CURRENT APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

EMS-Induced Genetic Variation and Morphological Changes in Musa laterita

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Musa laterita (orange torch banana) holds ornamental and cultural value, yet its natural breeding potential is limited by sterility and low seed germination. Induced mutation through ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a promising method to generate genetic diversity for plant improvement. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of EMS on M. laterita, focusing on tissue culture propagation, mutation induction, and genetic variation analysis. Tissue-cultured plants were exposed to varying EMS concentrations (100-500 mM) for 1, 6, and 12 h. Survival rates decreased with increasing EMS concentration and exposure time, with no survival at concentrations above 400 mM for prolonged duration. The optimal EMS concentration for mutation was found at 300 mM with 6 h of exposure, yielding significant morphological changes, including an increase in root length (5.99 cm), while pseudostem length showed an upward trend but was not significantly different from the control. Genetic variation was assessed using ISSR markers, with 47.24% polymorphism detected. The greatest genetic distance (51.02%) was observed between control and the treatment at 300 mM for 6 h, confirming the effectiveness of EMS in inducing genetic mutations. These findings demonstrate that EMS can induce useful genetic diversity in M. laterita, thereby offering a valuable resource for future breeding efforts aimed at developing improved ornamental cultivars.

Estimation of Combining Ability in Field Maize Inbred Lines for Adaptive and Yield Component Traits Using Half-Diallel Crosses Under Well-Watered and Water-Stressed Conditions

Kamolrat Boonmawat, Darush Struss, Pattama Hannok — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Climate variability and prolonged droughts pose significant threats to field maize production, emphasizing the urgent need for drought-tolerant varieties to reduce yield losses and enhance resilience. This study aimed to identify superior maize hybrids by evaluating the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of inbred lines. Genetic diversity analysis using 523 SNP markers identified 240 markers with a minor allele frequency (MAF) ≥ 0.05. The results categorized inbred lines into six clusters based on genetic distance, which ranged from 0.01 to 0.46. Ten lines from each cluster were selected for half-diallel crosses, generating 45 F1 hybrids. Field trials under well-watered and water-stressed conditions were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 dry seasons using a split-plot in randomized complete block design with two replications. Combining ability analysis showed that GCA, reflecting additive genetic effects, significantly influenced adaptive traits such as anthesis-silking interval (ASI), stay-green (SG), SPAD (chlorophyll content), and plant height (PH) traits associated with photosynthetic efficiency, reproductive success, and drought tolerance. Key parental lines, including Ki58, Nei582046, Kei1508, and Kei1618, were identified as strong donors for drought-adaptive traits, while DTMA192 was a significant contributor to yield component traits. Promising crosses, DTMA192 x Kei1618 and Ki58 x DTMA192, exhibited substantial SCA effects for adaptive and yield component traits, supporting a dual breeding approach. Integration of drought-adaptive trait selection based on parental GCA effects and hybrid performance on SCA provides an effective strategy to develop resilient, high-yielding maize hybrids, which are critical for regions facing water scarcity and climate change.

Yield and Properties of Collagen from Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Scales: Effects of Ultrasonic Pretreatment on Pepsin-Aided Extraction

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The yield and characteristics of collagen from Nile tilapia scale pretreated with ultrasound at 40 kHz for 2 h before pepsin-aided extraction for 12-72 h (US collagen) were investigated compared to collagen from the scales without ultrasonic pretreatment (non-US collagen). Both collagens' yields increased with prolonged extraction time (P<0.05). Nevertheless, the yield of ultrasound-pretreated collagen (2.20-4.31%) was approximately 2 times greater than that of collagen without ultrasonic pretreatment (1.06-2.03%) (P<0.05). The amino acid compositions of both collagens were comparable, consisting mainly of glycine, alanine, proline, and hydroxyproline (329-330, 115,119, 114-116, 85 residues per 1000 residues, respectively), and both were classified as type I collagen. Moreover, the thermal transition temperatures (39.38-39.43°C) and enthalpy (0.55 J/g) were comparable between both collagens (P>0.05). Analysis of the FTIR spectra indicated that the ultrasonication pretreatment of the scale before the collagen did not alter the triple-helical structure of the collagen. Therefore, pretreatment of the Nile tilapia scales with ultrasonication before the pepsin-aided process could increase yield without significantly affecting the characteristics and triple-helical structure of the collagen.

Synthesis and Characterization of Natural HAp/β-TCP Biphasic Calcium Phosphate from Salmon Bone Using a Simplified, Low-cost Technique

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Bioceramics containing biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP) are the preferred material for various bone healing applications. BCP consists of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) and offers a balance between solubility and resorption, which promotes cell interaction and tissue growth. There is high demand to synthesize BCP from natural sources using simple and inexpensive methods. This study investigated the effects of calcination temperature on the phase structure, chemical composition, and microstructure of BCP powders synthesized from raw salmon bone (Atlantic salmon) using a simplified, low-cost technique. The successful synthesis of BCP powder from raw salmon bone was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The physical and chemical characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD results revealed the coexistence of HAp and β-TCP phases at calcination temperatures above 600°C for 2 h, indicating the formation of BCP compounds. The relative phase content of HAp and β-TCP changed when the calcination temperature increased from 600 to 1000°C. The crystallite size of HAp and β-TCP increased while the lattice strain decreased as the calcination temperature increased. All samples showed polyhedral lumps of irregular sizes, and the Ca/P ratio decreased from 2.14 to 1.95 with higher calcination temperatures. The FTIR results of all samples revealed the existence of the functional groups of phosphate (PO₄^3-) hydroxyl (OH^-) and carbonate (CO₃²^-), which are characteristic of the BCP structure. The optimal phase ratio of HAp/β-TCP at approximately 60:40 was obtained by the samples at a calcination temperature of 800°C. This study reports on a new simplified, low-cost technique to synthesize BCP powder from salmon bone.

Seed Morphology and Adverse Effect of Seed Drying on Endemic and Endangered Pinanga arinasae Morphometric and Viability

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Pinanga arinasae is an endemic and endangered palm from Bali, Indonesia. Despite its enormous traditional use, ornamental potential, and confined distribution, the study of this species, seed biology, still needs to be explored. This study aimed to describe seed morphology, morphometrics, and viability in fresh and dried P. arinasae seeds. The palm seeds were collected from the Bali Botanic Garden. Seed morphology description, morphometric measurement, and tetrazolium viability assay were conducted on fresh and dried P. arinasae seeds. The results indicated that P. arinasae obovoid shape corresponded with the species original description. The fresh seeds and embryos had length and width of 1.70 and 1.19, and 0.41 and 0.18 cm, respectively. The seed morphology was similar to palm seeds, with reticulating endosperm and a germinative button during early germination. Fresh seeds showed perfect viability on the tetrazolium test. However, the study highlighted the adverse effects of extensive drying on the P. arinasae seed morphometric parameters and zero viability after the tetrazolium test. This study provides baseline data for further research on P. arinasae seed biology to support its conservation and domestication effort.

Physical and Antioxidant Properties of Bamboo Shoot: Impact of Boiling on Purine Content and Antioxidant Activity

Jessada Techamahasaranont , Pancheewan Ponpang-nga, Arpassorn Sirijariyawat — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Bamboo shoots are highly valued as a nutritious food source. However, their physical and nutritional properties vary depending on the species. Additionally, it is essential to process bamboo shoots before consumption to reduce their cyanide content, ensuring they are safe for consumption. Therefore, this research aimed to study the physical properties, antioxidant activity, and purine content in four bamboo shoot species: Thyrsostachys siamensis, Gigantochloa albociliata, Bambusa burmanica, and Bambusa multiplex. The effects of boiling at 100°C for 25 min on these properties were also investigated. The results showed that all fresh bamboo shoots had high moisture content (91.16%-92.73%) (p>0.05). Significant color differences were observed (p≤0.05), with B. multiplex having the highest L*, whereas B. burmanica and B. multiplex had lower b* values than the others. In terms of texture, the shoots of G. albociliata had the lowest hardness (p≤0.05), while the others showed no significant differences (p>0.05). The antioxidant results showed that T. siamensis exhibited the highest antioxidant activity by the DPPH method, whereas B. multiplex had the highest phenolic content (143.20 mg GAE/100g wb) and antioxidant activity by the ABTS method (14.77 mg TE/g wb). Regarding purine content, all bamboo shoots contained more adenine and guanine than hypoxanthine and xanthine. The shoots of B. burmanica and B. multiplex had total purine contents of 61.12 mg/100g wb and 66.26 mg/100g wb, respectively, classifying them as low-purine foods. The shoots of T. siamensis and G. albociliata had higher purine contents (107.19 mg/100g wb and 101.55 mg/100g wb, respectively), classifying them as moderate-purine foods. This research demonstrated that the physical properties, antioxidant activity, and purine content of bamboo shoots varied depending on the species. Although boiling reduced antioxidant levels, it also provided the benefit of significantly lowering purine content in all bamboo shoot species. For individuals concerned about purine intake, B. burmanica and B. multiplex were recommended, as they fell into the food category of "very low purine content" after boiling. Furthermore, B. multiplex not only had low purine levels but also demonstrated high phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity, as determined by the ABTS method.

Screening and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Ethanolic Botanical Waste Extracts as a New Approach for the Control of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella (L)

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a major pest that causes serious damage in beekeeping industry. Controlling this pest is a great challenge due to its direct contact with honeybees and their products. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of various plant-based wastes against G. mellonella, facilitating the replacement of synthetic chemicals hitherto used for its control and the recycling of the botanical wastes. For this purpose, various ethanolic extracts of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.), mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco), and orange (Citrus sinensis L.) peels were prepared and their phenolic compounds were detected using HPLC. All extracts were applied against the 4^th larval instar of G. mellonella and their LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were determined. These effects were examined on larval mortality, nutritional reserves (total protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents), digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase) and midgut histology. The obtained results revealed that the banana peel ethanol extract (BPEE) was very promising for pest control as it had the lowest LC_50s comparing to the other treatments. Moreover, biochemical tests showed an increase in the protein content and a decrease in the carbohydrate content of the treated larvae, while the lipid content was not changed. In addition, treatments also disrupted the activities of digestive enzymes. In all cases, treatment with BPEE produced the strongest effect in treated larvae compared to other treatments and controls. Finally, BPEE induced marked gut damage in the treated larvae.

Isolation, Screening, and Molecular Identification of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria from Maize Rhizosphere Soil

Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke, Soji Fakoya — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The biotechnological relevance of rhizosphere microbiomes with diverse mechanisms underlining their survival under harsh environments for improved plant nutrition and resilience against drought and phytopathogens cannot be over-emphasized. We aimed to isolate, screen, and molecularly identify plant growth-promoting bacteria from the maize soil sourced from different farmlands in the coastline areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. The bacteria isolated were identified molecularly using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Twenty culturable bacterial isolates were subjected to plant growth-promoting screening, biocontrol test, and drought, heavy metals [lead (PbSO₄), cadmium (CdSO₄), zinc (ZnSO₄), and copper (CuSO₄)], and salt (NaCl) tolerance tests. The three bacteria with positive results for the tests were selected and identified as Serratia marcescens BSE_1, Bacillus cereus BSA_1, and Proteus mirabilis BSI_1. P. mirabilis BSI_1 exhibited biocontrol activities of 2.9 mm against the pathogenic fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii, and high tolerance of 41% and 46% to ZnSO₄ and CdSO₄ at 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively. The high PbSO₄ tolerance of 89% and CuSO₄ tolerance of 98% by S. marcescens BSE_1 and B cereus BSA_1 were recorded in an inoculated medium supplemented with 0.3% PbSO₄ and CuSO₄. The high salt (NaCl) tolerance of 76% at 0.1% and 0.2% were recorded for B. cereus BSA_1, and P. mirabilis BSI_1 compared to the control. The experimental trials involving greenhouse and field bioinoculation showed a significant effect of mixed drought-tolerant bacteria on maize growth compared to the control. Therefore, harnessing these rhizobacteria as bioinoculants to maximize coastal agricultural productivity can help ensure food security.

Optimization of Needleless Electrospinning for the Large- Scale Production of Photocatalytic Nanofibers

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study was focused on optimizing a needleless electrospinning process for the large-scale production of PVA/TiO₂/chitosan nanofibers. Using a custom-designed mushroom-shaped spinneret, key parameters including solution viscosity, electric field strength, flow rate, and spinneret-to-collector distance—were systematically varied and optimized to enhance fiber production efficiency and uniformity. Three spinneret designs, multiple solution compositions, and electric field strengths were tested to determine optimal conditions. The resulting nanofibers were characterized using FTIR, SEM, XRD, and EDX, confirming the successful integration of TiO₂ and chitosan into the polymer matrix. The mushroom-shaped spinneret demonstrated the highest production efficiency, producing uniform nanofibers with an average diameter of 150 nm and a throughput of 300 mg/h. Mechanical testing indicated an improved tensile strength of 9.2 MPa, while photocatalytic evaluation showed 82% methylene blue degradation after 180 min of UV exposure, confirming their potential for environmental remediation. Compared to conventional single-needle electrospinning, the needleless electrospinning setup exhibited higher throughput, better fiber uniformity, and improved control over nanofiber properties, indicating its viability for industrial-scale applications. Future research should explore long-term stability, advanced material combinations, and further parameter refinements to enhance large-scale nanofiber production.

Impact of Pichia manshurica UNJCC Y-123 and Pichia cecembensis UNJCC Y-157 on Fermentation of Maggot (Hermetia illucens) Growth Media for Enhanced Broiler Chicken Carcass Quality

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Broiler chickens are widely used as livestock due to their relatively short growth period, enabling rapid turnover and efficient meat production. Black soldier fly (BSF) maggot flour is a potential protein source that can be used to enhance broiler productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermentation using a yeast combination (Pichia manshurica UNJCC Y-123 and Pichia cecembensis UNJCC Y-157) on BSF maggot biomass, waste reduction index (WRI), feed conversion efficiency, and nutritional quality, as well as its impact on broiler carcass percentage during the starter period. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 95% confidence level. Toxicity testing showed both yeasts were non-toxic with LC₅₀ > 1000. Synergism tests revealed that the two yeasts had a synergistic effect. Fermentation of BSF maggot media with these yeasts significantly influenced (P<0.05) maggot biomass and feed conversion efficiency but did not significantly affect the waste reduction index. The fermentation also had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the nutritional content of BSF maggot flour, improving parameters such as moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, and crude protein content. Furthermore, supplementation of broiler feed with fermented BSF maggot flour significantly increased (P<0.05) the carcass percentage, reaching up to 60%. These findings indicate that fermentation using P. manshurica UNJCC Y-123 and P. cecembensis UNJCC Y-157 enhances the quality of BSF maggot flour and supports its use as a sustainable protein source in broiler feed formulations.

Influence of Pre-treatment Techniques on Quality of Vacuum-Fried Carrot Chips

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The influence of various pre-treatments on the physicochemical properties of vacuum-fried (VF) carrot chips, including blanching (85°C for 3.5 min), blanching combined with drying (85°C for 3.5 min followed by drying at 70°C for 1 h 30 min), blanching combined with freezing (85°C for 3.5 min followed by freezing at -20°C for 4 to 5 h), freezing (-18°C overnight), and edible gum coating (dipping in 1.5% guar gum for 5 min), was compared with untreated (control) and atmospheric-fried carrot chips. The processing conditions, such as frying temperature (100°C), frying pressure (9 kPa), and frying time (20 min), were selected for the pre-treatment study. Refined palm oil was used for vacuum frying, and de-oiling was carried out at 1000 rpm for 10 min. Quality parameters such as oil content, moisture content, water activity, total yield, color, and sensory value were determined using standard procedures. The results revealed that the lowest moisture content (2.15%) and water activity (0.214) were observed in vacuum-fried carrot chips that underwent the blanching combined with drying pre-treatment. The lowest oil content (10.04%) was recorded in vacuum-fried edible gum-coated chips. Frozen pre-treated vacuum-fried carrot chips had the lowest hardness value of 1.282 N, and the maximum colour values were L* (38.92), a* (22.85), and b* (27.86). Based on the quality parameters and sensory evaluation of the vacuum-fried carrot chips, the freezing pre-treatment was found to be superior among the pre-treatments.

Effect of Soaking Time and Gamma Radiation on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Three Varieties of Chinese Spinach

Sureeporn Sarapirom, Thasapong Saibunpang, Rapeepan Luejai, Kittikhun Prakrajang — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Pre-soaking seeds prior to radiation exposure is a common technique used in agricultural and biological research to study its effects on seed germination, growth, and overall plant development. This study investigated the impact of varying seed soaking time and radiation exposure on three varieties of Chinese spinach (Type A: red leaf, Type B: long green leaf, and Type C: round green leaf). Seeds were soaked for 0, 12, 24, and 36 h before exposure to 0 and 50 Gy of gamma radiation. Germination percentages were monitored for 72 h, and seedling growth parameters, including height, leaf length, leaf width, and number of leaves, were measured over 28 days. Correlation matrices were generated to analyze the relationships between soaking time, radiation dose, and growth parameters. The results indicated that soaking time and radiation exposure interacted in complex ways to influence plant growth. Type A seeds exhibited increased germination and leaf expansion with longer soaking time under radiation, while Types B and C showed reduced growth in height, leaf length, and width. The findings highlight species-specific responses to radiation and soaking treatments, providing insights into optimizing seed treatment protocols for crop improvement in stress-prone environments. These results contribute to understanding plant resilience mechanisms, offering valuable insights for plant breeders aiming to optimize seed treatment protocols for effective mutation breeding.

Assimilate Partitioning and Agronomic Performance of Floating Rice in Flood-Prone Ecosystems of Indonesia

Nasrudin Nasrudin, Monita Dwiyani, Dian Mardiansyah, Riad Taufik — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Rice cultivation in flood-prone areas often results in a decrease in yield and crop failure. The Floating Rice Field (FRF) method is a strategy to increase plant resilience while improving rice production in flood-prone areas. The choice of the right seedling makes it easier for plants to adapt to the FRF method, improving physiological traits, growth, and yield. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of seedling age on the agronomic performance and assimilate partitioning of rice planted using the FRF method in the flood-prone areas. A field experiment was conducted in Pangandaran, Indonesia. The study was arranged as a 2x2 factorial randomized complete block design with seedling age (14 DAS and 21 DAS) as the first factor and rice variety (Inpari 3 and Inpari 30 Ciherang Sub 1) as the second factor with four replications. There was no interaction between seedling age and rice variety for all parameters observed. Seedling age significantly affected total chlorophyll, plant height, number of grains per panicle, percentage of filled grain, and harvest yield. Furthermore, rice variety only affected plant height and harvest yield. Although 21 DAS resulted in higher plants, 14 DAS showed better physiological performance and productivity. Specifically, 14 DAS seedlings had higher total chlorophyll content, more grains per panicle, a greater percentage of filled grain, and higher harvest yield. The Inpari 3 rice variety produced lower plant growth and harvest yield than Inpari 30 Ciherang Sub 1 rice variety. In correlation analysis, total chlorophyll content caused an increase in the percentage of filled grain and harvest yield (r= 0.53 and r= 0. 28), while plant height caused a decrease in harvest yield (r= -0.30).

Exploring the Multifunctional Potential of Fructophilic Enterococcus faecium as a Probiotic and Extracellular Folate Producer Isolated from Wild Apis dorsata Honeybee Hives in East Nusa Tenggara

Dandy Yusuf, Fenny Amilia Mahara, Yuliana Tandi Rubak — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Folate or vitamin B₉ is an essential nutrient that supports a variety of biological functions. Folate deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including megaloblastic anemia, digestive problems, and impaired neurodevelopment in the fetus during pregnancy. Currently, folic acid used for fortification is generally synthesized chemically, which causes unwanted side effects. Bacteria are able to produce folate, but folate production from probiotics has not been widely reported. In fact, folate-producing probiotics can provide an additional source of folate for the body through its absorption in the intestine. This study aimed to select, isolate and identify fructophilic LAB strains from wild giant honeybee hives that had probiotic potential and the ability to produce folate. The results showed that the fructophilic strains Enterococcus faecium MD05, Enterococcus sp. MD23, and E. faecium MD29, identified based on the 16S rRNA gene, are lactic acid bacteria with Gram-positive and catalase-negative properties. All three have probiotic potential, indicated by in vitro tolerance tests to pH 2.5 and 0.3% bile salt, have antimicrobial activity, are able to form aggregates against pathogens, and are sensitive to antibiotics. Enterococcus faecium MD29 was successfully proven to produce extracellular folate up to 5 ng/mL. The multi-functional characteristics of fructophilic LAB have not been widely reported. The unique characteristics of fructophilic LABs, as demonstrated by this strain, remain underexplored. Genetically, E. faecium MD29 is closely related to commensal bacteria of the digestive tract, enhancing its potential as a functional food ingredient. These findings provide a strong basis for conducting in vivo studies to evaluate the strain’s safety and validate its probiotic claims. Further research is also needed to determine the specific type of folate synthesized from fructose and its biofunctional properties.

A Comparative Study on the Post-treatment Process of Sputtered SnO2 Nanorod OAD Films

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The effects of single-step and two-step annealing and O₂ plasma treatments on SnO₂ slanted nanorods (SNR) films fabricated using DC magnetron sputtering and oblique angle deposition (OAD) was investigated in this study. The FE-SEM, AFM, and GI-XRD analyses demonstrate that both treatment approaches significantly influenced the film tilt angle, thickness, and surface morphology. After annealing, nanorod separation improved, surface roughness increased, and crystallinity was enhanced, particularly in the (110), (101), and (211) planes of the tetragonal rutile phase. In contrast, oxygen plasma treatments caused etching, reduced film thickness, and formed nano-necks at the tips of the slanted nanorods, leading to a reduction in crystallinity. Additionally, two-step treatments, particularly annealing followed by plasma treatment, achieved the best crystallinity while minimizing the etching effects of plasma. Finally, the optical properties, investigated using a UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer, demonstrated a progressive decrease in average transmittance within the visible region, from 86% to 79%, corresponding to the increasing number of post-treatment steps. In parallel, the optical bandgap was also found to decrease with additional treatments, shifting from 4.14 eV to 3.84 eV. The results highlight the importance of structural modifications in SnO₂ SNR films, as they directly influence film properties and enhance the potential for advanced optoelectronic device applications.