Borax, a toxic material, can disrupt the testes, hypothalamus, and spermatogenesis in the male reproductive system, leading to infertility. Apple peel contains quercetin, a substance crucial for boosting antioxidant levels and preventing free radical damage. The study aimed to assess the impact of apple peel extract on spermatozoa quality and testicular histology in borax-induced mice. The study utilized a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatment groups and five replications of each group: C- (without treatment), C+ (Borax), T1, T2, and T3, where borax was administered alongside various doses of apple peel extract: 0,2 mg, 0,4 mg, and 0,8 mg respectively. Testicular sections were collected for histopathological analysis and caudal epididymal sections for sperm quality assessment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT tests using SPSS 23. The results showed that apple peel extract significantly increased the quality of mice spermatozoa in borax-induced mice (p<0.05). Apple peel extract to borax-induced mice also positively affected testicular diameter and weight, as well as the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the number of Leydig cells. The optimal dose of apple peel extract in improving the quality of spermatozoa and testicular histology of mice was found to be0.4 mg / 20g BW.
DNA Quick Response (DQR) is an accurate, efficient, fast, and cost-effective alternative to PCR-based or other sequencing methods. DQR is the method integrated seamlessly with digital systems. The DQR could be apply as effective approach to preventing seed counterfeiting, for example in cucumber. This study aimed to identify DNA barcodes based on the ITS1 region and develop DQR for commercial cucumber varieties in Indonesia. Two cucumber varieties, namely cv. Mars and cv. Makka were used. The genomic DNA was extracted using commercial DNA purification kit. The DQR for these two cucumber varieties were developed based on experimental data from the ITS1 region. The efficiency and characterization of ITS1 region were evaluated through homology analysis using BLAST-NCBI and DQR development. The DQR of cucumber cv. Mars and cv. Makka based on ITS1 region were successfully developed. The length of the ITS1 region encrypted in the QR code was 496 bp and 437 bp for cv. Mars and cv. Makka, respectively. The A-T and G-C proportions for cv. Mars were 45.2% and 54.8%, respectively, while for cv. Makka, the A-T and G-C proportions were 42.6% and 57.4%, respectively. Our findings are valuable for genetic labeling and authentication of horticultural crops, especially cucumber.
Alocasia suhirmaniana Yuzammi & A. Hay belongs to the Araceae family and has the potential for ornamental use. Nevertheless, this plant exhibits a limited leaf count and pliable leaf stems, necessitating the application of breeding techniques for its improvement. One important strategy empeloyed to improve the quality of ornamental plants is the breeding, which involves the use of gamma ray irradiation techniques. The objective of this study is to determine the developmental patterns and appropriate dosage levels of LD20 and LD50 Gamma ray irradiation in A. suhirmaniana callus. The development of callus, the quantity of shoots, and the establishment of rooted explants exhibit a stochastic pattern, with a decrease observed at a dosage of 5 Gy and an increase observed at 10 Gy. The LD20 and LD50 values for Gamma ray irradiation in A. suhirmaniana callus fall within the dose range of 7.14 Gy and 15 Gy, respectively. This dosage range is recommendedto achieve a greater diversity in genotypes and phenotypes. By successfully finding the optimal dosage of gamma ray irradiation, plant selection can be improved through enhancing genotype and phenotype characteristics.
Humic acid, an organic compound from peat soil, rich in antioxidants such as quinone and phenol, shows potential as an antidiabetic agent. This study aims to identify the optimal dose of humic acid extract for increasing body weight, lowering blood glucose levels, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and improving the microanatomical structure of the pancreas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The humic acid was extracted from peat soil at Tanjungpura University. The study utilized 25 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), aged 8-12 weeks, organized in a group randomized design (GRD). Interventions included a single dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg b.w.) and varying doses of humic acid extract administered over 14 days post-induction. Results indicated that a dose of 375 mg/kg b.w. humic acid extract resulted in an increased final body weight by 11.86%, a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels by 79.23%, an AUC0-120 value of 19.311, and a final MDA level of 1.09 ±0.27 nmol/ml. These findings indicate the potential of humic acid as a therapeutic agent for diabetes.
Syzygium is a genus of Myrtaceae with 1,236 species. The functional traits of each species vary. The purpose of this study was to determine the variation in the functional traits of Syzygium leaves found in the lowlands and highlands. In this study, Syzygium leaves were collected from the Bogor Botanical Garden (lowland) for 27 species, while from the Cibodas Botanical Garden (highland) for 35 species. Ten parameters were measured, including leaf Fresh Weight (FW), leaf Dry Weight (DW), Leaf Area s(LA), Specific Leaf Area (SLA), Leaf Dry Matter Content (LDMC), Specific Leaf Weight (SLW), Chlorophyll Content (CC), Stomatal Density (SD), Stomatal Length (SL), and Stomatal Width (SW). Based on the results of the study, a diversity of functional traits in Syzygium species was observed in the lowlands and highlands. The results also indicated that the elevation influences variations in functional traits. Most of the leaf traits were found to be higher in the lowland species. Phenotypic plasticity of parameters was observed within the species found in both lowland and highland locations
Measuring chlorophyll content in plants is one of the main points that has never been ignored in various plant biology and agronomy research studies. Chlorophyll content is a parameter of growth and development, diagnosis of nutritional status, and response to environmental conditions. This study aimed to compare and determine the relationship between SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter readings and chlorophyll content obtained from acetone extraction followed by spectrophotometry measurement. Various leaves with different colors and thicknesses were used to determine the reliability of SPAD readings across diverse morphological traits. The results showed higher SPAD readings in leaves with a greener color. SPAD value was found to have a good linear relationship (r 0.8 and R2 0.64) and a positive correlation with total chlorophyll content, though variations due to leaf thickness suggest the need for correction factors. Furthermore, SPAD has potential as a rapid, non-destructive tool for monitoring plant health and nutrient status in agriculture, plant breeding, and horticulture. This tool can contribute to optimizing crop yield and managing fertilization practice, especially where the maintaining leaf integrity is essential for both commercial and aesthetic value. Species-specific calibration models are recommended to enhance measurement accuracy.
Goat milk is currently widely consumed by Indonesian people. The Senduro breed of goats is one of the milk-producing goats widely cultivated by farmers in Senduro District, Lumajang Regency, East Java. Based on several studies, goat milk is a habitat for lactic acid bacteria, and research has been conducted on isolating lactic acid bacteria from goat milk. This study aims to isolate lactic acid bacteria from Senduro goat milk samples characterized morphologically and biochemically. The pour plate method was used to isolate lactic acid bacteria, followed by the purification of isolates using the streak plate method. Colony characterization was carried out by observing the colonies' shape, edge, elevation, surface, and color. Gram staining, endospore staining, catalase test, and motility test were carried out to confirm lactic acid bacteria isolates. This study has successfully isolated 50 isolates of lactic acid bacteria that have Gram-positive, non-endospore, catalase-negative, and non-motile characteristics. The morphological characteristics of lactic acid bacteria isolate colonies from milk samples from the three farms showed diversity. Several isolates from the three farms showed similar characteristics. Further potential testing and identification of each lactic acid bacteria isolate is necessary to provide information regarding its roles.
Itchy leaf (Laportea decumana) is one of the plants endemic to Eastern Indonesia. People usually use itchy leaves as an alternative treatment for pain and soreness by rubbing it on the surface of the body. Itchy leaves are very useful because they contain abundant secondary metabolites. The application of itchy leaves by rubbing can certainly affect normal skin flora such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, leading to health problems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of methanol extract of itchy leaves on the normal skin flora of S. epidermidis. This test was conducted using the disk diffusion method. The results of this study showed that all concentrations of itchy leaf extract inhibited the growth of S. epidermidis. The highest inhibitory activity was observed at 50% concentration (23.00 ± 7.20), categorized as very strong, followed by 100% concentration (15.00 ± 2.90), 25% (18.00 ± 11.3), 12.5 (13.40 ± 3.51), and 6.25 (10.40 ± 3.10), all categorized as strong. These findings indicate that the prolonged use of itchy leaves may affect the growth of normal flora, resulting in health problems. On the other hand, itchy leaves have the potential to be developed as an antibacterial agent in the future.
Acacia auriculiformis is one of a priority species for forestry in Indonesia. This species has great potential. Breeding of the A. auriculiformis species in KHDTK Blok Playen, Gunungkidul, has reached the second-generation breeding cycle. Further evaluation of the A. auriculiformis progeny test planting in KHDTK Block Playen is needed to develop a certified and more optimal seedling seed orchard. This study aimed to evaluate the growth of 9-year-old A. auriculiformis progeny test in KHDTK Blok Playen, Gunungkidul. Data collection of tree growth included total height, diameter, branch-free stem height, and stem straightness. Measurements were conducted using the census method on 30 families with four tree plots in 12 blocks of F2 A. auriculiformis progeny test at the KHDTK Blok Playen. The results of the analysis of variance show that the family source of variation significantly affected the four growth characteristics observed. These results indicate that genetic factors greatly influence the diversity or variation in the measured characters. Strong phenotypic correlation was found between height with diameter character (0,569) and the branch-free stem height with a stem-straightness (0,633). In general, the family and individual heritability values in this study were classified as high. The genetic gain from individual selection (within plot selection) at 25% intensity showed moderate to very high values, ranging from 3.123%-16.494% for the four observed characteristics.
Polyethylene (PE) plastic is one of the most widely used for multiple purposes and leading the environmental problems. Lipolytic bacteria are promising agents to reduce the plastic waste. The dry weight of PE plastic was reduced by 33 % in the Winogradsky's column after 45 days of incubation. However, the lipolytic bacteria responsible for those reduction was unknown. This study aimed to characterize and identify the potential lipolytic bacterial isolates forming biofilm on polyethylene PE plastics. Samples of lipolytic bacterial isolates were screened on tributyrin selective media based on the formed clear zone. Moreover, the 16S rRNA genes of the two most potential lipolytic bacterial isolates were amplified. Then, the amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced. This study found two potential lipolytic bacteria isolates, AB A-2 and AB M-3, which had the characteristics of round colonies, wavy edges, convex surfaces, and milky white color. The two isolates are gram-positive and have the shape of Coccobacillus cells. The molecular identification showed that AB A-2 isolate was Bacillus sp., while AB M-3 isolate was Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. This finding contributes to novel bacterial isolates that potentially overcoming the plastic waste problem.
Mangroves are vital ecosystems for biodiversity, but are increasingly threatened by pollution, especially domestic waste. This study focuses on the impact of domestic pollution on the diversity of Mollusca on Tarakan Island, North Kalimantan. Although several studies have examined molluscan diversity, there is a lack of analysis of the direct impact of pollution on these species. The method used was belt transects to measure species diversity, dominance and distribution of Mollusca in 4 habitats. The results were conducted in four mangrove habitats, and 36 species of Mollusca, 32 species of gastropods, and four species of Bivalvia were identified. The results showed that habitat 1, with the lowest level of pollution, had the most stable community index, while the habitat with the highest level of pollution showed a significant decline based on the community index. These findings confirm the importance of protecting mangrove ecosystems to maintain Bivalvia diversity and provide a basis for better environmental management policies. This research also opens opportunities for further studies on the interaction between pollution and biodiversity in mangrove ecosystems.
Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume is an orchid with high economic value because of its beautiful white flowers, yellow labellum, and long stems. Its existence in nature is threatened with extinction, so efforts are needed to cultivate and preserve P. amabilis, one of which is through somatic embryos, which generally require Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) in the form of 6-Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP). 6-Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) is used because it is one of the cytokinin hormones proven to induce somatic embryos. This study aims to examine and determine the use of the right BAP concentration to propagate P. amabilis through somatic embryo induction. The explants used were P. amabilis protocorms; because protocorms produced a greater number of somatic embryos than leaf explants, the development of the explants was observed every week for 2 months. This study used a single factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in the form of BAP concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 ppm with 20 replications. The results showed that the most optimal treatment for the propagation of P. amabilis somatic embryos was on media with an average number of somatic embryos at a concentration of BAP 3 ppm (65.00) embryo/explain.
The Bogor Botanical Garden (BBG) is a pivotal center for plant research and conservation, boasting a diverse collection of over 12,000 individual plants spanning various species. However, among the plant collections at BBG, some of them have the potential to be invasive. Therefore, this study aimed to uncover the plant collections at BBG with invasive potential and analyze the distribution of one of the most dominant collections, Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. The method employed in this research involved a literature review to identify which plant collections have invasive potential and a vegetation analysis on the distribution of E. pinnatum within BBG. Additionally, ANOVA analysis and regression models were employed to explore the relationship between environmental factors and E. pinnatum abundance. Results revealed that BBG hosted 78 potentially invasive plant species, with E. pinnatum comprising 28 individuals. Spatial analysis indicates a clustered distribution of E. pinnatum, influenced by seed dispersal mechanisms, environmental factors, and biotic interactions. Correlation analysis links soil pH, soil moisture, and canopy cover to E. pinnatum distribution. Canopy cover demonstrates a significant positive correlation with E. pinnatum abundance, suggesting its importance in providing favorable microclimates for growth. Regression analysis further supports canopy cover as a predictor of E. pinnatum presence. However, while a strong statistical association was observed, causal relationships require further investigation. This study underscores the complexity of ecological dynamics in BBG and emphasizes the need for comprehensive research to define underlying mechanisms driving plant distributions and interactions.
Spatholobus is a genus that belongs to the Fabaceae that is known to contain various bioactive compounds and distributed across Asia, including Indonesia. However, exploration of Spatholobus in Indonesia is still rare. Therefore, DNA barcoding is used to support the exploration and conservation of Spatholobus in Indonesia. However, there is no universal marker that can be used across all plant species. In addition, there are still few studies related to DNA barcoding within the genus Spatholobus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rbcL, matK, and intergenic spacer psbA-trnH regions in silico that can be used as DNA barcodes for the genus Spatholobus. This study began with a sequence search on the NCBI database including the rbcL, matK, and intergenic spacer psbA-trnH genes in the genus Spatholobus and Phaseolus coccineus as the outgroup. Each sequence was then aligned with ClustalW. Then, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Maximum-Likelihood (ML) with 1000× bootstrap. As a result, the rbcL, matK, and psbA-trnH regions can be used as markers for DNA barcoding in the genus Spatholobus with different specifications. The rbcL and matK can be used to distinguish Spatholobus at the genus level, while the psbA-trnH can be used to distinguish Spatholobus at the species level.
Bactrocera is a pest that is detrimental to citrus farming. Bactrocera attacks cause developmental disorders in citrus fruit, including changes in fruit color (black spots appear from Bactrocera infection) and premature rot. Bactrocera also has a symbiotic relationship with Liberibacter asiaticus which causes Citrus Vein Phloem Degeneration (CVPD) disease which attacks phloem tissue in citrus plants. Bactrocera pest control was carried out by combining plants that have the potential to be used as biocides, namely kitolod, papaya, and lemongrass plants. This combination was used to switch the habits of fruit farmers who previously used synthetic pesticides to control pests. Natural biocides are expected to have the same effectiveness as synthetic pesticides, but leave no residue on cultivated plants. A combination biocide from the three plants was made using the maceration method to obtain an infusion from each plant. Before being tested on Citrus plantations, an assay was carried out using an olfactometer to determine the effectiveness of the biocides. The research revealed that the combination of these three plants has the potential to be used as a natural biocide without leaving residueand causing damage or other developmental disorders to citrus plants.
Carica (Vasconcellea pubescens A.DC.) is a mountain papaya species with limited distribution in Indonesia, found in the Dieng Plateau, Central Java. Carica is well utilized by the Dieng Plateau community based on its local knowledge system. The decline of local knowledge is increasingly worrying, necessitating documentation efforts through ethnobotanical studies. This study aimed to examine the appreciation of the local community of the Dieng Plateau towards Carica ethnobotany. This study was descriptive research employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with interview techniques. The study was conducted in three Dieng Plateau villages: Dieng, Sembungan, and Karangtengah villages. The 30 respondents were selected by purposive and snowball sampling. The research instruments included interview guides and questionnaires. Appreciation was analyzed descriptively with a quantitative approach using a Likert scale. The results showed an excellent appreciation for preserving Carica in the surrounding environment (97.3%), while there was a low appreciation for using Carica to treat certain diseases (38%). Based on age, the elderly category showed the best appreciation for Carica utilization. Appreciation as a practice of local knowledge in the management and utilization of Carica can contribute to the conservation of Carica in the Dieng Plateau.
Kotadjawa, located on the west coast of Lampung, directly faces the Indian Ocean. Lithified calcareous sedimentary beds are prevalently outcropped along this coastline. These beds likely belong to the Simpangaur Formation, which may be associated with the paleocoastal depositional environment and tectonic uplift of the Indian Ocean. Therefore, we investigated the paleontological record, focusing on foraminifera as potential indicators of the paleoenvironment. This study aimed to identify, record, and calculate the relative abundance of benthic foraminifera in the sedimentary beds of Kotadjawa, Lampung. The samples were prepared via chemical treatment of 10% H2O2 for 48 hours. Our results revealed a diversity of benthic foraminiferal fossils within the sedimentary rock. Notably, 11 benthic foraminifera genera were fossilized in the observed outcrop: Textularia (18.4%), Sigmoilopsis (16.5%), Rectobolivina (15.4%), Uvigerina (15.5%), Nodosaria (14.5%), Elphidium (11.5%), Lenticulina (7.7%), Hormosina (6.8%), Bolivina (6.8%), and Globobulimina (5.8%). These results suggested that the sedimentary beds exposed in our study area ranging from the foreshore to the deep ocean floor ecosystem. This suggests that a sediment mixing event, possibly triggered by a paleocatastrophic event, influenced the deposition of these beds. This study provides new insights into marine paleoenvironmental conditions and paleocatastrophic events along the west coast of Lampung, Sumatra.
Lumut hati talus merupakan komponen penting ekosistem hutan pegunungan, yang berperan penting dalam retensi air, daur hara, dan sebagai indikator kualitas lingkungan. Tumbuhan rendah ini termasuk dalam kelompok polifiletik atau memiliki nenek moyang yang berbeda, tetapi memiliki bentuk yang mirip dan dapat bertahan hidup di ekosistem darat. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memperbarui informasi tentang identifikasi, klasifikasi, dan distribusi lumut hati talus di lereng Gunung Ungaran sehingga dapat mengungkap wawasan berharga tentang keanekaragaman hayati tumbuhan, dinamika ekosistem, dan potensi aplikasinya di berbagai bidang. Metode pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling, plot, dan identifikasi literatur taksonomi. Hasil sebaran lumut hati talus di ketiga stasiun tersebar luas dan ditemukan 4 famili dengan 6 spesies lumut hati talus kompleks, yaitu Marchantia polymorpha L., Marchantia emarginata Reinw., Blume et al., Marchantia treubii Schiffn., Wiesnerella denudata (Mitt.) Steph., Dumortiera hirsuta (SW.) Nees., dan Cyathodium smaragdinum Schiffn yang termasuk dalam kelas Marchantiopsida. Selain itu, ditemukan 3 famili dengan 3 spesies lumut hati talus sederhana, yaitu Riccia treubiana Steph yang termasuk dalam kelas Marchantiopsida; Metzgeria furcata (L.) Dumort; dan Aneura maxima Schiffn yang termasuk dalam kelas Jungermaniopsida.
Indonesia has an abundant biodiversity of natural resources, one of which is phylloplane fungi. This abundant phylloplane mold needs further investigation to utilize its potential as an antagonistic agent. This study aims to prove the existence and to determine the types of phylloplane fungi species found on the leaf surface of pacing tawar (sweet ginger or crepe-ginger) plants, to analyze and determine the level of diversity and dominance of phylloplane, and to determine the types of phylloplane fungi species that have the antagonistic ability of the phytopathogenic mold Fusarium oxysporum. This research method includes isolating crepe-ginger phylloplane fungi using a contact plate, isolates purification, macromorphological and micromorphological identification, diversity and dominance index calculation, and antagonist test using a dual culture method. This study used a descriptive analysis research design. The isolation results obtained 57 species of crepe-ginger plants leaf phylloplane molds consisting of eight genera (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, and Trichoderma). The results of the diversity index calculation with a value of 2.02 showed that the diversity of phylloplane fungi was moderate. The result of the dominance index calculation, with a value of 0.1521, shows no tendency for phylloplane fungi species to dominate. The results of the antagonist test showed that 15 isolates could antagonize the F. oxysporum with an inhibitory proportion of up to 82% obtained from T. viride isolates with code FD5B3.2
Ixora and Psychotria are two distinct genera within the Rubiaceae family found at the Bogor Botanic Gardens. Despite taxonomic differences at the genus and subfamily levels, these plants share certain characteristics that necessitate identifying similarities. This study aims to identify resemblances between Ixora and Psychotria by examining their leaf architecture and evaluating significant morphological characteristics across recognized variables. The data analysis objective is to identify commonalities in leaf architecture and key distinguishing characteristics. Species under investigation include Ixora javanica (Blume) DC., Ixora paludosa (Blume) Kurz, Ixora coccinea L., Ixora chinensis Lam., Psychotria angulata Korth., and P. viridiflora Reinw. ex Blume. Thirteen characters were used to identify shared traits and influential features. Research findings showed both Ixora and Psychotria exhibit various characteristics. Cluster analysis indicated strong correlation among subjects under investigation, primarily due to shared characteristics. Distinguishing features significantly contributing to differentiation are leaf abaxial surface color and leaf base morphology. It can be concluded that abaxial leaf surface color holds potential as a distinguishing characteristic for Ixora, while leaf base exhibits distinguishing features for Psychotria.
