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    Characterization of Diaporthe fungal extract composition and phytotoxicity on the aquatic noxious weed Eichhornia crassipes: inhibitory effects on photosynthetic machinery and membrane integrity
    (2025-01-01) ;
    Manichart, Nutcha
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    Thongbang, Muanfan
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    Wichittrakarn, Pattharin
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    Fungal extract-based natural herbicides are a promising avenue for the development of sustainable weed management. The study investigates the herbicidal activity of fungal extracts against the prominent aquatic invasive weed Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth). The ethanol crude fraction derived from Diaporthe sp. strain EC010 demonstrated the highest phytotoxicity. Chemical characterization using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed 2(3H)-furanone, dihydro-4-hydroxy- (22.81%), linoelaidic acid (6.87%), and hordenine (6.62%) as major constituents. Phytotoxicity was evaluated by wrapping bioassay under greenhouse conditions. Observable foliar damage, such as necrosis, chlorosis, and depigmentation, occurred within 1 day after treatment (DAT). The rapid onset of visible damage within 1 DAT and the detailed analysis of tissue damage are particularly noteworthy. Lesion progression reflected the phytotoxicity of the extract, increasing to 77.33% visible phytotoxicity at 14 DAT for the highest concentration (8.0% w/v). Microscopic analysis revealed disintegration and complete deformation of epidermal and parenchymal tissues, and treated plants featured extensive aerenchyma spaces. Furthermore, the Diaporthe sp. extract decreased chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid concentrations while increasing electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde, indicative of weed deterioration. The current work offers valuable insights for sustainable and eco-friendly strategies in the management of water hyacinth populations in a lentic ecosystem. The findings suggest that Diaporthe sp. extract could serve as a natural herbicide, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals in managing water hyacinth.
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    Siamese neem tree as a natural preservative: Chemical profile, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial efficacy against foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria
    (2025-03-01) ;
    Manichart, Nutcha
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    ; ;
    The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of various ethanol in water solvent systems (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % v/v) on the extraction crude yield, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and chemical profile of Azadirachta indica (Siamese neem tree) leaf extracts. In addition, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were investigated using in vitro assays. Crude yield was highest for the water extract (5.78 g/100 g DW) and decreased with increased ethanol. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were highest in the 75 % ethanol extract (26.95 mg GAE/g crude and 23.73 mg QE/g crude, respectively). GC-MS analysis of the 75 % ethanol extract revealed 33 bioactive compounds, accounting for 96.33 % of the total area. Significant components included benzene, 1,4-bis(phenylmethyl)- (15.05 %), and naphthalene, 1,6-dimethyl- (10.98 %); also present were sterols, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, aromatic, and heterocyclic compounds, indicating a complex chemical profile. In antioxidant assays, the 75 % ethanol extract revealed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC<inf>50</inf>: 143.03 mg/L), reducing power (IC<inf>50</inf>: 378.69 mg/L), and lipid peroxidation (IC<inf>50</inf>: 526.25 mg/L). However, the absolute ethanol extract exhibited both the highest metal chelating activity (IC<inf>50</inf>: 382.60 mg/L) and the strongest antimicrobial activity, inhibiting all 11 tested foodborne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25 mg/mL was observed for Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Latilactobacillus sakei, Streptococcus sp., and Lactococcus cremoris, with inhibition zone diameters of 27.21, 28.79, 28.19, 17.60, 15.09 and 11.20 mm, respectively. Similarly, the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 25 mg/mL was obtained for S. aureus and L. sakei, indicating potent antibacterial effects against these species. Future studies should include direct comparative analyses of neem extracts and synthetic preservatives to evaluate further their relative efficacy and applicability in real-world food systems.
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    Oxidative damage in Echinochloa crus−galli seeds exposed to Diaporthe sp. (Diaporthales, Ascomycota) fungal extract during germination
    (2024-01-01) ;
    Manichart, Nutcha
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    Wichittrakarn, Pattharin
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    Yoneyama, Kaori
    This study investigates the inhibitory effects of Diaporthe sp. isolate EC010 extract on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) seed germination and growth. Application of sequential extraction techniques to Diaporthe sp. mycelium resulted in partial separation of the phytotoxic compounds. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction most greatly reduced seed germination (81.01%), root length (89.18%), and shoot length (84.74%) compared to the control. Chemical characterization using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed major constituents of linoleic acid, butyl ester (9.69%), hexadecanoic acid (7.99%), and 14-pentadecenoic acid (7.86%). With regard to physiological and biochemical indexes, treated seeds exhibited lower imbibition, significantly decreased α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) activity (p<0.05), and increased accumulation of malondialdehyde (85.52%) and hydrogen peroxide (141.10%). Moreover, activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and guaiacol peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) was upregulated (67.24 and 61.62%, respectively), while catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activity was downregulated (-33.75%). The inference is that an imbalance in ROS levels combined with reduced antioxidant potential drives the gradual accumulation of oxidative damage in seed cells and consequent loss of seed viability. All told, these results confirm the Diaporthe extract to induce oxidative stress and inhibit antioxidant enzymes. This study clearly demonstrates the oxidative damage associated with Diaporthe allelochemicals.
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    High-Energy Emulsified Clove Essential Oil Nanoemulsion as a Natural Herbicidal Product: Germination Suppression and Seed Structure Alteration in Echinochloa crus-galli
    (2026-03-01) ; ;
    Manichart, Nutcha
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    Dimak, Jantra
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    Poonpaiboonpipat, Thanatsan
    Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry) essential oil (EO)-based nanoemulsions may have a promising future in eco-friendly herbicide development. Clove EO was found to have a high eugenol content of 87.27%. Organic-solvent-free nanoemulsions using clove EO as a bioactive ingredient were fabricated using ultrasonication and microfluidization emulsification methods. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that both emulsification methods did not affect the EO components. The droplet size of optimized nanoemulsions was determined using dynamic light scattering. The smallest size of 66.9 nm was obtained by microfluidization at 20,000 psi and eight passes. Additionally, the smallest droplet size for a sonicated nanoemulsion was 103.9 nm, obtained by ultrasonication at 20% for 6 min. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the droplet sizes of both optimized nanoemulsions. In a storage test, both optimized nanoemulsions were stored at 4 °C for at least four weeks. Finally, both nanoemulsions were evaluated on pre-emergence herbicidal activities against Echinochloa crus-galli. The results showed that both nanoemulsions inhibited E. crus-galli germination and seedling growth, and additionally, inhibited seed imbibition and α-amylase activity. Micro-morphological and ultrastructural analysis was observed using a scanning electron microscope and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS). SEM-EDS micrographs of the treated seeds showed that the seed structure was damaged, especially the endosperm, leading to the inhibition of seed germination.
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    Chemical Analysis and Bioactivities of Gaultheria procumbens L. Essential Oil: Herbicidal, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities
    (2023-03-02)
    Jintanasirinurak, Sumonrat
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    Manichart, Nutcha
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    ; ;
    The chemical composition of wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens L.) essential oil (WEO) was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluated for its biological activities. Methyl salicylate (100%) was the main compound in the wintergreen essential oil. The herbicidal efficacy of the WEO was confirmed by germination inhibition, radical and shoot length reduction, and phytotoxicity assessment with Echinochloa crus–galli and Amaranthus tricolor seedlings. The WEO significantly reduced the germination and seedling growth of both weeds. It showed highly significant inhibition of seed germination (93.37%) and seedling growth of A. tricolor at the highest dose (6 µL/petri dish) assayed. The WEO was formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC-EO) for post-emergence application, and was applied at a range of concentrations from 10 to 80 mL/L. Both treated plant leaves appeared wilted and slightly discolored within 1 day of application (DAA). The visible weed control efficacy was most remarkable at 80 mL/L treatment, which was a level that ultimately killed the seedlings of both species at 3 DAA, suggesting promising herbicidal potential for the WEO. The WEO showed weak scavenging activity with a high IC<inf>50</inf> value (IC<inf>50</inf> >2×10<sup>4</sup> and >5×10<sup>4</sup> ppm) for DPPH scavenging and metal chelating assays, respectively. The WEO showed moderate antibacterial activity, and its zones of inhibition against bacterial test strains were 7.90±0.8 mm and 23.9±0.9 mm for Escherichia coli TISTR 780 and Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 1466, respectively. Therefore, the results suggest the possibility of using WEO as an active ingredient to produce natural herbicides.
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    Herbicidal Activity of the Invasive Weed Malachra capitata L.: Growth Stage Dependence, Bioassay-Guided Fractionation, and Physiological Effects on Seed Germination
    (2026-03-01)
    Wichittrakarn, Pattharin
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    Sathuwijarn, Sirichai
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    Manichart, Nutcha
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    Yoneyama, Kaori
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    The invasive weed Malachra capitata is unsuitable for human or animal consumption but has recently attracted attention for potential alternative uses. In this study, the allelopathic potential of M. capitata for weed control was investigated, as were its allelopathic effects on selected crops. The influence of plant developmental stage on its phytotoxic activity was also assessed. In addition, the physiological effects of the extract on seed germination were investigated. Aqueous leaf extracts were obtained across a range of growth stages and evaluated using seed germination and seedling growth bioassays, followed by bioassay-guided fractionation and GC-MS analysis. Leaves extracts collected at 35 days after planting exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity. Dicot plant species (Phaseolus lathyroides, Cucumis sativus, Brassica oleracea, and B. chinensis) were more susceptible to M. capitata extracts than grassy species (Echinochloa crus-galli, Zea mays, and Oryza sativa), indicating selective phytotoxicity. In pot experiments, application of leaf residues as surface mulch at rates of 100, 200, and 400 g/m<sup>2</sup> significantly reduced P. lathyroides emergence by 11.25%, 35.00%, and 71.25%, respectively. Bioassay-guided fractionation indicated the ethyl acetate-soluble acidic fraction to contain the active allelochemicals. This inhibition was associated with reduced water uptake and suppression of α-amylase activity during seed germination. The most abundant GC-MS detectable components of the acidic fraction were octadecane (12.45%), eicosane (9.74%), and hexadecane (9.60%). Overall, these findings highlight the allelopathic potential of M. capitata, providing a foundation for further applied research and supporting its valorization for sustainable weed management.
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    Formulation and evaluation of nanoemulsions from Jasminum officinale essential oil for controlling postharvest browning and maintaining quality in jasmine (Jasminum sambac) flowers
    (2025-01-01)
    Yeamsuriyotai, Kittiya
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    Pradabkun, Natthamon
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    Manichart, Nutcha
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    Yonsawad, Nipaporn
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    Khamchatra, Na Monrug
    The jasmine (Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton) flower has delicate petals, resulting in rapid browning after harvest. The aim of this study was to search for an innovative postharvest treatment for delaying browning of jasmine petals using plant essential oils. J. officinale L. f. var. grandiflorum (L.) essential oil was found to reduce peroxidase activity in jasmine flower by 44.21% in the in vitro condition. The antioxidant activities and chemical composition of J. officinale essential oil were subsequently characterized. The essential oil exhibited the ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radicals with a 50% inhibition (EC<inf>50</inf>) value of 6.72 ± 0.89 mg/mL, a chelating effect with EC<inf>50</inf> value of 7.42 ± 1.59 mg/mL, and reducing power with EC<inf>0.5</inf> value of 14.89 ± 0.73 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis detected 29 compounds in the oil, with benzyl alcohol (20.68%) and benzyl acetate (19.87%) predominating. As plant essential oils have restricted water solubility, an oil-in-water emulsion was formulated using a spontaneous emulsification method. The resulting J. officinale essential oil naonoemulsion (JEN) had an oil droplet size of 70.2 ± 0.39 nm and a narrow polydispersity index. In vivo testing confirmed the inhibitory effects of JEN on jasmine flower browning and relevant enzyme activities. Jasmine flowers were soaked in various concentrations of JEN for 5 min, packed in polyethylene plastic bags, and stored in a refrigerator at 10 ± 3°C with relative humidity 66 ± 5%. Flowers treated with 1 and 2 mg/mL JEN showed effective delay of petal browning and maintained good quality with minimum flower opening index, high freshness score, and high color retention index. JEN treatment also reduced phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) activities, indicating postponement of the browning process. In addition, scanning electron microscopy micrographs of treated flower epidermis cells revealed delayed cell wall collapse, indicating retention of intact cells. Taken together, these results support JEN as a potential preventative of enzymatic browning and hence petal browning in jasmine flower.
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    The effect of natural herbicide from Fusarium equiseti crude extract on the aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms)
    (2024-12-01) ;
    Manichart, Nutcha
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    Thongbang, Muanfan
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    Wichittrakarn, Pattharin
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    In this study, Fusarium equiseti was isolated from the weed plant Tridax procumbens in an agricultural field and a crude extract produced with 75% ethanol for use as active ingredient material in natural herbicides. The herbicidal effect of F. equiseti extract was tested on water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic weed, by leaf disk assay at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% w/v crude extract. Dose-dependent visual toxicity symptoms were evident after three days, namely chlorosis, yellow leaves surrounded by dark brown edges. Photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids) and membrane integrity (as electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content) were evaluated following the leaf disk test. 3 days after treatment, photosynthetic pigment contents showed dose-dependent decreases, while both measures of membrane integrity showed dose-dependent increases with increasing extract concentration. In addition, a cytogenetic assay was conducted on Allium cepa L. root, in which mitotic index reduction and depigmentation were evident as early as 24 h after herbicide application. Finally, anatomical analysis of treated E. crassipes leaves revealed degradation or damage of the ground tissue. All told, our results support the F. equiseti crude-based natural herbicide cloud as a sustainable alternative in agriculture.
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    Physiological mechanism of action and partial separation of herbicide–active compounds from the Diaporthe sp. extract on Amaranthus tricolor L.
    Thirteen fungi that produce compounds with herbicidal activities were isolated, identified, and extracted under the assumption that the mechanism of action occurs during seed exposure to the extract. The extracts from all the fungal strains considerably decreased the growth parameters of Amaranthus tricolor L. The EC010 strain extracts showed the greatest effect. Through ITS region gene sequencing methods, the isolated EC010 was identified as a genus of Diaporthe. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect of 91.25% on germination and a decrease in shoot and root length by 91.28% and 95.30%, respectively. The mycelium of Diaporthe sp. was extracted using sequential extraction techniques for the partial separation of the herbicidal fraction. According to the bioassay activities, the EtOAc fraction showed the highest inhibitory activity. The osmotic stress of the A. tricolor seeds was studied. Although the extract increased the accumulation of proline and soluble protein, the treated seeds showed lower imbibition. While the activity of α-amylase was dramatically decreased after treatment. A cytogenetic assay in the treated Allium cepa L. root revealed a decrease in the mitotic index, an altered mitotic phase index, and a promotion of mitotic abnormalities. Accordingly, the Diaporthe sp. may serve as a potential herbicidal compound resource.
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