Increasing the domestic production of Brassica vegetables is important to sustain the local food supply, maintain the healthy diets of the population, reduce the country's foreign exchange, and improve the local economy. In this study, a column hydroponic system (CHS) of 1.2 m L 1.2 m W 1.5 m H was built and tested to increase Brassica vegetable production per unit area. There were 16 rectangular polyvinyl chloride tubes (10.2 cm L 5.1 cm W 1.5 m H) positioned upright (PVC columns) at 30.0 cm apart in four rows. Each column had 36 planting cups (4 lines 9 levels). The seeds of curly dwarf Pak-choy were germinated on mop yarns in the cups. The nutrient solution was supplied using a 0.5HP non-submersible pump. Data were recorded on day 37 by measuring the vegetable yield, development, growth, and quality. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel®2019 by performing one- and two-way ANOVAs, followed by posthoc tests ( = 0.05). The vegetable yield/area of the CHS (12.7 kg/m2 , or 400 plants/m2 ) was 60% higher than that of a raft hydroponic system (5.1 kg/m2 , or 63 plants/m2 ), but the mean weight/plant was 62% lower than that of the latter system (31.3 g/plant vs. 82.1 g/plant). There were statistically significant (P < 0.05) effects of column horizontal position (CHP) or vegetable vertical location (VVL) on the parameters studied. However, the effects of CHP VVL was statistically significant only on yield and leaf area. Pak-choy in outer columns facing the morning and afternoon sunlight directly or at the top were heavier (39.2 - 71.7 g/plant) than those in inner columns or at the bottom (8.8 - 20.3 g/plant). The CHS can be used effectively to increase Brassica vegetable production/area, but its full potential is yet to be achieved. Research is recommended to determine the ideal column spacing to achieve the best balance between plant/area and weight/plant to increase further the system's growth, yield, and quality of vegetables.
A protocol for in vitro seed germination of Coelogyne asperata Lindl. has been established successfully. Immature seeds from 182 days old capsule were cultured on three different basal media; Murashige and Skoog (MS), Knudson C (KC), and Vacin and Went (VW) and maintained under continuous light at 25 ± 2 ˚C. After 30 days of culture (DAC), more than 90% of seeds were germinated on KC and VW media and about 84% of seeds germinated on MS medium. The incorporation of organic additives, including coconut water, potato homogenate and tomato juice each at 10% (v/v) in KC medium was tested to determine their effect on seed germination of C. asperata. The result revealed that KC basal medium alone without addition of organic additives promoted over 90% of seed germination at 30 DAC. Therefore, the protocol of using standard KC basal medium for C. asperata seeds germination could be suggested for mass propagation and conservation of this wild scented orchid.
This study was carried out to understand the suitability of activated carbon (AC) which is modified with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and tested by its adsorption capacity of nitrogen containing compounds (NCC) from fuel with three variables such as different concentrations of model fuel, contact time, and amount of modified AC (MAC). Batch mode experiments were conducted to remove quinoline (QUI) and indole (IND) from the model fuel prepared from n-hexane. All the experimental data were analysed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy after adsorption experiment between adsorbent and model fuel. Modification of commercial AC involved impregnation with different ratios of HCl solution. The characterization of modified and unmodified AC was done by using fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adsorption potential of the MAC was measured based on the two isotherms, which are Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms to determine the isotherm constants and two kinetic models which are pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order. The adsorption capacity for QUI and IND was found to be 0.4708 mg/g and 0.8094 mg/g, respectively. On the other hand, the rate of adsorption for QUI and IND was 6.3766 and 0.4992, respectively. The adsorption kinetic experiment for both QUI and IND was found to follow the pseudo first-order.
An examination has been carried out to govern the daily, monthly and annual temperature variations in urban habitats of the Bengaluru region, India for the period 2007-2015. Spatial pattern of temperature showed the increase in monthly and annual variation in the Bengaluru region. Mean maximum temperature was found to be the highest in the month of April (32.65-35.34 °C), whereas mean minimum temperature was found to be the lowest in the month of January (15.27-17.11 °C). A linear relationship between the minimum (Y) and maximum temperatures (X) was established in the form of equation as y = 0.6581x + 0.0674; R2 = 0.2625. The findings of the study are reliable with the results obtained by other parts of Indian subcontinent and the remaining parts of the world. Thus, climate change will rigorously influence the Indian monsoon in terms of generating more tolerances which may have impact on the biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Seadornaviruses are lesser known emerging arboviral pathogens that have a wide geographic range as their members have been isolated or detected in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. The genus has multiple members but Banna Virus (BAV) and Liao Ning virus (LNV) are of particular interest due to their pathogenic and virulent nature. At a glance, their disease causing capacity may pale in comparison to Dengue virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus, Zika virus and others along those lines but this capacity could increase significantly in the future as Seadornaviruses may have only recently began adapting to the vector/human transmission cycle. The type species of the genus, BAV causes a myriad of symptoms upon infection while LNV, another member shows wide tissue tropism in vitro and causes fatality upon reinfection in vivo. Additionally, it is possible that infection by Seadornaviruses may lead to long term sequelae. Cumulatively, the data suggests that BAV and LNV and possibly other members may be highly successful arboviral pathogens. Due to paucity of knowledge pertaining their clinical significance, research has stalled and consequently viruses of the genera are poorly characterized. The current review of Seadornaviruses aims to provide an update on the literature related to them in addition to raising awareness about them and their potential clinical significance. Similarly, discussions are performed throughout the manuscript to highlight future research directions.
Two varieties of sweet potatoes, one orange and the other purple grown on Rudua soil series and Jambu soil series, respectively, belonging to the BRIS soils were chosen for this study. These two varieties of sweet potatoes were analysed for their trace minerals composition in their respective tuber tissues. In addition, soil pH and soil moisture content were also determined. Rudua soil series had higher trace minerals content than that of Jambu soils series. The trace element concentrations in the tissues of sweet potatoes ranged from 0.037-0.130 mg/kg in Zn for 0.281-0.334 mg/kg for Fe to 0.014-0.032 mg/kg for Cu to 0.298-0.508 mg/kg for Ni and 0.746-2.16 mg/kg for Pb on dry matter basis. The soil pH is less acidic in Rudua series (5.97) compared to Jambu series (5.26), which favors higher concentrations of trace elements in the orange variety compared to Purple variety. There is also a positive correlation between nutrient concentration in the tissues of the sweet potatoes and the amount of trace minerals concentration available in the soils. This study exhibits the fact that uptake of trace minerals by the sweet potatoes is governed by the presence of these minerals in the soils, soil pH and soil moisture content.
Little is known on the optimal plant densities, nutrient concentrations, and rootzone temperatures for Curly Dwarf Pak Choy’ (CDP) production in raft hydroponic system in tropical climate. In this study, five experiments were carried out to assess the growth and yield of CDP at 40, 50 and 61 plants/m2 × 1.7, 2.2 and 2.8 mS/cm nutrient concentrations (EC). This experiment was followed with single plant experiments in EC 2.2 mS/cm at 25°C/25°C - 27°C versus not-controlled/25°C - 38°C (rootzone °C/ambient °C). The highest growth and yield were achieved at 50 plants/m2 , EC 2.2 mS/cm, and 25°C rootzone temperature. Marketable size was also achieved in less than 30 days at the lower temperature. Growth and yield, however, were not depending on plant density × nutrient concentration. These three factors need to be optimized to achieve a higher Pak Choy yield in raft hydroponic system in tropical climate.
Sustainability of seagrass restoration raised concern especially limitation and condition of donor seagrass meadows. To counter this, “gardening” approach can be applied by growing seagrass shoots asexually and sexually in a nursery facility. This study was carried out to identify the fauna species associated with seagrass in the husbandry tanks at Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC), Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Associated fauna was identified to the lowest taxa, while their behaviour and potential impacts on seagrass growth were recorded weekly for 9 months (April 2016 to December 2016). Bite marks on the seagrass leaves were reconfirmed through isolation of fauna with seagrass leaves. Total of 18 species of fauna identified, mostly were mesograzers foraging on seagrass or epiphytic algae. Those are polychaeta, grammarid amphipod, sphaeromatid isopod, sea hares, nerites snails and greenspine sea urchin which left specific bite marks on the seagrass leaves. Also, there is discovery of boring bivalve residing inside the rhizome of the seagrass. Quarantine protocol should implement in the future nursery facility, by removing harmful organisms and introduce beneficial organisms as biological control, to ensure higher survival and growth of seagrass.
A study to examine the physical properties of soil used to cultivate Allium plant from Kundasang-Mesilou agricultural area was carried out. Six sampling stations covering different types of parent materials were chosen. Topsoil’s samples from these stations were examined for their physico-chemical properties using standard method for soil analysis. From the result of this research showed that sufficient content of organic matter, low soil bulk density indicating a good soil structure, high available macronutrient contents, low cation exchange capacity and a non-saline electrical conductivity. The dominant soil texture were loamy with some were clayey and sandy. In general the physical properties of soil were suitable for vegetables cultivation but the chemical properties shown it required conventional input to satisfy plant needs. The overall physico-chemical properties of soils in the study area at present were less fertile compared to their properties fifteen years ago. The soil physico-chemical properties also deteriorated compared to the forested area.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a food crop cultivated worldwide and serves as a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. However, the rice production in Malaysia is still unable to reach full sufficiency level and incapable to ensure the national food security as the production levels are still low especially the rice farms in hilly areas. The current self-sufficiency level of rice in Malaysia is 72% and still lacking of 8% from the target of 80% by 2023. Seed priming is one of the techniques to enhance seed performance with respect to uniformity and rate of germination which results better yields in crops. The objective of this research was to determine the priming effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 on seed germination of Tadong upland rice. Seed germination of Tadong upland rice was determined under different concentrations of PEG 6000. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The priming treatments were five concentrations of 0, -2, -4, -6, and -8 bars using PEG 6000. The data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA and LSD was applied to compare means. The grain size of Tadong upland rice is very long (length of 9.90 mm) and the shape is medium (length/breadth ratio of 2.77). The colour of rice grain with husk is brownish yellow while without husk is reddish black in colour. All the germination traits including germination percentage, germination index, germination rate, mean germination time, germination speed and germination energy showed significant effects among priming concentrations. The highest germination percentage (95.67%), germination index (51.26), germination rate (0.223), germination energy (93.00%) and shortest mean germination time (4.48 days) was found from priming with distilled water (0 bar) but germination speed (100.00%) was found highest when it was treated with -2 bar osmotic potential of PEG 6000. It can be concluded that the higher the PEG concentration (-8 bar), the lower the germination index (35.99), germination rate (0.206), germination speed (94.27%) and germination energy (87.67%) and the longer the mean germination time (4.83 days).
Kappaphycus alvarezii is a carrageenan-rich seaweed, which has good potential as a substitute for biodegradable biofilms. Due to brittleness of seaweed biofilms, plasticizer agent(s) is added to improve their elasticity. This study investigates the effects of various concentrations (10 – 30%, w/w) of glycerol and sorbitol as combined plasticizers on the physio-chemical properties of biofilms made from semi-refined carrageenan (SRC) extracted from seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) obtained from Semporna, Sabah. The results showed that FTIR spectra showed no significant difference in all the biofilms. Biofilm with combined glycerol and sorbitol at 1:1 ratio has the highest tensile strength at 10.9 ± 1.8 MPa, but with lower elongation at break of 4.5 ± 1.1%. Increasing the concentration of the combined plasticizers caused anti-plasticization effects. The SEM results showed morphology of the biofilms with combined plasticizers were smoother and structurally better arranged. The concentration of the combined plasticizers did not significantly affect the swell ability and biodegradability of the biofilms as they are hydrophilic polymers in nature. All biofilms were completely degraded after one day of burial tests. Although the tensile strength of the SRC biofilms was still lower for heavy duty like carrier plastic, nevertheless they show promising potential as "green" food wrapping due to its high biodegradability.
Ganoderma boninense (GB), a causal agent of basal stem rot (BSR) disease, remains as a threat in oil palm plantation as it caused a considerable amount of yield losses especially in South East Asia. Studies related to spread and transmission of the disease through roots and airborne have been reported by researchers but, knowledge on the propagation inside the oil palm however are still very limited. This paper is a hypothesis on the infection propagation of GB in oil palm with the help of acoustics computed tomography system. Three different characteristics of oil palm which consist of healthy, asymptomatic and severely infected palm were selected and tested using an acoustic device for tomogram image construction. Result of the acoustics tomography image from each samples obtained from the experiment have revealed the possibility of infection propagation in oil palm stem. Hypothesis of Ganoderma boninense infection mechanisms are outlined and concluded.
Oryza sativa L. commonly known as rice is one of the most cultivated cereal worldwide which sustained over 50% of the world’s population. Malaysian rice cultivated in 2 systems namely lowland (irrigated rice) and upland (rain-fed rice). Rice varieties adapted different growth systems differ substantially from each other agronomic traits. It is challenging to distinguish from each other’s using their morphological characteristics. Therefore, we aimed to propose a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based high-throughput, unbiased approach to distinguish rice species (upland or lowland cultivation) using the chemotaxonomy approach using whole rice (including barns). From our preliminary results, orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), a supervised pattern-recognition technique, successfully discriminates the differently cultivated rice species with R2X, R2Y, and Q2 as 0.309, 0.914, and 0.871, respectively. Dendrogram demonstrates rice species were discerned from another. There are some plant-related metabolites and phospholipids species significantly differed between the cultivated rice species. Among the identified metabolites, the upland whole rice demonstrated a higher ratio of linoleic acid esters and glycerolipids including diacylglycerol lipids (DG), monoacylglycerol lipds (MG), and phosphocholine lipids (PC) compared to lowland whole rice. Interestingly, triacylglycerolipids were reduced in the upland as compared to lowland whole rice. It is suspected the rice expressed different levels of lipids contents play essential roles in rice germinations at adopted lands. Throughout such an approach, a systematic, scientific, evident-based approach could be established and proved an insight for the researcher to distinguish rice species and avoid nutrition facts exaggeration of specific rice species over the others.
Basal stem rot (BSR) which is caused by Ganoderma boninense (GB) is the most serious disease faced by oil palm industry, especially in Malaysia. To date, there is no satisfactory control measure for this disease, and researchers are investigating different approaches in managing the disease. The current study investigates the antifungal properties of Tetramethylthiuram disulfide or commonly known as thiram, against GB. The in vitro antifungal activity of thiram were expressed in inhibition of GB mycelia growth on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) incorporated with different concentrations of thiram (0.010, 0.012, 0.014, 0.016, 0.018, 0.020, and 0.030 mg/ml). The lower concentrations of thiram, such as 0.010 mg/ml, failed to inhibit the growth of GB completely. However, higher concentrations of thiram (0.012 to 0.020 mg/ml) significantly slow the growth rate of GB in comparison to control (without thiram). The concentration of thiram at 0.030 mg/ml completely inhibits the growth of GB. To further evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, the GB treated mycelia were examined for their ergosterol content using HPLC. The result shows that a higher amount of ergosterol content was found in less effective treatments, and no ergosterol was found in sample when GB is completely inhibited.
