International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology

227-234

Authors: Sameer Pokhrel, Swikriti Pandey, Ashish Ghimire, Savyata Kandel

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is a devastating disease of citrus that has decimated several citrus orchards throughout the world. The disease is associated with three species of unculturable and phloem-limited bacteriae, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, Candidatus Liberibacter africanus and Candidatus Liberibacter americanus. The most common species of bacteria found in Nepal is Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus which is transmitted by an insect vector, Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). This disease has been detected in several economically important citrus production areas of Nepal, which resulted in heavy yield loss. No cure for the disease has been discovered yet and it is essential to practice proper management strategies to maintain citrus health and sustain citrus production under HLB pressure. Several disease management approaches such as pathogen-free nursery establishment, use of disease tolerant rootstock cultivars, proper irrigation and nutrient supply, removal of HLB affected trees, and control of psyllid with frequent insecticide application are widely practiced throughout the world. This review article highlights the characteristics of the citrus greening disease and its insect vector and gives insights into their management techniques. Several technologically advanced options available to minimize the HLB infection might not be feasible currently in Nepal due to economic and topographic constraints. This article also aims to bring into focus the cost-effective methods that growers in Nepal can practice to mitigate the impact of HLB disease in their citrus orchards.

242-249

Authors: Gapili Naoura, Doyam Nodjasse Amos, Djinodji Reoungal, Djenaissem Alfred

The phytoparasite, Striga spp., is a major biotic constraint to cereals production in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was carried out at station of Bébédjia of Chadian Institute of Agronomic Research for the Development in Sudanian agricultural zone of Chad, on traditional methods of controlling Striga spp. This study helped to find out several methods of controlling Striga among which the most important is the agronomic method including organic and or mineral fertilization, associated crops, crop rotation and the use of false hosts and trap crops. Some farmers cultivated resistant varieties and early maturing varieties to control pest attack and some others used shea flour and herbicide treatment to reduce the effect of Striga on the farm. Most of these methods were applied by farmers from generation to generation, without a thorough study to understand their mechanism. Thus, the listed methods will be analysed by research in station to find out scientific explanations for each applied method. Then experiments will be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of some methods previously identified by extension rural services in farmers’ area after improvement.

256-260

Authors: Tirtha Narayan Shah, Amar Kumar Sinha, Krishna Kumar Jha, Ram Jiban Prasad

Serum vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamin which has the role in maintenance of calcium and phosphorus levels and ultimately proper bone health and various physiological processes. Although many studies prevail hypovitaminosis D, we focused to find out the pattern of elevated or decreased serum vitamin D level as its deficiency and surplus have adverse effects to our health.. For this, a retrospective study was done from the records present in a hospital laboratory of Devdaha Medical College and Research Institute (DMCRI), Rupandehi, Nepal from January 2018 to December 2020 where 201 participants with 70.1% male and 29.9% female with different age groups were present. From total participants, 14.9% had deficient, 42.8% had insufficient, 35.3% had sufficient and 7% had high level of serum vitamin D. Male had 2.9% deficient and 14,9% insufficient vitamin D whereas female had 11.9% deficient, 27.8% insufficient and 7.0% surplus vitamin D. The greater prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the females than the males could be overcome by the necessary strategies in the form of further studies and judicious supplementation vitamin D in the target population by monitoring the level of serum vitamin D.

152-159

Authors: Prateek Joshi, Thanapoom Maneeboon, Chayanee Cheerakupt

Incidence of mycotoxins in principal foods and grains is a major threat to achieving food safety but still remains one of the most underrated and ignored sources for food borne diseases, particularly in less developed countries. Furthermore, food insecurity together with ineffective government regulations and environmental conditions that favor fungal proliferation and toxin production merge together to make the people’s life even harder in countries like Nepal. Apart from wasting huge quantities of food every year, mycotoxins are associated with various acute and chronic health disorders including carcinogenic, mutagenic, estrogenic, digestive, vascular and nervous defects. Staple diets in less developed countries like Nepal are largely based on crops like maize, susceptible to mycotoxins which may ultimately lead to chronic health problems in large population. Although there is an immediate need to address the food safety challenges caused by mycotoxin contamination in cereal grains, studies so far in Nepal has been conducted mainly in aflatoxins in limited commodities only and very less efforts have been made to manage and mitigate the problems caused by mycotoxins in Nepal. Therefore, a thorough control of mycotoxins in overall food chain is essential to safeguard the health of the population which could be achieved by implementing stricter regulations, modern and scientific post-harvest operations, effective monitoring programs and raising necessary awareness among stakeholders.

166-168

Authors: Pushpa Karna Mallick

Lycopersicon esculentum is a flowering plant of the family Solanaceae. The common name for this plant is tomato. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene which is a main pigment found in it and responsible for red colour. The lycopene provides antioxidant properties and helps to prevent cell damage. Tomatoes also prevent the adverse effects of lead in the blood constituents. Tomatoes are used in different ways such as raw or cooked, in many dishes, sauces, salads, pickles, puree, paste, juice, sun- dried and drink. Tomato fruits content ninety four percent water, citric acid, malic acid, soluble sugars, vitamin, vitamin B1, B2, vitamin A, and many mineral salts etc. High levels of lycopene which contain in tomatoes are used in facial cleanser. Flavonoids like flavonols which is present in tomatoes are rich in antioxidant activity and can help our body ward off every day toxins. Flavonoides such as flavonols present in tomatoes are rich in antioxidant activity and can help our body ward off every day toxins Flavonoides directly associated with human dietary ingredients, play a great role in diseases prevention and shows versatile health benefits.

176-186

Authors: Nadjiam Djirabaye

In Chad, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), is increasingly becoming a cash crop. The objective of this work is to assess the varietal diversity, analyze the traditional management of landraces and the production systems of cowpea in southern part of Chad. An inventory and an ethnobotanical survey was conducted through a participatory approach in 17 villages corresponding to two agro ecological zones. Thirty-four vernacular names and 45 landraces are inventoried. On average, 2 names are assigned per village. The number of landraces varies from 4 to 13 with an average of 9.00 per region and 2.70 per village. The highest diversity is observed in Mayo Kebbi. Sixteen morphotypes have been identified and their distribution varies according to the agro ecological zones. Productivity (31.10 %), taste (25.92 %) and grain size (18.34 %) are the farmer main preferred criteria. Farmers use leaves (47 %), pods (29.50 %) and seeds (14.75 %) to identify landraces. Cowpea cultivation is practiced on small areas and in intercropping system (78.60 %). Conservation of seeds (36.07 %), low fertility of the soils (27.85 %) and drought (17.77 %) were the main production constraints. Cowpea is stored mainly in traditional granaries (34.96 %) and on racks (22.93 %). For seeds treatment, farmers use mainly traditional means (32.37 %) and chemical products (6.67 %). Several cowpea-based dishes are identified. Cowpea has also therapeutic virtues. To improve cowpea production, appropriate actions must be considered against the constraints inventoried. The interesting landraces should also be used in a breeding program.

193-202

Authors: Beautina Karki, Hom Prasad Sitaula, Sandesh Bhandari, Pramod Gaihre, Hira Kaji Manandhar

A field experiment was carried out using sweet sensation variety of strawberry to check the efficacy of different botanical extracts and organic compounds to manage leaf spot disease. The study was done using ten treatments viz; ginger (T1), turmeric (T2), garlic (T3), ginger + turmeric + garlic (T4), cow urine (T5), cow urine+ ginger + turmeric + garlic (T6), compost tea (T7), compost tea+ ginger+ turmeric+ garlic (T8), SAAF (mancozeb 63 % + carbendazim 12%) (T9) and control (T10), which was replicated thrice. The parameter observed during experiment were plant height, leaf number, disease leaves, stem lesions, yield, percent disease incidence, disease severity percent and percent disease control. At 75 days of transplantation, the highest plant height, leaf number (24.60) and yield (1391.67 gm/plot) were observed in treatment compost tea (18.14 cm), cow urine+ ginger+ turmeric+ garlic and garlic respectively and lowest in treatment control (16.19 cm, 23.27 & 566.67 gm/plot). The disease leaves and stem lesions were observed highest in treatment control (3.40&3.23) and lowest in treatments garlic (3.0), and cow urine+ ginger+ turmeric+ garlic (1.83) respectively at 75 days after transplantation. Moreover, the highest percent disease incidence and disease severity percent were observed highest in treatments control (28.94% & 84.81%) and percent disease control in treatment garlic (42.36%) at 75 days of transplantation. Therefore, it is suggested to use garlic extracts as a measure to control leaf spot disease of strawberry.

213-219

Authors: Salina Aryal, Narayan Bashyal, Surendra Kumar Gautam, Megh Raj Pokhrel, Bhoj Raj Poudel

The study aimed to assess the levels of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in lipsticks and theirs associated health hazards to consumers. 13 lipsticks and 7 lipglosses were selected randomly from various shopping centers in Kathmandu, Nepal. The lipstick sample was chemically digested and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The concentration range of Pb and Cd in lipsticks was from 0.02±0.009 to 30.97±0.014 mg kg-1 and 0.01±0.014 to 0.92±0.009 mg kg-1 respectively. The hazard quotient for Pb was found greater than 1 in 15 samples showing detrimental carcinogenic health risk through lipstick consumption. So, these lipstick brands are prone to hamper human health. Accordingly, regular monitoring of the lipsticks before importing them is highly recommended.

80-93

Authors: Ashish Ghimire, Krishna Raj Pandey, Yagya Raj Joshi, Sobita Subedi

Mushrooms are known for several nutritional and medicinal benefits and are cultivated worldwide. Several fungal contaminants of mushrooms have been serving as the major restraining factor in the growing mushroom industry for a long time. Fungal contaminants like Trichoderma spp., Mycogone spp., Lecanicillium spp., Cladobotryum spp., Coprinus spp., Sependonium spp., Sclerotium rolfsii, and Cephalothecum roseum among many, are found to infect mushroom crops at different stages from spawn run period to maturation of fruiting bodies. These contaminants may reduce yield and/or degrade the quality of fruiting bodies of the mushroom causing economic losses. These contaminants are usually peculiar in terms of their symptomatology on the substrates, disease cycle, epidemiological requirements, and yield losses. Most of these contaminants come from poorly sterilized substrates. Several sterilization techniques like steam sterilization, hot water sterilization, alkalinization, bleaching, and chemical sterilization can be employed to eliminate pre-existing contaminants and each technique has its own relative advantage over others. Besides, biological control involving botanicals and live antagonists can also be used as prophylactic sterilant or as therapeutic sprays. Biological control measures are friendly to the environment and human health. Unlike chemical fungicides (used as sterilant or spray), biological control measures don’t inhibit mushroom mycelial growth and even don’t raise the problem of pesticide resistance in pathogens. Roguing out of infected mushroom fruiting bodies or beds, mushroom house sanitation, and management of vector population are also equally important in preventing the spread of the fungal diseases of mushrooms.

98-106

Authors: Dipendra Regmi, Mukti Ram Poudel, Bishwas K.C., Padam Bahadur Poudel

Wheat is the principal winter crop in Nepal. Drought affects 44% of the lands of the total wheat area in the country with a yield loss of 15–20%. This research focuses to minimize this loss through the identification of high-yielding lines stable across the drought stress and irrigated environments. The experiment was conducted in Alpha Lattice Design with 20 genotypes replicated twice with five blocks per replication from November 2019 to April 2020. The findings showed that genotypes, environments, and genotype-environment interaction have a highly significant effect on grain yield and explained 28.95%, 52.57%, and 18.47% of variation on yield, respectively. The which-won-where model revealed elite line NL 1420 is the most responsive line in the drought environment, followed by BL 4407, while elite line NL 1179 is the most stable line in irrigated environment. The mean vs stability model with principal component 1 and 2 explaining 65.76% and 34.24% respectively, showed that elite line NL 1420, BL 4407, BL 4919, Bhrikuti are both high yielding and stable lines while line NL 1179, Gautam, and NL 1384 are less stable in both test environments. Similarly, the ranking genotypes model indicated lines close to the ideal line are NL 1420, BL 4407, BL 4919, Bhrikuti as the most representative line for genotype evaluation. Thus, elite wheat line NL 1420 and NL 1179 are recommended as specifically adapted to drought and irrigated environments, respectively, and elite line NL 1420, BL 4407, BL 4919, Bhrikuti are recommended for further evaluation for stability.

113-121

Authors: Susmita Adhikari, Binod Thapa, Laxmi Poudel, Prativa Paudel, Ujjwal Acharya, Bibek Acharya, Sidda Lal Bohora

The field experiment was carried out during winter of 2018/19 with two varieties (Unnati and Surkhet-Local) and three plant geometry (15cm × 10 cm, 30cm × 10 cm, 45cm × 10cm) in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Statistically there was no difference between two varieties while differences were found on different spacing and interaction between variety and spacing on final seed yield. High significant differences on seed yield was due to spacing and yield of rapeseed were higher at the 30 cm inter row spacing as compared to the 15 cm and 45 cm inter row spacing. Statistically significant effect was found on mean values of seed yield for interaction which showed that Unnati cultivar in 30 cm x 10 cm plant geometry had the highest seed yield (969.86 kg/ha) followed by Surkhet-local with spacing of 15 cm × 10 cm (843.75 kg/ha) and 30 cm × 10 cm (823.76 kg/ha). Yield of these varieties decreased as spacing is increased, thus sowing of Unnati should be done at cropping geometry of 30 cm × 10 cm and for Surkhet-local it should not be done beyond 30 cm inter row spacing to get the maximum potential yield.

128-132

Authors: Surendra K. Gautam, Yasha Baid, Pabita Thapa Magar, Tirtha Raj Binadi, Bishow Regmi

Green chemistry refers to the design of chemical product and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized successfully from AgNO3 through a simple green synthetic route using Ageratina adenophora leaf extract which acts as both reducing and capping agents. As synthesized AgNPs were characterized with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD study shows crystalline nature of silver nanoparticles and average particle size was calculated as 24 nm using Debye Scherrer equation. Functional group responsible for the reduction of silver ion was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. Hydroxyl group, amine group, aliphatic amine group were detected from FTIR analysis. Further, the green synthesized nanoparticles were found to be highly toxic against bacteria: Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli showing zone of inhibition of 11 mm and 9 mm, respectively.

138-151

Authors: Pramod Gyawali, Saugat Khanal, Jhalak Raj Joshi

A field survey was conducted in two districts­­ of western hills of Nepal during July-August, 2020 to study about the practices of traditional methods of horticultural crop disease management. A total of 125 farmers, 10 traders, 5 agro-vets, and 3 plant clinical doctors from four local bodies of two districts; Palpa and Gulmi, were selected for the interviews which employed a pretested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Almost half of the farmers interviewed (48%) were found to have an average level of knowledge regarding the application of indigenous methods. Mixture of kerosene and ash, mugwort solution, plant residues, bovine dung and urine, chilli powder, papaya leaves, onion mixed with garlic, etc. were popular as traditional techniques to effective control of disease and pest. Scaling technique used in this study showed the lack of indigenous information as the most serious constraint in adoption of traditional means, followed by lack of advertisement, poor social perception of farmers, and weak cooperation among social and agricultural scientists. The study recommended that documentation and scientific validation of indigenous means and support from government and extension agents are necessary to encourage farmers using traditional means. This study examines traditional diseases/pests control strategies implemented by the ancients and presently adopted in ongoing practices.

1-15

Authors: Anil Gautam, Pramod Upadhayay, Devendra Ghimre, Ashwani Khanal, Asmita Gaire, Krishna Kaphle

World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has estimated that 60% of infectious diseases and 75% of emerging and re-emerging diseases of humans have an animal origin. In Nepal there six zoonoses; Taeniasis/cysticercosis /Neurocysticercosis, Leptospirosis, Hydatidosis, Brucellosis; Toxoplasmosis and Avian Influenza are identified as priorities zoonotic diseases as they are found to have epidemic potential. Although they are prioritised, there is high prevalence of these diseases in both humans and animals with insufficient research and data. Coordination of multiple stakeholders of public and animal health and One Health collaboration are crucial to control and elimination zoonotic diseases in Nepal.

23-31

Authors: Suraj Raj Adhikari, Kusum Pokhrel, Sunil Dutta Baral

Aquilaria are genera of tropical trees that produces a valuable resinous wood called agarwood. Agarwood plant have been widely used as traditional medicines and Ayurvedic medicine. They are used for the treatment of arthritis, asthma, diarrhoea etc effects. It contains bioactive phytochemical sesquiterpenoids, 2 (-2-phenylethyl)-4H-chromen-4-one derivatives, genkwanins, mangiferins, cucurbitacins, other terpenoids and phenolic acids. Many pharmacological studies have been performed on anti-allergic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, etc. The aromatic properties of agarwood when burned or distilled are extraordinary and there is high demand for the resinous wood to make incense, perfume and as traditional medicine. Aquilaria are native to northern India but over harvesting of this tree as well as other forest trees in the past has ravaged the hill country. With new technology that has been developed to induce agarwood in trees, it is now possible to produce a sustainable high valued agarwood in young plantation trees. The growing of Aquilaria in the hill agro-ecosystems of Nepal and cultivation of agarwood as a crop using new technology could provide a new economy for the region.

38-44

Authors: Ramesh Bhandari, Mahamad Sayab Miya, Sachin Timilsina

Among the Ramsar sites of Nepal, Ghodaghodi Lake Complex (GLC) is a biodiversity hot spot. This study was carried out to assess the status and diversity of terrestrial plants in GLC. Employing purposive sampling, altogether 38 plots were taken along the right hand side of the foot trails around the GLC. Collected data were analyzed using formulas and Important Value Index (IVI) was calculated. A total of 50 terrestrial species from 27 families were recorded, among which 35 were trees, 8 shrubs, and 7 herbs. Terminalia tomentosa (Saj) has highest IVI (46.53) among tree species. Similarly, Aerva lanata (Khari) has highest IVI (54.13) among herb species and Calotropis gigantea (Aank) has highest IVI (68.56) among the shrub species. The family Fabaceae family (n=7) represented the maximum numbers of plants species followed by Moraceae family.

54-64

Authors: Babatunde Kazeem Adeoye, Elizabeth Funmilayo Aransiola, Gbenga Alebiowu, Mary Adejumoke Bisi-Johnson, Felix Oluwasola Olorunmola, Oluwarinu Aduramigba Adepoju

The study was carried out to isolate, characterize, and study antimicrobial sensitivity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Bambara groundnut. Dried Bambara groundnut was fermented by spontaneous method for seven days and its pH, TTA (Total Titratable acidity) and microbial load monitored for each of the fermentation days. Seven acid-producing cultures were isolated from the sample, and isolates were further classified first by phenotype. Phenotypic and biochemical characteristics led to identification of three bacterial groups. These were followed by in vitro assessment of antimicrobial activity against enteropathogenic bacteria. The most abundant type of LAB distributed in the isolates of fermented Bambara groundnut was Lactobacillus delbrueckii, followed by Lactobacillus casei in two of the isolates. Lactobacillus brevis was found in the remaining two isolates. The growth pattern at different salt concentrations revealed that the isolates were salt tolerant at 2% and 4% while at 6.5% there was no growth. At pH 4.5 and 6.0, there were also growth. The strain evaluated showed in vitro antibacterial activity against five pathogenic microorganisms namely Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp, Shigella sp, Pseudomonas sp and Staphylococcus sp using agar well diffusion method. These results suggested that various LAB were present in Bambara groundnut. The microorganisms isolated were then freeze dried using a freeze drier and then kept at a low temperature in the refrigerator so as to preserve/store the organisms for further processes. This report thereby showed that Bambara groundnut, being an underutilized legume can serve as potential candidate for probiotic neutraceuticals.

75-79

Authors: Pushpa Karna Mallick

The present study includes chromosome number, karyomorphology, meiotic behaviors and pollen fertility of the species Calendula officinalis L.collected from central Nepal was cytologically carried out using two percent aceto-orcein for somatic chromosome determination and one percent aceto-carmine for meiotic study. Pollen fertility was based on stainability test using Muntzing solution. Somatic chromosome number determined for this taxon were 2n=28, haploid chromosome number n=14 and pollen fertility found to be 84.4 percent in the present study. In karyotype analysis chromosome length ranged from 0.4 to 2.6 µm and mean length was 1.5 µm. Likewise, absolute length found to be 21.9 µm and karyotype formula obtained was M16+m4+ sm8. Three types of chromosomes centromere at middle point, at median region and at sub –median region were observed. Meiosis with regular and irregular behaviors was observed in this study. The variations in chromosome numbers, irregularities in meiotic behaviors, variations in karyomorphological structure and high fertility rate shows evolve nature of this species which play a great role in evolution. Pollen fertility was also affected by meiotic abnormalities.