African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12486

Table of Content: 20 October 2008; 7(20)

October 2008

Microorganisms’ mediated reduction of β-ketoesters

Several microorganism strains of genera Saccharomyces, Candida, Hansenula,Aspergillus and Lactobacillus were screened for their ability to perform the reduction of g-chloro-β-ketobutyric acid ethyl ester to g-chloro-β-hydroxybutyric acid ethyl ester. The optimal conditions for both stages of the bioprocess were established. Both stereoisomers...

Author(s): O. Popa, Narcisa Babeanu, A. Vamanu, E. Vamanu and Diana Barbulescu

October 2008

In vitro evaluation of the antifungal activity of Sclerocarya birrea extracts against pathogenic yeasts

The antifungal activity of Sclerocarya birrea which is used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment of skin diseases was evaluated against three yeasts; Candida parapsilosis, Cryptococcus albidus and Rhodoturula mucilaginosa. Barks of S. birrea were extracted with hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and ethanol and...

Author(s): P. Masoko, T. J. Mmushi, M. M. Mogashoa, M. P. Mokgotho, L. J. Mampuru and R. L. Howard

October 2008

Antitumor and antioxidant potential of Tragia Plukenetii R.Smith on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

This investigation aims to evaluate the antitumour and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract of Tragia Plukenetii R.Smith (ETP) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor model. Tumor was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of EAC cells (2x106 cells/mouse). Ethanol extract of T. Plukenetii (ETP) was administered to the experimental animals at the dose levels of 100, 200 and 300...

Author(s): Meenakshi Sundaram Muthuraman, Sudarsanam Dorairaj, Parthasarathy Rangarajan and Brindha Pemaiah

October 2008

Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of extracts of Aquilaria agallocha Roxb

Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. is an endangered economic plant used for  production of agar wood worldwide. The aqueous and methanol extracts along with dry powder of leaf and bark of the plant was screened for the presence of phytochemicals. Also they were tested for antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria such asShigella flexneri, Bacillus brevis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus...

Author(s): Manasi Dash, Jayanta Kumar Patra, Prasanna Priyadarshini Panda

October 2008

Distribution of potential nosocomial pathogens in a hospital environment

The distribution of probable nosocomial pathogens in a government hospital in Nigeria was investigated. Thirty swab and air samples were collected from patients, hospital personnel, formites and air in four wards namely orthopaedic (OW), paediatric (PW), surgical (SW) and medical (MW). For the patients and personnel, skin and nasal samples were taken. A total of 56 Gram positive (45) and Gram negative (11) bacteria were...

Author(s): C. B. Chikere, V. T. Omoni and B. O. Chikere

October 2008

Is there Avocado sunblotch Viroid in Ghana?

The prevalence of Avocado sunblotch Viroid (ASBVd) among Ghanaian accessions was investigated. One hundred and eighty five (185) symptomatic and symptomless avocado trees were tested by DIG-dot blot hybridization for the presence of ASBVd. One (0.01%) accession tested positive, 158 (85.8%) tested negative, while the results of the remaining 26 (14.1%) were inconclusive (herein referred to as “possible...

Author(s): A. K. Acheampong, R. Akromah, F. A. Ofori, J. F. Takrama and M. Zeidan

October 2008

Association of LXRA gene variants with carcass and meat quality traits in beef cattle

LXRA is an important regulator of genes involved in lipid, fatty acid and glucose metabolism in liver, and adipose tissue as well as in skeletal muscle. In this study, we discovered and evaluated the association of two SNPs (T1891C in intron 2, and A2377G in exon 3) in the bovine LXRA gene with carcass and meat quality traits in beef cattle. The T1891C SNP was significantly associated with carcass weight (CW),...

Author(s): Qianfu Gan, , Lupei Zhang, Shangzhong Xu, , Hengde Li, Junya Li, Xue Gao, Hongyan Ren and Jinbao Chen

October 2008

Molecular variability from two selection of BRT10 population in an inbreeding program of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Côte d’Ivoire

Genetic variability of two groups of palms composed with four progenies selected in BRT10 improved populations resulting from successive self-fertilizations of two parents LM2T and LM10T was studied using four polymorphic microsatellites DNA markers of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. The molecular variability of those progenies was analyzed and genetic diversity of each group of palms was deduced. The results of...

Author(s): Désiré Allou, Benjamin Adon and Abdourahamane Sangare,

October 2008

Genetic population structuring and demographic history of red spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) in South and East China Sea

Climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene ice ages in the Northwestern Pacific produced great changes in species’ geographical distribution and abundance, which could be expected to have genetic consequences in marine fishes. In order to estimate the demographic history and genetic structure of Epinephelus akaara in South and East China Sea, 87 individuals were sampled from 7 localities...

Author(s): Shengping Chen, , Tao Liu, Zufu Li and Tianxiang Gao

October 2008

Field evaluation of improved cowpea lines for resistance to bacterial blight, virus and striga under natural infestation in the West African Savannas

The average productivity of cowpea in the existing traditional systems is low due to a complex of biotic and abiotic stresses. The biotic factors include insect pests, parasitic plants, and viral, fungal and bacterial diseases. Concerted efforts are being made to develop improved cowpea varieties with combined resistance to these constraints. Twenty five cowpea lines including two local land-races were grown at three...

Author(s): H. A. Ajeigbe, B. B. Singh and A. M. Emechebe

October 2008

Alteration of Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio modulates the anticancer activity of methanolic extract of Commelina benghalensis (Commelinaceae) in Jurkat T cells

Stem extracts of Commelina benghalensis (Linn.), although not extensively documented, are frequently used in traditional medicine for the treatment of ailments such as skin malformations and outgrowths. Accordingly, the study was aimed to investigate possible molecular mechanisms that are associated with the potential anti-carcinogenic property of this agrofield weed. Jurkat T cells were exposed to different...

Author(s): Vusi G. Mbazima, Matlou P. Mokgotho, Faghri February, D Jasper G. Reesand Leseilane J. Mampuru

October 2008

Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding phytoene synthase (PSY) in tea

Carotenoids are an important group of precursors of volatile flavour compounds in tea and phytoene synthase (PSY) is a key enzyme during the biosynthesis pathway of carotenoids. A cDNA encoding PSY in tea shoot [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] was cloned and sequenced in the present study. The obtained tea PSY cDNA was 1296 bp with an open reading frame of 987...

Author(s): D. Borthakur, Y. Y. Du, H. Chen, J. L. Lu, C. Lin, J. J. Dong, J. H. Ye, X. Q. Zheng and Y. R. Liang

October 2008

Cloning and analysis of the 5’ and 3’ flanking regions of the Crinum asiaticum agglutinin gene by genomic walking

We reported a simple and efficient method, which combines restriction endonuclease digestion and adaptor ligation, for cloning unknown genomic sequences adjacent to a known sequence. After total genomic DNA is completely digested with the different sticky-end restriction endonuclease separately, the ends are full. The DNA fragments with blunt-end were then ligated separately to the adaptor. The adaptor-ligated genomic...

Author(s): Juan Lin, Yuanjie Jin, Junhui Wang and Kexuan Tang

October 2008

Molecular characters and expression analysis of a new isoform of the myocyte enhancer factor 2 gene from the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Using reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the cDNA encoding a new isoform of the myocyte enhancer factor-2 (BMEF2) was cloned from the brain of the strain "Liangguang 2" of Bombyx mori. The open reading frame (ORF) of the new isoform shows 12 nucleotides absence of (GCACTCACAAAG) and three nucleotides mutation to the former BMEF2 (GenBank no. AB121093). Thus, we named it BMEF2B...

Author(s): Qing-zhi Ling, , Miao Yu, Jia-Qi Zhang, Lian-He Chu and Zhao-Jun Wei

October 2008

Morphogenetic traits combination pattern amongst the population of Ekpoma, Nigeria: Focus on tongue rolling, ear lobe attachment, blood groups and genotypes

The ABO and Rh blood groups are among the most important blood group systems inherited variably amongst populations with different genotypes (AA, AS and SS). On the other hand, those who cannot roll their tongue or have a free hanging ear lobe are said to be recessive and dominant for the traits, respectively. Indeed, there are growing concerns in genetic epidemiology that many findings are failing to replicate because...

Author(s): Nwaopara, A. O. , Anibeze, C. I. P., Apkuaka, F. C. and Agbontaen, O. F.

October 2008

Statistical optimization of activity and stability of β-xylanase produced by newly isolated Thermomyces lanuginosus THKU-49 using central composite design

A factorial design was performed to find the best conditions of pH and temperature for β-xylanase activity and to maintain its activity for prolonged periods of time of pure xylanase produced by newly isolated Thermomyces lanuginosus THKU-49. The central composite design (CCD) used for the analysis of treatment combinations showed that a regression models of optimization of xylanase activity and xylanase...

Author(s): Khwanchai Khucharoenphaisan, Shinji Tokuyama and Vichien Kitpreechavanich

October 2008

Identification of variant alleles at AmpFlSTR SGM Plus STR loci in a sample population of Bangladesh

DNA profiles obtained from 442 individuals using AmpFlSTRÒ SGM PlusÔ PCR amplification kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) were screened for variant alleles not included within allelic ladder provided by the manufacturer. A total of 5 distinct variants were identified at 3 of the 10 European core STR loci tested. This study identified one variant at D16S539 locus (allele 7), two...

Author(s): M.d. Eunus Ali, Ahmad Ferdous, Shafiul Alam, Ummey Hany, Tania Hossain, Mahamud Hasan and Sharif Akhteruzzaman

October 2008

Responses of soilless grown tomato plants to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (Glomus fasciculatum) colonization in re-cycling and open systems

Mycorrhizal fungi species Glomus fasciculatum was used to determine its effects on tomato growth, yield, fruit properties, nutrient uptake and substrate ion accumulation of plants grown hydroponically under open and re-cycling (closed) perlite substrate. AM inoculation in both open and closed soilless systems did not increasingly influence the vegetative plant growing and nutrient uptake of tomato cultivar...

Author(s): H. Yildiz Dasgan, Sebnem Kusvuran and Ibrahim Ortas

October 2008

Asymbiotic seed germination and in vitro seedling development of Epidendrum ibaguense Kunth. (Orchidaceae)

Effects of four asymbiotic media; Murashige and Skoog (MS), Phytamax (Sigma, USA; PM), Mitra et al. (M) and Knudson ‘C’ (KC) were evaluated for seed germination and early protocorm development in Epidendrum ibaguense Kunth. Besides, effects of peptone, activated charcoal and plant growth regulators (6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)) were also studied....

Author(s): M. M. Hossain

October 2008

Organic acids in the rhizosphere and root characteristics of soybean (Glycine max) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in relation to phosphorus uptake in poor savanna soils

Root characteristics associated with phosphorus (P) uptake under limiting soil-P conditions were examined in two sets of greenhouse experiments. Average diameter and length of soybean, cowpea, maize and sorghum roots were assessed after 7 weeks in three low-P soils amended with P fertilizer at 0, 3, 6, 11 and 23 mg P/kg. Organic acids in the rhizosphere of soybean, cowpea and pigeon pea were separately evaluated in one...

Author(s): Onyegbula Chike Nwoke, Jan Diels, Robert Abaidoo, Generose Nziguhebaand Roel Merckx

October 2008

Influence of shoot topping on yield and quality of Vitis vinifera L.

This study was carried out in a 20 year old spur pruned Karasakız (Kuntra) vineyard during the 2003 and 2004 growth season. Vines were topped at 1, 3 and 5 nodes beyond the last cluster on the main shoot. Yield and quality parameters were analyzed to determine the effects of shoot topping. The results showed that weather conditions had more statistically important effects compared to the topping level. One (1)...

Author(s): A. Dardeniz, I. Yıldırım, Z. Gökbayrak and A. Akçal

October 2008

Plant regeneration through organogenesis and shoot proliferation in Trichodesma indicum (Linn) R. Br. – a medicinal herb

Adhahpuspi (Trichodesma indicum, Family – Boraginaceae) is a cross-pollinated species. Its complete regeneration was accomplished through in vitro techniques. The zygotic embryos placed on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium fortified either with kinetin, BA (N6-benzyl Aminopurine) or NAA (α-naphthalene acetic acid) produced callus and adventitious shoots; whereas those placed on MS medium...

Author(s): Neelambra Verma, V. Koche, K. L. Tiwari and S. K. Mishra

October 2008

In vitro propagation of Amsonia orientalis Decne (Apocynaceae)

In vitro plant regeneration was achieved from shoot explants of Amsonia orientalisDecne. The seeds were germinated aseptically in Petri dishes containing growth-regulator-free MS medium. The shoot explants of 30-day-old grown seedlings were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l indole-3- butryric acid (IBA) plus 0.5 mg/l kinetin (Kin) for direct regeneration and subcultured at three week intervals....

Author(s): Gül Cevahir Öz., Elif YüzbaÅŸioÄŸlu, Osman Erol and Erdal Üzen

October 2008

Variation in physico-chemical properties of seed of selected improved varieties of Cowpea as it relates to industrial utilization of the crop

Cowpea is an important food, cash and fodder crop in Sub-Saharan Africa and has potential of becoming an industrial crop. A trial was conducted to evaluate selected improved and popular varieties of cowpea for physicochemical characteristics that can help to promote commercial production and industrial use. Variations in content were found among varieties for protein (21.3 - 26.9%), carbohydrate (63.37 - 69.56%), fat...

Author(s): H. A. Ajeigbe, D. Ihedioha, and D. Chikoye

October 2008

Effect of water stress on growth of colchicine induced polyploid Coccinia palmata and Lagenaria sphaerica plants

Polyploid induction was conducted by different colchicine concentration with seedlings of Coccinia palmata and Lagenaria sphaerica. Colchicine induced polyploid seedlings were grown in pots and subjected to varying levels of irrigation until they reached a flowering stage. The survival rate was best at colchicine concentration of 0.001 g/L in seedlings treated after three days of germination. Polyploidy...

Author(s): Nontuthuko Rosemary Ntuli and Alpheus Mpilo Zobolo

October 2008

Biocontrol evaluation of wheat take-all disease by Trichoderma screened isolates

Wheat take-all disease, caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var tritici (Ggt), has been observed in different areas of Iran in recent years. Current biocontrol studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the Trichoderma species against many fungal phytopathogens. In this study, biocontrol effects of Trichoderma isolates were evaluated against take-all pathogen. Five...

Author(s): Doustmorad Zafari, Mehdi Mehrabi Koushki and Eidi Bazgir

October 2008

Evaluation of agricultural wastes for the cultivation of Pleurotus eryngii (DC. ex Fr.) Quel. var. ferulae Lanzi

This study investigated the possible use of local agricultural wastes for the cultivation of Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae. For the propagation of the main culture, 2.0% malt-extract agar was used whereas wheat grains were used for the propagation of spawn. For the formation of basidiocarp, wheat straw (WS), cotton straw (CS), lentil straw (LS) and rice bran (RB) were used as culture media. Eight...

Author(s): Sevda Kirbag and Mehmet Akyüz

October 2008

In vitro antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of crude extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana (Smith)

Afzelia africana is used in folklore remedies for the treatment of diarrhoea, gastrointestinal disorders and gonorrhoea among other ailments; hence we assessed the in vitro antimicrobial activities of this important medicinal plant. Thirty bacterial isolates as well as four fungal isolates were tested in this study. The crude extract of the stem bark of the plant exhibited antimicrobial activities at a...

Author(s): Akinpelu, D. A., , Aiyegoro, O. A. and Okoh, A. I.

October 2008

Characterization of Rhizobium strain isolated from the roots of Trigonella foenumgraecum (fenugreek)

Trigonella foenumgraecum (fenugreek) is known for its dietary protein source, medicinal properties and symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium present in its root nodules. The present study describes the characterization of a Rhizobium strain isolated from root nodules of fenugreek. The Rhizobium isolates were rod shaped, gram negative, acid and mucous producing.  They were found...

Author(s): Baljinder Singh, Ravneet Kaur and Kashmir Singh

October 2008

In vitro culture techniques as a tool of sugarcane bud germination study under salt stress

Germination was the first stage confronted to soil salinity and it is important to determine salt effects on this stage. In this study, we reported an in vitro procedure for studying sugarcane bud germination and shoot growth under salt stress with different NaCl concentrations (0, 17, 34, 68 and 102 mM) using cultivar NCo310. Germination percentage of control was about 92% after 8 days. Germination of buds,...

Author(s): Ch. B. Gandonou,, C. Agbangla, C. Ahanhanzo, T. Errabii, M. Idaomar, J. Abrini and N. Skali-Senhaji

October 2008

Selection and evaluation of Rhizobial strains of Vigna radiata L. beneficial to biological nitrogen fixation

This study aimed to select suitable strains that can be used as inoculants to enhance legume production and simultaneously reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers.  Evaluations of the selected strains of Vigna radiata on the basis of polysaccharide (exopolysaccharides and lipopolysaccharides) produced reinforced evidence that Rhizobial strains and its mutant nodulate promote growth...

Author(s): Neeraj, Gaurav S.S., Sachin and Chandra M

October 2008

Efficacy of certain plant extracts against seed-borne infection of Collectotrichum destructivum on cowpea (Vigna uniguculata)

Aqueous extracts of leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam, Vernonia amygdalina andAnnona muricata were evaluated for the control of Collectotrichum destructivum on seeds of cowpea (Vigna uniguculata). The seeds were soaked in sterile distilled water extract (10, 20 and 30%, w/v) of the leaves for 6, 12 and 18 h. All these plant extracts had significant inhibitory growth effect on the fungal...

Author(s): Akinbode O. A. and Ikotun T.

October 2008

Cadmium content in rice and its daily intake in Ghaemshahr region of Iran

This investigation surveyed Cadmium (Cd) content of Iranian rice (oryza saliva) which is predominant rice culture in north of Iran. A total of 60 samples were collected from Ghaemshahr region in Mazandaran province (North of Iran). The samples were collected in during harvesting of rice in field. The first step, grains of raw rice were digested by acid digestion method and then were analyzed for Cadmium by atomic...

Author(s): Mohammad Ali Zazouli, Mohammad Shokrzadeh, Hassan Izanloo, Somayeh Fathi

October 2008

Dynamics of culturable soil microbial communities during decomposition of some agroforestry species in a semi arid and arid tropical agroecozones of West Africa

Field litterbag studies were conducted during the dry season between years 2000 and 2001 in typical semi-arid and arid agroecozones of West Africa to measure the dynamics of culturable bacterial and fungal communities in the topsoils. Five different agroforestry leaf litters namely Dactyladenia, Pterocarpus, Alchonea,Senna, and Gliricidia species were decomposed, and their effects on soil...

Author(s): Okoh, A. I. and Tian, G.

October 2008

Isolation, characterization and identification of actinomycetes from agriculture soils at Semongok, Sarawak

A total of 62 isolates of actinomycetes were isolated from 7 soil samples collected from Agriculture Research Center Semongok, Sarawak. All 62 isolates exhibited a range of colony colours (dark grey, grey, dark brown, brownish, whitish and yellowish white). All the isolates were later purified and subjected to a few enzymatic screening. Results indicate that, 48, 46 and 41 isolates showed the ability to secrete...

Author(s): Jeffrey, L. S. H.

October 2008

Production and characterization of activated carbon from a bituminous coal by chemical activation

In this study, the use of a bituminous coal for the production of activated carbons with chemical activation was investigated. The effects of process variables such as chemical reagents, activation temperature, impregnation ratio and carbonization temperature were investigated to optimize these parameters. The resultant activated carbons were characterized in terms of iodine number, BET surface area, and total and...

Author(s): Dilek Cuhadaroglu and Oznur Aydemir Uygun

October 2008

Rhizofiltration of heavy metals from the tannery sludge by the anchored hydrophyte, Hydrocotyle umbellata L.

The anchored hydrophyte, Hydrocotyle umbellata L., was employed for the removal of toxic metals from tannery sludge concentrations (w/v) from a tanneries wastewater treatment plant. Different concentrations of wet tannery sludge were prepared and plants of H. umbellata showed a good tolerance for all the prepared concentrations. Plants were retrieved after 30, 60 and 90 days and the sludge...

Author(s): Sheza Khilji and Firdaus-e-Bareen

October 2008

Studies on the in vitro time kill assessment of crude acetone and aqueous extracts of Helichrysum pedunculatum leaves

Helichrysum pedunculatum is used in folklore remedies to dress wound acquired after circumcision rite. This led to the study of in vitro antibacterial activities of this medicinal plant. Using standard microbiological procedures, six bacteria species made up of four gram positive and two gram negative bacteria were screened for susceptibility to crude acetone and aqueous extracts of this plant. The...

Author(s): O.A. Aiyegoro, A.J. Afolayan and A.I. Okoh

October 2008

Vermicomposting of vegetable waste: A bio-physicochemical process based on hydro-operating bioreactor

The increasing waste generation rate, high collection cost and dwindling financial resources are the major problems faced by most of the developing countries for efficient solid waste management. In some cities, the organic waste (market, municipal, household) are dumped indiscriminately or littered on the streets causing environmental deterioration. Biological processes such as composting followed by vermicomposting to...

Author(s): Chhotu D. Jadia and M. H. Fulekar

October 2008

Laccase isozymes of Pleurotus sajor-caju culture on husk and bran of black sticky rice and their potential on indigo carmine decolourisation

Extracellular laccases of Pleurotus sajor-caju grown on solid state medium consisted of husk and bran of black sticky rice, were partially purified by DEAE–cellulose chromatography. These laccases could be separated into three groups: unboundLac and bound fractions (pool1Lac and pool2Lac). The optimum pH of these laccases was studied using ABTS as substrate. It was found that the pH optimum for...

Author(s): Rakrudee Sarnthima, and Saranyu Khammuang,

October 2008

An investigation about the effect of oxazolidine on modified valonia extract tanning

This study is aimed at combining the usage of valonia and modified valonia extracts with oxazolidine to obtain an increase in hydrothermal stability, and thus to develop tanning efficiency and to produce leathers that have better properties then the ones tanned with valonia extract only. Natural and three modified valonia extracts and oxazolidine were used as tanning materials. Skin samples were divided into two groups....

Author(s): Altan Afsar and Ozgur Sekeroglu

October 2008

Biological activities of Typha capensis (Typhaceae) from Limpopo Province (South Africa)

Dried ground leaves and rhizomes of Typha capensis were extracted with different solvents of varying polarity (hexane, dichloromethane, acetone, methanol) to determine the best extractant for subsequent isolation and characterization of antibacterial compounds. Some extracts were active against Escherichia coli andEnterococcus faecalis, with at least one of them exhibiting minimum inhibitory...

Author(s): Masoko, P., Mokgotho, M. P., Mbazima, V. G. and Mampuru, L. J.

October 2008

Ethanol production potential of local yeast strains isolated from ripe banana peels

The ability of different yeast strains isolated from ripe banana peels to produce ethanol was investigated. Of the 8 isolates screened for their fermentation ability, 5 showed enhanced performance and were subsequently identified and assessed for important ethanol fermentation attributes such as ethanol producing ability, ethanol tolerance, flocculence, thermo-and osmo-tolerance. Saccharomyces cerevisiae R-8...

Author(s): A. A. Brooks

October 2008

Isolation and characterization of synthetic detergent-degraders from wastewater

The biodegradability of the principal component of synthetic detergent products known as linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) has been contentious, hence the need to evaluate its primary biodegradation by indigenous microorganisms in wastewater ecosystem. The native microbial consortium of a wastewater ecosystem found to utilize detergent components were characterized using standard and conventional methods. The...

Author(s): Olusola Abayomi Ojo and Benjamin A. Oso

October 2008

Antibacterial activity of extracts of Alchornea cordifolia (Schum and Thonn) Mull.Arg., Boerhavia diffusa (L)and Bridellia micranthaI (Hoscht) Baill. used in traditional medicine in Nigeria on Helicobacter pylori and four diarrhoeagenic bacterial pathogens

Extracts of leaves of Alchornea cordifolia, Boerhavia diffusa and Bridellia micranthawere investigated for antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enteritidis, Shigella flexneri and Enteroheamorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). Results showed that the ethanolic extracts of the three plants and aqueous extracts inhibited...

Author(s): I. Adeleye Adeyemi, A. Ezekiel Omonigbehin, Smith Stella, Odusola Oluwatosin and Sobande Jumoke

October 2008

Enzymatic hydrolysis of pseudoplastic paint thickener (hydroxyethyl cellulose) by a local isolate of Aspergillus niger

A pseudoplastic paint manufactured by the Protal Paint Company in Alexandria, Egypt was examined for its quality to resist microbial degradation. The paint was hydrolyzed by extracellular endoglucanase of a local fungal isolate. The main hydrolysed component was the hydroxylethyl cellulose (HEC) thickener. The fungal isolate was identified as Aspergillus niger which showed a DNA monomorphism of 86% to A....

Author(s): Amani M. D. ElAhwany and Eman A. H. Mohamed

October 2008

Essential oil of Ocimum grattissimum (Labiatae) as Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) protectant

Ocimum grattissimum L. (Labiatae) leaves are widely eaten as a vegetable in Nigeria, and in the eastern parts, are traditionally used in post-harvest protection and relieving stomach aches. The effect of the essential oil of O. grattissimumleaves on Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was assessed for repellency, mortality, progeny emergence and maize damage in the...

Author(s): E. F. Asawalam, S. O. Emosairue and A. Hassanali

October 2008

Importance of husk covering on field infestation of maize by Sitophilus zeamais Motsch (Coleoptera: Curculionidea) at Bako, Western Ethiopia

An experiment was conducted to determine the importance of husk covering on field infestation of maize by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, at Bako, western Ethiopia. Five maize genotypes, G1 (SZSYNA99- F2 -33-4-2 X SC22), G2 (CML-197 X SZSYNA99- F2 -33-4-1), G3 (SZSYNA99-F2 -79-4-3 X CML-197), G4 (BH-140) and G5 (Bukuri) were used. There were differences among the maize genotypes in their...

Author(s): Girma Demissie, Tadele Tefera and Abraham Tadesse

October 2008

Salmonella Enteritidis experimental infection in chickens: Effects of challenge dose on serum immunoglobulin G antibody response

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is a food borne pathogen of humans causing food-poisoning and sometimes deaths. In order to control egg-borne transmission of Salmonella Enteritidis to humans, prompt and accurate detection of infected poultry flocks is essential. This paper examined the...

Author(s): Ishola, Olayinka Olabisi and Holt, Peter.S.

October 2008

Resveratrol production in hairy root culture of peanut, Arachis hypogaea L. transformed with different Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains

Five different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes differed in their ability to induce peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) hairy roots and also showed varying effects on the growth and resveratrol production in hairy root cultures. A. rhizogenes R1601 is the most effective strain for the induction (75.8%), growth (7.6 g/l) and resveratrol production (1.5 mg/g) in hairy root of peanut. Our results...

Author(s): Jong Se Kim, Sook Young Lee and Sang Un Park

October 2008

Antimicrobial susceptibilty of potentially pathogenic halophilic Vibrio species isolated from seafoods in Lagos, Nigeria

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is indispensable for empirical treatment of infections and in preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms. This study is aimed at determining the antibiotic susceptibility of potentially pathogenic halophylic Vibrio species isolated in Lagos, Nigeria. Susceptibility patterns to ten (10) antibiotics were investigated in 44 potentially pathogenic...

Author(s): Adeyemi, Adeleye, Enyinnia, Vivian, Nwanze, Rita, Smith, Stella and Omonigbehin, Emmanuel

October 2008

Nutrient composition of climbing and prostrate vegetable cowpea accessions

The study evaluated the nutrient content of different accessions of two vegetable cowpea genotypes. The mineral content of the vegetable cowpea accessions were high. Potassium content of the accessions of the climbing genotype “Akidi enu” ranged from 1.25 to 1.52% with a mean value of 1.43 ± 0.13% while in the accessions of the prostrate genotype “Akidi ani” the range was from 1.26 to...

Author(s): A. O. Ano and C. I. Ubochi

October 2008

Biopreservative activity of lactic acid bacteria on suya produced from poultry meat

The influence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from poultry meat on the attributes of suya was investigated. Lactobacillus plantarum with the highest frequency of occurrence (90%) produced the highest amount of lactic acid (16.2 g/l) and inhibited all the indicator organisms with the exception of Candida albicans andProteus vulgaris. Consequently, L. plantarum was chosen as the...

Author(s): I. A. Adesokan, B. B. Odetoyinbo and A. O. Olubamiwa