Enriched mini-genomic libraries of sugarcane variety VMC 87-599 were constructed using AatII and PstI restriction enzymes. A total of 517 sequences were obtained from the combined libraries. BLASTn homology revealed that majority (49%) of the sequences had no significant similarity whereas 22% had similarity with Saccharum officinarum, 12% with both Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays, 2% with Setaria italica, 1% with Oryza sativa, and 2% with other grass species. Also, 3.6% of the sequences had similar gene identity that is organellar and 12.7% nuclear. Of the total sequences, 54 (4.64%) had SSRs and 63 primers were developed with 11 primers mined from genic sequences. SSR repeat motifs were pr...

The use of n-butanol as surfactant allows the mixing of coconut oil and diesel fuel through microemulsification without any additional significant energy input compared with transesterification. This study evaluated the performance of a single-cylinder compression-ignition engine using different blends of n-butanol, coconut oil, and diesel. Four blends of fuel (D90-nB5-CO5, D80-nB10-CO10, D70-nB15-CO15, and D60-nB20-CO20) were formulated based on the available literature regarding the miscibility of the three fuel components. Each blend was evaluated at the engine’s maximum rated output speed and maximum torque speed and compared with commercially available diesel (B5) through the varying...

The Philippines is known as one of the megadiverse countries in the world. One of its important biological resources are macrofungi which play an active role in wood decomposition, thereby contributing to nutrient recycling in the forest ecosystem. However, in spite of the important ecological role of macrofungi, little is known about their biodiversity in the Philippines. Investigations on the taxonomy and diversity of macrofungi are also gaining importance, as many macrofungi species are on the brink of extinction due to environmental destruction. Therefore, this study was conducted to document the different species of macrofungi in Ifugao Province, Philippines to come up with a species...

The effect of postharvest ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) dipping at 2.5%, 3.5% or 4.5% on quality and biochemical changes in ‘Sukkari’ bananas during 13 d of shelf life at 20 ± 2 °C and 60–70% RH were evaluated. EEP treatments, especially at 4.5%, lowered weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS) concentration and pH, and retained higher peel green color, membrane stability index (MSI), firmness and vitamin C concentration during shelf life compared with the control treatment. EEP treatments maintained higher titratable acidity (TA) and total phenol concentrations than the control only after 6 d of shelf life. Free radical scavenging capacity (FRSC) increased (lower DPPH IC50 values) d...

Phragmites australis is considered the dominant species of wetlands, especially in Northwest China. It plays a very important role in wetland regulation, but little is known about its photosynthetic capacity. Here, we investigated gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll content and dry matter allocation under different watering regimes along the West Lake Wetland of the Hexi Corridor in China. Drought stress significantly decreased PN, E, gs, chlorophyll content (Chl a, Chl b, Chl (a + b), Chl a/b) and augmented Ci, but it also decreased the root, shoot, leaf and total dry matter of P. australis. According to Farquhar and Sharkey (1982), there are both stomatal and nonstomatal limitations to...