Asia Nosheen

Fast comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography method for fatty acid methyl ester separation and quantification using dual ionic liquid columns.

Safflower oil is a complex mixture of C18 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids amongst other fatty acids, and achieving separation between these similar structure components using one dimensional gas chromatography (GC) may be difficult. This investigation aims to obtain improved separation of fatty acid methyl esters in safflower oil, and their quantification using comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC×GC). Here, GC×GC separation is accomplished by the coupling of two ionic liquid (IL) column phases: the combination of SLB-IL111 with IL59 column phases was finally selected since it provided excellent separation of a FAME standard mixture, as well as fatty acids in safflower and linseed oil, compared to other tested column sets. Safflower oil FAME were well separated in a short run of 16min. FAME validation was demonstrated by method reproducibility, linearity over a range up to 500mgL(-1), and limits of detection which ranged from 1.9mgL(-1) to 5.2mgL(-1) at a split ratio of 20:1. Quantification was carried out using two dilution levels of 200-fold for major components and 20-fold for trace components. The fatty acids C15:0 and C17:0 were not reported previously in safflower oil. The SLB-IL111/IL59 column set proved to be an effective and novel configuration for separation and quantification of vegetable and animal oil fatty acids.

Protein Quantity and Quality of Safflower Seed Improved by NP Fertilizer and Rhizobacteria (Azospirillum and Azotobacter spp.)

HIGHLIGHTS Rhizobacteria (Azotobacter spp.) have improved the quality and quantity of safflower seed protein. Protein quality was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and new bands were found in response to different combinations of rhizobacteria and lower doses of fertilizers. The PGPR application has reduced the use of fertilizers upto 50%. Protein is an essential part of the human diet. The aim of this present study was to improve the protein quality of safflower seed by the application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in combination with conventional nitrogen and phosphate (NP) fertilizers. The seeds of two safflower cultivars Thori and Saif-32, were inoculated with Azospirillum and Azotobacter and grown under field conditions. Protein content and quality was assessed by crude protein, amino acid analysis, and SDS-PAGE. Seed crude protein and amino acids (methionine, phenylalanine, and glutamic acid) showed significant improvements (55–1250%) by Azotobacter supplemented with a quarter dose of fertilizers (BTQ) at P ≤ 0.05. Additional protein bands were induced in Thori and Saif-32 by BTQ and BTH (Azotobacter supplemented with a half dose of fertilizer) respectively. The Azospirillum in combination with half dose of fertilizer (SPH) and BTQ enhanced both indole acetic acid (IAA) (90%) and gibberellic acid (GA) (23–27%) content in safflower leaf. Taken together, these data suggest that Azospirillum and Azotobacter along with significantly reduced (up to 75%) use of NP fertilizers could improve the quality and quantity of safflower seed protein.

Sustainable Measures for Biodiesel Production

The insecurity, non-sustainability, and pollution problems associated with petroleum-based fuels have stimulated recent interest in exploring alternative and renewable energy resources, such as biodiesel. However, the major resources of biodiesel are limited to oilseed crops, which have direct utilization in food materials. Moreover, the current climate change scenarios would greatly affect the yield and quality of oil seed plants with a significant decrease in biodiesel production. Many workers are exploring the sustainable production of biodiesel. The current review describes the sustainable approaches (biochemical and physiological) toward improving the potential and quality of feedstock resources for biodiesel production.

The Role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on Oil Yield and Biodiesel Production of Canola (Brassica napus L.)

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the effects of chemical fertilizers and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria viz. Azospirillum and Azotobacter on seed yield, oil content, and oil quality of canola (Brassica napus L.) var. Pakola pertaining to biodiesel production. Azospirillum and Azotobacter were applied as broth culture prior to sowing, while chemical fertilizers viz. urea and Diamonium phosphate were applied @ 185 Kg/hec and 160 Kg/hec, respectively. The first dose of chemical fertilizers was applied at the time of sowing, while another three doses were applied at 40 day intervals. Chemical fertilizers significantly increased number of branches plant−1, number of siliqua branch−1, number of seeds siliqua−1, and total seed yield. However, significant increase in 1,000 seed weight was observed in Azospirillum treatment. Maximum increase in seed oil content was recorded in Azotobacter treatment. Chemical fertilizers and Azospirillum significantly increased seed protein content and decreased oil acid value and free fatty acid (%FFAs) content as compared to the control. Significantly lower glucosinolate and moisture content were recorded in Azotobacter treatment. Significantly higher oleic acid (C18:1) content was observed in Azospirillum treatment. Maximum alpha linolenic acid (C18:3) content was found in Azotobacter treatment. Azospirillum significantly decreased the erucic acid (cis-13-docosenoic acid, C22:1) content. The oil extracted from seeds of chemical fertilizers and Azospirillum-treated plants exhibited maximum (93 and 92%, respectively) conversion to methyl esters as a result of transesterification reaction.

The Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Yellow Sarson (Brassica campestris L.) Oil

The aim of the present investigation was to optimize protocol for conversion of yellow sarson (Brassica campestris L.) subsp. Oleifera oil to biodiesel. The maximum yield of biodiesel was obtained at 75°C in the presence of 1% NaOH (w/w oil) and methanol/oil molar ratio of 9:1. The quality parameters of biodiesel, such as specific gravity, color, kinematic viscosity, flash, cloud, and pour point, were in accordance with the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D 6751.

Bioinoculants: A sustainable approach to maximize the yield of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata L.) under low input of chemical fertilizers.

This study aimed to find out the effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Azospirillum brasilense and Azotobacter vinelandii) either alone or in combination with different doses of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers on growth, seed yield, and oil quality of Brassica carinata (L.) cv. Peela Raya. PGPR were applied as seed inoculation at 10(6) cells/mL(-1) so that the number of bacterial cells per seed was 2.6 × 10(5) cells/seed. The chemical fertilizers, namely, urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) were applied in different doses (full dose (urea 160 kg ha(-1) + DAP 180 kg ha(-1)), half dose (urea 80 kg ha(-1) + DAP 90 kg ha(-1)), and quarter dose (urea 40 kg ha(-1) + DAP 45 kg ha(-1)). The chemical fertilizers at full and half dose significantly increased the chlorophyll, carotenoids, and protein content of leaves and the seed yield (in kilogram per hectare) but had no effect on the oil content of seed. The erucic acid (C22:1) content present in the seed was increased. Azospirillum performed better than Azotobacter and its effect was at par with full dose of chemical fertilizers (CFF) for pigments and protein content of leaves when inoculated in the presence of half dose of chemical fertilizers (SPH). The seed yield and seed size were greater. Supplementing Azospirillum with SPH assisted Azospirillum to augment the growth and yield, reduced the erucic acid (C22:1) and glucosinolates contents, and increased the unsaturation in seed oil. It is inferred that A. brasilense could be applied as an efficient bioinoculant for enhancing the growth, seed yield, and oil quality of Ethiopian mustard at low fertilizer costs and sustainable ways.

The Role of Climatic Factors in Biodiesel Production of Sesame

Agricultural products are strongly affected by variations in climatic conditions. The cultivation of oilseed crops is expanding under different climatic zones. Vegetable oils are also important sources of biofuel. It is renewable and does not contribute to raising the net level of CO2 in the atmosphere. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the impact of climatic factors on seed oil content and oil quality of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotype TS-3 with the perspectives of biodiesel production. The seed samples were collected from field grown plants in three regions of Pakistan differing in temperature and moisture regimes viz. district Bannu, district Kohat (Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa), and district Attock (Punjab), respectively. The mean day and night temperatures and average rainfall varied in the three regions during vegetative and reproductive phases of sesame. The average day temperature was higher in Attock. Minimum day temperature during the reproductive phase was observed in Kohat, while minimum night temperature during grain filling and maturation was recorded in Attock. Maximum seed oil content was exhibited by seed samples collected from Kohat exhibiting 3 and 4°C lower day temperature than Attock and Bannu, respectively, during the reproductive stage. Significantly higher oil specific gravity was detected in seed samples collected from Bannu. The lower acid value was recorded for seed samples of Kohat. A significantly higher iodine number was found in the oil of seed samples collected from Attock. The palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2) content did not vary significantly in seed samples of the three regions. Maximum oleic acid (C18:1) content was exhibited by seed samples collected from Kohat. Significantly higher biodiesel yield was obtained from the oil of seed samples collected from Kohat and Bannu, respectively. It can be inferred that climatic conditions significantly affect the oil yield and quality of sesame and that agroclimatic conditions of Kohat and Bannu are suitable for cultivation of sesame for biodiesel production.

Pseudomonas putida improved soil enzyme activity and growth of kasumbha under low input of mineral fertilizers

ABSTRACT Effective management of the nutrients and enzyme activity in the soil is necessary for maximum crop growth and productivity. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) not only adversely affects the soil nutrient status and soil physicochemical properties but also aids pollution to the ecosystem. The objective of present study was to investigate the effect of single as well as combined applications of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and agrochemicals on important soil enzyme activities and their impact on the growth of kasumbha (safflower). Pseudomonas putida (P. putida;106 cells/mL) was applied as seed inoculation prior to sowing, and CFs were applied as full, half, and quarter doses during sowing to modulate the growth of kasumbha host plants. P. putida in combination with half dose of CFs (PH) increased the soil urease and phosphatase activities, while P. putida combined with quarter dose of CFs (PQ) augmented the soil invertase activities. Moreover, the PQ treatment exhibited the maximum colony-forming units of P. putida. Leaf chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein contents, and root lengths were increased by PH treatment. Whereas, shoot length and leaf area were improved by PH and PQ treatments, respectively. Leaf protease activity was enhanced by P. putida in combination with full dose of CFs and PQ treatments, while leaf phosphate contents were significantly improved by PQ treatment. It can be concluded that P. putida in combination with half as well as quarter doses of CFs is a promising approach for the improvement of soil enzyme activities and growth of kasumbha and replacing 50% of the use of CFs.

Botanical-chemical formulations enhanced yield and protection against Bipolaris sorokiniana in wheat by inducing the expression of pathogenesis-related proteins

Two experiments (pot and field experiments) were conducted in two consecutive years to evaluate the protective effects of botanical-chemical formulations on physiological, biochemical performance and grain yield of wheat inoculated with Bipolaris sorokiniana. We compared different formulations comprising Calotropis procera, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Thevetia peruviana extracts, chemical fungicide (mefenoxam) and salicylic acid to modulate the defense system of wheat host plants. Among the selected plant species J. mimosifolia aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts (1.2% w/v) resulted in 96 to 97% inhibition against B. sorokiniana. Both in pot and field experiments, among all the formulations of selected plant extracts the combined formulation of JAF2 (J. mimosifolia 0.6%)+MFF2 (mefenoxam 0.1%) lowered the dose of chemical fungicide required to reduce the leaf spot blotch disease. The same formulation induced resistance in wheat apparently through the accumulation of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, protease, acid invertase, chitinase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase. This formulation also stimulated the defense-related gene expression of PR-proteins. The same treatment gave even more increase (48%, 12% and 22%) in no. of grains/spike, grains weight and grain yield, than the MFF1 (mefenoxam 0.2%). We conclude that foliar application of J. mimosifolia leaf extract with very low dose of chemical fungicide (J. mimosifolia 0.6%+mefenoxam 0.1%) is a promising approach for the management of leaf blight and spot blotch in wheat.

Improvement of safflower oil quality for biodiesel production by integrated application of PGPR under reduced amount of NP fertilizers

Safflower is an important industrial oil seed and bioenergy crop in semi-arid subtropical regions due to its potential to grow on marginal land and having good percentage of seed oil contents which is an important parameter for biofuel production. However, it is an ignored crop in Pakistan. In order to improve the crop productivity and reduce the use of agrochemicals for sustainable biodiesel feedstock production, an experiment was conducted for two years to improve the fatty acid composition and oil quality of Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) by the inoculation of Azospirillum and Azotobacter alone as well as in combined application with nitrogen and phosphate (NP) fertilizers on cultivars Thori and Saif-32 under field conditions. Separation and quantification of fatty acids were done on precise comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). The results showed that fatty acid profile specifically monounsaturated fatty acids i-e oleic acid (C18:1) was significantly improved by Azospirillum supplemented with the quarter dose of NP fertilizers (SPQ) with concomitant decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids by the respective treatment. Oil quality attributes such as acid value, saponification number, iodine value, refractive index and free fatty acid contents were reduced by the application of Azotobacter and Azospirillum in combination with half and quarter doses of NP fertilizers treatments (BTH, SPH, BTQ and SPQ). The reduction in these variables is positively linked with improved biodiesel yield and quality. It can be concluded that application of Azospirillum and Azotobacter not only reduced the use of NP fertilizers up to 50%–75% but also improved the oil quality in order to obtain environment friendly, sustainable and green fuel.