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Full-Text Articles in Plant Biology

Clonal Plants' Traits And Responses Following Fire Disturbance In Ponderosa Pine Ecosystems In The Colorado Front Range, Raymond Erskine May 2024

Clonal Plants' Traits And Responses Following Fire Disturbance In Ponderosa Pine Ecosystems In The Colorado Front Range, Raymond Erskine

Master's Theses

Mountain ecosystems are currently experiencing increasing impacts of disturbances (e.g., wildfire) due to global changes in climate and land use, leading to significant changes in vegetation composition and landscape dynamics. Clonal plants, characterized by their vegetative reproduction strategies, offer a range of ecologically important traits to cope with disturbances. However, clonality is often excluded in studies of post-fire vegetation dynamics in mountain ecosystems, and our knowledge of the ability of clonal plants to respond to differing disturbance regimes is limited. Therefore, I examined the response of understory vegetation following fire disturbance in burned and unburned ponderosa pine stands of the …


Clonal Growth And Trait Variation In The Colorado Front Range: The Influence Of Elevation And Ecosystem, Jordan Conley May 2024

Clonal Growth And Trait Variation In The Colorado Front Range: The Influence Of Elevation And Ecosystem, Jordan Conley

Master's Theses

Amid global climate change, exploring adaptive strategies among alpine flora, particularly through clonal growth, becomes critical for biodiversity conservation. This study aims to explore the patterns of dominance and distributions among clonal species across environmental gradients in the Colorado Front Range, employing a trait-based comparative analysis to understand the adaptive strategies of alpine flora and their implications for conservation amid rapid climate change. We focused on two species, studying traits like lateral spread, bud count, and bulbil numbers. Advanced statistical methods such as Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PerMANOVA) and Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP) were used to evaluate community compositions …


Genetic Characterization Of Water Yam (Dioscorea Alata L.) And Production Constraints Of Yam In Pwani Region And Unguja Island, Tanzania, Gladness E Temu, Veneranda E Mlegi, Nessie D Luambano Apr 2024

Genetic Characterization Of Water Yam (Dioscorea Alata L.) And Production Constraints Of Yam In Pwani Region And Unguja Island, Tanzania, Gladness E Temu, Veneranda E Mlegi, Nessie D Luambano

Tanzania Journal of Science

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a tuber crop cultivated in over 30% of all regions in Tanzania, contributing to the carbohydrate needs of many households. The morphological and genetic diversity of water yam (D. alata L.) local cultivars collected from Pwani region and Unguja Island were evaluated using 26 agro-morphological characters and 10 Short Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Cluster analysis using morphological characters classified nine water yam local cultivars into two main clusters with three subclusters. Tuber flesh and leaf colour were the main descriptors for clustering. The genetic diversity of 128 water yam genotypes using ten polymorphic SSR markers generated …


Microbiological Quality Of Irrigation Water And Leafy Vegetables In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Bubelwa L. Kamara, Godwill D. Mrema, Thomas J. Lyimo Apr 2024

Microbiological Quality Of Irrigation Water And Leafy Vegetables In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Bubelwa L. Kamara, Godwill D. Mrema, Thomas J. Lyimo

Tanzania Journal of Science

The quality of water used for the irrigation of leafy vegetables in urban settings is in doubt due to contamination associated with poor hygiene and water pollution. This study examined the microbiological quality of irrigation water and leafy vegetables at Chang’ombe in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania as well as the perceptions and level of awareness of nearby consumers. Water and leafy vegetable samples were analysed for faecal coliform (FC) using standard techniques. Perception and awareness of consumers were collected using a questionnaire survey. The results showed an average FC count of 406.1 ± 16.40 MPN/100 ml for the irrigation water. …


Woody Species Composition, Structure, Regeneration Status And Carbon Storage Of Mkulazi Forest Reserve In Tanzania, Ezekiel E. Mwakalukwa, Christoganus John, Paulo J. Lyimo Jan 2024

Woody Species Composition, Structure, Regeneration Status And Carbon Storage Of Mkulazi Forest Reserve In Tanzania, Ezekiel E. Mwakalukwa, Christoganus John, Paulo J. Lyimo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Little is known about the status of forest condition and carbon storage potential of Mkulazi forest reserve (MFR) located in Morogoro District, Tanzania. This study was conducted to assess i) woody species composition, richness and diversity, ii) stand structure, iii) regeneration status and iv) carbon storage. Data collection for vegetation involved establishment of 100 concentric circular sample plots in the forest area of 65,710 ha. A total of 54 plant species for trees and shrubs with DBH ≥ 5 cm that belongs to 20 plant families were identified. The diversity of woody species was high (H’ = 3.11), while Stem …


Gene Flow Between The Wild Rice Species (Oryza Longistaminata) And Two Varieties Of Cultivated Rice (Oryza Sativa) In Kilombero District, Tanzania, Hashim M. Mangosongo, Emmarold E. Mneney, Bramwel Wanjala Jan 2024

Gene Flow Between The Wild Rice Species (Oryza Longistaminata) And Two Varieties Of Cultivated Rice (Oryza Sativa) In Kilombero District, Tanzania, Hashim M. Mangosongo, Emmarold E. Mneney, Bramwel Wanjala

Tanzania Journal of Science

The direction and rate of gene flow between the perennial wild rice species, O. longistaminata and cultivated rice, O. sativa was investigated using nine Microsatellite (SSR) markers. The study involved characterization of parental lines of two cultivated rice varieties and O. longistaminata and their F1 progenies. Presence of crop-specific alleles in the wild species or vice-versa was used as an indicator of occurrence of gene flow between the two species. The study revealed that gene flow between O. longistaminata and each of the two varieties of O. sativa occurs naturally. The direction of gene flow was mainly from the cultivated …


Potential Of Endophytic Fungal Isolates In Improving Productivity And Postharvest Marketable Fruit Qualities Of Tomato, Gabriel Michael, Emmanuel M. Sangu Jan 2024

Potential Of Endophytic Fungal Isolates In Improving Productivity And Postharvest Marketable Fruit Qualities Of Tomato, Gabriel Michael, Emmanuel M. Sangu

Tanzania Journal of Science

In Tanzania, low tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield and postharvest marketable fruit qualities remain significant limitations for tomato grower’s profit. Seven endophytic fungal isolates from pyrethrum and Lemongrass leaf and or flowers were evaluated to promote tomato productivity and fruit qualities. The isolates were inoculated by priming the seeds in spore suspension, and the variations in the number of germinated seeds, seedling vigour, yield and fruit qualities were compared across the treatments. It was observed that only three isolates induced more than 50% seed germination. Epf1 and Epl1 isolates showed significant promotion of seed germination (F 0.05 (pdf, 23) = 8.121 …


Microbial Quality Of Fresh Juices Sold By Street Vendors And Associated Human Health Risks: The Case Of Ilala Ward, Dar Es Salaam City, Tanzania, Juliana I. Rubaratuka, Godwill D. Mrema, Thomas J. Lyimo Jan 2024

Microbial Quality Of Fresh Juices Sold By Street Vendors And Associated Human Health Risks: The Case Of Ilala Ward, Dar Es Salaam City, Tanzania, Juliana I. Rubaratuka, Godwill D. Mrema, Thomas J. Lyimo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Microbial food quality serves to indicate health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated foods. This study aimed to determine the microbial quality of fresh juices and the level of awareness and perception of the consumers and juice vendors at Ilala Ward, Dar es Salaam. Fresh samples of sugarcane, mango and mixed fruit juices were collected from four different sampling stations and analysed using standard methods for Total Coliform (TC), Faecal Coliform (FC) and Total Viable Count (TVC). The level of awareness and perception of 60 juice vendors and 60 consumers were also assessed by using questionnaires. The results showed …


Potential Of Endophytic Fungal Isolates In Improving Productivity And Postharvest Marketable Fruit Qualities Of Tomato, Gabriel Michael, Emmanuel M. Sangu Jan 2024

Potential Of Endophytic Fungal Isolates In Improving Productivity And Postharvest Marketable Fruit Qualities Of Tomato, Gabriel Michael, Emmanuel M. Sangu

Tanzania Journal of Science

In Tanzania, low tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield and postharvest marketable fruit qualities remain significant limitations for tomato grower’s profit. Seven endophytic fungal isolates from pyrethrum and Lemongrass leaf and or flowers were evaluated to promote tomato productivity and fruit qualities. The isolates were inoculated by priming the seeds in spore suspension, and the variations in the number of germinated seeds, seedling vigour, yield and fruit qualities were compared across the treatments. It was observed that only three isolates induced more than 50% seed germination. Epf1 and Epl1 isolates showed significant promotion of seed germination (F 0.05 (pdf, 23) = 8.121 …


Antidiabetic Potential Of Vitex Mombassae Fruits Extract In Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat Model, Mussa B. Mbegeze, Joan J.E. Munissi, Flora Stephano, Ramadhani S.O. Nondo, Stephen S. Nyandoro Oct 2023

Antidiabetic Potential Of Vitex Mombassae Fruits Extract In Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat Model, Mussa B. Mbegeze, Joan J.E. Munissi, Flora Stephano, Ramadhani S.O. Nondo, Stephen S. Nyandoro

Tanzania Journal of Science

Besides changes in life styles and improper dietary patterns, the rapidly increasing burden of diabetes mellitus type 2 is correlated with antidiabetic agents currently in clinical use, which are costly, less effective, and present undesirable side effects. Natural products from plants are promising alternative sources for developing more effective and cost friendly antidiabetic agents. This study therefore investigated the antidiabetic potential of Vitex mombassae fruits extract (VMFE) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Oral acute toxicity test was conducted in male Wistar rat using up and down method by following OECD Guideline 423 (2002). No clinical signs of toxicity …


Phytochemical Constituents Of Cissus Oliveri Growing In Pwani Region, Tanzania, Fadhili S. Estomini, Stephen I. Nnungu, Amelia S. Buriyo Oct 2023

Phytochemical Constituents Of Cissus Oliveri Growing In Pwani Region, Tanzania, Fadhili S. Estomini, Stephen I. Nnungu, Amelia S. Buriyo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Cissus oliveri (Engl.) Gilg ex Engl. is among the plant species of the family Vitaceae widely used in traditional medicine for management of different ailments. This study aimed at assessing the phytochemicals of C. oliveri parts in order to provide scientific validation for its use as a therapeutic agent. Qualitative analysis of water and ethanolic extracts was conducted by using standard methods and the results revealed that all the parts possess alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins. Similarly, glycosides and saponins were only present in leaf and root. Quantitative analysis performed by gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods showed that all parts contain …


Anticancer Potential Of The Leaf Extracts From The Selected Croton Species, Peter V. Fayyu, Joan J.E. Munissi, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Flora Stephano Oct 2023

Anticancer Potential Of The Leaf Extracts From The Selected Croton Species, Peter V. Fayyu, Joan J.E. Munissi, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Flora Stephano

Tanzania Journal of Science

The reported investigations were aimed at establishing anticancer potential of the leaf extracts from Croton dictyophlebodes (CDE), C. kilwae (CKE) and C. longipedicellatus ssp austrotanzanicus (CLE). In vitro cytotoxicity assays of the extracts were performed against human laryngeal cancer cell line (HEp-2) and human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), while in vivo toxicological studies were done using Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline number 423 of 2001. Results for in vitro assays revealed that CDE and CLE induced cytotoxicity to MCF-7 and HEp-2 cell lines at EC50 values of 86 and 63 …


Effects Of Bacillus Thuringiensis, Beauveria Bassiana, Neem, And A Tomato Inter-Crop On Diamondback Moth (Plutella Xylostella L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) In Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, Ceciliah N. Ngugi, Jesca N. Mbaka Mbaka, Hellen W. Muthengi Sep 2023

Effects Of Bacillus Thuringiensis, Beauveria Bassiana, Neem, And A Tomato Inter-Crop On Diamondback Moth (Plutella Xylostella L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) In Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, Ceciliah N. Ngugi, Jesca N. Mbaka Mbaka, Hellen W. Muthengi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important crop in Kenya, ranked 3rd among the exotic vegetables. Diamondback moth (DBM) is a major cabbage pest that can cause a 100% loss in yield if not well managed. Farmers indiscriminately use synthetic pesticides associated with environmental, health, and pest resistance concerns to manage the DBM. To increase the availability of technologies for effective management of DBM in Kenya, three biopesticides; BioPower (Beauveria bassiana 1.0 x 108 CFUs/g), Dipel DF® (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki), Neemraj Super 3000 (Azadirachtin 0.3% EC), and a tomato inter-crop were evaluated. Cabbages (30 plants) spaced at 40 …


Ethnobotanical Survey On The Knowledge And Use Of Medicinal Plants For Malaria Management Among University Students, Felista W. Mwingira, Deokary J. Matiya, Neema G. Mogha Sep 2023

Ethnobotanical Survey On The Knowledge And Use Of Medicinal Plants For Malaria Management Among University Students, Felista W. Mwingira, Deokary J. Matiya, Neema G. Mogha

Tanzania Journal of Science

Malaria remains a public health problem in Tanzania, escalated by the emergence of both parasite and vector resistance. Plant-based traditional medicines have been widely utilized as alternatives to malaria management. However, proper documentation is minimal, especially among the younger generation. This study assessed the knowledge of medicinal plants for malaria management among 532 Dar es Salaam University College of Education students. Overall, twenty-four plant species, most belonging to the family Asteraceae, were identified with Azaradichta indica being the most dominant species. These results reveal a substantial knowledge of medicinal plants for malaria management among university students.


Efficacy Of The Botanical Extracts, Azadirachta Indica (Sapindales: Meliaceae) And Tagetes Minuta (Asterales: Asteraceae) In The Control Of Cabbage Insect Pests In Iringa District, Tanzania, Levocatus M. Rwegoshora, Vendeline E. Tairo, Moses I. Olotu Jun 2023

Efficacy Of The Botanical Extracts, Azadirachta Indica (Sapindales: Meliaceae) And Tagetes Minuta (Asterales: Asteraceae) In The Control Of Cabbage Insect Pests In Iringa District, Tanzania, Levocatus M. Rwegoshora, Vendeline E. Tairo, Moses I. Olotu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Although botanical extracts have been widely studied globally, the efficacy of neem and Mexican marigold against cabbage insect pests is scanty. Field experiments were conducted at Kalenga and Mgera in 2022 using a randomized complete block design. Four treatments (neem, Mexican marigold, a mixture of the two extracts and untreated) were replicated three times. In Kalenga, damage levels for treated plots varied significantly from 3.33 to 9.20% and 5.0 to 18.33%, while for untreated plots varied from 37.70 to 45.85% during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively (F(3, 499) = 111.71, p < 0.05). A similar trend was recorded in Mgera, the damage levels varied significantly between treated (4.44–15.83%) and untreated plots (34.40–46.60%) (F(3, 449) = 94.23, p < 0.05). Treated plots had higher marketable cabbage yields (30.6–43.10 t/ha) than untreated plots (4.78–11.20 t/ha), which differed significantly in Kalenga (F (3, 67) = 141.79, p < 0.05) and Mgera (F (3, 67) = 53.36, p < 0.05). These extracts have shown insecticidal properties, can serve as promising candidates for further studies aimed at isolating active compounds for scaling up ecologically friendly strategies of controlling pests and improve the quality of cabbage products.


Ethanol Extracts From Selected Tanzanian Medicinal Plants Selectively Inhibit Plasmodium Falciparum Growth In Vitro, Robert Christopher, Amina Msonga, Heinrich C. Hoppe, Fabrice F. Boyom Mar 2023

Ethanol Extracts From Selected Tanzanian Medicinal Plants Selectively Inhibit Plasmodium Falciparum Growth In Vitro, Robert Christopher, Amina Msonga, Heinrich C. Hoppe, Fabrice F. Boyom

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aimed to assess the in vitro antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of ethanol extracts from the root barks, leaves and stem barks of seven medicinal plant species growing in Tanzania. The antiplasmodial activities of extracts against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and multidrug-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum were determined using a SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay, while the cytotoxicity of active extracts was determined against the human HepG2 cell line using a resazurin-based assay. Out of twenty-one extracts screened, two of them, namely, DFRE from Dracaena fragrans root bark (IC50Pf3D7 = 2.4 mg/mL) and EHSE from Erythrina haerdii stem bark (IC50Pf3D7 …


Polyphenolic Content And Radical Scavenging Activities Of The Peel, Pulp And Seed Of Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Grown In Tanzania, Ibrahim Juma, Jan-Eric Englund, Rodomiro Ortiz, Mulatu Geleta, Donatha D. Tibuhwa, Anders S. Carlsson, Agnes Nyomora, Moneim Fatih, Helena Persson Hovmalm Mar 2023

Polyphenolic Content And Radical Scavenging Activities Of The Peel, Pulp And Seed Of Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Grown In Tanzania, Ibrahim Juma, Jan-Eric Englund, Rodomiro Ortiz, Mulatu Geleta, Donatha D. Tibuhwa, Anders S. Carlsson, Agnes Nyomora, Moneim Fatih, Helena Persson Hovmalm

Tanzania Journal of Science

Avocado is a healthy fruit and the consumption is continuously growing worldwide. The fruit contains polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant effects. Globally, research has been devoted to exploring the fruit quality, especially compounds with antioxidant effects, from different avocado-growing sites. However, the fruit quality of the Tanzanian avocado has so far not been investigated. In this study, the contents of polyphenols in peel, pulp and seed of avocados sampled in south-western Tanzania are described. The levels of total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents were measured, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The total polyphenolic content was highest in …


Phytochemical And Antibacterial Evaluations Of Chloroform Extract Of Mondia Whitei (Hook F) Skeels, Abdullahi Shehu, Ojochide Inikpi Egwemi, Olufunmilayo Adeola Ajayi, Abdulmumeen Amao Hamid Dec 2022

Phytochemical And Antibacterial Evaluations Of Chloroform Extract Of Mondia Whitei (Hook F) Skeels, Abdullahi Shehu, Ojochide Inikpi Egwemi, Olufunmilayo Adeola Ajayi, Abdulmumeen Amao Hamid

Tanzania Journal of Science

Mondia whitei, also known as Mondia, is an aromatic plant of Apocynaceae family. It is used as aphrodisiac, antidepressant, fertility medication and to improve appetite. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical and antibacterial properties of the plant. The chloroform extract of M. whitei was screened for its antibacterial effects using agar diffusion method against five bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi). The extract was active against S. typhi, K. pneumoniae and S. aureus at 400, 400 and 200 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the extract was observed in a dose-dependent …


Enhancing Germination Of Seeds Of A Multipurpose Tree Species Combretum Molle, Samora Macrice Andrew Dec 2022

Enhancing Germination Of Seeds Of A Multipurpose Tree Species Combretum Molle, Samora Macrice Andrew

Tanzania Journal of Science

Combretum molle R. Br. ex G. Don (Combretaceae) is a highly valued indigenous multipurpose tree species that has gained considerable attention in recent times due to its importance as a medicinal plant as well as an alternative species for wood and charcoal production. However, we lack adequate information on simple and appropriate methods that could be used to break its distinct seed dormancy to support domestication of wild populations apparently undergoing over exploitation and the negative impacts of deforestation. Eight pre-treatment methods involving complete removal of wing, complete removal of mesocarp, overnight soaking in cold water (24 °C) and partial …


Antibacterial Potency Of Allium Sativum, Psidium Guajava, Zingiber Officinale Roots Against The Food Poisoning Strains (Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 And Staphylococcus Aureus), Godfrey O. Mauti Dec 2022

Antibacterial Potency Of Allium Sativum, Psidium Guajava, Zingiber Officinale Roots Against The Food Poisoning Strains (Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 And Staphylococcus Aureus), Godfrey O. Mauti

Tanzania Journal of Science

Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus are notorious food poisoning bacteria of great effect on human health. This study determined the phytochemical constituents of ethanolic, vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) filtrates of Allium sativum (garlic), Psidium guajava (guava), Zingiber officinale (ginger) and their antibacterial activities on E. coli 0157:H7 and S. aureus. In a laboratory-based controlled experiment, the antibacterial and inhibitory activities of the VLC filtrates in doses of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08g/mL were investigated on E. coli 0157:H7 and S. aureus using the agar well diffusion method and compared with a standard antibiotic. The indices of the zone of …


Impacts Of Dietary Chrysophyllum Albidum Fruit Pulp On Brain Cholinesterase Function In High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Seun Funmilola Akomolafe, Sunday Idowu Oyeleye, Ifeoluwa Adebayo Odeniyi, Iyabo Folake Oladapo, Ayodele Jacob Akinyemi, Folake Lucy Oyetayo, Olubunmi Bolanle Ajayi Dec 2022

Impacts Of Dietary Chrysophyllum Albidum Fruit Pulp On Brain Cholinesterase Function In High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Seun Funmilola Akomolafe, Sunday Idowu Oyeleye, Ifeoluwa Adebayo Odeniyi, Iyabo Folake Oladapo, Ayodele Jacob Akinyemi, Folake Lucy Oyetayo, Olubunmi Bolanle Ajayi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Epidemiologic studies have shown strong correlations between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes mellitus. The exact mechanism through which this happens remains unclear. However, the dependence on glucose for brain function has been proposed as one possible mechanism. Hence, this study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit pulp (CAPP) with hypoglycaemic properties in diabetic rats induced with high-fat diet/streptozotocin (STZ). The animals were grouped into seven units as follows: control, STZ-induced, STZ + metformin (positive control), STZ + 5% CAPP, STZ + 10% CAPP, control + 5% CAPP and control + 10% CAPP and each group was made up of …


Morphological Variabilities And Identification Of Yam (Dioscorea Spp.) Genotypes From Major Growing Regions In Tanzania, Joseph I Massawe, Gladness E Temu Dec 2022

Morphological Variabilities And Identification Of Yam (Dioscorea Spp.) Genotypes From Major Growing Regions In Tanzania, Joseph I Massawe, Gladness E Temu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a vegetatively propagated crop that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. In Tanzania, yam is mainly grown as a source of food and income generation, especially for smallholder farmers. In this study, an assessment of morphological variations among 74 genotypes of Dioscorea spp. collected from six major growing regions was conducted. Yam genotypes were maintained and planted at Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute-Kibaha for characterization. Data from fifty morphological variables were subjected to multivariate analysis using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The first nine principal components with Eigenvalues > 1 accounted for 86.28% of the total variations. Some …


Phytochemical Investigation, Anti-Inflammatory And Analgesic Activities Of Ethyl Acetate Extract Of Pride Of Barbados Pod (Caesalpinia Pulcherrima), Osahon K. Ogbeide, Efosa D. Omono, Precious O Ehizojie, Anthony E. Aiwonegbe, Jeremiah O. Uadia Sep 2022

Phytochemical Investigation, Anti-Inflammatory And Analgesic Activities Of Ethyl Acetate Extract Of Pride Of Barbados Pod (Caesalpinia Pulcherrima), Osahon K. Ogbeide, Efosa D. Omono, Precious O Ehizojie, Anthony E. Aiwonegbe, Jeremiah O. Uadia

Tanzania Journal of Science

Pride of Barbados is a therapeutic herb which has wide traditional applications in the treatments and management of diverse ailments. Diseases pose great threats to human race. This research was aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, proximate composition, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the pod extract of Pride of Barbados in order to provide a scientific validation for its use as a therapeutic herb. All analyses were carried out using already established methods; the antioxidant potential was examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while the formalin-induced inflammation and acetic acid-induced writhing techniques were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory …


Anxiolytic Effects, Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Activities Of The Methanol Extract Of Jatropha Tanjorensis Leaf, Anthony E. Aiwonegbe, Uwaila Omoruyi, Osahon K. Ogbeide, Blessing O. Imoukhuede, Benjamin O. Gabrielsson Sep 2022

Anxiolytic Effects, Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Activities Of The Methanol Extract Of Jatropha Tanjorensis Leaf, Anthony E. Aiwonegbe, Uwaila Omoruyi, Osahon K. Ogbeide, Blessing O. Imoukhuede, Benjamin O. Gabrielsson

Tanzania Journal of Science

The methanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis was analyzed for its bioactive components, in-vitro antioxidant, antidepressant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activities using established methods. The phytochemicals detected were saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids and eugenols. The total phenolic content (TPC) was 36.48 mgGAE/g, while the total flavonoid content (TFC) was 145.92 mgQE/g of the extract. 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity gave an IC50 of 185.02 and 5.15 µg/mL for the extract and ascorbic acid (standard), respectively. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 5000 mg/kg, while graded doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the plant extract …


Identification And Larvicidal Efficacy Of Mosquito-Repelling Plants Used In Malaria Vector Control In South-East Benin, Camille O Tante, Armel Djenontin, Saïd Chitou, Wilfried Sewade, Pierre Agbani, Martin Akogbeto, Daniel C Chougourou Jun 2022

Identification And Larvicidal Efficacy Of Mosquito-Repelling Plants Used In Malaria Vector Control In South-East Benin, Camille O Tante, Armel Djenontin, Saïd Chitou, Wilfried Sewade, Pierre Agbani, Martin Akogbeto, Daniel C Chougourou

Tanzania Journal of Science

After identifying issues posed by some synthetic insecticides, the scientific community is now looking for other natural products with insecticidal and/or insect repellent characteristics. This study aimed to identify the plants of the Beninese flora known for their insecticidal and/or insect repellent effects and the indigenous techniques of their use and to evaluate the combined efficacy of extracts of a few on mosquito larvae for the control of malaria vectors in the South-East of Benin. A survey was conducted and the insecticidal effects of three combinations made from Azadirachta indica, Cymbopogon nardus and Hyptis suaveolens oils on Anopheles gambiae larvae …


Avian Use Of Habitat Patches Dominated By Exotic Leucaena Leucocephala Or Native Tree Species In Urban Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Chacha Werema, Charles Wilson Jun 2022

Avian Use Of Habitat Patches Dominated By Exotic Leucaena Leucocephala Or Native Tree Species In Urban Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Chacha Werema, Charles Wilson

Tanzania Journal of Science

There has been an incursion of an exotic Leucaena leucocephala in disturbed areas and into habitat patches of native tree species in some areas in Tanzania. However, the impacts of this exotic tree on native biodiversity are not well understood. We assessed bird use of habitat patches dominated by L. leucocephala in comparison to patches of native tree species  at the University of Dar es Salaam main campus, Tanzania, by comparing bird species richness, abundance and diversity using mist netting. Based on the same mist netting efforts in each habitat patch type, patches of native trees had significantly higher overall …


Effects Of Biochar On Soil Fertility And Crop Yields: Experience From The Southern Highlands Of Tanzania, Peter M. Rogers, Pius Z. Yanda, Noah M. Pauline, Simon Haikola, Anders Hansson, Mathias Fridahl Jun 2022

Effects Of Biochar On Soil Fertility And Crop Yields: Experience From The Southern Highlands Of Tanzania, Peter M. Rogers, Pius Z. Yanda, Noah M. Pauline, Simon Haikola, Anders Hansson, Mathias Fridahl

Tanzania Journal of Science

The world’s agricultural production is declining due to severe loss of soil fertility through natural processes or because of human activities. Biochar has been identified as a potential soil amendment to regain its fertility and increase crop productivity. This study aimed to assess the effects of biochar on soil nutrients and crop yields in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Data were collected through key informant and household interviews, and from sampling of soils in coffee farms where biochar of maize cobs origin was incorporated at the rate of 3 t ha-1. Purposive sampling approach was deployed to identify the villages …


Comparison On Vegetation Composition And Structure In Fire Prone Forest Of Ilunde And Fire Suppressed Forest Of Kitwe In Tanzania, Nyatwere D Mganga Jun 2022

Comparison On Vegetation Composition And Structure In Fire Prone Forest Of Ilunde And Fire Suppressed Forest Of Kitwe In Tanzania, Nyatwere D Mganga

Tanzania Journal of Science

Fire is among the factors influencing survival and development of plants in ecosystems. This study was conducted in frequently burnt and fire suppressed miombo woodlands of Ilunde and Kitwe, respectively. Tree stem density, basal area and composition of plants were determined. The methods used involved recording the numbers of tree stems, diameter at breast height and classifying vegetation to species level. In Kitwe forest, mean stem density of 582.7 ± 52.90 stems ha– was higher than 356.8 ± 38.98 stems ha– which was recorded in Ilunde forest (t = 15.98, df = 29, p < 0.05). Similarly, a higher mean tree basal area of 16.14 ± 1.32 m2 ha– was recorded in Kitwe forest, while 8.54 ± 0.94 m2 ha– being recorded in Ilunde forest (t = 3.34, df = 14, p < 0.05). Czekanowski’s similarity coefficients for trees, shrubs and saplings, and herbs and grasses were 0.46, 0.34 and 0.22, respectively. Fire adapted species were recorded in Ilunde forest. Fire prone miombo woodland had lower tree stem density, basal area and dominated by fire adapted species. Similarity coefficient between the two forests was also low. Prescribed burning is recommended in miombo woodlands for sustainable species composition and tree structure. Keywords: vegetation; composition, structure, fire prone, miombo


Chemical Constituents And Antimicrobial Evaluation Of Selected Aloe Vera Branded Commercial Products In Tanzania, Stephen S Nyandoro, Bahati F Kyando, Joan Je Munissi Jun 2022

Chemical Constituents And Antimicrobial Evaluation Of Selected Aloe Vera Branded Commercial Products In Tanzania, Stephen S Nyandoro, Bahati F Kyando, Joan Je Munissi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities of twenty-two Aloe vera branded commercial products in Tanzania, a case of marketed soaps, creams, lotions, petroleum jelly, toothpastes and hair conditioner products in Dar es Salaam, were investigated. Chemical compositions were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) whereas antimicrobial activities were evaluated using agar dilution method against four bacteria species, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoneae and Salmonella typhi) and two fungal species Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of seven non-polar constituents, namely methyl palmitate, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, methyl stearate, tetratetracontane, hexacosane, and pentacosane and methyl …


Effects Of Neem Aqueous Extract (Azadirachta Indica) Against Aphids And Aphid-Borne Virus In Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp), Kehinde T. Kareem, Rachael B. Olayinka, Juliana A. Ugwu, Olubusola F. Oduwaye Mar 2022

Effects Of Neem Aqueous Extract (Azadirachta Indica) Against Aphids And Aphid-Borne Virus In Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp), Kehinde T. Kareem, Rachael B. Olayinka, Juliana A. Ugwu, Olubusola F. Oduwaye

Tanzania Journal of Science

Pests and diseases are among the major factors limiting plant growth and yields. Pests are known vectors of pathogens including viruses. Proper management of plant pests is an indirect means of controlling viral diseases in plants. This study aimed at comparing the potential of neem extract and a synthetic insecticide (lambda cyhalothrin) for the management of aphids and Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in five different cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes and to determine the residual effects of the insecticide in the cowpea grains. The experimental field was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included; spraying …