Molecular characterization of Auricularia spp from south-western Nigeria using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

This study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity in 48 samples of Auricularia species randomly collected from secondary forests in Osun (11), Oyo (10), Ondo (9), Ekiti (8), Ogun (8) and Lagos States (8) of Nigeria. Fourteen Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used for molecular characterization of Auricularia species. Phylogenetic relations were determined by cluster analysis and Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) and gene diversity determined using standard procedures. The Auricularia species were grouped into 6 distinct clusters based on morphological traits. The PIC value ranged from 0.5594 (OPH-15) to 0.7819 (OPB-12) and gene diversity from 0.5930 (OPH-15) to 0.7977 (OPB-12). Primer OPB-12 was the most informative for genetic diversity of Auricularia species. However, primer OPB-21 gave the highest number of alleles while OPB-12 showed the highest range of gene diversity and accounted for the diversity of the Auricularia species. The dendrogram and the principal coordinate analysis exhibited similar clustered patterns, revealing that all the tested strains could be divided into six distinct groups, each of which correlated with different geographical regions. Molecular characterisation is essential in genetic diversity studies and has proven useful in the classification of Auricularia spp.Keywords:  Auricularia spp, Cluster analysis, Genetic diversity, Mushroom cultivation, Principal coordinate analysis, Polymorphic information content, RAPD marker

A search for pertinent factors in determining values of cemeteries in Nigeria

Notwithstanding the criticism by researchers in the usage of the conventional valuation models in valuing cemeteries, there has not been a conscious effort amongst researchers in determining a special valuation model for this special property. This work thereby understudied some selected cemeteries in Lagos State with respect to the pertinent factors that are considered in the allocation of the tomb in the cemeteries. Questionnaires were distributed to the managers of the cemeteries in the state and data gotten was analysed using descriptive statistics with advocacy for a box- cox transformation hedonic model guide in subsequent value determination. Further discussions were thereafter made on the implication for real estate research and valuation practice in the country

Effect of Crude Engine Oil and Aromatic Fractions of Pleurotus Pulmonarius Fries (Quelet)

The ability of two white rot fungi, Pleurotus ostreatus and P. pulmonarius, to degrade crude and used engine oil was examined for six months. In 9 9 4 cm (350 cm3) jam bottles, 100 grams of sterilized soil were weighed and wet with 75% distilled water (w/v). They were then completely mixed with bonny light crude oil and used motor oil at various concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, and 30%), individually. Then, using a sterile cork borer, two agar plugs of a strongly growing P. ostreatus and P. pulmonarius mycelium were inoculated into each bottle. For six months, the bottles were kept at room temperature. After drying, the mycelia-ramified waste was removed from the soil and examined for physicochemical characteristics such total hydrocarbon content (THC), organic matter, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. After six months, both contaminated and inoculated soils had higher levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. However, during the experiment period, these soils had a drop in THC, pH, and potassium. In soils contaminated with 20% of crude and engine oils, respectively, P. ostreatus lowered the initial THC to 8% and 9%, which was less than P. pulmonarius. The two white rot fungus may be used in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with old motor oil and bonny light crude