Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education
Biosaintifika starting in 2024 migrates from OJS 2 to OJS 3 to better secure from various unwanted things, including journal hacking and so on. To submit, the author please visit the new website page of our journal at the link https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/biosaintifika MIGRATION OFFICIAL STATEMENT HERE Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education {PISSN 2085-191X| EISSN 2338-7610} published scientific papers on the results of biology and biology education research {see Focus and Scope}. Editor accepts the article has not been published in other media with the writing format as listed on page manuscript writing guidelines {see Author Guidelines}. The journal published three times a year, on April, August & December and published by Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang in collaboration with Perhimpunan Biologi Indonesia. Biosaintifika was established in 2009. Title with the title Biosaintifika Berkala Ilmiah Biologi. Starting from Volume 5 Number 2 September 2013, this journal is only published three times a year using English language. The name of the journal with subtitles was changed to Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education. Abstracting & Indexing GARUDA | DIMENSION | DOAJ | SINTA | SCOPUS
The Environmental Factors Enhance the Growth and Survival of Rhizophora Seedlings
Coastal ecosystems are synonymous with mangrove trees. Threatened mangrove existence is tantamount to reduced biological existence, weakened coastal protection, and reduced carbon storage. Moreover, mangrove growth naturally depends on the quality of seedlings supported by proper nursery management. This study aims to evaluate the impact of four environmental factors (light intensity, salinity, pH, and tidal frequency) on the growth and survival of Rhizophora: Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa, and Rhizophora apiculata cultivated in nurseries with a water system integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT). A single-factor design was applied, with each treatment bed containing 600 seedlings (200 per species) and an uncontrolled bed as a control. Weekly random sampling of 20% of seedlings from each treatment for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with treatment and species as fixed factors, followed by the Tukey HSD test at a significance level of 5%. The results showed that R. mucronata in the light treatment (without shade net) achieved the highest survival rate (98.8%) and the largest stem diameter, which was 0.698 cm. In addition, the highest seedling height was R. mucronata in the high-yield salinity treatment, reaching 56.78 cm, and the highest number of leaves was recorded in R. apiculata in the salinity treatment, with an average of 6.92 leaves per seedling. IoT-integrated nurseries stabilize water supply and tidal cycles, reduce mortality to below 10%, and enhance seedling quality. These findings indicate that nursery environmental management can improve the consistency of mangrove seedling growth and support large-scale restoration.
Copyright (c) 2025 Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education
Mosaic of Drosophila Behavior Due to Bisphenol-A Exposure: From Hyperactivity to Aversion
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is classified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical that is widely found in everyday food. However, various studies have reported inconsistent results regarding the effects of this exposure on behavior. This study aimed to evaluate how dose, genetic background, and duration of exposure interact to shape behavioral responses in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to BPA. Three strains (Wild-type, white-eye, and black-body) were cultured on a medium containing 0, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/mL BPA for two generations. Before exposure (G0), after the first generation of exposure (G1), and after the second generation of exposure (G2), three behaviors were measured: larval crawling speed, number of larval contractions, and larval exploration distance. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a non-monotonic pattern in behavioral responses. Each behavior exhibited distinct sensitivities to treatment factors, and complex interactions were observed between genetic factors, dose, and time (generation). Furthermore, the effects of BPA are not general but rather specific to the type of behavior observed. Generational effects are evident in some behavioral data. In addition, fly strain plays a role in determining the effect of exposure on behavioral responses.
Heterotrigona itama Pollen Analysis as a Bioindicator of Floral Diversity in South Kalimantan Oil Palm Agroforestry
Background: The expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesia drives deforestation and biodiversity loss, threatening pollinator communities. Agroforestry systems within oil palm landscapes may enhance floral resources, but their effectiveness is poorly understood. This study evaluates the potential of stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) pollen analysis as a tool for monitoring floral diversity in different oil palm agroforestry systems. Methods: Pollen samples were collected from H. itama colonies in five distinct oil palm agroforestry systems (block-type, intercropping, row-type, fence-type, and palm oil-livestock) across South Kalimantan. Pollen types were identified microscopically, and diversity metrics (Shannon Index, Simpson Index, and Evenness) were calculated to assess foraging patterns and floral resource availability. Results: Analysis identified 30 plant species from 22 families. Agroforestry type significantly influenced pollen composition. Block-type systems exhibited the highest species richness (14 types), while fence-type systems showed the lowest (9 types) with heavy dominance by maize (Zea mays, 41.4%). Intercropping systems were dominated by Acacia mangium (51.2%). Row-type systems demonstrated the most balanced foraging (highest evenness). A moderate Sørensen similarity index (0.63) between pollen and field vegetation confirmed bees as effective samplers of landscape floral diversity. This research confirms that H. itama pollen analysis is an efficient bioindicator tool, revealing that agroforestry management directly shapes pollinator resource availability. Complex systems (e.g., block-type, row-type) support higher floral diversity, which is crucial for pollinator conservation and sustainable productivity in oil palm-dominated landscapes. This method provides a practical approach for guiding biodiversity-inclusive agricultural practices.
Enhancing Plantlet Growth of Vanda floresensis Motes through Acclimatization Chamber, Chitosan Spraying, and Mixed Medium
The conservation of Vanda floresensis Motes has been conducted using in vitro techniques and has produced a large number of plantlets. These plantlets require acclimatization, but the optimal method has not yet been found. The aims of the research were to develop an acclimatization protocol by verifying the effectiveness of an acclimatization chamber (AC), chitosan spraying, and mixed medium composition on plantlet growth. The research was conducted in a screen house of Universitas Negeri Semarang, using a factorial randomized block design with three factors. The AC factor consisted of two levels: inside and outside the AC. The chitosan concentration factor consisted of five levels, namely 0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 ppm. The composition of the mixed medium consisted of three levels. The observed variables included the increase in number, length, and width of the leaf, total chlorophyll content, and wilted leaf. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan test. It can be concluded that the use of AC, chitosan spraying, and mixed medium composition was effective in increasing leaf growth and total chlorophyll content and reducing wilted leaf. Spraying chitosan of 1.5 - 3.0 ppm with the use of AC and spraying chitosan of 1.5 ppm with a mixed medium of brick pieces, coconut fibre, and tree bark chips with a ratio of 1:2:1 resulted in the highest leaf growth and total chlorophyll content, and the lowest wilted leaf. The results of this study can be used as an acclimatization protocol for orchid propagation for conservation purposes.
acclimatization chamber, chitosan, leaf growth, mixed medium, Vanda floresensis
Molecular Detection of Rust Fungus (Puccinia spp.) on Sugarcane using ITS region
Identifying pathogenic fungi at the species level based on morphology, especially for leaf rust, is quite difficult. Further investigation, such as molecular techniques, is required to identify leaf rust fungi precisely. One way that can be employed is DNA barcoding. This study seeks to detect leaf rust fungi (Puccinia spp.) on sugarcane. Accurate species identification allows early detection of Puccinia kuehnii, helping farmers and extension agencies to apply targeted control strategies. A fungal sample was collected from sugarcane fields in Bondowoso, East Java, Indonesia. Morphological identification was done with an SEM, whereas molecular identification was done through DNA extraction, amplification, visualization, sequencing, and phylogenetic tree creation. The primers employed are obtained from the ITS region of ribosomal DNA, which contains enough diversity to differentiate fungi at the species level. The amplification findings revealed a DNA band of 500 bp at both loci. Sequencing results indicate that samples The sequencing results indicatethat the samples from Bondowoso are closely related to the Puccinia kuehnii sequence from NCBI. The findings of the phylogenetic tree construction revealed that samples from both locations are still associated with P. kuehnii sequences from other nations. This is the first study documenting P. kuehnii in Indonesia, especially East Java, that integrates morphological and molecular characterization.
NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
Growth and Exploitation Rate of Mystus nigriceps
Mystus nigriceps is among the bagrid fish species that live in freshwater ecosystems, including Cicingguling River, Kebumen Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Despite the economic importance and exploitation for food, the fish is rarely studied. Meanwhile, studies on the growth pattern and exploitation rate of M. nigriceps in the Cicingguling River are important because the population is also affected by river fragmentation due to reservoir development. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the growth pattern and exploitation rate of M. nigriceps in the Cicingguling River. Sampling was carried out using the purposive random sampling method in the Cicingguling River. A total of 9 stations were divided into 3 zones for 1 year, with a frequency of 12 times and an interval of once a month. The results showed that a length-weight relationship had an average b-value of 3.11, indicating a positive allometric pattern (b>3). The condition factor of female M. nigriceps (2.404) was higher than that of male fish (2.06). Total mortality (Z) was estimated at 4.85 per year, consisting of natural mortality (M) at 3.59 per year and fishing mortality (F) at 1.26 per year. These values suggest that the mortality of M. nigriceps is primarily driven by natural causes rather than fishing pressure. The exploitation rate was 0.26 per year, which is relatively low as it remains below the optimum threshold (Eoptimum = 0.5). This information is essential for fisheries management as a basis for M. nigriceps conservation in the Cicingguling River
exploitation, growth, Kebumen, Mystus nigriceps, river
Morpho-Physiological, ISSR-Based Molecular Characterization of Gamma-Irradiated Soybean Under Waterlogging Stress
Soybeans (Glycine max) are Indonesia's third-most important food crop after rice and maize. However, because of its susceptibility to waterlogging, its productivity decreases. Gamma-ray irradiation has been used to create soybean varieties that are resistant to waterlogging. This study investigates the genetic variation and morpho-physiological traits of irradiated Grobogan soybean varieties under waterlogging stress. Soybean seeds were exposed to gamma-ray doses of 0 Gy, 25 Gy, 50 Gy, 75 Gy, and 100 Gy, then the soybean plants were submerged in water at concentrations of 0%, 100%, 150%, 200%, and 250%. The study's morpho-physiological parameters include seed weight, pod count, plant height, chlorophyll content, and seed viability. The results imply that varying waterlogging levels and radiation dosages show varied responses. All irradiation doses showed optimal growth in the control treatment, whereas 75 Gy and 100 Gy under 250% waterlogging conditions showed the most severe growth inhibition. To evaluate genetic variation among the irradiated soybean variants, five ISSR markers were employed. Because of its high PIC value of 0.391, marker ISSR-1 was found to be the most effective in detecting polymorphisms. ISSR-1 is a promising marker for assessing genetic diversity in irradiated soybean plants, according to the results. These results are valuable for the development of soybean breeding strategies targeting improved tolerance to waterlogging stress.
Dynamic Model Analysis of Waste Absorption Carrying Capacity Values ​​in Semi-Intensive Shrimp Ponds
The stable availability of dissolved oxygen in semi-intensive shrimp ponds plays a crucial role in the sustainability of the aquaculture system. The objective of this study is to determine the trend of the dissolved oxygen carrying capacity for waste absorption during shrimp farming in a semi-intensive system. The method used in this research is causal-ex-post facto research with data analysis using dynamic modeling systems. The results show that the water quality parameters tend to be stable, except for organic matter (51.82–115.02 mg/L). The semi-intensive shrimp farming system demonstrates relatively high harvest production, attributed to rapid shrimp growth despite limited feed management, resulting in profitable outcomes. Dynamic modeling reveals that increased biomass correlates with higher waste output, affecting the dissolved oxygen (DO) carrying capacity. Modeling also shows a moderate and fluctuating waste runoff pattern, indicating variable DO consumption. An important finding from this research is that we can control the water's carrying capacity for waste adsorption by determining the ideal cultivation system. The study concludes that DO carrying capacity follows a linear relationship with waste load; as waste increases, oxygen demand rises accordingly to support organic matter decomposition and ecosystem balance. These findings highlight the importance of managing waste to maintain optimal oxygen levels in semi-intensive systems. The conclusions of this research are important to be used as a source for coastal area management studies based on carrying capacity.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Pufferfish from Lekok Coastal Area, Pasuruan Indonesia
Pufferfish belong to the Tetraodontidae family, which consists of 28 genera and 184 species; however, there are limited studies on the species from East Java, especially Pasuruan. This indicates the need for the collection of more accurate morphological and genetic resources as an important step for its conservation. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify pufferfish species found in the Lekok Coastal Waters, Pasuruan District, through morphological characterization and molecular analysis using DNA barcoding of the COI gene. A total of 12 samples were collected from the Lekok Coastal Waters, Pasuruan Regency. Fin samples were stored in 96% absolute ethanol. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequence analysis were performed using bioinformatics tools, the BOLD system, and the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) web platform. Phenetic taxonomy was further applied using Ntysc to enhance the robustness of genetic analysis. The results showed that there were identified five pufferfish species were identified: Lagocephalus spadiceus, Chelonodontops patoca, Cyclichthys orbicularis, Arothron stellatus, and Arothron reticularis. High haplotype diversity (Hd) of 1 and nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.1 indicate significant genetic variation. The frequency of parsimonious informative sites was 22.6%, with 13 polymorphic sites and an overall ts/tv ratio of 2.2. The phylogenetic tree showed unambiguous branching patterns among species. These findings are supported by morphological and molecular identification results, which indicate the presence of five species of pufferfish along the Lekok Coast, Pasuruan Regency.
Modulatory Effects of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Polysaccharide Syrup on IgG Production and T Cell Activity
Noni fruit containing polysaccharides, has the potential to be developed into pharmaceutical products such as SPF syrup. The content of noni fruit polysaccharides is known to increase the proliferation of T lymphocyte cells, the regulation of the immune system molecularly, especially with regard to antibodies (IgG), CD4+, and CD8+, is still not widely studied. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of SPF syrup on the modulation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and T lymphocytes. The study was conducted on female Wistar rats aged 8-9 months, which were given SPF syrup orally at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kgBB for 31 days. Mice were vaccinated against hepatitis B every week. Blood samples were taken on day 31 to measure IgG levels by the ELISA method and T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) by flow cytometry. The results showed that SPF administration had a significant effect on IgG levels (p<0.05), and there were no significant changes in T lymphocyte cells (CD4+, CD8+) (p>0.05). Histopathological examination showed that long-term induction of hepatitis B caused damage to the liver and kidney, but SPF did not affect the condition of these organs. SPF that contains polysaccharides can be an innovative component in immunostimulant formulations.
Effects of Spirulina Feed Additive on Duodenal Tissue Structure in Peking Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
The use of synthetic feed additives in Peking ducks has adverse effects on their growth and productivity. Spirulina sp., a blue-green algae, has the potential to be used as a safe feed additive that can enhance the growth and productivity of ducks. This study aims to analyze the effects of Spirulina (Spirulina sp.) powder as a feed additive on the histomorphometry of the duodenum in Peking ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), focusing on the duodenal lumen diameter, villus height, villus width, mucosal tunic thickness, submucosal tunic thickness, and muscular tunic thickness. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 35 ducks divided into 5 treatments and 5 repetitions. The treatments included a control group and the addition of spirulina powder in feed at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. The data were analyzed by ANOVA with a significance level of 5%, followed by Duncan's test. The results of data analysis showed that spirulina powder had a significant effect (P<0.05) on villus height and duodenal mucosa tunica thickness. The conclusion of this study is that spirulina powder has the potential to be used as a feed additive to improve digestive performance in male Peking ducks, as evidenced by the increase in villus height and thick tunica mucosa in the small intestine. The novelty of this study lies in the utilization of spirulina powder as a feed additive to increase the size of the duodenal tissue structure in Peking ducks. The results of this study are expected to be a new reference on the potential of spirulina as a feed additive to improve poultry feed quality and digestive performance, especially in peking ducks.
Extract Formulation of Zingiber officinale and Phylanthus reticulatus Induces Apoptosis of WiDr Colon Cancer Cells
People use ginger (Zingiber officinale) extensively for health purposes. Our previous studies have shown that Phyllanthus reticulatus has strong antioxidant capabilities. This study investigates the anticancer potential of ethanolic extract of Z. officinale and P. reticulatus formulations (ZP), focusing on their cytotoxicity and mechanisms against cancer cells. Samples were extracted using the maceration method. The method for determining the cytotoxicity of cells is MTT, the cell cycle is flow cytometry, apoptotic cells are flow cytometry and double staining, and caspase-8 and caspase-9 expression using the immunocytochemistry method. The analysis of caspase-8 and caspase-9 expression using the immunocytochemistry method. Among the tested formulations, the ethanolic extract of ZP_1:0 showed the most promise against WiDr colon cancer cells (IC50 value of 102.1 µg/ml). The ZP_1:0 demonstrated dose-dependent apoptosis induction in WiDr cells, showing early and late apoptosis, with minimal necrosis. The extract activates extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in inducing cancer cell death. Compared to doxorubicin, the ZP 1:0 formulation selectively promotes apoptosis with reduced necrotic damage, suggesting the potential for reduced systemic toxicity. The study supports the potential of Z. officinale as a source of safer, plant-based anticancer agents, particularly for colon cancer, while recommending further research to identify and enhance active compounds.
Therapeutic Potential of Ethanol Extract from Durian Peel on Testes Microanatomy in Diabetic Male Rats
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a degenerative disease that can lead to complications such as testicular atrophy. As DM requires lifelong treatment, natural and safe therapeutic alternatives are needed. Durian peel, as a natural material, has potential. This study investigated the effects of ethanol extract of durian peel (EEDP) on testicular histology in diabetic rats. A total of 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2 months and weight ±200 g, were randomly assigned to five groups: healthy (K0), diabetic (K1), and diabetic+EEDP at doses of 500 (K2), 750 (K3), and 1,000 mg/kgBW (K4), given orally for 28 days. After treatment, the rats were euthanized, and their testes were removed, weighed, and examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Observed variables included testis weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelial thickness, and spermatogenesis stages. Statistical analysis ANOVA (α=0,05) showed significant improvements (p < 0,05) in the EEDP-treated groups. It is concluded that EEDP at doses of 500-1,000 mg/kgBW improved testicular structure in diabetic rats.. The novelty of this study lies in the utilization of durian peel ethanol extract at varying doses of 500–1,000 mg/kgBW as a natural therapy to improve testicular histological damage caused by diabetes. This study serves as a basis for the development of herbal antidiabetic drugs with protective effects on the reproductive system. The findings are expected to contribute to biomedical science and provide opportunities for utilizing durian peel waste as a value-added material for public health.
Molecular Characteristics of Lopang (Gymnopetalum cochinchinense) Originating from Riau Based on matK and trnL-trnF Intergenic Spacer
Lopang (Gymnopetalum cochinchinense) is an herbaceous plant traditionally consumed as a vegetable by communities in Riau Province, Indonesia. However, DNA barcode sequence data for this species remain limited. These findings underscore the importance of analyzing DNA barcode sequences of matK and trnL-trnF intergenic spacer (IGS) lopang from Riau. This study highlights the analysis of DNA barcode sequences matK and trnL-trnF IGS in lopang from Riau province. This study applies sampling, DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), electrophoresis, sequencing, and bioinformatics data analysis using BioEdit 7, BLASTn (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) to find sequence similarities with the GenBank database, Management and analyzed DNA sequences with MESQUITE, Multiple alignments using ClustalW and MEGA11 to create dendrograms. Fresh leaves were collected from Rokan Hulu Regency in Riau Province. The results showed that matK and trnL-trnF IGS DNA sequences of lopang measured 752 bp and 410 bp, respectively. BLASTn analysis revealed that lopang has 99.73% similarity with G. chinense based on the matK sequence and 99.76% similarity based on the trnL-trnF IGS sequence. The analysis revealed a variation of 13 nucleotides, 1 critical nucleotide and no indels in the matK sequence, while in the trnL-trnF IGS sequence there were 19 nucleotide variations, 1 critical nucleotide and 5 indels. As a final point, lopang from Riau is closely related to G. chinense. The findings of this research contribute to the molecular identification of this species and benefit science, such as providing an understanding of plant evolution, species identification, genetic analysis, and the development of molecular markers in the Cucurbitaceae family.
Evaluating the Economic Value of Above-Ground Biomass Carbon Stocks in the Urban Forests of Banda Aceh City
Urban forests play a pivotal role in climate change mitigation by storing carbon in biomass. However, the economic valuation of this ecosystem service in Banda Aceh City remains underexplored. This study aims to quantify aboveground biomass carbon stocks and assess their economic value in six selected urban forests across the city. Non-destructive sampling was conducted using 20 × 20 m plots to measure tree diameter, estimate biomass using species-specific allometric equations, and calculate carbon content (C = 0.5 × B). A carbon price of US$50/ton was applied for economic valuation. The total carbon stock was estimated at 11,579 tons, with Putroe Phang Forest contributing the highest proportion (45%). The corresponding economic value was approximately IDR 3.42 billion. A strong positive correlation (R² = 0.9859) was observed between tree diameter and biomass. This study presents a novel economic perspective on urban forest carbon in Banda Aceh by integrating ecological data with financial valuation. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating carbon trading mechanisms into urban planning to strengthen ecosystem service assessments and climate policy implementation.
Agronomic Traits of Direct-Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa) Applied with Microbial Inoculants and Varying Fertilizer Levels
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of microbial inoculants and nutrient levels on the agronomic performance of dry direct-seeded NSIC Rc192 rice under aerobic conditions. Six biofertilizer treatments (control, Bio-N, BioGroe, Mykovam, MykoPlus, and Avatar) were combined with four nutrient levels (0 %, 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % NP + full K). The study aimed to assess the impact of these treatments on root colonization, tiller production, and overall plant growth. Root and soil colonization at 60 days after sowing (DAS) revealed that MykoPlus facilitated more effective root colonization than other inoculants. However, unfavorable environmental conditions, including high temperatures and moisture deficits, negatively impacted tiller production and grain yield. Despite these challenges, BioGroe showed the most promise, significantly enhancing root development and tiller count, particularly when combined with 50 % NP + full K. The study concluded that microbial inoculants, especially BioGroe, can improve rice growth under aerobic conditions, but environmental factors are crucial in determining their effectiveness. Further research is needed to optimize these inoculants for varying environmental conditions to maximize their benefits in rice cultivation.
Effects of Autotomy on Haemolymph Profile and Mineral Composition in Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) at Pre and Post- Moulting Cycle
Soft-shell crab is a valuable product variant in aquaculture, with moulting being a critical phase for its production. Physiological indicators such as haemolymph profiles and mineral content in muscle tissue are essential for assessing crab health and moulting performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of autotomy treatment on the physiological condition of mud crab (Scylla serrata), focusing on haemolymph characteristics and mineral concentrations in muscle during the pre-moulting and post-moulting phases. The treatment involved inducing autotomy of walking legs and claws. Sampling was conducted at four distinct phases: pre-autotomy, 15 hours post-autotomy, at immediate post-moult stage, and two days post-moulting. The physiological parameters observed included Total Haemocyte Count (THC) and Differential Haemocyte Count (DHC), comprising hyaline, semi-granular, and granular cell types. Muscle mineral content was assessed by measuring calcium, sodium, and phosphorus concentrations. Results indicated that autotomy reduced THC and the proportion of hyaline cells, while granular cells increased during the post-moulting phase. Calcium, sodium, and phosphorus concentrations decreased shortly after autotomy, peaked during moulting, and declined again after moulting. These findings provide insight into the physiological responses of mud crabs to autotomy and offer practical reference points for enhancing moulting success and supporting soft-shell crab production in aquaculture systems.
Synergistic Effect of Chlorpyrifos and Mancozeb on The Survival of Poecilia reticulata
Pesticides are essential in agricultural pest control, but may also harm non-target organisms. In Temanggung Regency, Indonesia, interviews with tobacco farmers revealed that the insecticide Dursban 200 EC (chlorpyrifos) and the fungicide Manzate 82 WP (mancozeb) are most commonly used, leading to the emission to the aquatic environment of both active ingredients, often resulting in mixtures. The present study aimed at determining the acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos, mancozeb, and their combination to guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata). A 96 h survival assay was conducted on male guppies exposed to the individual pesticides and their equitoxic mixtures. Mortality data were analyzed using a logistic dose-response model, and the toxicity of the mixtures was analyzed using the Concentration Addition (CA) and Independent Action (IA) models. Chlorpyrifos was slightly more toxic to P. reticulata than mancozeb, with LC50s of 1.81 and 3.45 mg a.i./L, respectively. The combination of chlorpyrifos and mancozeb resulted in enhanced toxicity due to synergistic interaction according to the CA model, which suggests different modes of action of the two active ingredients. When analyzed using the IA model, the interaction, however, was also synergistic. These findings highlight the need to assess both single and combined pesticide exposures in ecological risk evaluations and emphasize cautious use of pesticide mixtures to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Quantification of Bioactives and Bioactivities in Different Parts of Abelmoschus esculentus
The presence of natural antioxidants in medicinal plants plays a crucial role in inhibiting the detrimental effects of oxidative stress. The aim of this research is to explore more deeply all parts of A. esculenta L from flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, and stems for the levels of compounds and antioxidant and enzyme inhibitor activities. The flowers demonstrated the highest TPC with 173.15942 ± 6.5083 mg GAE/g. The stems exhibited the lowest TPC value at 69.1967 ± 2.8408 mg GAE/g. The flowers also showed TFC value of 83.157 ± 2.021 mg QE/g while the stems displayed the lowest with 36.7240 ± 1.337 mg QE/g. IC50 value that the flowers possessed the highest antioxidant activity with 22.6539 ± 1.6452 mg/mL, whereas the stems displayed a slightly lower. In terms of the inhibitor of a-amylase activity, the flowers had an IC50 value of 102.4885 ± 11.4370 mg/mL whereas the stems had a lower. The highest IC50 value of the a-glucosidase inhibitor was 76.95 ± 12.0888 mg/mL in the flowers, and the lowest was in the stems. The highest IC50 of pancreatic lipase inhibitor was 109.5943 ± 9.7391 mg/mL in the flowers, and the lowest was in the stems. This study show that there is a relationship between the high content of total phenolic and total flavonoids on antioxidants, antidiabetic and antilipase activities.
Quantitative Literacy-based Laboratory Activity Design on the Effect of Color Spectra on Photosynthetic Rate
The Ingenhousz photosynthesis experiment conducted in schools aims to verify the concept of plants producing oxygen. However, opportunities to develop students’ quantitative literacy and train science process skills (SPSs) remain limited, as photosynthesis experiments commonly employed in schools are predominantly qualitative. This research aimed to develop an alternative photosynthesis laboratory activity design (LAD) based on an analysis of existing LADs to enhance students’ quantitative literacy and SPSs. Using the Research and Development (R&D) method, this research focused on the effect of color spectra on photosynthetic rate—an aspect that presents novelty of this research. The existing LADs were analyzed in terms of relevance, competence, knowledge construction, and practical aspects, resulting in 83.3% (very good), 43.1% (fair), 58.3% (fair), and 55.6% (fair), respectively. The analysis results of these four aspects are the basis for developing the alternative LAD. The alternative LAD was developed and then validated, resulting in a validity value of 0.915, which is categorized as valid. The alternative LAD trial demonstrated that it can collect quantitative data and enhance students’ quantitative literacy and SPSs, with the blue light spectrum producing the highest photosynthetic rate at 0.4 ml/g. The quantitative literacy-based LAD fosters data-driven thinking crucial for future scientific inquiry. This supports cultivating more analytically skilled students equipped to face real-world environmental and scientific challenges.
A Story-Based Virtual Laboratory Practicum in an Undergraduate Genetics Course to Improve Concept Understanding and Visual Literacy
Genetic concepts, particularly DNA technology, often lead to misconceptions among students. Integrating a virtual laboratory (VL) into coursework presents an innovative approach to enhancing concept understanding and visual literacy through interactive, story-based simulations that bridge theory and practice. This study aimed to analyze the students' concept understanding and visual literacy improvement by applying a VL to teach DNA Test Simulation (Paternity Test) using a contextual narrative method. The research was conducted in the Science Education undergraduate program with a purposive total sampling of students enrolled in Genetics (First Semester 2024/2025), utilizing an open-source web-based VL platform. Pretest and posttest assessments measured students' concept understanding and visual literacy before and after VL integration. The findings reveal a significant improvement, with concept understanding rising from an average pretest score of 42.6 to posttest 69.9 (N-Gain 0.46) and visual literacy increasing from 53.8 to 71.8 (N-Gain 0.37). Furthermore, 97% of students were satisfied with the VL-based learning method. This research contributes to knowledge and science development by demonstrating that VL can improve concept learning and visual literacy in genetics education. It offers an accessible and scalable solution for teaching complex DNA technology concepts, reducing reliance on costly wet laboratory experiments while maintaining scientific rigor. Beyond academia, the study supports broader educational equity, making advanced molecular biology concepts more available to diverse learners and fostering scientific literacy in society.
Parental Diet Exposure and High-Sugar-Fat Intake Effect on Glucose, Triglyceride and Cholesterol Hemolymph Level of Drosophila melanogaster across Five Generations
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is influenced by parental traits and diet. Drosophila melanogaster is a potential disease model organism, sharing physiology and genetic similarities with humans. Previous research had focused on Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for obesity and diabetes, but not for MetS. This research aimed to determine the effect of both parental diet and high sugar fat (HSF) intake on glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride hemolymph levels of Drosophila melanogaster. Wild flies were purified in either control (standard) or MetS media (extra 3% sucrose and palm oil). Seventy-five pairs were divided into 5 groups, according to parental origin and feeding media, and maintained in five generations (F1-F5). Glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were measured using a colorimetric assay in three replications of each generation per group. Glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were significantly different in all treatment than control groups, and across generations in each group (p<0.05). Higher glucose and triglyceride levels appeared in the youngest generation (F5) of all groups, and in the flies reared on HSF diets. Maternal HSF-exposed groups demonstrated a more pronounced impact of parental metabolic-state on the glucose and triglyceride levels of the earlier generation. These findings highlight that parental exposure to HSF and prolonged HSF intake independently and synergistically lead to persistent and amplified metabolic dysregulation across generations. Drosophila melanogaster, modeled in this study, represents a novel experimental organism that is suitable for studying the epigenetics of MetS, gaining more consideration for the metabolic health consequences of long-term dietary habits and parental metabolic-state.
Fish Community Assessment in Serayu Moveable Dam Post-Catastrophic Mortality
Catastrophic mortality occurred in the fish community at Serayu Movable Dam in 2022. The phenomenon was caused by severe water quality alteration due to sediment flushing from Panglima Besar Soedirman Dam. After the incident, the fish community in the reservoir has never been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the fish community status in the Serayu Movable Dam post-catastrophic mortality in 2022. The study was conducted using a survey method, and fish samples were collected three times at six sampling sites at an interval of two weeks. Fish identification was done using the identification key in the references. Various community and water quality parameters were measured. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively by comparing them with standards in the literature. A total of 27 species were identified with a richness index of 4.564, relative abundance of 0.037, diversity index of 2.111, evenness index of 0.693, and dominance index of 0.259. The data proved that the fish community in Serayu Movable Dam has recovered after two years of catastrophic mortality in 2022. It could be due to the characteristic of the riverine ecosystem that can revert due to the continuous replacement of water from various tributaries that flow into the Serayu River in the upstream part of the Serayu Movable Dam, as shown by good water quality. It can be concluded that high ichthyofauna diversity was observed in the Serayu Moveable Dam post-catastrophic mortality. The data are essential scientific bases for sediment flushing management at P.B. Soedirman Dam and management of freshwater fish community in Serayu Movable Dam.
Optimizing Canang Flower Waste Extract for Staining Fasciolopsis buski Eggs: An Enhancement of the Kato-Katz Method
Fasciolopsis buski is a parasitic helminth that can infect humans. Diagnosing helminthiasis can be confirmed through fecal testing utilizing the Kato-Katz method. The Kato-Katz method employs methylene blue staining, which poses environmental hazards due to its carcinogenic characteristics. An alternative to staining is the use of a canang, a common Balinese item used for prayers. The utilized waste canang flowers were Tagetes erecta, Impatiens balsamina (red), and Impatiens balsamina (purple). The research began with an extraction procedure that involved cutting the flowers into small pieces, resulting in approximately 500 grams of fragments. The flower components were macerated in two liters of 96% ethanol for five days. Additionally, cellophane immersion of the extracted findings was performed. The findings indicated that each sample from the three treatment groups (T1, 1%; T2, 2%; and T3, 3%) and the two control groups. Sub-analysis testing evaluated the quantity of helminth eggs, quantified as eggs per gram of feces via field-of-view observation. The T3 (3%) exhibited results that were not statistically significantly different (P>0.05) from the positive control group. The T3 (3%) test provides the most favorable and optimal results as a substitute for methylene blue in microscopic staining evaluations.
Fish Diversity and Phylogenetics in the Lakes of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Based on eDNA
Indonesia is home to 1,248 species of freshwater fish, which play a vital role in sustaining the ecosystem. Lakes Ranu Pani, Ranu Regulo, and Ranu Darungan, located within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, lack data on freshwater fish. This study aimed to assess fish diversity in these lakes using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and to establish phylogenetic relationships among the species present. Water samples were filtered using 0.45 µm mixed cellulose ester filter paper, after which the collected DNA was extracted utilizing a DNA miniprep kit. The 12S rRNA gene was amplified using the MiFish primer, and the amplicon DNA was sequenced with the Illumina MiSeq 2x250 platform. The sequences were aligned using Blast+ for species identification and subsequently analyzed for alpha and beta diversity. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with MEGA12. The findings revealed eight species from five families, with Gambusia affinis being the most abundant. Ranu Pani exhibited low species diversity, while Ranu Regulo and Ranu Darungan displayed moderate diversity. Beta diversity analysis indicated similarities between Ranu Pani and Ranu Regulo, but distinct communities were found in Ranu Darungan. Phylogenetic analysis showed close relationships between species from the Cichlidae and Osphronemidae families, while a more distant relationship was observed with the Cyprinidae family. These baseline data can serve as a reference for future research on developing conservation strategies, monitoring environmental changes, and supporting biodiversity management.
Valorization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Waste Enhanced with Molasses for Erythritol Production
Indonesia, a leading palm oil producer, generates 1,250 tons of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) waste daily, typically disposed of through polluting combustion. This study explores repurposing OPEFB as a substrate for erythritol production, a popular sweetener with minimal impact on blood sugar. The research utilized Moniliella pollinis mutant SP5, a yeast capable of producing erythritol from various substrates. The process involved acid hydrolysis of OPEFB followed by fermentation. When fortified with 15% v/v molasses, OPEFB successfully served as an optimal carbon source for erythritol production, achieving a mass yield of 0.2878 g/g. Further improvement came through the use of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis, with the best mutant (mutant 7) reaching a yield mass of 0.3298 g/g and volumetric productivity of 0.0534 g/L/h. This research aims to advance Indonesia's self-sufficiency in erythritol production while providing a sustainable solution for OPEFB waste reduction, simultaneously addressing economic and environmental concerns.
Probiotic Community of Dage Banyumas: Next Generation Sequencing Approach
Tempeh is known as a traditional fermented food that has been popular in Indonesia for hundreds of years. One of the tempeh that is widely consumed in Banyumas regency is Dage, which is made from fermented coconut waste. Currently, there is no information regarding the presence of probiotics in Dage. Therefore, this study aims to detect the diversity of probiotic types in the Dage tempeh microbiome using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach. The research stages consisted of sampling, enrichment in MRSB and R2A media, DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Illumina NGS-based sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis using QIIME2 and MEGA XI software. The results showed that the Dage was dominated by bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus, Weisella, and Acetobacter, which are known as a group of probiotics. In addition, bacteria from the genus Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus were also detected. Diversity analysis showed that Dage enriched in R2A medium had higher species diversity than in MRSB medium. However, the presence of the probiotic bacteria group was more abundant in MRSB medium. The dominant amplicons by phylogenetic analysis were identified as Lactobacillus spicheri, Lactobacillus zymae, Lactobacillus crustorum, Companilactobacillus farciminis, Weisella paramesenteroides, and Acetobacter indonesianensis, which previously have several probiotic properties. These results provide novel information regarding the presence of probiotic bacteria in Dage, which can be explored further using a culturable approach.
Halotolerant Phosphat Solubilizing Bacteria from Paddy Saline Soil
Salinity stress on productive rice fields in coastal areas will have a negative impact on productivity through osmotic stress and nutrient deficiencies. Salinity stress causes high levels of Na and Cl in the soil, thus inhibiting phosphate absorption. Utilization of indigenous P-solubilizing bacteria from saline land is an alternative, environmentally friendly technology. The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize P-solubilizing bacteria from saline rice fields. Soil samples were taken from the rice rhizosphere in Nyamplungsari Village, Peraturkan District, Pemalang Regency. Isolation and characterization were carried out at the Agronomy & Horticulture Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, UNSOED. The variables observed included P solubility index, P solubilizing ability, IAA production, and bacterial identification using the 16S RNA method. The results of the study obtained 7 isolates of P-solubilizing bacteria that had the ability to solubilize P and produce IAA. Isolate KF is a P-solubilizing bacterium that has the highest P-solubilizing ability and is identified as Priestia megaterium strain NRRL B-350. Priestia megaterium strain NRRL B-350 is a species of P-solubilizing bacteria that has the potential to be developed as a specific biological fertilizer for saline soil to increase the growth and yield of rice plants under saline stress.