Asian Journal of Research in Botany

Influence of Different Storage Conditions on the Postharvest Microbial Spoilage of Green-Pepper

2021-09-01T08:44:57+00:00

Aims: To Evaluate the Effects of Different Storage Conditions on the Storability of Green-Pepper (Capsicum Annum) Fruits, the Effects of three Storage Conditions on the Fruits, Isolate and Identify The Microorganisms Present In Each Storage Conditions Using Suitable Means.

Study Design: Biochemical Test Was Carried out

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Botany Laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State of Nigeria Between December 2019 and June 2021.

Methodology: This Work Shows the Effects of Three Different Storage Methods on Fresh Green-Pepper Which were Purchased from Two Different Markets (First And Second Market) Within Awka Metropolis, Anambra State under Aseptic Conditions And Were Properly Analyzed Using Three Different Storage Methods Which Included: Refrigeration (Refrigerator), Open Space (Floor) and in a Sterile Plastic.

Results: The Results Showed Total Bacterial Colony Count Values in the Range of 83.6×10^-5 – 40.3×10^-5Cfu/Ml in the Different Storage Conditions Having Samples Stored In The Fridge With The Lowest Bacterial Count And Samples Stored On Dried Floor Recorded With The Highest Bacterial Count. The Spoilage Microorganisms Observed from the Study Included: E. Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Spp., Lactobacillus Spp., Bacillus Spp., Micrococci Spp., Klebsiella Pneumonia And Staphylococcus Saprophyticus. Variation In The Temperature Range Played a Great Role In Fastening the Decay of the Stored Samples. The Higher the Temperature Ranges the Faster the Rate of Spoilage. It Can As Well Be Stated That Fridge Storage Condition is a Better Method of Storing Green-Pepper Vegetables.

Conclusion: On the Basis of The Findings in this Study, it Can Be Concluded that Storage Temperature Has a Better Impact In Slowing Down The Respiration Rate, Weight Loss and Decay, While Maintaining the Fruit Firmness and Overall Quality. The Higher the Temperature Ranges the Faster the Rate of Spoilage. It Can as Well Be Stated That Fridge Storage Condition Is a Better Method of Storing Green-Pepper Vegetables. Therefore Prior to the Storage, Measures to Avoid Mechanical Damage Should Be Taken and the Firmness, Color, Weight Should be Observed for Each Green Pepper to Avoid Cross-Contamination During Storage.

Evaluation of the Effects of Selected Plant Concentrates on the Growth of a Parasitic Plant; Field Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) and Duranta erecta

2021-09-24T05:06:24+00:00

Aims: To determine effect of selected plant concentrates on the growth of field dodder (Cuscuta campestris).

Study Design: A factorial experimental design; using four level extract application from blue gum, cypress, napier grass and distilled water as the control.

Place and Duration of Study: Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology from June 2018 to March 2019.

Methodology: It incorporated use of 4 by 4 contingent field experiment, with Duranta erecta and Cuscuta campestris as independent and dependent variables respectively. It contained three experimental groups of extracts from the blue gum, cypress, Napier grass and distilled water as a control. Each treatment level was replicated four times. Samples of the affected plants (Duranta erecta) intertwined with parasite were purposive randomly selected. The parasites point of attachment through a haustoria for selected plants was marked with threads as a start point of measurements taken. Marked strings were of different colors to distinguish the type’s treatments (concentrates) being applied. Application of 30 ml/cm² each of the extracts was done on both plant and parasite. Measurements of the plant heights, parasite length, number of plant leaves and application of extracts were done after every 48 hours.

Results: Analysis of the effects of different concentrates as treatments of the same on parasite length increase, exhibited some differences (F = 1.648, P = .18). The mean ranged from lowest to highest extracts of the; cypress at (29.0 ± 17.23), Napier grass at (34.6 ± 28.7), blue gum at (38.7 ± 28.6), and distilled water at (39.4 ± 27.4) respectively.

Conclusion: Cypress extract had the most effect on the C. campestris. Followed by blue gum extract which exhibited some effects, then Napier grass. This evidently shows that the parasitic weed can be controlled biologically.

Assessment of the Sub-acute Toxicity Effects of Thaumatococcus danielli on the Liver and Kidney of Male Wister Rats

2021-10-04T14:21:35+00:00

This study investigated the toxic effect of aqueous extract of Thaumatococcus danielli leaves using morphological and functional changes in the liver and kidney of Wistar rats as indicators.The extract was orally administered to three groups of six animals (n=6) B, C, D at doses of 1.414 g/kg, 2.828 g/kg and 4.242 g/kg body weight respectively whilecontrol group (group A) received 2ml of distilled water for 28 days. Body weights were measured weekly throughout the experimental period. At the end of the experiment, organ weights, activities of alanine and aspartate amino transaminases, serum creatinine and urea levels were analysed using standard protocol. Additionally, liver and kidneys were excised in the animals and processed for morphological examination.

Dose dependent and significant (P<0.05) increase in body weight, activities of Alanine and Aspartate amino transaminases, serum creatinine and urea levels, as well as significant decrease in organ weight was observed in groups C and D. Distortion, congestion of central vein and proliferation of collagen fibres were observed in the liver while distorted glomeruli, bowman capsule, dilated renal tubules with presence of necrotic cells were observed in the kidney of group C and D. These parameters in group B showed no significant (p>0.05) difference compared with the control group. No variation was observed in the renal and liver histology of the group B when compared with the normal control.

From this study,the aqueous leave extract ofT. danielliwas only toxic at 2.828 g/kg and 4.242 g/kg body weight. Thus, the use of the leaves especially in food wrapping will be safe at low dose since the toxic dose is unlikely for food wrappings.