April 2015
Genetic diversity of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench landraces from Northwestern Benin as revealed by microsatellite markers
The understanding of genetic diversity within local crop varieties constitutes an important step in the preservation of their genetic potential. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivated in the Northwest of Benin and to reveal certain fundamental evolutionary mechanisms. A total of 61 accessions of sorghum landraces belonging to the four...
April 2015
Applications of inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) rDNA in detecting genetic variations in Lymnaea natalensis snails from certain Egyptian Governorates
Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR)-PCR technique was used to assess genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships between Lymnaea natalensis collected from Giza, Ismailia, Damietta, and Beheira governorates in Egypt and compared with lab-bred snail in addition to characterization of watercourses from these sites. Five ISSR primers generated 47 amplified bands, of which 63.63% showed high polymorphism. All...
April 2015
Developmental response of tropical warehouse moth, Ephestia cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)'s larvae to stored cocoa beans fermented at varied degrees
Developing larvae of major insect pests like Ephestia cautella rapidly degrade stored cocoa beans through feeding and other biological activities on the beans. Completion of developmental stages of insects may be influenced by a number of biochemical factors triggered by the primary post-harvest processing of cocoa beans prior to storage. Hence, this study assessed the development of E. cautella from first instar larval...
April 2015
Selection of Gossypium hirsutum genotypes for interspecific introgression from G. arboreum using ovule culture
Ovule culture is one of the techniques currently used to introgress desirable traits from Gossypium arboreum germplasm into G. hirsutum cultivars. Twenty-six (26) G. hirsutum breeding lines were used as female parents in crosses with five G. arboreum accessions to determine if the G. hirsutum parent influenced the germination and recovery of plants from ovule culture. Variation in boll weight and the number of ovules...
April 2015
Regulation of major cultural components for designing a cost effective medium to increase δ-endotoxin synthesis by Bacillus thuringiensis
The present study was aimed at designing a cost effective medium for increasing the δ-endotoxin (Cry protein) synthesis by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) kurstaki HD-73 and indigenous Bt JSc1 harboring potential cry genes active against Lepidoptera insect orders. In this regard, locally available cheap molasses as carbon source, soybean extract as nitrogen source, sea water as trace elements source, cystine as...
April 2015
Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Syzygium cordatum fruit-pulp and seed extracts against bacterial strains implicated in gastrointestinal tract infections
Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) infections are the major cause of high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in the developing countries. Fruit and seed extracts possess phytochemicals that are active against bacterial strains implicated in GIT infections. Different parts of Syzygium cordatum trees have been investigated pharmacologically against GIT infections previously with the exception of the fruits and...
April 2015
Removal of phosphate and nitrate from aqueous solution using seagrass Cymodocea rotundata beads
The aim of the present study was the removal of phosphate and nitrate by sodium alginate seagrass (Cymodocea rotundata) beads from aqueous solutions. The adsorption characteristics of phosphate and nitrate on the seagrass beads were optimized under different operational parameters like adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of phosphate and nitrate, retention time and pH. The results showed that 71% of phosphate and...
April 2015
Antioxidant properties of cultivated edible mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) in Kenya
Antioxidant activities and phytochemical compounds of ethanol and hot water extracts of Agaricus bisporus species fruiting body and mycelia cultivated in Kenya were spectophotometrically determined and evaluated. The total antioxidant activity was analysed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil, hydroxyl, superoxide radical scavenging and reducing power assays, while phytochemicals were assayed through calorimetric assays....
April 2015
Lipid profile and levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids present in jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Lam. (Moraceae) seeds and variation in different treatments
The intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids especially omega-3 is projected to be way below the recommended intake in Kenya. Thus, there is need to find other sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This study screened for the lipid profile and levels of omega-3 PUFAs in jackfruit and explored the variation in lipid profile of jackfruit seeds in different areas and treatments. The extracted lipids were...
April 2015
High proportion of mosquito vectors in Zika forest, Uganda, feeding on humans has implications for the spread of new arbovirus pathogens
There is a steady increase in the contact between humans and wildlife, brought about by encroachment, destruction of natural forests, climatic and environmental changes. Mosquitoes get exposed to hosts and pathogens; creating possibilities for new disease patterns. Therefore, the identification of blood-meal sources is important to determine the linkages between hosts and vectors. Engorged mosquitoes were collected in...
April 2015
An overview of the role of rumen methanogens in methane emission and its reduction strategies
Methane is the most effective global warming greenhouse gas and methanogens are the key microbiota in methane emission. Emerging research focuses on ruminant methanogens due to their emission of methane globally; of which around 20% is from livestock. Enhanced techniques revealed the methangens diversity, adaptation in rumen, methanogenesis and their reduction strategies. Based on diet, geographical location, type of...
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