Biocontrol agent of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and root-rot fungi, Fusarium solani in okra morphological, anatomical characteristics and productivity under greenhouse conditions.

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of some fungal culture filtrate, as biocontrol agents against okra wilt caused by Fusarium solani. and Meloidogyne javanica. In the present study, fungal culture filtrates (FCFs) of Aspergillus terreus (1), Aspergillus terreus (2), Penicillium chrysogenum, and Trichoderma spp. were tested against M. javanica in vitro. The effects of P. chrysogenum and Trichoderma spp. (FCFs) in controlling root-rot fungi and root-knot nematode disease complex on okra plants were studied under greenhouse conditions (In vivo). In vitro experiment, the results revealed cumulative rate of J2s mortality of M. javanica reached to 97.67 and 95% by P. chrysogenum and Trichoderma spp., respectively, after 72 h. incubation. Additionally, Trichoderma spp exhibited the most effective inhibitory activity against the pathogen's radial growth, with a percentage of 68%. P. chrysogenum ranked second with 53.88%, while A. terreus (2) demonstrated the weakest inhibitory effect of 24.11%. T6 [Nematode infection (M. javanica) + Fungus infection (F. solani) + Overflowed with fungal culture filtrate (P. chrysogenum)] and T8 [Nematode infection (M. javanica) + Fungus infection (F. solani) + spray with fungal culture filtrate (P. chrysogenum)] had the greatest effects on nematode galling indices on okra roots and substantially reduced the reproductive factors in the greenhouse (In vivo experiment). T6 was the best treatment to decrease disease severity, as reached (28%) relatively. On the other hand, T12 [(Fungus infection (F. solani) + (Dovex 50% fungicide with irrigation water)] recorded the lowest disease severity reaching (8%) relatively. The results showed that nematode infection or fungus infection or both decreased all studied anatomical characteristics of okra root, stem, and leaves. We concluded from this study that root-knot nematode and root-rot fungi were reduced by using fungal culture filtrates and could improve plant growth.

Quality and flavour stability of coffee substitute prepared by extrusion of wheat germ and chicory roots.

A mixture of roasted chicory roots and wheat germ (1:1 w/w) was subjected to extrusion processing for preparation of coffee substitute. Comparative studies concerning sensory characteristics and headspace volatiles were carried out between genuine coffee and a freshly prepared coffee substitute. The sensory evaluation revealed similarities between the two samples. The comparative odour profile analysis showed that the sweetish/caramel-like note scored higher in our coffee substitute sample than in real coffee, whereas the other odour quality attributes showed an opposite trend. The high quality of the fresh coffee substitute was correlated to the presence of volatiles that are responsible for the fresh coffee aroma, such as: 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylfuran and 2,3-butanedione in high concentration. Storage of coffee substitute samples revealed a noticeable decrease in concentration of the Strecker aldehydes and diketones and a remarkable increase in phenolic compounds, whereas pyrazine and furan derivatives showed no linear changes during storage. The ratio of 2,3-butanedione/2-methylfuran (B/M) was used as an indicator for aging of coffee substitute samples. The variation in this ratio (B/M) during storage for 6 months was consistent with that of the odour profile analysis.