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The plant produces excessive amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in response to environmental stress H2O2 which causes oxidative stress and cellular damage. To cope with oxidative stress, plants express the Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme for scavenging excessive amounts of H2O2 in the cell. Among eight APX isozymes in Arabidopsis, APX2 is less studied in response to heavy metal stress. In the present study, we isolate two T-DNA insertion mutants from collection resources, named apx2-1 and apx2-2. The T-DNA was inserted in the first and fifth exon of the APX2 gene in the apx2-1 and apx2-2 mutant plants, respectively. RNA expression analysis shows that the APX2 transcript was undetectable in the mutants, indicating that both were knock-out mutants. Overexpression lines were also generated by expressing APX2 cDNA under the control of constitutive promoter 35S-CaMV in Arabidopsis. Under normal conditions, without any stress treatment that can induce the expression of endogenous AtAPX2 protein, overexpression and mutant lines did not show any distinctive phenotype compared to their WT. However, when plants were challenged with heavy metals nickel, both apx2-1 and apx2-2 showed growth retardation, browning, and died compared to WT, indicating that the mutant is more susceptible compared to WT. The browning leaves indicated that plants were dying because of the accumulation of H2O2. However, the overexpression line has more green leaves than WT and mutants under nickel treatment, indicating that the overexpression line is more tolerant to nickel than WT and mutants. This finding indicates that APX2 possibly plays a role in scavenging H2O2 due to heavy metal stress, especially nickel. APX2 can be used as a candidate gene for producing heavy metal tolerant plants in phytoremediation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosaic disease is the most major devastating pathogen in sugarcane caused by sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), otherwise SCMV was also causing mosaic disease in another crops, such as maize and sorghum. It has been reported that sugarcane productivity loss due to SCMV is up to 45% in susceptible sugarcane varieties. Therefore, a new variety for SCMV-resistant sugarcane trait is important to be developed since this strategy will support combating the emerging SCMV in sugarcane field. The coat protein (CP) virus is the most common target for genetic engineering strategies to induce defense mechanism against virus infection. In our studies, the SCMV-resistant transgenic sugarcanes were generated by two different approaches, pathogen-derived resistance (PDR) and RNA interference technologies, and the gene encoding for CP was successfully cloned from the susceptible variety of PS-881 cultivar (MH393888.1). Induction of the resistance using the PDR method that also called protein-based resistance by overexpression of the CP gene resulted in the resistance of transgenic sugarcane against SCMV infection. The full sequence of CP gene produced a highest resistance compared to N-terminally truncated protein. On the other hand, RNA interference (RNAi) approach was also conducted to investigate the efficiency of defense mechanism against SCMV in sugarcane. The transgenic sugarcane expressing intron-hairpin (RNAi) constructs produced a high number of resistances against SCMV infection. In addition, the agronomic performance of transgenic sugarcane under PDR and RNAi approaches targeting the CP gene has also been compared. Based on the observation, the RNAi approach transgenic sugarcane is more resistant against the SCMV infection compared to the PDR approach. This review is to summarize the current promising strategies for generating a new variety of sugarcane that has resistance to SCMV by genetic engineering approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a member of the thioredoxin (TRX) superfamily, is known to mediate the folding of the newly synthesized protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by catalyzing the formation of thiol-disulfide bonds of a polypeptide. PDI also plays as a chaperon by assisting protein re-folding from a denatured state caused by environmental stresses. In the present study, we cloned a cDNA encoding PDI from the soybean seedling (Glycine max L. Merrill cv. Argomulyo), named GmPDI1. Sequencing analysis shows that the open reading frame of GmPDI1 is composed of 1,494 nucleotides, encoding a protein of 500 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of GmPDI1 has a similarity of 85.4% and 86.2% to PDI1 from Arabidopsis thaliana and Arabidopsis lyrata, respectively. Domain structure analysis identified that GmPDI1 has two thioredoxin-like domains, a and a', containing the di-cysteine motif (CXXC). The GmPDI1 is attributed with 29 aa of signal peptide at N-terminal and ER-retention signal KDEL at C-terminal, indicating that GmPDI1 is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) catalyzes the reduction of H2O2 to water by utilizing ascorbate as the electron donor. Among the cytosolic APX, the Ascorbate peroxidase 2 (APX2) plays an essential role in response to environmental stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the study to explore molecular regulation of APX2 is hampered due to the lack of reliable molecular assay tools. Here, we produced an APX2 polyclonal antibody using its recombinant protein as an antigen. The full-length APX2 cDNA was isolated from a heat-treated Arabidopsis. The cDNA was cloned into the pET28a expression vector and then expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The Escherichia coli effectively expresses the APX2 protein with the addition of 0.5 mM IPTG at 30°C for four hours. The APX2 protein was purified from soluble fraction using an affinity Ni-NTA resin and then released from the complex resin using thrombin protease. The recombinant APX2 protein was successfully purified with a molecular size of approximately 28 KDa and then injected into rabbits to raise polyclonal antibodies. Western blot analysis showed that the antiserum specifically recognizes endogenous APX2 (28 KDa) from Arabidopsis with a high titer ratio. The produced antibodies could be used for molecular assay to explore the molecular regulation of the APX2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulolytic yeast plays an important role in several bio-industrial processes, including as probiotic, as well as in sustainable energy and feed production. These yeasts can be isolated from various substrates, including soil and leaf litter. As one of the mega biodiversity countries, Indonesia has a variety of natural ecosystems, one of which has not been studied much is the savanna. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the cellulolytic yeast isolated from the savanna area in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. A total of 20 isolates, belonging to ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeast were obtained in this study. The cellulolytic potential of these yeast was determined by hydrolyses of carboxymethyl cellulose on agar plate and production of endoglucanase enzyme in liquid cultures. The strains AK5 and AK6, identified as Candida tenuis, were promising as cellulolytic yeast. Together with Rhodosporidium paludigenum AK1, these two strains were further tested for endoglucanase activity varies in temperature, nitrogen sources, and pH. The C. tenuis AK5 and AK6 showed the highest endoglucanase activity at temperature 35 °C and pH 7, while the R. paludigenum AK1 showed the highest activity at temperature 30 °C and pH 6. The best nitrogen source for endoglucanase production in strains AK5 and AK1 was yeast extract, while in strain AK6 was peptone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lempuyang Wangi (Zingiber zerumbeth var. aromaticum Val.) is a plant that has been widely used as an ingredient in herbal medicines. Generally, people boil the rhizome to get the benefits of this plant. This method is considered less effective because it requires large amounts of biomass. Another more effective method by utilizing the endophytic bacteria of lempuyang wangi (Z. zerumbeth Var. aromaticum Val.). Generally, endophytic bacteria will produce the same bioactive compounds as those produced by the host plant. This study aimed to obtain endophytic bacterial isolates and determine the diversity of endophytic bacteria of lempuyang Wangi (Z. zerumbeth var. aromaticum Val.) from Enggano Island, Bengkulu Province. Isolation of endophytic bacteria was carried out by planting and grinding methods. The bacterial isolates that grew were then purified and identified by morphological observation, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. A total of 44 isolates of endophytic bacteria were isolated from the rhizomes, stems, and leaves of the lempuyang wangi (Z. zerumbeth var. aromaticum. Val.). Based on morphological observations, Gram staining and biochemical tests showed 44 isolates that had been isolated were close to the genera Bacillus, Micrococcus, Amphibacillus, Pseudomonas and Azotobacter. It can be concluded that lempuyang wangi (Z. zerumbeth var. aromaticum Val.) has a variety of endophytic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili is a vegetable that is most widely grown in tropical countries. Commercial processing of chili produces a large amount of diverse agricultural by-products representing one of the most essential and promising energy and protein-rich sources of animal feed. After the chili was separated, the chili leaves were produced as the main residues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the substitution effects of chili leaf powder (CLP) for copra meal in ruminant feed on in vitro rumen fermentation. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with 5 different chili leaf powder concentrations (DC-0: 0%, DC-25: 25%, DC-50: 50%, DC-75: 75%, DC-100: 100%) as copra meal substitute in concentrate feed as treatments and 4 different rumen mixtures as a block. The results showed that the increase of CLP concentration was followed by increasing crude fiber and protein. Furthermore, ether extract and NFE were decreased. The chemical composition of the CLP and CM were significantly (P<0.05) different in dry matter, organic matter, extract ether, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract. Digestibility of in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) and organic matter (IVOMD) of CLP treatments were significantly higher (P<0.05) than the control variable (DC-0). The highest DMD and OMD were observed in DC-100 with 72.76% and 72.46%. Although the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid showed a significant effect (P<0.05), the SCFA value was not greatly affected by substituting CLP. This study concluded that increasing CLP concentration was followed by increasing crude fiber, protein, digestibility but decreasing ether extract and NFE. CLP can substitute CM up to 100% without decreasing SCFA production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification and classification of bacteria using 16S rRNA gene is unable to differentiate many strains in one species including member of myxobacteria. The aim in this study was to evaluated myxobacteria strains of the genus Myxococcus. Total five strains from intra- and inter-species were selected based on difference antimicrobial activities. The gyrB, pyrG, rpoB, pgm and the 16S rNA genes were used in the MLSA evaluation. The results highlighted the concatenated housekeeping genes which showed a clear distinction with high resolution of five strain of Myxococcus in phylogenetic and taxonomic studies. The MLSA provided a powerful tool to identify species and their phylogeny especially in highly genetic diversity study. To support the concatenated housekeeping genes similarity value among member of the order Myxococcales, it is recommended to analyze the DDH (DNA-DNA Hybridization) of strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keladi tikus (Typhonium flagelliforme) is a medicinal plant originated from Indonesia with its potential role as a cancer adjuvant therapy. The plant is commonly confused with other species from the genus Typhonium due to similarity in their morphology. Correct identification of authentic plant species becomes very important, especially in the purpose of developing an herbal medicine with a good quality control or standardization. In this study, 15 plant samples of Typhonium in Java Island were collected, including naturally growing plants and those which have been cultivated. The aim of this study is to perform taxonomy identification of Typhonium flagelliforme of different accessions in Java and its closely related species using morphology and SRAP markers. Plants were characterized based on their morphological characteristics, especially in the flowers and the leaves. Three species were predicted to present in the collection, including Tyhphonium flagelliforme, Typhonium roxburghii, and Typhonium blumei. Some morphological variations were also observed among Typhonium flagelliforme of different accessions. Genetic variations were then analysed by using SRAP markers that were found to be useful to identify inter and intra-specific variation among the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FecG or GDF9 (Growth Differentiation Factor 9) and FecX or BMP15 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15) are two important genes that affecting to reproductive traits. According to the GenBank, a transversion mutation of g.2097G>C and a transition mutation of g.35C>T have occurred in exon 1 of FecGgene and exon 2 of FecX, respectively. This study aimed to determine the polymorphism in FecG and FecX genes in Indonesian backcross sheep (75% Merino × 25% Garut) with PCR-RFLP method usingPstI and HinfI restriction enzyme, respectively. A total of 72 mixed-sex of Indonesian backcross sheep were used in this study. The result showed that the FecG/PstI gene reveals of two genotypes of Fec+/Fec+ (wildtype) and Fec+/Fec- (carrier) with an allelic frequency of 0.97 and 0.03, respectively. Meanwhile, the FecX/HinfI gene was monomorphic with Fec+/Fec+genotype in all samples. Hence, the genetic diversity of FecG/PstI in animals study was low with a number of effective allele (ne) and polymorphic informative content (PIC) of 1.05 and 0.05, respectively. In addition, the FecG/PstI gene in this study is under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ2=0.04). In conclusion, the FecG/PstI and FecX/HinfI genes would not suitable as a molecular selection in this animal study due to the low genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critically endangered Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi) is the only endemic species of bird from the Island of Bali. Due to its restricted range, extremely small numbers in the wild, conservation is a significant and urgent task to do. The objective of this study is to apply spatial modeling techniques to find suitable habitats. Ex-situ conservation could have benefited from this spatial modeling technique. Species occurrence record for L. rothschildi was obtained from Global Biodiversity Information Facility. For the environmental variables, we make use of Worldclim current conditions (1950-2000) at 5 arcmin resolution 5' (∼10km), complete layers. To conduct the model, we use Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory (BCCVL) platform. The results highlight several places that have similar Habitat Suitability Index with the original habitat (Bali Barat National Park) of these. Bali Starling prefers lowland areas, preferably occur in less dense forest, secondary forest, monsoon/dry forest, and with adjacent savanna or more open vegetation where are at Baluran, Banyuwangi, Alas Purwo, the whole Bali except highland area and southwest of Lombok Island except highland area. This modeling result, therefore, has implications for selecting potential sites for future ex-situ conservation and breeding program extension to save this endemic bird from its extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liwa Botanical Gardens located on the back of the Bukit Barisan Selatan Mountains is an ex situ conservation area which represents the flora of Southern Sumatra with a focus on conservation of Indonesian ornamental plants, including orchids.To update the data of diversity of orchids species in Liwa Botanical Garden and its utilization by the community, the research was conducted by re-inventing all of orchid species, validating their names and grouping them into family, genus and species. Their conservation status and use by the community were recorded from the references. The results show that the Liwa Botanical Gardens has 986 orchid specimens consisting of 53 genera, 96 species and 366 unidentified spesimen. Dendrobium has the largest specimen number with a total of 74 specimens. There are 2 species of orchids with protected conservation status in Indonesia, namely Gramathophyllum speciosum and Vanda sumatrana; and 2 species included in the IUCN red list, namely Coelogyne foestermanii with the least concern category and Paphiopedillum tonsum in the endangered category. The existence of the orchid collection in the Liwa Botanical Gardens has been used by the community for education, research and tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of plants as pesticides is one of the local knowledge possessed by Indonesian farmers. The use of pesticides has received widespread attention along with the negative impacts of using synthetic pesticides on both health and the environment. This study is expected to be able to improve information on the use of plants that have the potential as pesticides so that it can reduce the dependence on synthetic pesticides while protecting the environment and health. This study was conducted through interviews and direct observation in two villages, namely Cianjur (West Java) and East Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara). The results indicated that there are 10 plants species from 9 genera and 6 families which have potential as pesticides. Two of ten plants species, namely Datura metel L. and Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. used by farmers in those two studied villages that can be used as pesticides. Part of the plants used as pesticides in Cianjur and East Lombok were leaves, bark, and stem. Most of the part used is leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove is one of the essential ecosystems that absorb carbon most productively and efficiently compared to other ecosystems. Carbon is important to maintain the balance of mangrove ecosystem. However, mangrove carbon content varies depending on the formation of sediment, thickness, and plant composition. The objectives of this study are to assess soil carbon content at various types of mangroves communities and land use in Segara Anakan. Fifty-Eight plots (size of 30 x 10 m2) were selected to determine the carbon storage in the dense mangrove (M1), moderate mangrove (M2), planted mangrove (MT), Derris (D), Nypa (N), Rice fields (S), Shrub (LT), and Terrestrial vegetation (V). Mangrove substrates were taken using an auger in the plots at five ranges of depth. The results showed that the highest carbon and water content wereas found in planted mangroves, followed by dense mangroves. The lowest water content was in paddy fields and terrestrial vegetation, while for carbon content the lowest was found in the shrub. The carbon content of the dense mangrove and planted mangrove were in the range of 4.57 ± 0.85 - 6.07 ± 1.18% and 5.02 ± 0.80 - 7.45 ± 0.61%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global mangrove area, especially in Indonesia is continued to decrease up to 2% y-1 over the past few decades. One of the most common strategies to restore degraded mangrove areas is mangrove planting. The objective of this study is to assess current conditions of mangroves and to evaluate mangrove planting. The study revealed that about 75% of mangrove in the study sites was degraded (poor and moderate condition) and only 25% of mangrove was healthy. Questionnaire and interview survey across Indonesia showed that a large number of funds (up to USD 71,443 per location) and effort were invested in mangrove planting, as indicated by project cost, planting area, and number of seed/propagules planted. However, about 79% of mangrove planting was not successful. It was indicated by low seed/propagules survival and low long-term mangrove area increase. In addition, the restoration often did not have proper land preparation, regular maintenance and monitoring, and mangrove seed/propagules are fully depend on nature and seasonal. Vegetative propagation (cutting) experiment in this study showed that true mangrove species were not successfully planted using the conventional vegetative technique. Only some associate mangroves can be planted using the vegetative technique with a survival rate between 40 – 90% and growth rate of 3 – 6 cm month-1. Given most of mangrove was degraded and generally, mangrove planting was not successful, a better restoration and rehabilitation approach is crucial to ensure the success of mangrove restoration program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food processing industries have been produced large amounts of waste consisting of peels, seeds, and some other fruit residues. Fruit peels contain phenolic compounds so it has the potential to be used as raw materials in the phytopharmaceutical extraction industry. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of fruits by-products after the phenolic compound was extracted as ruminant feed by in vitro rumen fermentation analysis. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 different fruits by-products (pomegranate peel (APGP), mangosteen peel (AMGP), kaffir lime peel (AKLP), and Melastoma candidum fruits (AMCF)) as treatments, and 4 different rumen mixture as a block. The results showed that AKLP had the lowest (P<0.05) crude fiber by 19.31%. Our results of TCI analysis showed that APGP (1.67) and AMGP (1.29) had higher TCI values than AKLP (1.18) and AMCF (1.02). Even though AMCF had the highest (P<0.05) protein content (9.33%) and crude fat (5.04%) but the potential gas production, SCFA, and gas production rate were lower compared with AKLP and APGP. AKLP had the highest (P<0.05) potential gas production (165.88ml), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) (69.15mmol/dL), and gas production rate (0.07 ml/h). Methane was not detected in AMCF and AMGP. Only C2 and C3 were detected in the rumen fluid of MGP supplementation. In conclusion, AKLP and APGP were potentially used as ruminant feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the influence of dietary levels Selenium (Se) organic and inorganic on the performance and egg quality of laying hen by employing a meta-analysis method. A database was built from published studies that have reported on the addition of various levels of Se laying hen diets and then monitored performance and egg quality. A total of 14 articles were integrated into the database. Several forms of selenium were applied in the form of organic and inorganic. The database compiled was statistically analyzed using a mixed model methodology. Different studies were considered as random effects, and the doses of selenium were treated as fixed effects. The model statistics used were the p-values and the Akaike information criterion. The significance of an effect was stated when its p-value was <0.05. The result of this study organic and inorganic dietary Se had a significant effect on the weight of laying hens (P<0.05). The mortality rate was decreased (P<0.05) with the dietary of organic and inorganic Se. Se-in eggs increased (P<0.1) with selenium addition. Se level increased (linear pattern and quadratic patterns; P<0.05) the weight of the eggs. Se level decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (linear pattern and quadratic pattern; P<0.05). Increasing the dose of Se decreases eggshell thickness (linear pattern; P<0.05). It is concluded that dietary selenium improves the performance and egg quality of laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A missense F94L mutation of the bovine myostatin gene (MSTN-F94L) has been used as an alternative marker for increasing meat yield without any severe problems primarily on reproduction traits in beef cattle. The mutant A allele of MSTN-F94L is considered to be exclusive in the Limousin breed. In our previous study, the wild-type C allele of MSTN-F94L was found to be fixed in Bali, Sumbawa, and Holstein-Friesian cattle. However, we found four of 168 individuals of Pasundan cattle carrying the mutant A allele. Therefore, to confirm the status of the mutant A allele of MSTN-F94L mutation in other cattle breeds in Indonesia, a total of 388 bulls representing 5 cattle breeds (Limousin, Simmental, Holstein-Friesian, Bali and Peranakan Ongole) from two National Artificial Insemination Centers (NAICs) of Indonesia were used in this study. All bulls were genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. We found that the mutant A allele was only present in Limousin bulls with high frequency (94%). The frequency of CC, CA, and AA genotypes in Limousin bulls were 0.9, 9.3, and 89.7%, respectively. In contrast, no mutant A allele was found in the other breeds. This study showed that the mutant A allele of MSTN-F94L mutation may originate from Limousin bulls. The origin of the mutant A allele in Pasundan cattle may be derived from the Limousin bulls of NAICs through artificial insemination (AI). Limousin bulls are the only bull breeds as a source of the mutant A allele of MSTN-F94L in NAICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans can ingest lead (Pb) through food consumption. This study aimed to quantify the risk of exposure associated with the consumption of sea cucumbers by the general population. The present study considered two scenarios and assessed probabilistic exposure and risk characterization. In scenario 1, all collected data were taken into account, assuming no legal limit on Pb in Indonesia. In scenario 2, the legal limit for lead in echinoderms is 0.2 mg/kg in Indonesia was assumed. The results indicated that the average Pb exposure levels in scenario 2 (0.11 g/kg body weight/day) were significantly lower than those in scenario 1 (1.28 g/kg body weight/day). The results indicated that the average levels of Pb exposure in scenarios 1 and 2 were 1.28 and 0.11 g/kg b.w./day, respectively. These values show that the exposure value associated with scenario 2 may be lower than the exposure value associated with scenario 1. Thus, sufficient evidence existed to justify protecting Indonesian consumers from Pb contamination by implementing regulations limiting Pb concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lakor goat is an indigenous breed of Indonesia from Southwest Maluku regency, Indonesia. They are known to have a good adaptation to high temperatures and poor feed quality. Their meat is one of the protein supplies for the Lakor island local community. Genetic and environmental factors influence growth in animals. Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a substantial part in postnatal development, skeletal growth, cell proliferation, and metabolism in the animal. This study aimed to identify the genotype pattern of the IGF-1 gene SNP g.5752 G>C of Lakor goat from Southwest Maluku using the PCR-RFLP method. Sixty-three samples were collected from three villages in Lakor island. The follicle hair samples were taken from the tail and then isolated using a DNA extraction kit. Genotyping of IGF-1 gene SNP g.5752 G>C used PCR-RFLP method with HaeIII restriction enzyme. Results showed that all samples have BB genotype patterns or are monomorphic. It might be caused by the isolation or restricted area in Lakor island and the utilization of extensive rearing systems. This mutation in SNP g.5752 G>C of the IGF-1 gene was not used as a candidate of marker selection in the Lakor goat population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genie chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. genie), a widely cultivated Indonesian bird's eye chili variety, has a typical pungent taste that is favorable for local cuisines. Among abiotic stresses, drought is a major constraint to crop growth and productivity. Genie has been described as a moderately drought tolerant chili, but little is known about the physiological responses in this genotype to water shortage stress. This study aimed to investigate the vegetative growth, in particular, the leaf cell proliferation and cell expansion, under well-watered and drought stress conditions. Compared to control (80% field capacity; FC 80%), mild (FC 50%) and severe drought (FC 35%) significantly reduced Genie chili height by 21.87% and 44.37%, respectively. Plant shoot biomass decreased progressively as the drought level increased, with a marked decrease up to 68.94% in FC 35% condition. Although the leaf density was less affected by the stress, the leaf blade area of plants treated in mild and severe drought reduced by 13.30% and 66.25%, respectively, compared to that in control. Upon a closer inspection, drought reduced the average leaf epidermal cell area from 1156.10 µm2 in control to 849.06 µm2 in mild drought, and up to 760.86 µm2 upon severe drought. Interestingly, epidermal cell density per leaf area unit increased in response to elevated stress strength, from 86,848.28 cells cm−1 to 119,066.11 cells cm−1 (37.10% increase) and 133,475.10 cells cm−1 (53.69% increase) in mild and severe drought, respectively. Stomata formation was negatively affected by drought as reflected by the reduction of the stomatal index from 43.31 in.the control to 42.16 in.mild, and 32.29 in severe drought. The enhancement of overall cell density together with the reduced cell size might hint at a compensation mechanism to maintain leaf organ size in response to drought in Genie chili pepper. Altogether, biomass ratio shifting toward root instead of shoot, decrease in leaf size, and reduction in leaf stomatal index suggested a drought avoidance mechanism to limit water loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration through somatic embryogenesis needs to be developed to facilitate genetic improvement, micropropagation, and the seed production system for shallot. The thin cell layers (TCLs) have been used as explants for more efficient micropropagation and induction of somatic embryogenesis. The objective of this study was to establish a simple protocol for the somatic embryogenesis of shallot. Embryonic callus culture was induced from the transverse section or TCL of shallot basal bulb scales cv. Bima-Brebes and Rubaru-Sumenep in BDS medium supplemented with 2,4-D alone or combined with NAA and BAP. The higher percentage of explants forming embryogenic callus occurred when the medium was supplemented with 2,4-D 1.0 mg L−1 alone or combined with NAA 1.0 – 2.0 mg L−1. For the proliferation, medium supplemented with 2,4-D 1.0 mg L−1 was sufficient to maintain the embryogenic callus growth. The embryogenic callus was friable, yellowish, and granular or nodular. A high frequency of somatic embryos developed and matured when culture on a hormone-free medium with high sucrose (45 g L−1) and Gelrite (4 g L−1) concentration. There is no difference in response capacity for regeneration of somatic embryo between cultivars Bima-Brebes and Rubaru-Sumenep. This protocol is simple in inducing somatic embryogenesis to mature somatic embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Linn.) is a popular plant as a functional food crop. In micropropagation, modifying the medium culture is critical to determine the best nutrient composition for plantlet production. The antecedent research showed that the basic DKW (Driver and Kuniyaki Walnut) medium was the best compared to MS (Murashige and Skoog), WPM (Woody Plant Medium), NN (Nitsch and Nitsch), and B5 (Gamborg) media. This experiment aimed to enhance the growth of shoot culture and its root formation on a basic DKW medium supplemented with cytokinins and auxins. Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment was designed to obtain the best medium for shoot growth by adding cytokinin BAP, Kinetin, 2-IP, and Zeatin. The use of IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), NAA (1-naphthalene acetic acid), and IBA (3-indolebutyric acid) to enhance root formation was set for the second experiment. A completely randomized design with two elements was utilized for the experiment. The variables tried were: Plant Growth Regulators (PGR): BAP, Kinetin, 2-IP, and Zeatin with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/l for shoot development and IAA, NAA, and IBA at a similar concentration for root arrangement. Every treatment comprised of 12 recreates. The factors noticed were shoot stature, shoot numbers, petiole numbers, root numbers, and root length noticed one time per week. Following a month and a half after culture, plantlet performance were recorded. The best shoot stature, shoot numbers, and petiole numbers were created on a medium enhanced with 1 mg/l Kinetin and significantly unique with others. The most significant roots and root length were created at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/l IAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not only attractive as a model plant, foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv] is a nutritious cereal. S.italica is tolerant to dry land but is less adaptive to shaded environments. Expanding this cereal's planting area through an intercropping system is part of its conservation as underutilized cereal in Indonesia. Buru Kuning is one of the superior foxtail millet accessions from Maluku. The study aimed to improve Buru Kuning accession productivity in shade conditions through radiation. This study was arranged in a Nested Design. The main plot was the different levels of shading (full light, 55% shade, and 75% shade). The subplot was the dose of Gamma Rays (wildtype of Buru Kuning, 25 Gy, 50 Gy, 100 Gy, and 200 Gy). The results showed that shade conditions decreased plant growth and production compared to full light. The results revealed that dosage 25 Gy radiation effectively improves Buru Kuning accession tolerance to shade without loos its prominent characters. Mutant 25 Gy adapted better than wildtype to 55% reduced light intensity recommended for developing in the intercropping system cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrobium is a genus of orchids that has been widely planted, both domestically and internationally. Orchid conventional breeding is generally done to produce new variants, but seeds from crosses are generally difficult to germinate. To solve this problem, tissue culture has long been used to germinate orchid seeds. This study aims to obtain a suitable medium composition for growing seeds from crosses of Dendrobium 'Bertachong' X Dendrobium 'Blackspider x Sutiknoi'. The seeds were grown on two different media types, MS (Murashige-Skoog) and VW (Vacin-Went), with the addition of 2% sucrose and with or without the addition of organic extracts (either mungbean sprouts extract or coconut water). Plantlets were sub-cultured every 4 weeks for 2 times on the same medium but with the addition of activated charcoal, and followed by a third subculture with the addition of 1 mg.L−1 NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) in each medium. The best growth shown by fast regeneration and good seedling quality (multiple buds and roots formed) was obtained on MS medium with the addition of 2% sucrose and 15% mungbean sprouts extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study is a sequel study to explore and to examine Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv) as a healthy food. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potency of Foxtail Millet grown under sub optimum condition and possibility of improving its genetic variation by inducing mutation for promoting its development in marginal lands. This paper provides information the tolerance of Setaria to sub optimum water conditions. Setaria seeds genotype of Gambir Manis were treated with Gamma ray with different levels i.e. 0 Gy, 25 Gy, 75 Gy, and 100 Gy and planted in a greenhouse condition. Prior to flowering phase, the plants were subjected to water shortage by reducing watering intervals i.e., every day, once every 2 days, 4 days and 6 days. Randomized Block Design was used in the experiment with four replications. Nutritional quality, crop growth and production were evaluated. The results suggested that nutritional quality of foxtail millet as food is considerably high and healthy. Radiation treatment of 25 Gy, 50 Gy and 75 Gy performed the best plant growth. Reduction in watering intervals up to 6 days did not significantly affect the plant growth. Combination of 25 Gy and watering every 2 day showed an optimum growth and production. It can be concluded that Foxtail millet can be promoted as a healthy and tolerant crop to water shortage. Mutation by gamma ray in particular level seems possible to improve the plant towards drought resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis (Park.) Fosberg.) is one of the plants, which is being used for food, timber, medicine, and dye for textiles. Its fruit is an alternative to staple food having high content of carbohydrates. Breadfruit seeds are recalcitrant and cannot be dried or frozen for storage, thus application to ex situ conservation through in vitro techniques are required to support existing and strengthening collections germplasm resources. In vitro preservation through the application of minimal medium compositions and growth retardant becomes imperative, enabled as a possible solution for mid- to long term conservation of plant materials in limited space and at reduced costs too. Slow growth tissue cultures allow clonal plant conservation for several months to years under aseptic conditions, requiring the infrequent consecutive transfers of the cultures. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of ancymidol (0; 0.75; 1.5; 3.0; 6.0 mg/l) and sucrose (15; 30; 45 g/l) concentrations added to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium on growth of A. altilis (Park.) Fosberg. The experiment used a completely randomized design with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of three explants. The parameters observed were shoot length; leaf number; leaf length; leaf width; number of shoot and root; root length; and shoot diameter recorded every month until 7 months of culture. The results showed that 100% survival of all explants were found after seven months of culture. MS medium containing 1.5 mg/l ancymidol enhanced shoot, root, and leaf number, however lead to reduce length of shoot and root; length and width of leaf. High sucrose concentration (45 g/l) in MS medium induced shoot formation of explant. Half strength of the normal concentration of sucrose (15 g/l) inhibited growth of shoot. This finding indicated that ancymidol and sucrose concentrations could be adjusted for in vitro preservation of A. altilis shoot culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili cultivation in dryland is constrained by limited water and low soil fertility. To overcome this can be done with the use of mulch and biofertilizers. This study aims to determine the combination of mulch and biofertilizers in increasing the growth and yield of chili pepper in dryland. The research was carried out in Sidera Village, Sigi Biromaru District, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi from July 2019 to April 2020. Soil microbial propagation was carried out at the Phytopathology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. The study consisted of 7 treatments, namely: MH0=control, MH1: straw mulch+Azotobacter sp., MH2: straw mulch+Pseudomonas sp., MH3=straw mulch+Azotobacter sp.+Pseudomonas sp., MH4=silver black mulch+Azotobacter sp., MH5=silver black mulch+Pseudomonas sp., MH6=silver black mulch+Azotobacter sp.+Pseudomonas sp. The variables observed were planted growth and yield. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The results showed that the combination of straw mulch, Azotobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. (MH3) increased plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, number of fruits, fruit weight, total chlorophyll content and speed of flowering time. Thus, the use of straw mulch and biofertilizers can support the growth and yield of chili plants, especially in dryland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the current pandemic of COVID-19 and is highly infectious with relatively high mortality risk. In this study, we reviewed and summarized miscellaneous COVID-19 cases from vulnerable groups, including children and those with comorbidity, reinfections, coinfections and vaccinated individuals, and rapid transmission cases to understand if there are any specific SARS-CoV-2 variants that infect those groups. We concluded that there were no specific variants associated with higher rates of infection within certain groups, rather, they may tend to infect any groups with any immunity levels, regardless of geographical boundaries. A high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection is mainly driven by the ability of viruses with genetic markers that have been associated with higher risks of transmission and immune escape in vulnerable groups. Disease severity is not only influenced by the virus, but also host conditions such as gender, age, comorbidity, and obesity. The likelihood of new emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants resulting from infections in vulnerable groups is high, thus monitoring viral genetic markers and mutations is crucial for outbreak preparedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The starch synthase (SS) gene is one of the genes involved in the starch biosynthetic pathway. The expression level of SS regulates the starch quality and quantity in cassava. Therefore, the characteristics of SS in terms of nucleotide variations and its protein structure need to be identified using bioinformatics tools as the initial step to develop a cassava improvement strategy in the future. The nucleotides length and phylogenetic tree were constructed based on SS sequences of Manihot esculenta, Ipomea batatas and Solanum tuberosum showed low SS nucleotide variation. Characteristics of the motif and protein domain of starch synthase are derived from Glycosyltransferase 5 and 1 in.Rossmann fold protein motifs. Characteristics of the secondary structure of starch synthase subunits comprised of the alpha helix, extended strand, and random coil structures. The starch synthase subunits of cassava tubers have predicted secondary structures ranging from 173-524 alpha-helix, 83-161 beta-sheet, and 321-574 random coil. The identity of the starch synthase subunit sequences of cassava is considerably high, with a similarity index of 50-82% compared to the homolog structure template. The identified physicochemical characteristics were instability index, aliphatic index, and GRAVY which all indexes showed varying values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava storage roots contribute most to a wide range of starch-based applications for food, feed, medicine, cosmetics, biopolymers, and biofuels. Cassava cultivars differ in the proportions of amylose and amylopectin starch components, which are regulated molecularly by a set of genes encoding starch biosynthetic enzymes. We performed a relative expression analysis of nine candidate genes encoding cassava starch enzymes, namely sucrose synthase (SuSy), granule bound starch synthase (GBSS1, GBSS2), starch synthase (SS), starch branching enzyme (SBE2-1, SBE2-2, SBE3), debranching enzyme (DBE), and glucan water dikinase (GWD). As a reference gene, zinc finger protein (ZnF), was included in the study. Total RNAs were extracted from nine-month-old storage roots of five Indonesian cassava cultivars representing higher-starch cultivars (Adira-4, Kristal Merah, Menti, Revita RV-1) and a low-starch cultivar (Singkong Tali). In addition, we analyzed amylose contents from storage roots of the cultivars. Among those cultivars, Kristal Merah starches contained high amylose contents (27.53%) and three cultivars (Adira 4, Menti, and Revita RV-1) contained the average amylose (22–25%). Results showed that GBSS1 was relatively expressed in all cultivars, suggesting an accumulation of amylose in starch granules. Relative expressions of SS were observed abundantly in Kristal Merah and Singkong Tali, indicating that the first step of amylopectin biosynthesis occurred. However, low levels of DBE expression in Kristal Merah may limit debranching of poly-glucans or pre-amylopectin molecules during amylopectin synthesis. Singkong Tali showed the most abundant expressions of GWD, which encodes a hydrolytic enzyme for amylopectin breakdown. This may explain the low levels of starch in Singkong Tali. The current findings will add to existing knowledge of molecular regulation, specifically causal genes, involved in differential starch accumulation between cassava varieties/cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]