Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology

Assessment of Microplastics in the Surface Water of Mengkabong and Salut Rivers of Sabah, Malaysia

2024-08-17T07:52:57+08:00

Microplastics in river water are a global risk to aquatic ecosystems due to their longevity in the environment, causing toxicity, ingestion by organisms, and bioaccumulation. However, knowledge and research on microplastic pollution are still scarce in Sabah, Malaysia, as no studies have been carried out before. Hence, this study aimed (1) to determine the occurrence of microplastics in the surface water of the Mengkabong and Salut Rivers in Sabah and (2) to assess the spatial variability in the concentration and characteristics of microplastics within these rivers. Microplastics were extracted, counted, and characterized for their shape, colour, size, and polymer. An independent t-test was used to compare microplastic abundance and characteristics between the two rivers, whereas Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to group the eight stations based on similarities in microplastics. This study detected microplastics at all stations, with a significantly higher concentration (p < 0.05) of microplastic in the Salut River (4.78±2.43 items/L) compared to those in the Mengkabong River (1.63±0.87 items/L). Fibre was the most abundant microplastic shape in both Mengkabong (78%) and Salut (57%), likely sourced from textile washing, fishing, and aquaculture activities in the vicinity. Transparent microplastics were prevalent in Mengkabong (30%), while black microplastics dominated in Salut (42%). Size distribution exhibited the opposite trend, with 74% larger-sized microplastics in Mengkabong but 63% smaller-sized microplastics in Salut. Polymer analysis revealed rayon (68%) dominance in Mengkabong, while polyethylene (34%) and rayon (33%) in Salut. Spatial heterogeneity of microplastics was evident through cluster analysis, categorizing stations into clean, moderately polluted, and polluted. Stations adjacent to areas with fewer land-based activities were clean with a low microplastics count, while areas with intense developments, residential, and fishing activities were polluted with high microplastic counts. This study underscores the presence of microplastics in Sabah's rivers, serving as a foundational reference for future research. It is also imperative to conduct regular monitoring of microplastics in the rivers of Sabah since it is anticipated that microplastics contamination will escalate in the coming years globally.

Evaluation of Euphrates River Water Quality on Phytoplankton Biodiversity in Ramadi, Iraq

2024-12-19T13:33:20+08:00

Water quality deterioration is a major global issue due to population growth and rapid economic development, making healthy water essential for human societies' and ecosystems' sustainable development. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate the quality of Euphrates River water through its chemical and physical parameters, as well as the distribution of the phytoplankton community. An environmental comparison was conducted between three stations in Ramadi city to assess the Euphrates River's water quality. The comparison was based on physicochemical and biological variables. Fifteen environmental parameters were measured: temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total turbidity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, bicarbonate, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. The occurrence of seasonal phytoplankton communities was also examined, and the Palmer diversity index, water quality index, and Pearson correlation were calculated. Significant differences were found in the physical and chemical variables of the Euphrates water between studied stations, and in the biological diversity of phytoplankton. The highest average temperature was 26.5 °C at station 1, the highest average pH was 7.575 at station 3, and the electrical conductivity was high at both stations 1 and 3, reaching 810 µS/cm. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) ranged from 1.375 to 1.675 mg/L, the lowest average total hardness was 304.5 mg/L at station 3 and the highest average was 310.75 mg/L at station 1. In addition, the study revealed a high diversity in phytoplankton species and groups. 45 genera of green algae were found at all stations, while only 4 genera of Euglenophyceae and Dinophyceae were found. The study confirmed that the quality of the Euphrates River's water is medium and is characterized by high contamination with organic materials, according to the pollution index for water. It was concluded that phytoplankton groups are a sensitive and useful indicator of waterway health.

Characterizing Fatty Acid Profiles and Evaluating Antibacterial Activity of Edible Yellow Puffer Fish, Xenopterus naritus

2024-07-01T08:16:53+08:00

Puffer fish oil extracted from Xenopterus naritus represents a beneficial source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. Despite the known benefits of puffer fish oil, there is a lack of detailed information on its fatty acid composition. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the fatty acid profiles of puffer fish oil extracted from the liver and muscle tissues. The oil was extracted using the solvent Bligh & Dyer method, and the samples were derivatized into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) before being analyzed via Shimadzu QP2010 Plus gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This analysis highlighted the prevalence of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (8.28 ± 0.08% in liver, 6.15 ± 0.33% in muscle oil) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (3.29 ± 0.12% in liver and 2.16 ± 0.06% in muscle oil), along with the abundance of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, including arachidonic and oleic acid. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of these fish oils were assessed against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method, revealing promising inhibitory effects, with liver oil demonstrating greater efficacy. These findings suggest that puffer fish oil is rich in beneficial fatty acids and possesses antimicrobial properties that could find applications in food preservation, medicine, and agriculture, thereby offering a fresh perspective on the functional and nutritional value of Xenopterus naritus.

Strategies for Enhancing Grow-Out Culture Technique of Community-Based Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra): A Case Study in Malawali Island, Sabah

2024-09-18T10:51:28+08:00

Initial efforts to cultivate Holothuria scabra in coastal communities on Malawali faced several challenges. Most notable were the high mortality rate and slow growth, especially after several harvests. In this study, an attempt was made to improve cultivation techniques to increase the growth and survival rate of hatchery-produced H. scabra on Malawali Island. A comparative analysis of growth and survival rates of 50 H. scabra juveniles (8.68 ± 3.88 g [mean ± S.D.]) kept in 4 m² (stocking density: 12 ind. m⁻²) and 16 m² (3 ind. m⁻²) experimental pens with and without sediment enrichment with Sargassum spp. (enrichment ratio: 3% total biomass) for a period of 6 months was conducted. Several key biophysical parameters were recorded, including total organic matter (TOM) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). The results indicate that lower stocking density and sediment enrichment did not lead to a higher survival rate of juvenile H. scabra. However, stocking density had a noticeable effect on the growth of juvenile H. scabra. The average final total biomass of juveniles in enriched and non-enriched pens with low stocking density was significantly higher (1890.45 g and 1667.65 g, respectively), while juveniles in enriched and non-enriched pens with high stocking density had the lowest total biomass (889.7 g and 350.15 g, respectively). While there was no significant difference in TOM content between enriched and non-enriched pens on each observation day (one-way ANOVA; p > 0.05), the pooled data showed that enriched pens had significantly higher TOM content. Conversely, the enriched pens have a significantly higher Chl-a concentration than the non-enriched pens. Conclusively, the research findings indicate that a stocking density of 3 ind. m⁻² is a feasible approach to maximise the biomass of H. scabra in grow-out pens. On Malawali Island, it was also discovered that while a 3% sediment enrichment alters the properties of the sediment, it is insufficient to sustain H. scabra's ideal development and survival. This study offers insights into sea cucumber farming in the region but highlights the need for further research. Future studies should determine optimal sediment enrichment ratios and use larger sample sizes with sufficient replicates for more conclusive results.

Effects of Salinity Changes on Hematological Blood Parameters and Stress Responses in Red Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) Infected with Vibrio harveyi

2024-07-25T04:04:57+08:00

The effect of salinity manipulation on the blood parameters and stress responses of red tilapia, Oreochromis spp. During infection with Vibrio harveyi was investigated. The fish were reared in five different salinities (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppt) with three replicates for 30 days and were injected with 10⁶ CFU/mL V. harveyi intramuscularly in all treatments except the negative control. After infection, the fish were observed for clinical signs for 14 days, collected blood samples, and measured stress responses in 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14-days post-infection (dpi) with V. harveyi, meanwhile the cortisol plasma was taken on 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-dpi. The analysis of blood parameters consisted of total erythrocyte count (RBCs), total leucocyte count (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) level, percentage of monocytes (Mon), lymphocytes (Lym) and neutrophils (Neu). The stress response parameters included primary responses (cortisol plasma), secondary responses (blood glucose), and tertiary responses (ventilation rate). The results indicate that salinity manipulation influenced the resistance of red tilapia after infection with V. harveyi.

Growth Performance, Digestive Enzymes Activities and Gut Microbiota of Malaysian Mahseer, Tor tambroides Fingerlings Affected by Various Probiotics Concentrations

2024-11-02T09:27:51+08:00

The most valued freshwater fish in Malaysia is the Malaysian mahseer, Tor tambroides, also known as Empurau. Due to the extended growing period, innovative feeding management is required to maintain fish health. This study looked at the effect of Lacto-sacc, a feed additive and antibiotic replacement made up of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Enterococcus faecium, on T. tambroides fingerlings’ growth performance, digestive enzyme activities and gut microbiota. A total of 600 fingerlings, each weighing 6.53 g ± 0.17 g, were allocated into twelve 650 L tanks, with 50 fingerlings per tank. Over a period of 20 weeks, the fish were fed four different diets: 0% Lacto-sacc as control (A), 0.5% Lacto-sacc (B), 1.0% Lacto-sacc (C), and 1.25% Lacto-sacc (D), with each diet replicated in three tanks. Although statistic revealed no significant differences in growth performance among treatment group (p>0.05), but it is noteworthy that fingerlings of T. tambroides were fed a diet containing 0.5% Lacto-sacc exhibited a trend toward improved growth performance with value higher SGR, along with elevated lipase and protease activities than other groups. Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes were the top four phyla in the gut microbiota of T. tambroides, accounting for more than 95%, with Fusobacteria dominating at around 70% of the gut microbiota. Cetobacterium, ZOR0006, Brevinema, and Aeromonas were the most common genera detected. T. tambroides fed a 0.5% Lacto-sacc (B) diet had lower Fusobacteria abundance while increasing other dominating bacteria compared to other treatments. Although there is no significant difference in gut microbiota, the gut microbiota of T. tambroides fed probiotics was more consistently disturbed and diversified, indicating less species dominance. The addition of Lacto-sacc, particularly at a concentration of 0.5%, appeared to enhance growth performance and increase the activity of digestive enzymes compared to the diet without Lacto-sacc, although the results were not statistically significant.

Morphology and Molecular Characterisation of Karenia mikimotoi (Dinophyceae) from Sabah Malaysian Borneo, with a Focus on the Second Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS2) of Ribosomal RNA gene

2024-11-01T15:05:39+08:00

The first recorded bloom of Karenia mikimotoi (initially Gymnodinium mikimotoi) occurred off the coast of Japan in 1934, causing mass mortality of shellfish and fish. This event highlighted the devastating impact of K. mikimotoi blooms and marked a turning point in harmful algal bloom (HAB) research, driving studies on its identification, biology, toxicology, and effects on marine life and ecosystems. The past reported bloom events in Southeast Asia have raised public concerns, leading to further investigation into the occurrence and geographical distribution of K. mikimotoi in the region. As of yet, there is no recorded evidence of K. mikimotoi blooms in Malaysian waters. This prompt the investigation of the occurrence and distribution of K. mikimotoi in Malaysia, and this study represent the first record of K. mikimotoi in Malaysian waters. In this study, clonal cultures of K. mikimotoi isolated from Sepanggar Bay, Sabah were examined using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe its morphological features. Cells of K. mikimotoi from Malaysian Borneo exhibited a typical dorso-ventrally flattened body with bi-lobed and linear apical grooves on the cell apex. Molecular characterisation of the strains based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA revealed close phylogenetic relationships with other strains of K. mikimotoi from other regions, forming a monophyletic clade that positioned as sister to K. brevis, supporting the species identity of K. mikimotoi. The secondary structure of the ITS2 RNA transcript revealed a universal structure with four major helices. Structural comparison between K. mikimotoi and its relatives revealed four to six hemi-compensatory base changes. The results demonstrated the efficacy of ITS2 secondary structure information in delimiting species in Karenia. The detailed morphology and molecular characteristics of K. mikimotoi were revealed, for the first time, from the coastal waters of Malaysian Borneo.

Potential of Local Microorganisms Solution from Chicken Manure as a Bioactivator in Liquid Waste Treatment from the Fish Cracker Processing Industry

2024-04-25T01:28:41+08:00

The wastewater produced by traditional food industry is a source of problem due to its high levels of organic compounds pollutant that can increase the level of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) values that exceed the established wastewater quality standard thresholds. The difficulty in removing high concentrations of organic material through conventional waste treatment necessitates the use of special treatment methods using local microorganisms’ solution as bioactivators to accelerate the decomposition of organic compounds. This research aims to identify bacteria in local microorganisms’ solution with potential applications in reducing organic compounds by its enzymatic activities. Based on the research results, among the 42 isolates examined, six isolates demonstrated the ability to hydrolyze starch, protein and fat based on qualitative tests. These isolates belong to the genus Bacillus based on partial sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The qualitative tests confirmed the potential of these isolates as they exhibited enzymatic activities that showed potential to reduce organic compounds.

Antagonistic Potential of a Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (B. cereus PS1.1, B. cereus PS1.2, B. cereus PS1.4) Against the Patogent Fungus Ganoderma sp. Isolated from Basal Stem of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) with Rot Disease

2024-07-10T13:10:51+08:00

Ganoderma sp. is a pathogenic fungus whose attack can cause basal stem rot disease of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). Disease control using phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), namely Bacillus cereus can be an alternative to biological control. The purpose of this study was to determine the antagonistic ability of PSB (B. cereus PS1.1, B. cereus PS1.2, B. cereus PS1.4) in inhibiting the growth of Ganoderma sp. BP1 and changes in hyphal morphology of Ganoderma sp. BP1 after antagonistic testing. The research was conducted from January to May 2023 at the Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tanjungpura University, Pontianak. Antagonist testing used a completely randomized design (CRD) with the treatments consisted of Ganoderma sp. BP1 (negative control), 1% hexaconazole fungicide (positive control), PSB isolates PS1.1, PS1.2 and PS1.4. The test method used the dual culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media with each treatment repeated four times so that 20 experimental units were obtained. The results showed that PSB isolate PS1.4 had strong inhibition with an inhibition zone diameter of 11.01 mm, while isolates PS1.1 and PS1.2 had moderate inhibition with inhibition zone diameters of 9.43 mm and 9.45 mm, respectively, against Ganoderma sp. BP1. Hyphal morphology changes in of Ganoderma sp. BP1 that occurred after the antagonist test consist of lysed hyphae, twisted hyphae, hook-like hyphal tips, curly hyphae, bulbous hyphae, branched hyphae and bent hyphal ends.

Physico-Chemical Properties and Mineral Identification of Salt Licks Soil in Segaliud Lokan Forest Reserve

2024-08-21T10:54:08+08:00

This study intended to describe the physicochemical and mineralogical properties of salt licks discovered in Segaliud Lokan Forest Reserve. The salt licks in this forest reported to be visited and used by wildlifes via camera trap studies. In order to understand this wildlife’s behavior, the physicochemical and mineralogical properties of the salt lick especially the salt lick soil are important to determine the cause of the wildlife visitation. Five salt licks area as well as controlled soils were selected. Water and rock samples were also collected for the comparison study. The physical characteristic of licks soil shows pH ranges from slightly acidic to alkaline, high moisture content (23.30% – 59.35%), wide range of organic matter content (0.38% – 9.65%) and electrical conductivity range between 41.82 µS/cm to 243.32 µS/cm which is higher than the controlled soils. The soil texture from the salt licks soils is mostly classified as loam. The result of chemical analysis shows that the concentration of elements is higher in the lick soil compared to the controlled soil such as Ca (1101.92 mg/kg – 11551.64 mg/kg), K (767.32 mg/kg – 2432.11 mg/kg), Na (85.83 mg/kg – 754.20 mg/kg), Mg (986.05 mg/kg – 5843.29 mg/kg) and P (47.23 mg/kg – 290.215 mg/kg). Water samples from salt licks area are rich in Ca (637.67 mg/L – 3074.25 mg/L) and Na (572.35 mg/L – 2554.63 mg/L) compared to river nearby. The mineral analysis indicated the appearance of clay such as illite, chlorite and smectite. As a conclusion, the salt lick soil’s pH varies from slightly acidic to alkaline (5.38 – 8.98) compared to controlled soils (4.54), The salt lick surface soils also show higher percentage of moisture content (69.38%) and soil electrical conductivity (78.41%) difference compared to controlled soils. Meanwhile the organic matter percentage in salt lick soils is slightly lower (48.85%) than the controlled soils (51.11%). The salt lick soils also exhibit higher elements concentration than the controlled soils such as average concentration of Ca (96.14%), K (86.09%), Na (89.51%) Mg (91.38%) and P (86.78%).

Synthesis, Antibacterial Properties and Molecular Docking of Nitrobenzoylthiourea Compounds and their Copper(II) Complex

2024-09-20T15:43:22+08:00

The rise of multidrug-resistant microbial pathogens has increased the demand for highly effective antibiotics. Five nitrobenzoylthiourea ligands (1–5) with amino acid side chains and their corresponding Cu(II) complexes (6–10) were synthesised with yields ranging from 43% to 90%. The successful synthesis of ligands 1-5 were confirmed by the absence of the ν(NCS) stretching band and the presence of the ν(NH) band, indicating the complete reaction of all (NCS) with a series of amino acids as well as the appearance of two N-H signals in the ¹H NMR spectra of all the synthesised ligands. On the other hand, the shift of the (C=O) carboxylic peaks in the Cu(II) complexes suggested successful coordination of ligands to the metal ion via the carboxylate group. The antibacterial activities of these compounds were tested against six bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the disc diffusion method. The Cu(II) complexes (6-10) exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity compared to the ligands (1-5), especially against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa). For example, compound 4 showed moderate activity against K. pneumoniae with a 14 mm inhibition zone while its Cu(II) complexes, 8 recorded better inhibition against K. pneumoniae with a 16 mm inhibition zone. Molecular docking studies on all complexes (6-10) also revealed higher binding affinity with targeted proteins with binding energy between -10.4 kcal/mol to -9.0 kcal/mol, in comparison with ligand 2 and 4 with the binding energy of only -7.7 kcal/mol (against S. aureus) and -6.9 kcal/mol (against K. pneumoniae). The enhanced antibacterial activity of all complexes correlates with the higher binding affinity obtained for all complexes. Hence, this study concludes that the nitrobenzoylthiourea derivatives, and particularly their Cu(II) complexes can show potential as antibacterial agent although more thorough investigation are required to develop these compounds into useful drugs.

Red Seaweed Carrageenan: A Comprehensive Review of Preparation in Cosmetics - An In Depth Analysis

2024-09-11T11:39:20+08:00

Carrageenan, an extract from red seaweed (Rhodophyta), has many uses in cosmetics, and this literature review delves into them all. Due to its superior gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, carrageenan, a polysaccharide with a wide range of chemical structures, has been utilized in various industries throughout history. In recent years, the cosmetics industry has shown growing interest in harnessing the potential of carrageenan, driven by the increasing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the botanical background, types of carrageenan, and the most effective extraction methods for obtaining the key bioactive compounds that enhance its functionality in cosmetic formulations. The functional properties of carrageenan in cosmetics are discussed in depth, including its gelling and thickening capabilities, moisturizing effects, and stability enhancement. Additionally, its biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to its appeal as a valuable ingredient in skincare products. Formulation considerations, including compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients and optimal concentrations, are explored to facilitate the development of effective products. The review also addresses the incorporation of carrageenan into cosmetic formulations, along with safety and regulatory aspects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the product's conformity with industry standards. In conclusion, the review provides an overview of current challenges, potential future research directions, and case studies showcasing the incorporation of carrageenan into cosmetic products. This review aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, formulators, and industry professionals interested in the innovative use of carrageenan in the evolving landscape of cosmetic science by synthesizing existing knowledge and identifying gaps in the current scientific literature.

The Danger of Foot and Mouth Disease in Livestock – A Review

2024-04-06T12:29:57+08:00

The FMD virus, also known as FMDV, is a member of the Picornaviridae family of the genus Aphthovirus. There are seven immunologically distinct FMD virus serotypes, known as Asia-1, A, C, O, South-African Territories (SAT) -1, -2, and -3. The disease's clinical symptoms include the development of vesicles on the lips, tongue, palate, tooth pads, nose, coronary band, gums, and interdigital spaces. There are many viral, host, and environmental factors that affect the epidemiology of FMD, including variations in viral virulence, particle stability in diverse microenvironments, and possible long-term survival. FMD can spread in a variety of ways, including through human contact with contaminated milk tankers or animal transport vehicles, the use of contaminated animal goods, equipment, or vehicles, or by the transmission of windborne viruses. Foot and mouth illness is not considered to be a serious public health hazard because the infection seems to be rare and the effects are self-limiting. Since the cost of disease control is added to the direct economic losses brought on by animal deaths, decreased milk production, and slowed animal growth rates, FMD epidemics indirectly harm the economy. Some of the techniques used to control FMD epidemics include mobility restrictions, quarantines, the death of infected and exposed animals, and cleaning and disinfecting impacted buildings, equipment, and vehicles.

The Gut Microbiomes of Wild Rodents within Forested Environments in Sarawak, Borneo

2024-09-11T11:47:20+08:00

The gut microbiota of rodents is shaped by highly diverse bacterial communities. Within the gut environment, there are core gut bacteria that are responsible for facilitating essential bodily processes while maintaining the health of the host rodents. Currently, research on the gut microbiota of wild rodents in Borneo remains limited, especially those encompassing the potential influence of environmental factors. Through the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) performed using Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a total of 1052 bacterial genera were detected from 16 rodent individuals of six rodent species. These bacteria were found to be prevalent in the gut microbiota of wild rodents in forested regions. Several bacterial families of importance belonging to the phylum Bacillota were identified, including Lachnospiraceae (18%), Lactobacillaceae (20%) and Oscillospiraceae (19%). They were found to have a high relative abundance when compared with other bacterial families. The diversity of gut microbes among individual rodents showed no significant differences. However, the gut microbiome composition of wild rodents appears to have been influenced by the host species and their life stages. The outcome of this study allows for a better understanding of the prevailing core microbiome members shared across multiple wild rodent individuals within forested areas.

Chemistry Profile and Biological Activity of Campnosperma auriculatum Extracts

2024-08-19T10:56:28+08:00

As our ongoing investigation for bioactive natural products from tropical plant, we performed preliminary study on one of important tropical plants in West Kalimantan, Terentang putih, Campnosperma auriculatum. The aims were to determine effective solvent used for extraction, chemistry profile, total phenolic content, free-radical scavenging, cytotoxicity, and anti-termite activities of leaves, stems, and roots extracts of C. auriculatum. Variation of solvent for extraction was selected based on its polarisation, namely, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. The effectiveness of solvent was determined by observing the rendemen of each extract, where amount of sample and solvent volume, duration of extraction, temperature, and maceration technique were controled. Determination of total phenolic content was performed using Folin-Ciocalteu method. IC₅₀ value for free-radical scavenging activity was calculated by plotting standard concentration and absorption data observed through DPPH method. Cytotoxicity evaluation was performed to each ethanolic extract against 4T1 cancer cell line using MTT assay. Anti-termite activity was conducted against Coptotermes curvignathus by calculating percentage of termite mortality and paper weight loss. This research showed that ethanol solvent was the most effective extraction solvent giving the highest yield in each part of plant. Phytochemically, all extracts showed that they contain phenolics and alkaloids. Ethanolic extract of stems showed the highest total phenolic content with 737.6 ± 0.56 ppm (GAE) and the most active as free-radical scavenger with IC₅₀ value of 135.51 ± 0.91 ppm. Meanwhile, the roots extract exhibited pronounce cytotoxicity toward 4T1 cancer cell line with IC₅₀ value of 1.55 ± 3.29 µg/ml and high selectivity index. Furthermore, the roots extract displayed most active as anti-termite as well as antifeedant. Hitherto, this study is the first report on phytochemistry and biological activity from leaves, stems, and roots of C. auriculatum. Moreover, this plant can be explored further for its potential on medicinal and agricultural industries.

Farmers' Perception Towards Agroforestry Practices in Siburan

2024-07-24T07:16:06+08:00

Climate change increasingly affects agricultural output and productivity, prompting a search for resilient and sustainable land use practices. Among these, agroforestry has gained recognition as a crucial strategy, offering mitigation against climate change and providing environmental, economic, and social benefits. Agroforestry is a practice that integrates trees and crops for sustainable land management to mitigate climate change and generate income. Although there are successful pilot projects for wet rice cultivation in Kampung Skuduk and Kampung Chupak, agroforestry activities in the paddy fields have yet to be documented. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce agroforestry practices to farmers in order to diversify their income sources and aid in their adaptation to climate change. Thus, this study aimed to determine farmers’ perception towards agroforestry, as it will influence farmers’ attitudes and the likelihood of them adopting agroforestry practices to adopt agroforestry practice. Data was gathered via structured questionnaire interviews, employing a five-point Likert scale to evaluate respondents’ views on agroforestry. The data were analysed using SPSS and the trend of the composite score was used to interpret the five-point Likert scale data. The results show that the respondents have a positive attitude toward agroforestry practices. They also expected awareness-raising activities and workshops on agroforestry, indicating that they are willing to learn more about these practices. Eighty percent of respondents who do not practice agroforestry are interested in practicing agroforestry if there are no obstacles. This positive attitude indicates that farmers in the study area are ready and willing to practice agroforestry if there are no obstacles, because a positive attitude towards an agricultural innovation will increase the likelihood of adoption.

Optimizing Silicon Application for Enhancing Growth and Chlorophyll Concentration in Pepper Plants (Piper nigrum L.) Cultivar Kuching

2024-09-17T13:34:54+08:00

Silicon is known to play a central role in regulating various aspects of plant growth and development, including nutrient uptake, root formation, and growth. Silicon is the second most abundant element found in soil primarily as neutral, monomeric silicic acid, which is the biologically available form for plant uptake. Although silicon is not considered an essential nutrient for the basic life cycle of most plants, its availability can significantly benefits to plant health, growth, and stress tolerance. However, previous research has mainly focused on plants grown in silicon, and silicon occurs naturally as silicon dioxide (SiO₂), and is not in a form that is easily absorbed by plants. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of silicon (Si) in silicic acid form (H₄O₄Si) on the growth and chlorophyll concentration of pepper (Piper nigrum L.) seedlings, particularly the Kuching variety. The Si application had been applied once a week with five different concentrations via root applications; T1 [0.5% Si (v/v)], T2 [1.5% Si (v/v)], T3 [2.0% Si (v/v)], T4 [1.5% potassium silicate (v/v)] as positive control and T5 [negative control (without silicon)] on pepper cutting-grown plants. Growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter and chlorophyll concentration were observed and collected. Our results showed that the treatment with Si nutrients is promising, as the Si-treated pepper clones showed faster and more robust growth compared to the control plants in the early growth stages. The results indicate that a 0.5% Si concentration (v/v) effectively maintains the high chlorophyll content over four weeks, in contrast to the decreasing trend observed in the control group. This study thus presents the first report on the application of Si in P. nigrum L., demonstrating the feasibility of Si uptake and growth enhancement in pepper plants. The results suggest a stepwise application of Si, starting with low concentrations (0.5% Si v/v) via the root in the early growth stages to strengthen young plants before transplanting to the field. However, foliar spraying could also be considered in future studies as the silicon is absorbed faster compared to root application. Further studies on the passive defence structure (physical barriers such as cuticle, wax, and trichomes) are needed to prove that it can repel pathogens and insects.