Population Density of Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters in Hanumanahalli Village, Karnataka | InformativeBD

Krishna Kumar, from the institute of India.  And Dr. A. Shwetha, from the institute of India.  wrote a Research Article about, Population Density of Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters in Hanumanahalli Village, Karnataka. Entitled, Population density of Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) birds in different zones of Hanumanahalli Village, Gangavathi Taluk, Karnataka, India. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This study investigates the population density of Blue-tailed bee-eater birds in different zones of Hanumanahalli village, Gangavathi Taluk. We chose this location due to its diverse ecosystems, making it suitable for both resident and migratory bird activities like breeding and nesting. The Blue-tailed bee-eater, a summer migratory bird, regularly visits the area to construct sand nests along riverbanks, benefiting from the presence of suitable loamy soil. Data collection occurred from January 2020 to December 2022, with weekly surveys conducted. The primary objective was to determine the Percentage of population density of Blue-tailed bee-eater birds in the different zones. The survey revealed distinct population pattern across the zones, with riverine areas, croplands, and urban areas having highest, optimum, and lowest percentages, respectively. The variations in population distribution are attributed to factors such as food availability (insects, especially bee-eaters), suitable loamy soil for nesting, and the need for protection from human-related disturbances in their habitats.

Read more : Nesting Behavior and Parental Care of Asian Paradise Flycatcher in West Bengal | InformativeBD

Introduction

Our planet teems with a diverse array of organisms, ranging from tiny microorganisms like viruses and bacteria to magnificent macroorganisms such as plants and animals, forming the tapestry of biodiversity (Dhindsa and Saini, 1994; Hosetti, 2008).

Among these, avifaunal diversity, which encompasses the variety of bird populations, plays a vital role in maintaining ecological equilibrium by enriching flora and fauna. Bird populations and ecosystem pollution share an intriguing relationship, as estimating bird densities offers insights into the abundance of other species within the ecosystem (Wilson and Comet, 1996; Blake, 2007; Hosetti, 2001).

Among the fascinating avian species, Merops philippinus, widely known as the Blue-tailed beeeater, stands out. These captivating birds belong to the Meropidae family and are renowned for their vivid plumage and unique feeding habits. Found across various regions in Asia, the Blue-tailed beeeater is a migratory wonder, embarking on seasonal journeys in response to changing environmental conditions (Inskipp et al., 1995).

Their diet primarily consists of insects, particularly bees, wasps, and other flying insects. Breeding seasons for these bee-eaters vary across their range, and they exhibit a remarkable nesting behavior. Creating their nests through burrowing into sandy or loamy soil banks, typically in proximity to water sources, these birds exhibit a preference for colonial nesting behavior, assembling into vibrant and interactive breeding colonies. 

As they embark on their migratory journeys, these enchanting avian migrants often grace the study area, completing their breeding cycle within this locale.

This inquiry unveils noteworthy insights into the population density trends of Blue-tailed Bee-eater birds across various zones within Hanumanahalli Village, located in Gangavathi Taluk, within the state of Karnataka

Reference

Ali S. 2002. The Book of Indian Birds XIII ed., Oxford University Press, Mumbai.

Bibby CJ, Jones M, Marden S. 1998. Expedition Field Techniques. Bird Surveys, Royal Geographical Society, London.

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Gaston AJ. 1975. Methods for estimating bird populations. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc 72, p. 271-283.

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Wilson MF, Comet TA. 1996. Bird communities of northern forests: Patterns of diversity and abundance. The Condor 98(2), p. 337-349.

Source : Population density of Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) birds in different zones of Hanumanahalli Village, Gangavathi Taluk, Karnataka, India

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Nesting Behavior and Parental Care of Asian Paradise Flycatcher in West Bengal | InformativeBD

Deep Ghosh, from the institute of India.  And Priyankar Sanphui, from the institute of India. wrote a Research Article about, Nesting Behavior and Parental Care of Asian Paradise Flycatcher in West Bengal. Entitled, Study of nesting behaviour and parental care of Asian paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi from North 24 parganas, West Bengal, India. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences(JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

The Asian paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradise is a graceful looking medium sized bird widely found in the forest area of different parts of Asia including India. These birds exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism with males being present in two or more morphs.  The present work is aimed to study the detailed nesting behaviour and parental care of Asian paradise flycatcher from north 24 parganas district of West Bengal. Observations were carried out during May to July of 2021 and 2022. A total of 12 nests were observed during our study. Our observation revealed that these birds made small cup shaped nest. The female usually lays 3-4 egg and both male and female alternately incubate the eggs till they hatch. Both the parents take part in feeding and other parental cares. We also observed a specific correlation between the development of chicks and time of bathing of the parents. We report here, an ethogram based on the observed behaviour of these birds.  In short our study revealed some insights into the nest building and parental care of paradise flycatcher.

Read more : Nickel-Accumulating Plants: A Taxonomic Survey in Manicani Island Mining Site | InformativeBD

Introduction

Terpsiphone paradise commonly known as Asian or Indian Paradise flycatcher is a beautiful looking bird found in different parts of Asia. In West Bengal they visit in summer (Grimmett et al., 2011, Rasmussen & Andertor 2012). Reports suggests that there is a nonmigratory variety of Asian paradise flycatcher belonging to subspecies affinis. The migratory subspecies is incei (Das N. & Adhikari S. 2019). The two subspecies differ in their breeding season. The size of the adult bird is between 18 to 22cm. Their heads are glossy black with a black crown and crest, black bill and black eye. They exhibit prominent sexual dimorphism. The females are rufous on the back side with grayish throat and grayish to white on the ventral side. Males occurs mainly in two morphs, one with rufous or glossy chestnut upper plumage and another with white plumage. The young males look almost like the females with rufous colour and short tail but have a black throat and blue ringed eyes.

The Asian paradise flycatcher has 12 tail feathers. Out of the 12 feathers two central feathers of adult males are elongated greatly and form streamers (Mizuta T. and Yamagishi S. 1998). The length of the tail of adult male can be 20-24cm, with the central feathers growing upto 30cm long streamers. The males acquire the long central feather in 2nd or 3rd year. Asian paradise flycatcher is socially monogamous animal and belongs to schedule IV according to wildlife protection act 1972 and is classified as least concerned by IUCN (IUCN 2019)

Studies on the nesting behaviour and parental care of Asian paradise flycatcher are sparsely available (Gokula V & Vijayan L 2003, Das N & Adhikari S 2019). The present work is aimed to study the detailed nest building behaviour and parental care of Asian paradise flycatcher.

Reference

Alatalo RV, Glynn C, Lundberg A. 1990. Singing rate and female attraction in the Pied Flycatcher: an experiment. Animal Behaviour 39(3), 601-603.

Das N, Adhikari S. 2019. Study of nesting behaviour of Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi (Aves: Passeriformes: Monorchidae) from southern West Bengal, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 11(6), 13782-13785.

Gokula V, Vijayan L. 2003. Foraging and nesting behaviour of Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradise in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India. Forktail 19, 142-144.

Grimmett R, Inskipp C, Inskipp T. 2011. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Helm Field Guide-2nd Edition. Oxford University Press, India 528pp

IUCN. 2019. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2019-1 http://www.iucnredlist.org

Lundberg A, Alatalo RV. 1992. The Pied Flycatcher. T & AD, Poyser, London 267 pp.

Mizuta T, Yamagishi S. 1998. Breeding biology of monogamous Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi (Aves: Monarchinae): a special reference to colour dimorphism and exaggerated long tails in male. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 46(1), 101-112.

Nolan VJr. 1963. Reproductive success of birds in a deciduous scrub habitat. Ecology 44(2), 305-313

Rasmussen PC, Anderton JC. 2012. Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide, 2nd Volume, II Edition. Smithsonian Institution, Michigan State University & Lynx Edicions, Washington DC, Michigan & Barcelona 688pp.

Ricklefs RE. 1969. An analysis of nesting mortality in birds. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 1-48.

Source : Study of nesting behaviour and parental care of Asian paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisifrom North 24 parganas, West Bengal, India  

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Nickel-Accumulating Plants: A Taxonomic Survey in Manicani Island Mining Site | InformativeBD

Marixel C. Evardone, from the institute of the Philippines. and Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo, from the institute of the Philippines. wrote a Research Article about, Nickel-Accumulating Plants: A Taxonomic Survey in Manicani Island Mining Site. entitled, Taxonomic survey of nickel accumulating plants in a mining site of Manicani Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences (IJB). an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

A taxonomic survey of the nickel accumulating plants found in Manicani Island, Eastern Samar, Philippines is conducted to assess the phytoremediation potentials of indigenous vascular plant species found in the area.  Dimethyglyoxime (DMG) kit field test was conducted to screen the encountered vascular plant species on site for nickel content in their aboveground tissues. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was done both on the soil and leaves of the collected plants to determine their respective nickel contents.  Vitex parviflora A.Juss. together with other fourteen species from thirteen genera and twelve families were classified as hemi-accumulators (nickel content between 100-999 μg/g in dry matter). Fourteen species were classified as nickel non-accumulators, ten species still need further identification measures to confirm its species identity and Ficus pseudopalma which is endemic to the Philippines is found in the island.  A careful morphological examination combined with molecular identification protocols are recommended to know the identities of the unknown plant species.

Read more : Overcoming Somatic Embryogenesis Challenges in Cocoa with IM Medium | InformativeBD

Introduction

Heavy metal accumulators are plants with the rare ability to extract given metals and metalloids, have the capacity to accumulate them in normally toxic shoot tissue concentrations without any evidence of physiological stress (Baker and Brooks, 1989; Baker et al., 2000). This marvel has been observed in less than 0.2% of all angiosperms, commonly manifesting as exceptionally high foliar concentrations (>1000 μg/g dry weight) of one of these elements in the leaf dry matter (Pollard and Baker, 1997). Commonly, these plant species known as metal accumulators are predominantly herbaceous and generally occur on substrates high in content of these accumulated elements. Host soil environments are commonly serpentine, characterized with high levels of heavy metals and magnesium, usually depleted in plant macronutrients, but surprisingly supports highly specialized floras (Brooks, 1998). As of present, there are still many metalliferous parts of the tropics in which no plant collections have been undertaken, thus resulting to very limited analytical work on this area. As presented by Proctor (2003) and Reeves (2003), these sites include parts of the Philippines and Indonesia. In same paper, it has been estimated that the Philippine ultramafics (referring to the geological formations containing high Mg/Fe ratios) make up around 5% of the country’s land area. With the prior knowledge that these land areas support large assemblages of extreme nickel hyperaccumulators and nickel accumulators, the researcher conducted this study. In this paper, the researchers collected and taxonomically identified the species found in metal rich soils of Manicani Island, and conducted a field semi-quantitative screening for nickel accumulation (among the plants encountered) on site. The abovementioned field screening test was adapted from the works of Baker et al. (1992) and Fernando et al. (2014). The field screening involved thoroughly washing of the leaf samples with distilled water, crushing these in a mortar and pestle, and then testing with filter paper previously soaked in 1% of the nickel specific colorimetric reagent, dimethylglyoxime, dissolved in 95% ethanol. The formation of pink or purplish red color indicated exceptionally high (above 1,000 μg g-1) concentration of Ni in the dry plant matter

Reference

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Ashraf M, Maah M, Yusoff I.  2011. Heavy metals accumulation in plants growing in ex tin mining catchment. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 8(2), 401-416.

Ata A, Mbong N, Iverson CD, Samarasekera R. 2009. Minor chemical constituents of Vitex pinnata. Natural Product Communications 4(1). http://dx.doi.org/1934578X0900400102.

Baker AJM, Brooks R. 1989. Terrestrial higher plants which hyperaccumulate metallic elements. A Review of their Distribution, Ecology and Phytochemistry. Biorecovery 1(2), 81-126.

Baker AJM, McGrath SP, Reeves RD, Smith, JAC. 2000.  Metal hyperaccumulator plants: A review of the ecology and physiology of a biological resource for phytoremediation of metal-polluted Soils. Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Water 8, 85-107.

Baker AJM, Proctor J, Van Balgooy, MMJ, Reeves RD. 1992.  Hyperaccumulation of nickel by the flora of the ultramafics of Palawan, Republic of the Philippines. The Vegetation of Ultramafic (Serpentine) Soils, 291-304.

Brooks RR. 1998.  Plants that Hyperaccumulate Heavy Metals: Their Role in Phytoremediation, Microbiology, Archaeology. Mineral Exploration and Phytomining. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

Chang P, Kim JY, Kim KW.  2005. Concentrations of arsenic and heavy metals in vegetation at two abandoned mine tailings in South Korea. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 27(2), 109-119.

De Mejía G, Ramírez-Mares E, NairMG.  2002.  Topoisomerase I and II enzyme inhibitory aqueous extract of Ardisia compressa and ardisin protect against benomyl oxidation of hepatocytes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 50(26), 7714-7719.

Fernando ES, Quimado MO, Doronila AI.  2014. Rinorea niccolifera (Violaceae), a new, nickel hyperaccumulating species from Luzon Island, Philippines. PhytoKeys 37, 1–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.37.7136.

Fernando ES, Quimado MO, Trinidad LC.  Doronila AI.  2013.  The potential use of indigenous nickel hyperaccumulators for small-scale mining in The Philippines. Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management 1(1), p-21.

Kardong D, Upadhyaya S, Saikia LR. 2013. Screening of phytochemicals, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of crude extract of Pteridium aquilinum Kuhn. Journal of Pharmacy Research 6(1), 179-182.

Kubicka K, Samecka-Cymerman A, Kolon K, Kosiba P, Kempers AJ.  2015. Chromium and nickel in Pteridium aquilinum from environments with various levels of these metals. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International 22(1), 527–534. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11356-014-3379-5.

Magadula JJ. 2014. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Macaranga: A Review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 8(12), 489-503.

Ocon J, Ampan P, Mora-Garcia C, Cuidad KL, Buenaflor EM. 2018. Diversity assessment of floral species and screening of potential nickel hyperaccumlutor in nickel-rich Kinalablaban Delta, Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. Journal of Environment and Earth Science 8(7), 225-948.

Okolo PO, Irabor EEI, Abugu TP. 2012.  Artocarpus altilis proving its worth in toxic metal removal from the environment. Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 5(2), 104-109.

Olaifa FE, Omekam AJ. 2014. Studies on phytoremediation of copper using Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) in the presence of biostimulants and bioassay using Clarias gariepinus juveniles. International Journal of Phytoremediation 16(3), 219-234.

Pollard AJ, Baker AJ.  1997.  Deterrence of herbivory by zinc hyperaccumulation in Thlaspi caerulescens (Brassicaceae). New Phytologist, 135(4), 655-658.

Priyantha N, Kotabewatta PA.  2019. Biosorption of heavy metal ions on peel of Artocarpus nobilis fruit: 1—Ni (II) sorption under static and dynamic conditions. Applied Water Science 9, 1-10.

Proctor J.  2003.  Vegetation and soil and plant chemistry on ultramafic rocks in the tropical Far East. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 6(1-2), 105-124.

Rajakaruna N, Baker AJ.  2004.   Serpentine: a model habitat for botanical research in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science 32, 1-19.

Reeves RD.  2003. Tropical hyperaccumulators of metals and their potential for phytoextraction. Plant and Soil 249(1), 57-65.

Sachan P, Lal N.  2017. An overview of nickel (Ni2+) essentiality, toxicity and tolerance strategies in plants. Asian Journal of Biology 1-15.

Shafiq M, Iqbal MZ, Arayne MS, Athar M. 2011.  Alstonia scholaris R.Br. and Cassia siamea Lamk. As possible biomonitors of lead and cadmium in the polluted environment of Karachi city, Pakistan. Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality, 84, 95-101.

Ssenku JE, Ntale M, Backeus I, Oryem-Origa H. 2017. Phytoremediation potential of Leucaena leucocephala Lam. de Wit. For heavy metal-polluted and heavy metal-degraded environments. Phytoremediation Potential of Bioenergy Plants. Springer, Singapore.

Van der Ent A, Baker A, Reeves R, Pollard A, Schat H. 2012. Hyperaccumulators of metal and metalloid trace elements: Facts and fiction. Plant and Soil, 362. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1287-3.

Source : Taxonomic survey of nickel accumulating plants in a mining site of Manicani Island, Guiuan, EasternSamar, Philippines 

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Overcoming Somatic Embryogenesis Challenges in Cocoa with IM Medium | InformativeBD

Koné Daouda,  from the institute of the Côte d’Ivoire. Thiémélé Deless Edmond Fulgence, from the institute of the Côte d’Ivoire. Silué Oumar, from the institute of the Côte d’Ivoire .Yao Saraka Didier Martial, from the institute of the Côte d’Ivoire. And N’Nan Alla Oulo, from the institute of the Côte d’Ivoire. wrote a Research Article about, Overcoming Somatic Embryogenesis Challenges in Cocoa with IM Medium. Entitled, Use of Im medium to overcome recalcitrance to somatic embryogenesis of improved cocoa genotypes (Theobrama cacao L.). This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences (IJB). an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

In vitro recalcitrance is the inability of plant cells, tissues and organs to respond to tissue culture manipulations. In cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.), recalcitrance is a limiting factor in tissue culture for the production of somatic embryos. This study aims to improve the production of somatic embryos by In Vitro culture of improved genotypes deemed recalcitrant to somatic embryogenesis. ‘’Im’’medium was used to induce the production of embryos of four enhanced and recalcitrant somatic embryogenesis genotypes encoded C8, C14, C15 and C16. The plant material consists of explants of petals and staminodes. The best results, which are characterized by levels of cal embryogenesis and the number of somatic embryos of 16% and 07, respectively, were obtained in the C14 genotype. This study showed that it is possible to produce somatic embryos in these improved varieties, thus eliminating the recalcitrance of these genotypes to somatic embryogenesis. The availability of improved material consisting of identical plants will allow the creation of more homogeneous plantations with high yields. 

 Read more : Optimizing Brown Oyster Mushroom Yield with Various Liming Materials | InformativeBD

Introduction 

The cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao L.) is a tree that comes from the Amazon basin. This plant with multiple virtues is mainly grown for its beans. They are the main raw material for the chocolate industry (Koné et al., 2021).

Despite its importance, cocoa farming is facing enormous difficulties, which can be explained by the attacks of several pathogenic and parasitic agents, the aging of the orchards, the high cost of inputs, the nonavailability, and the under-use of plant material. improved (Koné et al., 2021).

To overcome these difficulties, several methods have been considered. Conventional techniques for the multiplication of plant material, such as cuttings and grafting, have been proposed. Unfortunately, these vegetative horticultural propagation techniques have several drawbacks that do not allow their easy application (Koné et al., 2021). 

To overcome all these difficulties and obtain homogeneous material in abundant quantity, in vitro culture by somatic embryogenesis was considered. It is a method that makes it possible to produce a given genotype in sufficient quantity and in a homogeneous manner.

This method of in vitro propagation has advantages over conventional methods of propagation and largescale production of woody plants while ensuring stability and genetic integrity (Kouassi et al., 2017a; Eliane et al., 2019; Koné et al., 2019). Regenerators, i.e., plants regenerated from somatic embryos, in addition to being genetically identical to each other, behave like seedlings (Jane et al., 2017; Kouassi et al., 2018). 

However, this method presents some problems in the cocoa tree because of the recalcitrance of certain genotypes. This recalcitrance is reflected in the variation in the rate of somatic embryos from one genotype to another, often with very low or even zero somatic embryo rates. Overcoming this recalcitrance requires optimizing existing protocols or developing new ones. The works of Koné et al. (2019; 2021) have shown that mineral salts and carbon sources taken individually make it possible to resolve this recalcitrance. The general objective of this study is to test the effect of the Im medium on lifting the recalcitrance of recalcitrant genotypes to allow their production in sufficient quantity and their large-scale distribution.

Reference

Driver JA, Kuniyuki AH. 1984. In vitro propagation of paradox walnut root stock. HortScience 19, 507-509.

Eliane MT, Modeste KK, André SB, Edmond KK, Mongomaké K. 2019. Effect of Water Stress Induced by Polyethylene Glycol 6000 on Somatic Embryogenesis in Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.). Agricultural Sciences 10, 1240-1254.

Garcia C, Furtado AA, Costa M. 2019. Abnormalities in somatic embryogenesis caused by 2,4-D: an overview. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 137(2), 193-212. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11240-019-01569-8

Garcia C, Corrêa F, Findley S. 2016. Optimization of somatic embryogenesis procedure for commercial clones of Theobroma cacao L. African Journal of Biotechnology 15(36), 1936-1951. http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/ajb2016.15513

Jane K, Siaka K, Lucien D, Georges N. 2017. Enhanced plantlet regeneration in two cacao (Theobroma cacao) Clones from Immature Inflorescence Explants. HORTSCIENCES, 52(6), 892–895. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI11844-17

Koné D, Kouassi KM, N’Nan AO, Kouablan KE. 2019. Induction of somatic embryos of recalcitrant genotypes of theobroma. Journal of Applied Biosciences 133, 13552–13560.

Koné D, Kouassi KM, N’Nan AO, Kouablan KE. 2019.  Use of mineral salts to remove recalcitrance to somatic embryogenesis of improved genotypes of cacao (Theobrama cacao L.). African Journal of Biotechnology 20(1), 33-42.

Koné D, Kouassi  KM, N’Nan AO, Kouablan KE. 2019. Carbon source and lifting of recalcitrance to the induction of somatic embryos in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.).International journal of biosciences 19(1), 75-84.

Kouassi KM, Manlé TE, Koné D, Soumahoro AB, Koné T, Kouablan KE, Koné  M. 2017a. Effect of antioxidants on the callus induction and the development of somatic embryogenesis of cocoa [Theobroma cacao (L.)]. Australian Journal of Crop Sciences 11(1), 25-31. https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.2017.11.01.pne174

Kouassi KM, Kahia J, Kouame NC, Tahi GM, Kouablan KE. 2017. Comparing the effect of plant growth regulators on callus and somatic embryogenesis induction in four elite Theobroma cacao L. Genotypes. Hortsciences 52(1), 142–145.  http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI110.92-16

Kouassi KM, Kouablan KE, Silué O, Tahi GM, Touré M, Konan KP. 2018.Comparison of systems combining auxins with thidiazuron or kinetin supplemented with polyvinylpirrolidone during embryogenic callus induction in three Theobroma cacao L. genotypes. Internatinal Journal Biological and Chemical Sciences 12(2), 804-811. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v12i2.15

Sandra MMN, Ana MHR, Aura IUT. 2023. Propagation of the Colombian genotype of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) CNCh-12 by somatic embryogenesis.  Revis Bionatura 8(1), 26. http://dx.doi.org/10.21931/RB/2023.08.01.16.bd268

Source :  Use of Im medium to overcome recalcitrance to somatic embryogenesis of improved cocoa genotypes(Theobrama cacao L.) 

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Optimizing Brown Oyster Mushroom Yield with Various Liming Materials | InformativeBD

Yvette D. Medrano, from the institute of the Philippines . Gerald M. Duza, from the institute of the Philippines . Gerald L. Seridon, from the institute of the Philippines. Nonito Pattugalan, from the institute of the Philippines. and Macluven T. Gonzales, from the institute of the Philippines. wrote a Research Article about, Optimizing Brown Oyster Mushroom Yield with Various Liming Materials. entitled, Yield performance of Brown Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus cystidiosus) using different liming materials.This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Mushroom industry is still burgeoning in the Philippines and has high demand both in local and world markets. However, there are yet to be studied on the matter of cultivation substrates which production is at stake. To cultivate mushrooms, the raw materials mainly are agricultural by-products which, at times are unavailable in certain areas particularly the liming material needed. Different by-products were evaluated as potential alternative liming material for brown oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation in fruiting bags. The Complete Random Design (CRD) was used to lay out the experiment with five treatments (T1–no liming material, T2 – with filter cake), T3 – with rice hull ash), T4 – with agricultural lime), and T5 – with wood ash). These potential liming materials assessed on their influence on mycelia growth, yield, number of stipes (stem), and pileus (cap) diameter. The research revealed significant differences in mycelia growth, pileus (cap) diameter and yield and found no significance on the number of stipes (stem). Significant difference was observed in mycelia growth from Treatment 2 when compared to T1, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. The treatment using agricultural lime (T4) yield was found highly significant to T3, T2, T5 and T1 with a mean yield of 1,307.00 g, 1,291.00 g, 1,037.10 g and 770.04 g respectively. Moreover, T3, T2, T5 are not par with each other. Analysis of variance on pileus (cap) diameter showed significant differences among Treatment means where T4 is significantly different with T2, T3, and T5 but showed no significance on T3, T4, and T5. For the number of stipes (stem), the experiment revealed no significance among treatment means. Of and among the treatments, the treatment using agricultural lime still performs best as the package of technology on oyster mushroom cultivation standardized it so. Nevertheless, this research output claims the utilization of the liming material alternatives especially when the agricultural lime is unavailable.

Read more :  Land Use, Community Insights, and Soil Fungal Microbial Dynamics in Itigi, Tanzania | InformativeBD

Introduction 

Earthy, tasty and healthy mushrooms have been eating for thousands of years and have driven vitamin rich mushrooms and topped to different menus. With the advent of the Organic Agriculture Act also known as RA 10068, mushroom, a genuinely grown free from fertilizer and pesticides, Filipino has learned to cultivate over the years. Mushroom industry is still burgeoning in the Philippines and has high demand in both domestic and world market.

The Brown oyster mushroom (Pleurotus cystidiosus) is just one of the about 1,400 mushroom species that is being introduced in the Philippines to culture. Recently, production is site specific, which growers are to look into alternatives such as fruiting bag or log substrates, grain substrates, as well as liming materials or agents. One such problematic in availability is the liming material because it is being used in building construction, various processing planta, and more on several agricultural activities like fish growing in ponds, applying agricultural to acidic soils, and the like. It is vital to learn the alternatives such that wherever part of the country, availability of materials would not be a hindrance among Filipinos to grow mushrooms.

To produce abundant mushroom, according to Khan et al. (2013) as cited by Martinez et al. (2019), potential Hydrogen (pH) is a pertinent factor for CaCO3 is an important constituent in mushroom cultivation. There are several possible liming agents to be used in various mushroom species grown in fruiting bags namely, filter cake, wood ash, and rice hull ash. Nevertheless, agricultural lime is still being used.

Filter cake is one of the wastes from the sugar industry after processes like extraction, clarification and filtration. One of the sugar plants in the Philippines is located in Piat, Cagayan. Filter cake is therefore abundant and of free to collect. Wood ash is also readily available among households because Filipinos are fond of using wood to cook food; just make sure that plastic wastes are not being burned together with the wood. Rice hull ashes (RHA) are combusted rice hulls. Cagayan is known as a producer of rice, so rice hulls are available everywhere.

This study aims to determine liming material/s that will provide the fastest mycelia growth. This indicator manifests the ability of the potential hydrogen to put the oyster mushroom substrates in neutral condition thereby allowing mycelia growth to ramify and proliferate persistently. It also aims to determine good oyster mushroom yield which results would emanate from the inputs in the cultivation. 

The results of this study will be utilized by several mushroom growers in various communities which will provide information on the alternative liming agents to be used for neutralization of sawdust substrates for oyster mushroom production. It will also contribute to the existing literature on the management of growing oyster mushroom.

Reference

Chang S, Miles PG. 2004. Cultivation, Nutritional Value, Medicinal Effect, and Environmental Impact. Substrate and Mycelial Growth. 2nd Edition. CRC Press. eBook ISBN9780429208874. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203492086.

Casas L, Hernandez Y, Mantell C, Casdelo N, EMartinez de la Ossa. 2015. Filter Cake Oil-Wax as Raw Material for the Production of Biodiesel: Analysis of the Extraction Process and the Transesterification Reaction. Hindawi Publishing Corporation. Journal of Chemistry 2015, 9. http://ds.doi.org/10.1155/2015/946462

Fusade L, Viles H, Wood C, Burns C. 2019. The Effect of Wood Ash on the Properties and Durability of Lime Mortar for Repointing Damp Historic Buildings. 0950-0618/2019 The Authors, Published by Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.03.326

Manso J, Obodai M, Dzomeku M, Apertorgbor MM. 2011. Influence of Rice Husk on Biological Efficiency and Nutrient Content of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex. Fr.) Kummer. International Food Research Journal 18: 249-254. CSIR-Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana. 2CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, University Box 63, Kumasi, Ghana.

Manuel LT, Ramos LV. 2018. Filter Cake as an Alternative Liming Material for Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus florida) Production. Cagayan State University-Piat. Unpublished.

Mardiana. 2021. 736 Combination of Sawdust, “Filter Cake” and Calcium Carbonate as Growth Medium for the Production of White Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences- 2021: 52(3): 736-744. Siti Mardiana Retno Astuti Kuswardani Ahmad Abidin Agro technology, Agriculture Faculty, Medan Area University, Indonesia.

Martinez MAV, Pascual AF, Medrano YD, Seridon GL, Uy MM. 2019. Mycelia Growth Performance of Grey Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju) Using Different Liming Materials. International Conference on Food and Economic Security and Environmental Sustainability.

Mullins GL, Alley MM, Wysor WG, Phillips SB. 2014. Sources of Lime for Acid Soils in Virginia. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Publication 452-510.

Source : Yield performance of Brown Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus cystidiosus) using different liming materials  

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Land Use, Community Insights, and Soil Fungal Microbial Dynamics in Itigi, Tanzania | InformativeBD

Regina Jacob, from the institute of the Tanzania . Akida Meya, from the institute of the Tanzania. Francis Moyo, from the institute of the Tanzania. and Ernest Mbega, from the institute of the Tanzania. wrote a Research Article about, Land Use, Community Insights, and Soil Fungal Microbial Dynamics in Itigi, Tanzania. Entitled, Community Knowledge, Land Use Practices, and Fungal Microbial Volume in Soil from Protected and Non-Protected Areas of Itigi District, Tanzania. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences (IJB). an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

 Abstract

Soil fungal microorganisms are vital for soil health and ecosystem balance, are highly threatened by human. Unsustainable land use practices such as improper land tillage and crop residue management, excessive use of industrial inorganic fertilizer and pesticide, overgrazing and deforestation lead soil degradation and disruption of fungal microbial activities. This study explores a case of Itigi District in Tanzania to determine the relationship between community knowledge, land use practices, and fungal microbial volume in soils from farmland and protected areas. Soil fungal isolation were done using Potato Dextrose Agar with streptomycin sulfate. A structured questionnaire collected information from 150 participants to assess knowledge. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results show that gender (female), higher education level, increase in income level and practical knowledge positively influences the adoption of practices that enhance soil fungal microbial activities. It also shows that protected forest soils have higher fungal volume compared to farmlands. This study underscores the need for awareness campaigns on sustainable soil management practices and the promotion of the use of organic manure to maintain soil fertility and ecosystem balance. Females showed a statistically significant difference in the use of organic manure (P=0.0364).Moreover, comparison of CFU/mL mean 4.175×10⁶ and 1.308×10⁷ from non-protected and protected areas respectively revealed that protected areas consistently exhibited higher fungal microbial growth, probably attributed by minimal human disturbance and richer organic matter. The study concludes that sustainable soil fungal management is essential for soil health and ecosystem services, with protected areas demonstrating superior fungal volume. Raising awareness about responsible land use practices is crucial for maintaining these vital microbial communities.

Read more : Dehydration Techniques for Prolonging Mulberry Shelf Life: A Comprehensive Evaluation | InformativeBD

Introduction

Soil fungal represent a diverse array of microscopic fungi that inhabit the earth's soil, playing crucial role in maintaining soil health and ecosystem balance (Srivastava et al., 2023; Chen etal., 2022). Approximately 144,000 fungal species have been identified globally (Satyanarayana et al., 2019; Wijavawardene et al., 2020),where about 4843 fungal species are found in African countries specifically in the Western Africa(Piepenbring et al., 2020).Soil fungal communities play a crucial roles in land management, significantly influencing soil hearth, fertility, and ecosystem stability (Frąc et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2022). Soil fungi are involved in the decomposition of organic materials and transform compounds, as a such playing a key role in soil formation (Chen et al., 2022; Dhiman et al., 2022). Higher soil fungal microbes are linked to increased soil fertility, reduced erosion, and enhanced soil aggregation dynamics(Ren et al., 2022). The fungi interact directly with plants but also play a crucial role in improving soil structure(Khaliq et al., 2023),therefore, facilitate a variety of sustainability programs in agriculture, ecosystem conservation, and restoration particularly relevant in the context of soil rehabilitation and restoration of depleted natural resources (Kuyper & Suz, 2023; Chabay, 2018).

Fungi, as key players in soil ecosystems, provide multiple benefits that support both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity. Saprotrophic fungi, for example, are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter, releasing essential nutrients back into the soil and contributing to nutrient cycling (Sterkenburg et al., 2018). This process not only maintains soil fertility but also improves plant health by enriching the soil with nutrients. In parallel, biocontrol fungi suppress soilborne plant pathogens, thereby reducing the incidence of plant diseases and enhancing agricultural productivity (Sharma et al., 2014). By reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, biocontrol fungi promote more sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term crop resilience (Mehla, 2023). Despite the essential roles of soil fungi, their populations and volume are increasingly at risk due to human activities such as unsustainable farming practices, inappropriate use of agricultural inputs, excessive tillage, overgrazing and deforestation(Zelleke et al., 2019;Jinger et al., 2023). These activities disrupt the fragile balance of soil ecosystems, leading to a decline in fungal microbial populations and volume, and the overall soil health(Daunoras et al., 2024). This study explored Itigi district in the Singida region, Tanzania to; 1) investigate the impact of land use practices on soil fungal, microbial population and volume, 2)assess the population by counting Fungal Colony Forming Units (CFU) from soil samples collected in farmlands and protected forest areas to unveil the impact of human activityon soil fungal communities.

Reference

Alyokhin A, Nault B, Brown B. 2020. Soil conservation practices for insect pest management in highly disturbed agro ecosystems a review. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 168(1), 7–27. https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12863

Babasola OJ, Olaoye IJ, Alalade OA, Matanmi BM, Olorunfemi OD. 2018. Factors affecting the use of organic fertilizer among vegetable farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences 16(1), Article 1. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjags/article/view/182373

Basnyat B. 2009. Impacts of demographic changes on forests and forestry in Asia and the Pacific. Bangkok, FAO of the United Nations Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/rap/files/APFSOS/200908Demographic_study.

Chen W, Wang J, Chen X, Meng Z, Xu R, Duoji D, Zhang J, He J, Wang Z,  Chen J. 2022. Soil microbial network complexity predicts ecosystem function along elevation gradients on the Tibetan Plateau. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 172, 108766.

Daunoras J, Kačergius A, Gudiukaitė R. 2024. Role of soil microbiota enzymes in soil health and activity changes depending on climate change and the type of soil ecosystem. Biology 13(2), 85.

Dukpa R, Tiwari A, Kapoor D. 2020. Biological management of allelopathic plant Parthenium sp. Open Agriculture 5(1), 252–261. https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2020-0027

Frąc M, Hannula SE, Bełka M, Jędryczka M. (2018). Fungal biodiversity and their role in soil health. Frontiers in Microbiology 9, 707.

García De León D, Davison J, Moora M, Öpik M, Feng H, Hiiesalu I, Jairus T, Koorem K, Liu Y, Phosri C, Sepp S, Vasar M, Zobel M. 2018. Anthropogenic disturbance equalizes diversity levels in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities. Global Change Biology 24(6), 2649–2659. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14131

Isinika A, Jeckoniah J, Mdoe N, Mwajombe K. 2021. Sunflower commercialisation in Singida region: Pathways for livelihood improvement. APRA Working Paper, 67. https://www.academia.edu/download/98262534/APRA_Working_Paper_67_SunflowerCommercialisation_Singida_Region_Livelihood_Improvement.pdf

Jekayinfa SO, Adebiyi KA, Waheed MA, Owolabi OO. 2005. Appraisal of farm tractor maintenance practices and costs in Nigeria. Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering 11(2), 152-168. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552510510601357

Jinger D, Kaushal R, Kumar R, Paramesh V, Verma A, Shukla M, Chavan SB, Kakade V, Dobhal S, Uthappa AR. 2023. Degraded land rehabilitation through agroforestry in India: Achievements, current understanding, and future prospectives. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11, 1088796.

Kanjanja SM, Mosha DB, Haule SC. 2022. Determinants of the implementation of agroecological practices among smallholder farmers in Singida district, Tanzania. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 4(5), 152–159.

Khaliq S, Rahim Z, Ali A, Gul MT, Akram S, Arshad M. 2023. Study of Wheat Genotypes for Yield and Associated Traits. The Sciencetech 4(4). https://journals.qurtuba.edu.pk/ojs/index.php/tst/article/view/8589

Kodiwo MO, Otieno CA, Ang’awa F. 2015. Effects of farmers’ demographic and socio-economic characteristics on soil degradation in different physiographic units of Nyakach Sub-county, Kenya.

Liu J, Zhang J, Li D, Xu C,  Xiang X. 2020. Differential responses of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities to mineral and organic fertilization. Microbiology Open, 9(1), e00920. https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.920

Majule AE, Maganga FP, Abdalah J. 2012. Implications of landuse /cover changes over three decades on community livelihoods within the context of REDD: A case study of Mgori forest in Singida [Technical Report]. CCIAM. https://www.taccire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/70

Muluneh MW, Talema GA, Abebe KB, Dejen Tsegaw B, Kassaw MA, Teka Mebrat A. 2022. Determinants of Organic Fertilizers Utilization Among Smallholder Farmers in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. Environmental Health Insights, 16,  11786302221075448. https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302221075448

Piepenbring M, Maciá-Vicente JG, Codjia JEI, Glatthorn C, Kirk P, Meswaet Y, Minter D, Olou BA, Reschke K, Schmidt M,  Yorou NS. 2020. Mapping mycological ignorance – checklists and diversity patterns of fungi known for West Africa. IMA Fungus 11(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43008-020-00034-y

Ren C, Liu K, Dou P, Shao X, Zhang D, Wang K, Liu X, Li J, Wang K. 2022. Soil Nutrients Drive Microbial Changes to Alter Surface Soil Aggregate Stability in Typical Grasslands. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 22(4), 4943–4959.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-022-00972-z

Satyanarayana T, Deshmukh SK, Deshpande, MV. (Eds.). 2019. Advancing Frontiers in Mycology & Mycotechnology: Basic and Applied Aspects of Fungi. Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9349-5

Sharma N, Samarakoon KW, Gyawali R, Park, YH, Lee SJ, Oh SJ, Lee TH, Jeong DK. 2014. Evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of Euphorbia hirta ethanolic extract. Molecules, 19(9), 14567–14581.

Srivastava P, Sachan K, Baskar P, Saikanth D. RK, Lytand W, Kumar RKMH, Singh BV. (2023). Soil Microbes Expertly Balancing Nutrient Demands and Environmental Preservation and Ensuring the Delicate Stability of Our Ecosystems- A Review. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 35(18), 989–1000. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2023/v35i183363

Sterkenburg E, Clemmensen KE, Ekblad A, Finlay RD, Lindahl BD. 2018. Contrasting effects of ectomycorrhizal fungi on early and late stage decomposition in a boreal forest. The ISME Journal, 12(9), 2187–2197.

Van De Wetering J, Leijten P, Spitzer J, Thomaes S. 2022. Does environmental education benefit environmental outcomes in children and adolescents? A meta-analysis. Journal of Environmental Psychology 81, 101782.

Zelleke G, Agegnehu G, Abera D, Rashid S. (2019). Fertilizer and soil fertility potential in Ethiopia. Gates Open Research 3

Source : Community Knowledge, Land Use Practices, and Fungal Microbial Volume in Soil from Protected andNon-Protected Areas of Itigi District, Tanzania  

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