African Journal of Virology Research

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-004, April, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Production, characterization and application of banana (Musa spp) flour in whole maize

Daramola, B.* and Osanyinlusi, S.A.

Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 5351, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 January, 2018

Abstract

Pasting properties of flour from six varieties of matured green banana (Musa spp) fruits identified as Gross michel (GM), Dwarf Cavendish (DC), Cavendish (CA), Lacatan (LA), Poyo (PO) and Red skin (RS) were determined. Flour of CA, used in formulation of banana–whole maize meal was assessed organoleptically for binding and mouth feels qualities. Peak viscosity ranged from 434.75 – 837.17 RVU; break down viscosity, 115.42 – 487.92 RVU; final viscosity, 355.00 – 504.92 RVU; set back viscosity, 70.17 – 426.25 RVU; gelatinization time, 3.94 – 4.56 min; and gelatinization temperature, 64.35 – 67.55°C. Statistical analysis (P = 0.05) of sensory scores of different formulations of flour-whole maize meal showed an improvement of binding property and mouth feel of the composite food product. This simple method of processing banana, its pasting profile and application in food product reported in this study will serve as a means of utilization and extension of shelf life of mature banana fruits.

Key words: Mature green, banana flour, pasting properties, organoleptic attributes.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-005, April, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Induced growth of phytoplankton using two fertilizers (NPK and agrolyser) under laboratory conditions

Davies, O. A.*, Alfred-Ockiya, J. F. and Asele, A.

Fisheries Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt.

Accepted 10 January, 2018

Abstract

An investigation was carried out on the ability of two types of fertilizer; agrolyser-micronutrient and NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) -macronutrient in inducing phytoplankton growth for sixteen days under laboratory conditions. The parameters studied were abundance, species diversity and occurrence of the phytoplankton. Twelve 14 L plastics tanks labeled A, B, C and D was used. Each letter represented a fertilizer treatment (three replicates): A, 0.27 g agrolyser; B, 200 g NPK; C, 200 g agrolyser + 0.27 g NPK; and D which is the control. Before the application of these fertilizers, water samples were taken for phytoplankton analyses using 250 ml wide mouth plastic containers. All the tanks were allowed to be naturally inoculated for 3 days. Samples were collected for phytoplankton and physicochemical parameters at an interval of 3 days except temperature which was measured twice daily (morning and evening). A total of 1244 phytoplankton made up of 20 species, belonging to three families: Bacillariophyceae (diatoms), Cyanophyceae (blue-green algae) and Euglenophyceae (euglenophytes) were observed. Out of these algae, tanks C had 51.7%, B 33.2%, A 10.6% and D 4.5% phytoplankters. In the various groups of tanks, the orders of abundance, species diversity and percentage distribution of species of algae were C>B>A>D, C>B>A=D and C>B>D>A, respectively. This paper intends to provide preliminary information to fish farmers that agrolyser should be combined with a macronutrient fertilizer for better fertilization of pond.

Key words: Induced growth, phytoplankton, fertilizer, NPK, agrolyser.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Antimicrobial activity of Solanum tomentosum

A. A. Aliero and A. J. Afolayan*

Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa.

Accepted 14 October, 2017

Abstract

Acetone, methanol and water extracts from the leaves of Solanum tomentosum were investigated for their antimicrobial activities. Growth inhibition was determined using agar dilution assays against ten selected bacterial and three fungal species. Acetone and methanol extracts were active against the Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria at a concentration of 5 mg/ml. None of the extracts inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonae and Penicillium notatum. The activities of the extracts on the test fungi were generally low. Methanol extracts was particularly suppressive to the growth of fungi with inhibitory percentage ranging from 47.22 to 50.56% on Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum.

Key words: Solanum tomentosum, Solanaceae, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-003, March, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Proximate analysis of Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) Singer and Psathyrella atroumbonata Pegler

Nwanze PI^1*, Jatto W¹, Oranusi S¹ and Josiah SJ²

¹Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, P.M.B. 0006, Edo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, P.M.B. 0006, Edo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 09 January, 2018

Abstract

Lentinus squarrosulus and Psathyrella atroumbonata, two mushroom species commonly found growing on dead leaves and logs, were collected from the Zaria environ and taken to the laboratory for further studies. Each of the mushroom species was separated into its stipe and pileus and used for proximate analysis. There was a highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the proximate composition of the two species. P. atroumbonata had significantly higher crude protein, crude fibre and moisture content than L. squarrosulus while the reverse was the case for ash, dry matter, crude fat and soluble carbohydrates. In addition, there was a highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the proximate composition of the different mushroom parts. The pilei contained significantly higher amounts of crude protein, crude fibre, ash, and dry matter than the stipes while the converse was the case for moisture, crude fat and soluble carbohydrates. There was also a highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the interaction of species by parts.

Key words: Lentinus squarrosulus, Psathyrella atroumbonata, proximate analysis.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 12 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2018. © International Scholars Journals 

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of the chemical composition of two Nigerian medicinal plants

D. E. Okwu* and C. Josiah

Department of Chemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Accepted 06 November, 2017

Abstract

Nigerian medicinal plants (Aspilia africana and Bryophyllum pinnatum) were analyzed for their chemical composition, vitamins and minerals. The results revealed the presence of bioactive constituents comprising alkaloids (1.24 to 1.48 mg/100 g), saponins (1.46 to 1.72 mg/100 g), flavonoids (1.46 to 1.86 mg/100 g), phenols (0.06 mg/100g) and tannins (0.04 to 0.5 mg/100g). The medicinal plants contained ascorbic acid (26.42 to 44.03 mg/100 g), riboflavin (0.20 to 0.42 mg/100 g), thiamine (0.11 to 0.18 mg/100 g), and niacin (0.02 to 0.09 mg/100 g). These herbs are good sources of minerals such as Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Fe and Zn. The importance of these chemical constituents is discussed with respect to the role of these herbs in ethnomedicine in Nigeria.

Key words: Aspillia africana, Bryophyllum pinnatum, bioactive compounds, ethnomedicine.