Bot’s scientific contributions

This study aims to screen out the potential lipase-producing bacteria and optimize different culture parameters to produce maximum lipase enzyme. A total of twenty-nine lipase-positive bacteria were isolated from organic waste. Among them, Bacillus subtilis 20B was found to be a potential candidate. The optimum pH and temperature of lipase production by the isolate were 7.0 and 37ºC, respectively, and the lipase production was 11.72 ± 0.25 U/ml. When the isolate was cultured in medium supplemented with starch as a carbon source, the isolate produced a better level (28.39 ± 1.19 U/ml) of lipase. On the other hand, lipase production increased up to 21.61 ± 0.75 U/ml when yeast extract was used as a nitrogen source. After optimization of inoculum concentration, enhanced lipase production was 51.17 ± 0.50 U/ml. Through optimization, lipase production increased up to 84.30 ± 0.17 U/ml, which was 7.19-fold higher than before. The present study provides useful information about lipase production by indigenous B. subtilis 20B, which may be used as a potential bacterial source of lipase for further study involving lipid-rich wastewater treatment and other purposes.

Phytoplankton samples were collected from different wetlands of Lalmai Hill areas of Cumilla from October 2017 to September 2019. A total of 168 samples of phytoplankton were collected from which 352 species of Phytoplankton were identified where 40 species were found as new records for Bangladesh. The present paper includes 14 taxa of Chlorophyceae as new records for Bangladesh. These include eight species from Scenedesmus, two species from Tetrastrum and Crucigenia mucronata (G.M. Smith) Komárek, Euastrum denticulatum var. quqdriferium F. Gay ex Willi Krieger, Keratococcus suecicus Hind. and Pediastrum duplex var. asperum (A. Braun) Hansgirg.

H YOSCYAMUS muticus L. (Egyptian Henbane), a shrub thriving in the sandy regions of Egypt, shows important pharmacological properties which may be attributed to its own bioactive compounds or due to associated endophytes. In the present study, roots, stems and leaves of H. muticus growing in Egypt were evaluated for the presence of associated fungal endophytes, and secondary metabolites produced from them especially the characteristic plant tropane alkaloid; hyoscyamine. Using culture-dependent approach, sixteen fungal endophytes belonging to five different genera were identified morphologically according to their culture appearance and detailed microscopic structures. The isolated endophytic fungi were cultured using three different media (PDB, RG and SDB) and each filtered broth was sequentially extracted with ethyl acetate. Crude extracts collected from different fungal isolates were subjected to phytochemical analysis using thin layer chromatography (TLC) which showed a distinct fingerprinting profile of several fungal secondary metabolites. The total secondary metabolite, phenolic compound, flavonoid, anthraquinone glycoside, coumarins and alkaloid content was investigated. Different activities of the used media were reported on the changing secondary metabolic profile of each fungus. Furthermore, the ability of the tested fungal endophytes to produce hyoscyamine, characteristic to H. muticus was tested by TLC analysis. Some isolated endophyte species belonging to Aspergillus and Penicillium showed positive tests for hyoscyamine.

Due to variable use, drought hardiness, stability of yield and adoptability over wide range of climate, sorghum has maintained its importance and dependability. Dual purpose kharif sorghum hybrid SPH1641 line was developed by using new CMS line PMS71A having wide adoptability across season (kharif and rabi) and high yielding restorer line KR196 at Sorghum Research Station, Parbhani. On the basis of 5 years testing (kharif 2009-14) SPH 1641 recorded the advantage of 13.38 and 16.06 % for grain and 11.52 and 21.57% for fodder yield, over checks CSH 25 and CSH 16 in Maharashtra State Multi location Varietal cum Hybrid Trials. Grain (crude protein 9.8%) and stover quality (IVOMD 43.5%) parameters of this hybrid were comparable with checks. SPH 1641 is moderately tolerant to grain mold (FGMR 3.95 and TGMR 3.00), shoot fly and stem borer as well. Hence the hybrid is released for commercial cultivation in kharif sorghum growing areas of Maharashtra State in 2015. Introduction Agricultural crops and livestock play an important role to fulfill the basic necessities of life to the people (Tahir et al. 2005). Sorghum is the major source of food for millions of people in the semi arid tropics and its grains is also used as feed for live stocks and poultry. The importance of sorghum as a fodder crop is growing in Maharashtra due to its high productivity and ability to utilize water efficiently even under drought conditions. Owing to its multiple uses, every farmer in Maharashtra grows sorghum to meet the demand of his family and live stock requirement. In recent years, the yield levels of hybrids/varieties have gone down due to heavy attack of shoot fly, stem borer, and midge in the region (Sonalkar et al. 2005). The grain quality of these varieties was also affected due to heavy attack of grain mold in the region. Unfortunately all these hybrids were producing low quality fodder due to their dwarf stature and susceptible to pests and diseases (Borikar and Chopade 1981). Sorghum has good genetic variability that allows the breeding and development of new cultivars adapted to different agro-ecological regions around the globe (Zhang et al. 2010). It is therefore of paramount importance that technological developments are extended to increase the productivity and sustainability of sorghum production. Considering the immediate need of farmers, effort were initiated at Sorghum Research Station, Parbhani to develop a dual purpose sorghum hybrid having higher grain and fodder yield with synchronous flowering of female and male lines facilitating commercial hybrid seed production during kharif as well as rabi season. As a result, a new kharif sorghum hybrid SPH 1641 was developed by using new CMS line PMS 71A having wide adoptability across season (kharif and rabi) and high yielding restorer line KR 196. Due to its high grain and fodder yields besides other desirable traits, this hybrid has been released as SPH 1641 for cultivation in kharif sorghum growing areas of Maharashtra, India.

Antibiotics resistant pathogenic bacteria are one of the emerging challenges of 21st century. Recently, researchers are looking for antibacterials (therapeutic agents) from ethnomedicinal indigenous plants to be considered new sources to meet the emerging challenges. These antibacterials could be used as an alternative to conventional antibiotics against infectious human diseases. The antibacterial properties of ethnomedicinal plants used by the local people of Brahmanbaria were determined. Ethnomedicinal data was collected in between June 2015 and June 2017 from 467 local people using mainly key informant's interviews followed by group discussions, filed interviews and plant interviews. A total of 243 ethnomedicinal plants were recorded. In order to identify the most important ethnomedicinal plants Factor of informant consensus (F ic) was calculated and 8 medicinal plants were identified based on the higher consensus of informants. These are Litseaglutinosa (Lour.), Robinson, Scopariadulcis (L.), Dalbergiasissoo (Miq.), Clerodendrumviscosum (Vent.), Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall.exDecne., Phyllanthus reticulatus (Poir.), Paederia foetida (L.) and Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers. Both the aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaves were screened for antibacterial activity against 8 clinical strains through disc diffusion assays. The experimental results revealed that maximum (85%) plant extracts were potentially effective in inhibiting growth of pathogenic bacteria with variable potency. Litseaglutinosa was the most effective plant species retarding microbial growth of eight tested pathogenic bacteria. This plant can be evaluated for production of potential herbal antimicrobials alternative to antibiotics.

Consumption of diversified pigmented whole grain maize is encouraged to combat hidden hunger. The present research was conducted to evaluate physico-functional and nutritional properties of pigmented and non-pigmented maize in Bangladesh. Results revealed that white maize had the highest brightness value while purple, and deep red maize showed the lowest brightness value. The lowest bulk density (0.565 ± 0.005 g/ml) and percentage change (15.05 ± 0.31%) in sedimentation was in purple maize flour. White maize flour showed the highest change (35.43 ± 0.59%) in sedimentation value. Red and purple maize contained the highest amount of ash (2.27 ± 0.059 and 2.27 ± 0.05%, respectively) and mixed maize contained the highest crude fibre (4.17 ± 0.049%). Purple, deep red, and mixed colored maize had the highest (72 to 73%) carbohydrate whereas indigenous deep red and mixed colored maize had the lowest (6%) protein content. All most all samples had similar Mg and S content. Purple, deep red and mixed maize were found to be promising for Ca. White maize had the highest amount (19.79 ± 0.1 mg/100 g) of Zn. Yellow maize showed to contain the highest amount (4.99 ± 0.37 mg/100 g) of Fe. Overall, whole grain pigmented and non-pigmented hybrid and indigenous maize were comparable for physico-functional and nutritional properties.

Review 43 E NVIRONMENTAL pollution is exacerbated by the rise in petroleum hydrocarbons due to exploration, production, transportation, and industrialization. This requires immediate remediation. Although crude oil removal using conventional techniques is efficient for cleaning up aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, it is costly and requires specialized staff and equipment. Despite their negative environmental consequences, chemical compounds such as dispersants, cleansers, emulsifiers, biosurfactants, and soil oxidizers are highly utilized. Phytoremediation and bioremediation have emerged as cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies. This paper aims to review the impacts of crude oil pollution and the phytoremediation of polluted ecosystems. We have reviewed various phytoremediation/bioremediation mechanisms and environmental factors. Additionally, we have discussed the degradation of crude petroleum, factors affecting petroleum hydrocarbon bioremediation, and the environmental consequences, such as DNA and epigenetic mutations. We have also compared the economics of phytoremediation and restoration of polluted sites with conventional technology. Plants can remediate the environment through phytodegradation, phytostabilization, phytovolatilization, evapotranspiration, and phytoaccumulation. The microbial activities in the plant rhizosphere enhance the degradation and accumulation of the pollutants and modulate their bioavailability, thereby remediating the polluted areas and stabilizing the soil fertility.

Tea is the second most widely used drink all over the world after water. It has several health benefits. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of black, green and herbal teas for the treatment of hyperglycemia and its associated complications were investigated. Nine tea samples including black, green and herbal teas namely Lipton black tea (LBT), Supreme black tea (SBT), Tapal black tea (TBT), Jasmine green tea (JGT), Lemon grass green tea (LGrT), Lemon green tea (LGT), Berginia ciliata, Bistorta affinis and Paeonia emodi were selected for the study. Total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), antioxidant properties including inhibitory activity against 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical (ABTS •+), iron chelation and enzymes inhibitory potential for alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase were analyzed based on in vitro assays. The percentage yield of extracts was in the range of 7.2 to 47 %. Methanolic extracts showed greater TPC values (µg GAE/g) while aqueous extracts showed greater TFC values (µg Rutin E/g). The aqueous extracts of most of the studied tea samples showed strong biological activities with very low IC 50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values (0.2-69.0 µg/ml) for ABTS •+ radical scavenging, Fe 2+ chelation and alpha glucosidase inhibition assays. For amylase inhibition activity, some aqueous extracts including LBT, SBT, JGT and P. emodi exhibited greater IC 50 values.

Effects of pruning and nitrogen fertilization for the rejuvenation and physicochemical quality of fruits, bearing on declining apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca L. cv. New Castle) were assessed. Studies were conducted from 2011 to 2015 on the 25 years old senile and declining apricot trees. Ten treatments comprised of a factorial combination of three pruning levels/severity (heading back of main scaffolds at 20, 40 and 60%) with three levels of nitrogen doses (500, 625 and 750g N/tree). For the first time in the year 2011, the experimental trees received the treatments during its dormant period (winter). In the successive years, all the treatments were followed by corrective pruning facilitate rapid restoration of growth and production of the orchard. The factorial treatment combination of heavy pruning (60%) with the lowest doses of nitrogen level (500g/tree) increased the qualities of fruits in terms of weight, volume, firmness, total soluble solids, sugars and acidity content. Whereas, the ascorbic acid content was facilitated by heavy pruning (60%) with the highest doses of nitrogen level (750g/tree) in all the following years.

Study revealed a first report of proteomics variation in Nigella sativa L. based on analyzing 32 accessions through SDS-PAGE. Three prominent regions along eight subunits were identified. Intra specific variation was observed low whereas the sharpness of bands was high between first and second regions. It was noted that in second region there was no clear evidence of band formation in N. sativa. Prominent and sharp protein peptide bands were recorded in four accessions, namely PK-020561, PK-020609, PK-020620 and PK-020646. Further investigation of single seeds showed almost similar genetic pattern within the single accession. Five clusters were formed on the basis of Euclidean distance. Cluster-I & II contain 1, 1 accession each, likewise Cluster-III and C-IV contain 2, 2 accessions whereas Cluster-V was found diversified as consisted of 26 accessions. Two accessions PK-020878 and PK-020877 were recommended for polymorphism and crop improvement programs.