Effectiveness of biopesticides in enhancing paddy growth for yield improvement

There is an urgent need to enhance the productivity of irrigated paddy fields to increase the rice production that meets population growth. The focus of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of biopesticides in enhancing the paddy growth for yield improvement after controlling the pest and rice diseases. This study aims to determine either one or two types of biopesticides should be used in paddy cultivation. Thus, three conditions were adopted in paddy cultivation at the insect house as follows; T1 where the paddy was sprayed using BV500WS and BV612EC to study the effectiveness of the biopesticides, T2 where the paddy was sprayed using BV500WS only and C1 where the paddy was cultivated following the conventional technique as a control. BV500WS was sprayed into T1 and T2 on the first day of paddy growth while BV612EC was sprayed later into T1, at 55 and 67 days of paddy cultivation a week after releasing the brown planthopper (BPH). Based on the analysis of correlation obtained for each growth, application of BV500WS and BV612EC of T1 resulted in better performance in terms of height of plant, number of tillers, width of leaves, and number of leaves compared to T2 and C1. The excellence performance of plant growth at T1 produced the highest paddy yield of 2304.20 ± 491.42 g^?2, while T2 produced comparable yield as C1 which are 663.88 ± 128.41 g^?2 and 665.42 ± 183.30 g^?2 respectively. Hence, organic plants based biopesticides are successful in enhancing the plant growth of paddy and ultimately increase the paddy yield.     

“两系”杂交稻N98s／特青杂种优势研究

“两系”杂交稻N_(98S)/特青从苗期就开始表现有多种形态和生理上的杂种优势。在产量构成因素中,表现平均优势的是亩有效穗数(10.52％)和每穗实粒数(31.25％);表现对“三系”杂交稻华优桂_(44)竞争优势的是亩有效穗数(15.92％)和千粒重(5.22％)两项。理论产量超亲优势达11.00％,竞争优势达19 76％。表明N_(9AS)/特青有较大增产潜力。     

Influence of transgenic rice expressing a fused Cry1Ab/1Ac protein on frogs in paddy fields

As genetic engineering in plants is increasingly used to control agricultural pests, it is important to determine whether such transgenic plants adversely affect non-target organisms within and around cultivated fields. The cry1Ab/1Ac fusion gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has insecticidal activity and has been introduced into rice line Minghui 63 (MH63). We evaluated the effect of transgenic cry1Ab/1Ac rice (Huahui 1, HH1) on paddy frogs by comparing HH1 and MH63 rice paddies with and without pesticide treatment. The density of tadpoles in rice fields was surveyed at regular intervals, and Cry1Ab/1Ac protein levels were determined in tissues of tadpoles and froglets collected from the paddy fields. In addition, Rana nigromaculata froglets were raised in purse nets placed within these experimental plots. The survival, body weight, feeding habits, and histological characteristics of the digestive tract of these froglets were analyzed. We found that the tadpole density was significantly decreased immediately after pesticide application, and the weight of R. nigromaculata froglets of pesticide groups was significantly reduced compared with no pesticide treatment, but we found no differences between Bt and non-Bt rice groups. Moreover, no Cry1Ab/1Ac protein was detected in tissue samples collected from 192 tadpoles and froglets representing all four experimental groups. In addition, R. nigromaculata froglets raised in purse seines fed primarily on stem borer and non-target insects, and showed no obvious abnormality in the microstructure of their digestive tracts. Based on these results, we conclude that cultivation of transgenic cry1Ab/1Ac rice does not adversely affect paddy frogs.     

水稻亚种间杂种优势利用研究

本试验探讨了华南双季稻区利用亚种同杂种优势的特点和问题,结果表明:当前,两系亚种问杂种一代主要存在的问题是结实率低和谷草比低;籼粳交杂种易受环境条件的影响;每穗实粒数和单株有效穗数是决定单株产量的重要因子;每穗实粒数增加的关键在于结实率的提高,本文还就提高结实率和谷草比等问题提出了意见。     

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) and silk fibroin associated hydrogel: Boon for wound healing treatment regimen

Background & ObjectivesWound healing is the complex physiological process of replacing damaged cells or tissue layers. The neem (Azadirachta Indica) has a variety of biological activities, which may hasten the rate at which the wound healing mechanism occurs. Silk fibroin is a biomaterial that is reported for its tissue regeneration activity. So, the present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a hydrogel comprising neem and silk fibroin biomaterials for the treatment of wounds.MethodsTopical neem hydrogels (N-HG) with and without silk fibroin (N-SFB-HG) were prepared using neem extract, silk fibroin, and guar gum, which act by entrapping the components by forming a gel. Evaluation tests such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), visual emergence, pH, rheological behavior, spreading capacity, drug content, skin irritation, anti-microbial action, in vivo wound healing activity, and stability were carried out.ResultsThe FT-IR results showed no chemical interaction between the constituents. The formed hydrogels had pH values of 5.87 ± 0.3 for N-HG and 5.76 ± 0.2 for N-SFB-HG. The preferred topical gel viscosity was observed in the N-HG (54.2 ± 3.2cPs) and N-SFB-HG (59.9 ± 4.8cPs) formulations. The formulated hydrogels were sterile and did not irritate the skin. The in vivo wound healing investigation results reveal that the N-SF-HG treatment speeds up the regeneration of the injured area faster when compared to control and N-HG treated groups.Interpretation & ConclusionThese results support the efficacy of the topical hydrogel formulation, including neem and silk fibroin. Therefore, the neem-silk fibroin hydrogel formulation is a therapeutically viable choice that, following necessary clinical research, might be utilized in novel formulations for managing chronic wounds.     

Deltamethrin-induced genotoxicity and testicular injury in rats: Comparison with biopesticide

Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used extensively in pest control. Aim of the current study was to investigate the ability of deltamethrin-based commercial formulation to induce genotoxicity and testicular injury in rats in comparison to the use of the biopesticide; Bacillus thuringiensis. Rats were divided into three groups: Group I (DEL) received deltamethrin, 5 mg/kg b.w./day orally, in corn oil. Group II (Biopesticide, B. thuringiensis) received oral suspension of the biopesticide at daily dose of 8400 mg/kg b.w./day. Group III (Control) received appropriate volume of corn oil. After 4 weeks, deltamethrin-treated rats showed decreased serum testosterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Testicular total oxidant capacity (TOC), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and DNA damage were significantly increased. Significant increase in bone marrow chromosomal aberrations, induced by deltamethrin, including chromatid breaks, deletions, fragments and gaps was also observed. RT-PCR demonstrated significant up-regulation in testicular mRNA for glutathione-s-transferase and heat-shock protein-70 (HSP-70) whereas steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) mRNA was down-regulated after deltamethrin exposure. Oral administration of the biopesticide, under the condition of our study, was found to be safe when compared to the deleterious effect of deltamethrin in rats.     

Cadmium-resistant rhizobacterium Bacillus cereus M4 promotes the growth and reduces cadmium accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice farmland cadmium pollution is an increasing problem for food safety. Cd-resistant bacterial strain was isolated from rice rhizosphere soil and identified as Bacillus cereus M4. Treatment with M4 fermentation broth increased rice seedlings growth in vermiculite, while reduced Cd accumulation in grains of rice grown in Cd-contaminated potted soil from 0.309 to 0.186 mg/kg. Indoleacetic acid (IAA) was detected in M4 metabolites and in potted soil solutions supplemented with M4 broth. M4 broth increased the abundance of Bacillus from 0.54% to 0.95% and changed the soil bacterial community composition. These findings indicate that M4 promotes rice growth by secreting IAA and altering the rhizospheric soil microenvironment, via soil solution composition and microbial community, which may affect Cd translocation from soil to rice roots, thereby decreasing grain Cd accumulation. Therefore, B. cereus M4 is potentially suitable for the bioremediation of Cd-contaminated paddy soils.     

水稻高,矮秆杂种以矮秆品种复交F1的半矮秆,产量及外观品质...

8个水稻高矮秆杂种以矮秆品种复交组合F_1高矮秆呈1:1分离。控制株高和抽穗日数两对性状是独立遗传的。在矮秆群体中选择半矮秆个体可得到穗数较多、稻穗较大、粒数多的高产个体。单株穗重与有效穗数、主穗粒数;穗粒数与穗长呈极显著正相关。谷米粒长/宽比与垩白率基本上呈负相关。     

Optimization of saponin extracts using microwave-assisted extraction as a sustainable biopesticide to reduce Pomacea canaliculata population in paddy cultivation

This study highlights the optimum conditions to extract saponins from Furcraea selloa var. marginata (Furcraea leaves) and spent tea leaves (STL) using supercritical-CO₂ (ScCO₂) and microwave. The bioactivity effects of saponins towards golden apple snails, Pomacea canaliculata were shown. The experiment was designed using the response surface methodology (RSM) to determine the optimum conditions for both extractions technique. Based on RSM analysis, the highest yield of saponins was obtained at 21.60 MPa, 0.30 mm particle size and 4.62 ml/min CO₂ for 30 min using ScCO₂ extraction. Meanwhile, in microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), the highest yield obtained was at 90 °C, 9 min of extraction time and 23.54 ml solvent per gram of sample. The effect of solvent was also investigated. Using water as co-solvent in ScCO₂ extraction and as solvent in MAE resulted in better yield of saponins. Overall, MAE was more efficient to extract saponins with 3.43 wt% compared to ScCO₂ extraction with only 0.49 wt%. The efficacy test of synthesized biopesticides against golden apple snails (GAS) proved that Furcraea leaves extract is the active ingredient to produce effective biopesticide as its performance was able to increase the mortality of GAS up to 100% within 24 h observation and enhanced the paddy growth at early stage of cultivation.     

华南地区水稻品种发展中产量及有关性状的演变研究

对华南地区50年代以来先后推广的水稻品种早造16个、晚造17个作了研究,新复极差测定表明:产量呈现明显的递增趋势。但近期品种间产量差异不显著。产量构成因子,早稻经历了从高秆大穗型到早期矮秆多穗型又到近期半矮秆的改良大穗型的品种发展过程。晚稻近期品种向着大穗多穗型的方向发展,与同化产物分配有关的千粒重与结实率,早、晚稻近期品种均未得到较大的发展。近期品种株高,早稻向半矮秆方向发展,基部节间加粗,茎壁增厚。晚稻的变化趋势不明显。近期品种冠部功能叶,早稻略有减小,晚稻稍有增大。     

Effectiveness of biopesticides against brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) in paddy cultivation

The brown planthopper (BPH) causes serious damage to rice by sucking rice sap, ovipositing in rice tissues, and transmitting a number of rice diseases during its long-distance migration that severely affect the productivity of paddy. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of biopesticides against BPH population. BV500WS is used at the early stage of paddy cultivation for growth enhancement meanwhile BV612EC is used a week after the liberation of BPH for crop protection. Three conditions were adopted as follows which are T1 where the paddy was sprayed using BV500WS and BV612EC to study the effectiveness of both types of biopesticides, T2 where the paddy was sprayed using BV500WS only and C1 where the paddy was cultivated without any pesticide application as control. BPH was released twice on day 46 and 59 of paddy cultivation. Reduction of BPH population with up to 100% mortality rate was observed with the application of two types of biopesticides at T1 resulting in the highest number of remaining tillers with 68.56%. Although severely affected by BPH, T2 was able to has comparable number of remaining tillers as C1 which was 46.24% and 49.65% respectively. These results showed that two types of biopesticides were more effective in reducing BPH compared to one type of biopesticide.     

Application of different fertilizers on morphological traits of dill (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Anethum graveolens</Emphasis> L.)

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nitroxin biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer on the growth, yield, and essential oil composition of dill. The experiment was conducted under field condition in randomized complete block design with three replications and two factors.

Results

The first factor was the concentrations of nitroxin biofertilizer (0%, 50%, and 100%) of the recommended amount (1 l of biological fertilizer for 30 kg of seed). The second factor was the following chemical fertilizer treatments: no fertilizer (control) and 50 and 100 kg ha^?1 urea along with 300 kg ha^?1 ammonium phosphate. Different characteristics such as plant height, number of umbel per plant, number of umbellet per umbel, number of grain per umbellet, 1,000 seed weight, grain yield, biological yield, and oil percentage were recorded. According to the results, the highest height, biological yield, and grain yield components (except harvest index) were obtained on biological fertilizer. The results showed the highest essential oil content detected in biological fertilizer and chemical fertilizer. Identification of essential oil composition showed that the content of carvone increased with the application of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers. The results indicated that the application of biofertilizers enhanced yield and other plant criteria in this plant.

Conclusions

Generally, it seems that the use of biofertilizers or combinations of biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer could improve dill performance in addition to reduction of environmental pollution.

     

Impact of Season,Region, and Traditional Agricultural Practices on Aflatoxins and Fumonisins Contamination in the Rice Chain in the Mekong Delta,Vietnam

The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of the crop season, cultivation region, and traditional pre- and post-harvest agricultural practices on mycotoxin contamination in the Mekong Delta rice chain of Vietnam. The results showed that aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs) were predominantly detected in both paddy (n = 91/184, 50%) and white rice (n = 9/46, 20%). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated paddy samples (n = 3) exceeded the regulatory threshold (5 µg·kg⁻¹). The contamination of paddy with AFs and FBs was not significantly different by growing seasons and cultivation localities. Evidently, in the winter–spring season, fumonisins frequently occurred in paddy planted in Can Tho, while AFs were found in paddy planted in regions Dong Thap and An Giang, and such toxins were absent in Can Tho. Furthermore, the selection of paddy varieties strongly impacted the occurrence of these toxins, especially AFs, for example, line DT8 and Jasmine were susceptible to AFs and FBs. In addition, poor pre- and post-harvest practices (such as crop residue-free fields, fertilizer application, unsanitary means of transport, delayed drying time) had an impact on the AFs and FBs contamination. Our findings can help to understand the dynamics of AFs and FBs in the rice chain in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, leading to the mitigation of the contamination of AFs and FBs in rice.     

Optimized supercritical fluid extraction and effect of ionic liquids on picroside I and picroside II recovery from Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora rhizomes

The supercritical carbon dioxide-assisted extraction (SC CO₂E) process was optimized for extracting picroside I and picroside II from Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora rhizomes. The picroside I and picroside II content was determined using validated LC–MS methodology. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to study quantitative effects of extraction parameters viz. operating pressure, temperature, modifier concentration and extraction time using Box–Behnken design. The experimental data were fitted to second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and analyzed using the appropriate statistical method. By solving the regression equation and analyzing 3D plots, the optimum extraction conditions were found to be: extraction pressure, 25 MPa; temperature, 40 °C; modifier concentration, 15 % and extraction time, 90 min. The effect of four different ionic liquids (IL) as a modifier additive has been investigated using optimized SC CO₂E conditions. None of the IL showed equivalent or enhanced recovery of analytes of interest. The conventional hot percolation of P. scrophulariiflora powder resulted in 23.69 ± 1.02 and 10.22 ± 0.71 mg g^?1 picroside I and II, respectively, after an extraction period of 6 h whereas SC CO₂E with methanol as modifier showed 33.14 ± 1.23 and 16.77 ± 0.82 mg g^?1 recovery of picroside I and II, respectively in 90 min. The comparison of yield and extraction time demonstrated that SC CO₂E using methanol as modifier is more efficient than conventional hot percolation method.     

Extraction of heavy metals from contaminated soil by Cinnamomum camphora

83 acres of rice paddy fields in Taoyuan county, Taiwan, were polluted by cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) through a nearby irrigation channel, and rice plantation was ceased in 1987. Camphor trees (Cinnamomum camphora) have been planted in 2 acre of the above fields since 1991. Heavy metal accumulation of roots, leaves, branches and heartwood of camphor trees were analyzed during 20-year afforestation. Averaged Cd contents of the roots were found larger than the ones of the branches, leaves, sapwood and heartwood of camphor trees growing in three polluted plots. Averaged diameters at breast height (DBH) of the planted camphor trees were 13–15 cm. Cd pollution did not significantly impact the growth of camphor trees, as similar DBH’s were found from both polluted and control sites. Annual growths of DBH were from 0.63 to 0.77 cm year^?1. Planting camphor trees sequestered 68.8 ton biomass per acre. During 20-year period, 0.69–1.98 ton C year^?1 ha^?1 were sequestered on three polluted plots. The above numbers exceeded IPCC LULUCF reference values 0.31–0.53 ton C year^?1 ha^?1 for activities at forest lands.     

Mosquito and tick repellency of two Anthemis essential oils from Saudi Arabia

The essential oils (EOs) of Anthemis melampodina (Am) and Anthemis scrobicularis (As) (Asteraceae) were extracted from the aerial parts of the plants by hydrodistillation, and their chemical compositions were analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. Fifty-six components representing 85.5% of the oil composition of Anthemis melampdina were identified, and the major components were α-pinene (17.1%) and β-eudesmol (13.8%). Forty-one components representing 86% of the oil composition of Anthemis scrobicularis were identified, and the major component was β-eudesmol (12.8%). Laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine repellency of Am and As EOs against the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti L. and the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum L. The minimum effective doses (MEDs) of the Am and As EOs against mosquitoes were 0.187?±?0.000 and 0.312?±?0.063?mg/cm² respectively, which were significantly higher than that of DEET (0.023?±?0.000?mg/cm²) in human-based repellent bioassays. The As EO was more repellent than Am EO against nymphal ticks but was less effective than DEET in vertical paper bioassays.     

Effects of enantiomeric homogeneity on the in vitro metabolism and in vivo anticancer activity of (+)- and (-)-cyclophosphamide.

Separate incubation kinetic measurements for the metabolic “activation” of enantiomerically pure (+)- and (?)-cyclophosphamide (CP) and the racemate of CP by identical phenobarbital (PB)-induced mouse liver microsomal mixed-function oxidase preparations gave, respectively, V_max = 13.8 ± 1.0, 20.0 ± 1.5 and 16.3 ± 1.1 μmol bis-2-ehloroethylamine (nor-HN2) equiv./g wet liver/hr, and K_m = 0.37 ± 0.02, 0.56 ± 0.04 and 0.45 ± 0.02 mM. The absolute magnitude of the apparent V_max kinetic parameter increased by ca. 50 per cent in a subsequent comparative run between (+)- and (?)-CP using a second preparation of the hepatic microsomal ozidase ; however, the relative behaviour of CP enantiomers toward enzymatic “activation” was constant, within experimental error, and revealed that V_max^?/V_max⁺ = 1.34 ± 0.17 and K_m^?/K_m⁺ = 1.35 ± 0.14. Removal and quantitative measurement, as a function of time, of free acrolein that is produced by incubation of CP with PB-induced microsomes repeatedly gave a roughly congruous family of “skewed bell-shaped” curves having maxima in the order (±)-CP > (+)-CP > (?)-CP; however, the differences between these acrolein time-course profiles were relatively small (ca, 10–20 per cent). Repitition of such measurements with freshly prepared mouse liver cytosol and NAD⁺ added to the incubation mixtures of CP and liver microsomes led to comparable suppression of the maxima. Isolation of CP from separate (+)- and (?)-CP incubation mixtures, followed by determination of enantiomeric homogeneity by nuclear magnetic resonance methods, demonstrated that CP is not racemized during in vitro liver microsomal metabolism. Aminal screening data (test/control precentages) for (+)-, (?)-, and (±)-CP activity against mouse L-1210 lymphoid leukemia showed no outstanding differences in therapeutic value. Collectively, these various experimental probes suggest that there is an unusually low degree of biological stereoselectivity associated with the metabolism of CP enantiomers.     

Field evaluation of in vitro-induced tetraploid and diploid Centella asiatica (L.) Urban

Centella asiatica—a medicinal plant that produces high-value active triterpenoids—is in increasing demand by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The aim of this study was to field-test one induced tetraploid and three diploid C. asiatica lines for the selection of high-quality plants with high phytomass and triterpenoid content and to determine their optimal harvesting time. All tested C. asiatica were micropropagated using an established protocol. One-month-old plantlets were acclimatized for the field experiment. The plants were grown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, ten plantlets per replication, and the experimental bed site was 0.6 × 1.0 m. Growth parameters, phytomass and the amounts of four active triterpenoids were evaluated. All lines exhibited the highest growth, yields and triterpenoids at 4 months after cultivation. The tetraploid line showed significantly better characteristics, i.e., larger leaf area, leaf width, petiole length, and greater yields, than diploid lines. Dry weight per cultivated area (77.53 ± 3.07 g/m²) and total triterpenoids (15.38 ± 0.76 % dry weight) were increased significantly in tetraploid plants of C. asiatica. Furthermore, the harvesting time had an effect on the yield and triterpenoid content (P < 0.001). In all tetraploid and diploid lines, the yields and triterpenoid content per cultivated area reached their maximum at 4 months after planting. Our results demonstrated that polyploidy induction is a beneficial tool that can be used to improve the medicinal value of C. asiatica.     

Impaired monoamine oxidase activity in dogs with portacaval shunt

In dogs with portacaval shunt, hypertyraminemia could result from either impaired degradation by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and/or from failure of tyramine to reach this enzyme. MAO activity was evaluated in liver obtained from dogs before and after the construction of an end-to-side portacaval shunt. Diversion of portal blood from the liver by a portacaval shunt resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in hepatic MAO activity [11.9 ± 4.1 nmoles of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (PHA) formed · (mg protein)^?1 · hr^?1] as compared to controls [28.7 ± 6.3 nmoles PHA formed · (mg protein)^?1 · hr ^?1]. Activity was maximally reduced in shunted dogs with stages II and III hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, more than a 50 per cent reduction in both the V_max and the K_m of hepatic MAO for tyramine was noted in shunted dogs as compared to controls. Similar kinetic abnormalities [post-shunt, K_m 52.63 ± 14.3, V_max 3.8 ± 1.2 vs sham group, K_m 120.1 ± 22.3 μM tyramine, V_max 14.3 ± 4.5 nmoles PHA · (mg protein) ^?1 · hr^?1], as well as decreased MAO activity [post-shunt, 1.85 ± 0.83 vs sham group, 6.7 ± 2.1 nmoles PHA formed · (mg protein)^?1· hr^?1], were found in cerebral cortex from encephalopathic dogs with portacaval shunt. In summary, defective MAO activity may contribute to many of the pathophysiologic events observed in dogs with portacaval anastomosis. Such abnormalities could explain the hypertyraminemia and encephalopathy that have been reported in patients and experimental animals with liver disease.     

沈糯9号在黑龙江省东南部生育特性及开发潜力分析--测试文章

以当地糯玉米主栽品种垦粘1号和京科糯2000为对照,在5个种植密度下对沈糯9号及两个当地对照品种的鲜穗产量、鲜籽粒产量、穗部性状、植株性状及熟期进行了研究。结果表明：密度对三个品种产量的影响达极显著水平;各密度下鲜穗产量、穗长、穗粗、穗行数均显著高于垦粘1号和京科糯2000;籽粒深度、行粒数、百粒重及株高与京科糯2000相当,显著高于垦粘1号,但穗位显著低于京科糯2000;沈糯9号熟期较垦粘1号和京科糯2000分别晚6 d和早9 d。综上所述,沈糯9号在产量、穗部性状及田间长势均优于垦粘1号和京科糯2000,且填补了垦粘1号和京科糯2000之间的熟期空白,因此,沈糯9号在黑龙江省东南部乃至全省的开发前景十分可观。