Malaysian Applied Biology

Taxonomic Significance of Petiole Anatomical Characteristics of Selected Hoya R.Br. (Apocynaceae) Species in Malaysia

2025-12-20T11:32:50+00:00

This study aims to identify the common characteristics, variations and diagnostics features of petiole anatomy that can be used to differentiate, identify and classify ten Hoya species. This anatomical study involves incision with a sliding microtome, staining with Safranin and Alcian green, hydration with a series of alcohols, slide preparation, drying process, and observation under a light microscope. The results of the study show that all species share five common characteristics: the presence of cuticles, the number of petiole epidermal cells, the presence of latex cells and ducts, and the presence of hypodermis layers. A total of nine anatomical variations of the petiole were observed, namely the outline shape of the petiole, the pattern of vascular tissue, the type of additional vascular bundles, the presence and pattern of sclerenchyma cells, the presence of sclereid and collenchyma cells, the presence and type of crystals, the presence of starch nodules, the presence and type of trichomes. Diagnostic features of the petiole anatomy of some study species can also be identified. The dichotomous key for identifying the studied Hoya species was constructed using the petiole anatomical features obtained from the study. In conclusion, the anatomical characteristics of Hoya leaves have taxonomic value and can provide added value for the differentiation and identification of Hoya species in Peninsular Malaysia.

Phenotypic Characterization of Malaysian Village Chicken Ecotypes in Peninsular Malaysia

2025-12-20T11:32:45+00:00

Livestock characterization is vital for effectively developing, breeding and conserving Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR). Beyond breed development, there is a growing need for the livestock genomic sector to become more accessible, ensuring its applications contribute to conservation initiatives as well. This study focused on identification and evaluation of diverse village chicken ecotypes in Peninsular Malaysia based on their distinct phenotypic characteristics. A total of 459 chickens, commonly known as Ayam Kampung, were sampled from 15 different indigenous ecotypes. These chickens were assessed for a range of traits, including plumage color and pattern, comb type and color, as well as beak, and shank color. The findings revealed noticeable physical differences among the ecotypes, with five major groups identified: Arab chickens, cockfighting chickens, Kurik chickens, Naked Neck chickens, and multicolor chickens. The most prevalent traits observed were multicolor plumage, yellow-brown beak, and yellow shank, with red single and pea/walnut comb types also frequently present. These variations, shaped by environmental and human factors, are at risk of disappearing due to disease, human interference, and the introduction of other breeds. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the morphological characteristics of village chickens, making a significant contribution to future breeding programs. These insights are also crucial for preserving these unique genetic resources, maintaining biodiversity and their sustainable use in the future.

In Vitro Comparative Analysis of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Development: Evaluating Natural versus Artificial Diets

2025-12-20T11:32:41+00:00

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a notorious invasive pest of global economic concern, impacting a diverse array of crops, with a significant preference for maize. Its swift dispersal and capacity to adapt to various environments present substantial obstacles to consistent crop yields and global food supplies. This research sought to evaluate the growth and developmental characteristics of S. frugiperda larvae provided with either a natural diet (maize leaves) or a specifically formulated artificial diet, maintained under controlled laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 °C; 65 ± 5% relative humidity). Egg masses were collected and the resulting larvae were raised on two feeding regimens, each repeated three times: (i) a natural diet consisting of maize foliage, and (ii) an artificial diet with a precisely defined composition of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, antimicrobial substances, and binding agents. Larvae that consumed the artificial diet displayed notably faster development, improved survival, greater pupal development, and less microbial contamination in comparison to those raised on maize leaves. The stable nutritional content of the artificial diet promoted more consistent and predictable growth, while the natural diet resulted in increased variability, likely due to changes in the nutrient content of plant tissues. These results emphasize the utility of artificial diets in enabling large-scale, uniform rearing of S. frugiperda for various experimental purposes, particularly investigations into insect toxicology and biological control approaches.

Effects of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Natural Enemies: A Systematic Review of Their Use in Biological Control

2025-12-20T11:32:43+00:00

This review evaluates the potential negative impacts of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) on natural enemies, a key component of sustainable pest management. Literature from Scopus and PubMed, covering 12 countries, 13 EPF species, and 33 natural enemy species, was classified according to the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) scale. EPF often caused lethal effects, such as Lecanicillium muscarium killing the parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae, as well as sublethal effects, including reduced reproduction, shortened longevity, decreased survival rates, and prolonged development. These outcomes varied depending on specific EPF–natural enemy interactions. The findings highlight the need for more field-based and long-term studies to ensure EPF applications do not compromise the ecological role of natural enemies in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Genome Editing for Enhanced Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Selected Cereal (Poaceae) Crops: Current Applications, Tools, and Future Perspectives

2025-12-20T11:32:48+00:00

Recent progress in genome editing (GEd) technology offers an opportunity to accelerate the breeding of improved crops with enhanced resistance and high tolerance to drought and salinity. In this article, we highlight four programmable site-specific nucleases that are considered prominent GEd technologies: meganucleases, zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases. We then focus on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 system and access the transformation methods that have been used to deliver the system into major cereal crops including rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), barley (Hordeum vulgare), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and wheat (Triticum aestivum). This review further emphasises the applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to impart tolerance to two major abiotic stresses, salinity and drought, in these selected crops. Finally, we summarise bioinformatics tools that are available for cereal genome editing works, including guide RNA (gRNA) design and post-editing analysis tools. This review provides an overview of current progress, identifies research gaps, and offers perspectives for prospective scientists embarking on genome editing in cereals and related crops.