Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences

Sustainable Seafood Processing: Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact in Aquatic Ecosystems

Franklin Ore Areche — 2024-09-25

The global seafood industry is crucial in food production, providing essential nutrition and contributing to food security. Beyond its traditional role, the industry holds significant potential for generating high-value products by utilizing seafood resources. This comprehensive review explores the diverse applications of seafood resources, focusing on fish, shellfish, and seaweeds, in producing high-value products. The review examines various technological processes in extracting and purifying bioactive compounds from seafood, highlighting the advancements in seafood processing areas such as nanoencapsulation, fermentation, and enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, it also discusses these innovations' economic and environmental impacts, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and efficiency in utilizing seafood by-products and waste. The seafood industry can minimize environmental pollution and promote circular economy principles by repurposing these materials. The review provides a holistic view of the future directions in this field, advocating for continued research and development efforts to enhance the value and sustainability of seafood resources. Overall, this review underscores the significance of seafood-derived high-value products in addressing global challenges while fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Genome Editing Technologies towards Tomato Improvement: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Sonu Priya Sahu — 2024-09-25

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) is the world's second major vegetable crop and a superior model plant for studies on fruit biology. However, the changing climatic conditions are hugely impacting the yield and quality of tomato. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been widely used in tomato breeding for enhanced disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, domestication and urban farming of wild tomato, and improved fruit yield and quality. Furthermore, new and advanced editing systems like Cas12a, Cas12b, base editing, and prime editing have been recently applied for high-precision tomato improvement. CRISPR variants, PAM-less genome editing, advanced transformation protocols, and gene delivery systems have played a critical role in fast breeding. This review offers an informative summary of recent progress in various genome editing methods and applications for improving tomatoes. It also focuses on critical issues, regulatory concerns, and prospects of genome editing platforms to improve tomato and allied crops.

Unveiling the positive impacts of the genus Rhodococcus on plant and environmental health

Shakeel Ahmed Mohammed — 2024-09-25

Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable solution to the adverse effects (diminished nutritional value, compromised food quality, environmental contamination, and public health hazards) that are usually associated with harmful chemical pesticides. To overcome such loss, one must explore the plant-associated microbes that are the naturally occurring root commensal and could positively improve crop health. In this review, we highlight the importance of the bacterial genus Rhodococcus, a subset of Actinobacteria that carries immense potential in enhancing crop yield and is associated with bioremediation of toxic pesticides and other chemicals to improve soil health. However, it has been noticed that few species of Rhodococcus are pathogenic for the plant (R. fascians) as well as humans/animals (R. equi). But still, the majority of Rhodococcus isolates are found to be non-pathogenic and carry substantial beneficial traits. Here, we have attempted to comprise those beneficial traits of the different members of the genus Rhodococcus. The main emphasis of this review article is to explore the major areas such as enzyme production, phytohormone synthesis, growth regulation, siderophore production, bioremediation, organic compound degradation, and environmental pollution control. Opinions towards the applications of advanced methodologies for utilizing the cumulative prospective potential of the genus Rhodococcus have also been discussed in the different sections of the review. Conclusively, this article gathers the scattered information from the past and recent literature about this bacteria and provides the future direction about how it can improve plant/soil health and eliminate toxic chemicals and environmental pollutants.

Examining the adaptability of soil pH to soil dynamics using different methodologies: A concise review

Russbelt Yaulilahua-Huacho — 2024-09-25

Soil pH is crucial to soil health, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth. This review aims to assess the adaptability of soil pH under changing soil conditions by analyzing natural and human factors. Information was gathered from various sources, including peer-reviewed articles, field studies, and recent advances in soil science. The study explores how natural factors such as parent material, climate, and vegetation establish baseline soil pH, while human activities such as intensive farming and land-use changes further modify it, often leading to soil acidification or alkalinization. Traditional management methods like lime application, organic amendments, and crop rotation are reviewed for their effectiveness in stabilizing soil pH and their limitations under varying soil conditions. The review also explores modern technological innovations like precision agriculture, which uses soil sensors and variable rate technology for targeted pH management, and biological approaches, such as microbial inoculants, to enhance nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Integrating these traditional and contemporary approaches is essential for sustainable soil pH management and long-term productivity. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach that combines historical knowledge with emerging technologies to promote sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

Potential Nitrogen Fixing Rhizobia Isolated from Some Wild Legumes of Nagaland Based on RAPD with Nif-directed Primer and Their Biochemical Activities

Maman Megu — 2024-09-25

Wild legumes are widely dispersed and can survive in challenging environments as bacteria dwell in their nodules and help each other. Although Nagaland is home to many wild legume varieties, research on the microbial diversity that goes along with them is still in its infancy. This work aimed to characterize several wild legume root nodules and distinguish possible rhizobial isolates using RAPD and nif-directed RPO1 primer. Nodule bacteria were isolated in Yeast extract culture media. Based on their colony morphology, 150 isolates were selected for performing RAPD with nif-directed RPO1 primer. Eighty-four isolates were bonded with RPO1 primer, and a few biochemical tests were conducted on RPO1-positive isolates. Activities that promoted plant development were also investigated for these isolates. Of all the isolates, 18 exhibited phosphate solubilization capacity, while 38 isolates were found to produce IAA. This study entails a large variety of rhizobia in the nodules, which were able to promote growth. Hence, these isolates promise to be bio-fertilizers that could improve agricultural operations.

The impact of the Russian-Ukrainian War on the food security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Adel M. Ghanem — 2024-09-25

The economic and social impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war was the focus of this study, which aimed to assess its effect on the food security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To achieve its objectives, the study utilized published data, food security index measures, and standard economic analysis. The findings revealed that the Kingdom's food security environment index increased from 58.1% in 2012 to 69.9% in 2022, indicating moderate food security throughout this period. The index was lower than the estimated counterpart for the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries but exceeded the global average (113 countries) by 12.38% in 2022. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that a 10% increase in the estimated food production index and real per capita income led to a 2.72% and 6.55% increase in the food security index, respectively. Conversely, a 10% rise in the estimated consumer price index for foodstuffs resulted in a 1.74% decrease in the food security index. Despite the challenges posed by the Russian-Ukrainian war, the food security index is projected to improve for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expected to increase from 72.4% in 2024 to 75.6% in 2030, attributed to the country's policy of investing in agriculture abroad and focusing on local agricultural investments such as vertical expansion, protected agriculture, and agricultural practices. This strategic approach ensures high-quality produce and facilitates significant financial surpluses, enhancing the country's capacity to import goods from overseas.

Extraction of Flavonoids from Parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: An Optimization Approach

Yayu Mulsiani Evary — 2024-09-25

The parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis (Lour.) VAN Tiegh, commonly found parasitizing mango trees, contains flavonoid compounds with potential anticancer properties. This study aims to optimize the extraction of flavonoids from M. cochinchinensis using the Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) method. Three extraction parameters were investigated to determine the best conditions for maximizing extract yield and flavonoid concentration. The parameters considered for the UAE technique were different ethanol concentrations (30%, 70%, and 96%), extraction times (15, 30, and 45 minutes), and solvent-to-sample ratios (1:10, 1:20, and 1:30). The study used Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to identify the optimal extraction conditions. The analysis using RSM indicated that the highest extraction yield (10%) was achieved with a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:30, 30% ethanol concentration, and an extraction time of 45 minutes. The highest flavonoid content (457.96 mg QE/g extract) was obtained with a solid-to-liquid ratio between 1:20 and 1:30, using 65 to 80% ethanol solvent and an extraction time of 45 minutes. These results suggest that these parameters extract flavonoid compounds from M. cochinchinensis leaves.

Discovery of Active Antibacterial Fractions of Different Plant Part Extracts of clove (Syzigium aromaticum) Against Streptococcus mutans

Yayu Mulsiani Evary — 2024-09-25

Nowadays, dental cavities caused by Streptococcus mutans are a major focus of research in Indonesia. While several antibiotics are available to combat this bacterium, concerns about antibiotic resistance have prompted researchers to explore natural remedies. Clove (Syzigium aromaticum) is a commonly studied natural remedy against dental cavities and S. mutans. Among the different parts of the clove plant, clove bud is the most widely used against dental cavities or S. mutans, and the potential of other clove parts has not been thoroughly explored. Identifying which parts of the clove plant have higher concentrations of active ingredients and exhibit the strongest antibacterial activity is important. Therefore, this study evaluated the antibacterial activity of three different parts, i.e., leaf, stems, and buds of the clove plant ethanolic extracts against S. mutans. The ethanolic extracts of clove leaf, stems, and buds were prepared using the maceration method with 70% ethanol, and their activity against S. mutans was tested using the disc diffusion method at three different concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5% b/v). Fractionation was carried out using hexane and water to obtain two fractions: hexane and water fraction. These fractions were then subjected to antibacterial assays. The ethanolic leaf, stems, and bud extracts exhibited varying antibacterial activity levels. The best activity was observed with the 10% clove bud ethanolic extract, which produced an inhibition zone of 20.83 ± 0.77 mm. The leaf and stem extracts showed inhibition zones of 16.38 ± 3.84 mm and 17.95 ± 5.15 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the hexane-soluble fraction of the clove bud displayed the highest activity with an inhibition zone diameter of 23.7 ± 3.21 mm at 10%. This activity was twice as high as ampicillin, used as the positive control. In conclusion, clove bud remains the best source of antibacterial compounds against S. mutans. Fractionation of the bud extract using hexane can significantly enhance its activity. Further investigation should be conducted to optimize the effectiveness of this active fraction for use as an anti-dental caries treatment.

Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Biogas Slurry as an Organic Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture

Ritu Nagdev — 2024-09-25

Chemical fertilizers have been extensively used for growing crops and controlling plant diseases, but they pose potential hazards to the environment, soil health, plants, and people. The current world situation highlights the need to implement eco-friendly agricultural practices for sustainable crop production. Using environmentally friendly manure, such as biogas slurry, can help reduce the negative effects of chemical fertilizers. Biogas slurry is an efficient waste material and organic fertilizer, making it an ideal supplement for sustainable crop production and waste management. An experiment was conducted at IARI, New Delhi, to explore the nutrient potential of biogas slurry. The main objective of this study was to assess biogas slurry's physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient contents. Samples of biogas slurry were collected in three replications and analyzed using standard methods for macro and micronutrients. The data revealed that biogas slurry has a pH of 7.2-8.5, EC of 1.06 to 1.12 dS/m, and organic carbon content of 41.7 to 45.8%. In terms of fertility, it contains significant amounts of nitrogen (1.98-2.17%), phosphorus (0.97 to 1.15%), and potassium (1.98 to 2.17%). Additionally, biogas slurry contains micronutrients such as Zn (0.023-0.027 ppm), Cu (0.005-0.009 ppm), Fe (0.32-0.38 ppm), and Mn (0.089-0.094 ppm). Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Post Hoc tests indicated that the mean data values among all three replications do not differ significantly. Therefore, it can be concluded that the nutritive value of biogas slurry is sufficient to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers in agriculture. It represents an optimal long-term organic remedy for developing fertile soil, ensuring enduring agricultural productivity, and mitigating the negative environmental impacts associated with waste management.

Impact of Incorporating Argan Cake (Argania spinosa L.) and Desalted Anchovy Waste (Engraulis encrasicolus) on the Productive Performance of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus)

Ilham BOUMENDIL — 2024-09-25

Desalted anchovy bones (Engraulis encrasicolus) and argan cake are important sources of minerals and animal proteins. The objective of this study was to analyze the respective consequences of their addition to the diet of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus). Four groups, each containing 15 chickens, were organized according to the following factorial scheme: four feed treatments (including a control group) x five chickens per treatment x three repetitions (4x5x3). The groups were fed four different feed rations containing varying proportions of desalted anchovy bones (DAB) and argan cake (AC): T (0%DAB/0%AC), L01 (1%DAB/1%AC), L02 (2%DAB/2%AC), and L03 (3%DAB/3%AC). Results of the study revealed a significant difference (p>0.05) in weight gain during the start and end of the study for L02 (2144.46g), which was higher compared to the control T (2140.56g). Regarding the feed conversion ratio, L02 (1.54) was lower than the control T (1.65). Conversely, the other feed combinations, including 1% (L01) and 3% (L03), negatively affected weight gain and feed conversion ratio due to the addition of DAB and AC. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that at a low rate of 2% (L02: 2%DAB/2%AC), both desalted anchovy bones and argan cake appear to be effective substitutes for other fish meals and soybean cake in the diet of broiler chickens.