International Letters of Natural Sciences Vol. 77

Abstract: Each plant species is regarded to substantially influence and thus, select for specific rhizosphere microbial populations. This is considered in the exploitation of soil microbial diversity associated with important crops, which has been of interest in modern agricultural practices for sustainable productivity. This study used PCR-DGGE (polymerase chain reaction - denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) in order to obtain an initial assessment of the bacterial and fungal communities associated in bulk soil and rhizospheres of different mungbean genotypes under natural field conditions. Integrated use of multivariate analysis and diversity index showed plant growth stage as the primary driver of community shifts in both microbial groups while rhizosphere effect was found to be less discrete in fungal communities. On the other hand, genotype effect was not discerned but not inferred to be absent due to possible lack of manifestations of differences among genotypes based on tolerance to drought under non-stressed environment, and due to detection limits of DGGE. Sequence analysis of prominent members further revealed that Bacillus and Arthrobacter species were dominant in bacterial communities whereas members of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were common in fungal communities of mungbean. Overall, fungal communities had higher estimated diversity and composition heterogeneity, and were more dynamic under plant growth influence, rhizosphere effect and natural environmental conditions during mungbean growth in upland field. These primary evaluations are prerequisite to understanding the interactions between plant and rhizosphere microorganisms with the intention of employing their potential use for sustainable crop production.

Abstract: This study was conducted in the lower, middle and upper reaches of the Rokel/Seli River, Northern Sierra Leone. There is a research gap on the growth or wellbeing of tilapia fish species in Sierra Leone. The objective of this study is to determine the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Coelotilapia joka from the main river channel. This research could contribute to promoting an agenda for fish culture practices for the fish. A total of 228 specimens of Coelotilapia joka were collected using gill nets. Fish length and weight measurements were done using fish measuring board and digital weighing balance respectively. Measurement for water quality was made using the Jemway multi-parameter water quality measuring device (Model: J970, Barloworld Scientific, United Kingdom). The values for regression coefficient “b” gave 2.5437, 2.1841 and 2.4585 for males, females and combined sex respectively, implying a negative allometric growth in the fish at (b<3.0). Similarly, a strong positive linear correlation “r” exists for male (0.947) and female (0.827) species of C. joka. Mean condition coefficient (K) was 2.113 ± 0.309 for males and 1.969± 0.359 for females. The lowest condition factor for male,1.995 and female,1.743 were recorded in March and April respectively, and the highest, 2.552 and 2.067 recorded in August. These values, however, suggest that the fish was in good condition (K>1). The difference in ‘K” for both sex is significant (p<0.05). A study for a period of one year could, however, provide a complete analysis of seasonal variations in growth and condition of the fish.

Abstract: Chilling is one of the major abiotic stress which limites yield and quality of many crops. The seedlings of rice varieties namely Koshihikari (Japonica subtype) chilling tolerant, and the susceptible NMR2 (Indica subtype) were treated at 25/15 °C and 5/4 °C day/night to determine the growth parameters, phenolic contents, and antioxidant activity. It was found that in all treatments, the growth of MNR2 including root and shoot lengths, and leaf and root weights were inhibited at greater levels than Koshihikari. There were seven phenolic acids identified in leaves of Koshihikari including caffeic acid, vanillin, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, benzoic acid, ellagic acid, and cinamic acid, but only benzoic acid and ellagic acid were found in leaves of MNR2. In contrast, only vanillic acid and ellagic acid were observed in roots of Koshihikari, whilst ellagic acid and cinnamic acid were found in roots of MNR2. It was found that rice reduced amount of phenolic acids but promoted quantity of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) and level of antioxidant activity in chilling stress, although the level of responses varied between Japonica and Indica subtypes. Tolerant rice possessed greater bound flavonoids, phenolics and phenolic acids, but susceptible rice accumulated greater free TPC and TFC in reduced temperature. Findings of this study highlighted that phenolic constituents in bound forms of phenols, polyphenols, and flavonoids may play an active role in rice plants than phenolic acids under chilling stress but need further elaboration.

Abstract: It is postulated that the presence of nypa palm (Nypa palm) in mangrove forest affect the reproductive function of fish by inhibiting the growth of macro invertebrates. The impact of Nypa fruticans (Wurmb) and mangroves on the benthic macro invertebrate community of Andoni River was carried out between January and August, 2017. A total of four stations were chosen based on nypa palm and native mangrove species’ presence and absence, station 1 (Open water), Station 2 (Nypa palm dominance), station 3 (Rhizophora and Avicennia dominance), Station 4 (Mixed). Results of water quality parameters include; pH 6.99±0.16, Temperature 28.20±0.05°C, DO 4.71±0.18mg/L, Conductivity 19.52±0.20µm/s, Salinity 10.76±0.07ppt, TDS 13.45±0.27ppt. Mean values of the physico-chemical parameters (P > 0.05) were not significantly different. Twelve taxa of benthic macro-invertebrates in eleven families were collected. The crustaceans were more in diversity (38.46%), while bivalvia, pisces and oligochaete had the least percentage composition (7.69%). The gastropods were more in species dominance (44.69%), while the Oligochaeta were least in abundance (0.61%). Shannon Weiner’s index across the stations for benthos was highest in station 2 (1.840) and lowest in station 1 (1.103). Simpson’s index was highest in station 2 (1.990) and lowest in station 1 (1.938). Pielou’s index of evenness was highest in station 2 (0.767) and lowest in station 1 (0.616). All the macro-invertebrates recorded were clean water and pollution tolerant species, and showed no significant difference across stations (P>0.05). In conclusion this study indicates that nypa palm does not affect the proliferation of macro invertebrates, which supports fishery population along the food chain.