Journal of Applied Life Sciences International

Gill Monogeneans Infestation and Condition Factor Assessment of Hemichromis fasciatus (Cichlidae) from the Ebrie Lagoon, Côte d’Ivoire

Yedehi Euphrasie ADOU — 2025-10-14

This study investigated the gill parasitofauna of the cichlid fish Hemichromis fasciatus in sectors III and IV of the Ebrie Lagoon, areas subjected to varying anthropogenic pressures, from February 2019 to January 2020. Using standard parasitological methods, five (5) Monogenean species were identified: Cichlidogyrus falcifer, C. sanseoi, C. longicirrus, Onchobdella voltensis, and O. bopeleti. Spatial analysis revealed higher parasite infestations (P = 96.12%; IM = 26.22±0.2) in fish from sector III, which was characterized by lower oxygen levels (2.5 g/l) and reduced water transparency, compared to sector IV. Additionally, host sex significantly influenced parasitic burden. Condition factor assessments showed that infested fish had poorer body condition (K = 0.48±0.2 g/cm³) than non-infested individuals (K = 1.6±0.2 g/cm³), highlighting the detrimental effects of parasitic infections on host health. These findings emphasize the role of environmental and biological factors in shaping parasite dynamics in lagoon ecosystems.

Susceptibility of Culex pipiens from Essien Udim, Nigeria to the Essential Oil of Corymbia torelliana (K. D. Hills & L. A. S. Johnson)

Umohata, Idongesit Augustine — 2025-10-21

Mosquitoes serve as major vectors of disease-causing organisms such as filarial worms, malaria parasites, and arboviruses in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Effective vector surveillance is critical in the control and elimination strategies. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Corymbia torelliana essential oil against Culex pipiens mosquitoes from Ukana Uwa West and Adiasim Ikot Essiendot both in Essien Udim local Government area of Akwa Ibom State. Larvae collected from both communities were reared to adults. Adult mosquitoes were morphologically identified using standard taxonomic keys and Culex pipiens was used for susceptibility tests. Test oil was obtained from the flower and flower buds of Corymbia torelliana by hydro-distillation and the composition determined via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). From 4 ml stock solution, 31.25, 62.50, 125 and 250 and 500 µl/mL concentrations of C. torelliana oil were prepared using two-fold serial-dilution with 10% Tween 80 as diluent. Each concentration and control had 100 adult mosquitoes exposed. Essential oil from C. torelliana revealed 18 volatile compounds. Major constituents included α-Terpineol (34.60%), α-Pinene (10.15%), p-Cymen-8-ol (8.27%), Copaene (6.53%), and Verbenol (5.47%). Susceptibility tests showed that Cu. pipiens from Adiasim Ikot Essiendot was more susceptible to the oil than those from Ukana Uwa West. Complete knockdown was achieved at 125 µl/mL after 30 minutes with Cu. pipiens from Adiasim, while 250 µl/mL was needed with Cu. ppiens from Ukana. Full mortality occurred at 500 µl/mL in both populations. Probit analysis confirmed lower KD₅₀ and LC₅₀ values for the Adiasim population, indicating higher sensitivity. These findings suggest that C. torelliana essential oil has potential as a natural adulticidal agent against Cu. pipiens, one of the causative agents of lymphatic filariasis.

In vitro Evaluation of Anthelmintic Potential of Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Vitex negundo in Benzimidazole-resistant Haemonchus contortus of Sheep

R. Edith — 2025-10-22

The aim of this study was to evaluate the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Vitex negundo for their anthelmintic potential against the benzimidazole-resistant Haemonchus contortus of sheep. The organized sheep farms in the various districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Salem, Karur and Kanniyakumari were randomly selected for sampling. 560 faecal samples were collected from organized sheep farms from the above districts before and after deworming with benzimidazole (BZ). The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) revealed the development of anthelmintic resistance to BZ in Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts. The allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR), the molecular technique employed to amplify the 250bp BZ-resistant gene fragments, had also revealed the BZ resistance. This study evaluated the anthelmintic potential of Vitex negundo leaves against BZ-resistant H. contortus in sheep. The aqueous leaf extracts (ALE) and ethanolic leaf extracts (ELE) of V. negundo were prepared in various concentrations, viz., 5, 10, 20, and 50 mg/mL. The in vitro methods viz., egg hatch assay (EHA) and larval paralysis assay (LPA) were performed to assess the anthelmintic efficacy of the above extracts. EHA revealed maximum efficacy (%) of 11.67±1.67% and 5.00±0.91% in 50 mg/mL concentration of ALE and ELE, respectively. LPA revealed 13.44±1.41% and 7.23±0.55% efficacy in 50 mg/mL concentrations of ALE and ELE, respectively. The results of this study with V. negundo indicated a dose-dependent effect of ALE and ELE in EHA and LPA. It is concluded that V. negundo could be a futuristic phytomedicine for an alternate control strategy to combat the anthelmintic resistance against BZ-resistant strongyle nematodes of sheep.

Isolation and Characterization of a Bacterium as a Biocontrol Agent against Bacterial Wilt and Soft Rot Diseases in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Joseph John — 2025-10-22

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the important cash crops in India and Southeast Asia; however, its cultivation facing major threats from bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Smith (1896) Yabuuchi et al., 1995 and soft rot caused by Pythium myriotylum Drechsler. These pathogens have the ability to cause even hundred percent crop loss under suitable conditions, and traditional control methods have been largely ineffective and costly. In this context, the present study aimed to isolate a soil bacterium from ginger-growing regions in the Wayanad district of Kerala, with dual biocontrol potential against both pathogens, and to evaluate its ability to promote plant growth (PGPR). Ten bacterial isolates were collected from diverse agro-ecological zones with B-1 to B-10 code tags and screened for antifungal and antibacterial activities. Of these isolates, isolate B-2 exhibited the highest inhibition of P. myriotylum (mean radial growth: 6.33±1.46 mm) and R. solanacearum (inhibition zone: 6.00 mm, with an activity index of 0.18). Biochemical analysis detected the production of enzymes such as Amylase, Protease, Gelatinase, Lipase, Catalase, as well as positive results for Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and ammonia production, confirming PGPR traits. Molecular identification through 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the isolate was Bacillus cereus, with a 99.74% similarity. These results suggest that Bacillus cereus B-2 is a promising biocontrol agent with PGPR capabilities, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for managing ginger diseases and enhancing crop yield. Additionally, it highlights the importance of studying local microorganisms that can control severe crop diseases within the same region. Consideration will also be given to the soil’s recovery capacity and resilience in the face of climate change.

Macro and Micro Morphological Study of Three Species of the Genus Datura Collected from Tuti Island, Khartoum, Sudan

Mubarak Siddig Hamad — 2025-10-25

The present study is an effort to provide authenticated taxonomic guidelines to identify three species of the genus Datura in Sudan. These guidelines are macro and micro morphological characterizations of the three species. For macro- morphological characteristics, preliminary species identification was carried out using regional flora and botanical guides, including flora of Sudan and online database. Microscopic characteristics are investigated using light microscope (Leica DM 750) equipped with a Qwin system and video camera (Leica ICC50 HD). The study provided clear morphological descriptions and photographic documentation of the three species. Fruit capsules exhibited clear variations through the studied species. The cell wall patterns were quite distinct. Type and location of calcium crystals provided taxonomic value of the studied species. The mesophyll layer is differentiated into one layer in case of Datura forex while it divided into 2-3 layers in case of Datura stramonium and Datura innoxia. Trichomes were unicellular with gland in case of D. stramonium and multicellular with non-gland in case of D. innoxia. The detailed macro- and micro-morphological observations and dichotomous keys enhance the reliability of the three species identification. The study is important because it fills a significant gap in regional floristic and taxonomic documentation of the genus Datura in Sudan, especially regarding D. ferox, which is newly recorded for the region. Also, the study is vital for both taxonomic and ethnobotanical studies. Moreover, the findings have potential applications in pharmacognosy and conservation planning.

Improving Peanut Yield and Efficiency through Mechanization and New Fertilization Techniques (Arachis hypogaea)

Abdoulahi MAMANE — 2025-10-27

In a context of low peanut productivity in Niger, particularly in the Maradi and Zinder regions, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of technologies combining mechanization, seed treatment (soaking, coating) and localized fertilization. A randomized complete block experimental design was implemented on 3 sites, comparing five treatments. The study was conducted for two years (2023-2024). The results reveal that treatments integrating mechanization drawn by the Gangaria seeder, localized fertilization and soaking significantly increased grain yields to 56 and 75% respectively for T4 and T5 compared to the control T0. Haulm yield also increased by 61 and 63% respectively for T4 and T5 respectively compared to the control T0. These treatments also reduced the duration of plant maturity by 12 and 11 days respectively for T5 and T4. Labor requirements were reduced by 1.05 and 0.99 d/ha with a workforce of 2 people respectively for T5 and T4 against 11 h/d/ha for manual treatment with microdosing T1. The net margin is 573702 and 479718 FCFA/ha respectively for treatment T5 and T4 against 432860 FCFA/ha for the control T0. These results show the agronomic and economic interest of combining mechanization and innovative technologies to sustainably improve peanut productivity among rural producers.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Annona muricata Leaf Extract in Isoproterenol-induced Acute Myocardial Infarction

Ndumka, C. L. — 2025-10-29

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) triggers systemic inflammation and hematological disturbances that worsen cardiac outcomes. Annona muricata (soursop) leaves possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their immunomodulatory effects in AMI remain incompletely defined.

Objective: This study investigated the effects of hydroethanolic A. muricata leaf extract on hematological parameters and blood pressure in Wistar rats with isoproterenol (ISO)-induced AMI.

Methods: Thirty Wistar albino rats were randomized into five groups (n=6). Groups A–C received A. muricata extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg), Group D received lisinopril (10 mg/kg), and Group E received distilled water for 14 days, followed by ISO induction (150 mg/kg, s.c.) on days 15 and 16. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured on day 17. Hematological parameters were analyzed from blood samples collected post-sacrifice. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed using ANOVA at p<0.05.

Results: ISO significantly elevated mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate, which were attenuated by A. muricata extract in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to lisinopril. Extract pre-treatment reduced total white blood cell counts, neutrophils, monocytes, and platelets while increasing lymphocyte proportions. Furthermore, red blood cell indices (RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH) were improved in extract-treated groups relative to ISO control, indicating protection against oxidative and inflammatory hematological disruptions.

Conclusion: Annona muricata leaf extract demonstrated significant immunomodulatory and cardioprotective effects in ISO-induced AMI by normalizing hematological parameters and improving hemodynamic stability. These findings support its therapeutic potential as an adjunct in the management of myocardial infarction.