Open Global Scientific Journal

Incidence and Severity of African Cassava Mosaic in Mubugu and Kalima Fields in Kalehe Territory, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Ushindi Zihindula Victor, Deborah Mutarushwa — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Since cassava is a staple crop whose roots and leaves serve as a staple food in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in general and in Kalehe in particular, efforts to increase its productivity face numerous constraints, among which diseases, particularly the endemic form of mosaic disease, play a significant role.
Aims: This study aimed to assess the incidence and severity of African cassava mosaic (ACM) disease in two clusters within the Kalehe territory in order to propose potential solutions to limit its spread and proliferation.
Methods: To achieve this, surveys were conducted in 200 cassava fields. Two techniques, specifically analysis of variance and correlation analysis using Stata software, enabled us to interpret the field data.
Results: The research results showed that the level of attack by African cassava mosaic virus on cassava was high in the Kalehe territory. ACM was present in both groups. The highest incidence of ACM was 56.39% in KALIMA and 56.030% in MUBUGU. By locality, the highest incidence of ACM was 57.3% in MAFUO, MAKUTA (56.3%), and KASHEWE (56.8%), followed by MAKWE (55.99%), MUSHUNGUTI (55.99%), LUKANDO (55.99%), KABARE (55.9%), MISIMA (55.99%), CIGOMA (55. 8%), and IRANGI (55.8%), with an overall average for these 10 localities of 56.21%. In addition, all the varieties identified in the fields at Kalehe, notably NAMALE, NAMBIYO, ELONA, and SAWASAWA, were susceptible to African cassava mosaic, with relative incidences of 73.5%, 72.26%, 38.99%, and 39.06%, respectively, and a high severity level ranging from 2 to 3. There was a negative relationship between mosaic severity and variety, i.e., the lower the level of mosaic severity, the less diseased the varieties. Hence, this study highlights local varieties, even though research regularly develops and disseminates improved varieties resistant to African cassava mosaic.
Conclusion: African cassava mosaic disease showed a high incidence and severity across cassava fields in the Kalehe territory, indicating that the disease is widely distributed in the study area. All identified local cassava varieties were susceptible to the disease, highlighting the need for resistant varieties and improved disease management strategies.

Formulation and Physical Stability Evaluation of Herbal Liniment Containing Various Ginger Varieties (Zingiber officinale)

Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a common health problem that can reduce the quality of life. Topical liniments are often used to relieve pain; however, long-term use of synthetic liniments carries a risk of skin irritation. Herbal-based liniments made from ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) are relatively safer, provide a warming sensation, and among their biological activities are anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Aims: This research aims to evaluation of herbal liniment identify containing various ginger varieties.
Methods: This experimental study aimed to evaluate the physical stability of a herbal liniment with variations of ginger: red, gajah, and emprit. Three formulas were created, each containing 10% ginger extract in virgin coconut oil as a base. The evaluation was conducted over 28 days at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), covering organoleptic properties, pH, homogeneity, viscosity, and transferable volume.
Results: The results showed good physical stability: pH 5.00–5.66, viscosity 5.00–5.60 cP, maintained homogeneity, and volume >95%. Statistical analysis (p > 0.05) revealed no significant differences among the formulas. However, the dark brown color did not meet this standard.
Conclusion: This herbal liniment is stable and has the potential to be developed as a topical preparation based on natural ingredients; however, color optimization is needed for better consumer acceptance.

Isolation and Identification of Coliform Bacteria in Street Food Products from the Pangandaran Coastal Area, Indonesia

Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The Pangandaran coastal tourism area, characterized by high visitor density, presents a significant risk for foodborne illness. Data from the West Java Provincial Health Office recorded diarrheal cases in Pangandaran Regency between 2016 and 2024 ranging from 8,003 to 11,789 cases per year, indicating persistent concerns regarding sanitation and food quality.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of coliform bacteria in street foods sold in the Pangandaran coastal tourism area through a comprehensive laboratory-based approach.
Methods: Food samples were collected using purposive sampling. Analysis was performed through Total Coliform Count (TCC), coliform confirmation testing, Gram staining, and the IMViC test series.
Results: TCC values in cilok (107 × 10² CFU/g) and pecel sayur (2,173 × 10² CFU/g) exceeded the established maximum limits. In contrast, sosis (47 × 10² CFU/g), siomay (35 × 10² CFU/g), and rujak buah (18 × 10² CFU/g) remained within acceptable limits. Bakwan, cakwe, cimol, and ketan kukus showed no colony growth. Gram staining, coliform confirmation, and IMViC tests confirmed the presence of Gram-negative bacteria in contaminated samples, with characteristics indicative of Escherichia coli based on morphological and biochemical profiles.
Conclusion: Cilok and pecel sayur contained coliform contamination exceeding the maximum permissible limits, with isolates indicative of E. coli in several samples. Improvements in hygiene, sanitation, and food safety monitoring for street food vendors in the area are strongly recommended, alongside molecular confirmation for definitive species identification.

Lead (Pb) Accumulation by Typha angustifolia and Cyperus alternifolius in a Constructed Wetland System

Nilam Kinanti, Intan Permata Hadi — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metal contaminants in aquatic environments due to its extensive use in industrial activities. In developing countries such as Indonesia, wastewater treatment facilities often have limited capacity to effectively process industrial effluents, leading to the release of Pb-contaminated wastewater into the environment.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the Pb accumulation potential and phytoremediation performance of Typha angustifolia and Cyperus alternifolius in a laboratory-scale constructed wetland system operated under a static batch method for the remediation of Pb-contaminated water.
Methods: The experiment consisted of a control treatment without plants and two plant species exposed to three Pb concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mg L⁻¹). Water temperature, water pH, soil pH, and Pb concentrations in water, soil, and plant tissues were measured. Temperature and pH were recorded at 1 and 14 days after planting, while Pb concentrations were analyzed at the end of the 14-day experimental period. The phytoremediation potential of both plant species was evaluated using the Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF).
Results: The results showed that the constructed wetland system effectively reduced Pb concentrations in water, with removal efficiencies ranging from 85% to 96%. However, the soil have big contribution in removal Pb in water. T. angustifolia demonstrated BCF and TF values greater than 1 across all Pb concentrations, indicating strong accumulation and translocation abilities. In contrast, C. alternifolius exhibited BCF values below 1 but TF values greater than 1, suggesting limited accumulation capacity with effective Pb translocation from roots to shoots.
Conclusion: Both species have potential for application in constructed wetland systems for Pb remediation, with T. angustifolia showing superior phytoremediation performance.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Lotion Formulated with Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) Seed Oil and Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seed Oil

Yulyuswarni Yulyuswarni, Fadhilah Aulia Putri — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Skin damage caused by ultraviolet light and free radicals is a growing health problem in tropical countries such as Indonesia. The demand for natural skin care products with high antioxidant and moisturizing effects has driven the development of vegetable oil-based formulations.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of varying concentrations of moringa seed oil on the physical characteristics and stability of lotions formulated with a combination of moringa seed and sunflower seed oils.
Methods: This study used a completely randomized laboratory experimental design (CRD). Four formula variations were created with varying moringa seed oil concentrations: 0%, 6%, 9%, and 12%, with a fixed sunflower seed oil concentration of 5%. Physical quality evaluation included organoleptic tests, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, and stability testing for 28 days at temperatures of 25-30°C. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: All formulas produced a homogeneous lotion preparation with a pH ranging from 5.2–5.6 and a spreadability diameter between 5.8–6.8 cm, which are within the standard range for topical preparations. Statistical analysis showed that increasing the concentration of moringa seed oil significantly affected the pH and spreadability of the lotion (p < 0.05), but did not affect homogeneity. Over 28 days of storage, no significant changes were observed in the physical parameters, indicating good stability of the preparation. Theoretically, this study strengthens the oil-water phase equilibrium model in the emulsion structure. At the same time, practically, the results contribute to the development of natural cosmetic products based on local ingredients that are safe, effective, and highly competitive in the cosmetic industry market.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that moringa seed oil has the potential to be used as a natural active ingredient in cosmetic lotion formulations based on local natural ingredients. A limitation of this study lies in the short storage time. Further research is recommended to include long-term stability tests and quantitative analysis of antioxidant activity to strengthen empirical evidence of the formulation's effectiveness.

Evaluation of the Viability and Vigor of Karya Pelalawan Rice Seeds (Oryza sativa L.) Under Salt Stress Conditions

Mardiani Putri , Yudia Azmi, Salmiyati Salmiyati — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: One of the well-known rice varieties from Pelalawan is the Karya Pelalawan rice, which can be developed in tidal swamp lands in Riau Province. The tidal lands of Pelalawan Regency frequently experience variable salinity levels, yet the salinity tolerance of the Karya Pelalawan rice variety remains poorly defined. Consequently, it is necessary to conduct tests across diverse salinity concentrations.
Aims: This research aims to identify the tolerant concentration of NaCl in the salinity test on the viability and vigor of rice seeds (Oryza sativa L.) of the Karya Pelalawan variety.
Methods: The study employed a non-factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments with 5 replications. The treatments were as follows: P0 (0 ppm), P1 (2500 ppm), P2 (5000 ppm), P3 (7500 ppm), and P4 (10000 ppm). The observed parameters included germination percentage, first count test (FCT) percentage, germination rate, radicle and plumule growth of seedlings, and seed vigor test. Data were analyzed using Excel and ANOVA, followed by the DMRT at 5% significance level.
Results: The results showed that NaCl application affected the germination percentage, FCT percentage, germination rate, radicle and plumule growth, and seed vigor. The tolerant NaCl concentration for germination was P1 (2,500 ppm) as seen from the germination percentage, FCT percentage, germination rate, and seed vigor.
Conclusion: The application of salinity stress can affect germination characteristics. However, at 2500 ppm, it can improve the germination quality of Karya Pelalawan rice seeds.

Effectiveness of Vitamin C-Enriched Tubifex Worms (Tubifex sp.) as Live Feed for African Catfish (Clarias sp.) Larvae

Imam Tri Wahyudi, Sheny Permatasari, Andri Hendriana — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Live feed is a critical factor in the successful rearing of African catfish (Clarias sp.) larvae, particularly during the early developmental. Tubificid worms (Tubifex sp.) are commonly used as live feed due to their high protein content; however, their nutritional value can be further improved through enrichment techniques.
Aims: This study evaluated the effects of vitamin C-enriched Tubifex worms on the growth performance and survival of African catfish larvae.
Methods: A completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of three treatments and three replications was employed: unenriched Tubifex worms (control), enrichment with 2.5 g L⁻¹ vitamin C (A), and enrichment with 3.5 g L⁻¹ vitamin C (B). Data on survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR), and growth rate (GR) were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's multiple range test at a 95% confidence level. Seven-day-old larvae were reared for seven days and fed enriched worms according to the respective treatments. Growth performance was assessed using survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR), and growth rate (GR).
Results: The results showed that vitamin C enrichment significantly affected (P < 0.05) the survival rate, specific growth rate, and growth rate of African catfish larvae. The treatment enriched with 2.5 g L⁻¹ vitamin C produced the highest survival rate (86.67 ± 12.09%), specific growth rate (1.70 ± 0.66% day⁻¹), and growth rate (0.125 ± 0.055 g day⁻¹). These values were significantly higher than those of the control treatment and numerically higher than those of the 3.5 g L⁻¹ treatment.
Conclusion: In conclusion, enrichment of Tubifex worms with vitamin C at 2.5 g L⁻¹ is an effective strategy for improving growth performance and survival of African catfish larvae and may be applied as a practical nutritional approach during the early rearing stage.

Artemia as a Strategic Live Feed in Fish and Shrimp Hatcheries: Nutritional Value, Enrichment Technologies, and Implications for Larval Growth and Survival: A Literature Review

Sheny Permatasari — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Live feed availability is a critical factor determining the success of fish and shrimp hatchery operations. Among various live feeds, Artemia remains one of the most widely used organisms due to its suitable particle size, high digestibility, ease of storage, and capacity for nutritional enrichment.
Aims: This review aimed to synthesize current knowledge regarding the nutritional value of Artemia, its application in hatchery systems, enrichment strategies, and its effects on larval growth and survival in commercially important aquaculture species.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following a structured search of peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Relevant literature was retrieved from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and other scientific databases using predefined keywords related to Artemia, enrichment technologies, hatchery management, and larval performance. Studies were screened based on relevance to fish and shrimp larviculture, nutritional enhancement, and biological performance indicators.
Results: The reviewed studies consistently demonstrated that Artemia significantly improves larval growth, specific growth rate, size uniformity, and survival in various aquaculture species, including Litopenaeus vannamei, Penaeus monodon, Oreochromis niloticus, Lates calcarifer, and Clarias gariepinus. Furthermore, enrichment with highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids, microalgae, probiotics, synbiotics, vitamins, and phytogenic compounds substantially enhanced the nutritional quality of Artemia, resulting in improved growth performance, immune competence, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.
Conclusions: Artemia remains an indispensable live feed in modern hatchery systems. Advances in enrichment technologies have transformed Artemia from a conventional live feed into an effective nutrient delivery platform capable of enhancing larval performance and hatchery productivity. Future development should focus on strengthening domestic Artemia production, improving enrichment efficiency, and integrating biosecure hatchery management practices to support sustainable aquaculture development.