Nusantara Bioscience

Morphological and flowering phenology characterization of wild Begonia (B. hooveriana and B. hijauvenia) collected at Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia

ANDINI AGUSTIANI, R. VITRI GARVITA, HARTUTININGSIH M. SIREGAR, GUT WINDARSIH — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract. Agustiani A, Garvita RV, Siregar HM, Windarsih G. 2025. Morphological and flowering phenology characterization of wild Begonia (B. hooveriana and B. hijauvenia) collected at Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 1-10. Begonia hooveriana and B. hijauvenia are known for their varied morphology. This study aimed to describe the morphological characteristics of three Begonia accessions and determine their flowering phenology and pollen viability B. hooveriana with green and red color and B. hijauvenia. The Begonia were compared to characterize the plants, stomata on the underside of the leaves were examined, flowering phenology was observed daily during the flowering phase, and pollen viability was observed at the anthesis and post-anthesis phases. Data were recorded and analyzed descriptively. Based on morphological characterization data, the only morphology that distinguishes the two accessions of B. hooveriana is the color. The most prominent difference between B. hijauvenia and the previous two comparators is the type of plant. Accession B. hooveriana has anisocytic stomata, while B. hijauvenia has parasitic stomata. Based on the results of flowering phenology, the two accessions of B. hooveriana have a flowering period of 10-21 days, and B. hijauvenia has a flowering period of 17 days. The highest percentage of pollen viability in both flowering phases was found in B. hooveriana red (anthesis: 96.60±4.08%, post-anthesis:96.30±4.46%). The varied morphological characteristics of these three plants can be used as a basis for plant breeding programs.

Potential of a mixed extract of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and black cumin as an immunostimulatory candidate

USWAH ZILHAYA, WIDYA SARI, SYARIFAH BALQIST SYIFA, SALSABILA AL CHUSNA, ROSNIZAR — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract. Zilhaya U, Sari W, Syifa SB, Chusna SA, Rosnizar. 2025. Potential of a mixed extract of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and black cumin as an immunostimulatory candidate. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 11-20. Many Indonesian herbal plants show potential as immunostimulants, capable of enhancing the immune system’s activity. Some synthetic immunomodulators are known to cause side effects, and create demand for safer and be more effective alternatives. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and black cumin (Nigella sativa) are four plants recognized for their potential as immunostimulants. These plants contain metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins, which can enhance immune activity. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mixed extracts from these plants as immunostimulants, particularly in boosting immune responses weakened by pathogens. The research employed a completely randomized design, utilizing phytochemical tests, in vitro assays, and in vivo evaluations against Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrated increased activity and phagocytic capacity of macrophages following treatment with extract solutions at various doses. In vitro tests with 100 ppm and 1000 ppm concentrations, as well as in vivo tests at 650 mg/kg body weight, significantly improved macrophage phagocytic activity and capacity. The mixed extract effectively enhanced the immune system.

Comparing poultry manure and cow dung on Arachis hypogaea growth in savanna environment

AISHA ABDULLAHI MAHMUD, MAHMOUD DOGARA ABDULRAHMAN — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract. Mahmud AA, Abdulrahman MD. 2025. Comparing poultry manure and cow dung on Arachis hypogaea growth in Savanna environment. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 21-29. The study investigated the effects of poultry manure and cow dung on the growth of Arachis hypogaea L. (groundnut) in a controlled experimental setup at the botanical garden of Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. The experiment followed a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with two organic fertilizer as treatments; poultry manure cow dung, and a control sample with no fertilizer. Two groundnut seeds varieties; pure red and light tan mixed each separately with cow dung, and poultry manure, and were subjected to viability test before planting. Growth parameters, including the number of leaves and plant height, were measured monthly for five months. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 21, and significant differences were identified with Duncan’s multiple range tests at a 5% probability level. Results indicated a significant impact of organic fertilizers on the growth parameters. The results revealed that cow dung promotes early growth while poultry manure contributes more to reproductive success and yield. The control group showed significantly lower leaf development, with an average of (43.4) leaves. The findings highlight the role of organic fertilizers in enhancing plant leaf production, as they provide essential nutrients that are often deficient in untreated soils. In terms of plant height, the light tan variety treated with cow dung achieved the greatest average height (16.53 cm), surpassing both the control (15.4 cm) and the pure red variety treated with poultry manure (13.45 cm). Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of using organic fertilizers like poultry manure and cow dung to improve groundnut growth, reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and enhance soil health. These organic amendments are beneficial for sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to improved crop yield and environmental sustainability.