Rich Milton R. Dulay1,2*, Esperanza C. Cabrera1, Sofronio P. Kalaw2, Renato G. Reyes2, Ching T. Hou3

1Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines

2Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development, and Tuklas Lunas Development Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija 3120 Philippines

3National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agriculture Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA

Abstract

The effects of liquid culture media, pH, temperature, and illumination on the basidiospore germination of Lentinus swartzii and Lentinus strigosus as well as their morphogenesis were studied and documented. Coconut water and potato broth with pH of 5.0 – 7.0, incubated at 30°C and total dark, were the optimum nutritional and physical factors in liquid culture condition as activators for successful basidiospore germination of the two Lentinus species. A peculiar germination process was observed in which the basidiospores germinated through swelling and elongated to become hyphae. The vegetative phases of both mushrooms occurred in four significant stages: swelling and clumping (a mechanism for plasmogamy), elongation, septation, and branching. On the other hand, their reproductive phases had six distinct stages: mycelial coat formation, browning and hardening stage (only in L. swartzii), popcorn-like formation (only in L. strigosus), primordia initiation, pinhead stage, pileus expansion stage, and maturation stage. This study established that the two Lentinus spp. have the same vegetative phase (i.e., basidiospore germination and development of hypha and mycelia), but have unique cultivation characteristics in their reproductive phase (i.e., formation of basidiocarp). The obtained information on the developmental biology of the two Lentinus spp. is very useful not only in the generation of effective mushroom biomass production technologies but also in many fungal biotechnological applications.

Keywords: Lentinus swartzii, Lentinus strigosus, Germinating basidiospores, Morphogenesis, Vegetative and reproductive phases

Riaz Hussain^1*, Fazal Mahmood², Ghulam Murtaza³, Muhammad Ismail Abbas⁴, Jawad Munawar Warraich⁴, Rabia Akram⁵

¹Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan

²Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan

³Livestock Production Research Institute, Bahadurnagar, Okara, Pakistan

⁴Poultry Research Institute, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

⁵Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division, Bhauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Aspergillosis is known as the most commonly occurring mycotic infection in variety of avian species causing significant economic losses in terms of poor growth, decrease in overall production and/or mortality in different species of birds including ostrich throughout the world due to aspergillosis. This study describes clinical, histopathological and mycological findings in an adult ostrich. An adult ostrich with history of simultaneous occurrence of blocked bladder associated with penile protrusion, proventriculus impaction and testicular ailments died of aspergillosis infection. Different clinical signs such as anorexia, dysponea and coughing were observed prior to death. Necropsy findings showed significant enlargement of urinary bladder impacted with yellow color and amorphous material. Spherical grayish white raised areas of caseous necrotic foci of variable diameter were sparsely spread over the air sacs. Proventriculus was full of gravel; iron bars corn cobs and plastic bottles. Multiple solitary well circumscribed nodules with hard consistency, hanging with fibrous threads in air sacs were packed with yellow cheesy material. Grossly the testes were smaller in size and hard in consistency. Histologically, the in testes atrophy seminerous tubules, increased connective tissue proliferation and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Moreover, the seminerous tubules were lined by one to two layers of germinal epithelial cells exhibiting degenerative and necrotic changes and reduced process of spermatogenesis. Some tubules showed obliterated lumen and multinucleated giant cells with engulfed necrotic cells were also observed. Results on mycological examination, staining with lactophenol, Giemsa’s and florescent stain revealed presence of prominent fungal hyphae and sporangium. Histologically, the lungs tissue revealed multiple areas of caseous necrosis. The current study describes novel finding of blocked bladder and fungus infection in an ostrich that died of aspergillosis.

Keywords: Ostrich, Aspergillosis, Bladder, Testes, Histopathology

Hoang Van Thang^1*, Cao Van Lang¹, Hoang Van Thanh², Nguyen Trong Dien³, Pham Dinh Sam², Duong Quang Trung²

¹Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam

²Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam

³Forest Science Centre of North-Eastern Vietnam, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Ngoc Thanh, Phuc Yen Town, Vinh Phuc, Vietnam

Abstract

In many countries, the demand for timber from native trees is increasing due to its beauty and durability but timber logging in natural forests has been prohibited for various reasons. Consequently, plantations of native tree species are increasing in area. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of storage and pre-sowing treatment on seed germination in Prunus arborea (Blume) Kalkman, the timber of which is used for furniture and construction. Four storage treatments (S1, clean seeds stored in a cloth bag under room conditions; S2, clean seeds stored in a cloth bag in a refrigerator at 5°C; S3, clean seeds stored in a cloth bag in a refrigerator at -30°C; and S4, clean seeds stored in wet sand at a nursery) and five pre-sowing treatments (PT1, soaked in normal water for 12 hours; PT2, soaked in normal water for 6 hours; PT3, soaked in 40°C–50°C water for 6 hours; PT4, soaked in 70°C–80°C water for 6 hours; and PT5, no pre-sowing treatment as a control) were tested. The results indicated that seeds in the S2 group retained a germination rate of 54% after 9 months of storage, while seeds in the other groups failed to germinate after 1 month of storage for S3, 3 months of storage for S4, and 6 months of storage for S1. Among the pre-sowing treatment groups, the lowest germination rate was found in PT4 (33.1%), which was half of that in PT1 (60.4%), PT2 (63.9%), PT3 (64.6%), and PT5 (62.8%). These findings indicate that seeds of P. arborea should be stored in a refrigerator at 5°C for less than 9 months and should be soaked in 40°C–50°C water for 6 hours before being sown in a wet sand bed.

Keywords: Hot water, Moisture, Prunus arborea, Seed dormancy, Storing duration

Pei Chin Tan, Siong Fong Sim*

Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Malaysia

Abstract

Black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, is an important beneficial insect. Numerous studies have been conducted to understand the oviposition behavior and preferences of BSF. This paper reports the effects of decomposition level of food and presence of pupal remnants on the oviposition responses of BSF. Cages comprising of four oviposition sites, housed with five male and female BSF were prepared. Gravid females were provided with equal opportunities to oviposit in two sites with ripened banana (mildly ripened (MR) or over-ripened banana (AR)) and two other sites with fresh banana (OV). Three replicates in clockwise replication design were set up. The presence of pupal cases in high, medium and low abundance were studied. The number of eggs deposited at different sites were counted and expressed in percentage and oviposition attraction index (OAI). Gravid BSF females showed greater attraction to sites with over-ripened banana likely associating with the odor. BSF females also exhibited a preference for egg laying at sites with less pupae cases. Sites with the most abundance pupae cases were far less enticing as the pupae cases may deter the ovipositing BSF. The findings of this study is important for development of effective egg trapping and collection strategies in BSF farming.

Keywords: Hermetia illucens, Stages of ripening, Odor, Pupal case, Oviposition

Rita Ariyana Nur Khasanah^1,2, Diah Rachmawati^2*

¹Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Walisongo Semarang, 50181- Indonesia

²Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281- Indonesia

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic and harmful heavy metal that contaminates agricultural soil when released into the environment. The beneficial element silicon (Si) can be used to reduce Cd stress. However, the mechanism for reducing Cd toxicity in Cempo Merah rice remains unclear. In this study, we conducted an experiment to determine the required potency of Si for reducing Cd toxicity in the plant. We used a randomized design with two factorials, i.e., calcium silicate and cadmium sulfate at various concentrations (0 mg kg^-1, 50 mg kg^-1, and 100 mg kg^-1) with three replicates. The plants were maintained for 8 weeks. The measured parameters included the Cd, Si, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and plant biomass. Using microscopy, we observed the anatomical root structure, including the thicknesses of the exodermis, sclerenchyma, and endodermis cell walls. The experimental results showed that an excess of Cd inhibited plant growth and increased the MDA content. Increased plant tolerance against the effect of Cd is required for their growth and survival in overcoming the negative impact of Cd exposure. As silicon is involved in the formation by roots of an apoplast barrier to limit Cd uptake, a combination of Cd and Si treatment in plants was found to produce lower Cd contents in the plant shoots and a minimum Cd translocation factor. The addition of Si was also observed to increase the SOD activity in plants under Cd stress. Therefore, Si is suggested to have potency in reducing Cd toxicity in Cempo Merah rice and increasing rice growth.

Keywords: Cadmium, Growth, Cempo Merah rice, Silicon, Toxicity

Sameera Arshad¹, Arshad Mahmood Malik^2*

1Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan

2Department of Economics, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan

Abstract

Birds in the vicinity of airports pose threat to the aircraft. These collisions may result in huge economic losses and is also compromise passenger’s safety. Identification of potential hazardous species, present at and in the vicinity of any airfield, is vital to improve bird hazard management at the airfields. Data of bird species present in the vicinity of BBI airport were collected by using point count method from eight different sites, representing different habitats, located around the airfield of the Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad. These sites represented commercial area around hotels, commercial habitat, naturally preserved recreational area, buildings with old pine trees, a water body, a sports ground, a landfill site, and a modern housing society. Data were analyzed for species density and relative abundance in each habitat, using the Simpson biodiversity index, Margalef diversity index, and clustering methods. Mean bird density in the area was found to be 0.0013 bird/m². Highest bird density was found to be of crow followed by kites and house martin as 0.0068, 0.00269 and 0.00206 birds/m² respectively. K-dominance species abundance model reflected the presence of kite as dominant species. Mean Simpson diversity index of 1.91 indicated the richness and evenness of species. Similarity index was found to be maximum to a value of 80.81 percent at commercial sites and lowest at modern housing society. Results of the study revealed that different habitats around the airport supported different species, thus, in order to formulate effective management plan for the airfields, species identification, richness, evenness and bird behavior should also be taken into consideration.

Keywords: Kite, Hazardous bird species, Bird habitat, Pakistan, Species density, Species richness and evenness, Islamabad

Suwattana Singhajutha, Eakaphun Bangyeekhun, Urarux Romruen*

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, 73000 Thailand

Abstract

Sugar generation is important for many industries, such as livestock feed and bioethanol production. Rice straw is an agricultural waste that serves as a good source of sugar. In this study, a xylanase-producing fungus was isolated form compost pile and identified as Aspergillus fumigatus based on the internal transcribing spacer sequence. Xylanase produced by this fungus was characterised. The optimal conditions for fungal xylanase activity were 55°C and pH 5.0. Enzyme activity declined to 45.26% following incubation at 50°C for 2 days. Rice straw was more suitable for xylanase production than other substrates. The filtrate of A. fumigatus grown on rice straw as a substrate was added to rice straw, and reducing sugar production was determined. The maximum reducing sugar production was achieved with incubation at 30°C for 18 h. Xylanase produced by A. fumigatus can be used for rice straw pre-treatment to improve the nutrient content of livestock feed and increase bioethanol production.

Keywords: Xylanase, Rice straw, Agricultural waste, Sugar

Muhammad Adnan Bodlah¹, Yasir Niaz¹, Muhammad Tariq Rasheed², Ammara Gull e Fareen²,

Muhammad Nawaz¹, Kamran Ikram¹, Muhammad Mohsin Waqas¹, Bilal Rasool³,

Imran Bodlah^2*

¹Fareed Biodiversity Conservation Centre, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

²Insect Biodiversity and Conservation Group, Department of Entomology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

³Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad

Abstract

Global decline in Apis bee population has shifted research towards the exploration of Non-Apis bees. A lot of work has been done on the role of Non-Apis bees in pollination services, stability of ecosystem and their synergistic effects on pollination of Apis bee. These aspects have not yet been studied regarding the local Non-Apis bees fauna of Pakistan due to lack of basic research on these bees. Layyah being the multi crop area was selected as study area for the exploration of these bees. Current research work was aimed to explore the Non-Apis bee fauna of district Layyah. Surveys were carried out from different localities during 2017-18. Bee’s specimens were collected by net sweeping methods, brought to the laboratory and identified up to species level by following standard protocols of identification. Macrophotography of identified species was done using high magnification power microscope attached with a camera. Herein eleven Non-Apis bee species are recorded for the first time from various localities of district Layyah. Present baseline research work will be helpful in future to manage bee’s population and uplifting of the bee pollination for the better crop yields in the current surveyed areas of the Punjab province of the Pakistan. Results of this research may be used to study the role of these bees on foraging behaviors, pollination efficiency and ecosystem stability by local Apis bee. Individual role of all these bees regarding the pollination of various crops, fruits vegetables may be further explored in the region.

 Keywords: Non Apis, Bees, Apidae, Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract Global decline in Apis bee population has shifted research towards the exploration of Non-Apis bees. A lot of work has been done on the role of Non-Apis bees in pollination services, stability of ecosystem and their synergistic effects on pollination of Apis bee. These aspects have not yet been studied regarding the local Non-Apis bees fauna of Pakistan due to lack of basic research on these bees. Layyah being the multi crop area was selected as study area for the exploration of these bees. Current research work was aimed to explore the Non-Apis bee fauna of district Layyah. Surveys were carried out from different localities during 2017-18. Bee’s specimens were collected by net sweeping methods, brought to the laboratory and identified up to species level by following standard protocols of identification. Macrophotography of identified species was done using high magnification power microscope attached with a camera. Herein eleven Non-Apis bee species are recorded for the first time from various localities of district Layyah. Present baseline research work will be helpful in future to manage bee’s population and uplifting of the bee pollination for the better crop yields in the current surveyed areas of the Punjab province of the Pakistan. Results of this research may be used to study the role of these bees on foraging behaviors, pollination efficiency and ecosystem stability by local Apis bee. Individual role of all these bees regarding the pollination of various crops, fruits vegetables may be further explored in the region.   Keywords: Non Apis, Bees, Apidae, Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan   How to cite this:      Bodlah MA, Niaz Y, Rasheed MT, Fareen AGE, Nawaz M, Ikram K, Waqas MM, Rasool B and Bodlah I, 2020. Contribution to non-Apis bee fauna of family Apidae (Hymenoptera) from Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan. Asian J. Agric. Biol. 8(x): x-x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35495/ajab.2020.04.227

Djalel Eddine Gherissi^1,2*, Meriem Boukhili¹, Amina Gherissi³

¹Institute of agronomic and veterinary sciences, University of Souk-Ahras, Algeria

²Laboratory of Animal Productions, Biotechnologies and Health. University of Souk-Ahras, Algeria

³Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, University of El Tarf, Algeria

 Abstract

The present study consists on age-related analysis of reproductive activity in male dromedary camel from extreme arid area. Five reproductive traits of 20 bull camels were recorded and computer-assisted histomorphometric evaluation of 48 paired testes were performed to establish quantitative developmental pattern in relation to their respective age. The pubertal changes were displayed mainly at 4 to 5 years old with increased sperm reserves, seminiferous tubules volume, diameter and total length, high relative volume of interstitial tissue components, high individual Leydig cells volume and total number Leydig cells. At this age the first reductional miotic splits and first spermatids and spermatozoa in the seminiferous lumen tubules were significantly developed leading to increase the mean germ cells number and tubular fertility indexes. Animals in this age category showed the highest proportion of first mating (50%), while mating frequency and time were relatively higher. These reproductive traits were improved significantly with spermatogenesis efficiency in mature animals aged > 6 years old. The testicular spontaneous degeneration was observed in animals ages ≥13 years old. Our data showed long postnatal duration to onset spermatogenesis and endocrine compartment proliferation, that lead to delayed puberty (4 to 5 years), short duration of maximum activity  (8 to10 years) and early genital degenerative involution ( from 13 years).

Keywords: Age, Dromedary camel, Leydig cells, Reproductive traits, Sertoli cells, Spermatogenesis

Bilal Rasool^1*, Zeeshan Nabi¹, Muhammad Adnan Bodlah², Naveed Afzal¹, Khizer Samiullah¹, Awais Rasool³, Rizwan Rasool¹

¹Departement of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

²Fareed Biodiversity Conservation Centre, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

³Integrated Pest Management Programme, National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Myzus persicae (Hemiptera, Aphididae) is a widely distributed, devastating and global sap-sucking crop pest with the diversity of host plants and scratched billions of dollars economically. Wolbachia is a widespread endosymbiotic bacteria and the present study was carried out for the first time to determine the phylogenetic relationship erected on mitochondrial (COI) gene in aphid populations. The screening of Wolbachia was surveyed by wsp general primers in M. persicae populations. Ten food plants were selected to study the food preference of the host M. persicae populations in greenhouse conditions and artificial diets for lab rearing. M. persicae samples were collected from fifteen geographically distant localities of Pakistan. Eggplant and cabbage revealed significantly higher inclinations as compared to other host plants (cauliflower, tomato, sweet potato, Lettuce, broccoli, burdock) whereas carrot and papaya were less preferred by M. persicae. Comparison between natural and artificial diets exhibited maximum populations in natural diets in greenhouse conditions as compared to artificial diets in lab conditions except for June and July. Screening of Wolbachia using PCR markers revealed positive amplicons in M. Persicae. The infection rate persisted (Punjab 16.29%, Khaber Pakhtunkhawa 6.66% and Sindh 8.88 %) conferred by quantitative PCR analysis. Retrieved sequences through mitochondrial COI gene were deposited in gene bank (accession numbers KY509874 and KY522912). The scrutinized dataset depicted the genetic variation of M. persicae populations. Wolbachia is a conjoint and rampant throng of the endosymbiotic microbe and may be acknowledged as a possible means for aphid pest management programs.

Keywords: Myzus persicae, Host preference, Phylogeny, Wolbachia