Ts. Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan

Sains Malaysiana 53(10)(2024): 3341-3354 https://lnkd.in/gpMmMJpP Comprehensive Insights into Sitobion avenae Preferences and Performance on Pakistan’s Wheat Cultivars Leading to Identification of Potential RNAi Targets (Wawasan Komprehensif tentang Keutamaan dan Prestasi Sitobion avenae pada Kultivar Gandum Pakistan yang Membawa kepada Pengenalpastian Sasaran Berpotensi RNAi) RUHMA MUKHTAR, EIJAB AFZAL, RABIA NOUREEN, NADIA ZEESHAN & AMBER AFROZ* Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Hafiz Hayat Campus, Gujrat Pakistan Received: 14 January 2024/Accepted: 26 August 2024 ABSTRACT Sitobion avenae, a notable hemipteran pest, poses a significant economic threat to Triticum aestivum due to its short generation times and high reproductive rates. Challenges like the development of insecticide resistance, the limited impact of insecticidal genes, and associated risks led to seeking a more precise approach like RNA interference. This study evaluated S. avenae response on seven different local cultivars (Anaj-2021, Subhani-2022, Fakhar-e-Bhakkar-2021, Akbar-2019, Mexi-Pak-2022, Barani-2022, & Dilkash-2022) through aphid preference test, aphid choice assay, and aphid performance test. Further, differential proteomics of S. avenae (pre- and post-feeding on susceptible and resistant wheat cultivars) was performed using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis. Among the local wheat cultivars, Anaj-2021 was regarded as the most susceptible cultivar while Barani-2022 was declared the most resistant. The differential proteome analysis of Anaj-2021 (S), and Barani-2022 (R) show 11 upregulated proteins including Glutathione S- transferase, Cathepsin, Carbonic anhydrases, Ecdysone induced protein, Odorant binding protein 3, Heat shock protein, Salivary effector protein, SID1-like protein, Sodium channel protein, chemosensory protein, and trypsin were upregulated in S. avenae on wheat feeding as compared to non-feeding. Trypsin, cathepsin-B and carbonic anhydrases are connected to detoxification and digestion. While odorant binding proteins, salivary effector proteins, sodium channel proteins and ecdysone- induced proteins facilitate feeding process in S. avenae. The enhanced expression of proteins having detoxification, digestion or defense activity implicates their essential role in the survival of S. avenae. Therefore, these proteins have the potential to serve as RNA interference targets, against which doublestranded RNA could be designed and expressed in wheat cultivars to make them resistant to local S. avenae infestation and avert yield loss.

Sains Malaysiana 53(9)(2024): 3071-3083 https://lnkd.in/g4Q9TTQ7 Synergistic Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and Cirsium arvense against Black Scurf Disease of Potato (Kesan Sinergi Pertumbuhan Tumbuhan Menggalakkan Rizobakteria dan Cirsium arvense terhadap Penyakit Scurf Hitam Kentang) ABSTRACT Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important cash crop of Pakistan. Black scurf of potato is a very important disease that is caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn. In this study, management of black scurf of potato was done through biocontrol method by using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and dry biomass of a weed, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. In vitro antagonistic interactions were carried out to assess the potential of two strains of PGPR namely Bacillus megaterium ZMR6 and Pseudomonas fluorescence PF180 against the fungal growth. P. flourescens showed marked antagonistic activity causing 65% reduction in growth of the fungus as compared to 43% reduction due to B. megaterium. Likewise, in laboratory bioassays, methanolic extract of 2, 4 and 6% concentrations of leaf, stem, and root of C. arvense reduced biomass of R. solani by 64-71%, 42-53% and 26-47%, respectively. In pot experiment, the two PGPR species and different doses of C. arvense dry biomass (CDB) viz. 1, 2 and 3% (w/w) were used as soil amendment separately as well as in combination to control the disease. There were 13 treatments, which included a negative control; a positive control (R. solani only); 1, 2 and 3% CDB (separately) together with R. solani, two PGPR species (separately) plus R. solani; different combinations of two PGPR species and CDB together with R. solani. Potato variety Sante was used as test plant. The highest disease incidence (91%) and disease severity (rating scale 4) were observed in positive control (with R. solani only). R. solani significantly reduced biomass of tubers by 52% over negative control. All the treatments significantly enhanced tuber biomass by 18-166% over positive control. The best combination was 3% CDB + P. florescence where minimum disease incidence (3%) and severity (mean disease rating 0.2) were recorded. This treatment also showed the highest tubers yield that was 29% and 166% higher as compared to negative and positive control treatments, respectively. It concluded that P. florescence in combination with 3% dry biomass of C. arvense can control black scurf disease and enhance potato yield.

Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research Published Volume 43 Issue 3 (SEPTEMBER 2024) A Comparative Study on the Interaction Effect of Date of Planting, Variety and Head Diameter on the Post Harvest Quality of Broccoli Stored in Refrigerated Condition Chingtham Chanbisana, A.K. Banik doi10.18805/ajdfr.DR-1739 Cite article:- Chanbisana Chingtham, Banik A.K. (2024). A Comparative Study on the Interaction Effect of Date of Planting, Variety and Head Diameter on the Post Harvest Quality of Broccoli Stored in Refrigerated Condition . Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research. 43(3): 470-477. doi: 10.18805/ajdfr.DR-1739. ABSTRACT Background: Broccoli [Brassica oleracea (L.) var.italica plecnk.] is a cole crop with highly perishability. It is rich in vitamin, antioxidants, anticancerous compounds and health promoting chemicals. It is harvested at tender and tight bud stage due to which the deterioration rate is high because of the high respiration rate of the broccoli head. This exotic crop is becoming popular since consumers are continuously health conscious. It has a shelf life only two days in room condition. There arise a need to retain postharvest quality of broccoli to meet the consumer demand. Methods: Three different date of planting i.e 15th Sept, 30th Sept and 15th Oct, 2014 were done in two broccoli cultivar Aishwarya and Sadhana while harvestings were done in 2015 at three different stages of head diameter i.e. 12-14 cm, 14-16 cm and above 16 cm. Storage studies for biochemical changes for ascorbic acid, chlorophyll content, total soluble solids and sensory analysis were carried out in refrigerated condition. Result: On studying the interaction effects of date of planting, variety and head diameter, it was concluded that early sown broccoli i.e 15th September showed better quality with smaller head diameter in variety Aishwarya. KEYWORDS Ascorbic acid, Broccoli, Chlorophyll, Head diameter, Refrigerated, Total soluble solids https://lnkd.in/g32SjWCR

Sains Malaysiana 52(10)(2023): 2733-2745 https://lnkd.in/gc9QG6gr Morphometric Analysis, Feeding Capacity and Proteobacteria Wolbachia Screening in Yellow-Assassin Bug Cosmolestes picticeps (Analisis Morfometri, Keupayaan Suapan dan Saringan Proteobacteria Wolbachia pada Serangga Kepinding Cosmolestes picticeps) ABSTRACT The yellow-assassin bug, Cosmolestes picticeps (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is a generalist predator that has potential use as biological control agent in oil palm agroecosystem. They are known to feed on insect pests like bagworm. To facilitate understanding on the suitability of C. picticeps as an alternative means to manage oil palm pests, and little impact on beneficial insects, this study investigated the morphological variations, feeding capacity and proteobacteria in C. picticeps. To examine the relationships between morphology and feeding capacity of C. picticeps, a total of 90 male and 90 female individuals of C. picticeps collected were measured, and then provided with weevil individuals in captivity. The results showed no significant correlation between the size of C. picticeps with the number of weevil individuals consumed. Meanwhile, the present study also want to determine whether there are proteobacteria Wolbachia sp. in female C. picticeps gut content using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification. The result showed absent of Wolbachia surface protein and Wolbachia citrate synthase coding gene amplification. Based on the present study, more information on the C. picticeps should be assessed as they have the potential as biological control agent to suppress insect pests in agricultural ecosystem.

Sains Malaysiana 53(2)(2024): 369-381 https://lnkd.in/gqBb6HSn Anti-Angiogenic Effect of Polygonum Species: A Comprehensive Review of Literature (Kesan Anti-Angiogenik Spesies Polygonum: Kajian Komprehensif Kepustakaan) NAJLA’ SHAKIRAH AB HALIM1 , SHERIL JUNE ANKASHA1 , ASLAH NABILAH ABDULL SUKOR1 , NUR NAJMI MOHAMAD ANUAR2 , NORHAZLINA ABDUL WAHAB1 , SHAHIDEE ZAINAL ABIDIN3 , AZIZAH UGUSMAN1 & ADILA A HAMID1,* 1 ABSTRACT Angiogenesis is a physiological, tightly regulated process which is characterized by the development of new blood vessels. Compounds with the potential to control angiogenesis would be highly valuable as therapeutics, as an imbalance in angiogenesis may lead to several pathological disorders, including cancer, retinopathy, and arthritis. In this study, the anti-angiogenic effect of Polygonum sp. has been comprehensively reviewed and this plant also has been known to possess other medicinal benefits such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumor agents. Hence, this study systematically identified the evidence reporting the anti-angiogenic effects of Polygonum sp. Four electronic databases, namely PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles. Based on the pre-set eligibility criteria, 50 relevant articles were identified, and ten qualified articles were selected and reviewed. It was demonstrated that four namely P. cuspidatum, P. barbatum, P. hydropiper, and P. perfoliatum showed anti-angiogenic activities mainly through inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor-signaling pathways. Therefore, these species Polygonum have the potential to be developed as natural anti-angiogenic agents for prevention and treatment of various diseases related to pathological angiogenesis. Keywords: Angiogenesis; anti-angiogenesis; Polygonum genus; vascular endothelial growth factor

Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research Published Volume 43 Issue 3 (SEPTEMBER 2024) Does Credit Access Affect Decision-making within Farmer Groups? Evidence from Smallholder Coffee Farmers: Case Study in Bondowoso, Indonesia Puryantoro, Mohammad Rizal Hidayat, Joni Murti Mulyo Aji, Sasmita Sari doi10.18805/ajdfr.DRF-380 Cite article:- Puryantoro, Hidayat Rizal Mohammad, Aji Mulyo Murti Joni, Sari Sasmita (2024). Does Credit Access Affect Decision-making within Farmer Groups? Evidence from Smallholder Coffee Farmers: Case Study in Bondowoso, Indonesia . Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research. 43(3): 594-599. doi: 10.18805/ajdfr.DRF-380. ABSTRACT Background: The government and numerous institutions have pushed the formation of farmer groups as one of the agricultural development initiatives to increase the well-being of coffee producers. However, many coffee farmers are still hesitant to join owing to a variety of concerns. This lack of interest is frequently associated with financing challenges for agricultural capital via lending access. The goal of this study is to investigate the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to join farmer groups, particularly in terms of finance access. Methods: This study was carried out in East Java’s coffee production area, notably in the Sumber Wringin District of Bondowoso Regency. During the 2023 agricultural season, the sample consisted of 173 coffee producers from the examined area. To create a homogeneous sample of coffee farmers, a multistage sampling procedure was used and the data were analyzed using binary logistic regression (logit biner). Result: Farmers who join farmer groups are influenced by criteria such as their age, length of education, quantity of produce, land size and labor. According to field research, credit access has no effect on small coffee farmers who join farmer groups. Farmers who do not belong to farmer groups can nevertheless obtain agricultural finance. Similarly, gender and the number of dependents in the family had little bearing on farmers’ decisions to join farmer groups. KEYWORDS Binary logistic, Credit access, Farmer groups, Smallholder https://lnkd.in/gmbgYgkX

THE first half of this year saw the benchmark FBM KLCI advance 9.3%, with 12 out of 13 sectors contributing to the rally. The plantation sector didn’t join this party. It was the worst-performing sector in 1H2024. It was the only sector in negative territory, declining by 0.4%. #palmoil #plantation #oilpalm #FBM