Asian Journal of Biotechnology and Bioresource Technology

Molecular Authentication and Phylogenetic Characterization of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) Using Chloroplast rbcL Gene Sequences

S. Narthanaa — 2026-03-24

Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) is a medicinally significant species frequently confused with morphologically allied taxa such as C. caesia and C. zedoaria in the herbal trade. This study authenticates C. aeruginosa collected from Assam, India, using an integrative taxonomic framework through molecular, morphological and herbarium-based approaches.

Ex-situ morphological validation revealed erect pseudostems with oblong-lanceolate leaves bearing reddish midribs, terminal inflorescences with pink bracts and bluish-violet rhizomes, which are diagnostic features consistent with C. aeruginosa. The specimen was taxonomically verified at the Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore (Voucher No. BSI/SRC/5/23/2023/Tech–875). The rbcL gene was successfully amplified (564 bp) and sequenced (GenBank accession PQ287241). BLAST analysis showed 97% query cover and 96.15% identity with C. aeruginosa accessions (MK934697.1, KX758482.1), confirming its molecular identity. Phylogenetic analysis positioned the specimen within a distinct C. aeruginosa clade with strong bootstrap support (99%). This integrative study establishes a verified reference for C. aeruginosa within the Indian flora, reinforces its taxonomic distinctiveness, and highlights the importance of DNA barcoding for resolving identification ambiguities in Curcuma and related Zingiberaceae taxa. The study also highlights the practical importance of molecular authentication for ensuring correct identification of medicinal Curcuma species in herbal markets and pharmacognostic research.

Preliminary Study on Mineral and Lipid Profile of Colostrum in Indigenous Kanni Aadu Goats

G. Rajesh — 2026-04-14

Colostrum in goats is a nutrient- and bioactive-rich first secretion essential for neonatal survival, providing passive immunity, supporting growth, and influencing long-term metabolic programming. Its composition—especially minerals and lipids—varies with factors like breed and nutrition, highlighting the need for focused studies in indigenous breeds such as Kanni Aadu. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the mineral and lipid composition of colostrum in indigenous Kanni Aadu goats. A total of eleven colostrum samples were collected immediately after parturition and analysed for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, triglycerides, and cholesterol using standard analytical procedures. The results indicated that calcium ranged from 6.51 to 11.22 mg/dL (10.14 ± 0.37), phosphorus from 47.07 to 290.02 mg/dL (219.47 ± 19.26), and magnesium from 2.46 to 8.07 mg/dL (6.74 ± 0.51). Triglyceride levels varied between 64 and 134 mg/dL (88.36 ± 5.54), while cholesterol ranged from 1 to 5 mg/dL (2.64 ± 0.45). The findings demonstrate that Kanni Aadu goat colostrum is a rich source of essential minerals and lipids required for neonatal growth and metabolic adaptation. This study provides baseline information on colostrum composition in Kanni aadu goats, which may be useful for improving neonatal management and exploring value-added applications.

Biotechnological Innovations for Unlocking the Antimicrobial Potential of Endophytic Fungal Metabolites

María Daniela Castro-Herrera — 2026-03-13

Antibiotic consumption has augmented globally without proper guidelines, accelerating the development of bacterial resistance to them, which is the ability of microorganisms to survive and proliferate despite the action of these substances. Given this situation, it is crucial to seek more accessible alternatives, such as endophytic fungi. These are eukaryotes that inhabit the internal tissues of plants, where they establish mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships without harming them. Research to date has demonstrated that the genetic diversity and variety of secondary metabolites found in these fungi reinforce the importance of continuing to explore them, as certain molecules have shown antibiotic activity against various pathogenic bacteria. Nonetheless, their effective utilization is limited by their low natural productivity and the lack of knowledge about their symbiotic relationships and the regulation of their metabolic pathways. Therefore, biotechnological strategies have been developed and implemented to overcome these limitations. Techniques such as media optimization, the one strain many compounds (OSMAC) approach, co-culture, epigenetic modification, and genetic engineering have been used to activate latent biosynthetic pathways and increase metabolite production. However, research has not included animal models, much less clinical trials. Therefore, the path to commercialization still requires significant research by the pharmaceutical industry.

Exploring the Role of Quantum Dot–Based Nanotechnologies for Nematode Detection and Management: A Review

Aditya Pratap Singh — 2026-04-14

Nematodes constitute a highly diverse and widely distributed group of metazoans, inhabiting a variety of environments such as soil, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Despite their ecological importance, their study is often constrained by their microscopic size and the limited availability of tools for observing their behavior under real-time conditions. In agricultural systems, the management of plant-parasitic nematodes continues to depend largely on chemical nematicides, which raise concerns due to their adverse effects on the environment and human health. In recent years, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as a promising nanomaterial with potential applications in nematology. This review synthesizes current research on the use of CQDs in nematode detection, visualization and management. Evidence from studies on plant-parasitic nematodes (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema spp.) and the model organism (Caenorhabditis elegans) suggests that CQDs exhibit concentration-dependent behavior. At lower concentrations, they act as effective and biocompatible fluorescent probes, facilitating in vivo tracking without causing significant adverse effects. However, at higher concentrations, CQDs may induce physiological stress, likely associated with prolonged exposure and accumulation within the organism. Taken together, CQDs present a useful platform for integrating detection and management approaches in nematology. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to better understand their long-term effects, optimize their application and ensure their safe use in agricultural systems.

Graphical Abstract

Green Leafhopper (Nephotettix spp.) in Rice Ecosystems: Biology, Ecology and Integrated Pest Management Strategies

Dawn Babu — 2026-04-21

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major staple food for more than half of the global population, with Asian countries contributing the largest share of production and consumption. Sap-feeding hemipterans are among the many arthropod pests that have increased to a problematic level due to feeding injury and their role in transmitting viral diseases in rice. The Green leafhopper (Nephotettix spp.) is one of the most economically harmful insect pests affecting rice in tropical and subtropical areas. Besides undermining plants by continuously sucking phloem sap, Nephotettix species are very effective vectors of rice tungro disease, a viral complex that causes devastating yield losses and periodic epidemics.

The past decades have been characterized by a sharp rise in the frequency and severity of Green leafhopper occurrences, driven by increased rice cultivation, overuse of nitrogen fertilizers, erosion of agroecosystem biodiversity, indiscriminate use of insecticides, and ongoing climate change. This review is a study dedicated to biology, distribution, host relationships, damage processes, ecological relationships, and control of the green leafhopper in rice ecosystems. Specific focus is placed on pest population ecology, responses to climate mediation, insecticide and host plant resistance, and biological control through conservation. There is a critical analysis of the integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that focus on ecological engineering, the use of resistant cultivars, balanced nutrition, and selective chemical intervention. New uses of digital agriculture and predictive pest management are also considered as elements of future climate-resilient rice IPM. It is hoped that, by drawing on existing scientific knowledge, this review can either facilitate the adoption of sustainable pest management practices or provide information to support research and policy interventions aimed at the long-term stability of rice production systems.