New bacterial fruit rot disease of jackfruit caused by Dickeya fangzhongdai in Malaysia

Aims@#The objective of this study is to identify the causal agent of a new fruit rot disease on jackfruit which was observed in the jackfruit-growing area in Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM), Pahang State of Malaysia in late 2016. The disease has been continuously spreading and caused huge economic loss to jackfruit farmers in Malaysia. @*Methodology and results@#Bacterial strains isolated from the disease plant were preliminary identified using basic morphological and physiological test and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The isolates from infected tissue were Gram-negative and motile rods bacteria producing circular, mucoid colonies on LB medium that are 2 mm wide after 48 h at 28 °C. It appeared creamy to white in colour on NA medium with more watery consistency. The 16S rRNA was amplified for the isolated strains and sequences were compared with the NCBI database using BLAST. The results showed 97 to 99% identity similarity to Dickeya fangzhongdai, strain JS5 (accession no. KT992690). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolates from this study were clustered together in the clade of D. fangzhongdai. Sequence data from isolated strains were deposited in GenBank (accession no. MH197139, MH842152 and MH842153). Characteristic symptoms of fruit rot disease appeared after 2 days of post inoculation though Koch’s postulate. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a new bacterial fruit rot disease of jackfruit caused by species of Dickeya in Malaysia. The bacterium is now considered as one of several bacterial causing diseases which impacted major loses of jackfruit industry in Malaysia.

Comparative Study In Antioxidant Activities Of The Different Ripeness Stages Of Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lam. Fruit

The ethyl acetate extracts obtained from under-ripe (Young Stage), mature (Mature Stage) and ripe fruit (Ripe Stage) fruit pulp of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. were evaluated for their Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Content and antioxidant property. Total Moisture Content and the Total Ash Content of pulp were determined by subjecting to heat treatment. Total Phenolic Content was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu method and Total Flavonoid Content by Aluminium Chloride Colorimetric Assay. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH Radical Scavenging, ABTS Radical Scavenging and FRAP Assays. The highest moisture content varies as Young Stage>Mature Stage>Ripe Stage in 84.71% to 70.38% range and Total Ash Content of the Ripe Stage pulp was the highest (6.86 %) and the least was observed for the Young Stage with a value of 5.40 %. For the Total Phenolic Content, crude extracts isolated from Mature Stage showed highest value (434.04 mg GAE/g) and Total Flavonoid Content was highest in crude extract of the Young Stage (446.79 mg QE/g). Ripe Stage Crude extract gave lowest value for both Total Phenolic Content and Total Flavonoid Content. For DPPH Radical Scavenging, ABTS Radical Scavenging and FRAP Assays, highest activity was reported by crude extract of Young Stage followed by crude extract of Mature Stage and least activity was given by crude extract of Ripe Stage. A correlation between Total Phenolic Content and Total Flavonoid Content with antioxidant activity was noticeable. A declination of the antioxidant activity was observed as the fruit reaches its maturity.

Isolation and characterization of pectin from the ripe fruit peels of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:</strong> Pectin is a complex polysaccharide which is commonly used as a gelling agent for food preparations and pharmaceutical formulations. Currently, the Philippines imports 100% of its pectin requirement from other countries which adds to the cost of products that utilizes pectin. Hence, the aim of this study was to isolate and characterize pectin from ripe jackfruit peels.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>MATERIALS AND METHODS: </strong>Peels of ripe jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) were subjected to digestion with water and sulfuric acid at 90°C then purified using alcohol and acetone. The isolated material from the peels was subjected to pectin identification tests using the methods from the US Pharmacopeia (USP). To further characterize the isolate, the methoxy and anhydrouronic acid contents, degree of esterification, functional groups (through FT-IR), ash content, and swelling index were determined.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Ripe jackfruit peels yielded 5.74% of brown-colored pectin which was verified using the US Pharmacopeia identification tests for pectin. The methoxy and anhydrouronic acid contents were found to be 4.05% and 1.77%, respectively, with results comparable with the standard pectin (p<0.05). The peel's pectin has a degree of esterification of 26.34, 1.77% ash content, and swelling index of 9.09. FT-IR analysis of isolated pectin revealed functional groups identical to that of the standard pectin.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Pectin from the ripe jackfruit peels is reported to be a potential source of pharmaceutical grade pectin. However, the AUA content and methoxy content of the isolated pectin did not meet the USP specification. Thus, the authors recommend that future investigators must optimize the isolation procedure to obtain pectin which meets the specification of USP.</p>

Invasion impact of Artocarpus heterophyllus LAM. (Moraceae) at the edge of an atlantic forest fragment in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Impacto da invasão de Artocarpus heterophyllus LAM. (moraceae) na borda de um fragmento de mata atlântica na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The Atlantic Forest is reduced to less than 20 % of its original area, but it still protects an important biological heritage. Forest fragmentation makes the environment more susceptible to invasive species occupation. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) was introduced into Brazil in the seventeenth century; and in the second half of the twentieth century, its natural regeneration increased the density of individuals, compromising the recruitment of many native species. This study investigated the impact of A. heterophyllus invasion on the diversity and tree structure component at the edge of an Atlantic Forest fragment, in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Two transect-type plots were set up with 10 m x 100 m (1,000 m2), being divided into 10 subplots of 10 m x 10 m, with a total sampling area of 2,000 m2. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) equals to or greater than 5 cm were tagged and DBH and total height measured. The following phytosociological parameters were estimated: Frequency (F), Density (D), Dominance (Do), Importance (IV) and Coverage (CV) Values. In total, 191 tree individuals were sampled. Invasive species made up more than 35% of the entire vegetation structure in the studied environment, ending in first place in terms of Importance Value (IV = 35.62%). Low floristic wealth seems to have favored the A. heterophyllus invasion process in the community, showing the need for an effective control of the species for the native genetic heritage protection.

A Mata Atlântica encontra-se reduzida a menos de 20% de sua cobertura original, mas ainda protege um importante patrimônio biológico. A fragmentação da floresta torna o ambiente mais favorável para a ocupação de espécies invasoras. A jaqueira (Artocarpus heterophyllus) foi introduzida no Brasil no século XVII e na segunda metade do século XX houve uma rápida densificação de sua regeneração natural, comprometendo o recrutamento de muitas espécies nativas. Este estudo investigou o impacto da invasão de A. heterophyllus na diversidade e na estrutura do componente arbóreo da borda de um remanescente de Mata Atlântica, no Rio de Janeiro. Duas parcelas do tipo transecto foram alocadas, com 10 m x 100 m (1.000 m2), divididas em 10 subparcelas de 10 m x 10 m, com uma amostra total de 2.000 m2. Árvores com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) igual ou superior a 5 cm foram marcadas e o DAP e a altura total foram medidos. Foram obtidos os seguintes parâmetros fitossociológicos: Freqüência, Densidade, Dominância, Valor de Importância (VI) e de Cobertura (VC). No total, 200 espécies de árvores foram amostradas. A invasão foi responsável por mais de 35% de toda a estrutura do ambiente estudado, obtendo o primeiro lugar em termos de Valor de Importância (VI = 35,62%). A baixa riqueza florística parece ter favorecido o processo de invasão de A. heterophyllus na comunidade, mostrando a necessidade de um controle eficaz das espécies para proteção da herança genética nativa.

About rats and jackfruit trees: modeling the carrying capacity of a Brazilian Atlantic Forest spiny-rat Trinomys dimidiatus (Günther, 1877) – Rodentia, Echimyidae – population with varying jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) abundances / Sobre ratos e jaqueiras: modelando a capacidade suporte de uma população do rato-de-espinho da Mata Atlântica Trinomys dimidiatus (Günther, 1877) – Rodentia, Echimyidae – em relação a diferentes abundâncias de jaqueiras (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.)

We carried out a six-year study aimed at evaluating if and how a Brazilian Atlantic Forest small mammal community responded to the presence of the invasive exotic species Artocarpus heterophyllus, the jackfruit tree. In the surroundings of Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, RJ, 18 grids were established, 10 where the jackfruit tree was present and eight were it was absent. Previous results indicated that the composition and abundance of this small mammal community were altered by the presence and density of A. heterophyllus. One observed effect was the increased population size of the spiny-rat Trinomys dimidiatus within the grids where the jackfruit trees were present. Therefore we decided to create a mathematical model for this species, based on the Verhulst-Pearl logistic equation. Our objectives were i) to calculate the carrying capacity K based on real data of the involved species and the environment; ii) propose and evaluate a mathematical model to estimate the population size of T. dimidiatus based on the monthly seed production of jackfruit tree, Artocarpus heterophyllus and iii) determinate the minimum jackfruit tree seed production to maintain at least two T. dimidiatus individuals in one study grid. Our results indicated that the predicted values by the model for the carrying capacity K were significantly correlated with real data. The best fit was found considering 20~35% energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels. Within the scope of assumed premises, our model showed itself to be an adequate simulator for Trinomys dimidiatus populations where the invasive jackfruit tree is present.

Realizamos um estudo de seis anos para avaliar se e como uma comunidade de pequenos mamíferos terrestres da Mata Atlântica respondia à presença da jaqueira Artocarpus heterophyllus, espécie possivelmente nativa da Índia. Nos arredores da Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, RJ, nós estabelecemos 18 grades de estudo, sendo 10 com jaqueiras e oito sem jaqueiras. Resultados prévios indicaram que a composição e a abundância dessa comunidade de pequenos mamíferos foram alteradas pela presença e densidade de A. heterophyllus. Um dos efeitos observados foi o aumento das populações do rato-de-espinho Trinomys dimidiatus nas grades onde a jaqueira estava presente. Criamos um modelo matemático para prever a capacidade de suporte dessa espécie, baseado na equação logística de Verhulst-Pearl. Nossos objetivos foram i) calcular a capacidade de suporte K com base em dados reais coletados tanto para T. dimidiatus quanto de seu ambiente; ii) propor e avaliar um modelo matemático para estimar o tamanho populacional de T. dimidiatu baseado na produção mensal de sementes de jaqueira e iii) determinar a produção mínima de sementes de jaqueira necessária para manter pelo menos dois indivíduos de T. dimidiatus. Nossos resultados indicaram que os valores previstos para K gerados pelo modelo foram significativamente correlacionados com os dados reais coletados. O melhor ajuste foi obtido considerando uma eficiência de transferência de energia entre níveis tróficos entre 20 e 35%. Dentro do escopo das premissas assumidas, nosso modelo se mostrou um simulador adequado para populações de T. dimidiatus em áreas onde a jaqueira já tenha invadido.

Development and Evaluation of Weaning Foods Using Locally Available Nutritious Fruits in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world although the country is endowed with agricultural produce that could be properly utilised to prepare adequate food for children. Considering this, three weaning foods were formulated using locally available cereals and nutritious fruits such as wheat, soya flour, jackfruit and mango. Methods: Standard procedures of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and American Public Health Association (APHA) were used to determine the chemical composition and microbiological analysis. Organoleptic qualities were analysed by twenty adult panelists of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Bangladesh, using a 9-hedonic scale against a cereal based commercial brand as standard for proximate and sensory properties. Results: The moisture content of the developed weaning foods ranged from 2.78-3.59%, crude protein content 14.74-16.55%, fat 11.04-12.70%, ash 1.38-1.68%, crude fibre 1.04-1.52%, carbohydrate 65.83-71.09% and energy content from 445.80-465.48 kcal/100g of the foods. The formulated weaning foods A, B and C were significantly different (p<0.05) in moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy contents from the commercial brand, D. According to rat bioassay method, the prepared weaning foods C and B had the highest Protein Efficiency Ratio and Feed Efficiency Ratio than the commercial brand, D. Total bacterial counts were nil for all weaning foods. Sensory analysis revealed acceptability of all the weaning foods and preference for weaning food C that compared favorably with the standard in all the quality attributes. Conclusion: The formulated weaning foods are inexpensive and nutritious, and its ingredients are locally available. These foods have the potential for improving malnutrition problems facing children in Bangladesh.

Polyhydroxybutyrate production using agro-industrial residue as substrate by Bacillus sphaericus NCIM 5149

The aim of this work was to study the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) using agro- industrial residues as the carbon source. Seven substrates, viz., wheat bran, potato starch, sesame oil cake, groundnut oil cake, cassava powder, jackfruit seed powder and corn flour were hydrolyzed using commercial enzymes and the hydrolyzates assessed for selecting the best substrate for PHB production. Jackfruit seed powder gave the maximum production of PHB under submerged fermentation using Bacillus sphaericus (19 percent) at the initial pH of 7.5.

Protease inhibitors from jackfruit seed (Artocarpus integrifolia).

Protease inhibitory activity in jackfruit seed (Artocarpus integrifolia) could be separated into 5 fractions by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose at pH 7·6. A minor fraction (I) that did not bind to the matrix, had antitryptic, antichymotryptic and antielastase activity in the ratio 24:1·9:1·0. Fraction II bound least tightly to the ion exchanger eluting with 0·05 Μ NaCl and could be resolved into an elastase/chymotrypsin inhibitor and a chymotrypsin/trypsin inhibitor by chromatography on either immobilized trypsin or phenyl Sepharose CL-4B. Fractions III and IV eluted successively with 0·10 Μ NaCl and 0·15 Μ NaCl from DEAE-cellulose, inhibited elastase, chymotrypsin and trypsin in the ratio 1·0: 0·53:0·55 and 1·0:8·9:9·8 respectively. Fraction V, most strongly bound to the matrix eluting with 0·3 Μ NaCl and was a trypsin/chymotrypsin inhibitor accounting for 74% of total antitryptic activity. This inhibitor was purified further. The inhibitor with a molecular weight of 26 kd was found to be a glycoprotein. Galactose, glucose, mannose, fucose, xylose, glucosamine and uronic acid were identified as constitutent units of the inhibitor. Dansylation and electrophoresis in the presence of mercaptoethanol indicated that the inhibitor is made up of more than one polypeptide chain. The inhibitor combined with bovine trypsin and bovine α-chymotrypsin in a stoichiometric manner as indicated by gel chromatography. It had very poor action on subtilisin BPN', porcine elastase, pronase, Streptomyces caespitosus protease and Aspergillus oryzae protease. It powerfully inhibited the caseinolytic activities of rabbit and horse pancreatic preparations and was least effective on human and pig pancreatic extracts. Modification of amino groups, guanido groups and sulphydryl groups of the inhibitor resulted in loss of inhibitory activity. Reduction of disulphide bridges, reduction with sodium borohydride and periodate oxidation also decreased the inhibitory activity.

Interaction and in vivo growth inhibition of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by jacalin.

Jacalin has been found to agglutinate Ehrlich ascites cells. The agglutination was inhibited by a-glycosides of D-Gal and ß -D-Gal(1 → 3)-D-GalNAc suggesting that the lectin-ascites interaction was carbohydrate-specific. There was 21·8% inhibition of tumour (ascites) cell growth in vivo in mice administered 50μg of jacalin by injection for 6 days following intraperitoneal injection of ascites cells. Administration of 100, 150 and 200 μg jacalin resulted in 40·2, 57·5 and 83% inhibition respectively. The in vivo inhibition of tumour cells growth by jacalin was due to its preferential binding with D-Gal-a -( 1→6) present as terminal residues in the glycoprotein on tumour cell surface.