Asian Journal of Biology

Determination of Antibacterial Effect of Citrus aurantifolia on Respiratory Pathogenic Organisms and the Bioactive Supplements Responsible for the Effect

M. O. Emolade — 2026-05-22

The activity of any agent against microorganisms is as a result of the presence of substances That are capable of inhibiting the growth of the microorganism and These substances are referred to as bioactive agents, such as flavonoid, tannin, saponin and Alkaloid. It is observed that the potency of lime fruit is enhanced by the type of solvent used Indicating that there are some active ingredients in lime which have high antimicrobial effect but which would not be released except when lime fruit is used in conjunction with a particular solve morphological and biochemical characteristics of the isolates from the sputum samples. These isolates were identified to be Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae. The diameter of the zone of inhibition of the lime extract on the different Isolates. The antibacterial effect was compared based on the different solvents used which are Ethanol, methanol and chloroform and gentamicin antibiotic was used as a control. Staphylococcus aureus shows the highest inhibition zone on the three solvents followed by Streptococci spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the lime extracts against the isolates. The most effective inhibition Was observed in 3.125mg/ml of chloroformic extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus specie with an MBC value of 6.25mg/ml and 3.125mg/ml respectively. The least concentration was observed in chloroformic extract against Klebsiella pneumonia. The result of the phytochemical screening of Citrus aurantifolia, it was Observed to contain the following compounds; tannin, saponin, alkaloid and flavonoid.

Residual Effect of Laying Hen Manure on the Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

Sory Aboubacar — 2026-05-29

Background: Pearl millet is a key staple crop in Burkina Faso, vital for food security and livestock feed, but its productivity is limited by declining soil fertility and low use of expensive mineral fertilizers. Poultry manure, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is emerging as a sustainable organic alternative to improve soil fertility and boost millet yields.

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the residual effect of laying hen manure (LHM) on the growth, development, and yield of pearl millet, in order to better understand its role in promoting sustainable production systems.

Study Design: A field experiment was conducted using a Fisher’s randomized block design, consisting of five (05) treatments, each replicated three (03) times.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out at the experimental station of the Rural Development Institute in Gampela, Burkina Faso during the rainy season of the 2022/2023 (June to November 2023) cropping year.

Methodology: The study evaluated the residual effects of previously applied fertilizers during the 2021/2022 season. In 2022/2023, no fertilizer was applied. Treatments included T0 (control), T1 (100 kg ha⁻¹ NPK + 50 kg ha⁻¹ urea), T2 (2.5 t ha⁻¹ LHM), T3 (5 t ha⁻¹ LHM), and T4 (7.5 t ha⁻¹ LHM). Growth parameters, yield components, and yields were measured and analyzed.

Results: The results showed that the residual effects of LHM significantly enhanced plant height, collar diameter, tiller number, fertile tillers, panicle length and diameter, as well as grain and straw yields. In contrast, the residual effect of mineral fertilization (NPK + urea) did not significantly influence these parameters. Among the treatments, LHM at 5 and 7.5 t ha⁻¹ produced the highest grain yields, reaching 3290.71 and 3528.63 kg ha⁻¹, respectively.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the strategic use of LHM, even at alternating intervals, represents an effective approach to optimizing pearl millet yield while improving soil fertility in low-input agricultural systems. In particular, laying hen manure applied at 5 t ha^-1 could serve as a sustainable soil fertility management strategy for enhancing pearl millet productivity while supporting long-term soil health in the Sudano-Sahelian zone.

Developmental and Physiological Evaluation of Digloti (Litsea salicifolia) as a Potential Host Plant of Muga Silkworm (Antheraea assamensis): A Pioneer Study

Suraksha Chanotra — 2026-06-01

The Muga silkworm, Antheraea assamensis, is extensively recognised for its production of the distinctive golden Muga silk. Nevertheless, its reliance on a limited range of host plants, primarily Persea bombycina (Som) and Litsea monopetala (Soalu), presents significant concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of Muga sericulture under evolving climatic and ecological conditions. The present study provides the first comprehensive assessment of Digloti, Litsea salicifolia, as a prospective alternative host plant within Muga sericulture systems. Physiological analyses of L. salicifolia revealed high nitrogen content (2.4%), total chlorophyll (1.9 mg/g), and moisture content (70.1%), indicating favourable nutritional quality for larval development. The rearing performance of A. assamensis larvae on Digloti was assessed in terms of larval growth rate, instar duration, cocoon weight, shell ratio, and silk filament length. Results showed a survival rate of 89.6%, average cocoon weight of 5.1 g, shell ratio of 12.3%, and filament length of 510 m; comparable to those obtained with traditional hosts. The seasonal stability of leaf quality, together with the plant’s adaptability to diverse ecological conditions, further highlights its potential suitability. Consequently, Litsea salicifolia demonstrates considerable promise as a sustainable supplementary host plant capable of reducing pressure on existing resources while strengthening the resilience of Muga sericulture systems. Future investigations should focus on field-level validation, the optimisation of propagation techniques, and the integration of this species into agroforestry systems to support its large-scale adoption and utilisation.

The Role of Rhamnolipid-based Nanostructures in the Special Cleaning of Chemical Toxic Agents

Ramil Akhundov — 2026-06-03

Background: Persistent hydrophobic chemical toxic agents can strongly adhere to contaminated surfaces, making their removal difficult by conventional decontamination methods. Rhamnolipid-based nanostructures have emerged as promising environmentally friendly systems due to their adaptive interfacial properties and potential for enhanced toxin removal.

Aims: This study aims to systematically explain the role of rhamnolipid-based nanostructures in the decontamination process.

Study Design: The main idea is that the behavior of these systems is not constant and changes as the environmental conditions change. In particular, it was considered how changes in pH and ionic strength affect the shape of the nanostructures and how this affects the removal of chemical toxins from the surface. In this regard, the decontamination process is explained not only as surface cleaning, but also in conjunction with the change occurring at the structural level. The study is conceptual in nature and for this purpose a mechanistic model was built.

Methodology: The model shows the relationship between the transition between micelle and vesicle structures, surface tension, interaction between the surface and the toxin, and the desorption process.

Results: The results show that it is possible to influence the phase state of nanostructures by changing the environmental conditions. The increase in vesicle structures leads to a decrease in surface tension, a weakening of the bond between the surface and the toxin, and, as a result, an easier separation of the toxin from the surface.

Conclusion: At the same time, the effectiveness of this process depends on both the properties of the toxin and the structure of the surface. In general, this approach allows us to consider rhamnolipid systems not only as cleaners, but also as systems that can adapt to the environment and be controlled to some extent.