Malaysian Applied Biology

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.

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.

Gut Microbiota Diversity Between Normal And Moribund Orange-Spotted Grouper Epinephelus coioides in the Merbok River Using 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing

2025-12-21T12:31:01+00:00

This study was conducted in the Merbok River, northwest Peninsular Malaysia, which is exposed to annual episodes of pollution. The microbiota of foregut, midgut and hindgut were analyzed to identify differences in the gut microbiome between three normal and two moribund orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides. Live specimens were collected two weeks after an episode of mass mortality. The 16S amplicon sequencing targeting the V3-V4 highly variable region revealed similar community richness among samples with common dominant phyla, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, Cyanobacteria and Acidobacteria. Significantly higher abundance of phylum Cyanobacteria, genus Sphingomonas and species Eubacterium coprostanoligenes in normal guts was likely beneficial in maintaining gut health. Moribund guts were enriched with opportunistic pathogens, including Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Shewanella. In particular, moribund hindguts displayed a reduced Firmicutes-to-Proteobacteria ratio and significant enrichment of Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae, indicating dysbiosis and predicted to associate with skin conditions. Higher abundance of Photobacterim in moribund fish hindguts may also correlate with the increased chitinolytic activity and altered metabolic pathways. The outcomes of the study provide fundamental insights into the roles of gut microbiota in regulating the orange-spotted grouper's survival in a polluted environment.

Biodegradation of Unpretreated Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Thermophiles Isolated from Paku Hot Springs water and sendiment, Sarawak Borneo, Malaysia

2025-12-21T12:30:59+00:00

Plastic pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern in nowadays, necessitating innovative solutions for its mitigation. Hot springs, while traditionally valued for their health and relaxation benefits, also present unique environments that may harbour thermophile bacteria species capable of degrading plastic polymers. The study aimed to screen thermophiles from Sarawak hot springs for the biodegradation of potential low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film and evaluate their efficiency in degrading the plastic in 30 days. Water and sediment samples were collected from each pond of the Paku hot spring in Sarawak Borneo, Malaysia in triplicate. The thermophiles were cultivated in an enriched medium supplemented with 0.5% (w/v) PE powder at 55°C for 5 days. Colony morphology and Gram staining were carried out. Screening of isolates for LDPE biodegradation was conducted using the BATH test, clear zone assay. Additionally, the efficiency of the isolates for 30 days of LDPE biodegradation was evaluated using the pH change, bacteria growth observation, and weight loss method. A total of 96 thermophilic isolates were cultured, 11 isolates exhibited hydrophobicity levels above 30%, and 7 isolates showed clear zone formation. After the biodegradation process, the pH was slightly decreased to pH 6.5. The bacteria colonies were Gram-positive (3) and Gram-negative (4) short rods. Isolates SPK(W)M1(1), SPK(SD)P1(2), and SPK(SD)P1(3) resulted in increased of growth (OD 0.06 ± 0.02, OD 0.08 ± 0.01, and OD 0.1 ± 0.02, respectively). The highest growth absorbance was shown by isolate SPK(SD)P1(3) while isolate SPK(W)M1(1) showed the highest LDPE film weight reduction of 10 % (0.45 ± 0.05 g). The thermophiles SPK(SD)P1(3) and SPK(W)M1(1) are potential to be used to biodegrade LDPE plastic. The preliminary study offers insight into microbial biodegradation mechanisms, further research and advanced sequencing techniques are necessary for a thorough analysis of the metabolic pathways involved.

Optimizing Bioethanol Production Via Consolidated Bioprocessing: The Potential of Aspergillus niger B2484

2025-12-21T12:30:54+00:00

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) integrates enzyme secretion, hydrolysis, and fermentation into a single-step process, eliminating the need for costly separate enzyme production in bioethanol manufacturing. While CBP aims to utilize naturally occurring cellulolytic microbes, no single microorganism has been identified to efficiently perform all required processes. One of the key challenges in CBP is optimizing culture conditions to maximize bioethanol yield. This study investigates the potential of Aspergillus niger B2484 as a single-culture bioethanol producer and optimizes the physicochemical parameters for converting pretreated paddy straw into bioethanol through CBP. Key parameters, including saccharification and fermentation duration, temperature, substrate loading, and medium composition, were evaluated using the One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) method and further optimized via Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions were determined to be 66.7 hr of saccharification at 29.8°C, followed by 32.3 hr of fermentation at 30.2°C, with a substrate loading of 2.6% (w/v) and a medium level of 14.8% (v/v). The actual ethanol yield (0.63 g/L) closely matched the RSM-predicted yield (0.61 g/L), confirming the reliability of the optimization model. This study demonstrates the feasibility of A. niger B2484 as a single-culture bioethanol producer in CBP, highlighting its potential for commercial application either as a standalone microbial agent or as part of a customized enzymatic system to enhance bioethanol yield.

Isolation and Characterization of Antibacterial Actinomycetes from BRIS Soil in Setiu, Terengganu, Targeting ESKAPE Infections

2025-12-21T12:30:51+00:00

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge to global health, necessitating the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents. Actinomycetes are prolific producers of bioactive compounds, contributing to over two-thirds of clinically utilized antibiotics. While actinomycetes are widely recognized for their antibiotic production, little is known about those from BRIS soil in Setiu, Terengganu, and their antibacterial efficacy against ESKAPE pathogens remains unexplored. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of actinomycetes isolated from BRIS soil in Setiu, Terengganu, specifically against ESKAPE pathogens. The isolates were characterized by color groups, extracted using ethyl acetate and methanol, and screened for antibacterial activity using a gel plug assay. A selected actinomycete isolate was further analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), well diffusion (WD), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays, along with molecular identification. The results showed that isolate BA71 exhibited the largest inhibition zones with both methanol and ethyl acetate extracts compared to the other isolates tested. GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract from isolate BA71 identified nine bioactive compounds, including stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien-3-ol, gamma sitosterol, and lupeol. The WD, MIC, and MBC assays further confirmed the isolate's bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a close relationship between isolate BA71 and Streptomyces malaysiense MUSC 136T, with 100% similarity. These findings highlight the potential of BRIS soil-derived Streptomyces in the discovery of novel antibiotics, contributing to the ongoing search for effective treatments against ESKAPE pathogens.

Integrative Taxonomy of Diplazium Sw. (Athyriaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia: Insights from Morphological and Spore Ornamentation Data

2025-12-21T12:30:49+00:00

The genus Diplazium Sw. (Athyriaceae) exhibits significant morphological diversity and complex taxonomy in Peninsular Malaysia. Building upon previously published anatomical and molecular phylogenetic data, this study integrates detailed morphological traits and novel spore ornamentation analyses to provide a comprehensive regional taxonomic assessment. Morphological data were collected from field and herbarium specimens, while spore surface ornamentation was examined using scanning electron microscopy on selected species representing key subclades identified through combined molecular datasets (plastid markers: rbcL, atpB, atpA, trnL-F; nuclear marker: ITS) as well as anatomical datasets from previous studies. Phylogenetic analyses based on these previously published molecular and anatomical data robustly support the monophyly of Diplazium species in Peninsular Malaysia. Morphological traits alone were insufficient to fully resolve species boundaries due to overlaps with related genera such as Athyrium, Deparia, and Cornopteris. Spore ornamentation revealed five distinct micro-morphological patterns that provide additional diagnostic characters, enhancing species delimitation and complementing classical morphological and molecular approaches. A dichotomous key to the Diplazium species of Peninsular Malaysia is also provided in supplementary material. This study presents an integrative taxonomic framework for Diplazium in Peninsular Malaysia by combining previously published molecular and anatomical phylogenies with new spore micromorphological data. The addition of spore ornamentation as supplementary evidence strengthens taxonomic resolution and supports future floristic, conservation, and evolutionary research in this biodiversity hotspot.