Abstract Melia dubia Cav. is a native species of tree to India and a sub canopy tree species naturally found in the tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forest of south Indian region. The leaves of M. dubia samples collected from the Chikkaballapura (MDL1) and Bengaluru (MDL2) region were screened for the detection of phytochemical contents and for the determination of antioxidants such as ABTS Radical Scavenging Assay, Total Reducing Power Assay, Hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity and their evaluation of anti-microbial activity. Phytochemical analysis of leaf extract of M. dubia revealed that the presence of significant plant secondary metabolites contributes to its anti-microbial and antioxidant activity. Thus, M. dubia can be used as a potential source for development of potential anti-microbial drug of botanical origin comparable to synthetic pesticides. Phytochemicals contents present in the leaf extracts are capable of rendering health benefits, thereby demonstrating that M. dubia can be a probable medicinal plant for human mankind.

Abstract Titanium-based benzenedicarboxylate metal-organic framework (MIL-125) is a nanoporous material that exhibits high surface area and unique pore architecture. The stability of MIL-125 in water, however, is the major drawback that limits the application of this material in aqueous condition. This study reports the water stability of amino-functionalized MIL-125 (as NH2-MIL-125), as well as its adsorption capability towards cationic methylene blue (MB) in comparison to that of MIL-125. Both MIL-125 and NH2-MIL-125 compound were prepared by reflux method followed by activation through conventional solvent-exchange technique. Framework of the as-synthesized of MIL-125 and NH2-MIL-125 was confirmed by powder X-Ray diffraction whilst the amino-functional group was confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy. The C-N stretching vibration peak found at 1256 cm-1 was the characteristic feature for the NH2-MIL-125 compound. Morphology of the as-synthesized MIL-125 and NH2-MIL-125 realized by the scanning electron microscopy as circular-plate shape with the crystal size ranges between 0.5 to 1 μm. The obtained results showed that NH2-MIL-125 had better water stability that exceeded 24 hours in comparison to MIL-125 which disintegrated in water in less than 1 hour. Furthermore, preliminary adsorption result revealed that NH2-MIL-125 was able to adsorb 90% of MB in water (with 360.60 mg.g-1 of the calculated adsorption capacity towards MB) whilst only 68% of MB was adsorbed by MIL-125 (with 272.58 mg.g-1 of the calculated adsorption capacity towards MB) within 4 hours of reaction time. This study implies that NH2- MIL-125 material can be a potential adsorbent for the removal of cationic organic pollutants in water.

Abstract Assessment on the physico-chemical properties of ultrabasic soil from Mibang, Ranau for agricultural suitability was carried out. Physico-chemical parameters investigated includes soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), available macronutrients, heavy metals, organic matter and particle size separates. These parameters were evaluated for their suitability for rice crops by comparing with the MARDI standard. This assessment is necessary to enlighten whether this type of soil is suitable for cultivation. The results showed pH, electrical conductivity and organic matter content were within the suitable range for agriculture, cation exchange capacity was below the suitable value and the heavy metals Ni, Cr and Co were above the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) which is not suitable for agriculture. Whilst some physico-chemical properties of soil can be considered suitable for agriculture, the high amount of heavy metals rendered the soil unsuitable for paddy plant cultivation.

Abstract A protocol for in vitro seed germination of Coelogyne asperata Lindl. has been established successfully. Immature seeds from 182 days old capsule were cultured on three different basal media; Murashige and Skoog (MS), Knudson C (KC), and Vacin and Went (VW) and maintained under continuous light at 25±2˚C. After 30 days of culture (DAC), more than 90% of seeds were germinated on KC and VW media and about 84% of seeds germinated on MS medium. The incorporation of organic additives, including coconut water, potato homogenate and tomato juice each at 10% (v/v) in KC medium was tested to determine their effect on seed germination of C. asperata. The result revealed that KC basal medium alone without addition of organic additives promoted over 90% of seed germination at 30 DAC. Therefore, the protocol of using standard KC basal medium for C. asperata seeds germination could be suggested for mass propagation and conservation of this wild scented orchid.