Antimicrobial, acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of essential oils from Allium sativum, Coriandrum sativum and Anethum graveolens
Ianca Carneiro Ferreira, Luís Roberto Batista, Alex Rodrigues Silva Caetano, Gabriela Aguiar Campolina, Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes Ferreira, Suzana Reis Evangelista, Cassia Duarte Oliveira, Carolina Salles Freire, Marcus Vinicius Prado Alves, David Lee Nelson, Maria das Graças Cardoso*
Food Sciences Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG, Brazil
Chemistry Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG, Brazil
Postgraduate Program in Biofuels, Federal University of The Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM), Diamantina, MG, Brazil
Abstract
Essential oils have received attention because they contain a variety of terpene and phenylpropanoid compounds that are responsible for their biological activities. Some plants, such as spices, are rich in these substances, in addition to being widely used in gastronomy. Therefore, the chemical composition and the antioxidant, anticholinesterase and biological activities of the essential oils from Allium sativum, Coriandrum sativum and Anethum graveolens against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and the fungi Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus ochraceus were evaluated. The essential oils were extracted using the hydrodistillation technique and characterized by GC-MS and GC-FID. The principal constituents found were linalool, carvone and diallyl trisulfide in the essential oils from C. sativum, A. graveolens and A. sativum, respectively. C. sativum and A. graveolens were observed to be the most efficient in controlling bacterial growth, and the growth of both fungi was completely inhibited by the essential oil from A. sativum at all the concentrations tested. For C. sativum and A. graveolens, a dose-dependent relationship with the concentrations was observed for the antifungal activity. A decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity in the presence of the A. sativum oil was observed, and the IC50 was 9.67 µg mL-1. Satisfactory results in the antioxidant assay using thiobarbituric acid and in the reduction of the phosphomolybdenum complex were only observed with the oil from C. sativum. A. sativum was found to be the most promising species for the development of sanitizers, drugs and agrochemicals.
Received: 05/11/2023 | Revised: 05/01/2024| Accepted: 02/02/2024
Pages 707-714 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p3697
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Canonical correlations of maize yield components with biological and chemical soil indicators in a subtropical climate
Guilherme Bergeijer da Rosa*, Diego Nicolau Follmann, Felipe Tascheto Bolzan, Henrique Eggers, Alessandro Dal Col Lúcio, Rodrigo Josemar Seminoti Jacques, Valéria Ortaça Portela, Volmir Sergio Marchioro, Luís Antônio Klein, Ivan Carlos Maldaner
Department of Plant Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria (RS), Brazil
Department of Soil Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria (RS), Brazil
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen (RS), Brazil
Polytechnic College of the Federal University of Santa Maria (RS), Brazil
ORCID: 0000-0002-1121-6574
Abstract
Understanding the interaction between chemical and biological soil variables and their impact on the agronomic performance of agricultural crops is critical for enhancing management practices and promoting sustainability in agriculture. Thus, this study aimed to identify canonical correlations between chemical and biological soil variables and the yield components of maize under a subtropical climate in Brazil. Six experiments were conducted, with planting carried out in two different seasons across three locations. Four experiments occurred in rainfed areas, while two utilized pivot irrigation during the 2020/2021 growing season. Three hybrids were sown with three replications in each experiment. All 54 experimental units were evaluated for chemical and biological soil variables, as well as maize yield components. A canonical correlation analysis was conducted between the groups of variables, along with a test for comparing means for the yield components. The planting in two different seasons was exclusively employed to increase the variability of the interaction among the evaluated variables and was not considered in the analyses and interpretations. The results underscore the profound influence of soil and climatic conditions on the interaction between variables, as observed through the canonical correlation. In the irrigated location, a significant correlation between chemical and biological soil variables was observed, accompanied by the highest means in yield components. This emphasizes the need for balanced fertilization to stimulate soil biological activity and enhance grain production. Conversely, in non-irrigated locations, a significant correlation between biological soil variables and yield components was found. Strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of water deficit, such as the addition of plant materials and crop rotation, emerge as viable alternatives. These practices promote the activity of soil microbiota, expanding benefits such as nutrient cycling, with consequential impacts on grain productivity.
Received: 20/01/2024 | Revised: 05/06/2024 | Accepted: 01/08/2024
Pages 715-722 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p97
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Minor cucurbits from Africa: Horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. Ex Naudin)
Jane Muthoni*, Hussein Shimelis
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya
African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X01, Scottsxille 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
ORCI: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9450-1222
Abstract
Horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. Ex Naudin) (2n = 24) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and genus Cucumis. Horned melon is known by many names such as jelly melon (English), métulon (French), Kiwano® (in New Zealand), Melano® (in Israel), bitter wild cucumber (in South Africa), thorn melon (in Kenya), parachichi mwitu (Kiswahili in Kenya), African horned cucumber, orange spiky fruit, among others. Other members of the genus Cucumis are cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and melon (Cucumis melo). This review aims to present horned melon as a minor cucurbit that originated from Africa; its production, nutritive and nutraceutical values have been expounded. Horned melon originated from central and southern African region from where it spread to other regions as far north as Senegal, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Somalia. Horned melon is native to the dry Kalahari desert and it mostly grows in the dry or semi-arid places of the world. In many African countries, horned melon has generally been neglected by scientists as well as policy makers. It has been minimally exploited economically despite its high nutritive and medicinal value. The fruit has been introduced and is currently grown in other countries and continents. In Kenya, New Zealand, France, Australia, USA, and Israel, fruits of improved cultivars are commercially grown for export. Horned melon features in the international trade due to its high nutritional fruit value and as an ornament due to its interesting appearance and long shelf life. Horned melon fruit is more nutritious than cucumber. Its concentration of vitamins B complex, A and C is four times higher than in lemon. It is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, and lutein while the seeds are rich in antioxidants alpha-tocopherol and beta-tocopherol, both of which are organic forms of Vitamin E. The fruit also possess high mineral content particularly potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, zinc, and copper. Consequently, it lowers the onset of heart diseases, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and promotes good eyesight, as well as healthy and strong bones, among others. Despite all the goodness of this fruit, it is rarely consumed especially by the urban population probably due to its unfavourable taste or lack of awareness of its nutritive value. The fruit should be promoted given that lifestyle diseases are a real menace especially among the urban population. In addition, breeding efforts should be enhanced to develop horned melon varieties that are more palatable.
Received: 29/01/2024 | Revised: 06/05/2024 | Accepted: 09/07/2024
Pages 723-730 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p104
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Intra and interspecific competition in spatial arrangements of cassava and peanut intercropping
Maria Beatriz Bernardes Soares, Everton Luis Finoto, José de Anchieta Alves de Albuquerque*, Glauber Ferreira Barreto, João Luiz Lopes Monteiro Neto, José Maria Arcanjo Alves, Richard Alcides Molina Alvarez, Laura Soliane Cruz Braz, Anderson Carlos de Melo Gonçalves, Edgley Soares da Silva
Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios/ Polo Centro Norte, Pindorama, SP, Brasil
Universidade Federal de Roraima/Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia/ Campus Coari, Coari, AM, Brazil
Instituto de Educação e Inovação, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4391-258X
Abstract
Intercropping cassava with peanuts in different plant arrangements can increase cassava crop yield. Nonetheless, no experimental evidence has been established on the ubiquitous forces of intra and interspecific competitions affecting cassava development, crop yield, and land use efficiency (LUE) in intercropping. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the intra- and interspecific competition impacts on cassava culture, crop productivity, and LUE under different spatial arrangements in the cassava-peanut consortium. The experiment was arranged in randomized blocks with 5 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments were: cassava in monoculture (T1); cassava + peanuts between the cassava rows (T2); cassava + peanuts in a double row between the cassava rows (T3); cassava planted in a double row + peanuts between double rows of cassava (T4); peanuts in monoculture (T5). The results reveal that intercropping affects the vegetative growth rate of cassava and that denser spatial arrangements promote greater inter- or intraspecific competition between cassava and peanut plants, affecting the height, branching, root length, diameter, and commercial yield of cassava roots. However, less dense arrangements provide more advantageous conditions for cassava root growth, resulting in less root loss. The productivity of cassava and peanut roots and grains was higher in single cultivation. The intercrop of cassava in a single row with peanuts in the alley and the intercrop of cassava in a double row with peanuts presented satisfactory ELU, with an average of 1.30.
Received: 25/01/2024 | Revised: 02/06/2024 | Accepted: 05/08/2024
Pages 731-739 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p106
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Sources and doses of potassium affect the yield of Cucumis anguria L. in the Brazilian semiarid
Luiz Daniel Rodrigues da Silva*, José Manoel Ferreira de Lima Cruz, Izaias Romario Soares do Nascimento, Edileide Natália da Silva Rodrigues, Amanda Santana Chales, Mylena Costa da Silva, João Paulo de Oliveira Santos, João Henrique Barbosa da Silva, Ademar Pereira de Oliveira
Department of Plant Science, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Department of Plant Science, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, UFPB, Areia, Paraíba Brazil
Department of Biosciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, UFPB, Areia, Paraíba, Brazil
Department of Plant Science, Instituto Federal do Tocantins, IFTO, Lagoa da Confusão, Tocantins, Brazil
Department of Soil Science, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Abstract
The gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.) is a vegetable widely adapted to different edaphoclimatic conditions. It can be used for human consumption, being an alternative healthy nutrition source in the increasing world population. This study aimed to evaluate the yield, content of soluble solids, potassium and leaf sulfur accumulation, and the chlorophyll content of the gherkin cultivar 'Nordestino' under different sources and doses of potassium fertilizer. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design, with treatments distributed in a 6 x 2 factorial scheme, with six doses (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg ha-¹) and two sources of K2O (potassium chloride and sulfate), in four replicates. The highest soluble solids content (3.68%) was obtained under the dose of 78.75 kg ha-¹ of K2O with potassium sulfate. The maximum dose of K2O resulted in a tissue K content of 20.7 g kg-¹, with a tissue S content of 4.49 and 3.24 g kg-¹ under the doses of 250 and 164.16 kg ha-¹ of K2O, respectively, using sulfate and potassium chloride as K source. The total yield was 7.78 t ha-1 and 6.92 t ha-1 under the doses of 102.25 and 81.75 kg ha-¹ of K2O, respectively, using sulfate and potassium chloride as sources. Based on this study, the dose of 105.45 kg ha-¹ of K2O using potassium sulfate as K source is recommended to reach the maximum productivity of the gherkin cultivar 'Nordestino'.
Received: 14/02/2024 | Revised: 14/05/2024 | Accepted: 17/07/2024
Pages 740-746 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p119
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Plant growth and micronutrient contents of yellow passion fruit subjected to organic fertilization
Ismael de Jesus Matos Viégas, Sávia Poliana da Silva, José Darlon Nascimento Alves*, Tayssa Menezes Franco, Ricardo Shigueru Okumura, Diocléa Almeida Seabra Silva, Carlos Valmison da Silva Araújo, Michel Sauma Filho, Heráclito Eugênio Oliveira da Conceição
Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, 68700-665, Capanema, Pará, Brazil
Instituto Federal do Pará, 68250-000, Óbidos, Pará, Brazil
Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, 68515-000, Parauapebas, Pará, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, 68650-000, Capitão Poço, Pará, Brazil
ORCID: 0000-0003-1290-5598
Abstract
The utilization of organic fertilizers to enhance plant growth has witnessed a surge in recent years. This is attributed to the beneficial effects of organic matter on intensely cultivated soils, coupled with the high costs of mineral fertilizers for farmers. Here, we conducted an experiment to assess the impact of organic compound doses on the growth and nutritional status of passion fruit. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, in Belém, Pará State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replications. Each experimental plot comprised a vase with a volume of 3.6 dm3 of soil and a yellow passion fruit seedling (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.). Five rates of organic fertilizer (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%) were tested out of the total volume of the substrate. The organic fertilizer (pH = 6.9, N = 15.2 g kg-1, and C = 109.7 g kg-1) was prepared by mixing 10% chicken manure, 20% duck manure, 15% cassava bark, 15% cassava leaf, 15% bean straw, 15% rice husk, and 10% corn cob. The optimal results of stem diameter, number of leaves, and total dry mass were achieved with a dose of 60% of the organic fertilizer at 97 days. The content and accumulation of micronutrients in the foliar tissue of yellow passion fruit plants followed the descending order: Fe˃B˃Mn˃Zn˃Cu. It is recommended a dose of 60% of organic fertilizer to be used for the production of yellow passion fruit seedlings in the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Brazilian eastern Amazon.
Received: 24/02/2024 | Revised: 28/06/2024 | Accepted: 08/08/2024
Pages 747-752 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p125
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Physicochemical characterization and fatty acid composition of olive seed oil from the Moroccan Picholine variety
Mohamed Hazzab, Aziz Hasib*, Reda Elkacmi, Abdelali Boulli, Abdelkarim Khiraoui
Environmental, Ecological and Agro-Industrial Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, BP 523, 23000 Beni Mellal, Morocco
Abstract
The preparation of table olives represents an important economic and social activity in the Mediterranean region, notably in Morocco. This sector generates large quantities of solid pollutants such as olive stones. ‘Moroccan Picholine’ is the most widely cultivated olive variety in Morocco due to its high adaptability as it known for its olive and oil productivity. The objective of this work is to extract the oil from the seeds of olive stones, determine its physicochemical parameters and study its fatty acid composition from the Moroccan Picholine. The seeds were obtained by crushing the stones and isolating the cellulose part, and oil was extracted from the olive seeds using the standard Soxhlet method. A series of indices have been determined in the course of the work, such as free acidity, the peroxide index, the specific extinction coefficients K232 and K270, the total phenol content and the unsaponifiable matter content. The results showed that the oils extracted from olive seeds (a by-product of table olive processing units) have an oil yield ranging from 26.5 to 43.6 %, an acidity between 5.16 and 7.87 % and normal peroxide values from 10.15 to 12.31 Meq O2/kg. In addition, olive seed oils contain high levels of phenols varying from 6.27 to 11.82 g EAG/kg. On the other hand, gas chromatographic analysis shows that this oil is of the oleic, linoleic type. The main fatty acids are, in order of importance, oleic acid (67.1-68.5%), linoleic acid (18.9-20.6%), palmitic acid (7.8-8.2%). All these results show that olive seed oil is a new source of vegetable oil for different sectors.
Received: 30/03/2024 | Revised: 25/07/2024 | Accepted: 03/09/2024
Pages 753-759 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p158
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Comparative study of two annual Medicago species: Cytogenetical approaches and seed storage proteins analysis in M. polymorpha L. and M. laciniata (L.) Mill.
Lacheheb Fairouz* and Belkhodja Moulay
Laboratory of Experimental Biotoxicologie, Bioremediation and Phytoremediation, University of Oran 1. Ahmed Benbella, BP 1524 ELM_Naouer 31000, Oran, Algeria
Abstract
Species of the Medicago genus are of great interest for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Only a few species, mainly those used in agriculture, have been well studied. There is a particular lack of study of the annual wild species, which are represented in very small numbers (4/103) in the genus. This is why we have chosen to study two annual species with two different basic chromosome numbers, Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. x = 8 and Medicago polymorpha L. x = 7. The main questions were to understand how the decrease in basic chromosome number from x=8 to x=7 occurred and what is the relationship between these species. To answer these questions, the karyotype was analysed using conventional karyological methods and the genome size was assessed using flow cytometry. Ten accessions of M. polymorpha and six of M. Laciniata were studied for cytogenetical feature (by classical karyological methods). Apart from the basic chromosome number, some differences in karyotype features such as chromosome size and morphology were observed. The mean genome size values were 2C = 1.817 pg for M. Laciniata and2C=1.123 pg for M. polymorpha. The SDS-PAGE gel analysis of the seed storage proteins showed species-specific polypeptides pattern. In addition to differences in the basic chromosomes number, karyotype characteristics and total nuclear DNA content, protein profiles also differ between the two species. We suggest that decrease in basic chromosome number from x=8 to x=7 is probably due to occurrence of Robertsonian fusion or centric fusion.
Received: 02/04/2024 | Revised: 12/08/2024 | Accepted: 16/08/2024
Pages 760-767 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p159
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Assessing the superiority of Bacillus songklensis strain kca6 along with lime and cow manure to increase white bean yield in cadmium contaminated soil
Nguyen Van Chuong*, Tran Le Kim Tri, Le Minh Tuan
Department of Crop Science, agricultural faculty of AGU- VNU, HCM city, Vietnam. 18 Ung Van Khiem St., Long Xuyen city, An Giang Province, Vietnam, 880000.
Department of Center laboratory, AGU- VNU, HCM city, Vietnam. 18 Ung Van Khiem St., Long Xuyen city, An Giang Province, Vietnam, 880000
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9177-3273
Abstract
A study on the co-ordinate use of cow manure and lime with nitrogen-fixing bacteria was conducted on the white bean variety at Phuoc Hung commune. This study was comprised of four treatments T0 (NPK: 40 kg Urea-60 kg P2O5-60 kg K2O per ha); T1 [NPK +2.0 tCaCO3ha-1+ Bacillus songlensis strain KCa6; T2 (NPK+10.0t cow manure ha-1+ Bacillus songklensis strain KCa6) and T3 (NPK+10.0t cow manure ha-1+ Bacillus songklensis strain KCa6) repeated four times. Fertilization with cow manure, lime, along with inoculation of BS strain KCa6 had the best outcome, positively affecting pH, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium. Similarly, the best plant growth and yield traits of white bean such as height, number of pods per plant, seeds number per pod, 1,000 seed weight and fresh yield were achieved under this treatment. The fresh seed productivity increased remarkably up to 16.6% and reduced the cadmium (Cd) accumulation of white bean stems ~38.0%, compared to the control treatment. In addition, cadmium amount in white bean seeds was undetectable across all treatments. The application of N, P and K fertilizers, lime, cow manure associated with Bacillus songlensis strain KCa6 inoculation promoted soil nutrients, plant growth as well as enhanced yield and quality of white bean. Therefore, indigenous Bacillus songlensis strain KCa6 species discovered as a promising species in combination to increase crop yield and improve crop quality on the cadmium contamination soil.
Received: 08/04/2024 | Revised: 01/07/2024 | Accepted: 15/07/2024
Pages 768-774 | Read article| Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p168
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Physiology, growth, and metabolism of seed-derived cocoa varieties in response to field stress conditions
Moses Kwame Aidoo*, Esther Anokye, Mikhail Tettey Agyemang, Atta Ofori, Alfred Arthur, Francis Kwame Padi
Physiology/Biochemistry Division, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, New Tafo - Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana
Plant Breeding Division, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, New Tafo, Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana
Soil Science Division Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, New Tafo, Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0183-4771
Abstract
A total of fifteen best seed-derived cocoa varieties known for their high combining abilities for vigour and yield were evaluated at the vegetative stage between 29 to 39 months after planting. Environmental factors, physiology, growth, carbohydrate, carbon, and nitrogen metabolism resilience of the varieties in response to field stress conditions during wet and dry main growing seasons were evaluated. The plants were then subjected to the environmental stress conditions (high temperature, low rainfall, and soil moisture content) at dry growing season as stress conditions, compared to wet season as unstress conditions (optimum temperature, high rainfall, and soil moisture). Physiology and growth of the varieties during wet season or in dry season conditions did not differ significantly but differed in their response to the seasons. The varieties exhibited a tight stomatal regulation and reduced photochemical efficiency at various magnitudes. Leaves relative chlorophyll content unchanged with high relative water content culminating in the reduction of electrolyte leakage during dry season stress conditions. The varieties accumulated soluble sugars, starch, non-structural carbohydrate, carbon and nitrogen under high temperature, low rainfall, and moisture content during dry season. Correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between the physiology, growth, and central carbon metabolism parameters. These findings were prominence in varieties AMAZ 15-15 x EQX 78, CRG 2029 x AMAZ 3-2, CRG 2029 x CRG 0314/102, CRG 9006 x AMAZ 3-2 and PA 150 x CRG 0314/102.
Received: 26/04/2024 | Revised: 02/08/2024 | Accepted: 16/08/2024
Pages 775-778 | Read article| Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.11.p192