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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]

Abstract Background Thermophilic composting is a promising method of sanitizing pathogens in manure and a source of agriculturally important thermostable enzymes and microorganisms from organic wastes. Despite the extensive studies on compost prokaryotes, shifts in microbial profiles under the influence of various green materials and composting days are still not well understood, considering the complexity of the green material sources. Here, the effect of regimens of green composting material on the diversity, abundance, and metabolic capacity of prokaryotic communities in a thermophilic compost environment was examined. Methods Total community 16S rRNA was recovered from triplicate compost samples of Lantana-based, Tithonia-based, Grass-based, and mixed (Lantana + Tithonia + Grass)- based at 21, 42, 63, and 84 days of composting. The 16S rRNA was sequenced using the Illumina Miseq platform. Bioinformatics analysis was done using Divisive Amplicon Denoising Algorithm version 2 (DADA2) R version 4.1 and Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States version 2 (PICRUSt2) pipelines for community structure and metabolic profiles, respectively. In DADA2, prokaryotic classification was done using the Refseq-ribosomal database project (RDP) and SILVA version 138 databases. Results Our results showed apparent differences in prokaryotic community structure for total diversity and abundance within the four compost regimens and composting days. The study showed that the most prevalent phyla during composting included Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria. Additionally, there were differences in the overall diversity of metabolic pathways but no significant differences among the various compost treatments on major metabolic pathways like carbohydrate biosynthesis, carbohydrate degradation, and nitrogen biosynthesis. Conclusion Various sources of green material affect the succession of compost nutrients and prokaryotic communities. The similarity of amounts of nutrients, such as total Nitrogen, at the end of the composting process, despite differences in feedstock material, indicates a significant influence of composting days on the stability of nutrients during composting.

Background: Thermophilic composting is a promising method of sanitizing pathogens in manure and a source of agriculturally important thermostable enzymes and microorganisms from organic wastes. Despite the extensive studies on compost prokaryotes, shifts in microbial profiles under the influence of various green materials and composting days are still not well understood, considering the complexity of the green material sources. Here, the effect of regimens of green composting material on the diversity, abundance, and metabolic capacity of prokaryotic communities in a thermophilic compost environment was examined. Methods: Total community 16S rRNA was recovered from triplicate compost samples of Lantana-based, Tithonia-based, Grass-based, and mixed (Lantana + Tithonia + Grass)- based at 21, 42, 63, and 84 days of composting. The 16S rRNA was sequenced using the Illumina Miseq platform. Bioinformatics analysis was done using Divisive Amplicon Denoising Algorithm version 2 (DADA2) R version 4.1 and Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States version 2 (PICRUSt2) pipelines for community structure and metabolic profiles, respectively. In DADA2, prokaryotic classification was done using the Refseq-ribosomal database project (RDP) and SILVA version 138 databases. Results: Our results showed apparent differences in prokaryotic community structure for total diversity and abundance within the four compost regimens and composting days. The study showed that the most prevalent phyla during composting included Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria. Additionally, there were differences in the overall diversity of metabolic pathways but no significant differences among the various compost treatments on major metabolic pathways like carbohydrate biosynthesis, carbohydrate degradation, and nitrogen biosynthesis. Conclusion: Various sources of green material affect the succession of compost nutrients and prokaryotic communities. The similarity of amounts of nutrients, such as total Nitrogen, at the end of the composting process, despite differences in feedstock material, indicates a significant influence of composting days on the stability of nutrients during composting. [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]

Corn waste, tithonia and cattle manure are three materials that have different characteristics. These charactersitics differences if used together in the composting process will complement each other and potentially produce good compost. This research was conducted to find out how the composting process characteristics by utilizing the three raw materials with different characteristics in a composting process. The composting process was carried out using a berkeley method which was stacked with a layered bioreactor. The decomposition process that occurs involving decompisted bacteria, so the composting process runs aerobically. Aerobic composting corn waste with the addition of tithonia and cattle manure finished in about 4-5 weeks to become a mature compost. The quality of the compost produced is quite good because the content contained in compost fulfills most of the quality standards regulated in SNI 7763: 2018. The addition of tithonia and cattle manure has a positive impact in the process of composting corn plants in terms of duration and good compost.

Background: In this study, we examined the anti-diabetic activity of standardised extracts of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A Gray (T. diversifolia) leaves for their effects on insulin resistance and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number. Methods: T. diversifolia leaves were extracted using an ultrasound-assisted method and standardised using Tagitinin C. There were six groups: i) normal control; ii) diabetic group; iii) metformin group (300 mg/kg) and iv) groups treated with three different doses of extract (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg). Blood samples were taken before and after 28 days of treatment for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin analysis, which were used for a Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) calculation. The soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were harvested after 28 days of treatment for the measurement of mtDNA copy number. Results: The results showed an improvement in blood glucose levels and HOMA-IR scores in all treatment groups. The results of mtDNA copy number analysis also revealed significant improvement with the highest number observed at an extract dose of 100 mg/kg in which the mtDNA copy number increased up to 3 times in the soleus muscles (P < 0.001). Conclusion: T. diversifolia extract has the potential to be used as an anti-diabetic agent that improves insulin resistance, possibly by increasing mtDNA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRAK. Pucuk tebu dan titonia merupakan hijauan alternatif yang dapat digunakan sebagai sumber energi dan sumber protein pada ternak ruminansia, tetapi terkendala dengan adanya kandungan lignin dan zat anti nutrisi. Untuk itu dilakukan penelitian yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi pucuk tebu dan titonia fermentasi terhadap kecernaan fraksi serat (NDF, ADF, selulosa dan hemiselulosa) secara in-vitro. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) dengan 4 perlakuan yaitu A (100% Pucuk Tebu Fermentasi + 0% Titonia Fermentasi), B (75% Pucuk Tebu Fermentasi + 25% Titonia Fermentasi), C (50% Pucuk Tebu Fermentasi + 50% Titonia Fermentasi), dan D (25% Pucuk Tebu Fermentasi + 75% Titonia Fermentasi) dengan 5 ulangan. Pengaruh perlakuan terhadap parameter yang diuji dianalisis menggunakan sidik ragam dan dilanjutkan dengan uji jarak berganda Duncan jika ada perbedaan antar perlakuan. Hasil sidik ragam menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan memberikan pengaruh yang berbeda sangat nyata (P0,01) terhadap kecernaan fraksi serat (NDF, ADF, selulosa dan hemiselulosa). Dari hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa perlakuan C (50% Pucuk Tebu Fermentasi + 50% titonia Fermentasi) memberikan hasil yang terbaik terhadap kecernaan NDF (78,13%), ADF (76,76%), selulosa (80,81%) dan hemiselulosa (81,11 %). (In-vitro digestibility of fiber fractions combination of sugarcane tops and tithonia as ruminant feed) ABSTRACT. Sugarcane tops and tithonia are alternative forages that can be used as an energy source and protein source in ruminants, but are constrained by the presence of lignin and anti nutrients. For this reason, a study was conducted to determine the effect of a combination of fermented sugarcane tops and fermented tithonia on the digestion of the fiber fraction(NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose).The research design used a randomized block design (RBD) with 4 treatments, namely A (100% fermented sugarcane tops and 0% fermented tithonia), B (75% fermented sugarcane tops and 25% fermented tithonia), C (50% fermented sugarcane tops and 50% fermented tithonia), D (25% fermented sugarcane tops and 75% fermented tithonia) with 5 replications. Effect of treatment on parameters tested using analysis of variance and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) if there are differences between treatments. The results of experiments showed that treatments gave a very significant difference (P 0.01) to the in-vitro digestibility of fiber fraction (NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose). From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the treatment C (50% sugarcane tops fermentation and 50% fermented tithonia) gives the best results on the in-vitro digestibility of fiber fraction NDF (78,13%), ADF (76,76%), cellulose (80,81%) and hemicellulose (81,11 %).

The methanolic extract of aerial parts of Tithonia tubaeformis showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH assay. It was subjected to bioassay guided fractionation affording more active ethyl acetate fraction which on further purification led to the isolation and identification of a series of bioactive phenolic compounds having important biosynthetic relationship. Of these, 4-hydroxyphenethyl henicosanoate (tithonoid) is a new compound. Moreover, in the carrageenan induced paw edema test, significant attenuation of inflammation was also produced by the extract at 50-200 mg/kg. The structures of all the constituents were determined through spectroscopic methods. It is the first systematic biological and chemical investigation on T. tubaeformis, which showed that phenolics may play an important role in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the plant, probably through synergism. [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]

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 IC 50 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 G 2 /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.

The decline of soil organic matter (SOM) and its associated fertility is one of the most important constraints to enhanced crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Integrated soil fertility management recognizes the potential benefits of the combined use of organic residue and mineral fertilizer inputs for improved crop yield and SOM build up. However, these benefits may be controlled by residue quality. We examined the short- to long-term C and N dynamics following application of different quality residues with and without N fertilizer in a series of experiments comprising different timescales of measurement in a Kenyan Humic Nitisol. The combined results of these studies indicate that residue quality and fertilizer additions alter short-term C and N mineralization. Combining low quality residue and fertilizer inputs immobilized a greater amount of fertilizer-N than high quality residue. Under field conditions, this reduction in available N induced by the combination of low quality residue and fertilizer reduced environmental N losses and created a positive interactive effect on crop N uptake. While input management manipulated short-term nutrient dynamics, it did not influence long-term SOM stabilization. The input of residue, regardless of quality, contributed to long-term soil fertility improvement. In conclusion, organic residue quality can be manipulated to optimize short-term nutrient dynamics while still conferring the same benefits to long-term SOM contents.

Erosion and landslides that occur in volcanic areas of Indonesia are crucial problems that cannot be overcome completely. This study was designed to determine the ability of different plant types to reduce water runoff and soil erosion and improve soil physical properties. Soil samples were taken from landslideprone areas in Patamuan, West Sumatra. Plots created from steel plates of 1.5 x 0.5 x 0.3 m in dimension and set at 22° angle, were placed in the greenhouse and a rain simulator was used to irrigate the plots. The experiment was a completely randomised design with three replications. The plant types were Tithonia shrub, vetiver, king grass and Napier grass. Results showed that runoff and soil erosion were reduced from 93 to 74 liter/m2, and from 1.03 to 0.17 kg/m2, respectively. Planting Tithonia decreased runoff while Napier grass reduced soil erosion. Soil moisture content at field capacity increased from 14% to 20%, and macropores from 31% to 41%; however there was a decrease in micropores from 17.5% to 14%. King grass increased root density (RD) and root area ratio (RAR), but reduced the relative soil particle detachment rate (RSD). King grass and vetiver had a positive impact on reducing both runoff and soil erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter contributes in maintaining soil fertility in agriculture. Green leaf biomasses of Gliricidia sepium and Tithonia diversifolia are high in plant nutrients and recognized as potential green manure sources for many crops. In a field experiment carried out in a coconut plantation with Reddish Brown Latosolic soil, two green manure crops were grown to study their abilities and establishment in coconut avenues and to evaluate their effect on nut yield. In situ green manuring, especially with legumes, had the most beneficial effect on soil improvement. The use of green biomass alone has improved soil properties. The biomasses of Gliricidia and Tithonia decomposed rapidly after application to the soil, and incorporated biomass would be an effective source of N, P and K for crops. Results showed that, coconut yields were significantly increased with the incorporation of green biomass of Gliricidia and Tithonia than with commercial inorganic fertilizer application. Mean nut yield for five years in the green manure applied plots was (37-46%) significantly (P < 0.05) higher, compared to that of the inorganic fertilizer applied plots towards the latter part of the experiment. Addition of green manure has significantly (P < 0.05) improved the soil parameters i.e. soil N (by 75%), organic C content (by 86%) and soil microbial activity (by 52%). Soil bulk density has been reduced by 20% which enhances the root growth. The improvement of soil moisture content by 92% is of great importance for coconut in withstanding the frequent dry spells which are on increasing trend with the present climatic change situations. There was no significant effect of green manures on soil pH and P but P content was improved with the use of green biomasses of Gliricidia and Tithonia.

One of the potential soil to increase food production in Indonesia is Ultisols but having problems in abiotic stresses especially high exchangeable Aluminum (Aldd) and low pH. This study aimed to determine the effect of Tithonia diversifolia biomass and lactic acid bacteria to increase soil phosphor, reduce aluminum toxicity and promote maize plant growth in Ultisol. Experimental design was completely ramdomized design with 3 factors such as the addition of lactic acid bacteria in the carrier, compost biomass of Tithonia diversifolia and phosphor fertilizer. Application of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Tithonia and P fertilizers simultaneously increasing maize plant growth and reduce Aldd especially on a month after application.

Background: Many alien plant species, such as Tithonia diversifolia, T. rotundifolia and T. tubaeformis, have been introduced to areas outside of their natural distribution range to provide benefits, but have subsequently become invasive, threatening biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the current distribution and dates of introduction of invasive Tithonia species in eastern and southern Africa and to document the effects of T. diversifolia on rural livelihoods in Zambia. Method: Roadside surveys, and other sources of information, were used to determine the distribution of invasive Tithonia species in eastern and southern Africa. Household interviews were conducted to gauge perceptions and understand the impacts of T. diversifolia on local livelihoods in Zambia’s Copperbelt province. Results: Tithonia diversifolia is widespread in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi and parts of Zambia but less so in Zimbabwe. Tithonia rotundifolia was comparatively uncommon in eastern Africa but common in some southern African countries, while T. tubaeformis was invasive in Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and possibly also Zimbabwe. According to the majority of respondents in Zambia, T. diversifolia has negative impacts on native vegetation, mobility or access, water availability, crop yields and animal health. Conclusion: Invasive Tithonia species are widespread and spreading throughout much of Africa. Livelihood and biodiversity costs have not been considered by those actively promoting the use and further dissemination of T. diversifolia. We therefore recommend that detailed cost–benefit studies should be undertaken to support informed decisions on the future management of these species.

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The study was conducted to determine the effect of green biomass of Parkia biglobosa and Tithonia diversifolia on growth, yield and vitamin C content of radish (Raphnus sativus L.). The potential of T. diversifolia as green manure has been discovered by a number of researchers while there is paucity of information and research work on the potentials of P. biglobosa in supplying crop nutrients despite the numerous nutrient compositions contained in the leaves. Both P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia are capable of providing adequate biomass for crop growth and sustainability. The contribution of 10 tonnes ha−1 tithonia to the growth and yield of radish was comparable to that of NPK while the potentials of parkia at all rates was not fully expressed in the growth and yield due to its slow mineralisation. Combination of varying levels of P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia also contributed to the growth and yield of radish though the effects were not significant. It can therefore be concluded that the use of T. diversifolia at 10 tonnes ha−1 as organic manure is sufficient for the cultivation of radish as it performed similar to application of 200 kg ha−1 NPK fertilizer and based on the fact that it is readily available and eco-friendly compared to NPK that is costly and may have adverse effect on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titonia coraz częściej uprawiana jest na terenie Polski jako roślina dekoracyjna, głównie na rabatach w nasadzeniach miejskich, ale także w ogrodach działkowych i przydomowych. Celem badań była ocena walorów dekoracyjnych i zdrowotności T. rotundifolia w nasadzeniach miejskich. Oceniano wzrost roślin, przebieg kwitnienia oraz walory dekoracyjne. Następnie badano zbiorowiska grzybów wyizolowane z korzeni, podstawy pędu i liści titonii uprawianych w gruncie na dwóch stanowiskach: w Ogrodzie Botanicznym UMCS w Lublinie oraz w ROD „Elizówka”. Badania nad zdrowotnością roślin prowadzono jesienią 2014 r. Określano rodzaj występujących objawów chorobowych oraz procent chorych roślin. Grzyby ujawniono w następstwie inkubowania powierzchniowo zdezynfekowanego materiału roślinnego w szalkach Petriego z agarową pożywką mineralną. Stwierdzono, w wyniku analizy wyrosłych kolonii, że w badanych warunkach glebowych i klimatycznych Polski najliczniej występowały grzyby Alternaria alternata i Botrytis cinerea i mogą one w przyszłości stanowić największe zagrożenie dla roślin T. rotundifolia.

Lagochile emarginata (Gyllenhal): morphology of immature and imago, and biological records (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae). The last larval instar and pupa of Lagochile emarginata are described. Pupa of the genus Lagochile Hoffmannsegg, 1817 is described for the first time. Redescription of the imago, clarifications on the morphology of immature Scarabaeoidea and biological notes are presented.