The role of biosensors and biological weapons in national defence and security operations

The knowledge of biotechnology plays an important role in the development of biological weapons. Biological weapons are considered an attractive factor in war for several reasons: ease of manufacture, low cost, confirmed injury, increased number of victims, large losses incurred by other countries. Biological weapons detection methods are among the most important means of military defense. Biological sensors are used in early detection of weapons. Biotechnology is of paramount importance in all fields of medicine, engineering, agriculture, industry, as well as military life. The key applications of biotechnology in the military are in the areas of sensor systems and systems for protection from espionage. Among the most important countries that have applied knowledge of bioweapons technology into their security system are the USA and China. Despite the enormous advantages of biotechnology, it has negative effects in biological weapon production. Therefore, the near future will witness a tremendous boom in biotechnology. DNA profiling also plays an important role in detection of crime. The overall aim of the review is to emphasize the importance of biotechnology towards solving bioterrorism and other forms of security challenges in an environment

Repellant Effect of Urine Insecticides Spray and NPK (15:15:15) Compound Fertilizer Application on the Growth and Yield of watermelon (Citrullu lonatus Thumb)

A field study conducted to investigate the Repellent effects urine insecticide spray and NPK(15:15:15) compound fertilizer on the growth and yield of watermelon (Citrullus Lonatus Thumb) in forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, (FRIN) experimental plot at Agbede, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. Four regimes of Urine insecticide spray and four rate of NPK compound fertilizer application were factorially combined and laid out in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replication. Urine insecticide spray and fertilizer application did not affect the period of flowering and poddring significantly (P> 0.05). NPK compound fertilizer application significantly (P< 0.05) increase the number and length of main vines, pod number and yield while Vines insecticide spray significantly (P< 0.05) increase the length of the main virus and yield. In the rate of application, 200kg/ha NPK was optimum and this recommended for watermelon cultivation. Twice spray regimes of urine insecticide was recommended for watermelon cultivation

Comparative Study of Soil Bacteria from the Rhizosphere of Two Selected Tree Species (Anogeissus leiocarpa and Pterocarpus erinaceus) in Shere Hills, Plateau State, Nigeria

The comparative study of soil bacteria from the rhizosphere was carried out using samples obtained from the soil (rhizospheres) of Anogeissus leiocarpa and Pterocarpus erinaceus using purposive sampling method. The soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-30cm and 30-60cm around the rhizosphere of the studied tree species and away from the rhizosphere used as a control. The method by Ibitoye (2008) was used to test for physico-chemical properties and method by Cheesborough (2006) was used for stocking, culturing, incubating and gram staining. Result for the mean physical properties shows, P. erinaceus had highest mean values for clay and silt which wasn’t significant (p= 0.067 and 0.381 respectively). A. leiocarpus had the second highest clay and silt. Sand and bulk density was highest for the control which was highly significant (p = 0.000 and p=0.044 respectively). For mean chemical properties among plant species, pH, EC, OC, OM, N, Na, Ca and CEC were highly significant (p<0.05), while p, K, Mg and EA were not significant. Pterocarpus erinaceus had the highest mean for all the chemical elements assessed with ten (10) bacteria species identified. Anoigessus leiocarpa had the second highest biochemical elements present with six (6) species of bacteria identified, Bascillus subtilis was most common. It is therefore necessary that these tree species are allowed in their natural habitat to preserve and conserve these microbes in the ecosystem

Insecticidal Effect of Piper guineense Seed Powder in the Control of Beans Weevil Callosobruschus maculatus (Fabr)

Piper guineense commonly called Usira in Edo, Uziza in Igbo and IgherelIyere in Yoruba belongs to the family piperaceae. The efficiency of its seed powder in the control of callosobruschus maculatus (beans weevil) was investigated in the Science Laboratory Department of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State Nigeria. The seed powder was applied at the rate of O control, 15, 25, 50 and 100 (gkg-1). The result obtained shows that piper guineense seed powder at 25gkg-1 to 100gkg-1 were effective in the control of callosobrusus maculatus at 0.01% level of significance. It  was revealed that a very strong insecticidal action of I. piper guineense on beans weevil. However, the efficiency of this  insecticidal action on callosobruschus maculatus with increasing concentration of the plant material seed powder with  100gkg-1 giving the highest mortality rate, residual action and egg plugs of the weevils. This finding is critical to resource poor farmers in developing countries who will find this trial practicable and affordable. colourkasi hustlers. &nbsp