Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Agrarian Studies, , language: English, abstract: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is commonly grown in home gardens of tropical and sub-tropical countries. The fruit contains high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. The Artocarpus heterophyllus is believed indigenous to the Western Ghats of India. It is adapted only to the humid tropical and near tropical climate. The tree flourishes in rich deep soil of medium or open texture, sometimes on deep gravelly or laterite soil. In India they say that the tree grows tall and thin on sand, short thick on sandy land. Here the physical and chemical properties of soil from surrounding plots of different varieties of Arthocarpus heterophyllus have been analysed by using different technical methods and evaluating the effects of soil property on jackfruit nutritional quality. It was observed that there was a considerable difference in case of some minerals likes phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. Change in the soil pH also noticed. The pH also plays a major role in the sweetness of the jackfruit. The optimum pH of the amylase inside the jackfruit was found to be 6.2 to 6.8. The result shows that the soils that have higher pH have more sweet flakes. Proximate nutritional composition of the flake reveals the presence of protein, fat and fibre in a greater amount in some flake and these flakes were sweeter than the others. There was a much difference in the sugar level also. Increased protein, fat and fibre content found in flake of the trees that were growing in soil that have higher concentration of minerals. Further studies such as molecular studies, enzymatic studies should conduct to identify the whole variation among jackfruit in Kerala. Encouragements should be done to the marketing as well as value added food products from this underutilized fruit tree.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Biology - Botany, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: In this study, the callus initiation and rhizogenesis of Justicia gendarussa from nodal and leaf explants were established in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different hormonal concentrations and also optimization of callus initiation at hormonal concentrations. As a result the callus was initiated on MS medium supplemented with different hormones. The higher concentration of NAA and BA induced callus from nodal and leaf explants. The higher concentrations of 2, 4 – D and kinetin induced callus on nodal explants. Lower concentration of 2, 4 – D and kinetin induce callus on leaf explants. The combination of NAA and kinetin induce rhizogenesis from nodal explants. The antimicrobial activity of callus was evaluated by well diffusion method. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia were used as test organisms. The results showed that Justicia gendarussa have antimicrobial activity on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus. Keywords: Justicia gendarussa, callus initiation, direct organogenesis, antimicrobial assay.
Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Genetics / Gene Technology, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is commonly grown in home gardens of tropical and sub-tropical countries. The fruit contains high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. Jack fruit has diverse medicinal uses, especially anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal activity. Jackfruit is considered to be an underutilized fruit where most of the fruits get wasted due to ignorance, lack of post harvest technology and gaps in supply chain systems. Jackfruit contains more protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and other essential nutrients as compared to the common fruits. To find out the morphological variation among jack fruits among Kerala we conducted an elaborative survey and found out the parameters such as tree characteristics, leaf characterises or fruit characteristics of selected samples. Both qualitative and quantitative data are measured using field visits and standard methods and morphological indicators; after analysis of data there is a morphological variation among the jack fruit samples identified. Advances in the genetic markers such as RFLP and PCR based methods are more reliable for identification of genetic diversity than morphological markers although each technique has advantages and limitations. The objective of this research work was to estimate the level of genetic diversity and to assess genetic relationships among six varieties of jackfruit using the ‘rbcL gene’ based on PCR technique and RFLP markers. The partial sequence of ‘rbcL’ gene of six different Artocarpus varieties was used in the analysis. The size of amplified products was approximately 700 bp. After sequencing and sequence editing, sequence information on a 651 bp region was finally obtained for analysis. The alignment of sequences revealed two haplotypes out of 651 sites. The nucleotide frequencies are 27.96% (A), 29.47% (T/U), 19.69% (C), and 22.89% (G). Being one of the underutilized fruits in India, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam has promising leads to further scientific research and livelihood strategies. The study of rbcL gene using PCR and RFLP seems to be a promising tool in establishing genetic diversity among jackfruit varieties.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: The dyes are complex chemical compounds that imparts colour to substances. On the urge of urbanisation, the use of synthetic dyes is increasing largely and its untreated effluent release causes serious environmental pollution affecting water bodies by disturbing the aquatic ecosystem, soil, plants, animals, humans. The recalcitrant nature of these dyes limits its treatment using conventional methods wherein biological methods using microorganisms are reported to completely mineralize the dyes lowering the release of degradation products. The present work focuses on the biodegradation of synthetic dyes by isolating bacteria from a dyeing unit. Soil samples from the dye contaminated soils was collected, its degradation potentiality was observed using three major dye of studies congo red, brilliant green and methylene blue within 24 hr incubation. Maximum decoloarized dye (congo red and brilliant green) were chosen, serially diluted to 10-5 and plated to obtain two distinct colonies from decolorized congo red (CR1, CR2) and three distinct colonies from decolorized brilliant green (BG1, BG2, BG3). These isolates were biochemically characterized. Molecular characterization was performed by isolating DNA from five isolates and amplified it using PCR, with the 16s rRNA gene primer. The PCR amplification product having approximately 1500bp were sequenced, edited and searched using BLAST against the known sequences within NCBI databases. The isolates were identified to be CR1 as Pseudomonas (88% identity), CR2 as Aeromonas (89% identical) and BG1/BG2 were confirmed to belong to same genus as Bacillus (99% identical). The phylogenetic tree showed a clear divergence between isolated species. Furthermore, the dye tolerance of isolates were observed by optimization analysis to be as CR1 and CR2 tolerated up to 4% of congo red dye and among BG1, BG2 and BG3; BG1 tolerated up to 0.50% of brilliant green dye. Thus, CR1 and CR2 were observed to be potent azo dye decolourizers. Recombinant DNA Technology can be applied in this field that can make the above future application more reliable.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Agrarian Studies, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, course: Biotechnology, language: English, abstract: Black pepper belongs to piperaceae family and is known as “king of species”. This piperaceae family contain approximately 2,000 species. Phosphorus is one of the most important micronutrients and they are essential for the biological growth, development of plants and it is the most essential nutrient for plants. Phosphate deficiency is wide spread and phosphate fertilizers universally required in the form of inorganic P fertilizers, only a small portion is utilized by plants and the remaining are in insoluble form and they are solubilised by the microbes present in the soil. Soil, they are rich in micro and macronutrients and sixteen elements or nutrients are essential for plant growth and reproduction. Several soil bacteria, particularly belonging to the genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus posses ability to bring insoluble soil phosphate into soluble forms by secreting acids like formic, lactic and acetic. The rhizosphere soil sample were serially diluted up to 10-4 using sterile distilled water and plated on Pikovskaya’s agar medium by pour plate method. The P solubilising isolates was evaluated on agar plates of Pikovaskya growth medium by solubilising the tricalcium phosphate of the medium. After incubation the phosphate solubilising microorganisms were selected based on different colonies. Out of so many bacterial isolates, 8 isolates were selected for the further study to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis. Phosphate solubilising microorganisms are possible to use as bio fertilizer for all crops. Among the isolates some of are almost identical in biochemical test but they have different morphology characters.
Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Chemistry - Bio-chemistry, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Amylase is an enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of α (1, 4)-glycosidic linkages in amylose (a linear form of starch), amylopectin (a branched form of starch) and glycogen into simpler carbohydrate molecules such as oligosaccharides or disaccharides. Alpha-amylase is the major form of amylase found in human, most prominently in pancreatic juice and saliva. The salivary amylase is an amylolytic enzyme, which can acts on cooked or boiled starch and converts it in to maltose. So it became interesting to study the behaviour of salivary amylase, when it is secreted as result of different stimuli. And thus began to study the effect of five different stimulatory temperatures, and also the effect of four tastes on the behaviour of salivary amylase. For the study of stimulatory effect of temperature on salivary amylase, five different temperatures are selected (4, 27, 37, 55 and 75°C). And likewise four tastes also selected (sweet, sour, salt and bitter). The DNS method was done in the both tests to obtain the absorbance at 520 nm. The samples were collected from three people, of same age. The saliva was collected at same time, after one and a half hour of their breakfast in order to maintain a controlled condition for this study. In each cases the incubation temperature also kept as variable (4, 27, 37, 55 and 75°C). This study was also aimed to determine the behaviour of salivary amylase with reference to the kinetic parameters like Km and Vmax of salivary alpha amylase by incubating the enzyme (stimulated by different stimulatory conditions of temperature and taste) with varying concentration of substrate. The study revealed the consistency in kinetic parameters like Km and Vmax of salivary alpha amylase secreted in response to various stimuli.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Agrarian Studies, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: In our society cholesterol related diseases are increasing day by day. The major reason for this is our eating habit or food habit. Eating foods containing trans fats, which are often found in fast food and commercially baked breads, cookies, and snack foods. It was observed that while peoples taking the fruits of Garcinia gummi-gutta in their food preparations have low cholesterol level. Some peoples are eating boiled fruits and drinking water in which the fruits peels are boiled in order to reduce the cholesterol level. This study was carried out to explore the phytochemical constituents of the solvent extracts of Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit and in vitro analysis of its cholesterol lowering effect. The cholesterol lowering effect was carried out in vitro using common fatty food materials like ghee, fats of pork and chicken, hen egg and cod liver oil. Each food materials were treated with extract and incubated for a number of days and each day the cholesterol level was estimated by Zak’s method. From the data, pork and chicken fat, egg yolk and ghee shows significant reduction in the cholesterol level. From the present study it can be concluded that the constituents present in the extracts may be responsible for the cholesterol lowering activity.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Computer Science - Applied, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: In this modern world, computer becomes more and more popular and important to our society. We can use computer everywhere and they are very useful and helpful to our daily life. Computerized systems can be used for scheduling the jobs, update the stock details, for complex calculations, and also used for preparing bills to customers. Here we developed a system to computerize the major transactions in jewellery like, purchases, sales and bill preparation. This software can be used for managing customers as well as employees associated with that shop in a short period of time. The minimum guarantee is that this system takes less time compared to all manual works, so we can save time and money also.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Biology - Genetics / Gene Technology, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Artocarpus heterophyllus belong to the Moraceae family and are abundant in Western Ghats. The fruit provide two MJ per kg/wet weight of ripe perianth and contain high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. Jackfruit has diverse medicinal uses especially for anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal activity. MatK (maturase K) genes are fast evolving, highly variant regions of plant chloroplast DNA that can serve as potential biomarkers for DNA coding and also in generating primers for plants with identification of unique motif regions. Advances in the genetic markers such as RFLP and PCR based methods are more reliable for identification of genetic diversity than morphological markers, although each technique has advantages and limitations. The objective of this research work was to estimate the level of genetic diversity and to assess genetic relationships among six varieties of jackfruit using ‘matK gene’ based on PCR technique and RFLP markers. The partial sequence of the ‘matK’ gene of six different Artocarpus varities was used in the analysis. The size of amplified products was approximately 700 bp. After sequencing and sequence editing, sequence information on a 674 bp region was finally obtained for analysis. The alignment of sequences revealed two haplotypes out of 674 sites. The nucleotide frequencies are 30.00% (A), 37.69% (T/U), 17.93% (C), and 14.39% (G). Being one of the underutilized fruits in India, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. has promising leads to further scientific researches and livelihood strategies. The study of matK gene using PCR and RFLP seems to a promising tool in establishing genetic diversity among jackfruit varities. The tree, indigenous to the Western Ghats, is an important source of nutritious food during summer season. Encouragements should be made to the marketing as well as value added food products from this underutilized fruit tree.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Chemistry - Bio-chemistry, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: The experiment was carried out to extract and analyze the phytochemical constituents of the Baccaurea courtallensis fruit and to find out the cholesterol lowering efficacy of the extract. The water extracts of Baccaurea courtallensis fruits were subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis and they showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phlobatannins, coumarin, anthocyanin, leucoanthocyanin, phenols and carbohydrates. The extract was evaluated for cholesterol lowering efficiency against different fatty food materials like egg yolk, pork and chicken fat, ghee and cod liver oil by Zak’s method. The maximum efficiency was observed on egg yolk and chicken fat followed by pork fat and ghee. In cod liver oil no beneficial change were noticed.
Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Agrarian Studies, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is commonly grown in home gardens of tropical and sub-tropical countries. The fruit contains high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. Jack fruit has diverse medicinal uses especially as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal agent. Jackfruit is considered to be an underutilized fruit where most of the fruits get wasted due to ignorance, lack of post-harvest technology and gaps in supply chain systems. Jackfruit contains more protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and other essential nutrients, compared to common fruits. To find out the morphological variations among jackfruits in Kerala we conducted an elaborate survey and found out varieties using parameters such as tree characteristics, leaf characterises, fruit characteristics of selected samples as measure. Both qualitative and quantitative data were measured using field visit and standard methods and morphological indicators. After analysis of data morphological variations among the jack fruit samples were identified. This includes the morphological difference between fruit stalk leaf and branch leaves. In the fruits themselves, colour, shape and size are also found to vary among the samples. These variations may have some relationship to climatic factors such as rainfall, pH and soil properties. Morphological variations affect the selection of the varieties. Encouragement should be given to the marketing as well as creation of value added products from this underutilized fruit tree.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Agrarian Studies, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, course: Biochemistry, language: English, abstract: Aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Averrhoa carambola (star fruit) were evaluated for cholesterol lowering effect, in vitro, against various fatty food materials. Peoples are consuming food items made out of chicken, beef, mutton, egg and fish which contains large amount of fat. This study aims to analyze the effect of Averrhoa carambola in reducing the cholesterol level in this fat compound using water extract of the pulp. For this fatty food samples like egg yolk, pork fat, chicken fat , ghee and cod liver oil were treated with the extract and cholesterol level was estimated by Zak’s method for a period of time. Phytochemical constituents present in water extract of Averrhoa carambola Linn. pulp includes alkaloids, saponins, steroids, phlobatannins, carbohydrate, terpenoids, phenols, coumarins, flavonoids and leucoanthocyanins. The in vitro cholesterol lowering effect of Averrhoa carambola pulp extract shows a positive result on reducing chicken fat, ghee and egg yolk. But in case of cod liver oil no beneficial change was observed.
Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: 1,5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: The classification of the Musaceae (banana) family species and their phylogenetic inter-relationships remain controversial, in part due to limited nucleotide information to complement the morphological and physiological characters. In this work the phylogenetic relationships within the Musaceae family were studied locally using 3 species. DNA sequences obtained from nine unlinked nuclear genes. Musa species grow in a wide range of environments and have varied human uses, ranging from the edible bananas and plantains of the tropics to cold-hardy fibre and ornamental plants. There are five taxonomic sections in the genus Musa, two of which contain edible bananas. For studying phylogeny of locally collected Musaceae (banana) family varieties using rbcL gene and matK gene. For this study DNA was extracted by using CTAB method. This extracted DNA was analysed by spectrophotometry method for checking purity of DNA. The samples were gel electrophoresed by 1% agarose gel electrophoresis at 80 volts. After electrophoresis the gel is examined in gel documentation system. The DNA band was observed under UV light looking florescent orange red colour. The extracted DNA was amplified by PCR method and PCR sample was applied for electrophoresis for checking DNA bands. After all this analysis PCR sample send for DNA sequencing for checking the nucleotide. Comparing the sequenced nucleotide for checking phylogeny of locally collected banana varieties. The locally collected gene sequence-based phylogeny presented here provides support for the early studies of speciation within the Musaceae. An understanding of the main phylogenetic relationships between banana species will help to fine-tune the taxonomy of Musaceae.
Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Miscellaneous, , language: English, abstract: Stingless bees are highly social insects which populated the tropical earth 65 million years ago and have been around much longer than honey bees. They are limited to the tropics and subtropics, lack a venom apparatus and cannot sting. Impacts of anthropogenic influences on honey bees have already been reported. Recent studies also showed that the nesting behaviour of Trigona iridipennis Smith in its natural habitat also varies due to interaction, pheromones and environmental stimulus. Little is reported so far about the various natural and domesticated nesting of the Trigona iridipennis Smith in Kerala. Based on thise background, our objectives of this study were to 1) to characterize the Meliponiculture 2) to identify the various natural habitats and domestication materials for nest construction and different types of nests used across Kerala. Various beekeeping methods preferred by farmers across Kerala for the cultivation of Trigona iridipennis Smith. Each nest has its own advantage and disadvantage. During the survey, the most preferred ones were wooden box. Even then according to the easy availability and production cost different nests like earthen pot, bamboo nodes, coconut shell, PVC pipes etc were used. The most preferred natural nesting sites by Trigona iridipennis Smith were mud/stone walls in our study. Being a social insect, Trigona iridipennis Smith shows great diversity in nesting pattern in natural habitats as well as anthropogenic habitats. The shift towards anthropogenic habitats than natural ones may be due to destruction of natural habitats as well as the availability of manmade habitats.
Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Citrus, one of the major genes of Rutaceae family and most economically important fruit tree and widely cultivated throughout the country. The Citrus have high nutritional value and medicinal value. The three varieties obtained from various districts in Kerala were used in this study. The phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary relationships among different species which have common ancestor. These relationships are shown in the form of phylogenetic trees composed of branches which indicate the descendents and nodes which represent the most recent common ancestors. In order to assess the phylogenetic relationships among the 6 samples belongs to the 3 Citrus species (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus maxima, Citrus limon) a chloroplast gene rbcL and matK was successfully amplified and sequenced. For this study DNA was extracted by using CTAB method. This extracted DNA was analysed by spectrophotometry method for checking purity of DNA.The samples were gel electrophoresed by 1% agarose gel electrophoresis at 80 volts. After electrophoresis the gel is examined in gel documentation system. The DNA band was observed under UV light looking florescent Orangish red colour. The extracted DNA was amplified by PCR method and PCR sample was applied for electrophoresis for checking DNA bands. PCR sample were purified sent for sequencing. Sequences obtained were subjected to editing and alignment using ClustalW programme of Bio Edit and phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA software. High similarity observed between selected verities. The locally collected gene sequence-based phylogeny presented here provides support for the early studies of speciation within the Rutaceae. An understanding of the main phylogenetic relationships between Citrus species will help to fine-tune the taxonomy of Rutaceae.
Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Biology - Miscellaneous, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: In the current study, attempts are being made to search for new and cheaper remedy for acne. Here anti acne activity of various samples [Paste, cucumber, tomato, multani mitty (fullers earth),Guava leaf, turmeric and ointment(control)] was studied against Staphylococcus sp. The most effective samples used is guava leaf. Acne is the most common skin disorder with a very high prevalence. Acne may be treated with a combination of remedies including over – the counter skin care, and medications, and chemical or laser procedures. All these treatments are comparatively costlier.
Rapid urbanization in developing countries affects the social, economic and ecologic relationships between urban inhabitants. Even though urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is well appreciated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations (UN), it is often criticized due to its intensive mode of production and safety aspects. Only little is known about the UPA production system in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). In order to characterize the various UPA production systems across MMR, a baseline survey was conducted in 2010 and further detailed investigations were conducted for general soil characterization and heavy metal signatures. Based on the results of a baseline survey of 165 households, the UPA production systems in the MMR were characterized according to their socio-economic, demographic, migratory and features related to production system. Five major UPA systems were detected: railway gardens, balcony gardens, terrace gardens, farms and ‘Tabelas’ - enclosures where buffalos and cows are reared for milk. A great diversity of vegetables, fruits, plantation crops and flowers prevail in these systems. The railway gardens in their majority (79%) were managed by migrants. The use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides prevalent in farms and railway gardens, while pesticide usage was absent in balcony and terrace gardens. The use of waste water among railway gardens accounted for 98% of the overall irrigation water usage; while the other production systems depend upon well water and tap water. Labor shortage is an increasing problem in UPA of MMR, while marketing channels are well organized and connected. In all cases studied, UPA systems contributed to food security and employment opportunities on limited land and helped to recycle organic waste.
Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Zoology, , language: English, abstract: Stingless bees are limited to tropics and subtropics with diversity in species and share morphological and behaviour patterns. Stingless bees are major pollinators of flowering plants in the tropics and improve crop productivity. Trigona iridipennis Smith were kept in India for centuries for the high medicinal value of honey as well as propolis and bee wax. A wide range of variations, especially worker and drone body size and measurement, were reported. Morphometric and geometric analysis provide a valuable tool for the differentiating variations among various honey bees and stingless bees. Based on these back ground, our objectives of this study were 1) to characterize the morphometric aspects of workers in this reported new species of stingless bees and 2) to identify the various similarities and differences existing based on factor and principal component analysis with Trigona iridipennis Smith. A total of 30 samples of workers were collected and various morphometric characters including head length (HL), head width (HW), proboscis length (PL), distance between two dorsal ocelli/lower intercocular distance (DBO), dorsal ocello-ocular distance (DOOD), antennal length (AL), thorax femur length (TFL), thorax tibia length (TTL), thorax metatarsus length (TML), thorax metatarsus width (TMW), thorax forewing length (TFWL), thorax forewing width (TFWW), pterostigma width (PtStW), pterostigma length (PtStW), hind wing length (HWL), hind wing width (HWW), number of hamuli (HAM), abdominal tergite length (AbTL), abdominal sternum width (AbSW), mandible length (MdL) and mandible width (MdW), head length width ratio (HLW), thorax metatarsus length width ratio (TMLW) and thorax forewing length width ratio (TFWLW) were analyzed. One sample (SS1) showed distinct differences in habitat preference (Laterite rock), appearance (size and colour), behaviour (passive) and nest architecture (narrow round entrance tube, snow white brood, cream white food pots). The present study based on the morphometry of stingless bees across Kerala shows that, in spite of the morphological and behavioural variations exhibited by the bees, members of all samples belong to Trigona iridipennis. But one sample (SS1) shows entirely different morphometric characteristics. It was found that this sample belongs to genus Lisotrigona
Amylases are well known for applications ranging from starch and food processes industry to medical applications. The increased demand for these enzymes in various industries has led to an enormous interest in developing enzymes with better properties such as raw starch degrading amylases. It is suggested that banana peel and male inflorescence could employ as a promising substrate for the production of amylase by Aspergillus niger. Further, solid state fermentation is a better choice for amylase production. The addition of external growth medium is also found beneficial for increasing enzyme production. The present study was undertaken to isolate, identify and characterize the Aspergillus niger in the culture medium followed by amylase production and extraction. The banana parts used here as substrates are ripe fruit peel and male inflorescence from locally cultivated species Ethan (Nendran), Palayamkodan (Palayanthodan), Rasakadali (Njali Poovan) and Sundari. The result shows that amylase from sundari peel have the best activity followed by Ethan peel. Ethan flower bud shows the least activity among the eight substrates under study.
Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Zoology, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Stingless bees are highly social insects which populated the tropical earth 65 million years ago longer than honey bees. They are limited to tropics and subtropics lacking venom apparatus and cannot sting. A little is reported so far about the domestication of the Trigona iridipennis Smith as well as the aspects of Meliponiculture in Kerala. Based on this back ground, the objectives of this study were to 1) characterize the various Meliponiculture techniques and management practices 2) the new techniques evolved for Meliponiculture practices and management as well as value addition of stingless bee products. Hundred and twenty farmers across Kerala engaged in Meliponiculture were interviewed and their Meliponiculture practices were observed and recorded. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed among the farmers to learn their depth of knowledge in stingless bee keeping techniques and to study the current status of Meliponiculture. In earthen bowl and coconut shell methods it is very advantageous to collect honey without causing any disturbance to the brood chamber that is at the bottom. In PVC pipe and coconut shell the colony often desert in summer due to high temperature. Even though the bamboo nodes are good, they are found to degenerate after a few years through the attack of wood borers. Stingless bee rearing is an important activity as it helps pollination and provides honey for various purposes. The bottle neck for Meliponiculture includes availability of colonies to start with, better techniques for colony capture, colony multiplication, honey extraction, processing and marketing. This study highlights the various drawbacks and flaws of traditional Meliponiculture in Kerala, which could be rectified using improved scientific management practices and tools. If correctly informed disseminated these techniques could be utilized by tribal, woman, old aged people and even children to fetch an extra income and also to serve the high demand of stingless bee honey and help to maintain the rich biodiversity of Kerala.
Human populations need methods and technologies to clean waters and diminish the environmental dangers related to technological progress. Biosorption can be one such solution to clean up metal contamination. In the present study P.aeruginosa and B.subtilis was isolated from rhizosphere soil by serial dilution and plate count technique. Both free and immobilized form of isolates were tested for the biosorption of chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu). Both the strains were able to remove metal from solutions. Free cells of B.subtilis and P.aeruginosa showed maximum iron removal 86.6% and 92.2% respectively. Free cells of B.subtilis is better in chromium removal (92%) that P.aeruginosa. and B.subtilis was equally effective in the removal of copper (98.1%). Maximum microorganism removal was observed with immobilized cells of B.subtilis; 87.5%. agitation increases the rate of biosorption when compared to static condition. The experiments were also conducted at 37°C and showed slight increase in the rate of biosorption. Microbial metal bioremediation is an efficient strategy due to its low cost, high efficiency and eco-friendly nature. This work summarize the potential of micros in metals remediation.
Medicinal plants have bioactive compounds which are used for various human disease and also an important role in wound healing. The present study is to investigate about the Antimicrobial, phytochemical and antioxidant activity of Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl. The extracts are studied against human wound and burn pathogenic bacterial stains. E. coli, Klebsiella species, Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter species. From the phytochemical study is shows the presence of steroids, glycosides, tannins, phenols, saponins and flavonoids. Plant extracts compounds were separated by thin layer chromatography and identification based on Rf values. The presence of vitamin C play and important role of antioxidants.
Soil borne diseases which are caused to various plants include a wide variety of soil microbes like fungi and bacteria, among which Fusarium wilt is one such disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum cubense in banana plants. Wilt disease or the panama disease of plant is among the most destructive disease of banana in the tropics and even the control methods like field sanitation, soil treatments and crop rotations have not been a long term control for this disease. An alternative method of treating Fusarium oxysporum was adopted by using various natural plant leaves of Chromolaena odorata, Justicia adhatoda, Glycosmis pentaphylla, Azadirachta indica, Gliricidia sepium, Piper nigrum, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Tabernaemontana divaricate. Nanoparticles are small particles with a dimension of 10-9 and 10-10. Green synthesis is a new method developed for the synthesis of nanoparticles which is small in size, large surface area and eco- friendly. Leaf extracts of these plants were used for synthesis of copper and zinc nanoparticles, as nanoparticles are powerful antimicrobial agents. The extract is prepared with a stock solution of 100mM copper sulphate and 100mM zinc sulphate. The leaf extracts were prepared with 5 solvents (Distilled water, Propane, Hexane, Acetone and Methanol). The action of plant leaves were observed by the zone of inhibition obtained with a concentration of 50, 100 and 150µl respectively. The result was more in copper nanoparticles of leaf extract as compared to the zinc nanoparticles of particular leaf extracts but the zinc particles with methanol and propane showed good result with particular leaves. In dried condition of leaves copper nanoparticles with propane as solvent exhibited a greater zone of inhibition. Moreover the solvent, methanol showed good results with both zinc and copper nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticle were characterized by UV-VIS spectrophotometry to confirm the formation of nanoparticles. Green synthesis is used namely because of low cost, simple, use of less toxic materials, most important is eco-friendly.
Justicia adhatoda is a natural plant with lot of medicinal properties. To evaluate the strength of antimicrobial effectiveness of the ethanolic extract of Justica adhatoda, Muller-Hinton agar was used as the base medium for screening of antibacterial activity and antibiotic sensitivity test. Four bacterial strains are used; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic sensitivity is based on disc diffusion method. The Pseudomonas species shows higher activity. It is a multi-drug resistance in human and animal pathogenic bacteria. This is less expensive, safe and an effective natural extract.
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