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Tithonia diversifolia is a perennial bushy plant found in South America with significant ethnopharmacological importance as an antimalarial, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anticancer agent. The aim of the present study was to determine the cytotoxicity of the ethanolic extract from leaves of T. diversifolia (TdE) on human cancer cell lines (HCT-116, SNB-19, NCIH-460 and MCF-7), as well as the mechanism of action involved in cell death and cellular modulation of oxidative stress. The TdE exhibited significant activity with IC50 values ranging from 7.12 to 38.41 μg/ml, with HCT-116 being the most sensitive cell line. Subsequent experiments were conducted with HCT-116 cell line. TdE decreased the number of viable cells, followed by induction of apoptotic events, increase in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and enhanced G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Pro-oxidative effects including elevated acidic vesicular organelle formation, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide by-products, as well as reduced levels of intracellular glutathione and reactive oxygen species production were also observed following incubation with TdE, which may lead to DNA damage followed by apoptotic cell death. These results demonstrate the potential of TdE ethanolic leaf extraction for biological activity and enhance the importance of continuing to study natural sources of plants for the development of anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In horticultural crops, including chili, the wide use of synthetic fungicides has manifested to control anthracnose disease; however, these chemicals have some side effects to deal with. In reducing the dependency on synthetic fungicides, other alternatives and means need searching to prevent pathogenic fungi. Therefore, the presented study sought to examine plant extracts with the potential to inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi Colletotrichum acutatum, the causal organism of anthracnose disease in chili. This study collected 20 potential plant species for the investigation. The leaf extraction used the maceration method in methanol and n-hexane. The contents of chemical compounds sustained the GC-MS analysis. All the leaf extracts tested for their bioactivity underwent the colony method and diffusion well. The results revealed that out of 20 types of plants, six plant species were capable of inhibiting the growth of C. acutatum fungi, including Piper nigrum, Piper ornatum, Piper retrofractum, Ficus septica, Samanea saman, and Tithonia diversifolia. The leaf extract of F. septica has the highest inhibition rate (81.11%) for the growth of C. acutatum compared with other plant leaf extracts. The GC-MS analysis of the F. septica leaf extract showed the presence of 15 types of metabolite constituents, with nine having antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Edible trees and shrubs have been evaluated to improve animal nutrition and mitigate the emission of greenhouse gasses from ruminants. In the present study, researchers visited some farmers and identified eight potentially edible Brazilian trees. Nutritional value and gas (and methane) production from these edible trees were evaluated. The leaves of Aroeira, Candeia, and Jatobá had limited nutritional value. Samples of Santa Bárbara trees, Mulberry, and Tithonia showed an improved nutritional value. Furthermore, Tithonia decreased methane emissions and is a potentially edible tree for multifunctional redesigned ruminant production systems. The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional value of different tree and shrub leaves in Brazilian ruminant production systems. Eight potentially edible trees and shrubs were identified from interviews with 30 ruminant producers: Aroeira (ARO; Lithraea molleoides), Black Mulberry (BMU; Morus nigra), Candeia (CAN; Eremanthus erythropappus), Jatobá (JAT; Hymenaea courbaril), Gliricídia (GLI; Gliricidia sepium), Santa Bárbara tree (SBT; Mélia azedarach), Tithonia (TIT; Tithonia diversifolia), and White Mulberry (WMU; Morus alba). Four leaf samples of each edible tree were sampled, and chemical analyses and in vitro assays were performed. Edible trees (except CAN and JAT) had lower neutral detergent fiber content than Mombasa grass. In addition, SBT, BMU, WMU, and TIT had lower fiber content than the other evaluated edible trees. Consequently, SBT, TIT, BMU, and WMU had improved dry matter degradation. Among the edible trees and shrubs, SMW and WMU increased the potential for gas production (a parameter). On the other hand, CAN decreased the estimated gas production 48 h after incubation. Furthermore, TIT decreased methane production up to 24 h after in vitro fermentation. Thus, except ARO, CAN, and JAT, the edible trees evaluated in the present study are potential feeds in moderate- to high-producing animals. Additionally, TIT fermentation reduces in vitro methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the alternatives identified as capable of making livestock farming a more efficient activity and reducing its environmental impact, the use of feeds with high digestibility and the use of non-conventional fodder species can be highlighted. Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray (TD) has already gained attention as a feed for ruminants. Nonetheless, there has been little discussion about the impacts of this plant on the rumen dynamics that lead to better animal performance. The aim of this study was to assess how increasing levels of TD could affect ruminal microbial biomass synthesis, degradability, and in vitro gas production (IVGP) of diets. Four diets were evaluated: a control diet (TD0: 400 g kg−1 soybean meal and maize grain, and 600 g kg−1 Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.)) and three increasing levels of TD (TD9: 90, TD27: 270, and TD45: 450 g kg−1–dry matter basis) as a replacement for dietary roughage. A 96 h IVGP assay was carried out and five incubation times (2, 4, 10, 24, and 96 h) were used for degradability determination. Gas produced, methane (CH4), degradability of organic matter (IVDOM), short-chained fatty acid (SCFA) production, partitioning factor (PF), and microbial biomass (MB) were evaluated among treatments. There was no significant effect (p > 0.05) between TD inclusion and IVGP at most incubation times; only at 6 h of incubation did gas production increase linearly with TD inclusion (R2 = 0.19; p < 0.05). TD inclusion had no effects on CH4. IVDOM increased linearly with TD inclusion at 6 and 10 h, with TD45 being more degradable than the control diet at 6 h only. There was a positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.20; p < 0.05) between TD inclusion and PF. TD45 had significantly higher PF values than the control. MB also increased linearly (R2 = 0.30; p < 0.05) with TD inclusion, and all diets with TD had significantly more MB than the control diet. The inclusion of TD at the levels used in this work was revealed to have a positive impact on microbial protein synthesis, which could be related to the higher microbial efficiency of increased substrate quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are recognized as major threats to the environmental and ecological systems with great potential to disrupt global biodiversity, forestry, livelihood, and human health. Nevertheless, ecological and socio-economic investigations of IAPs to facilitate restoration strategies are insufficient in many species. The potential risks posed by Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray, an emerging Asteraceae IAP has scantily been addressed in terms of its nature and/or impacts (e.g., phytochemistry, allelo/aroma-chemicals, chemical ecology, livelihood, and human well-being). This review aims to provide a first-hand assessment on potential threats and benefits of T. diversifolia and other Asteraceae IAPs in a multifaceted 'environment-agriculture-energy-health nexus' or 'biorefinery' prospects. Standard methods were used to quest the multifaceted implications of T. diversifolia invasion, mainly in the time frame of 2011 to 2023. Research platforms such as Scopus, Sciencedirect, and Google Scholar facilitated the literature collection. Adequate operation of filters was performed in selecting articles (n = 255) to deliver the state of the art knowledge in South Africa and globally. Applications of T. diversifolia are also discussed to cover diverse fields (e.g., agriculture, food industry, pharmaceuticals, bio/ethnomedicine, environmental remediation, bioenergy, biochar production, and phytosynthesis of engineered nanoparticles). An explicit assessment of IAPs can enable a judicial cost-benefit analysis to help determine its ecological economics while pursuing the targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. [Display omitted] • Invasive alien plants (IAPs) in Asteraceae can exert detrimental impacts on the biodiversity, environment, agriculture, and livelihood. • Reproductive attributes and allelochemic metabolites of T. diversifolia can facilitate their landscape spread. • Biomedical and biorefinery prospects of IAP are explored using T. diversifolia. • T. diversifolia can contribute to agriculture, environmental remediation, and human health facilitating sustainable management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo discute el efecto de la incorporación de Tithonia diversifolia, planta medicinal, en alimentos para animales para la alimentación de terneros y para el manejo sustentable de los sistemas de producción animal en la provincia de Matanzas, Cuba. El artículo también se enfoca en el déficit nutricional y la composición química de los piensos para el eficaz manejo nutricional y alimentación de los terneros.

Early establishment of shallot growth is important in order to ensure optimum yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of seed priming with moringa leaf extract (MLE) and the application of Tithonia compost on the growth of shallots. The research was conducted at the experimental farm belonging to the Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, from September to December 2022. The study was arranged in a factorial design with three replications. The first factor was priming, consisting of five levels: unprimed, hydropriming, 12.5% MLE, 25% MLE, and 37.5% MLE. The second factor was the level of Tithonia compost, consisting of four levels: 0, 5, 10, and 15 tons ha-1. The results revealed that shallots treated with a combination of priming 37.5% MLE followed by application of 15 tons ha-1 of Tithonia compost in the field had the highest chlorophyll index (25.97). Priming with 37.5% solely resulted in the highest average shallots height (38.23 cm), the number of plant leaves (10.55), leaf weight (15.67 g), and bulb weight (29.92 g). Application of Tithonia compost solely of 15 tons ha-1 produced shallot with the highest average plant height (37.72 cm), the number of plant leaves (9.74), leaf weight (13.68 g), and bulb weight (27.01 g). Seed priming using MLE and application of Tithonia compost are prospective to enhance shallots growth, however, it is important to further evaluate the effect of priming on germination traits and economic evaluation on using Tithonia compost for practical applications in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture due to the high cost and continued shortage of animal protein sources, the development of alternative plant protein sources has been one of the main challenges to establish sustainable aquaculture as economically viable. Objective of this investigation was to determine the chemical composition and effect of Tithonia diversifolia on the growth performance, feed efficiency and metabolic biochemistry of juveniles of Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus. Five treatments were used: 0% (control), 4, 8, 12 and 16% levels of inclusion of T. diversifolia flour in diet to feed juvenile fish cultured in 15 plastic aquariums at a density of 15 fish/aquarium. The assay lasted eight weeks. The T. diversifolia flour was characterized for showing adequate levels of crude protein (21%), with low crude fat (4.5%) levels, neutral detergent fiber levels: 43.03% and acid detergent fiber: 24.40%. The growth performance presented significant differences (p=0.05), for weight gain, day average weight gain (DAW), length gain, day average length gain (DAL), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In treatment with 16% of inclusion of T. diversifolia flour, values obtained for weight gain, DAW, SGR, FE and PER (15.88 g, 0.28 g. day-1, 2.03 %, 0.34 g.g-1 and 0.98, respectively), which did not differ with the control treatment, highlighting the benefits of T diversifolia flour. The metabolic biochemistry parameters experienced a decrease with the increase of T. diversifolia in diet, where the highest values of triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose were for the control treatment (p <0.05), while the protein increased to 4% of the flour. T. diversifolia flour presents an adequate balance of nutrients for its chemical composition and amino acids, without causing negative effects on the growth performance, weight-length relationship, feed efficiency, survival and metabolic biochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the nematicidal activity of the Tithonia diversifolia leaf extract (TDE) against Meloidogyne incognita under in vitro and pot conditions. In addition, the antioxidant activity of TDE was evaluated using the 2,2-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The results revealed that TDE possesses antioxidant potential. Nematicidal activity bioassays revealed that the TDE treatment resulted in 3.0, 16.3, 36.6, 52.4 and 64.2% second-stage juvenile (J2) hatch inhibition at MeOH control, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg ml−1, respectively, for a 5-day treatment. The corresponding values for a 10-day treatment were 3.3, 16.0, 30.7, 56.0 and 69.3%, respectively. The TDE treatment resulted in 64.6, 86.4, 95.3 and 100% J2 movement inhibition at 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg ml−1, respectively, for a 48 h treatment. In pot experiments, at 60 days after treatment (DAT), the J2 populations in non-treated, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 mg TDE (g soil)−1, and Tervigo 020SC 1.0 mg (g soil)−1 were 477.1, 277.3, 142.7, 23.9 and 19.7 per 5 g of root, respectively. The corresponding values in 100 g of soil were 33.2, 5.5, 3.6, 1.1 and 4.0, respectively. The relative galling formation on the Robusta coffee plants was 100, 55.3, 39.1, 33.5 and 80.8% in the non-treated, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 mg TDE (g soil)−1, and Tervigo-treated plants, respectively. These results may provide crucial information for exploring the nematicidal metabolites of TDE against M. incognita. Therefore, the purified active compounds of TDE should be identified in future studies before the commercialisation of TDE for the biocontrol of M. incognita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermophilic composting is a promising soil and waste management approach involving diverse micro and macro-organisms, including eukaryotes. Due to sub-optimal amounts of nutrients in manure, supplemental feedstock materials such as Lantana camara, and Tithonia diversifolia twigs are used in composting. These materials have, however, been reported to have antimicrobial activity in in-vitro experiments. Furthermore, the phytochemical analysis has shown differences in their complexities, thus possibly requiring various periods to break down. Therefore, it is necessary to understand these materials' influence on the biological and physical-chemical stability of compost. Most compost microbiome studies have been bacterial-centric, leaving out eukaryotes despite their critical role in the environment. Here, the influence of different green feedstock on the fungal and non-fungal eukaryotic community structure in a thermophilic compost environment was examined. Total community fungal and non-fungal eukaryotic DNA was recovered from triplicate compost samples of four experimental regimes. Sequencing for fungal ITS and non-fungal eukaryotes; 18S rDNA was done under the Illumina Miseq platform, and bioinformatics analysis was done using Divisive Amplicon Denoising Algorithm version 2 workflow in R version 4.1. Samples of mixed compost and composting day 84 recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher overall fungal populations, while Lantana-based compost and composting day 84 revealed the highest fungal community diversity. Non-fungal eukaryotic richness was significantly (P< 0.05) more abundant in Tithonia-based compost and composting day 21. The most diverse non-fungal eukaryotic biome was in the Tithonia-based compost and composting day 84. Sordariomycetes and Holozoa were the most contributors to the fungal and non-fungal community interactions in the compost environment, respectively. The findings of this study unravel the inherent influence of diverse composting materials and days on the eukaryotic community structure and compost's biological and chemical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tithonia diversifolia is widely used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of a large number of ailments and disorders, including malaria. In the present study, we evaluated the repellent activity of essential oils (EO) of this plant against Anopheles coluzzii, a major vector of malaria in Africa. Fresh leaves of T. diversifolia were used to extract EO, which were used to perform repellency assays in the laboratory and in the field using commercially available N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and Cymbopogon (C.) citratus EO as positive controls and vaseline as negative control. The repellency rates and durations of protection of the human volunteers involved were used as measures of repellent activity. Chemical composition of the T. diversifolia EO was established further by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The moisture content and oil yield were 81% and 0.02% respectively. A total of 29 compounds in the T. diversifolia EO was identified, with d-limonene (20.1%), α-Copaene (10.3%) and o-Cymene (10.0%) as the most represented. In field studies, the mean time of protection against mosquito bites was significantly lower in T. diversifolia EO-treated volunteers compared to treatments with C. citratus EO (71 min versus 125 min, p = 0.04), but significantly higher when compared with the non-treated volunteers (71 min vs 0.5 min, p = 0.03). The same pattern was found in laboratory repellency assays against A. coluzzii. In contrast, repulsion rates were statistically similar between T. diversifolia EO and positive controls. In conclusion, the study suggests promising repellent potential of leaves of T. diversifolia EO against A. coluzzii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne incognita (kofoid & white) chitwood. is one of the species of phytoparasitic nematodes that causes the most losses to world agriculture. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extracts of Tithonia diversifolia and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum on the hatching of juveniles of M. incognita and their effect on tomato plants. The extracts were obtained by dynamic infusion. For the in vitro test, microtubes containing extract and the suspension of nematode eggs were prepared. After 15 days of incubation, the number of eggs and mobile and immobile juveniles were evaluated to calculate hatch inhibition. The results demonstrated that all the tested extracts had an inhibitory effect on the hatching of M. incognita when compared to the conventional nematicide. In the in vivo test, tomato plants of the cultivar Santa Cruz Kada, aged three weeks, were inoculated with a suspension with 2000 eggs of M. incognita and subjected to application of the extracts. After 60 days, the reproduction factor (FR) and the number of galls/grams of root (NGGR) were evaluated, as well as the weight of the fresh root material (PMFR) and the aerial part of the plants (PFPA). The best results were observed in plants treated with the extract of the leaves and dry stem of T. diversifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary plant chemistry mediates a variety of communication signals among species, playing a fundamental role in the evolutionary diversification of communities and ecosystems. Herein, we explored diet-mediated host plant effects on development and immune response of a generalist insect herbivore. Vanessa cardui (Nymphalidae) caterpillars were reared on leaves of three host plants that vary in secondary metabolites, Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae), Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae) and Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae). Insect development was evaluated by larval and pupal viabilities, survivorship, and development rate. Immune response was measured as phenoloxidase (PO) activity. Additionally, chemical profiles of the host plants were obtained by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and the discriminant metabolites were determined using a metabolomic approach. Caterpillars reared on P. lanceolata exhibited the highest larval and pupal viabilities, as well as PO activity, and P. lanceolata leaves were chemically characterized by the presence of iridoid glycosides, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. Taraxacum officinale leaves were characterized mainly by the presence of phenylpropanoids, flavones O-glycoside and germacranolide-type sesquiterpene lactones; caterpillars reared on this host plant fully developed to the adult stage, however they exhibited lower larval and pupal viabilities compared to individuals reared on P. lanceolata. Conversely, caterpillars reared on T. diversifolia leaves, which contain phenylpropanoids, flavones and diverse furanoheliangolide-type sesquiterpene lactones, were not able to complete larval development and exhibited the lowest PO activity. These findings suggested that V. cardui have adapted to tolerate potentially toxic metabolites occurring in P. lanceolata (iridoid glycosides), however caterpillars were not able to cope with potentially detrimental metabolites occurring in T. diversifolia (furanoheliangolides). Therefore, we suggest that furanoheliangolide-type sesquiterpene lactones were responsible for the poor development and immune response observed for caterpillars reared on T. diversifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented Tithonia diversifolia and Persea americana miller or avocado leaves as local alternative forages for goats are potential as protein, mineral, and energy sources. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of fermented Tithonia diversifolia (FTD) and avocado leaves (AL) combination on in vitro nutrient digestibility, rumen fluid characteristics, and methane production. This study consisted of 3 trials. Trial 1 evaluated FTD's nutrient content with Lactobacillus bulgaricus with different durations of fermentation arranged in a completely randomized design consisting of five treatments and four replications. The treatments were T. diversifolia without fermentation and fermentation of T. diversifolia for 2, 3, 4, and 5 days. Trial 2 was in vitro evaluation on different days of fermented T. diversifolia in a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments and four replications. Trial 3 was in vitro evaluation of FTD for 5 days and AL combination, which consisted of four combinations. FTDAL1 = 20% FTD+80% AL; FTDAL2 = 40% FTD+60% AL; FTDAL3 = 60% FTD+40% AL; and FTDAL4 = 80% FTD+20% AL. Experimental diets were incubated using Tilley and Terry method. Fermentation of T. diversifolia using L. bulgaricus significantly increased nutrient components (p<0.01), nutrient digestibility (p<0.01), and rumen fluid characteristics (p<0.05). In vitro evaluation of FTD and AL combination significantly increased nutrient digestibility, total volatile fatty acid, ammonia concentration, total gas production, and methane production (p<0.05), but insignificantly affected pH rumen fluid. It is concluded that the combination of 80% fermented T. diversifolia and 20% avocado leaves has the potential to increase dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, cellulose digestibility, and rumen fluid characteristics, but it is not optimum to decrease total gas and methane gas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effect of different dietary Tithonia diversifolia (TD: 0, 10, 20, and 30 %) on productive traits, egg quality, and economic efficiency in laying hens. Feed intake was higher in hens fed the 20 and 30 % TD diets (120.6 and 119.0 g/day) compared with those fed the 0 or 10 % TD diets (P < 0.0010). Feed egg weight conversion increased with dietary TD inclusion (P < 0.0010). The laying rate was higher (P < 0.0020) in hens on 0 and 10 % TD diets (94.5 and 94.6 %, respectively) than those on 20 and 30 % TD diets (89.7 and 84.9 %). Eggs and yolks were heavier in hens fed 0, 10, and 20 % TD compared with those fed the 30 % TD diet (P < 0.0020 and P < 0.0040, respectively), which also had poorer albumen width (P < 0.0010). The yolk had a more intense yellow as the level of dietary TD increased (P < 0.0001). Dietary TD did not affect economic efficiency. In summary, the inclusion of up to 10 % TD in laying hen diets seems feasible as it did not affect productive traits, economic efficiency, and egg quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To study the agronomic behavior when grazing outstanding materials of Tithonia diversifolia, this research was carried out for three years (2016, 2017 and 2018). Material and methods. The experiment was designed and processed using a randomized block design with four repetitions, where the treatments were four outstanding Tithonia diversifolia materials called: IcaCuba Oc-10, IcaCuba Oc-23, IcaCuba Oc-24 and IcaCuba Oc-25 associated with Cynodon dactylon. The research was carried out without fertilization or irrigation. Results. The information analyzed corresponds to the rainy, dry and total periods. In the rainy season, the Oc-25 material reached higher height and lower leaf yield, Oc-23 has a lower number of regrowth and lower height of the grass lawn. Grass yield was lower for Oc-23 and Oc-25 materials, with less presence of the species for Oc-25. The lowest height of the tithonia plant was for Oc-24 without differing from Oc-10 and Oc-23, but with higher leaf yield. The height of the grass lawn reached its highest value for Oc-10 and the highest presence of the species. In the dry season Oc-24 had lower height and Oc-25 higher. The highest yield of tithonia leaf was for Oc-24 and Oc-25, with lower grass yield and presence for the Oc-25 material. The highest yield was obtained in Oc-10, followed by Oc-24 and the highest presence of the grass was in Oc-10 and Oc-23. The height of the grass grass presented the highest values for Oc-10 and Oc-24 and the lowest for Oc-23. In the annual accumulated, the lowest leaf production was in the material Oc-25. While the highest grass yield was found for Oc-10 followed by Oc-24. Conclusions. All the tithonia materials evaluated under grazing (IcaCuba Oc-10, IcaCuba Oc-23, IcaCuba Oc-24 and IcaCuba Oc-25) had an integrally good behavior, as well as stability of the tithonia-grass system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary metabolites, very abundant in nature, are essentials for the physiological development of the plant; which are in great amount and of easy extraction. With the objective of evaluating the effect of the plant maturity and the climatic factors on the primary metabolites content in Tithonia diversifolia the experiment was developed, according to a random block design, with three treatments (60, 120 and 180 days) and four replications. Contents of nitrogen, glucose, fructose and sucrose were evaluated through analysis of variance, correlation and regression with the SPSS statistical system, version 22.0 The contents of nitrogen, glucose, sucrose and fructose during the two seasonal periods in T. diversifolia decreased with the regrowth age (from 60 up to 180 days) in 13.15, 0.008, 0.015 and 0.007 g.kg -1 for the rainy period, while for the dry season were 17.39, 0.002, 0.003 and 0.0009 g.kg -1, respectively. Quadratic regression equations were fitted with the regrowth age for all the indicators. All regression coefficients were higher to 0.95 for primary metabolites in both seasonal periods, except for sucrose and fructose during the dry season was 0.93 and 0.9, respectively. The correlations were very changeable were the rainy days were related with all primary metabolites during the rainy season, while during the dry season only nitrogen showed significant correlation. The functions explained the close correspondence between growth and the primary metabolites content and the fluctuations found in the sugars influenced by the shrub phenological state and their photosynthetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants respond to biotic and abiotic changes through their phenotypic plasticity. These variations can be expressed in traits related to leaf morphology, plant growth, and defoliation. We evaluated the influence of plant age and leaf age on leaf traits and its relation with defoliation in three forage plant species, Tithonia diversifolia, Morus alba, and Moringa oleifera. Interspecifically, M. oleifera showed thicker leaves, higher dry weight, leaf asymmetry, and leaf area; M. alba showed harder leaves and higher specific leaf area. Intraspecifically, in the M. oleifera leaf area, dry weight, thickness, and hardness of leaves increased only in 30 day-old-plant. While in M. alba intermediate leaves had higher leaf area; and, 90 day-old-plant had higher thickness and hardness. Leaf area and dry weight were higher in 60 and 30 day-old-plants, respectively. In T. diversifolia intermediate leaves showed higher dry weight and leaf thickness, 30 day-old-plant had higher leaf area and leaf dry weight; and, 90 day-old-plant had higher leaf thickness. In addition, we found negative relationships between young leaves with leaf thickness, leaf hardness, and leaf dry weight. Defoliation showed positive relationships with SLA and leaf hardness, and negative ones with leaf thickness, leaf dry weight, leaf asymmetry, and leaf area. We underline, the importance of carrying out research that contributes to the understanding of the interrelationships between leaf structure, its function, and its relationships of morphological traits of plant resistance and tolerance in tropical forage plant species of high economic and ecological importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global demand for plastics has been continuously increasing at a rapid rate and their disposal largely pollutes the atmosphere and oceans. Natural fibers possess the inherent characteristics required for plastic making and their disposal causes less harm to the environment. In this paper, physicochemical, thermal, mechanical and morphological characteristics of novel cellulosic fiber extracted from the bark of Tithonia diversifolia (TD) investigated through various characterization tests have been reported. TDFs were found to possess higher cellulose (63.9 wt.%) and high lignin content (19.3 wt.%) which make them stronger and more stable. Lower density (1440 kg/m³), higher crystallinity index (51.84%), higher tensile strength (243–386 MPa) and higher thermal stability (up to 337.17°C) make TDFs more suitable for making green composites. The morphology of the TD fiber surface observed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was found to be rougher with some serrations which facilitate better bonding characteristics with the polymer matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic fibers are restricted from being used as reinforcements due to increasing awareness of environmental issues and strict laws from government agencies. In recognition of this, the engineering and scientific communities switched their attention to using natural fibers as reinforcement in polymers to make sustainable composites. The fiber was extracted through the water retting process, and characterized from the stem of the Tithonia diversifolia (TD) plant. Physical, chemical, and mechanical properties were investigated and it was found that this fiber has high cellulose content of 65.33 wt.%, and less wax content of 0.67%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystallinity index as 45%. Surface morphology was carried out through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed the chemical functional groups. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), TG and DTG curves were used to evaluate the fiber thermal stability. This result confirms that TD fiber can be used as potential fiber reinforcement in biocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general objective was to evaluate the zootechnical parameters of red tilapia fingerlings Oreochromis sp, in the rearing stage, supplemented with buttercup Tithonia diversifolia. The trial was carried out in the laboratory of the Centro Experimental Piscícola in San Jerónimo, Antioquia (Colombia). The 135 fingerlings were collected and placed in nine aquariums of 63 L of water. T1 - 15% supplementation, T2 - 20% supplementation and a Control - without supplementation, were evaluated for six weeks. The number of fingerlings, the initial and final weights and sizes and the physicochemical parameters of the water were recorded and statistically evaluated. The results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) for T2 compared to T1 and Control. Greater final weight and height (1.0±0.4g and 3.9±0.4cm), K>1, TEC=2.1%/day and survival (100%). The physicochemical parameters of the water maintained the optimal average values of temperature (1=25.0±0.3 °C), oxygen level (1=7.0±1.3 mg/L) and pH (1=7.8±0.3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Colombia, poultry production is an important source of food, providing protein of good quality animal origin such as eggs and meat; however, due to the high costs of concentrates, the need to search for food alternatives has been generated. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of the consumption of green forages of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Mulberry (Morus alba) and Buttercup (Tithonia diversifolia) in productive parameters and egg quality. Four treatments were established with a base feed of commercial balanced concentrate and water ad libitum; T1: supplementation with Alfalfa, T2: with Mulberry, T3: Buttercup and T4: control group. The parameters evaluated were weight, percentage of laying, feed consumption, egg weight, pigmentation and weight of the yolk, weight and density of albumin, weight and thickness of the shell and Haugh units. The T2 birds showed statistically significant differences (p<0,05) in body weight in the first study interval and in yolk pigmentation in the three intervals with slightly higher values. Mulberry supplementation significantly improves bud pigmentation without negatively affecting productive parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Animal production demands knowledge about the energy needs and metabolism to enhance yields. Aim. To determine the effect of a totally mixed ration (TMR) containing different volumes of tree foliage (Tithonia diversifolia, Morus alba, Leucaena leucocephala) as an alternative to hybrid Cenchrus purpureus Cuba OM-22, for voluntary consumption of dry matter and the efficiency of metabolizable energy use in sheep. Methods: A total of 24 whole weaned Pelibuey sheep (84±9.75 days of age), with an average live weight of 15.80±2.740 kg (7.92±1.00 kg PV0.75), were included in six groups, using a completely randomized design (CRD) for 120 days. The treatments consisted in the inclusion of several levels (20.40 %) of foliage from trees (Tithonia diversifolia, Morus alba, Leucaena leucocephala) with 80.60% hybrid Cenchrus purpureus Cuba OM-22, included in the experimental plant mixture of 50, 55, 65, and 60 days of age, respectively. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and the Duncan test was conducted to determine the differences of means. Results: The absolute consumption of dry matter was higher (1.31 vs 1.37 kg d-1, p< 0.0001), when 40% of morera and leucaena foliage was included in the diet, respectively. Though 40% of morera surpassed the protein: energy ratio (71 g Mcal-1, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The inclusion of 40% morera and leucaena with 60% Cenchrus purpureus improved voluntary consumption. The efficiency in the utilization of metabolizable energy ingested for maintenance (km) was high, though it was low for growth (kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava cultivation causes serious soil fertility depletion in southern Cameroon due to high mining of soil nutrients by the crop. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass (TB), poultry manure (PM) and inorganic fertilizers (IF) on soil properties, cassava yield, and the economic returns. The treatments consisted of two rates of TB (10 and 20 t ha−1), two rates of PM (10 and 20 t ha−1), two rates of combined TB and PM (5 and 10 t ha−1), a single rate of inorganic fertilizers (100 N:22P:83 K kg ha−1) and a control. The results showed that soil properties, soil quality index and cassava yield were significantly improved by the application of the organic manures. Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass (TB) and poultry manure (PM) lowered the soil bulk density, increased soil total porosity, water holding capacity and chemical properties. TB and PM, solely or mixed, improved the aerial dry biomass (ADB) and fresh tuber yield (FTY) of cassava. The organic manures performed better than inorganic fertilizer. The highest yield (51 and 52 t ha−1 of fresh tubers) was obtained with the mixture of TB and PM applied at 10 t ha−1 each for the successive years. Positive and significant correlation was found between SQI and cassava yield. TB and PM combined at 10 t ha−1 each was the most profitable and cost-effective treatment, with a good benefit:cost ratio of 3.2:1 and net return of FCFA 3.736.900 ha−1. Thus, the use of Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass and poultry manure is a sustainable method for cassava production in the southern Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of organic fertilizers, based on Tithonia diversifolia, and in-organic fertilizers, based on hydroponics fertilizer, were evaluated on the performance, leaves, and fruit mineral concentrations of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants grown under soilless medium in a screen house. The treatments comprised six levels of liquid organic fertilizer (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 mL), in-organic fertilizer, and a control. Both organic and in-organic fertilizers increased the growth, yield, leaf nutrient concentration, and the mineral contents of tomato and cucumber fruits in comparison with the control. In-organic fertilizer enhanced the performance and mineral concentrations of tomato and cucumber fruits in comparison with organic fertilizer. However, leaf analyses showed that all the essential elements for both tomato and cucumber crops were within the adequate ranges in the organic fertilizer treatments suggesting that this organic fertilizer can be used as an alternative to the expensive and scarce in-organic fertilizer. For organic fertilizer, the highest yield and mineral contents in fruits were attained at doses of 35 mL and 25 mL for tomato and cucumber plants, respectively. At these doses, the fruit weights of tomato and cucumber were increased by 137 and 198%, respectively, in comparison with the control. For a good yield of tomato and cucumber crop with a high fruit mineral content under the soilless medium of coco peat and rice husk, 35 mL and 25 mL of our tested organic fertilizer are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tithonia diversifolia has been widely developed as an anticancer therapy. Our previous study before showed that T. diversifolia was able to inhibit cell proliferation and collagen accumulation of keloid fibroblasts and decrease the index of rabbit scar hypertrophy. The acute dermal toxicity study of T. diversifolia gel formulation did not show toxic effect for 14 days and the LD50 was estimated more than 2%. However, toxicity data subchronic dermal toxicity study was not available for this T. diversifolia gel formulation. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the subchronic dermal toxicity of T. diversifolia gel formulation in rats. Materials and Methods: T. diversifolia gel formulation with three dose variations of 2%, 10%, and 25% was administered topically. The lowest dose of 2% is the dose that has been used to decrease the index of rabbit scar hypertrophy. We observed the toxic effect that may appear every day for 90 days period. Results: There were no significant toxic effects observed at all doses on physical signs and symptoms, body weight, food consumption, hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, and macroscopic and microscopic examination organs. Conclusion: The analysis no observed adverse effect level showed that the administration long term of T. diversifolia gel formulation topically is safe to use within its dose recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the antioxidant properties of different extracts of Tithonia diversifolia being strongly linked to phenolic content, the phenolic profile of this plant had not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, an analytical method based on a hybrid ultra‐performance liquid‐phase chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation/ quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometer powered with Orbitrap™ technology and equipped with a Thermo Scientific DAD detector (UPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐ QTOF ‐MS/MS) was used to characterise phenolic compounds. In total, 55 phenolic compounds from aqueous fractions of T. diversifolia have been identified. These included 7 novel hydroxycinnamates which were identified with the aid of 1D 1H and 13CNMR, UV and MS/MS of the isolated reference compound. In addition, total antioxidant activity dependence on the total phenol content was evaluated using correlation studies and results showed a moderate correlation. Thus T. diversifolia antioxidant potential was attributed to its phenolic compounds and other metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 40 male broilers EB34, 42 days old, were used to evaluate the effect of Tithonia diversifolia forage meal intake, plant material 10, on indicators of immune response and blood biochemistry. A completely random design was used. The animals were distributed in five treatments with eight repetitions: corn/ soybean concentrate control, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % substitution of the concentrate by tithonia forage meal. For the analysis of the immune response, the lymphoid organs (spleen, Bursa of Fabricius and thymus) were extracted and the relative weights (g/g LW x 100 g of the organs) were determined. Blood was extracted from the jugular vein and serum indicators of blood biochemistry, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, alanine amino transferase enzymes, and aspartate amine transferase and uric acid were analyzed. From the biological point of view (P=0.0593) lower relative weight of the spleen was found for the chickens that received 20 % tithonia forage meal (0.13, 0.12, 0.12, 0.13 and 0.07 g/g LW x100) for 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % substitution of corn/soybean by tithonia forage meal plant material 10, respectively. The intake levels of tithonia forage meal in broilers did not influence on the indicators of blood biochemistry, with the exception of uric acid, which increased with 15 % and 20 % substitution. These results suggest the possibility of using Tithonia diversifolia forage meal plant material 10, in a corn/soybean diet up to levels of 10 % for broilers in the finishing stage, without causing damage to the animals health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powders and methanolic extracts of Clerodendrum capitatum, Phyllanthus fraternus and Tithonia diversifolia were evaluated for their insecticidal activities against Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.). Plant materials were tested for contact toxicity, oviposition and adult emergence at rates of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g (w/w) for plant powders and 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ml/20 g (v/w) of cowpea seeds for plant methanolic extracts. The results of the plants powders showed that T. diversifolia was the most effective as it caused 55.0, 60.0, 67.5, 100.0% and 100.0% mortality at the concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g/20 g of cowpea seeds within 24 h of application. The least effective plant powder was C. capitatum which evoked the insect mortality of 77.50% at rate 5.0 g within 24 h of exposure. Similar trend of results were obtained on the plant methanolic extracts. Extracts caused more mortality, prevented oviposition and emergence of adult cowpea beetle, more than the plant powders. The calculated lethal dose (LD50 and 90) and concentrations (LC50 and 90) of the plant powders and methanolic extracts showed that T. diversifolia had the lowest values while C. capitatum had the highest across all period of exposure. Tithonia diversifolia methanolic extract completely inhibited oviposition and adult emergence at concentrations 0.2–2.0 ml. Tithonia diversifolia powder and methanolic extract were found to be the most effective in protecting cowpea seeds against C. maculatus. This can be a better alternative to synthetic insecticides since it is abundant in our environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.F. Blake (Asteraceae) is among the three Tithonia species from Mexico that are invasive in many countries, including South Africa. To curb the invasiveness and negative impact of T. rotundifolia in South Africa, two chrysomelid beetles, Zygogramma signatipennis (Stål) and Zygogramma piceicollis (Stål), from Mexico were assessed to determine their suitability for release against this invader. Biological attributes such as a short pre-oviposition period, short egg incubation period, short lifecycle and long longevity suggest that the two beetle species could successfully establish in their introduced range. Feeding, oviposition and development of both beetle species were confined within the tribe Heliantheae, but showed a very strong preference for the invasive T. rotundifolia. The only non-target species that supported development to adulthood was the exotic weed Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray, itself a target for biocontrol. Although some sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars were partially utilized during host-specificity tests, none supported complete development. Since their potential threats to H. annuus cultivars are minimal, both Zygogramma species were cleared for release in South Africa in 2014. Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.F. Blake (Asteraceae) is among the three Tithonia species from Mexico that are invasive in South Africa. To curb its invasiveness and negative impact in South Africa, two chrysomelid beetles, Zygogramma signatipennis (Stål) and Zygogramma piceicollis (Stål), from Mexico were investigated as candidate biological control agents. The life histories and host ranges of these beetles were studied under laboratory conditions to determine their suitability for release. The two beetle species displayed very similar life histories, including a short pre-oviposition period (13–14 days), incubation period (4–5 days) and lifecycle (40–45 days). The longevity of Z. signatipennis and Z. piceicollis was 113 and 125 days, while their fecundities were 1146 and 1133 eggs per female, respectively. Feeding, oviposition and development of both beetle species were confined within the tribe Heliantheae, but showed a very strong preference for the invasive T. rotundifolia. The only non-target species that supported development to adulthood was the exotic weed Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray, itself a target for biocontrol. Although some sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars were partially utilized during host-specificity tests, none supported complete development, suggesting that both Zygogramma species are suitable for release in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria's savanna soils where sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is majorly produced are characterized by a lot of challenges. Hence, field experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 on sole and combined effects of Panicum maximum, Tithonia diversifolia, and poultry manure (PM) on soil physico-chemical properties, growth, yield, and proximate contents of sorghum. The treatments were: 10 t ha−1Tithonia leaves, 10 t ha−1Panicum leaves, 10 t ha−1 PM, 5 t ha−1Tithonia leaves + 5 t ha−1Panicum leaves, 5 t ha−1Tithonia leaves + 5 t ha−1 PM, 5 t ha−1Panicum leaves + 5 t ha−1 PM (Panicum + PM), control. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Green manures and PM either sole or combined reduced sorghum's grain fiber, fat and carbohydrate, soil bulk density and increased porosity, moisture content, soil organic matter (SOM), nutrient content, growth, yield, and moisture, ash and protein contents of sorghum compared with the control. When manures were combined, Panicum + PM has the highest value of these parameters but the least of grains fiber, fat, carbohydrate, and soil bulk density. The increased growth, yield, and quality of sorghum credited to Panicum + PM was owed to improved soil physical and chemical properties and also due to the fact that slowly decaying Panicum may allow retention of released nutrients from rapidly decomposing PM within the rooting zone. The study revealed that locally available organic materials can be recycled in improving soil and crop productivity especially when they are combined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to determine the pattern of N mineralization of tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) leaves and assess the uptake of N nutrients in maize by giving T. diversifolia and S. officinarum leaves with different qualities on sandy loam soil. Methods: The research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with following treatment: T1 (100% T. diversifolia), T2 (100% S. officinarum), T3 (75% T. diversifolia: 25% S. officinarum), T4 (50% S. officinarum: 50% T. diversifolia), T5 (25% T. diversifolia leaves: 75% S. officinarum), T6 (without T. diversifolia and S. officinarum or control). Result: The results showed that the N mineralization pattern of the organic matter combination was significantly higher than the control for all observations. The amount of N mineral released in each treatment was T1 (54.58-529.7 mg/kg), T2 (41.80-381 mg/kg), T3 (47.69-473.6 mg/kg), T4 (46.70-424.0 mg/kg), T5 (70.69-378.9 mg/kg) and T6 (47.14-303.6 9 mg/kg). The sequence of cumulative N release during 12 weeks of incubation was T1 (529 mg/kg)> T3 (573.6 mg/kg)> T4 (424.0 mg/kg)> T2 (381 mg/kg)> T5 (378.9 mg/kg)> T6 (303.6 mg/kg). These results suggested that T. diversifolia and S. officinarum leaves significantly increased N nutrient uptake in maize by 125% to 144.54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using bioactivity-guided isolation of bioactive compounds; deacetylviguiestenin, 4-O-caffeoyl-2-methyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid and sandaracopimaradiene-1α,9α-diol were obtained from Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray leaves and identified using spectroscopic methods. Their feeding deterrence activity against Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) including those of methanol crude extract, fractions, and the essential oil was determined. Results showed that the essential oil of T. diversifolia could not show significant anti-feedant activity at a dose of ˂0.29 μL/mg of flour disks. The solvent crude extract, some fractions and the isolated compounds, however, demonstrated feeding deterrence against S. zeamais. The feeding deterrence index of sandaracopimaradiene-1α,9α-diol was 81.19 ± 5.94% at 0.1% w/w (1 mg/g food) compared to 97.45 ± 0.43% for neemazal extract (10% azadirachtin) (positive control) at 10%w/w (100 mg/g food). The EC50 of deacetylviguiestin, 4-O-caffeoyl-2-methyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid and azadirachtin (commercial antifeedant) against S. zeamais were 22140.23 ± 9103.29, 3654.28 ± 2715.09 and 14.59 ± 5.59 ppm respectively. Although these compounds showed less activity against S. zeamais compared to azadirachtin, their anti-feedant activity was significant and are valuable alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of simple and combined biofertilization of Azospirillum brasilense and Rhizoglomus irregulare on the nutritional status and biomass yield of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.). Materials and Methods: In a field experiment four treatments were studied, made up by the simple and combined inoculation of A. brasilense and R. irregulare plus a non-inoculated control, in a Latin square design. The inoculant with R. irregulare, with a concentration of 30 spores g-1, was applied through the use of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC as preceding crop and a way for the reproduction of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil. A. brasilense, with a concentration of 109 CFU mL-1, was administered at a rate of 20 L ha-1, 15 days after planting. The frequency and intensity of the mycorhizal colonization, the concentrations of NPK in the biomass of the aerial part and dry matter yields, were evaluated. Results: R. irregulare increased the frequency and intensity of mycorrhizal colonization, as well as the number of spores in the rhizosphere. Nevertheless, the highest effects were reached when it was applied jointly with A. brasilense. The biofertilizers separately increased the nitrogen concentrations in the aerial biomass and the dry matter yields, but the highest values of these variables, as well as the highest efficiency of biofertilization, were obtained with the joint application of both. The effect of biofertilization remained during the year in which the experiment was conducted. Conclusions: The simple inoculation with A. brasilense and R. irregulare improves the nitrogen nutrition and biomass yields of T. diversifolia. With the joint application of both biofertilizers, higher effectiveness of the mycorrhizal inoculation is achieved. In addition, higher values are achieved in these indicators compared with the results reached with each one separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two microbial inoculants as fermentation activators in silages of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray. Materials and Methods: T. diversifolia forage, with 90 days of regrowth, was obtained from a plot fertilized with 20 t of organic matter/ha. Collection was manual and the plants were processed in a stationary chopper (1-2 cm). They were subject to pre-drying, under roof, for 24 hours. The treatments were: a) T. diversifolia without inoculant, b) T. diversifolia with whey and c) T. diversifolia with PROBIOLACTIL®. The evaluations were carried out after 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of storage. The inoculants had a concentration of lactic bacteria, CFU mL-1, of 106 for the whey and 109 for PROBIOLACTIL®. The indicators dry matter, pH, soluble protein, lactic acid bacteria count and organoleptic indicators (smell, color, texture and moisture) were evaluated. The data were processed using a simple variance analysis and the difference among means according to Duncan, with the program Statgraphic Plus, version 5.0. Results: The average dry matter percentage was adequate for conservation (35,2 %) and showed a trend to increase, as the sampling time elapsed, just like soluble protein (0,77 mg mL-1) on average. The counts of viable microorganisms showed that the inclusion of biological additives facilitated the predominance of lactic acid bacteria. During storage, pH values tended to decrease among treatments, although without responses. Conclusions: The results of pH, dry matter, protein, lactic acid bacteria count and organoleptic characteristics proved that microbial inoculants activate the fermentation process in T. diversifolia silages. PROBIOLACTIL® was better than whey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the effect of three collections of Tithonia diversifolia (mv-12, mv-14 and mv-17), collected in the eastern region of Cuba, on the ruminal microbial population of cattle, an experiment under in vitro conditions was developed. The control treatments with Cynodon nlemfuensis (star grass) were compared: star grass + mv-12; star grass + mv-14 and star grass + mv-17. The three collections were included at a rate of 20 % of the dry matter. The crude protein content was 19-23 % of the dry matter. With the materials mv-14 and mv-17 higher populations of cellulolytic bacteria were obtained, at three and six hours after starting fermentation with respect to that obtained with star grass. The three collections doubled the population of proteolytic bacteria three hours after starting fermentation, while at six hours only mv-12 produced effects in this bacterial group. The methane values were 37.4, 32.6, 33.2 and 32.33 g/kg of digested organic matter for the control, and the treatments mv-12, mv-14 and mv-17, respectively. Although they did not differ between plant materials, mv-12, mv-14 and mv-17 produced less methane than the star grass treatment only (P = 0.0477). It is concluded that the treatments mv-12, mv-14 and mv-17 caused modifications in the ruminal ecosystem, by increasing the population of total cellulolytic organisms and proteolytic bacteria; in addition to reducing the protozoan population. The methane estimated from crude protein concentration also decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production, nutritional quality and preference of T. diversifolia by Pelibuey sheep was determined, at different ages, in three seasons of the year. Dry matter (DM) production and nutritional quality of forage were measured every 14 d, from the cut to 84 d of age. Leaf and stem samples were taken to determine crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Eight adult Pelibuey sheep were used to determine their preference for T. diversifolia foliage at 42, 56 and 70 d of regrowth. Total DM production was similar in autumn and winter and both greater than spring. In autumn at 56 d and in winter at 70 d after the cut, the production of DM was 9 t ha-1, while in S at 84 d, it was close to 3 t ha-1. The increase or decrease of the morphological components of the biomass over time was different between the seasons evaluated and showed a curvilinear behavior over time, within each season. CP increased linearly with the cutting age. In autumn and winter, there was a higher percentage of NDF and ADF. The 42-d plants had a lower percentage of ADF. The yield of DM and the nutritional quality of T. diversifolia differs depending on the season of year and the age of regrowth. The cutting age of the plant affected its preference by Pelibuey sheep (P=0.0091), it was higher for the foliage of 42 d, followed by 56 and 70 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme that catalyzes acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid. Conventional pesticides, including organophosphates and carbamates target and inhibit the activity of AChE. To obtain more pesticide precursors that meet the safety requirements, more than 200 compounds were screened. Tirotundin and parthenolide identified as potential neurotoxins to nematodes were isolated from Tithonia diversifolia and Chrysanthemum parthenium, respectively. Their IC50 values were 6.89 ± 0.30 and 5.51 ± 0.23 μg/mL, respectively against the AChE isolated from Caenorhabditis elegans. AChE was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner using the two compounds. And the Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots indicated that tirotundin and parthenolide were reversible inhibitors against AChE, both inhibiting AChE in a mixed-type competitive manner and demonstrating these compounds may possess dual binding site AChE inhibitors. LC50 values of tirotundin and parthenolide against C. elegans were 9.16 ± 0.21 and 7.23 ± 0.48 μg/mL, respectively. These results provide a certain theoretical basis for the development and utilization of novel pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological control programmes against the asteraceous weeds Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.F. Blake and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray were initiated in South Africa in 2007, and that against Tithonia tubaeformis (Jacq.) Cass in 2017, following its discovery in Mpumalanga Province (MP). Permission to release two leaf-feeding beetles, Zygogramma signatipennis Stål and Zygogramma piceicollis Stål (Chrysomelidae) against T. rotundifolia was granted in 2014, while permission to release a defoliating tortoise beetle, Physonota maculiventris Stål, against T. diversifolia was granted in 2018. The two Zygogramma spp. were released in Gauteng (GP), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Limpopo (LP), and MP provinces from 2014 to 2019. Zygogramma signatipennis established at only a few sites in MP, where it persisted for up to four years and later collapsed. Zygogramma piceicollis initially established in GP and perished a year later. Physonota maculiventris was released in KZN, LP and MP, and has overwintered at 50% of the release sites. Investigations to explain the demise of both Zygogramma spp. and determine ways to improve their release and establishment are underway. Host-specificity testing of a stem-boring weevil, Lixus fimbriolatus Boheman (Curculionidae), a candidate agent for T. rotundifolia, was successfully completed. An application for permission to release the weevil will be submitted to the regulatory authorities in due course. Additional host-specificity testing of agents for T. diversifolia has prioritised a leaf-mining moth, Melanocinclis sp. (Cosmopterigidae) for further assessment, while a leaf-feeding plume moth, Hellinsia sp. (Pterophoridae), and a stem-boring moth, Suleima skinnerana (Heinrich) (Tortricidae), were rejected. Investigations to determine the full identity, origin and host range of a leaf-sucking lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae), discovered on T. diversifolia in KZN, LP and MP, are underway. Surveys in climate-matched regions of the Central American native range of the target Tithonia spp. are imperative to identify natural enemies that may be more adaptable to persist across the plants' distribution in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower) is a shrub used for animal feed that has outstanding agronomic and chemical characteristics. Its potential to modify the dynamics of fermentation and improve the supply of nutrients to ruminants has received considerable attention. This study was designed to determine the effect of different genotypes of T. diversifolia on ruminal fermentation and degradation of dry matter (DM), concentration of volatile fatty acids, and production of methane (CH4) when mixed with a low-quality tropical grass, Urochloa brizantha (palisade grass). In a randomised complete block design, mixtures of seven genotypes of T. diversifolia with U. brizantha cv. Marandú were evaluated by using the in vitro gas production technique. The effect of fertilisation was also evaluated for each genotype. Inclusion of T. diversifolia significantly (P < 0.05) increased the supply of nutrients and modified fermentation parameters. DM degradation of biomass after 72 h was greater in the presence of T. diversifolia than for feeds based only on U. brizantha (68.0% vs 63.4%; P < 0.01). CH4 production was lower (P < 0.05) during fermentation with some T. diversifolia genotypes (25.3 vs 27.7 mg CH4 g–1 incubated DM), and the acetic:propionic acid ratio was also lower. Fertilisation of T. diversifolia genotypes increased DM degradation, increased the content of certain nutrients (e.g. crude protein) and modified CH4 production. Therefore, inclusion of T. diversifolia in mixtures based on low-quality tropical grasses such as U. brizantha increases the supply of nutrients (crude protein, minerals, energy) and can modify the products of enteric fermentation, with some genotypes decreasing enteric CH4 emissions. Tithonia diversifolia is a shrub with outstanding agronomic and chemical characteristics for animal feed, and with wide genetic diversity. We evaluated genotypes for potential chemical differences and fermentative behaviour to identify potential improvements to the supply of nutrients in low-quality diets for ruminants. Regardless of genotype, T. diversifolia offers high amount of nutrients, which could increase animal productivity as well as mitigate CH4 emissions, characteristics that will favour its introduction to ruminant systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to characterize the reproductive structure, the production and seed germination of different materials of Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl.) A. Gray, a total of three experiments were performed at different times and five plant materials were evaluated (3, 10, 16, 23, 25). The harvest of ten heads (2018 and 2019) was carried out by means of a random sampling at five points on the diagonal of the field. The evaluated materials constitute the treatments. A completely random design was used for the analysis of the variables diameter (cm) and seed heads weight (g), number and weight (mg) of full and empty seeds and of PGS seed heads-1. To the total number and the germination percentage of seed at different times 3, 5, 7 and 30 days) a simple classification nonparametric analysis of variance was performed. The studied materials showed phenotypic differences in terms of their reproductive structure. The seed heads of material 25 had a higher diameter. Material 16, due to its higher weight, distinguished itself from the rest of the evaluated materials. The waste from the seed heads is approximately 71.18 % of their total weight. The seed production of materials 10, 23 and 25 is very similar with respect to the total number of seeds in the seed heads, as well as the number of empty seeds. However, material 23 showed a lower number of full seeds (P = 0.0005). These results contribute to the knowledge of the reproductive characteristics of each specific material, which will allow the development of future studies related to the gamic seed production strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) infestation results in a substantial reduction in the quantity and deterioration of the quality of stored maize. Most farmers control weevils using conventional pesticides which are usually associated with several human health risks as well as intoxication of the fauna and flora. However, bioinsecticides form an alternative intervention since they possess fewer side effects on human health, are ecofriendly, and are readily available. This study sought to validate and document, in a systematic way, the pesticidal properties of the species Tithonia diversifolia and Vernonia lasiopus used for many years by many people of the world on S. zeamais. The plant leaf samples were obtained from Embu County, Kenya. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate solvents were used to extract active phytochemicals from the dried plant sample powder. The GC-MS analysis of the obtained extracts was performed at ICIPE laboratories to identify their phytochemical compositions. Twenty grams of maize grains were put in 50 ml plastic vials and admixed with different treatments. The positive control group was treated with Actellic Super™, while the negative control was treated with the respective extracting solvent only. The experimental groups were separately treated with the plant leaf extracts at doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100%. After treatment, each of the six groups was infested with 10 male S. zeamais and weevil mortality as a result of contact toxicity of the treatments was assessed at 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the insects were exposed to the extracts. Results of the study indicate that the selected organic leaf extracts of T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus possessed significant contact insecticidal effects that ranged between 1.67 to 99.98%. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis revealed several active biocompounds in T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus extracts, which are known for their considerable insecticidal effects. Our data suggest that the organic leaf extracts of T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus have considerable insecticidal properties and would, therefore, be a valuable bioprotective agent for stored maize grains against S. zeamais. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An antiplasmodial activity-guided isolation was carried out on the dichloromethane extract of Tithonia diversifolia dried leaves. A total of five germacranolide type sesquiterpene lactones and a new flavonol, 3,6-dihydroxy-2-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one, were isolated. The flavonol reported an IC50 above 6.00 µM against the chloroquine sensitive strain, NF54. The antimalarial activity of the Tithonia diversifolia dichloromethane leaf extract was attributed to orizabin and tagitinin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of sunn hemp and Mexican sunflower extracts were evaluated on the development of Meloidogyne incognita on two vegetables, Amaranthus cruentus and Solanum macrocarpon in the screenhouse in 2017. Seedlings of each vegetable were inoculated with 3000 eggs of M. incognita per pot. There were five treatments; sunn hemp and Mexican sunflower extracts at 20 and 40 g leaf tissues/L water for each and a non-treated control. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design in four replications. Data were collected on nematode counts, egg masses, developmental stages and gall-index. Extracts of sunn hemp and Mexican sunflower at 40 g leaf tissues/L water, significantly reduce nematode number, egg mass and gall-index in comparison with plants treated at 20 g leaf tissue/L water and non-treated control plants. Plants treated at lower rate were not different from the non-treated control plants in all parameters measured. The results showed that sunn hemp or Mexican sunflower at 40 g leaf tissue/L could be used in managing nematode pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tithonia diversifolia can be used as an antidiabetic, so it is necessary to study the safety of its use, especially the side effects on the liver and kidneys. This study aimed to determine the effect of using T. diversifolia leaf extract through histomorphometry observations of the liver and kidneys of hyperglycemic albino rats. The study design used a completely randomized design (CRD). This study used 20 male albino rats which were divided into five treatment groups, there were T0 (rat normal/control), T1 (hyperglycemic rat without T. diversifolia leaf extract), T2 (hyperglycemic rat administered with Glibenclamide 10 mg/kg BW), T3 (hyperglycemic rat administered with T. diversifolia leaf extract 150 mg/kg BW), T4 (hyperglycemic rat administered with T. diversifolia leaf extract 300 mg/kg BW). Every treatment was repeated four times. The damage of hepatocyte and the glomerular cell was observed through histological structure observation by histomorphometry method using a photomicrography microscope (Olympus BX51). The results indicate that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the variable of hepatocytes diameter and there was no significant different (P > 0.05) result on glomerular diameter, as well as kidney and liver weight. It was concluded that T. diversifolia leaf extract of 150 mg/kg BW and 300 mg/kg BW are safe to be used as antidiabetic. It does not cause any side effects on the liver and kidneys of hyperglycemic albino rats. Thereby T. diversifolia leaf extract can be further tested as preparation of biopharmaca which can be used as herbal medicines for diabetics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]