Ecology and Biology of Seagrass, Halophila Beccarii Aschers, in Peninsular Malaysia

Distribution, occurrence and habitats of Halophila beccarii Aschers. were surveyed in coastal areas of Peninsular Malaysia. Of the many sites discovered, three were selected for detailed studies on seasonal dynamics involving monthly monitoring of environmental and biological variables. Surveys and monitoring were conducted simultaneously from February 1996 to January 1999. Data sets were analysed with multiple linear regression analysis for correlation between environmental and biological variables. Halophila beccarii was recorded at six sites in Terengganu: Sungai Kemaman, Chukai, Telaga Simpul, Sungai Paka Lagoon, Sungai Paka bridge-river bank of Sungai Paka and Sungai Paka shoal; four sites in Kelantan: Pengkalan Nangka Lagoon. Pengkalan Nangka shoal, Kampung Baru Nelayan- Kampung Sungai Tanjung and Pantai Baru Lagoon and two sites in Penang: Korea Island and Seberang Prai. Halophila beccarii occurred in brackish water and occasionally in marine habitats. They grew on substrates; sandy loam, loam, silty clay loam, silt loam, loamy sand, sandy muddy, calcareous muddy that are acidic (pH 3.46-5.55) and slightly above neutral (pH 5.83-7.88) and have substantial concentration of total organic nitrogen, 34.05-54.26 µM and low total phosphorus, 0.24-3.27 µM. Halophila beccarii grew in dynamic habitats, constantly changed, the time scale can be variables from diumal, seasonal within-year and between-year. Halophila beccarii tolerates a daily fluctuation of salinity 0-28.00 ppt and 0-31.46 ppt during low and high tides and 0-5.00 ppt during the prolonged period of 2-3 consecutive wet months. It grew in water temperature of 24.67-38.20°C and survived up to 40.00°C and tolerated short exposures of 2-3 hours to the sun and air during the day low tide. Nutrient concentrations in water were widely variable; nitrate ranged 0.160-29.970 µM; nitrite ranged 0-0.799 µM, a relatively low ammonium, from undetectable to 11.949 µM and ortho-phosphate, from undetectable to 0.903 µM

Changes in macroalgae species composition, assemblage and coverage at an inter-tidal rocky shore.

Samplings of macroalgae were undertaken at an inter-tidal rocky shore of Kuala Similajau (Lat. 3°22′ 13.9′N, Long. 113°17′ 39.1″E), Bintulu, Sarawak during two peaks of wet period; Feb.-Mar. (monthly total rainfall of 514.0 mm, 481.6 mm; average temperature 25.7℃, 26.2℃) and Jul.-Aug.(monthly total rainfall 585.8 mm, 566.2 mm; average temperature 26.3℃, 27.0℃) 2008. This study investigates the changes in macroalgae species composition, assemblage and coverage covering the two peaks of wet period. A total of 23 taxa comprising 7 green, 5 brown and 11 red algae were recorded covering the two peaks of wet period, with red algae being the most diverse division. Comparatively a lower number of macroalgae species occurred during Feb.-Mar. (12 species) compared to the period of Jul.-Aug. (20 species). Several species such as Ulva clathrata (Roth) Greville, Valonia aegagropila C. Agardh and Lobophora variegata (Lamouroux) Womersley ex Oliveira, were absent during the Feb.-Mar. Common species Anadyomene plicata C. Agardh, Sargassum sp., Acanthophora spicifera (Vahl) Borgesen, Amphiroa fragilissima (Linnaeus) Lamouroux, Gelidiella acerosa(Forsskal) Feldmann & Hamel, Gracilaria salicornia(C. Agardh) Dawson, Hydropuntia edulis (S. G. Gmelin) P. C. Silva, Laurencia papillosa (C. Agardh) Greville and Laurencia sp. were present in both periods. Acetabularia major C. Agardh, Cladophora prolifera (Roth) Kutzing, Ulva intestinalis (Linnaeus) Nees, Padina minor Yamada, Ceramium sp. and Pterocladia sp. were only present in the Jul.-Aug. In terms of mean coverage, there is no distinct trend in domination with respect to a particular species between the two peaks of wet period. However, based on the number of mean coverage contributed by the species, categorically this can be represented as Division Rhodophyta>Division Chlorophyta>Division Phaeophyta

Morphological characteristics, shoot density and biomass variability of Halophila sp. in a coastal lagoon of the east coast of Malaysia.

This study in a coastal lagoon of Merchang Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia evaluated the morphological characteristics, shoot density and biomass for Halophila in pure and mixed population with Halodule pinifolia (Miki) den Hartog. Both species inhabited the silt and sand substrates at depth of about 1.9 m to 2.0 m. They are well adapted and tolerated a range of micro-ecology; pH of 6.57–7.32, wide salinity differences of 9.42–34.47 psu, conductivity 16.14–52.27 ms/cm, and light availability of 446.63–624.1 lux. Morphologically, there are two forms for Halophila (a) small-leaved in pure population and those mixed with the short-leaved, (b) big-leaved with the long-leaved Halodule pinifolia. Both forms have variable leaf shapes, a respond to the wide and frequent fluctuation in water salinity. Leaves possessed red or purplish spots or blotches with more spots and blotches in leaves of Halophila in pure population. Shoot density of 79.08�38.02 shoots/100cm2; is comparatively higher in pure Halophila population compared with 26.33�13.20 shoots/100cm2 and 64.00�17.09 shoots/100cm2 for small-leaved and big-leaved Halophila sp. respectively. Halophila biomass (AG and BG) exhibit similar trend as those observed for shoot density. In pure or mixed Halophila population the majority of the biomasses (63–77% of the total) were in the belowground parts (rhizome and roots). Although Halophila sp. is a smaller size seagrass, for propagation they would need extensive rhizome networks buried in the substrates

Utilization of aquatic weeds fibers for handmade papermaking

Increasing global paper consumption has fostered the search for new alternative non-wood fiber sources. The aquatic weeds Cyperus digitatus, Cyperus iria, and Scirpus grossus were analysed for their fiber characteristics and chemical composition, and the processed fibers were transformed into handmade paper. The selected species yielded medium-length fibers (0.92 mm to 1.03 mm), which were thin-walled with a lumen diameter (3.37 µm to 5.26 µm) wider than cell wall thickness (2.73 µm to 2.97 µm). In terms of fiber derived values, the selected species possessed a slenderness ratio of 86.5 to 113.1 (favourable, > 30) and flexibility coefficient of 35.2 to 47.6 (favourable, within the range 50 to 70), which was classified as rigid fiber. The species also contained high cellulose, 42.1% to 44.8% (favourable, > 40%) and hemicellulose content, 42.8% to 45.6% (favourable, within the range of 30% to 50%), and low lignin content, 10.6% to 11.8% (favourable, < 12%). Handmade paper of Cyperus digitatus possessed relatively high tensile strength (2.61 ± 0.15 kN/m) and breaking length (1.20 ± 0.07 km) among studied species. Comparison with other non-wood fibers indicated that the studied plants fibers can be used for production of paper plates, paperboard, and decorative paper

Morphology of Halophila ovalis (R.Br.) Hook. f. from Peninsular and East Malaysia

Halophila ovalis plants were collected from six locations with different habitat characteristics; Merambong, lohore ofPeninsular Malaysia (sub-tidal shoal), Teluk Sepinong of Sabah (sub-tidal estuary), Pulau Gaya, Sabah (subtidal degraded coral), Merchang, Terengganu (inter-tidal lagoon), Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan (inter-tidal degraded coral platform) and Punang, Sarawak (inter-tidal beach front). Based on the leaf dimensions (length and width) and number of paired cross-veins, three Halophila ovalis variants can be distinguished; big, intermediate and small-leaved. The big-leaved H. ovalis are found at sub-tidal areas e.g. Merambong, Teluk Sepinong, while intermediate- and small-leaved variants are from inter-tidal areas that are exposed to air for 3 to 4 hours during low tides e.g. Punang, Merchang, Teluk Kemang and Pulau Gaya. The salinity and depth in a particular habitat contribute to the variability in shapes and dimension of leaf sizes. Halophila ovahs leaves showed diverse shapes from ovate, obovate, oblong to spathulate. At deeper depths, turbid water and muddy substrate, leaves of H. ovalis are elongated in shape and with longer petiole length. Halophila ovalis in Malaysia exhibit morphological variability particularly in the leaves in response to the different environmental factors in the various habitats

Growth Performance and Production of Neptunia oleracea Lourerio using Different Plant Materials

Herbaceous perennial plants reproduce by seeds and asexually by means of vegetative organs. Plants from habitat that are unfavorable to seedling establishment tend to rely largely on vegetative reproduction (Sculthorpe, 1967; Fenner and Thompson, 2005). Asexual reproduction is the dominant form of reproduction for wetland plants, i.e. by shoot fragments (Ceratophyllum), turions (Utricularia), inflorescence plantlets (Echinodorus), runners or stolons (Cryptocoryne), rhizomes (Typha), stem tubers (Sagittaria), root tubers (Nymphoides) and corm (Aponogeton) (Sculthorpe, 1967; Cronk and Fennessy, 2001). Neptunia oleracea Lourerio (daun tangki), although less common as a vegetable, is cultivated in inundated fields or canals (Edwards, 1980; Paisooksantivatana, 1994). It is harvested at three to four weeks after planting and 250 shoots are gathered into a bunch for trading in local market. About 30,000 – 50,000 shoots can be harvested in each harvest in one ha area (Paisooksantivatana, 1994). The sexual reproduction of N. oleracea is initiated when the seeds are released by opening of two sutures from the dry pod and dropped off to the wet ground followed by germination (Windler, 1966; Cook, 1996; Cronk and Fennessy, 2001). This species also generates new plants through auxiliary buds and lenticels at stem (Paisooksantivatana, 1994; Holtum and Ivan, 2002; DPI, 2009). However, in Sarawak, Malaysia, N. oleracea is only gathered from wild and offered for sale in local markets as a leafy vegetable (Voon et al., 1990; Suzalina Akma, 2008; Dayangku Alifah, 2009; Mohd Syahrul, 2009; Muhd Arif, 2009). This study was conducted to evaluate the propagation methods for culturing this potential vegetable using the different forms of plant materials, by seedling and stem cutting. The study was also conducted to evaluate the yield of N. oleracea as well as harvesting period per cycle propagation

Comparison on seaweed communities of the two rocky shores in Sarawak, Malaysia.

A study on seaweeds was carried out at Tanjung (Tg.) Batu (3°12’28.3”N, 113°02’38.4”E) and Kampung (Kg.) Kuala Nyalau (3°37’50.8”N, 113°22’16.1”E), Bintulu, Malaysia, from January to October 2008. This study examined the diversity and monthly distribution of seaweeds at two rocky shores with distinct landform characteristics and differences in their environmental conditions. A total of 32 seaweeds were identified belonging to 20 families and 27 genera comprising of 28 species (9 Chlorophyta, 5 Phaeophyta and 14 Rhodophyta) at Kg. Kuala Nyalau and 15 species (5 Chlorophyta, 2 Phaeophyta and 8 Rhodophyta) at Tg. Batu. Rhodophyta was dominant at both sites. Based on Bray-Curtis similarity evaluation, four distinct clusters on species occurrence in relation to months were observed at Tg. Batu: I–January, February and March, II–June and July, III–April and August, IV–September and October and, three clusters at Kg. Kuala Nyalau: I–February, March and April, II–January, III–June, July, August, September and October. Besides the topography and wave physical forces, a combination of some environmental (physical and chemical) factors were influencing the occurrence and differences in seaweed communities between the sites

Fiber characteristics in tropical aquatic plants for handmade papermaking

This study was performed to explore aquatic plants potential as raw materials to be used as alternative fibers in papermaking. Aquatic plants; Eleocharis dulcis, Limnocharis flava, Nymphaea nouchali, Blyxa aubertii and Cyperus malaccensis were collected from wetland areas and used as raw materials for handmade papermaking. Variables include; cell wall thickness, fiber diameter, lumen diameter and fiber length were examined and measured. Nymphaea nouchali possessed comparatively longer fiber length (0.571 mm), wider fiber diameter (48.17 μm) and lumen diameter (38.46 μm). Cyperus malaccensis has shorter fiber length (0.093 mm) and B. aubertii has narrower fiber diameter (16.1 μm) and cell wall thickness (3.77 μm). With respect to slenderness ratio (index to determine the strength of paper), B. aubertii possessed higher slenderness ratio of 16.4. All the species examined in this study have less than one Runkel ratio except for L. flava. Flexibility coefficient for the species evaluated ranged between 40.90–80.06%. Cyperus malaccensis, B. aubertii and N. nouchali have flexibility coefficient within standard range for papermaking suitability which were 53.8%, 61.78% and 80.06%, respectively. The slenderness ratio, Runkel ratio and flexibility coefficient characteristics contribute to tissue stability and have effect on the properties of handmade paper. Fiber distribution in produced paper sheets varied from random to uniform distribution. Limnocharis flava have higher shrinkage rate (11.43%) compared to other species whereas C. malaccensis possessed lowest shrinkage rate (3.93%)

Nutritive values of passion fruit (Passiflora Species) seeds and its role in human health

This study focused on proximate composition and mineral content of edible seeds of three Passiflora species; P. edulis (Purple), P. quadrangularis and P. maliformis. The moisture content ranged 9.18±0.34% in P. edulis (Purple) to 11.09±0.40% in P. quadrangularis, and the ash content was higher in P. quadrangularis (2.35±0.13%). Among the Passiflora seeds, P. edulis (Purple) possessed higher protein, 12.71±0.10% and total dietary fiber, 43.76±0.64% with 72-74% major fiber fraction of insoluble dietary fiber. The lipid content of 29.65±0.41% also was higher in P. edulis (Purple) indicating that the seed was rich in oil content. Passiflora quadrangularis possessed a higher ash content which constitutes minerals such as sodium, 5.508±5.465 mg g-1 ; magnesium, 1.975±1.443 mg g-1 ; calcium, 2.363±3.269 mg g-1, and potassium, 2.425±2.500 mg g-1 that plays a prominent role in human health. Based on ordination with Principal component analyses (PCA), the Passiflora seeds properties when compared with maize, oats, flaxseed, sesame, soybean, almond, groundnut, sunflower and pumpkin, Passiflora plant seeds formed an independent group correlated with variables, i.e., fiber, sodium, and zinc. By-products from Passiflora seeds can be used for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes