Vietnam Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Tạp chí của Học viện Nông nghiệp Việt Nam
Additive Genetic Effects of RNF4, RBP4, and IGF2 Polymorphisms on Litter Size in Landrace and Yorkshire Sows
The association of the RNF4, RBP4, and IGF2 genotypes and their additive genetic effects with litter size in purebred Landrace and Yorkshire sows were studied. The results revealed significant associations between the RNF4 and RBP4 genotypes with the total number of piglets born (TNB) and number of piglets born alive (NBA) traits (P <0.05). The RNF4 CC genotype had greater TNB and NBA than the TT genotype in both breeds. The RBP4 BB genotype had greater TNB and NBA than the AA genotype in the Landrace breed. Significant additive effects of the RNF4 and RBP4 genes on the TNB and NBA were detected (P <0.05). No significant associations of the IGF2 genotypes and their additive effects with any reproductive traits were observed in both Landrace and Yorkshire sows (P >0.05). The results suggested that the RNF4 and RBP4 genes could be useful in selection for increasing TNB and NBA traits in pigs.
ANIMAL SCIENCE – VETERINARY MEDICINE – AQUACULTURE
Morphological Characteristics, Yield Performance, and Medicinal Value of Some Lingzhi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Strains Cultivated in Tam Dao, Vietnam
The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological efficiency and main bioactive components of three G. lucidum strains, viz. GA1, GA2, and GA3, cultivated in Tam Dao town. The results demonstrated that all strains were capable of growing well on PDA medium supplemented with rice bran. The time required for complete colonization was 9 days. All tested strains of G. lucidum were able to adapt to climate conditions and produce fruiting bodies with satisfactory yield (13-17%), and therefore, they could be considered suitable candidates for commercial cultivation of G. lucidum in Tam Dao. No significant differences in polysaccharide content were observed among all strains. High concentrations of lucidenic N acid (0.33 mg g-1) and ganoderic acid (2.38 mg g-1) were determined in strain GA3. However, the highest ganodermanontriol content was detected in the strain GA1 with 0.3 mg g-1.
Optimization of Chlorogenic Acid Extraction from Green Coffee Beans Using Response Surface Methodology
Chlorogenic acid is a natural antioxidant that is widespread in the plant kingdom and can be found at a high content level in green coffee beans. This secondary metabolite in green coffee beans has potent biological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-hypertension, and anticonvulsant. In this study, the extraction of chlorogenic acid from Vietnamese green coffee beans was optimized using the response surface methodology. A second-order polynomial model with three important variables (liquid-to-solid ratio, temperature, and extraction time) was used. A rotatable central composite design consisting of 21 experimental runs with three replicates at the center point was applied to describe the experimental data. The experimental results properly conformed to the constructed model (R2 = 0.8549). The optimized conditions were as follows: 40% ethanol (v/v), a liquid-to-solid ratio of 11.77, at 85oC for 64 min. Four extractions were performed in parallel using the optimal conditions to validate the model. The experimental values highly agreed with the predicted value (P <0.05).
Construction of a VPN System for Remote Programming and Monitoring of Environmental Parameters for Serving Plant Production in Greenhouses
This article introduces a virtual private network (VPN) system deployed in a 70m2 operator station and greenhouse at Vietnam National University of Agriculture. The VPN system was not limited by geographical distance and allowed for remote monitoring of environmental parameters, viz. light (10-16000lux), soil moisture (20-100%), temperature (20-60oC), and ambient humidity (30-90%) with tolerances of ± 5% of the set/measured values. The signals from the sensor system were recorded with a sampling time of 6 seconds. The designed interface made it easy for Vietnamese users. The system was initially established, and tested successfully with Gerbera in the greenhouse. The VPN system allowed for remote programming, stable operation, and no loss of data during the signal collecting process, and allowed users to fully and quickly react when the system crashed or when the user needed to upgrade or maintain the greenhouse system.
Determination of Optimal Levels of Energy, Protein, and Fiber in the Diets of New Zealand White Growing Rabbits Based on Nutrient-Response Models
A study was conducted to estimate the optimal levels of energy, protein, and fiber in the diets of New Zealand White (NZW) growing rabbits fed on fresh green forage available in North Vietnam. Mathematical modelling of nutrient-response curves was applied for the study. A total of 125 male growing rabbits at 6 weeks of age were randomly divided into 25 groups of 5 each to be fed on diets with an array of different levels of metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) by means of varying the ratio between fiber rich grasses, viz. elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Setaria grass (Setaria sphacelata), or Para grass (Brachiaria mutica), and protein rich forages, viz. water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) vines, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) vines, or Trichantera leaves (Trichanthera gigantea), in the basal diets. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were used as key responses of the rabbits to varied levels of ME, CP, and ADF in the diets. The results showed that the levels of ME, CP, and ADF in the diets strongly affected the ADG and FCR of the rabbits following curvilinear patterns with the highest ADG and lowest FCR when the diet contained 2106-2162 Kcal ME kg-1 DM with 16.5-16.8% CP and 21.9-22.4% ADF. Therefore, these levels of nutrients were considered to be optimal in the diets of NZW growing rabbits fed on local forages.
A Stability Estimate for Robin Boundary Coefficients in Stokes Fluid Flows
In this report, we examine the unsteady Stokes equations with non-homogeneous boundary conditions. As an application of a Carleman estimate, we first establish log type stabilities for the solution of the equations from either an interior measurement of the velocity, or a boundary observation depending on the trace of the velocity and of the Cauchy stress tensor measurements on a part of the boundary. We then consider the inverse problem of determining the time-independent Robin coefficient from a measurement of the solution and of Cauchy data on a sub-boundary.
Comparison of Genetic Gains of Agronomical Traits from Different Selection Methods in Soybean
This study aimed to compare the genetic gains of two different selection methods for agronomic traits in soybean. A population from the cross of VI045032 x 4904 (LSB10) was advanced using the bulk method and modified bulk method to the F6 generation. Measured traits were growth duration, plant height, height of the first pod node, number of pods per plant, the percentage of 3-seeded pods, 100-seed weight, individual yield, and yield. Both methods were equally efficient and could be used for segregating and the stabilizing phase of progenies/populations of soybean crosses. However, the bulk method appeared to be more efficient for the improvement of yield-related traits while the modified bulk method was more efficient for the improvement of morphological traits.
Effects of Fertilization Ratios on the Growth of Pinto Peanut (Arachis Pintoi) under Drought Stress Conditions
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of different fertilization ratios on the growth of pinto peanut (Arachis pintoi) propagated vegetatively under varying water regimes. The experiment was carried out in a net-house in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The N:P2O5:K2O ratios were applied at six levels: F1 (1:1:1), F2 (1:3:1), F3 (1:1:3), F4 (3:1:1), F5 (3:3:1), and F6 (3:3:3) while soil moisture included three different levels: 30% (W1), 60% (W2), and 100% (W3) field capacity. Water stress conditions were treated from 30-65 days after planting, and then the pots were irrigated to 100% field capacity. The results indicate that drought conditions significantly reduced (P<0.05) the growth of stolons, leaf appearance, number of secondary stolons, and dry matter, while the root/shoot ratio was higher compared to plants under well-watered conditions. There was no significant effect of the fertilization ratios on the number of secondary stolons. Higher-NP and NPK application ratios showed significant influences on the growth of A. pintoi under drought conditions by stimulating stolon lengths and the number of leaves, while the root/shoot ratio was decreased. Higher ratios of single fertilizers (N, P, or K) did not show a consistent effect on the growth of A. pintoi under drought conditions. The results suggest that a higher-NP fertilization ratio stimulates the growth of A. pintoi under both drought and well-irrigated conditions.
Herbal Extracts in Combination with Nanosilver Inhibit Blight Disease Caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in Rice
Bacterial rice leaf blight (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), has a massive impact on the quality and productivity of rice. Besides BLB resistant rice cultivars, herbal extracts and nanosilver have increasingly demonstrated their important roles in controlling the disease as alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the Xoo antibacterial effects of several herbal extracts and nanosilver in vitro and in vivo. In the study, Wedelia chinensis Osbeck Merr., Clerodendrum fragrans Vent., Excoecaria cochinchinensis Lour., Polyathia longifolia var. Pendula, and Caesalpinia sappan L. were extracted by maceration with six types of solvents (distilled water, 70% ethanol, chloroform, n-hexane, and 100% acetonitrile), then used in an agar diffusion test to evaluate their Xoo antibacterial effects. The results showed that 70% ethanol was the best extracting solvent for the targeted plants. C. fragrans, E. Cochinchinensis, and C. sappan showed significant antibacterial effects with inhibition zone diameters of 28.50 cm, 21.00 cm, and 25.70 cm, respectively. Finally, the individual extract from C. fragrans, E. Cochinchinensis, and C. sappan were combined with nanosilver particles and used to access BLB inhibition capacity in vivo, using the rice cultivar IR24 as the target for Xoo infection. Application of the C. fragrans extract resulted in resistance of IR24 rice to BLB. Similar results were also observed in the infected rice when products combining nanosilver and E. cochinchinensis or C. sappan were applied to infected rice leaves.
A Practical and Efficient Method for the Micropropagation of Japanese Cherry (Prunus sp.)
This study was conducted to establish the procedure for in vitro propagation of Japanese cherry (Prunus sp.) to produce large quantity of plantlets and initial planting materials for climate adaptation research of this plant in Hanoi. Single nodal stems were used as the primary explants and initially produced shoots on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L-1 BA. The highest shoot multiplication rate (9.57 times) was obtained on MS medium containing 1 mg L-1 BA and 0.25 mg L-1 a-NAA after 8 weeks of culture. 100% of the shoots produced roots with a mean of 10.10 roots per plant within 4 weeks on ½ MSM medium with 4 mg L-1 IBA. The survival rate of in vitro derived plantlets after a 6 to 7-week-period of rooting during acclimatization using a soil: coco peat: smoked rice husks (2:2:1, v/v/v) substrate was 100% and acclimatized plantlets showed good growth and development. This is the first report on a practical and efficient in vitro multiplication protocol for Japanese cherry in Vietnam, starting from shoot initiation to establishment of plants under greenhouse conditions.
Evaluation of Local Black Glutinous Rice Germplasm of Vietnam for Resistance to Bacterial Leaf Blight Disease
Most rice growing areas frequently encounter the bacterial leaf blight, Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae (Xoo). To prevent the disease, development of resistant varieties is considered to be the most economical and environmentally safe solution. In this study, three PCR-based markers, Npb181, RM122, and P3, were used for the identification of the genes Xa4, xa5, and Xa7, respectively, from 56 local black glutinous rice accessions of Vietnam. Phenotypic screening of the accessions for resistance to 10 Xoo strains of North Vietnam, along with IRBB4, IRBB5, and IRBB7 as resistant controls and IR24 as a susceptible control were carried out in the 2016 Autumn season. 19 accessions containing the resistant genes were found, of these, 6 accessions carried Xa4 gene, 6 accessions carried xa5 gene, and 11 accessions carried Xa7 gene. Three accessions carried two resistance genes, viz. Nep do (Xa4 and Xa7), Pau cam (xa5 and Xa7), and Pe lon cam (Xa4 and xa5). Accessions with xa5 and Xa7 alone or with a combination of two genes (Xa4 and xa5, Xa4 and Xa7, or xa5 and Xa7) were resistantto 8-9 Xoo strains (8-9R/0M/1-2S). Accessions containing Xa4 showed resistance to 5-6 strains of Xoo (5-6R/0M/4-5S). Xoo strain No1 (HUA01043) showed the lowest virulence, infecting only 14 accessions (42R/4M/14S). Strains No3 (HUA 0020131-2), No4 (HUA202361), No5 (HUA20212), and No8 (HUA 020083) showed highest virulence, and they each infected more than 40 accessions with 19R/0M/41S, 20R/0M/40S, 16R/4M/40S, and 20R/0M/40S, respectively. These strains can even infect some accessions containing effective resistant genes (Xa4 or Xa7).
A Novel Multi-Criteria Decision Making Method for Evaluating Water Reuse Applications under Uncertainty
There are currently many places in the world where water is scarce. Therefore, water reuse has been mentioned by many researchers. Evaluation of water reuse applications is the selection of the best water reuse application of the existing options; it is also one of the applications of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). In this paper, we introduce a new dissimilarity measure of picture fuzzy sets. This new measure overcomes the restriction of other existing dissimilarity measures of picture fuzzy sets. Then, we apply it to the multi-criteria decision making. Finally, we refer to a new method for selecting the best water reuse application of the available options by using the picture fuzzy MCDM.
Isolation and Screening of Histamine-Producing Bacteria from the First Six Months of the Cat Hai Fish Sauce Fermentation Process
Histamine is considered to be a hazard in fish sauce, and histamine poisoning usually causes symptoms such as a runny nose, asthma (bronchospasm), urticaria, rash, itching, swelling (eyelids, puffy lips), inflammation, and redness of the conjunctiva. In this study, Cat Hai fish sauce, one of the major traditional fish sauce manufacturers in Vietnam, was used to investigate the variation in histamine content during the fermentation process and to isolate histamine-producing bacteria. Six Dich Chuop samples corresponding to the first sixth months from the beginning of fermentation were collected for these purposes. The results showed that the content of histamine in the six samples corresponding to the first six months from the beginning of fermentation tended to increase during fermentation, reaching the highest rate of 604.85 ppm in the fifth month. A total of 50 isolates were collected from TSA medium and used for screening histamine-producing bacteria on HBI medium. Among these bacteria, four isolates (CH2.4, CH3.3, CH4.4, and CH5.1) were capable of producing histamine, and the highest producing isolate, CH5.1 (from 5th month), was identified as Tetragenococus halophilus. Furthermore, this Tetragenococus halophilus was determined to have the highest histamine production in HBE supplemented with 1% histidine at 50°C, pH 6.0, and 25% NaCl.
Agronomic Characteristics, Anthocyanin Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Anthocynins Extracted from the Seeds of Black Rice Accessions
The objectives of this study were to investigate the morphological characteristics, grain yield, and anthocyanin content of 36 black rice accessions that were collected from different locations in Vietnam. The results showed that the black rice accessions varied in growth duration (130 to 150 days), plant height (91.5 to 143.6 cm), morphological characteristics, and yield components. Grain yield of the black rice accessions ranged from 2.8 to 8.7 tons ha-1. The black rice accessions were classified into four groups based on their anthocyanin content: group I > 0.1% anthocyanin, group II 0.05%-0.1%, group III 0.001%-0.05%, and group IV < 0.001%. BR7 had the highest anthocyanin content (0.1438%), followed by BR5 (0.1317%). Anthocyanins with the strongest antioxidant activities were extracted from BR8, BR35, BR6, BR27, BR30, BR32, BR18, BR17, BR19, and BR1 with IC50 values less than 2 µg mL-1. Seven promising black rice accessions, namely BR1, BR14, BR17, BR25, BR30, BR34, and BR35, were selected for further research based on their high anthocyanin contents, and good grain yield and yield components.
Analysis of Quantitative Traits and Estimation of Heritability in Early Generations of a Single Cross in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
Genetic variability and heritability of quantitative traits, particularly of yield contributing traits, are of great importance in understanding phenotypic variation and the heritable portion of the variation when making selection choices. In the present study, the heritability for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height at maturity, total number of pods per plant, number-filled pods per plant, 100-seed weight, and grain yield per plant were estimated by variance components from variance analysis of parents and F2 and F2:3 progeny families derived from a single cross. Heritability estimates were high for days to 50% flowering and 100-seed weight, moderate for the number of pods per plant and number of filled pods per plant, and low for seed weight per plant. These results suggested that in the early segregating generations, direct selection for seed size, plant height, and a number of pods per plant might be more efficient than the direct selection for seed yield.
Effects of Caffeine on In Vitro Fertilization of Pig Follicular Oocytes
In the present study, experiments were conducted to assess the effects of caffeine on in vitro fertilization of pig follicular oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from porcine ovaries from slaughterhouses, cultured in in vitro maturation medium 1 (IVM1) at 38.5oC for 20-22 hours and then in in vitro maturation medium 2 (IVM2) for the next 24 hours. Only the oocytes with expanded cumulus cells were selected for in vitro fertilization. Boar frozen semen was used for the porcine IVF procedure. The spermatozoa were pre-incubated in modified TCM 199 medium and subsequently incubated for 3 hours in porcine fertilization medium (pig FM) supplemented with either 2 mM or 5 mM of caffeine. They were cultured in IVC1 medium supplemented with pyruvate and lactate from day 0 to day 2, and then in IVC2 medium supplemented with glucose from day 2 to day 6. The results indicate that pig FM containing 5 mM caffeine gave a higher penetration rate than 2 mM caffeine (33.4% vs. 11.4%, respectively). The blastocyst rates of the two groups were not significantly different (8.4% and 8.0%). In conclusion, a higher caffeine concentration in the fertilization medium may ensure the production of in vitro porcine embryos with acceptable productivity utilizable for further studies on this subject.
Identification of Optimal Culture Conditions for Mycelial Growth and Cultivation of Monkey Head Mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: fr.) Pers)
Monkey head mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers) have been broadly cultivated and widely consumed as traditional medicinal herbs as well as functional food in the Orient for several hundred years of history. The identification of optimal culture conditions for mycelium growth and fruiting body formation is one of the most important steps in cultivation of mushroom. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal culture conditions including pH level, temperature, media and substrate mixtures for the mycelium growth and cultivation of Hericium erinaceus strain He-2. Results of the study revealed that the optimal conditions for mycelial growth were observed at 25 ± 1oC and pH 8.0. H. erinaceus was cultured on five different types of culture media: Czapek, Raper, PGA (potato, glucose, agar), PGA supplemented with rice bran, and PGA supplemented with fresh mushrooms. PGA supplemented with fresh mushrooms was found to be the best medium for the growth of mycelia. A media containing 99% grain of rice + 1% CaCO3 was considered as the best mother spawn media for mycelial growth. Among various culture media, the highest mycelium growth rate and biological efficiency of H. erinaceus were obtained when grown on a treatment of 87% sawdust + 4% corn bran + 8% rice bran + 1% CaCO3.
The Influence of Bulb Storage Regimes on the Growth and Flowering of Hippeastrum (Hippeastrum hybridum Hort.)
Hippeastrum hybridum cultivar ‘Cam Tu' bulbs were subjected to ten different treatment regimens to evaluate the effect of temperature (4°C or 25°C), duration (4, 6, or 8 weeks), and wrapping materials (coir fiber or newspaper) on their growth and flowering. The data revealed that the storage treatments had significant effects on several growth and flowering characteristics of H. hybridum cv. ‘Cam Tu'. In terms of vegetative characteristics, bulbs stored at 4°C with coir fiber wrapping for 6 weeks (T9) had the largest leaf size (a length of 39.46 cm, a width of 4.39 cm), the longest flower scape (48.64 cm in length), and the longest pedicel (4.75 cm in length). Bulbs of the T9 treatment also showed the shortest time to flower bud emergence (62.24 days) and first flower opening (80.43 days), and the date of 70% first flower fully opening was January 19, 2018. Both of the two thermal treatment regimens shortened flowering time (80.43-103.16 days) compared to the control (132.46 days). However, the number of bulblets per plant, number of leaves per plant, number of florets per scape, floret diameter, longevity of a flower, and longevity of a flower scape were not statistically impacted by the treatments.
Effects of Osmotic Stress Induced by Peg and NaCl on the Germination and Early Growth of Mung Bean
This study was performed to evaluate the effects of osmotic stress (measured by different water potentials) induced by Polyethylene Glycol 6000 (PEG) and NaCl solutions at the germination stage of five mung bean varieties (DX11, DX208, DX14, DX17, and DX22). Five water potentials: 0 (control), -0.15, -0.49, -1.03, and -1.76 Mpa were used as treatments in this study. The germination rates, root and shoot lengths, root and shoot fresh weights, and dry weights of the plants were measured. The results showed that the germination rate of the mung bean varieties decreased with increased NaCl or PEG concentrations. The germination rates of the mung bean varieties in the PEG treatments were higher than those in the NaCl treatments. In addition, low water potentials induced by NaCl (-1.76 Mpa and -1.03 Mpa) inhibited germination and seeding growth of all the mung bean varieties. The growth parameters of the mung bean seedlings, such as root and shoot lengths, fresh weights of roots and shoots, and plant dry weights, were reduced under low water potentials treated with either PEG or NaCl. However, more severe damage in seedling growth was observed in the NaCl induced treatments. Amongst five mung bean varieties used in this study, DX17 was more drought and salt tolerant than the other mung bean varieties.
Nitrogen-Use Efficiency Evaluation and Genome Survey of Vietnamese Rice Landraces (Oryza sativa L.)
The overuse of fertilizers can result in many adverse effects such as decreasing fertilizer use efficiency of plants, wasting resources, increasing farming costs, and polluting our environment. Local rice landraces including indigenous and local rice varieties, may contain considerable genetic diversity that can serve as sources of germplasm for genetic improvements of nutrient use efficiency, yield, resistance to pests and pathogens, and important agronomic traits. Increasing the fertilizer use efficiency of crops by developing new rice varieties is necessary for sustainable agriculture. In this study, six rice varieties, Chiem Tay (CT), Te Tep (TT), Re Bac Ninh (RB), IR24, P6DB, and Khang Dan 18 (KD18), were evaluated for nitrogen use efficiency. Two landraces, P6DB and CT, which showed the lowest and highest values of nitrogen use efficiencies, were selected for a genome survey. Ninety-seven out of the 1051 surveyed markers indicated polymorphisms. These polymorphic markers were distributed along to each of the 12 chromosomes and were either scattered quite evenly on a chromosome or were condensed at particular regions in the physical map. The obtained information on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) variation and the marker map should be very useful to further identify QTLs/genes involving in NUE as well as other genetic analyses toward the development of sustainable agriculture.
Establishment of Reciprocal Micrografting of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Micrografting can be used as a key tool to investigate gene-function, long-distance signal transduction, or metabolite movement in different developmental and physiological stages. In plant production, plant grafting can be applied to improve productivity and/or increase the tolerance of plants to stresses. Here, we describe a simple and high efficiency protocol for reciprocal micrografting of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Tomato and eggplant seeds can be disinfected with 0.5% Presept for 20 min before germinating on MS media. Seedlings of 5-day-old tomatoes and 15-day-old eggplants were suitable for preparation of scions and rootstocks. Scions were cut into 0.5-1 cm lengths for micrografting. Sucrose levels greatly influenced the graft success rate of all graft combinations including of self- and reciprocal micrografting between tomato and eggplant. While self-grafted tomatoes or eggplants required 20 g L-1 sucrose to get the highest grafting success rate (72% for tomato and 100% for eggplant), reciprocal micrografting of tomato/eggplant and eggplant/tomato reached the highest success rate (83%) on MS medium supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose. Grafted plants should be cultured under the illumination conditions of a 16 h light/8 h dark cycle for optimal growth and quality.
Studies on the Biological Characteristics of the Bt116 Lingzhi Mushroom Strain (Tomophagus sp.) Collected in Hanoi
In this study, an unknown mushroom species collected on rotting trunks of Ficus elastica in the Hanoi Botanical Garden was investigated. It was designated as Bt116. Based on the observed morphological characteristics, such as irregularly semi-circular, slightly yellow pileus; very soft, homogeneous, spongy, creamy white context; short and not clear stipes; and basidiospores typical of ganoderma mushrooms, etc., we hypothesized that Bt116 belongs to the Tomophagus Murr. mushroom genus. Some biological characteristics of the Bt116 strain were made. The results indicated that the temperature 35°C was optimal for Bt116 mycelial growth; an alkaline environment (pH 8.0) was conducive for the mycelial growth of Bt116 among a range of pH levels from 4.0 to 9.0; aerobic conditions were better than anaerobic conditions for the growth of Bt116 mycelium; and lighting time showed no significant effects on the growth of Bt116 mycelium.
Polymorphism Candidate Genes of Lien Minh Chickens
Lien Minh chicken is an indigenous breed with several favorable properties, such as high productivity and good meat quality, and is associated with the economic development of the people in the Lien Minh village, Cat Hai, Hai Phong. The objective of the current research was to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of candidate genes, which might be associated with broodiness and egg production traits. Ninety Lien Minh chicken individuals were genotyped for five SNPs of chicken prolactin (PRL), Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y gene (NPY), growth hormone (GH), and growth hormone receptor (GHR) genes. Blood samples were used for DNA extraction and then for genotyping by the PCR-RFLP method. The allele frequencies obtained were as follows: 0.19 and 0.81 for alleles C and T (PRL-C2161G), respectively; in VIP (G5138982T), 0.55 for the G allele and 0.45 for T; in GH-SacI (the intron 4), 0.02 for A and 0.98 for B; and in GHR-NspI, 0.82 for C and 0.18 for T. The NPY gene (four nucleotide indel) had the frequencies of 0.86 for I and 0.14 for D. The four studied polymorphic loci (PRL, VIP, NPY, and GH) were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the Lien Minh chicken population. These are the initial results, which can be used to analyze the correlation of molecular markers and egg production traits in Lien Minh chickens.
Current Research, Challenges, and Perspectives of Biotechnology: An Overview
Biotechnology is defined as biology-based technology using organisms or their parts to make or modify products or to improve characteristics of plants, animals, and microorganisms for the demands of human beings. Biotechnology profoundly impacts various fields such as agriculture, animal husbandry and veterinary, industry, food science, pharmaceutics and medicine, environment, fine chemistry, biofuels, forensics, and nanotechnology. Nowadays, biotechnology and bioindustries are becoming integral parts of the knowledge-based economy, and therefore, biotechnology has become a powerful and indispensable tool for the development of all countries in the world. As a rule, biotechnology also requires regulatory policies to control genetically modified organisms and derived products to avoid risks to biodiversity, human health, the environment, and ethical issues. This article reviews the current research, challenges, and perspectives of biotechnology as an integration of both life sciences and applied sciences.
Green synthesis and utility of nano Fe for Cr (VI) treatment
Zero valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles have been considered as effective materials for environmental remediation because of their strong reducing ability, high reaction activity, and excellent absorption properties. In this study, we synthesized iron nanoparticles using an environmentally friendly method in order to treat Cr(VI) ions in an aqueous medium. Polyphenols from green tea leaf extracts were used as both the reducing agent and the stabilizer for ZVI nanoparticles. Modern techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed that ZVI nanoparticles were successfully prepared and surrounded by polyphenol molecules. Cr(VI) ion treatment of the nanoparticles was most favorable at pH 2.0, and 0.04 g ZVI nanoparticles for a 50 mg L-1 Cr(VI) solution. Under some treatment conditions, removal efficiency was 100%, suggesting that the synthesized ZVI nanoparticles can be used as materials for Cr(VI) ion removal.
Allelopathy of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) weed: An allelopathic interaction with rice (Oryza sativa)
Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is one of the most pernicious and problematic weeds in worldwide agriculture. The objective of this review is to highlight the morphology and habitats of this weed, and to present comprehensive information of the allelochemical constituents and pharmacological effects as well as its allelopathic interaction with rice (Oryza sativa L.) based on 115 worldwide literary resources reported over the last 40 years. In laboratory bioassays and root exudates experiments, barnyardgrass showed remarkable inhibition on the growth of the indicator plants. In greenhouse and field experiments, depending on the proportion density of barnyardgrass interference, rice yield is significantly reduced. Major isolated chemical constituents [including 59 compounds, belonging to phenolics, terpenes, steroids, lactones, long-fatty acids, and their derivatives] were identified and isolated from the different parts of this weed including root exudates and infested-soil, which are involved in allelopathic action. Among these, p-hydroxymandelic acids, diethyl phthalate, and two lactones [7,8-dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain (DDK) and 7,8-dihydrokavain (DHK)], along with a gene cluster for the biosynthesis of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), may be responsible for the inhibitory effects of barnyardgrass in paddy fields. In attempts to elucidate the modes of action of these allelochemicals and allelopathic interactions between rice and barnyardgrass, it has been shown that the allelopathic actions of barnyardgrass and rice have similar responses in that they sense allelochemicals in the exudation of roots for enhancing allelopathic activity. However, the questions of which compounds play a main role in barnyardgrass allelopathy, and the actual modes of allelopathic interactions with rice remain unclear. This review may provide new insights into barnyardgrass‘ adaptation and invasiveness as well as how the attributable interactions of all its present allelochemicals inhibit the growth of rice and the adjacent plants by allelochemical pathways.
Livelihood capital and poverty status of forest dependent households in the highland area: A case study in Bac Kan province, Vietnam
Bac Kan is the mountainous province with the largest forest cover in Vietnam and forest dependence by rural households is of great significance. The objective of this study was to assess the situation of livelihood capitals, as well as their impacts on the poverty status of forest-dependent households in highland areas of Bac Kan province. Data were collected through direct interviews of 218 households living near forests in the districts of Ba Be and Na Ri. Descriptive statistics, comparison, logit model, student t-test, and chi-square test were used in this study. The results revealed that forest-dependence was high for poor households; the households‘ livelihood capital was weak; and households with stronger livelihood capitals were primarily non-poor. The effect of livelihood capitals on household's poverty status was significant, and human and financial capitals had the strongest impact. The estimated logit model had high accuracy with 87.16% of observations correctly predicted. In poverty reduction programs, the state should improve the livelihood capitals, especially human and financial capitals, for the households in order to improve their welfare.
ECONOMICS, SOCIOLOGY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Production and marketing of fresh oranges: A case study in Tuyen Quang province, Vietnam
Orange is one of the world‘s most important economic fruit crops. Orange is the local fruit tree that has been cultivated for generations in Tuyen Quang province of Vietnam. Orange production has significantly improved the income of farm households and alleviated the rural poverty in Tuyen Quang in recent years. This paper aimed to investigate the actors involved in the orange supply chain in the province. The study used descriptive statistics and chain analysis methods to explore the problems in each stage of the orange supply chain. A total of 195 respondents including input suppliers, orange farmers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, consumers, and public stakeholders were selected for direct interviews. The study revealed that the production and marketing of orange fruit in the province faces several constraints, such as spontaneous production, excessive supply, high seasonality, and difficulties in selling. There existed no preservation or processing facilities for oranges, resulting in high post-harvest losses. Oranges have been entirely consumed in domestic markets, not exported. In order to develop orange production and marketing in Tuyen Quang province towards concentrated commodity production, the study recommended feasible solutions for each stage as well as the whole of the orange supply chain.
An integrated wireless sensing system for monitoring environmental parameters in mushroom houses
The paper presents an integrated wireless sensing system for monitoring environmental parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity in mushroom houses. The developed system not only collects spatial environmental data but also enables end-users to remotely observe them via smart devices. Assembly of five sensornodes with a wireless sensor network was used to gather data. The results have shown relatively accurate measurements in terms of environmental parameters. The system is low cost, simple and easy to operate by displaying the native language in interface monitoring software. Therefore, the generated system should be applied in monitoring air temperature, humidity, and light intensity in mushroom houses. Additionally, this study has provided good opportunities for Vietnamese farmers to approach the high technology application in agriculture.
Characterization and identification of a Streptomyces strain with biocontrol activity against Aeromonas hydrophila causing haemorrhage disease in fish
In this study, experiments were performed to identify and screen Streptomyces strains that are antagonistic to Aeromonas hydrophila, which causes hemorrhagic disease in fishes. Among 80 isolates, 3 strains capable of antagonizing Aeromonas hydrophila by the agar diffusion plate method were obtained. The strain numbered 1083 had a strong activity with a 25 mm diameter clear zone of bacteria. This strain showed grey colonies after 7 days of incubation. After 7 days of incubation, the grey colonies had white borders, produced soluble pigments on the medium, grew well at 30°C and neutral pH, and adapted well to medium containing a high salt concentration. Strain 1083 was able to utilize different sources of carbon and nitrogen. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA showed that strain 1083 had a similarity of 99% compared to Streptomyces antibioticus. Based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, as well as molecular biological analysis, strain 1083 was identified as Streptomyces antibioticus.