International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology

201-215

Authors: Lakee Sharma, Bipin Maurya, Shashi Pandey Rai

The plant based MYB transcription factors have been extensively studied for structural and functional characterization. MYB protein is known to perform several molecular and biological processes including regulation of gene expression. In the current study, we have identified and characterized a R2R3 type MYB TF (WsMYB44) pertaining to root specific library from Withania somnifera. The phylogenetic studies of the identified protein sequence revealed its recent origin from Nicotiana sp., a member of Solanaceae family. Motif scans and domain analysis depicted strong conservation near signature R2 and R3 DNA binding domains which proved the specificity of the WsMYB44 protein. The modeled 3-D structure of protein showed significant binding affinity with the MYB binding DNA element C/TAACG/TG. The synergistic act of the predicted protein was proved by studying protein-protein interaction networks. Furthermore, Gene Ontology terms predicted nuclear localization of protein which was found to be involved in several defense related signaling cascades.

221-224

Authors: JN Chaudhary, IP Gautam, YR Bhusal, T Gotame

Coordinated varietal trials (CVTs) were conducted to identify the high yielding papaya (Carica papaya L.) genotypes at different agro- climatic conditions with eight genotypes at Agriculture Research Station (ARS), Malepatan, Pokhara; Viuran, Nawalparasi and Parewatar, Dhading during 2006-2009 and seedling were transplanted at the time of October and experiment was designed in RCBD and replicated thrice. Observations were recorded on biological and socio-economic parameters and analyzed. The pooled data over year revealed that number of fruits, marketable yield, average weight and circumference of the fruits at ARS, Malepatan and marketable fruit yield and average weight of the fruit at Viuran, Nawalparasi and Parewatar, Dhading showed the highly significant differences among the tested genotypes. Days to first harvest and length of the fruits at ARS, Malepatan and days to flowering, first harvest and number of fruits per plant at Viuran, Nawalparasi and Parewatar, Dhading showed the significant differences within genotypes. While, non-significant difference was noticed under days to flowering at ARS, Malepatan. Genotypes Red Lady was found early in all location (295 days to harvest) and the highest production of the marketable fruit yield (104.22 t/ha) followed by Farm selection-1 (102.37 t/ha) and which was at par with each other. Farm selection-1 recorded in the highest number of fruits per plant (41.4), the average fruit weight (1.46 kg) followed by Red Lady (37 and 1.37 kg at ARS, Malepatan, Pokhara. Farmers and consumers preferred red Lady due to earliness, red flesh color and good storability.

228-236

Authors: Rajat Thapa, Rashika Maharjan, Puja Tamang, Priya Gautam, Rachana Adhikari, Sandesh Maharjan

Nepal has always relied on traditional medicinal plants, herbs, and mushrooms that are locally available to treat numerous diseases. This study thus aimed to explore the antimicrobial properties of the plants and fungi that are commonly used as traditional medicines. Antimicrobial properties of 5 plants (Curcuma caesia. Acorus calamus, Moringa oleifera, Terminalia chebula, and Tinospora cordifolia) and 1 fungus (Ganoderma lucidum) were screened against 4 ATCC bacterial culture (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The extracts were prepared using Soxhlet’s apparatus in two solvents, i.e. ethanol and distilled water. Out of which, distilled water of Acorus calamus had the highest percentage yield. All extracts showed antimicrobial properties against S. aureus. The highest potential was observed in the ethanolic extract of Curcuma caesia against S. aureus with the zone of inhibition of 22mm The ethanolic extract of Tinospora cordiofolia showed promising antimicrobial against gram-negative bacteria: E.coli, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae with the zone of inhibition 15mm, 15mm and 14mm respectively. The distilled water extract of Acorus calamus showed the highest antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa with a zone of inhibition of 18mm. In the case of phytochemical screening, both the extracts of Tinospora cordiofolia showed the highest phytochemicals (Terpenoids, Saponins, Coumarin, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and Tannins). The experiment confirmed the efficacy of selected plants and fungus extract as a natural antimicrobial against all the test organisms used, suggesting the possibility of employing them in novel drug development against the treatment of infectious diseases caused by the test organisms.

245-253

Authors: Rabin Khadka, Anil Balchhaudi, Amrit Aryal, Shrawan Kumar Sah

Scarce availability of chemical fertilizers threatens sustainability of wheat production in Nepal. Combined application of chemical and biofertilizer can reduce chemical fertilizer and enhance the yield under limited fertilizer availability. A field experiment was carried out to assess the combined application of chemical and biofertilizer on the growth and yield of spring wheat at Rampur, Chitwan from November 2020 to April 2021. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with four nitrogen and P2O5 levels (0, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended dose) in vertical plots and three biofertilizer application methods (not applied, seed applied and soil applied) in horizontal plots with three replications. The research results revealed significant interaction between nitrogen and P2O­5 levels and biofertilizer application methods. The highest grain yield (4624.48 kg ha-1) of wheat was obtained with 100% levels of N and P­­­2O5 with soil applied biofertilizer at par with 75% levels of N and P­­­2O5 with soil applied biofertilizer (4457.54 kg ha-1). The total nitrogen uptake was higher in biofertilizer applied wheat as compared with no application of biofertilizer although statistically not significant. The yield increment in 100% and 75% N and P­­­2O5 levels with soil applied biofertilizer over same level N and P­­­2O5 with no biofertilizer application were 10.96% and 29.60% respectively. The higher gross return, net return and B:C ratio were obtained with 75% and 100% N and P2O5 levels with soil and seed applied biofertilizers. The result indicates that 25% recommended dose of N and P2O5 could be reduced by soil application of biofertilizer without compromising the grain yield of wheat.

149-163

Authors: Anuska Sharma, Bijaya Adhikari, Mahesh Shrestha, Dipesh Raj Pant, Bindra Devi Shakya, Achut Ram Pradhananga, Sudarshana Shakya, Pawan Raj Shakya

The present study aimed to determine Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) in five vegetables viz., Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Mustard (Brassica campestris), Radish (Raphanus sativus), Spinach (Spinacea oleracea) and Chinese spinach (Amaranthus dubius), and their growing soils in three agricultural sites (Manohara, Bode, and Nagadesh) of Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur district and to assess health risks using USEPA deterministic approaches. The average concentrations of HMs in soils were 0.85, 30.65, 40.06, 47.42, and 129.55 mg/kg for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn respectively, exceeding the normal soil quality standards except Cr. Similarly, the average concentrations of HMs in vegetables were 0.42, 6.63, 22.33, 1.34, and 77.16 mg/kg for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn respectively exceeding joint FAO/WHO standards except for Cu. The I-geo values revealed a class of unpolluted to moderately polluted levels for the agricultural soils indicating the 1st degree of soil pollution. Among the vegetables, Chinese spinach measured considerably high transfer factor (TF) for Cd (0.79), Cr (0.34), Cu (0.76), Pb (0.04), and Zn (0.89) indicating health concerns to the consumers. The hazard index (HI) for these HMs was found less than the acceptable limit (1.0) indicating no non-carcinogenic risk to adults through vegetable consumption. However, the lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR) parameter indicated low to high cancer risk for Cd, Cr, and Pb. Among the vegetables, Chinese spinach estimated the highest LCR values for the HMs suggesting regular monitoring of HMs in soil and vegetable on account of their toxic effects.

171-181

Authors: Upama Chapagain, Sujan Bhandari, Yogendra Man Shrestha, Sagar Bista, Januka Dahal

A study was conducted to determine the effect of pruning practices and different fertilizer combinations on Bhaktapur local variety of cucumber under protected structure in Panchthar, Nepal during February to June 2021. The experiment was laid out in two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Treatments used were two pruning practices (no pruning and 3G cutting) and four fertilizer doses (no fertilizer (control), 30 Mt/ha FYM+ 100% RDF (140:60:100 kg of NPK), 9.4 Mt/ha Vermicompost+ 100% RDF of NPK and 4.3 Mt/ha Poultry manure+ 100% RDF of NPK). Although 3G cutting practice increased the days required for 50 % flowering, it significantly decreased the male: female flowers ratio (1.69) compared to no pruning (4.38). Similarly, number of fruits per plant, individual fruit weight, fruit diameter and average fruit yield (95.21 Mt/ha) were maximum in 3G cutting. In terms of fertilizers, time requirement for 50% male flowering remained unaffected, however, plants treated with fertilizers 30 Mt/ha FYM+ 100% RDF of NPK showed significantly least days required for 50% female flowering, lowest male: female flowers ratio (2.41), maximum number of fruits per plant, maximum average individual fruit weight and highest average yield (105.78 Mt/ha) which are statistically at par with results of 9.4 Mt/ha vermicompost+ 100% RDF of NPK and 4.3 Mt/ha poultry manure+ 100% RDF of NPK for these parameters. The results concluded that combined application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers in recommended dose with 3G pruning practices is best for growth and yield of cucumber.

84-92

Authors: Sanjay Kumar Rai, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Arun Kumar, Apoorva

An experiment was carried out using virus-resistant papaya variety Pune Selection-3 to study the effect of different cultivation methods for enhanced production and input use efficiency at Horticultural Research Farm, RAU, Pusa during the year 2016-2019. The outcomes of raised bed cultivation (a), drip irrigation (b), fertigation (c), polyethylene mulching (d) along with micronutrient spray (e) were analyzed using different combinations of these parameters as treatments for growth, yield-related parameters, and fruit quality. Nutrient use efficiency was also assessed by examining various interactive components such as soil nutrient content, nutrient acquisition with nutrient content in the leaves, the efficiency of nutrient utilization informs of the biomass produced, fruit yield, and fruit nutritional quality. The plant height was maximum in T1 (155 cm) which was significantly higher than the plant of control treatment. The flowering time was found to be reduced in all treatments. However, total soluble sugar was higher in T3. Overall, when the B:C ratio was compared, the treatment (T1) showed a higher value along with a 2.38-fold fruit yield/plant and 0.89-fold increase in fruit yield per hectare. The nutritional quality of fruits enhanced in T1 treated plants having a 1.78-fold increment in flavonoid content, and 1.2-fold more lycopene. The phenolic content was also 1.8-fold higher than the control (T5). The result obtained in the present study demonstrates that with the implementation of a suitable fertigation system in papaya cultivation we can obtain papaya growth, fruit yield per plant, and fruit quality by targeting enhancement in cost: benefit ratio.

99-103

Authors: Adepoju Oluwarinu, Joseph Omololu-Aso

Aspilia africana (Compositae) is one of such plants considered of great importance in the pharmacopeia of traditional medicine. This study was carried out to determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of its leaf methanol extract. leaf samples of Aspilia africana were collected, washed, air-dried, and processed to a fine powder in the microbiology laboratory of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Crude extract of the leaf samples was done by the cold maceration technique using methanol solvents. Phytochemical analysis of the carried out using previously described technique, and in vitro antibacterial activities of concentrations 1.625-100 mg/ml and a standard antibiotic (Streptomycin) were tested on Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus stereothemophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Serratia marcensens, Proteus mirabilis by the agar diffusion test. The radical scavenging ability of the extract was determined using the stable radical DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate). The phytochemical analysis of the crude extract of both plants revealed the presence of saponins, tannin, resin, phlobatannins, and phenols. The in-vitro antibacterial test of the methanol crude extract using the agar well diffusion method showed broad-spectrum activity. With a minimum bactericidal concentration of 30 and 75 mg/mL for Klebsiella pneumonia, and Bacillus subtilis respectively. In-vitro antioxidant activities using 2, 2–diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay indicate that the methanol leaves extract had higher activity than 92.23 µg/mL compared to standard drugs (Ascorbic acid 1.07 mg/mL) and IC50 at 4.66. This study concluded that Aspilia africana methanol crude extract exhibits dosage-dependent antioxidant antibacterial potential.

112-123

Authors: Gyanu Thapa Magar, Sujan Chaudhary

A floristic study of an area is very crucial to determine the status of plant species of particular area or geographical region, as it reflects the whole plant diversity of that area. Our study aimed at identifying the floristic composition of Daman-Simbhanjyang area which included flowering plants, gymnosperms, pteridophytes and bryophytes at wild habitat. The present study has recorded altogether 189 plant species under 163 genera and 90 families. Out of 189 plant species (114 Dicots and 20 Monocots), 134 phanerogams were recorded under 112 genera and 55 families. Asteraceae was found to be the richest family with 14 species among dicots and Orchidaceae (8 spp.) among monocots. Moreover, 30 species of pteridophytes and 22 species of bryophytes were recorded under 28 genera from 15 families and 20 genera from 17 families respectively. However, only three species of gymnosperm were recorded under 3 genera and 3 families at wild habitat. Therefore, the present study has concluded Daman-Simbhanjyang area to be rich in plant species diversity which encompasses many high valued plant species that needs to be conserved and used in sustainable manner.

134-139

Authors: Aakash Adhikari, Bigyan G.C.

In view of suitable climatic condition in mid hill of Nepal, sweet orange is emerging as a new enterprise for farmers, for which the government of Nepal has also given priority to this crop. In the light of these facts, a case study was conducted in Pyuthan municipality of Pyuthan district to identify the problems related to sweet orange in Pyuthan municipality. All of the farmers had their own land for Sweet orange production. Majority of the respondents (80%) had the annual income below NRs. 20000. Farmers were able to increase their higher education, household expenses, health and savings from Sweet orange production. Transportation, irrigation, citrus greening disorder and green stinky bug were major problem in Sweet orange production in study area. Study suggested that concerned stakeholders should focus their program on quality seedling production, input use, and human resource management, and scientific orchard management, capacity development of farmers, insect pest management, scientific value chain management and post-harvest loss reduction for overall development of sweet orange industry in Pyuthan district.

12-15

Authors: Pushpa Karna Mallick

Cucumber is a one of healthy fruit which have many health benefits of cucurbitaceae family. It maintains blood pressure, regulates hydration, controls sugar, and soothes the skin, helpful in digestion. It also helps to weight loss by reducing fat. Cucumber also contains fibre, potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin K, C, A. Cucumber can also have hydrated and antimicrobial properties, and detoxify the body and, prevent cancer and other many bone disease. Economically cucumbers are very important, as cucumbers contain high nutritional, medicinal as well as health beneficial values. In present presentation going to discussed about the economic importance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus).

21-30

Authors: Jyoti Ahlawat, Vishakha Aggarwal, Ranjana Jaiwal, C.S. Pundir

A desolvation method was used for the synthesis of β-galactosidase (β-GAL) and glucose oxidase (GOD) nanoparticles (NPs) using ethanol. The enzyme nanoparticles (ENPs) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and were co-immobilized covalently onto surface of polycrystalline Au electrode. An improved amperometric lactose biosensor was constructed using ENPs (β-GALNPs/GODNPs) modified Au electrode as working electrode, Ag/AgCl as reference electrode and Pt wire as auxiliary electrode connected through potentiostat. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for the study of working electrode before and after immobilization of ENPs. The biosensor showed maximum current at 0.25V within 5s, at pH 6.5 and 25oC. The limit of detection (LOD) was i.e. 1mg/ml and working range was 1-10 mg/mL. The analytical recovery of added lactose (5 and 10 mg/mL) was 94.73±0.5% and 96.4±0.9%, respectively. Coefficient of variation (CV) within and between batch were <3.0 and <4.0 respectively. The biosensor exhibited a good correlation (R2=0.91) between lactose level in milk as measured by standard (enzymatic colorimetric) method and present biosensor. The biosensor was employed for quantification of lactose in milk from human, cow, buffalo and goat. The working electrode lost 50% of its initial activity within 3 months, after its 120 uses, while being stored dry at 4ºC.

41-49

Authors: Nabin Poudel, Purnima Baral, Muna Neupane, Sundar Man Shrestha, Arjun Kumar Shrestha, Sandesh Bhatta

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of boron on growth and yield parameters of Snow Mystique variety of cauliflower at farmer's field in Myanglung, Terhathum, Nepal during the winter season of 2019 AD. Five levels of boron viz, control (0 kg/ha), 0.5 kg/ha, 1.0 kg/ha, 1.5 kg/ha, and 2.1 kg/ha were applied in the field that was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Data were recorded regarding plant height, canopy cover, and leaf number at 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after transplanting while yield parameters like curd diameter, curd yield, and biological yield after harvest. Days to curd initiation, days to harvest, and incidence of hollowing were also recorded in this study. Results revealed that boron had significant effect on growth as well as yield parameters of cauliflower, where the value of these parameters were higher at higher boron dose. Boron at the rate of 2.1 kg/ha produced significantly higher curd yield (67.59 t/ha), curd diameter (25.21 cm) and biological yield (72.27 t/ha) whereas the value of these parameters were lowest with control. Similarly, boron had significant effect on incidence of hollowing where the application of boron at the rate of 2.1 kg/ha recorded the minimum incidence of hollowing (15.27 %). Results from this experiment concludes that application of boron at the rate of 2.1 kg/ha could be suggested for cauliflower growing farmers of Terhathum district for increased growth and yield of cauliflower.

60-70

Authors: Deepa Karki, Yub Narayan Thapa

Water is an important component of the ecosystem that sustains life on the planet since water provides vital components for human health. To gain a precise picture of water quality, studies of the components found in the water are critical. Three physical and six chemical criteria were examined to assess the quality assurance of drinking water of Majkhola. All tests were carried out according to the protocols outlined in the standard methodology. For this investigation, four water samples were collected in the morning from different areas of Majhkhola throughout three months, from December 2018 to February 2019. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the water quality parameters. pH (6.85 – 8.5), Conductivity (72.3 – 79.9 µm/s), Alkalinity (37.84 – 39.27 mg/L), Chloride (2.509 – 3.76 mg/L), Dissolves Oxygen (DO) (0.8 – 1.3 mg/L), Hardness (60 – 72 mg/L) and Total Dissolved Solids (100 – 150 mg/L) of water samples values lay within the permissible guideline values as prescribed by WHO and national standard but temperature (18 – 21°C) of water samples crossed the WHO permissible value and there is no prescribed limit of free CO2 (2 – 4) mg/L) in WHO. These metrics' values in the research area suggest that water samples are within normal or acceptable limits. As a result, water is safe to drink and meets local and international physical and chemical criteria to preserve excellent health. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the current study's findings are highly encouraging and reflect the health status of Majkhola's water area.

235-241

Authors: M.A.M.N. Kularathne, S. Srikrishnah, S. Sutharsan

The Seaweed (Padina antrillarum) abundantly found in the coastal region of Eastern Sri Lanka. Seaweed contains a wide range of nutrients and hormones for plant growth. An experiment was conducted at the Crop Farm, Eastern University, Sri Lanka to assess the effects of seaweed (Padina antrillarum) extract on the flowering of roses var. ‘Local’ from July to September 2020. Four treatments were used in this experiment viz. 10% (T1), 20% (T2), and 30% (T3) seaweed extracts with control treatment (T4). Treatments were applied at once-a-week interval. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with three replications. All other management practices were followed uniformly. Measurements were done at once a month. Collected data were analyzed. The higher performances in measured parameters (plant height, leaf area, plant biomass, number of flowers per plant) were observed in T2. It showed that once a week application of 20% seaweed liquid extract had the potential to increase growth and flower production in roses. It might be due to the presence of nutrients and the growth hormones in seaweed extract and optimum concentration of seaweed extract received by plants at T2. In T1 and T3, plants received sub-optimum and higher concentration respectively. It could be the reason for the lowest performances in these treatments. From this experiment, it could be concluded that once a week application of 20% seaweed liquid extract of Padina antrillarum is suitable to increase flowering in roses of treatment tested.

250-255

Authors: Shraddha Dulal, Sujan Chaudhary, Chiranjibi Dangi, Shiv Nandan Sah

Essential oils are volatile, natural, complex compounds which are produced as secondary metabolites by plants for their protection against various microorganisms as well as pests. A wide range of plants have been explored for their essential oils in the past few decades. The study was conducted to determine the antibacterial activity of essential oils against human pathogenic bacteria which were gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) as well as gram negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella sonnei). Five ml of three different oils, i.e. clove oil, castor oil, and ginger oil, were taken in a test tube so that each oil had four different concentrations. Four concentrations of (0, 25, 50 and 75) μL of oils were mixed with 1000, 975, 950 and 925 μL of DMSO respectively to make it a volume of 1ml. It was observed that clove oil was effective against the entire gram positive as well as gram negative bacteria that were used. The inhibition zone was greatest in the case of clove oil at 75 μL against P. aeruginosa (23 mm) and the smallest zone of inhibition was shown by castor oil against K. pneumoniae (12 mm). Other oils were sensitive as well as resistant to the bacteria. Hence, it is found that different oils have shown inhibitory activity towards different pathogens to a variable extent. However, clove oil was inhibitory to all the bacteria in all concentrations.

261-266

Authors: Sundar Tiwari

The wheat bug, Nysius huttoni, is an endemic New Zealand insect pest. Its feeding can seriously reduce crop establishment in forage A cage study was conducted in Lincoln University, New Zealand to evaluate the pest’s host preferences on four plant species. Kale plants (Brassica oleracea) were used as a potentially susceptible control and other four trap plants were tested to evaluate as potential trap-plants. These were: Lobularia maritima (alyssum), Triticum aestivum (wheat), Coriandrum sativum (coriander) and Trifolium repens (white clover). The alyssum plant was more attractive to the wheat bug. The survival rate and preferences of the wheat bug was significantly better than other four plants. The deployment of such flowering trap crops can potentially trap the wheat bug and also provide multiple ecosystem services (ES) in an agro-ecosystem. The findings can be used to develop the wheat bug management protocol and also potentially provide ecosystem services in brassica fields.