Volume 6 Number 3 (May 2021)

Bioclimate influence on seed germination and seedling morphology parameters in Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., 1804 (Fabaceae)

Pterocarpus erinaceus is over-exploited for its multiple uses. Its exploitation and trade are strictly prohibited in many countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, to prevent its extinction. It is nevertheless imperative to restore populations of this species, while accounting for its germinative capacities and its adaptation to changing climates. The aim of this study was to assess the seed germination and seedling development in Pterocarpus erinaceus in three different environments. A total of 2,160 seeds from different seed trees and 540 individuals germinated from seeds were selected and evaluated. The trials were conducted at three sites with distinct microclimates (two nurseries in Côte d’Ivoire and one greenhouse in France). The results showed that the environment had a significant influence on germination parameters (P < 0.05), whereas the seed trees did not (P > 0.05). The environment influenced the height and internodes length of the seedlings (P < 0.05). However, the diameter, number of leaves, and the length and width of the leaves of the seedlings were statistically identical from one site to another (P > 0.05). Seed trees influenced the number and length of seedlings leaves (P

Effects of Season on Disease Frequency and Mortality of Poultry in Owerri Urban South-Eastern Nigeria

N. U Akagha, M. O Nwagbara

The study examined effects seasons have on diseases frequency and mortality of poultry birds in Owerri urban south-eastern Nigeria. The study therefore employed the use of secondary and primary data. Climatological data on rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and mortality of birds was collected from Nimet, Sam Mbakwe International cargo Airport, Imo State and ministry of livestock development Owerri respectively for a period of 16 years (2004-2019). Also 83 copies of questionnaire were used in the analysis. Results showed positive correlation between rainfall and relative humidity (0.517 and 0.747) and an R² of 39.98% with implies that, the higher the rainfall the higher the relative humidity, and by extension the higher the frequency of deadly poultry diseases (Coccidiosis, Gumboro, Fowl cholera, Fowl typhoid) and mortality especially for broilers as the cell immune response of layer birds in defending itself against diseases and viruses are greater than that of broilers. While Newcastle diseases, Fowl pox, Fowl typhoid, chronic respiratory diseases mostly affect birds in the dry season (November- March). While Newcastle diseases, Fowl pox, Fowl typhoid, chronic respiratory diseases mostly affect birds in the dry season (November- March).In conclusion, seasons of the year affect poultry and its production in particular in Owerri urban. It is recommended that farmers should make sure they adopt proper roofing methods, as well as maintain good sanitation/hygiene practices to minimize heat and the occurrence and spread of diseases which may adversely affect birds across seasons.

Study of genetic variability and character association for yield and yield related traits in f3 generation of blackgram (Vignamungo (L.) Hepper)

K. Vinay Teja, Dr. G.M. Lal

The present investigation was carried out with a view to study the magnitude of variability, correlation and path analysis excluding reciprocals involving 27 genotypes in blackgram during Kharif - 2018. The experimental material was planted in randomized block design with three replications at the Field Experimentation Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. The analysis of variance for all the characters revealed that parents were significant for all the characters, indicating presence of considerable amount of genetic variability in the germplasm tested. Harvest index, Number of primary branches, Number of pods per plant, Number of seeds per pod exhibited high GCV, PCV and genetic parameters revealed that heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance as % of mean values were high for Number of primary branches, Number of seeds per pod, biological yield, harvest index, seed yield per plant indicating that selection would be fruitful for improvement of these traitsAmong 27 genotypes studied MU-06 X KPU-13-192 showed high mean performance for seed yield per plant followed by MU-06 X NDUK-13-6, PU-31 and NDUK-13-6 Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield per plant exhibited positive and significant correlation associated with Plant height, Number of pods per plant, Biological yield and harvest index at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis revealed that characters plant height, number of primary branches, days to maturity, biological yield, and harvest index have positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at genotypic and phenotypic levels.

The effect of adding Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus on the acidity and overall consumer acceptability of Lebanese Kishk

Soumaya Obeid, Ali Alkhatib, Sami Tlais, Hassan Hajj Hussein

Kishk is a fermented cereal product made traditionally from bourghul (cracked wheat) and yogurt. Being a fermented product, which gets stored and used over a period of a year, moisture and acidity are two critical components of the preparation method and storage/spoilage. We investigated the effect of a pure Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter culture (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus) on the acidity and consumer acceptability of Lebanese Kishk. Traditional Lebanese Kishk was prepared and used as a control in this study. Three additional test samples were prepared by adding the following to bourghul; fresh cow milk “Milk”, milk and LAB “Milk+LAB”, and yogurt prepared by inoculating fresh cow milk with LAB. Samples containing yogurt exhibited higher acidity and lower moisture content during the preparation and fermentation phase, both of which are required parameters for safety. Even though the final product of all samples were comparable to the control in terms of moisture, the “Milk+LAB” sample was more acidic than the control. None of the tested samples had a significant impact on consumer overall acceptability of the final product; however, the “Yogurt+LAB” sample was significantly preferred over the control for its odor.

Fungal Laccase as a Green Catalyst

Ram Sahay

Laccases belongs to multinuclear copper containing oxidase and can act as a variety of aromatic and non-aromatic compounds. Due to their broad substrate specificity, they are considered as a promising candidate in various industrial and biotechnological sectors. They are regarded as a green catalyst in biotechnology. The present review focuses on structure, reaction mechanism, categories, applications, economic feasibility, limitations, and future prospects of fungal laccases. Thus, this review would help in understanding laccases along with the areas, whichhas not been focused and requires attention. Since past, immense work has been carried out on laccases: yet, new discoveries and application are ever increasing which includes biofuel, biosensor, fiber board synthesis, bioremediation, clinical, textile industry, food, cosmetics, and many more.

Assessing Awareness about Volta Basin Authority, Code of Conduct and Water Governance Challenges in the Volta Basin

Abdul-Razak Zakaria, Kenichi Matsui

River basin organizations have taken shape in different parts of Africa partly under the influence of international aid institutions that aimed to help prevent water conflicts among basin countries. The code of conduct and the Volta Basin Authority (VBA) exemplify one of most recent efforts to collaboratively govern a major transboundary basin of western Africa. The question, however, remains as to the extent to which culturally diverse local communities can be mobilized and integrated in water governance. No study has clarified this point. This paper, therefore, attempts to better understand local stakeholders’ perceptions and needs to collaboratively govern transboundary water between Ghana and Burkina Faso. For this research, we conducted preliminary field visits and questionnaire surveys in both countries. We found that 84% of the respondents in Burkina Faso and 91% in Ghana did not know about the VBA. Some respondents, especially educated ones in both countries, did hear about the code of conduct. Regarding local needs for water governance, most respondents in Ghana expressed concerns about frequent flooding due to Bagre Dam spillage in upstream Burkina Faso that devastated their farms. This research then discusses how transboundary water governance in the Volta River Basin can be improved in the future.

Insect Defense System and Immunosuppression Strategies of Entomopathogenic Nematodes - An Overview

Gitanjali Devi

Studies on host-parasite interaction and immune responses in insects will greatly benefit human health from biocontrol point of view. Role and relationships between insect hosts and entomopathogenic nematodes are elaborated where the efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematodes depends on the stability between the parasitic strategies and the immune response of the host. Entomopathogenic nematodes are potential biocontrol agent. The cellular and humoral responses are avoided by the nematode-bacterium complexes by producing immunodeficiency in insects. The review outlines the mechanisms of immune recognition and defense of insects as well as immune evasion strategies of Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs).

Analysis of Sustainable Potential of Kite Fish (Decapterus Spp) in the Waters of bone bay of South Sulawesi province

Muh. Arfah Mustari, Aris Baso, Hamzah Tahang

The purpose of this study is to analyze the level of exploitation of kite fish in the Waters of Bone Bay, South Sulawesi Province. This study was conducted in July to September 2021. The method used is Descriptive Quantitative by using questionnaire tools. The sampling method used is a method with a total of 10 units of Kite Fishing business each in the Bone Bay Waters area. The data analysis used is an estimate of biological parameters and Maximum Sustainable Yield. The results showed that business conditions Condition of maximum sustainable yield potential in the waters of bone bay has not been indicated to experience over fishing with the value of effort can be 64,315.46 units / year, yield of 70,161.10 tons / year and Biomass of 180,332 tons/year.

Profitability Assessment with the application of BRASS model of Small-scale Rubber Plantation at Chittagong Hill Tract, Bangladesh

A.K.M. Abul Kalam Azad, Md. Najmus Sayadat Pitol, Yonosuke Hara

This study concentrated on the profitability assessment of the small-scale rubber production by applying the Bioeconomic Rubber Agroforestry Support System (BRASS) model of Small-scale Rubber Production at Chittagong Hill Tract, Bangladesh. Considering the present market conditions of the cost of materials, land costs, labor costs, rubber prices and discount rate, the results of the Discounted Cash-flow (DCF) analysis indicate that the investment on small-scale rubber plantations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is not profitable in the short run but in the long run, it is profitable. Rubber production is highly profitable if the government provides an interest-free loan to the poor farmers, and the farmers can reduce their investment costs. The farmers can control the investment costs by co-management. Rubber cultivation can be made more profitable if the farmers cultivate intercropping in their garden for the first few years. Considering the present market situation, the DCF analysis for the study shows that 28 years is the optimum rotation in small-scale rubber plantations with intercropping. With this optimum rotation, the CHT area can be financially most profitable for small-scale farmers. Investment in rubber plantations gives decent economic returns to the small-scale farmers. With the high discount rate, the investment in small-scale rubber plantations is no more profitable. Therefore, the government should allow interest-free credit or very low-interest rate credit support to small-scale rubber cultivators to make the maximum investment profit. With no intercropping, small-scale rubber cultivation is no more profitable. So, in line with the government policy of restricting shifting cultivations, the government should allow small-scale farmers to cultivate intercrops along with rubber cultivations.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Atmosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere: A global scenario

Atreyi Ghosh, Arghya Nath, Parna Dey Banik, Ratnadeep Chowdhury, Debanita Mandal

The human life had come to a stagnant condition as many countries had to shut down all sorts of internal and external communication from due to the spread of extremely contagious disease of COVID-19. Social distancing of different levels has been a common scenario in all the countries which had made the whole world to a standstill. The industries, transportation, and other activities suddenly came to a pause for the developed and developing countries all across the globe. The atmosphere, hydrosphere and the biosphere have been polluted for last few decades due to various anthropogenic activities all around the world. The air and water pollution got reduced due to less carbon emission and the reduced decarbonization rate first time observed in the modern Anthropocene. The water quality of rivers, lakes, fresh water and sea water has been reported to be improved during this pandemic situation. The drastic reduction in human activity resulted the reduction of atmospheric NO2, CO2 and particulate matters in air which led to clean air and pollution free water in many countries and also the wildlife took the opportunity to regain their natural space. Although the situation was in favor of environment, the water in-fluent and the waste water has been reported to have SARS-CoV-2 RNA and also,it’s been a great deal of concern for the increased use of medical and plastic waste and their inappropriate disposal which is followed by the health hazards. This review article provides evidence-based analysis of good and bad effect on the global environment during the worldwide lockdown situation. A summary of the published articles of the environmental effects of COVID-19 pandemic have been discussed and the significant facts have been discussed focusing on several relevant aspects like, air quality, water quality, waste management, wildlife and conservation. An attempt has been made to visualize the world scenario.

Analysis of Quality of Landrace Rice: AG4 variety in An Giang, Vietnam

Nguyen thi Lang, Le Hoang Phuong, Bui Chi Hieu, Bui Chi Buu

Landrace rice genotypes AG4 were evaluated inTri Ton, Tinh Bien, AnGiang Province with three replications in a field experiment during 2019 to 2020. The analysis revealed significant differences among the genotypes against all the characters studied. In general, phenotypic variance is higher than the corresponding genotypic variance for all the characters studied. AG4 rice is considered as the unique landrace varietal group because of its aroma and superior grain quality.To confirm the presence or absence of fragrance in AG 4,a set of 11 lines was phenotypedby using gas chromatographic separation to quantify 2AP content in milled rice samples. KOH tested and PCR method with two directives RM223 and FMU1-2 are recorded to select the lines with the best fragrance followed by line7, 10 ,14 and 20.The shape is determined by the length and width ratio.From shape evaluation, length and width ratio of AG4 are high. Level of chalkiness is. There are mostly low contents on AG4, when doing rice quality analysing. It is the evidence for the deliciousness on rice. Milling quality determines the final yield and fracture rate of milled rice. Recorded line 7 for high milling rate is over 50%. Protein content of rice varieties ranges from 6.9 to 8.6%. Lines 7 and 56 have the highest protein content (8.5-8.6%). Characters like number of panicles per plant, panicle weightg, number of grains per panicle, and grain yield recorded are high. Grain yield analysis revealed significant differences among lines. Selected AG4, lines number 7 can be used in breed selection program in the nearest future to provide the local need.

Analysis of the functioning of the Local Development Fund (FDL) of the Pokola Community Development Series (Congo)

This study aims to assess the functioning of the Local Development Fund (FDL) of the UFA Pokola Community Development Series in Congo. It is based on the documentary review, semi-structured interviews with resource persons, household managers as well as the holding of focus groups. The results indicate that the local communities and indigenous populations (CLPA) are involved in the management bodies of the Community Development Series, bodies responsible for the management of the FDL. This fund is mainly supplied by royalties from the exploitation of forest species, it is intended to finance the micro-projects of the CLPAs. As a result, he is well known to the CLPAs of UFA Pokola (81%). Between 2007 and 2016, the FDL mobilized 182,214,333 FCFA, including 145,274,472 FCFA, made it possible to finance nearly 69 micro-projects for the benefit of the CLPAs. Plant production remains the main sector where investments have been directed (64%). There is also a spatial disparity in the investments of the FDL, the commune of Pokola benefited from 54% of the funds invested. The natives have benefited little from the spin-offs of this mechanism for sharing the benefits of logging.

Investigating the capacity of hydroponic system using lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in the removal of pollutants from greywater while ensuring food security

The study aims to investigate the removal of nutrients, organic pollutants and fecal bacteria from greywater while evaluating the growth and yields of lettuce using hydroponic system. Lettuces grow in hydroponic systems irrigated with untreated greywater, and fresh well water, separately. Nutrients, organic pollutants, and fecal bacteria of dishwashing greywater were monitored. Agronomical and microbiological parameters of lettuce were investigated. The results showed that removal efficiencies forammonia (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), and total phosphorus (TP) were 78 %, 87 % and 56 %, respectively. The organic pollutants removal efficiencies were higher than 50% for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), 5-days Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The removal efficiencies are 88.68 % and 81.94 % for E. coli, and fecal coliforms, respectively. The fecal bacteria were not observed in the lettuce leaves. Besides, the lettuces irrigated with greywater produced higher biomass than the ones irrigated with fresh well water. The hydroponic system could be an alternative for greywater treatment and ensuring food security.

Adding Functional Foods to Fermented Snake Melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus) to Increase Consumption and Reduce Crop Loss

Lynn Sleiman, Ali Alkhatib, Sami Tlais, Hassan Hajj Hussein

Snake melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus) is a member of the melon family. It is a seasonal fruit that is high in water and low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. It is a high-yielding crop that has a short shelf-life, which results in the loss of a high percentage of the annual yield. In order to reduce the percentage of lost crop, we proposed several new recipes for making pickled snake melon by adding functional foods to enhance the flavor and nutritional values of the pickled snake melon product while evaluating consumer acceptance using sensory evaluation. The different samples of snake melon pickles were analyzed for their sensory attributes (color, odor, texture, taste, saltiness, sourness, and overall acceptability) using a Likert scale ranging from 1 “least liked” to 5 “most liked”. While none of the tested recipes were preferred over the control, four of the new recipes were similar to the control in overall acceptability indicating a clear potential for incorporating functional foods to increase diversification of snake melon pickles and in essence increase the potential for snake melon consumption while reducing crop loss.

Utilization of Signal Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for Meteorological

Syachrul Arief

In this study, I show that microwave signals emitted from satellites and received by the GNSS system can be utilized for meteorological purposes, such as heavy rain in Indonesia, using open-source software goGPS. Comparison of the gradient of the North and East atmospheric delays between goGPS, IGS, and UNR. The correlation of the results of goGPS with those from IGS and UNR is relatively high. The gradient of the late goGPS and IGS, and UNR products show good consistency. This means that the process of goGPS is good enough to get an accurate value. The standard deviation and RMS difference between goGPS and IGS are 16.99 and -1.32 (in mm), respectively. The ones for the goGPS-UNR pair are 18.33 and -1.08. goGPS software works very well at different times and stations. This means that the goGPS software package can be an alternative to commercial software systems for ZTD estimation. The correlation of PWV values from GPS and radiosonde for the dry and rainy seasons are 0.84 and 0.73, respectively. PWV values during this dry period show a downward trend and an upward trend during the wet season period.

Cancer Therapy with CRISPR/Cas9: Prospects and Challenges

Globally, Cancer is believed to be second biggest reason of mortality and one of the significant social as well as economic liabilities. Despite our advance at molecular level in comprehension of cancer, more therapeutic tools and tactics are needed to exploit this advance. The CRISPER/Cas9 genome modifying approach has lately appeared as an effective cancer therapy method due to its high accuracy and efficiency. CRISPER/Cas9 has enormous clinical potential in discovering new targets for cancer treatment and also to dismember genetic-chemical interaction thus helping us to understand the response of tumor to the treatment by drugs. Additionally, Cas9/CRISPER can also be used in cancer immunotherapeutic applications by engineering immune cells and oncolytic viruses. Perhaps the most important therapeutic application of Cas9/CRISPER is its ability to edit genes with great precision both in animal models and humans. In this review, we will debate and explore some important concerns of using CRISPER/Cas9 in remedial settings and some vital hurdles that are needed to overcome before it is used for a clinical trial for a polygenic and complex ailment like cancer.

Efficacy of different fungicides against the in-vitro growth of Pyricularia oryzae causing Rice blast disease

Karuna Kafle, Abichal Poudel, Shrinkhala Manandhar, Nirmal Adhikari

Rice blast disease caused by Pyricularia oryzae is a major threat to the farmers as the disease severity may lead upto 80% crop loss in severe conditions. A laboratory experiment was conducted at National Plant Pathology Research center of NARC, Khumaltar,Lalitpur for testing the efficacy of different fungicides adopting poisoned food method against the pathogen Pyricularia oryzae causing rice blast disease. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with 10 treatments including control following 3 replications of each. Two concentrations (50 ppm and 100 ppm) each of different fungicides viz. Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb 75%W.P), Bavistin (Carbendazim 50 % W.P), Antracol (Propineb 70%W.P) , Diamethmorph 50%WP, Sectin ( Fenamidone 10%+ Mancozeb 50%W.G),Protector ZN ( Chlorothalonil 75% W.P), Safaya (Carbendazim 12%+ mancozeb63% W.P) , Nativo 75% W.G (Tebuconazole 50%+ Trifloxystrobin25%W.G) and Topcare ( Azoxystrobin 50% W.D.G) were evaluated against the growth of the pathogen. Results showed that lower concentration (50ppm) of Bavistin and Safaya fully inhibited the growth of the pathogen while Nativo at higher concentration (100 ppm) was shown to exhibit 100% inhibition of the pathogen. The fungicides significantly inhibited the mycelia growth with the increase in concentration of fungicide. However, the fungicides found effective for mycelia inhibition of P.oryzae should be further tested in field conditions to verify their efficacy as well the optimum dozes of fungicide should be re-evaluated.

Dynamics of Dissolved Oxygen in Relation to pH and Survival of Fish Culture in Fiber Glass Tank

T. E. Adams, R. O. Edokpia, V. A. Okonji, A. F. Yakubu

The study aims at determining the dynamics of dissolved oxygen in relation to pH and survival of fish culture in fibre glass tank. Three feeds were used. They are dried chicken manure only (Treatment I), mixture of dried chicken manure with commercial diet (coppens) (Treatment II) and commercial diet only (coppens only) (Treatment III). The physicochemical characteristics of water for the treatments (T1, TII and TIII) in fibre glass tank were determined twice a month using standard methods. ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of the rate of changes between dissolved oxygen, pH and the fish survival. The result from this study showed that the fish in treatment III had the highest weight gain of 272.10g followed by treatment II (172.07g) and 3 (143.47g) (P

Extent of Compliance and Perception of Mothers on Childhood Immunization in Barangay Ugac Sur, Tuguegarao City, Philippines: A Descriptive Study

This study aimed to determine the extent of compliance of mothers to immunization of their children and the perception of mothers on Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI). Cross-sectional Study, Descriptive. A total of 50 mothers with child or children

Mini review of parasitoids collected in the Cerrado Biome in Brazil

Carlos Henrique Marchiori

The climate is predominantly hot with a rainy and a dry season. Second only to the Amazon, the Cerrado occupies an area of more than 2 million km, corresponding to about 25% of the national territory. It is not only the second largest ecosystem in Brazil, but also in all South America. It is known as such in our country, but in other parts of the world it occurs under the name of savannas, which are characterized by vegetation with low trees, spaced shrubs, and grasses. For the elaboration of this mini review, which consists of the construction of a bibliographic summary of the main groups of parasitoids of the Order Hymenoptera, with an emphasis on the hymenopterans parasitoids collected in the Cerrado Biome (savanna). A bibliographic search was carried out that contained papers published from 2001 to June 2021 on the quantitative aspects of Superfamilies, Families, Subfamilies, Genera and Species. The mini review was carried out from February to June 2021. Parasitoids are often called parasites, but the term parasitoid is more technically correct. By definition, insect parasitoids have a free-living adult stage and an immature life stage that develops on or within an insect host and ultimately kills it. After feeding on host body fluids and organs, most parasitoids leave their hosts to pupate or emerge as adults. Parasitoids have a free-living adult stage and an immature life stage that develops on or within an insect host and ultimately kills it. They are effective control agents in pest population.

Utilization of E-learning by Agricultural Students of Public Higher Institutions in Southwest of Nigeria

This study aimed at determining the utilization of e-learning by agricultural students’ of public higher institutions in the Southwest of Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 300 respondents from the higher institutions. Students were mostly female with a mean age of 22.4 years and with majority enrolled in undergraduate programmes. Respondents had a low usage of e-learning due to low awareness and knowledge level, complexity of technology and inadequate e-learning infrastructures in their schools. A significant relationship existed between constraints, awareness, knowledge, and utilization of e-learning. The regression analysis carried out in this study resulted in R-square of .957. These findings indicate that about 95.7% of variance in the level of usage of e-learning is explained by awareness, knowledge and different constraints. The study recommends that efforts should be geared towards encouraging students to integrate e-learning usage in their academic activities by providing e-learning infrastructures and easy access through competent e-learning personnel.

Detection of mycotoxins from some micro and macro endophytic ascomycetes fungi

Aditi Saini, Vipin Parkash, Vineet Kumar, Akshita Gaur, Harsh Chirag

The immense importance of endophytic fungi in industries has attracted the attention of researchers for their chemical and biochemical properties. Some of ascomycetes fungal species like Penicillium, Aspergillus, Neurospora are the novel source of secondary metabolites such as mycotoxins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, etc. Some of the fungal secondary metabolites are useful in pharmaceutical industries for drugs production whereas some mycotoxins are screened to be harmful in most of the cases; hence, it becomes imperative to know the biochemical aspects of wild fungi regarding their usage. This study involves screening of mycotoxins from some endophytic micro ascomycetes fungi e.g. Fusarium solani, Penicillium chrysogenum, Geotrichum candidum (micro fungi) and macro ascomycetes fungi e.g. Xylaria hypoxylon and Daldinia concentrica (macro fungi) through Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) technique which is a simple physicochemical laboratory procedure and conventional analytical method for quantifying the actual amounts of toxins. In TLC, different solvent systems were used for extrication of compounds/mycotoxins based on their colours. The identification of mycotoxins was done by toning the colours on the TLC plates as per available standard methods and protocols in laboratory. The probable detected and tentatively identified mycotoxins on Thin Layer Chromatographic plates that appeared in different colours were Zearlenone (faint blue), Citrinin (yellow or bright yellow), Aspertoxin (pink), Nivalenon acetate (orange) and Diacetoxiscipenol & Beauvericin (light brown to brown). This kind of studies can be helpful in categorizing any wild fungal species as toxigenic or non-toxigenic based on their natural occurrence and either edible or inedible in nature. There are also some mycotoxins that possess medicinal properties and some are harmful, thus, this detection can open new outlooks and prospects of new wild fungal source/s of medicinally important compounds/mycotoxins. The future proposal of this study is to further identify the particular mycotoxin/s available in target fungal species by standardizing the isolation and identification through some advance techniques.

Effect of scarification methods on different forest seeds

R. Priyadharshini, Dr. K. Lekha

A study describes various pre-sowing treatment attributed to the seed germination and seedling growth of seeds such as Terminalia chebula (Gaertn.) Retz., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre, Santalum album L., Tamarindus indica L by different methods of scarification to determine the germination percentage, germination rate and germination period of seeds. These seeds were collected from IFGTB, Coimbatore in the month of January 2021 respectively. The effects of depulping and soaking period on seed germination and seedling growth performance were explored. The fastest seed germination and highest germination percentage was observed in acid scarification(T4) followed by coconutwater treatment(T3) and rice water treatment(T2) and delayed germination with lowest percentage was observed in mechanical scarification(T4). Growth parameters including shoot length and root length were also maximum and significantly higher in the same treatment compared to others. Considering the practicability of the nursery raising technique for the species, the best treatment option obtained in this study was soaking the five types of seeds in concentrated acid such as 10% of con sulphuric acid for one hour. Since, the acid treatment for a particular period of time is easily applicable and cost effective, the treatment may be recommended for large scale seedling productions in the nurseries.

SmartAgriChain: A Blockchain Based Solution for Agri-food Certification and Supply Chain Management

Rocha T., Costa P., Sousa V., Coelho P., Sousa F., Cardoso N.

Management of certification issuance and product counterfeit verifications in the Agri-food supply chain are very serious and reaching problems nowadays. The currently existing management systems for this process are either outdated or have significant issues when it comes to security, trust, traceability, management or product certification. The introduction of Blockchain technology, due to its intrinsic properties, has the potential to solve identity, ownership, data temper, traceability and certification issues. This is possible due to the unique identity of each actor and signing verification at each transaction/action. The decentralized nature and constant verification of the chain state also contribute to this security and trust in the system. The proposed solution does not compromise currently existing features, but it will, however, allow all the actors to take part in the Agri-food supply chain system and constantly monitor its actions. The SmartAgriChain project intends to implement a supply chain and certification system based on Hyperledger Sawtooth that will be capable of identity management, hierarchical users/organizations, significant scalability, low costs, low energy consumption and compatibility with legacy systems. In this paper, we will explore and explain the system design and architecture in detail as well as a cost projection based on the number of nodes of the distributed system.