International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology

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.