Amarah Baloch’s scientific contributions

Seaweeds contain many macronutrients including protein, therefore they can be utilized to fulfil the protein requirements of human beings. This research focused on extracting total protein in green seaweed Ulva anandii (Amjad et Shameel 1993), from the crude extracts, by using the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and acetone precipitation methods, and the estimation of crude extract (water-soluble proteins), and those obtained from the two above-mentioned methods. The results indicate that the water-soluble proteins had the highest quantity (949.75µg/mL) followed by the TCA precipitation method (831µg/mL), while the acetone precipitation method had the least concentration of total protein (100 µg/mL). The study concludes that treatment with organic solvents lowers the quantity of protein extracted from U. anandii.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seeds are easily attacked by a variety of fungi resulting in seed loss. This study was to determine the effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) obtained from Sargassum tenerrimum on the growth of fungi on okra seeds. Agar Plate, Blotter paper, and Deep Freezing methods were used to study the fungi related to okra seeds. The effects of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% concentrations of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) on fungal growth were studied. Results showed that the majority of the seeds appeared to be physically healthy. SLF reduced the attack of fungi on seeds, although certain unidentified bacterial growth was still present on seeds after treatment. The study concludes that SLFs can be used for the protection of okra seeds against fungi, although their specific ratios are yet to be determined.