Cristina STANCă-MOISE

Abstract. This paper presents a continuation of previous research published in 2023, which aimed to study the biology, ecology and ethology of the oak lace bug (OLB) Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) in the climatic conditions of the city of Sibiu, Romania. The objective of this paper is to continue the research carried out in previous years (2021-2023), the study being based on field observations carried out in the 18 monitoring points of the attacked trees and on the data provided by the Sibiu Forestry Department on the status of the spread of the invasive species C. arcuta in Sibiu county (Romania) in 2023. The insect was reported for the first time in the city of Sibiu in 2021, and in the period 2021-2023 it spread in all urban forest ecosystems, including public parks, green spaces in city districts and the Dumbrava Sibiului Forest (Romania). From 2023 onwards, it was also reported in forest ecosystems in Sibiu County, in the following forestry offices: Tarnava, Seica Mare, Medias, Saliste, Sibiu, Agnita, Darlos, Miercurea Sibiului, Poplaca. Through these surveys, it was possible to identify the rate of spread of the species in the city and county of Sibiu, in the context of climatic conditions in 2023. The detection and spread of the attack of this species in all urban ecosystems where oaks tree (Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea L.) are found in the city of Sibiu, but also in all 8 forestry offices in Sibiu County, demonstrates the danger of infestation in the future of an increasing area of oak and sessile oak.

Key words: invasive species; oak lace bug; distribution; damages; Sibiu; Romania.




Petru BURESCU, Iosif Constantin MATEş

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to describe for the first time from a floristic, phytosociological, ecological, syndamic and ecoprotective perspective the phytocoenoses of the association Scheuchzerio palustris-Sphagnetum cuspidati nomen nudum, provisional nomen (Zólyomi, 1943) [40] ex Burescu et Mateş, 2024. In order to achieve the proposed goal and objectives, in the timeframe 2020-2021 we carried out 12 phytocoenological surveys in the most representative phytocoenoses of the oligotrophic peatlands in the Gilău, Muntele Mare and Bihor mountains. The distinct floristic and ecological individuality of the studied phytocoenoses requires separation thereof in the association Scheuchzerio palustris-Sphagnetum cuspidati nomen nudum (Zólyomi 1943) [40] ex Burescu et Mateş, 2024 with Scheuchzeria palustris and Sphagnum cuspidatum as characteristic and dominant species. The ecological analysis of species by bioform categories shows the dominance of bryophytes closely followed by hemicryptophytes, geophytes and chamaephytes. Composition by categories of phytogeographical elements highlights the dominance of circumpolar-boreal species followed by circumpolar, circumpolar-arctic-alpin and arctic-alpine species. The analysis by ecological categories of soil moisture, air temperature and chemical reaction of the soil highlights the hygrophilic, microthermal and strongly acidophilic nature of the phytocoenoses as an expression of the adaptation of the species to a habitat characterized by a cold microclimate, excess of humidity and a strongly acidic reaction of the soil and water of the oligotrophic marshes (mires) of the Apuseni Mountains.

Key words: phytocoenosis; association; provisional nomen; emendavit.




Toochukwu Ekwutosi OGBULIE, Chidimma Alvana UNEGBU, Nnenna Nnannaya OTI

Abstract. Many indigenous bacteria have been reported to be capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in soil because of their diverse metabolic capabilities. This study focused on isolation, identification and plasmid analysis of the bacterial isolates from crude oil polluted soil using culture- based methods and molecular methods. It was observed generally that polluted soil showed more viable count of bacterial colonies than unpolluted soil. The total viable count was highest in H3D1 sample (> 6.0 × 1010 CFU/g) and lowest in the control sample (< 2.0 × 1010 CFU/g). Samples collected at depth 30 cm showed an overall low level of total viable count compared to the other depths. The bacterial species isolated are from the genera; Bacillus, Brochothrix, Lactobacillus, Microbacterium, Corynebacterium, Arcanobacterium, Actinomyces, Arthrobacter, Paenibacillus, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Pectobacterium. All the isolates identified showed the presence of bands measuring from 12000 bp to 6000 bp except Bacillus lichenformis which showed no band. This study showed that many indigenous bacteria are capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants and the ability to degrade a pollutant is dependent on presence of plasmid bearing genes coding for pollutant degradation.

Key words: bacteria; contaminant; petroleum hydrocarbon; pollution.




Asmaa BENAISSA, Merdia BESTAMI, Kheira FELLAN, Rokaia BENMALEK

Abstract. Phytobeneficial rhizobacteria can be involved in biocontrol through a process known as antagonistic phenomena, which entails the trophic competition and production of inhibitory compounds. The aim of this study is to assess the antagonistic effect of five Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria of the genus Bacillus (PGPR-Bacillus) isolated from previous study (coded RP) on four reference strains (Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27813). Direct confrontation, extraction of bioactive substances and competition techniques were used. The direct confrontation method showed an inhibitory effect of PGPR-Bacillus strains characterized by the growth slowing of tested ATCC strains. In addition, PGPR inhibitory constituents production whether constitutive, inducible or volatile were noted on three reference strains. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27813 was the most sensitive to all RP extracts in contrary to Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Furthermore, PR5: Bacillus cereus ethyl-acetat extract was the most effective one with the largest inhibitory zone (15.00 ± 4.33 mm). This survey was able to show a very strong antibacterial and antifungal activity and described some important antagonistics mechanisms that PGPR-Bacillus could manifest for biological control purposes.

Key words: PGPR; Bacillus; antagonism; biocontrol; ATCC strains.




El-Sayed Hussein El-Sayed ZIEDAN

Abstract: Essential oils (EOs) are widely acceptable in cooking, medical, and food industrial products, because its low residual, low toxicity on humans, animals and plants. EOs are more attractive as antifungal at low concentrations against major plant pathogens than synthetic chemical fungicides for management postharvest diseases incidence on banana fruits during storage, transportation and marketing i.e., crown rot, anthracnose, neck rot and finger end rot . In vitro, EOs of cinnammon, clove, lemongrass, thyme, black seed, basil, tea tree and other oils at (1.0%) were effective for inhibition growth of fungal pathogens causing postharvest rots on banana fruit of various fungal genera such as Fusarium species, Colletotrichum species, Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Aspergillus tamarii. Different application methods of EOs can be used for controlling postharvest diseases incidence of banana fruits, such as fumigation, spray, dusting and soaking, with the high efficacy of soaking banana fruits in the essential oil suspensions by the rate (2-5%) for 10 minutes. The most antifungal mechanisms of (EOs) on fungi causing postharvest are inhibition synthetic of cell wall, increasing permeability of plasma membranes, morphological changes in cell originals, deterioration of cytoplasm contents, disrupt cell structure and death the cell. In addition, inhibition development mycelium, conidia production and conidial germination and also, inhibition formation of appressoria during invasion process as well as, inhibition the activities cell wall degrading enzymes of cellulose and pectineases during fungal infection of plant tissue. Furthermore, the synergistic antifungal effect of EOs with edible agents or modified atmosphere such as, EOs of lemongrass or citral in combined treatments with sodium carbonate, cinnamon oil or clove EOs in combination with modified atmosphere, cinnamon oil in combination with Arabic gum by the rate (0.4%-10%) respectively and the combination of clove oil and agar agar by the rate (2% - 0.02%). Moreover, application of nanoemulsions of tea tree oil in combination with sodium alginate, were highly effective for suppressive postharvest diseases on banana fruits, increasing shelf life of banana fruits and maintenance marketable characters. The future investigation the development EOs and their effective chemical components in encapsulation of micro- and nano formulations for increasing their efficacy for a long time, by slow release to loss degradation and evaporation after application. So, this review aims to focusing of applicable of EOs and their biological active components as well as development its in formulations as eco- friendly green fungicides for management postharvest fungal diseases on banana fruits.

Key words: banana; fruit; essential oils (EOs); fungi; postharvest; management




Moataza Mahmoud SAAD, El-Sayed Hussein El-Sayed ZIEDAN, Ahmed Farahat SAHAB, Abdel-Tawab Halim MOSSA, Ahmed Aburhia EL-KAFRAWY

Abstract: Fusarium root rot disease of cucumber plant is the most epidemic fungal diseases causing significantly losses of plants during growing in greenhouses. Crude and nanoemulsion formulations of some essential oils of clove, black seed, lemon and orange at (5000 ppm) were tested against mycelial linear growth of root rot fungi, Fusarium oxysporum (MG018778) and Fusarium solani (MG018781), count of conidia and pathological activity on cucumber germinated seeds and seedlimgs. Essential oils nanoemulsions of clove / black seed (2:1) at (5000 ppm) was the best formulation, significantly reduced mycelia linear growth of both fungal isolates, completely suppress production of conidia spores, reduced seed rotten and seedling mortality of the Fusarium fungus was not isolated from cucumber plants with root rot disease. Application of nanoemulsion formulation of clove / black seeds (2:1) by the rate 1% as a soil drench of cucumber plants before and after cultivation in plastic greenhouses were significantly reduced Fusarium root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani on cucumber plants under natural infestation than the systemic fungicide (Topsin M-70). No phytotoxicity of nanoemulsion formulation on cucumber plants as soil amendment by 200 mL/ plant up to (2.5%). So, results indicate that nanoemulsion formulations may be use as eco-friendly alternative fungicides for controlling root rot and wilt diseases causing by soil borne pathogenic fungi of Fusarium spp. on cucumber plants.

Key words: cucumber; Fusarium; nanoemulsion; oils; management.




Tetiana IVANOVA, Mykola PATYKA

Abstract. The aim of experiment was to determine the taxonomic position of dominant microorganisms in the fruit body of mushroom of the representatives of the genera Stenotrophomonas based on phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene. Identification the bacteria they used the analysis of the nucleotide sequence of 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the suspension of bacterial cells using GeneJet Genomic DNA Purification Kit (Thermo Scientific) according to the protocols of the manufacturer. Amplification of the 16S rRNA gene was performed with primers 27F (5’- AGAGTTTGATCCTGGCTCAG-3’), 1492R (5’-GGTTACCTTGTTACGACTT-3’). The taxonomic position is determined by dominant microorganisms in the mushroom based on phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene. The nucleotide sequence of a fragment of the gene 16S rRNA of the mentioned above strains was registered in the international database GenBank (NCBI) with number TI-2019 (1). Obtained amplicon in size of ~1500 BP. The purified PСК-product was sequenced in two directions using a set of reagents «BigDye Terminator v 3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit». Analysis of the isolated strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia or the similarity of the nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA gene revealed 99% similarity with sequences of typical representatives of the species concerned. Promising strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can be successfully introduced in the metagenome of aboriginal groups of the substations as biological agents of microbial preparations. They can provide metabolic functions of biological systems of the Agaricus bisporus, and be practically valuable agents of bioprotector action, induction of systemic resistance of plants against bacterial pathogens.

Key words: sequencing; 16S rRNA; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; phylogenetic identification.




Samia BENLAHRECH, Lilya BOUCELHA, Amina CHERCHALI, Réda DJEBBAR, Sidi Mohamed OUNANE

Abstract. The study aimed to characterize the culturable endophytic bacteria present in cowpea nodules (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)). Five endophytic non-rhizobial isolates (SVU1, SVU3, SVU9, SUV15, and SUV18) were isolated from the root nodules of cowpea. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolates belonged to the genus Paenibacillus, Serratia, Microbacterium, Bacillus and Lysinibacillus. Unlike rhizobia, all five isolates absorbed Congo Red contained in the Yeast Mannitol Extract medium. The nitrate reductase test was positive for all strains except SVU18and all strains utilized, mannitol, inositol and sucrose as substrates. The oxidase reductase test was negative. The results indicated that the root nodules of the legume could host a diverse endophytic community associated with cowpea, representing the first report of endophytic bacteria from Algerian cowpea nodules. These findings shed light on a part of the diversity of non-rhizobial within the cowpea nodules. The findings about the nifH gene showed that these bacteria open avenues for further exploration of the potential applications of endophytic bacteria in promoting nitrogen fixation and enhancing plant growth. Future studies will explore the potential application of these strains in nitrogen fixation and growth promotion for sustainable agriculture.

Key words: 16S rRNA; cowpea; endophytic bacteria; nifH; non-rhizobial




Tassadit AZOUAOUI-AIT KETTOUT, Rabéa GACEB-TERRAK, Baya BOUCENNA-MOUZALI, Fatma RAHMANIA

Abstract. This study aims to identify the secondary metabolites produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa) in leaflets and roots of two date palm cultivars. One sensitive (Tgaza) and other resistant (Takerboucht) to fusariosis, as chemical markers for contamination. The determination of the chemical compounds was carried out by the gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The crude extracts of healthy leaflets contain low concentration of Phenylacetic Acid (PAA); however, the susceptible ones infested with Foa, contains high level of this compound. PAA was not detected in the roots of both healthy and diseased cultivars. We also tested the effect of this compound on mycelial growth and virulence factors (number of conidia and synthesis of fusaric acid) of Foa. At 10-2 g‧L-1, PAA exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of mycelia and on virulence factors. At 10-3 g‧L-1, phenylacetic acid stimulates the growth of mycelium from 1 to 7 days and fusaric acid is inhibited at the 10th day. In contrast, the PAA increases the number of conidia and the production of fusaric acid at 20 and 30th days. This investigation suggests that depending on the concentration and the incubation time, PAA could have an important role in pathogenesis. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the accumulation of PAA compound in date palm samples is a qualitative indication of contamination by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis.

Key words: bayoud disease; Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis; GC-MS analyses; phenylacetic acid; Phoenix dactylifera L




Nasma MAHBOUB, Ibtissam LAIB, Dalila BENNACEUR, Amani MERAGHNI, Hadjer KHERROUBI

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to determine the extraction yield and phytochemical composition of Artemisia herba-alba (AHA) extract, as well as to investigate in vitro their antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. Antioxidant activity was carried out using DPPH radical scavenging test. The antibacterial potential of A. herba-alba against four bacterial strains was evaluated by agar diffusion and a modified broth macro-dilution method was used to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). HPLC analysis identified six phenolic compounds in high concentration as folow; gallic acid 562.253 μg/g, chlorogenic acid 19159.806 μg/g, vanillic acid 776.255 μg/g, caffeic acid 512.314 μg/g, vanilin 4050.792 μg/g, coumaric acid 504.572 μg/g, rutin 6739.788 μg/g and quercetin 772.118 μg/g are all present. Additionally, the results demonstrated, the DPPH assay of free radical elimination yields a relatively poor antioxidant activity, with an average IC50 of 11.79 mg/mL. Additionally, employing the diffusion method on an agar medium, the antibacterial activity data demonstrate a considerable weakening in the species' inhibition. Regarding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), we found that Escherichia coli exhibits the smallest zone of inhibition, which is equivalent to 10 mg/mL and Staphylococcus aureus exhibits the smallest zone of inhibition, which is equal to 25 mg/mL. On the other two species, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis, the extract had the least effect. The correlation coefficients obtained with PCA (Principal Compound Analysis) are: Staphylococcus aureus: correlation coefficient = 0.935; Escherichia coli: correlation coefficient = 0.949; Klebsiella pneumoniae: correlation coefficient = 0.707; Enterococcus faecalis: absence of variability.

Key words: Artemisia herba-alba; phenolic compounds; HPLC analysis; antibacterial activity; antioxidant activity.




Moussa Abderrazak BAMBRA, Yamina BOUATROUS, Ramazan ERENLER, Ilyas YILDIZ

Abstract. Few studies aim to evaluate the chemical composition and the effects of algerian bee pollen on antioxidant potential, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and the antihexokinase effect. Also, the algerian bee venom (ABV) possesses potent natural properties with antimicrobial effects. The aim of the study is to investigate the antibacterial effect of the ABV and antidiabetic activity of Algerian bee pollen (ABP). The analyses were performed with ABP extract, which was obtained using aceton 70% as the solvent for the extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity was used to assess the antioxidant activity. In vitro anti-diabetic effects of the isolate of bee pollen from Algeria were evaluated. In this study, phenolic identification, Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC-ESI-MS/MS) were used. Using the method of disk diffusion to evalute the antimicrobial activity of ABV. Our results showed that the highest yield was detected with 70% acetone (72.44%). The phenolic and flavonoid contents of ABP were 54.92 mg GAE/g ± 0.48 and 6.18 mg QE/g ± 1.17, respectively. The half maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) values of ABP for DPPH scavenging activity were found to be 0.19±0.004 mg/mL. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis led to the identification of phenolic compounds; seventeen compounds in the extract of ABP were detected. The Algerian bee pollen isolate was assessed at 126 µg/mL concentration for the in vitro antidiabetic effect, yielding a 97.7% HK (Hexokinase) inhibition value. The algerian bee pollen has a very important effect as an anti-diabetic agent. The Algerian bee venom has an antimicrobial effect that is very interesting.

Key words: Algerian bee pollen; Algerian bee venom; antimicrobial activity; antioxidant activity; LC-ESI-MS/MS.




Ugochi Nneka KEMKA, Toochukwu Ekwutosi OGBULIE, Kanayo Lucy OGUZIE, Christogonus Oudney AKALEZI, Emeka Emmanuel OGUZIE

Abstract. Microbial fuel cell remains one potent replacement for conventional fossil fuels. Its application holds enormous capacity in managing waste while producing energy. Microbial fuel cells use microbial metabolism from micro-organisms to create an electrical current from chemical energy from variety of dissolved biomass. The involvement of microbial consortia is necessary since the microbial fuel process has high versatility and benefit for sustainable energy production. However, significant advancements are needed before broad scale implementations can be achieved. Waste treatment facilities use microbial fuel cells to decompose organic waste materials. Microbial fuel cells have been improved upon seeing that microbial communities are malleable and are used to make new changes. This review presents an overview of the microbial fuel cell highlighting its performance, shortcomings and introducing progress in using selected microbial community. Possible optimization and tailored development for the future of the microbial fuel are equally captured.

Key words: microbial fuel cell; micro-organisms; biogas; substrate




Eliyanti ELIYANTI, Budiyati ICHWAN, Zulkarnain ZULKARNAIN, Anis Tatik MARYANI

Abstract. The objective of this study was to investigate polymorphism and phylogenetic of hot chili varieties from different provinces in Indonesia. Five different varieties of hot chili from different provinces (Jambi, West Sumatra and Aceh) were grown and maintained in field including Loker Telun Berasap, Ahang Adro, Kopay, Awe and Udeng. Eight sample plants from each cultivar were selected from 8-weeks old plants after transplanting. Morphological traits were evaluated on stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. A cluster analysis using Minitab® (Version 18) statistical software was carried out to evaluate phylogenetic relationship among genotypes. The clustering was based on similarities of their morphological traits. In addition, leaf samples were collected from sample plants and submitted to genetic analysis using RAPD markers. The results of this study revealed that there were variations in qualitative and quantitative characters as well as growth habit and morphology of the five hot chili varieties. RAPD markers and cluster analysis showed that Loker Telun Berasap or Ahang Adro morphologically different from other three varieties. Therefore, Loker Telun Berasap and Ahang Adro are two varieties that can be proposed to be released as national superior hot chili cultivars.

Key words: Capsicum annuum; plant breeding; marker assisted selection; genomic selection; DNA sequencing