuron (DFB) and flucycloxuron (FCX) was studied on the ciliated protiste cellular model, Paramecium sp. Treatment with the DFB at 10 and 20 µg/ml reduces the growth of this protiste appreciably. The survey of the respiratory metabolism by the polarography technique (oxygen electrode) shows a sensitive inhibition of the oxygen consumption. In the case of the FCX, treatment with the two concentrations (10 and 20 µg/ml) reveals an inhibition of the ciliated protiste growth. This pesticide also inhibits the respiratory metabolism of ciliated protiste. This effect is a lot more marked with the FCX that with the DFB.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Paramecium sp., flucycloxuron, diflubenzuron, pesticide, respiratory metabolism.

Full text

Download：768

文章

Nutritional potentials of some tropical vegetable leaf meals: Chemical characterization and functional properties

A.O. Fasuyi

Abstract: Three tropical vegetable species (Talium triangulare, Amaranthus cruentus and Telfairia occidentalis) were selected based on their availability and agronomic desirability. The freshly harvested vegetable leaves were subjected to 2 processing techniques (shredding and sundrying) before milling into the vegetable leaf meals (VLMs). The crude protein ranged from 19.9+1.8 to 35.1+1.7. The crude fibre ranged from 8.8+3.1 to 12.7+4.2. Ether extract (fat) had a wide range of 5.4+3.2 to 29.2+2.1. Ash contents had a range of 10.9+6.2 to 19.4+3.0. The nitrogen free extract ranged from 19.7+0.3 to as high as 43.5+0.7. Gross energy values had a range of 251.5MJKg -1 to 383.2MJKg-1. The mineral contents of the air-dried VLMs indicated that Ca, Mg, Na, K are the most abundant minerals with values as high as 2.0, 2.5, 7.1 and 4.8gkg-1DM for Ca, Mg, Na and K respectively in some samples analysed. The amino acid profiles of the VLMs indicated favourable nutritional balance except for lysine and methinone which appear marginal. The Water Absorption Capacity (WAC), Fat Absorption Capacity (FAC), Fat Emulsion Capacity (FEC) and Emulsion Stability (ES) were similar for the 3 VLMs. The values obtained for Foaming Capacity, Least Gelation Concentration and Foaming Stability after 30 minutes for the 3 VLMs were also similar. The protein solubility curves of all VLMs were similar at both alkaline and acid media with minimum solubility (isoelectric point) at between pH 4 and 5 for the VLMs.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Vegetable leaf meals, nutritional potentials, amino acid profile.

Full text

Download：783

文章

Purification and characterization of three low-molecular-weight acid phosphatases from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) seedlings

Jean Tia Gonnety, Sébastien Niamké,*, Betty Meuwiah Faulet, Eugène Jean-Parfait N’guessan Kouadio and Lucien Patrice Kouamé.

Abstract: The maximum acid phosphatasic activity was detected in peanut seedlings the 5th day of germination. At least, three acid phosphatases were identified and purified by successive chromatography separations on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, CM-Sepharose CL-6B, Sephacryl S-200 HR, and Phenyl-Sepharose HP to apparent homogeneity from developing five days old peanut seedlings. These enzymes designated acid phosphatase PI, PIIa and PIIb had native molecular weights of approximately 25.3, 22.4 and 24 kDa, respectively by gel permeation. SDS-PAGE of the purified acid phosphatase PI resolved two closely protein bands that migrated to approximately 14 and 12 kDa. Thus, this acid phosphatase likely functions as a heterodimer. Acid phosphatases PIIa and PIIb migrated as single band (each) with a similar molecular weight estimated to 21 kDa. The three enzymes had a similar optima pH (5.0) and temperature (55°C), and appeared to be stable in the presence of non-ionic detergents such as Triton X-100, Nonidet P 40 as well as Na+ and K+. Substrate specificity indicated that the three acid phosphatases hydrolyzed a broad range of phosphorylated substrates. However, natural substrates such as ADP and ATP were the compounds with highest rate of hydrolysis for acid phosphatase PI, while acid phosphatase PIIa exhibited phytasic activity. These results indicate that each purified acid phosphatase from peanut seedlings played a peculiar role during germination.[...] Read More.

Keywords: acid phosphatase; seedling; peanut; arachis hypogaea; germination; low-molecular-weight.

Full text

Download：758

Search Filter