Journal of BioScience and Biotechnology (JBB)
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p-ISSN: 1314-6238 / e-ISSN: 1314-6246
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Item Response to economically important fungal diseases of plum cultivar-rootstock combinations(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Stefanova, Boryana; Popski, Georgi; Todorova, Silvena; Mihova, TeodoraThe present study was conducted during the period 2020–2023 under the agroecological conditions of the Troyan plum-growing region, with the aim of assessing the susceptibility of plum cultivar–rootstock combinations to three economically important fungal diseases: rust (Tranzschelia pruni-spinosae), shot hole disease (Stigmina carpophila), and red leaf spot (Polystigma rubrum). Four widely grown plum cultivars (Сacanska Lepotica, Hanita, Jojo, and Stanley), grafted onto six rootstocks (Brompton, GF 655-2, SJ A, Wavit, Wangenheim, and Prunus cerasifera), were evaluated under natural infection conditions. Climatic parameters were recorded annually to determine their influence on pathogen development. Significant differences in disease severity were observed among cultivars and rootstocks. The highest incidence of shot hole disease was recorded in the Hanita/Wavit combination (44.66% in 2022), while the cultivar Stanley showed pronounced susceptibility to rust when grafted on Brompton and Wavit rootstocks (31-37%). In contrast, combinations Cacanska Lepotica involving GF 655-2 and Wavit rootstocks exhibited the lowest overall disease susceptibility. These results highlight the critical role of rootstock selection in reducing disease pressure and improving the resilience and sustainability of plum orchards under changing climatic conditions. Highlights This study presents a comprehensive multi-year evaluation of the response of plum cultivar–rootstock combinations to major fungal diseases under variable climatic conditions. Rootstock selection significantly influenced disease severity and yield stability across all studied cultivars. Integration of long-term climatic data with disease assessments provides new insights for climate-resilient plum production.Item Ozone therapy in organ preservation and ischemia–reperfusion injury: mechanistic and translational perspectives(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Karadeli, Umit; Cicekliyurt, Meliha M.Kidney transplantation remains the best method for kidney failure. However, ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) is one of the main problems in graft survival. The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, which made history with great hope, has shown its protective effect, but coping with oxidative stress is not easy. Ozone, which is frequently used in alternative medicine, has been studied as a potential adjunctive strategy in solid organ transplantation, particularly to improve organ preservation and reduce ischemia-induced damage. This review summarizes the current experimental and translational evidence regarding the potential role of ozone therapy in organ protection, organ transplantation, and the regulation of oxidative stress. Examples of transplantation and clinical applications are provided, highlighting the effects of ozone.Item Biphasic haematological response to nitrocellulose thinner vapour exposure and withdrawal in male Wistar rats(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Adebayo, Oluwatobi P.; Aletan, Uduak; Oplekwu, Inalegwu R.; Akueshi, Chinenye M.; Odeh, Chibueze; Egbung, Godwin E.; Uboh, Friday E.Background: Nitrocellulose thinner, a commonly used industrial solvent mixture, contains aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to have toxicological effects. Objective: There is a dearth of information on haematological effects due to subchronic exposure and the extent of recovery following withdrawal. In this study, the effects of subchronic inhalation of nitrocellulose thinner vapour (NCTV) and its withdrawal on haematological parameters in male Wistar rats were evaluated. Methods: Twenty-four male rats divided into 3 groups (n=8) were used for the study. Group I (control, no exposure), Group II (90-day NCTV exposure), Group III (90-day exposure with 90-day withdrawal). Haematological indices (white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT) counts, haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), and erythrocyte indices (MCH and MCHC) were evaluated using automated haematological analysis. Results: Exposure to NCTV led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in WBC count (19.85 ± 7.64). Following withdrawal, WBC levels reduced (13.56 ± 4.30). In contrast, there was no significant (p < 0.05) change in RBC and PLT counts due to exposure, but withdrawal led to a significant (p < 0.05) decline in both parameters. Also, MCH and MCHC were not significantly affected due to exposure, but withdrawal led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in both parameters. Conclusion: Subchronic NCTV exposure induces a biphasic haematological response characterised by transient inflammation and delayed suppression of erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis. These findings highlight the persistence of toxic effects beyond exposure and underscore the importance of post-exposure monitoring in solvent-exposed populations.Item In vitro polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of Corchorus olitorius stored at 4 °C for 3, 6, and 9 days(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Ikuerowo, Boluwatife; Abdulganiyu, Fatimah; Dada, Ikeoluwa; Ogunleye, Oluwagbemisola; Olarewaju, Delight; Omokhuale, Deborah; Ademola, Oluwaseyi; Ogunbamibi, FavourMedicinal plants are recognized as rich sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, particularly due to their antioxidant properties, which are important in combating oxidative stress. Corchorus olitorius L., commonly known as jute mallow, is widely consumed as a vegetable and traditional remedy because of its high antioxidant content. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity of C. olitoriusstored under refrigeration (4 °C) for 3, 6, and 9 days. Standard assays, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were used to evaluate antioxidant and polyphenol content. The results showed a gradual, time-dependent increase in antioxidant activity and polyphenol content during storage, highlighting the impact of short-term refrigeration on the bioactive properties of C. olitorius. These findings suggest that refrigerated C. olitoriusmay serve as a valuable source of natural antioxidant compounds with potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations.Item Unveiling anti-aspergillosis and anti-mucormycosis potential of fruit extracts from naturally growing Chamaedorea seifrizii: Chemical profiling, in silico studies, pharmacokinetics and wet lab validation(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Sharma, Arun; Kaur, Inderjeet; Chauhan, AmritaChamaedorea seifrizii is a bamboo plant that is mainly used for its air-purifying properties and ornamental value. Due to the absence of reports on its phytochemical constitutes, this study was aimed at chemical profiling, and evaluation of its in vitro anti-aspergillosis and anti-mucormycosis potential of acetone extracts of fruits of Chamaedorea seifrizii accompanied by in silico analysis. In this study, the chemical profile of Chamaedorea seifrizii fruit acetone extract (CFE) was determined, and major component hinokione was molecularly docked against fungal enzymes involved in the cell wall synthesis, specifically lanosterol 14α-demethylase (LD), chitin synthase(CS) and 1,3-beta-glucan synthase (GS), followed by with in vitro validation. Bioactive compounds in fruit extracts were studied using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The CB-dock 2 tool was used for molecular docking. Using the poisoned food approach, antifungal activity was assessed against three test pathogens. Since hinokione was found to be a significant component of CFE by GC-FID, it was utilized for docking analysis. According to docking study, hinokione binds actively to the fungal enzymes LD, CS and GS. According to docking experiments, ligand hinokione interacted via H-bonds with the fungal enzymes 3 with vina score ranged from -9.0 to -10.6 kcal/mol. Hinokione complied with the LIPINSKY criteria. According to wet lab studies, CFE mitigated the growth of test pathogens. Chamaedorea seifrizii may be used in this study to produce new herbal remedies to cure for a range of illnesses including aspergillosis and mucormycosis. However, it needs further validation by in vivo and clinical studies.Item Oral contraceptive (Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel) modulates the expression of proinflammatory and antioxidant genes in rat tissues(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Wusu, Adedoja Dorcas; Kanmodi, Rahmon Ilesanmi; Bankole, Habeeb; Adeleke, David; Oladapo, Rotimi Solomon; Saibu, Gbemisola Morounke; Giwa, Rahman Ayodele; Wusu, Thona DeborahEthinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (E/L), a commonly used hormonal oral contraceptive among women of childbearing age, has been linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Oxidative stress and inflammation collectively contribute to the initiation and progression of CVDs. This study investigated the impact of E/L on the expression of oxidative stress- and inflammation-associated genes (PON2, TNF-α, and IL-1α). Thirty-two female albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=8 each): Group A (control) received DMSO and distilled water, while Groups B, C, and D were administered graded E/L dosages of 0.015, 0.03, and 0.060 mg/kg body weight, respectively. At the end of the experiment, tissues including the brain, liver, and kidney were harvested for total RNA extraction and purification. Gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR using specific primers. Notably, PON2 was significantly upregulated in the brain but downregulated in the liver and kidney of all E/L-treated animals. Conversely, TNF-α and IL-1α were significantly upregulated in all organs except the liver. Collectively, this study provides preliminary evidence that E/L administration modulates the expression of key genes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation in a tissue-specific manner. These findings underscore the need for further research to elucidate the functional consequences of these changes and their relevance to cardiovascular health.Item Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and microbiological diversity of soil samples from some automobile workshops in Benin City, Nigeria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Enerijiofi, Kingsley; Osariyekemwen, NathanielThe indiscriminate discharge of waste engine oil arising from auto-mechanic workshops is known to cause environmental challenges. This study investigated the pollution status of heavy metals and microbiological diversity of waste engine oil contaminated soils in Benin City. Standard laboratory methods were used in the study. The physicochemical parameters recorded were sandy loam, pH (6.8 - 7.9), EC (1.9 - 5.4 uS/cm), sulphate (42.51 - 68.45 mg/kg), Nitrate (1.08-2.10mg/kg), Phosphate (2.60- 4.92 mg/kg), Calcium (0.32 -0.64mg/kg), Magnesium (0.17- 0.28mg/kg), Sodium (0.11- 0.14 mg/kg) Potassium (0.10-0.18mg/kg), Zinc (31.92- 68.40mg/kg), Copper (9.21-13.65mg/kg), Chromium (0.23 -0.40mg/kg), Lead (2.40 - 6.20mg/kg), Manganese (32.92-51.70mg/kg), Iron (826.24 — 1012.4mg/kg), Nickel (2.11 — 3.10mg/kg) and Cadmium (1.98-3.10mg/kg). The total heterotrophic bacterial counts of soils samples from location A had the highest, 8.61x10^4cfu/g while location E had the least, 1.12x10^4cfu/g. location B had the highest fungal count, 8.04x10^3cfu/g while location C had the least, 1.11x10^3cfu/g. The bacterial and fungi isolated were Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Penicillium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Trichoderma and Geotrichum species. The pollution indices indicated iron had the highest contamination factor of 8.88 while Chromium had the least of 0.87. The geo-accumulation index showed that cadmium had the highest of 0.76 while iron had the least. The Quantification of concentration revealed that chromium had the highest of 90.32 while nickel had the least of 57.25. The waste engine oil polluted soil revealed unpolluted to moderately polluted status. This study recommends proper disposal of waste engine oil thereby safeguarding the environment and public health of citizens.Item Evaluation of sweet pepper cultivars and breeding lines for chemical and sensory quality(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Boteva, VelikaPepper is well known for the high content of bioactive compounds and strong antioxidant capacity formed by vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Twenty nine pepper genotypes of different colours and shapes were studied during 2018-2020 period at the Maritsa VCRI. They were analyzed by basic chemical components (dry matter, total sugars, ascorbic acid, total pigments) and sensory traits. A genotype assessment toward above mentioned characters was established. The genotype factor had the greatest influence on the dry matter of the conical and kapia types; on the ascorbic acid and ASTA units of the cultivars and breeding lines with red-colored fruits (kapia and ratund); on the total sugars of all studied types. A strong negative correlation was found between the total sensory evaluation and the dry matter content of green pepper fruits from the conical type (r = -0.908**). The correlation between the total sensory assessment and the total sugar content of the green pepper fruits of the conical type was significant (r = 0.857*) and strongly positive for the blocky and bell ones (r = 0.958**). Based on the experiment, appropriate genotypes were selected as perspective lines or parental components in the breeding of high quality pepper varieties.Item Harnessing the Microbiome: Biotechnological Approaches to Health and Sustainability(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Eskandar, KirolosThe microbiome—complex communities of microorganisms inhabiting humans, plants, animals, and ecosystems—plays a pivotal role in health and sustainability. Advances in biotechnology have unlocked the potential to harness these microbial ecosystems for transformative applications across diverse fields. This review explores cutting-edge microbiome research, highlighting its contributions to human health through microbiome-based therapeutics, precision medicine, and the gut-brain axis. In agriculture, we examine microbial innovations for sustainable farming, soil health, and livestock productivity. Additionally, we delve into environmental applications, such as bioremediation, carbon sequestration, and marine microbiomes. Emerging tools, including omics technologies, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, are accelerating progress while presenting challenges and ethical considerations. By integrating these innovations, microbiome biotechnology holds immense promise for enhancing human health, improving food systems, and addressing global environmental challenges.Item Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome among temporary residents in mountains(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Krasniqi, Shqipe Kola; Fejza, Hajrullah; Alidema, FitimBackground: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a group of acute infectious diseases caused by Hantaviruses. In Kosovo the natural foci of the disease are some of the mountains. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of the temporary residents who own small houses in the mountains and are exposed to contact with rodents, the route of transmission, and the assessment of attitudes and practices. Methods: The quantitative method with a cross-sectional model was used for the study. 204 participants from the municipalities of Deçan, Istog, and Junik who have small houses in the mountains were interviewed face to face with a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics with 95% significance and a p-value of 0.05 were used to explain the responses of the participants. Results: 192 respondents have heard about hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, and 164 have knowledge that the disease is very serious, but only 49 consider it very serious in the place where they live. The most known symptoms are fever and flu-like symptoms (40.0%). The main known route of transmission of the disease is contact with rodents (49 %), and the rodent control is the main preventive measure (43.6%). 115 have learned about the disease from relatives and friends, and 54.9 % have had contact with the rodents during the previous season. Conclusion: This study highlights the lack of knowledge and attitudes of residents, which consequently has an impact on the lack of practices related to the prevention of the disease.Item Scale up studies on select bacterial strains for improvement of PUFA production(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Masurkar, Azmina Abdul Karim; Pandey, Kavita Rajesh; Vakil, Babu VamanraoThe sustainable production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from microorganisms has been a focus for several decades. A rising demand for healthy superfoods like PUFA and a decline in their natural sources have prompted the development of faster, more reliable, and more economical microbial production strategies. Unlike algae and fungi, bacteria pose a clear advantage w.r.t. ease of culturing, manipulation, and production speeds. In the present study, two bacterial cultures isolated from the Arabian Sea and one river water Bacillus species were studied for their PUFA-producing capability at the lab-scale bioreactor level. These isolates, previously studied for their maximum PUFA output at the shake flask level, were put under lab-scale bioreactor conditions in an attempt to increase productivity. This investigation was carried out using fed-batch and single-batch culture techniques, with regulated environmental parameters, improved aeration, mixing, and a set C: N ratio. With careful monitoring, up to 20% PUFA and 7.9 g/L dry biomass could be obtained from saltwater Halomonas spp. While the freshwater Bacillus thuringiensis spp. reached a maximum of 11.79% PUFA and 5.6 g/L of dry biomass. The fed-batch mode proved to be more effective, increasing biomass and PUFA production by three to fivefold. Compared to earlier research using the same bacterial isolates in shake flask cultures, the results achieved were significantly higher. Elementary fermentation process data obtained through this investigation will be valuable in promoting further scale-up studies for bacterial PUFA production.Item In silico studies for the identification of lead phytocompounds as Naja nigricollis venom antidote from selected Nigerian anti-snake venom plants(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Lamiya, Abdulhafiz; Shehu, Dayyabu; Alhassan, Adamu; Dangambo, MaryamSeveral plants used in traditional setting of Nigeria for the treatment of snake bites have been subjected to preliminary snake venom neutralization activity validation and some phytocompounds have been identified and isolated in their extracts. This research sought to identify lead phytocompounds as Naja nigricollis venom antidote from compounds identified in these plants that can be channeled in to anti-venom discovery pipeline. Relevant science data bases that include “Google Scholar”, “PubMed”, “PubmedCentral”, and “Science Direct” were searched for published works on anti-snake venom activities of Nigerian plants between the years of 2014-2024. Compounds isolated from such plants were downloaded from “PubChem” and subjected to molecular docking against the major venom proteins of Naja nigricollis three finger toxins (neurotoxin and cardiotoxin) and phospholipase A2 using PyRx and Discovery Studio. The top three hit compounds for each of the toxins were then subjected to ADMET analysis using Swiss-ADME and PROTOX-II to identify lead compound with the best drug likeness and safety property. Lead compounds identified were cabenegrin A-I, cabenegrin A-II, and lupeol for neurotoxin, cardiotoxin and phospholipase A2, respectively with their respective docking score as -5.7, -6.3 and -11.2 Kcal/mol, respectively. All the lead phytocompounds passed the Lipinski rule of five and have no probability of organ toxicity except for lupeol, which has a high probability of causing respiratory toxicity. The lead compounds identified in this study hold the potential of providing novel anti-snake venom. Thus, their activities can be validated through advanced techniques and channeled into the drug discovery pipeline.Item Optimization of lethal dose (LD50) and effect of chemical mutagen on yield characteristics and quality traits on three varieties of Capsicum chinense Jacq.(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Ibeh, Adaugo; Egbucha, Kelechukwu; Akanwa, Franklin; Garuba, Omosun; Mukah, Flora; Udechukwu, ChidozieThe popularity of Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) among consumers is increasing, and the purpose of the study is well-founded, as the nutritional value and medicinal uses of these pepper varieties are essential and necessary to increase the production through induced mutagenesis. Thus, the development of ideotypes of peppers with high production potential is the main goal of the habanero variety improvement initiatives. The present study was conducted to determine the LD50 dose and yield parameters induced by EMS in three Capsicum chinense cultivars datil pepper, Aji dulce (Ose Ibeku) and Habanero chile (Ose Nsukka) under laboratory conditions. The study was conducted by exposing the seeds to different concentrations of EMS (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7% and 0.9% v/v) for 5 hours of exposure, with water as the control. The effect of the EMS mutagen on germination and survival rates for the three varieties was reported, and the collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using linear regression, analysis of variance, and least significant difference analysis. The results obtained from the germination percentage show an inversely proportional relationship, expressed in a decrease in this indicator with increasing concentrations of the mutagen among the treated plants. The lethal dose (LD50) was determined at EMS concentrations of 0.8%, 0.5% and 0.5% (v/v) and the optimal dose was determined for the three pepper varieties. The results of the analysis of variance in pepper varieties show that with the induced mutations with 0.1% EMS and 0.3% EMS, the yield characteristics in the M1 generation of all three varieties increase.Item Exploiting the antimicrobial potential of an invasive aquatic weed Eichhornia crassipes mediated silver nanoparticles on multi drug resistant bacteria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Nair, Arya; Bijukumar, Adithya; Jayakumar, Devi; Kumar, Praveen; Prabhu, Ramya R.Resistance against commonly used antibiotics is an emerging global threat, mostly due to the evolution of multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. This necessitates the search for anti-bacterial remedies that are cheaper, reliable, and easier to synthesize. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles are widely employed as an antibacterial agent due to their unique physicochemical properties and considered as eco-friendly. In this study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract from Eichhornia crassipes (EC) leaves. EC is an invasive aquatic weed which causes a decrease in oxygen levels in freshwater environments thereby contributing to eutrophication. The synthesized EC-AgNPs were characterized for their size, morphology, surface charge, crystalline nature using various techniques. Bacteria used for this study, viz; E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus, P. mirabilis were characterized for their antibiotic resistance and were found to be to be multidrug resistant (MRD) and (extended spectrum beta-lactamase) ESBL producers. P. aeruginosa was characterized for its biofilm formation ability. The antibacterial ability of the EC-AgNPs at various concentrations was tested on these MRD pathogens by disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. Results showed zone of inhibition even at very low concentrations indicating that the EC-AgNPs can be used as a potential antibacterial agent against MRD pathogens. The antibiofilm activity of EC-AgNPs was demonstrated in P. aeruginosa by crystal violet assay. The study emphasizes on the using aquatic weeds like E. crassipes for medical and pharmaceutical purposes so that they can be efficiently removed from environment and put to beneficial use.Item Lichenized fungi (Ascomycota) from Dupkata Reserve (Rhodopi Mts, Bulgaria)(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Stoykov, Dimitar Y.Results from the study on lichens in the Dupkata protected area, Rhodopi Mts are presented. Fifty-one species of lichen-forming fungi were reported for the first time from the Reserve. Among them, Arthopyrenia analepta s.l. and Lecanora argentata were new records from the Rhodopi Mts. Data on some rarely recorded and less common species in Bulgaria were briefly discussed.Item Studying the solid-liquid extraction of enzyme amylase: influence of type of solvent, temperature, contact time and their interrelationship(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Matongorere, Marcia; Goto, Noble Kudakwashe; Chidzwondo, Farisai; Mangoyi, RumbidzaiAmylases are one of the most essential and widely used enzymes in a number of industries, including food, fermentation, paper, textile and pharmaceutical. The industrial production of enzyme amylase is carried out using two methods which are submerged fermentation and solid-state fermentation. The important factors that affect the fermentation process are pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources, and metal ions. This study aims at investigating the solid-liquid extraction of amylase from Aspergillus niger, focusing on the influence of solvent type, temperature, contact time, and their interrelationship. The effects of different solvents, temperatures, and contact times on the extraction efficiency and activity of amylase were examined using solvents of different polarity (water, methanol, ethanol, glycerol and acetone), varying temperatures (15 °C, 30 °C and 45 °C) and varying contact times (15, 30 and 90 minutes). The results provided insights into optimizing the extraction process parameters for enhanced amylase yield and activity. Polar solvents like glycerol extracted amylase with the highest enzyme activity levels compared to less polar solvents. A temperature of 30 °C was identified as the optimum for amylase extraction. The results showed that the majority of the amylase was recovered within the first 90 minutes of the process, with diminishing returns for longer contact times. Thus, this research concluded that the interplay between solvent type, temperature, and extraction time is complex, and further optimization through a systematic experimental design would be necessary to identify the ideal combination of these factors for maximizing amylase extraction efficiency and yield.Item Isolation and screening of phytase-producing fungi for phytase production by solid state fermentation using agro wastes(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Afolabi, Folake T.; Atunwa, Samuel O.Phytases are phosphatase enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phytic acid and its salts. This study aimed to isolate and screen for phytase-producing fungi from cereals, fruits, palm kernel cake and soil samples by solid state fermentation. Isolation and identification was done using standard methods. The fungal isolates were screened for phytase production using phytase screening medium (PSM) agar. The isolates with the highest and consistent zone of hydrolysis were used. Eightyseven (87) fungal isolates were obtained while eighteen showed consistent zone of hydrolysis. These were screened to five (5) isolates: Aspergillus niger PKruw7, Aspergillus awamori Pkruw5, Aspergillus flavus PBDJ7, Aspergillus niger MOJ5b and Penicillium chrysogenum OBDJ1.They were used for solid state fermentation using rice bran, soy bean and wheat bran for phytase production. The optimized conditions for phytase production were: 40ºC temperature, 5.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w yeast extract by both Aspergillus niger PKruw7 and Aspergillus flavus PBDJ7, 40ºC, 4.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w NH4NO3: Aspergillus awamori Pkruw5, 25ºC, 6.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w NH4NO3: Aspergillus niger MOJ5b and 40ºC, 4.5 pH, 1% w/w sucrose and 0.5% w/w (NH4) 2SO4: Penicillium chrysogenum OBDJ1with incubation period of 120 hours optimal for all the isolates. Maximum phytase production from optimized culture conditions include; incubation period of 5 days, temperature of 40°C, pH of 4.5 to 6.5, fructose (1% w/w), yeast extract and ammonium nitrate (0.5% w/w). Phytase can be applied in animal feed to enhance digestibility and nutrient availability.Item Effect of single and co-inoculation of rhizobia and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria isolates on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under greenhouse condition(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Abrham, Andargachew; Degefa, Atsede; Awlachew, ZewduThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of single and co-inoculation of rhizobia and PGPR isolates on the symbiotic effectiveness of chickpea under greenhouse conditions. Three rhizobia isolates were chosen based on ecophysiological tolerance, antibiotic resistance, PGP, biocontrol properties and symbiotic effectiveness. The PGPR isolates were selected based on PGP, biocontrol properties, stress tolerance and antibiotic resistance abilities. In single inoculation, the three rhizobia isolates induced nodule numbers ranging from 37-46 /plant in Dembia soil and 35-42/plant in Adet soil. Co-inoculation treatments generally showed an average increase in nodule numbers by 21-125% compared to single inoculation treatments. The highest nodule dry weight, 301 and 237 mg/p was accumulated by plants inoculated with the consortium on Dembia and Adet soils, respectively. Regarding the shoot dry weight, in Dembia soil the highest shoot dry weight (4.323 g/p) was accumulated by plants inoculated with consortium, followed by 3.817 g/p and 3.536 g/p co-inoculated with GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB21 (Enterobacter mori) and GUCR-19 (Mesorhizobium amorphae B19) + GUCRB76 (Serratia marcescens). Chickpea inoculated with consortium followed by GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB21 (Enterobacter mori) in Dembia soil and GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB76 (Serratia marcescens) in Adet soil displayed the highest shoot total nitrogen content. Co-inoculation of rhizobia and PGPR isolates led to a significant increase in nodule number, nodule dry weight, shoot dry weight and shoot total nitrogen compared to single inoculations and controls. A further field experiment is recommended for upgrading these isolates into chickpea inoculants.Item Callus induction and plant regeneration in five Bangladeshi rice landraces(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Lasker, Tahera; Parvez, Samaun Nasaba; Hasan, Md. Nazmul; Karim, Md. Mobarok; Prodhan, Shamsul H.; Islam, Md. SharifulA successful callus induction and in vitro plant regeneration method has tremendous potential to regenerate rice landraces, which could be used for further genetic improvement. Research on rice landraces is scarce, and these landraces are becoming extinct in nature. Therefore, the study aimed to create an optimized plant regeneration protocol using plant growth regulators (PGRs) on N6 media for five Bangladeshi rice landraces: Hingairmanik, Moynashail, Haloi, Noyaraz, and Prabini. N6 media were enhanced with various concentrations and combinations of PGRs to find out the greatest PGR composition for callusing and regeneration. Hingairmanik, Moynashail, and Haloi showed maximum calli formation on N6 medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), achieving 80%, 90%, and 76.67% callus induction, respectively. In contrast, the largest callus induction was found in Noyaraz (76.67%) and Prabini (66.67%) on N6 medium having 3.0 mg/l 2,4-D. For complete plant regeneration from embryogenic calli, N6 medium supplemented with three different combinations of NAA (1-naphthalene acetic acid) and BA (6- Benzylaminopurine) concentrations was employed. In the case of Moynashail, Prabini, and Haloi, the highest rates of regeneration were obtained on N6 medium amended with 1.5 mg/l NAA and 3.0 mg/l BA, resulting 70%, 55%, and 60% of regeneration, respectively. In addition, both Hingairmanik and Noyaraz showed maximum regeneration frequency (65%) at medium having 1.5 mg/l NAA and 3.5 mg/l BA. This study has the potential to contribute significantly to future genetic research on these Bangladeshi rice landraces.Item Assessment of mycological profile and heavy metal concentrations of Romi River, Kaduna - Nigeria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Musa, Nomsu; Musa, Fatima M.; Aliyu, Aishatu M.Waste water discharged from petrochemical plants and petroleum refinery contains many pollutants including heavy metals. The objective of this study was to assess macro-morphological and microscopic characteristic of fungal isolates and levels of heavy metals from a petrochemical and petroleum refinery industry effluent and water from River Romi in Kaduna State Nigeria using standard methods. Isolation and identification of fungi was carried using standard method, the atomic absorption and spectroscopy method was used for the analysis of heavy metals. The results obtained from this study revealed that the fungal population isolated was predominantly native of the genera Aspergillus (30.69%). The mean and ± std. of the total heterotrophic fungal count of the river were found to be Upstream Mean (4.9x10-4 ±3.8x10-4 CFU/mL) Downstream Mean: (4.9x10-4±4.3x10-4 CFU/mL). The percentage occurrence of the fungal species in respect to their sampling sites shows that the upstream part of the river had lower count than the downstream part of the river. Majority of the heavy metals assessed also shows that their concentrations were above the recommended value set by World Health Organization as standard for their presence in environmental samples. There was a significant different (p < 0.05) between the 1st and 6th month, and also between the 3rd and 6th month respectively. From the values of the analysis of heavy metals, it can be deduced that Romi River is highly contaminated with the aforementioned metals, and as such, immediate respond on the high occurrence of these metals should be addressed.