Baya BOUCENNA-MOUZALI, Tassadit AZOUAOUI-AIT KETTOUT, Fatma RAHMANIA

Abstract. This paper investigates the components of resistance mechanisms of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (F.o.a.) using biochemical parameters of the root cell wall of two cultivars, one susceptible, Deglet Nour (DN), and one resistant, Takerbucht (TK). The spectrophotometric analysis of lignins, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and guaiacol peroxidase (POX) activity strongly implicate phenylpropanoid metabolism in the resistance mechanisms of date palms against F.o.a. were assessed. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that phydroxybenzoic acid and benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis (1,1 -dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-) octadecyl ester, also known as octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoate, were the main phenolic compounds detected. These results allow us to identify biochemical traits that characterise the cell wall structure of the resistant cultivar, thus contributing to a better understanding of the interaction processes in this pathogen system and revealing the essential role of the cell wall in bayoud resistance.

Key words: date palm; lignin; phenylalanine ammonia lyase; guaiacol peroxidase; cell wall-bound phenolic compounds.




Nacera BENOUSSAID, Carol VERHEECKE-VAESSEN, Noureddine BOURAS, Atika MEKLAT

Abstract. A thermophilic actinobacterium strain designated NT-T1, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample by the agar plate dilution method using chitin-vitamin agar supplemented with cycloheximide and nalidixic acid. The taxonomic status of this strain was determined using a polyphasic approach. Optimal growth was found to occur at 40-65°C, pH 6-7, and in the presence of 0-5% (w/v) NaCl. Strain NT-T1 shows a greyish aerial mycelium with chains of spores of the spiralis and rectiflexible types. Melanin pigments were not produced. The strain NT-T1 contains LL-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. The whole-cell hydrolysate shows the strain does not contain taxonomically important sugars in its cell wall. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylethanolamine. The dominant fatty acid was iso-C15:0 (65.93%). Strain NT-T1 was able to use the majority of the tested sugars and other organic compounds for its growth. The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain NT-T1 are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Streptomyces. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequence revealed similarities between NT-T1 and other members of the genus Streptomyces. The most closely related species, the strain Streptomyces thermovulgaris NRRL B-12375T and S. thermogriseus NBRC 100772T, showed a similarity level of 100% with NT-T1. NT-T1 exhibited good antifungal activity against Fusarium culmorum.

Key words: Saharan soil; Thermophilic actinobacteria; Streptomyces; Taxonomy; antimicrobial activities.




Vira HORBAN, Olena NADKERNYCHNA, Hanna TSEKHMISTER, Evgeniy KOPILOV, Anna KYSLYNSKA

Abstract. The functioning of nodule bacteria/legumes symbiotic system significantly depends on some edaphic factors (pH level, soil moisture and temperature) as well as rhizosphere microbiota and saprophytic fungi being its important component. The new strain of saprophytic fungus Gliocladium sp. 278 was isolated from washed roots of white lupine, which is a traditional culture for Ukrainian Polissya. The Gliocladium fungi in lupins roots amounted to 49.0% of the total fungi content. The influence of Gliocladium sp. 278 on white lupine was investigate in pot experiments. The experimental plants, which growing on soil with Gliocladium sp. 278, were oppressed. Thus, their height decreased on 12.0%, the dry mass of sprout on 20.7%, the dry root mass on 25.6%. Without affecting the nodule mass accumulation, Gliocladium sp. 278 oppressed N2-fixing activities in 1.4-2.2 times. As the results of electron microscopy indicated, it took place an early aging of cells in tissue of nodules of white lupine and bacteriodes form were changed.

Key words: bacteroides; Bradyrhizobium lupini; Gliocladium; lupine; nodules; symbiotic system.




Asmaa GUESSAB, Fatiha LAZREG, Mouffok ELOUISSI, Abdelkader ELOUISSI, Zinedinne DAIKH

Abstract. The olive psylla Euphyllura olivina (Costa) is an economic olive pest in its native regions that attacks its various organs of olive. In this study, we were carried out in order to determine the insecticidal potential of Thymus vulgaris, Satureja calamintha nepeta, and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils. The contact effect of the three essential oils against the 4th and 5th larval stage of the olive psylla was investigated. While the oils of S. calamintha nepeta, and E. globulus essential oils showed the same strong insecticidal activity against E. olivina (LD50 = 0.13% and 0.15%, respectively), the oil of T. vulgaris revealed poor activity against the insect (LD50 = 0.28%). The components of the essential oils were obtained and identified. Chromatographic analysis (GC-MS) of S. calamintha nepeta essential oil demonstrated that Pulegone (38.75%) is the main constituent. And as for the E. globulus the highest components were Alpha-pinene (22.76%). And the main components of the T. vulgaris essential oil were determined as Carvacrol (43.30%).

Key words: Euphyllura olivina; larvicidal activity; biocontrol; essential oil.




Fatma CHEHRIT-HACID, Rabéa GACEB-TERRAK, Nouara AOUICI, Safia KANOUN

Abstract. The regions of the Mediterranean basin are not only exposed to environmental factors such as drought and sunshine aggravated by climate change but also to pollution of various kinds due to enthropological activities of all kinds. At service stations, there are various sources of fuel release to the environment such as releases from the vent pipes of storage tanks. Therefore, forest areas are subject to degradation. The objective of this work is to study the growth response of Pistacia lentiscus to water stress and hydrocarbon pollution. Two batches of fruit were harvested in Redjawna (Tizi ouzou) and Ifigha (Azazga); the first lot was used for the study of water stress while the second was used for the study of the effect of oil pollution. Soil used for the study of water stress was collected at redjaoua in the rhyzospheric region of P. lentiscus and the polluted soil was collected at the service station under the vent. The results show that P. lentiscus seedlings present high survival rate both under water stress and under soil pollution with hydrocarbons. However, the growth parameters were significantly reduced under the effect of the two types of stress: at the end of the treatment, seedling heights were 34 and 21 cm in well-watered and unwatered conditions respectively while shoot and root biomass were decreased 39.70 and 18% respectively. Under stress due hydrocarbon pollution, the shoot heights and aerial biomass were reduced by 72 and 86% while root length and root biomass were reduced by only 46 and 67% respectively. Although the growth parameters have been significantly reduced under the effect of drought and hydrocarbon pollution, the survival rate of P. lentiscus being high, this species could be considered in programs for the rehabilitation of degraded land.

Key words: Pistacia lentiscus; hydric stress; Growth Traits; RWC; hydrocarbon pollution





Svetlana BOORTSEVA, Maxim BYRSA, Tamara SIRBU, Valerina SLANINA, Victoria CEBOTARI

Abstract. The paper deals with the research results of studies of antimicrobial activity of actinobacteria isolated from water column and biofilm of the lake system La Izvor (Republic of Moldova). Antimicrobial activity of 34 strains of actinobacteria (Actinomadura, Actinoplanes, Frankia, Geodermatophilus, Micromonospora, Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Streptomyces) was determined by the disk diffusion method, as test cultures served pathogenic bacteria and fungi which are common on territory of Republic of Moldova and cause diseases of crops. According to results of antibacterial activity, the diameter of growth inhibition zones varied from 9.0 to 16.3 mm (active strains are represented by genera Streptomyces and Micromonospora). The best results of antifungal activity were noted by strains of genera Actinomadura, Actinoplanes, Micromonospora, and Streptomyces. Diameter of growth inhibition zones of such phytopathogenic fungi as Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium solani varied within 20.7-24.0 mm. New strains of Actinoplanes, Actinomadura, Micromonospora, and Streptomyces will replenish the National Collection of Non-pathogenic Microorganisms of the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology.

Keywords: actinobacteria; water column; biofilm; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity.




Kavita RANI, Vivek SINGH, Kuldeep YADAV, Jitender SHARMA, Narender SINGH

Abstract. Green production of nanoparticles using plant extracts is an intriguing field of study that has the potential to serve as an alternative to the hazardous chemical synthesis processes. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared utilizing aqueous extracts of the mature leaves (PAgNPs) and seedling leaf derived callus (CAgNPs) of Viola canescens Wall. ex Roxb. Callus growth was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2.0 mg/L) and BAP (0.5 mg/L) was harvested and used for biogenic synthesis of AgNPs. The UV–visible spectra of leaf and callus mediated AgNPs revealed the SPR absorption band at 424.8 nm and 437 nm, respectively. The biochemical interaction and crystalline nature of the AgNPs were evaluated by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The surface morphology and composition of both the samples were confirmed by HRTEM and EDS analyses. The average particle size as calculated from HR-TEM histogram study of both CAgNPs and PAgNPs was found 9.15 nm and 13.9 nm, respectively. The synthesized AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The inhibition zone of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria reflected the broad spectrum antibacterial properties of AgNPs. Callus mediated AgNPs showed better antibacterial results with 30±0.90 mm inhibition zone. The protocol of antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles generated from V. canescens plant and callus extracts is a very important aspect in technological point of view in having applications in the biomedical field and deserves to be recognized.

Keywords: antimicrobial activity; callus; FTIR; silver nanoparticles; TEM; Viola canescens; XRD.




Rameshwar GROACH, Kuldeep YADAV, Narender SINGH

Abstract. Saussurea lappa (Decne.) Clarke (Asteraceae) is a well-known traditional medicinal herb in India and is enlisted in Appendix – I of CITES (Endangered Plant List). An efficient regeneration protocol through indirect organogenesis from leaf explants of S. lappa has been developed. Mature and cotyledonary leaf explants were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose and 0.8% (w/v) agar supplemented with various concentrations of auxins and cytokinins individually or in different combinations. Maximum callus induction (100%) with best visual growth was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2.0 mg/L) and BAP (2.0 mg/L). The appearance of the callus varied depending upon the combinations and concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) used. The highest shoot regeneration percentage (66.66%) with maximum number of shoots (4.9 shoots/explant) were obtained on MS medium containing BAP (3.0 mg/L) and NAA (0.10 mg/L). MS half strength media with NAA (0.5 mg/L) resulted in highest rooting percentage (85%) followed by IAA (0.5 mg/L). After acclimatization, plantlets grew normally under greenhouse and field conditions. This protocol could be used for rapid mass production, germplasm conservation and provides a basis for genetic improvement of S. lappa.

Keywords: Saussurea lappa; endangered; in vitro; indirect regeneration




Angela Chika UDEBUANI, Sixtus Ike ONYEMERENECHE, Priscilla Nkeonye ABARA, Ogochukwu Chidinma UKACHUKWU, Henry Uzoma ANUFORO

Abstract. There is need for more records that aim to expose the effect of spent engine oil (SEO) on crop production. Hence using molecular and biotechnological methods, the genotoxic effect of spent engine oil – polluted soil on soybean (Glycine max) is documented here. Four kilograms (4 kg) of soil obtained at a depth of 1 – 20 cm from agricultural farmland was polluted with different concentrations (4 %, 6 % and 8 %) of spent engine oil, then planted with 4 seeds of Glycine max for 21 days. Results indicate a reduction in pH level of polluted soil to 5.43  0.02, 5.38  0.02 and 5.13  0.02 in 4 %, 6 %, and 8 % SEO polluted soil samples respectively, when compared with 6.55  0.20 in control (unpolluted) soil. The mineral components, THC, SOC, organic matter, and the concentration of potentially toxic metals (in the order Pb>Fe>Mn>Cd>Cr) were higher in the polluted soils. The G. max planted on polluted soil also experienced reduced growth factors, including leaf number, plant height, change in leaf colour from green to yellow, and mortality (only observed in 8 %). The molecular analysis indicated an increase of G max chromosomal breaks, shown by higher number of DNA bands, which reduced in quantity and purity relative to increasing level of dicharge of SEO. This result suggests a possible compromise of the plant DNA and function by SEO; thus indiscriminately discharging this pollutant in the environment portends a genotoxic effect on legumes and crop production.

Key words: Genotoxicity; lubricant; potentially toxic metals; DNA bands; soil pollution.




Houshang NOSRATI, Nasrin ABDOLLAHPOUR

Abstract. It is generally thought that stressful environments e.g. salinity and doughtiness can trigger polyploid formation in plants and that frequency of polyploids is higher under these environments, and consequently polyploids have higher geographical distribution ranges in harsh environments. We studied the frequency of polyploids in natural diploid populations of Aeluropus littoralis (Poaceae) in regions having soils of high salinity using somatic metaphase of root tip. Moreover, the variations of some chromosomal parameters such as whole chromosomes lengths, relative chromosomal lengths (e.g. large/short arm (q/p) and short arm/whole length (p/wl) ratios) were analyzed among different karyotypes to determine the stable chromosomal parameters. The eight out of total 100 plants (8%) sampled from two populations were tetraploids with 2n=4×=40, while the rest (92%) were diploids with 2n=2×=20. The absolute whole chromosomes lengths was significantly different among tetraploids (P < 0.0002), but not relative chromosomal lengths (q/p: P > 0.21963; p/wl: P > 0.664). The study showed that environmental stresses e.g. soil salinity may trigger polyploid formation in plants, and that polyploidy is ongoing process in Aeluropus evolution. The results also indicated that the values of relative chromosomal lengths are reliable criteria than absolute chromosome size, and that to detect ploidy in any diploid populations of plant species it is necessary to sample higher number of plants.

Key words: Aeluropus littoralis; chromosome size; environmental stresses; karyotype; polyploidy.




Cristina STANCĂ-MOISE, Ionuț-George DIACONEASA

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to identify useful and harmful insect species collected using soil traps, during the year 2021 from a household in Cristian village, Sibiu County. The 11 traps were placed in different corp pannts and during a vegetation season 58 species of insects from 31 families and seven orders (Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Dermaptera and Hemiptera) were captured, conserved, and determined, totaling 634 specimens. The dominant species belong to the order Coleoptera, of which 34 species were inventoried, which represented 58.62% of the total species collected. The useful species within the analyzed ecosystems represented 73.4%, being the mots abundant ones and having the highest share, while the identified harmful species represented only 26.6%. The captured harmful insects are specific to agricultural crops and were represented by: Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, 1824; Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa Linnaeus 1758; Chrysochraon dispar Germar, 1834; Melolontha melolontha Fabricius, 1775; Gomphocerippus rufus Linnaeus, 1758; Hylobius abietis Linnaeus, 1758; Forficula auricularia Linnaeus, 1758; Cetonia aurata Linnaeus, 1758.

Key words: epigean insects; useful fauna; harmful fauna; ecosystems.




Simran NATHWANI, Brinda VAISHNANI, Trusha BARAIYA, Jitendriya PANIGRAHI

Abstract. Chromium (Cr) is a highly toxic, heavy, non-essential metal and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a total chromium concentration of 0.05 mg/L. One way to remove heavy metals (HM) from contaminated sites is to use plants that can accumulate HM and are relatively tolerant of it. Mungbean Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek may be used as a bioindicator to assess Cr toxicity due to its response to Cr stress. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of chromium and sodium chloride salt stress on mungbean growth, relative water content, amino acid, soluble sugar, proline, phenol, chloroplastic pigment, and antioxidant response. In combination with salt treatment, 15 µM metal plus 25000 µM salt, 25 µM metal plus 25000 µM salt, and 35 µM metal plus 25000 µM salt were applied to “Gujarat Anand Mungbean-5” mung bean seedlings. A hydroponic growth medium was used in this experiment to test the tolerance mechanism of V. radiata to single and combined stresses of Cr and NaCl. Under salt and Cr stress conditions, plant growth parameters decreased, indicating that plants required more energy for absorbing nutrients, maintaining water, and synthesizing and transporting organic compounds for osmotic balance. V. radiata is further able to tolerate salt by reducing the uptake of Cr, as well as avoiding Cr toxicity. It appears that the Gujarat Anand Mungbean-5 variety of mung beans has the pivotal salt and chromium tolerant capacity.

Keywords: chromium; mung bean; metal toxicity; salt; Vigna radiata.




Ahmed NOUASRI, Aicha KSOURI, Soumia MERAH, Hafitha METIDJI, Soumeya KRIMAT

Abstract. Our research is focused on the two sub-spices of Cichorium intybus L. (ssp. eu-intybus and ssp. pumilum) collected from Algeria, by phytochemical study including measurement of the total content of phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC), identifying phenolic profiles and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aqueous (infusion and decoction) extracts. Four extracts were obtained. Some phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified as ferulic acid, quercetin, and naringenin. The quantification of phenolic compounds shows lower contents for the two components estimated, where the decoction of ssp. pumilum are the extract with higher phenolic contents. The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extracts of the two sub-species was lower than of the standards used (Levofloxacin and nystatin), and the activity was moderate against Gram +, Gram- and fungal strains tested. The decoction of ssp. pumilum was the most active extract with zones of inhibitions varying from 6.33 ± 0.58 to 14.67 ± 0.58 mm. C. albicans was more resistant. The CMI of the majority of extracts were greater than 25 mg/mL. This study demonstrates that different aqueous extracts from C. intybus ssp. eu-intybus and C. intybus ssp. pumilum of aerial parts from Algeria are different in their properties (contents and profiles), and their antimicrobial activity is moderate witch, incite us, to see with others biological activity.

Key words: Cichorium intybus L.; aqueous extract; phytochemical study; antimicrobial activity.




Irina Neta GOSTIN, Gențiana Mihaela Iulia PREDAN

Abstract. In this paper leaf structure of 4 Taxus species and varieties (Taxus baccata, T. baccata var. fastigiata, T. brevifolia, Taxus cuspidata) was investigated. Histological and micromorphological studies were carried out by light and scanning electron microscopy. From the histo-anatomical point of view, the leaf shows a general structural pattern with palisade and spongy parenchyma. This is common to all investigated taxa with quantitative variations. The stomata are located only in the lower epidermis (hypostomatic leaves), being disposed on 2 bands, with different widths, on one side and the other of the midrib. The papillae of the cells from the lower epidermis are also visible next to the median rib, with the exception of the species T. brevifolia. The palisade parenchyma is bilayered, with short cells. The structural characters of the leaves have taxonomical significance.The importance of the structural features of the leaf in the adaptation of the species to the living environment were emphasized.

Key words: anatomy; epidermis; papillae; palisade parenchyma; micromorpgology; leaf; Taxus.