Biotechnology, genetic conservation and sustainable use of bioresources

The loss of Africa's forests and bioresources is occurring at an alarming rate, a consequence of increasing population pressure, agricultural land degradation, urbanization and neglect. There is a growing recognition worldwide that conservation and sustainable management of bioresources are pressing priorities in the world today. The choice of conservation methods and techniques depend on the objectives of the particular conservation effort, the breeding system and behaviour of the species in question as well as the available resources including funds, trained personnel, infrastructure and technologies. The use of biotechnological tools and “bioprospecting” will open new vistas in medicine, agriculture, silviculture, horticulture, environment and other important issues. This paper reviews some biotechnological tools that could be harnessed in promoting conservation and sustainable use of bioresources. Key words: Bioresources, genetic conservation, biotechnology. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 2 (12), pp. 704-709, December 200

Tissue culture in Pinus caribaea Mor. var. Hondurensis barr. and golf. II: Effects of two auxins and two cytokinins on callus growth habits and subsequent organogenesis

The growth habits of calluses of Pinus caribaea Mor. were investigated to determine their correlation with organogenesis for micropropagation purposes. Two forms of callus growth habits were observed;friable and compact calluses. Their development occurred over a range of auxin-cytokinin combinations. In naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) x 6-furfuryl amino purine (kinetin) cultures, 100% friable calluses were obtained while in NAA x 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP) cultures, 100% friable callus was formed only with 1:2 NAA/BAP ratio. Many compact calluses were also formed by the various combinations of NAA and BAP. Friability of calluses was further promoted by the interaction of indole butyric acid (IBA) and BAP, but organogenesis was not achieved. However, different degrees of greening were observed in some of the cultures (both compact and friable type). Thus, greening wasnot associated with a particular type of callus growth habit. Anatomical studies indicated that the differences between the compact and friable calluses were in the distribution of the meristematic cells.The histological studies also revealed some important and unexpected features. These were the presence of embryo-like structures, tracheary elements, lignification and starch-grain like structures. These results have further demonstrated the potential totipotency of callus cells of P. caribaea

Modifications in sperm quality of Wister Albino Rats by Ethanol Extract of Phyllanthus amarus (Schum. and Thonn)

The effect of a well known herb, Phyllanthus amarus on the sperm characteristics in male albino rats was studied. This was an investigation of the age-long claim by the locales in the rural communities in the southern states of Nigeria where this plant is consumed religiously that it affects sperm quality, hence sexual potency in males. Ethanol extract of P.amarus in graded doses of 70mg/kg, 140mg/kg and 210mg/kg BW were administered by oral gavage to the experimental animals for 14 days. Epidydymal sperm was collected and analyzed using standard procedures. Sperm analyses involved sperm count, sperm morphology test and sperm motility test. At the doses administered, P. amarus extract affected the sperm number, morphology and motility of treated animals. Epididymal sperm count and motility were significantly reduced (P6, groups II, III and IV rats had mean sperm counts of 4.56 x 106, 3.67 x 106 and 2.5 x 106 respectively. Sperm motility scores were 75.0%, 71.67%, 66.67% and 50.0% for group I (control), groups II ,III and IV respectively. Modified sperm morphologies were observed. The present investigation shows that at high doses, ethanol extract of P. amarus modifies sperm characteristic qualities in albino rats thus altering the reproductive functioning of the sperm cells, conferring antifertility properties on the rats. This proves that the claim that P. amarus affects sexual potency in man may be true. Further research in this regard is recommended.Keywords: Sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, Phyllanthus amarusNig J. Biotech. Vol. 24 (2012) 54-5