Influence of Environmental Stress toward Carotenogenesis Regulatory Mechanism through In Vitro Model System

Carotenoid biosynthesis is influenced by some aspects and is liable to geometric isomerisation with the existence of oxygen, light, and heat, which affect color degradation and oxidation. The major problems related to carotenoid accumulation inherently originate from pigment instability. This chapter discusses an overview on the influence of stringent control of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors toward carotenoid biogenesis in potato minitubers through the potential model system for rapid initiation, extraction, and analysis of carotenoids. The outcome of this experimental system is a discovery of variables regulating carotenoid accumulation as a result of the environmental change assessment through manipulation of drought stress, light intensity, and nutrient strength on carotenoid accumulation

Flora on the heath forest sandy soil of Terengganu and Sarawak

The composition and structure of a forest ecosystem are strongly attributed to changes in topography and soil factors. Heath forest can be regarded as a national landscape that must be safeguarded and protected from the current rapid development. Once the heath forest canopy is lost, the soils of heath forests quickly degrade to bleached sand, making this form of forest particularly vulnerable. Heath forest grows on podzolised siliceous sand (spodosols) drained by unique blackwater streams. The soil has an unstable soil structure and profile that is described as ashy grey, acidic, and has a heavily leached surface layer which leads to nutrient leaching. Hence, only certain plants can adapt and thrive to such extreme conditions. However, information on flora diversity and biomass in heath forests is still poorly explored and insufficient in comparison to other forest types, especially the relationship between plant diversity and habitat heterogeneity. Melaleuca cajuputi is the major species in Terengganu, whereas Casuarina nobilis and Calophyllum incrassatum are the dominant species in Sarawak’s heath forest. Allelopathy can be produced uniquely by most heath forest plants via secondary metabolites chemical mixtures or phytotoxins. Carnivorous syndrome features can be observed in the vegetation of heath forests. Nepenthes sp., Drosera sp., Utricularia sp., Hanguana malayana, Lepironia articulata, Eriocaulon sexangulare, Dapsilanthus disjunctus and Eleocharis ochrostachys are amongst the species typically found with special plant mechanisms. However, this ecosystem is necessitating prompt conservation intervention. Identification of flora on sandy soils is an initiative to discover potential seedlings for heath forest restoratio

Characterization of carotenoids content and composition of saffron from different localities

The most essential carotenoids for humans are found in plants that are normally yellow, orange, and red coloured pigments. They are typically and mostly lipophilic in nature, but some unique plant species may yield watersoluble carotenoids. Saffron or Crocus sativus contains hydrophilic carotenoids named crocin. Thus, this paper will describe the extraction and characterization of hydrophilic and lipophilic carotenoids (colour properties) obtained from saffrons of different geographical origins. They are specifically the Iranian, Turkish, and Kashmiri saffron respectively. Maceration techniques have been employed to extract the targeted compounds, whereas the characterization of the compounds has been analysed using HPLC. The extraction and characterization of carotenoids in saffron from different geographical origins found that the amount of crocin content was substantially higher in Iranian saffron, which was 11414.67 ± 516.34 μg/g DW followed by Turkish and Kashmiri saffron. Lipohilic carotenoids (i.e. crocetin, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin) were detectable in Iranian and Turkish saffron but absent in Kashmiri saffron. Similarly, the highest amount of crocetin content was found in Iranian saffron at 1054.73 ± 50.31 μg/g DW, while the highest amount of β-carotene and zeaxanthin was found in Turkish saffron at 512.92 ± 79.98 μg/g DW and 252.04 ± 60.34 μg/g DW, respectively. There was a marked difference in carotenoid composition sourced from different localities. Various environmental factors like climatic conditions, agricultural practices, stigma separation, and storing and drying processes may play an important role to explain such differenc

Influence of growing location, harvesting season and post-harvest storage time on carotenoid biosynthesis in orange sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) tuber flesh

Carotenoid content in plants differs due to several factors such as cultivar, maturity, climate, locality and storage. Improving the nutritional values of sweet potato is an important breeding goal and understanding the regulation, genetics and inheritance of carotenoid biosynthesis are vital to achieve this. Environmental conditions can have a marked influence on the accumulation of carotenoids in sweet potato tubers. Little is known about the effects of location, post-harvest storage time and harvesting season particularly on carotenoid biosynthesis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of growing location, harvesting season and storage time on carotenoid biosynthesis in orange sweet potato tuber flesh. The results showed that orange sweet potato tubers contained α-carotene and β-carotene in the first and second harvesting season (year 2011 and 2012), whereas lutein and zeaxanthin were detected only in the third harvesting season (year 2013). Analysis of carotenoid profiles of the orange sweet potato tubers grown in three different locations confirmed that the harvesting season had a major effect on the total carotenoid content and the individual carotenoid compounds. The post-harvest storage time of sweet potato tubers also appears to have distinct effects on carotenoid biosynthesis, the magnitude of the effects being dependent on the storage time, harvesting season and location. The results of this study will help to understand the effects of location, year of harvesting season and storage time on carotenoid accumulation in orange sweet potato tubers

Phytoremediation model system for aquaculture wastewater using glossostigma elatinoides and hemianthus callitrichoides

The aquaculture industry has made a great contribution towards economic development of Malaysia.However, the large volume of water consumption and the wastewater discharged into the water source caused a significant environmental problem that must be controlled properly. For instance, aquaculture waste may decrease dissolved oxygen level and load high nutrient and inorganic contaminants which subsequently would cause water deterioration. Thus, to ensure the effectiveness of aquaculture practices, the suitable wastewater management approach should be acquainted. Phytoremediation, which are the application of plant-based technologies, are beginning to be accepted as sustainable and green solutions for this issue. Therefore, this research aims to explore ecological approach by developing phytoremediation model system in order to remediate inorganic pollutants produced by aquaculture industry. In this paper, the efficiency of potential aquatic plants which are Glossostigma elatinoides and Hemianthus callitrichoides to sequester cadmium and copper were investigated. To achieve this, water sample in several ponds of selected aquaculture area in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia was collected and analyzed in order to identify inorganic contaminants type and concentration. As a result, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc were among the contaminants found in the water pond. As a result phytoremediation model system was developed using two selected submerge aquatic plant species for three different concentrations (low, medium and high) of cadmium and copper. This model system was run over three different periods of time, which are week 1, week 2, and week 3. The findings of this research suggested that the capability to sequester different concentration of heavy metals for certain periods of time were varied between different species. The expected outcome of this research is to introduce cost- effective and eco-friendly technology to cater environmental pollution. Hence, having the thorough study on the effectiveness of this technology might contribute towards sustainable aquaculture practices in terms of ecological, economical, and social benefits

The use of Malay cultural ethnobotany as natural colourants in eco-friendly dyeing G

Since ancient times, natural dyes have been used for the colouration of food products, cosmetics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. The current ‘back to nature’ trend has served to raise the value and popularity of natural-plant-based dyes. The benefits that come with the use of natural and organic products include that they are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and safe to use. The health and environmental benefits as well as practicality of natural dyes render them significantly more advantageous than synthetic colourants. In the food industry, natural colourants are used to enhance the appearance of products, provide consistent colour, and replace synthetic colourants, which may have adverse health effects. In terms of the cosmetics industry, in order to avoid the harmful effects of harsh chemicals associated with synthetic colourants, natural colourants are preferred for the creation of shades of makeup, hair dyes, and personal care products. Natural colourants are used in the pharmaceutical industry to colour medications so that they are more easily identified and differentiated. In the context of the textile industry, natural colourants are used for the creation of environmentally friendly clothing dyes. This paper explores the various plant-based pigments that the Malay community uses as natural dye colourants. Annatto (Bixa orellana), henna (Lawsonia enermis), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), betel nut (Areca catechu), red pitaya (Hylocereus polyhizus), mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia), butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), and sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) are some of the many plants from which natural colourants can be derived. Generally, the choice of natural colourants over synthetic colourants contributes towards the well-being of the environment and human health

Response of Lemna Minor and salvinia natans as bio-sequester and removal agents toward Fe, Cu and Zn toxicities through in vivo model system

A lack of macrophytes in aquatic ecosystem may suggest a reduced population of wildlife whereas the absence of macrophytes may indicate problems in water quality. However an overabundance of macrophytes may due to excessive nutrients, organic or heavy metals interference. Aquatic macrophytes are well known as a good accumulator for heavy metals in phyto-technologies approach since the last decades. Therefore this study aimed to assess heavy metals sequestration rate of Lemna minor and Salvinia natans at three different concentrations ranging from low, medium and high (1 mglˉ¹, 2 mglˉ¹ and 5 mglˉ¹) of three types of heavy metal (Cu, Fe and Zn) at four different period of time (week 1 until week 4) through in vivo model system. The results established that there were significantdifferences between the sequestration rate of both species.S. natans ability and resistance over 3 types of heavy metal toxicity were much more higher and stable compared to L. minor and the capability of both species were varied and depending on the plant tolerance or resistance mechanism itself. Thus, the high correlation between metal removal in water and aquatic plant species indicates that those plants can effectively use for the removal of heavy metals from polluted or contaminated aquatic ecosystem of different concentrations

Natural essence of Malay poison from Melaleuca cajuputi as potential natural herbicide and microbes inhibitor

Poisoning is an art that Malays are well skilled at and recognized for. Numerous poisons are utilized differently; also, most characteristics relating to intoxication, poisoning, or therapeutic use are directly dependent on the origin of the substance such as animals or plants. Melaleuca cajuputi (gelam) belongs to the Myrtaceae family, and the Malay population has traditionally used it for several functions and reasons. Nevertheless, its natural essence has not been deeply researched; hence, this work aimed to assess the chemical characteristics of M. cajuputi and evaluate their impact on microbial processes and weed development. The observations indicated that three primary phenolic acids (Vanillic acid, Ferulic acid, and Caffeic acid), including one volatile substance, were identified, indicating a total phenolic content of 493.92±6.88 μg GAE/g DW. Extracts from M. cajuputi leaves inhibited aquatic weed activity against Rotala rotundifolia and Glossostigma elatinoides; treatment levels were between 10 and 50 g/L. Similarly, there were inhibitory observations against microbes like Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermis. Hence, these observations are vital since it is the foundational study concerning the use of poisonous Malay plant species as antimicrobials and natural herbicides in Malaysi

Landscape plantarum in Islamic built environment

This book is an attempt to compile information theories and clear illustration on trees which is almost 100 species of trees with different families. It highlights the trees anatomy, texture, characteristics, color and structure as well as explains of trees behavior. The preparation of the book grew out of the need to elaborate to the students about plant materials and selection. Most of these students will use it as a text book especially in landscape architecture field. Other background who will benefits from this book include an architect, planner, owner of nursery, researcher and public people in understanding deeply about trees characteristics and behavior. There is no doubt that even people with some basic of knowledge about trees will be able to make use this book as guide in landscape design project and identification of trees on nursery before transfer to site project