Search Results (34)

Small ruminant production under grazing conditions plays a crucial role in the global primary sector economy. However, these animals are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), which significantly impact their health and welfare. Given the increasing resistance to conventional anthelmintics, there is a pressing need to explore sustainable alternatives, such as plant secondary metabolites. This study aimed to identify phenolic compounds with anthelmintic activity from Tithonia diversifolia aerial parts, using Haemonchus contortus as a biological model. Egg hatching inhibition (EHI) and larval mortality assays were used to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of a hydroalcoholic extract (HA-E), an aqueous (Aq-F) and ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc-F), and eight bioactive subfractions (TdR1-TdR8) obtained from EtOAc-F. The identification of major compounds was performed using HPLC-PDA. The E-HA and EtOAc-F achieved 100% EHI at 40 and 4 mg/mL, respectively. The subfractions TdR2 (EC₉₀ = 0.55 mg/mL), TdR3 (EC₉₀ = 0.12 mg/mL), and TdR4 (EC₉₀ = 0.26 mg/mL) exhibited the highest ovicidal activity. In the larval mortality test, EtOAc-F showed an LC₈₅ of 56.74 mg/mL. The major identified compounds included cinnamates, hydroxycinnamic acids (e.g., caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid), gallates, flavonoids (flavones and flavanones), and coumarins. These findings support the potential of T. diversifolia as a promising natural source for the control of GINs in small ruminants. Full article

Green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods that often involve toxic reagents and harsh conditions. This study investigates the use of Tithonia diversifolia, an invasive species in Sri Lanka, as a bioreductant for the eco-friendly fabrication of CuO nanoparticles. Using copper sulfate (CuSO₄·5H₂O) as a precursor, eight treatments were conducted by varying precursor concentration, temperature, and reaction time to determine optimal conditions. A visible color change in the reaction mixture initially indicated nanoparticle formation. Among all the conditions, treatment T4 (5 mM CuSO₄, 80 °C, 2 h) yielded the most favorable results in terms of stability, morphology, and crystallinity. UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis confirmed the synthesis, with absorbance peaks between 265 and 285 nm. FTIR analysis revealed organic functional groups and characteristic metal–oxygen vibrations in the fingerprint region (500–650 cm⁻¹), confirming formation. SEM imaging showed that particles were mainly spherical to polygonal, averaging 125–150 nm. However, dynamic light scattering showed larger diameters (~240 nm) due to surface capping agents. Zeta potential values ranged from −16.0 to −28.0 mV, indicating stability. XRD data revealed partial crystallinity with CuO-specific peaks. These findings support the potential of T. diversifolia in green nanoparticle synthesis, suggesting a low-cost, eco-conscious strategy for future applications. Full article

Livestock production systems can negatively affect soil structure, resulting in negative changes in physical–hydraulic properties, compromising soil functioning and productivity. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of rotational silvopastoral systems on soil physical–hydraulic functioning in their second year of implementation. The study was performed under Oxisol soil with a loamy sand texture in Southeast Brazil. We considered four grazing systems: an intensive silvopastoral system with Panicum maximum in consortium with Leucaena leucocephala (ISPS + L), an intensive silvopastoral system with Panicum maximum in consortium with Tithonia diversifolia (ISPS + T), an silvopastoral system with Panicum maximum (SPS) with tree row (TRs), and open pasture under a rotational grazing system with Panicum maximum (OP). The treatments ISPS + L, ISPS + T, and SPS had tree rows (TRs) every 20 m composed of Khaya ivorenses, Leucaena leucocephala, Eucalyptus urograndis, Acacia mangium, and Gliricidia sepium. Nine physical–hydraulic indicators were evaluated in the first 0.40 m of depth: bulk density (Bd), total porosity (TP), macroporosity (MaP), microporosity (MiP), field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), available water content (AWC), total soil aeration capacity (ACt), and S-index. The soil physical–hydraulic properties were sensitive to the effects of the livestock systems. The use of silvopastoral systems in consortium with grass (ISPS + L and ISPS + T) allowed for better soil water retention, resulting in higher FC and AWC than the OP, SPS, and TR. The indicators Bd, ACt, MaP, FC, MiP, and S-index presented the greatest variance; however, FC, ACt, MaP, and MiP enabled the greatest differentiation among systems. Therefore, these properties are important in studies on soil physical quality since they provide information about the soil porous status and its ability to retain water and exchange soil air and gases. Therefore, enhancing the physical–hydraulic attributes of the soil in silvopastoral systems with shrub species is crucial for ensuring long-term productive sustainability and strengthening environmental resilience against future climate challenges. Full article

Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray forms high-density impenetrable monospecific stands as an invasive plant species. Its life history traits, such as high adaptability with high genetic variation under different environmental conditions, and high growth and reproductive capacity, may contribute to its success in invading and increasing its population in the introduced ranges. Evidence has accumulated in the literature for the activity of compounds involved in the invasive characteristics of Tithonia diversifolia against natural enemies such as herbivorous insects and mammals, pathogenic nematodes, fungi, and viruses, and of allelochemicals against neighboring competitive plant species. Tagitinin A, tagitinin C, 1β-methoxydiversifolin, phytol, phytol acetate, α-pinene, bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane,4-methylene-1-(1-methylethyl), hispidulin, dihydro-p-coumaric acid, and methyl linoleate are toxic to herbivorous insects, and tagitinin C and 5-O-(E)-caffeoylquinic acid are harmful to herbivorous mammals. Tirotundin has nematocidal activity. α-Pinene, camphor, eucalyptol, and α-terpineol have fungicidal activity. Tagitinin A, tagitinin C, and 1β-methoxydiversifolin-3-O-methyl ether have antiviral activity. Tagitinin A, tagitinin C, 1β-methoxydiversifolin, and hispidulin act as allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of neighboring competing plant species. The ability to outcompete natural enemies and competing plant species is one of the essential factors for infestation and increase in the population and distribution of Tithonia diversifolia in new habitats. Therefore, these compounds may be involved in the invasive characteristics of Tithonia diversifolia. This is the first review article focusing on the compounds involved in the invasive characteristics of Tithonia diversifolia. Full article

This study examines the physicochemical and biological changes in meads produced from five honey types sourced from the Mekong region: Tree Marigold (Tithonia diversifolia, Myanmar), Coffee (Coffea canephora, Vietnam), Kapok (Ceiba pentandra, Cambodia), Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis, China), and Mixed Floral (Thailand). Honey musts were fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 25 °C for two weeks. After fermentation, meads exhibited lighter coloration, a stable pH (3.5–4.5), and varying bioactivities. All meads showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, while activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae varied by honey source and depended on fermentation. Antioxidant activity ranged from 19.25 to 68.11% inhibition, and peaked in Tree Marigold honey after fermentation. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents fluctuated, with Mixed Floral mead showing the highest post-fermentation phenolic levels. The results of a sensory analysis ranked Tree Marigold mead the highest across taste, mouthfeel, aftertaste, and overall preference. These findings underscore the influence of honey origin and fermentation on the physicochemical, antimicrobial, and sensory properties of mead. Full article

To identify and select wild plant species as a source of nectar and pollen for the conservation of natural enemies (NEs), with an emphasis on parasitic Hymenoptera, entomological samplings were carried out on the inflorescences of plants in the northwest of Michoacán, Mexico, in 2020. The species were selected based on the number and diversity of NEs, flowering period, phytosanitary risks (pests), and ease of multiplication. Of more than 27 plant species, NEs were recorded in 24. The Eulophid family represented 74.14% of 23 families of parasitoids recorded, and in 19 of the 23 plant species with parasitoids, the eulophid family was the most prevalent. Thirteen plant species were selected; annual species such as Tithonia tubaeformis and Stevia serrata stand out. Among the shrubs, Senecio salignus and Baccharis salicifolia stand out, as do trees such as Viguiera quinqueradiata, Thouinia villosa and Buddleja parviflora. Serjania racemosa and Phytolacca icosandra stand out for their long flowering period (>5 months) and the wide diversity of beneficial entomofauna. They are plants that reproduce easily and have a low phytosanitary risk to crops. The presence of flowering plants in agroecosystems could attract and maintain NE populations, even before pests arrive, with predictable benefits for integrated pest management. Full article

Animal production requires efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability. Bioactive compounds from tropical plants could modulate ruminal fermentation, providing an alternative method to antibiotic treatment and addressing concerns about antibiotic resistance. In this study, the aim was to determine the effects of Tithonia diversifolia extract (TDE) on performance, intake, digestibility and blood parameters [i.e., glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] in crossbreed sheep. The main biocompounds of the TDE include caffeic acid (CA), quercetin (QCT), luteolin (LT) and apigenin (AP). Experiment 1: An in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) study was conducted to determine the optimal inclusion levels. The IVDM values were 73.09a, 82.03b, 81.01b, 73.20a and 74.51a for the control, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg for the DM treatments, respectively (R-Sq adj = 0.857). The levels of 5 and 10 g were selected for the in vivo experiment. Experiment 2: Twenty-eight male crossbred hair lambs were assigned to four treatments (n = 7): control, 20 mg monensin/day, 5 g TDE/day and 10 g TDE/day groups. No differences in animal performance were observed, including body weight and feed conversion (p > 0.05). The TDE at 10 g/day improved NDF digestibility) (61.32%) and reduced the ruminal acetate to propionate ratio. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) were higher in 10 g TDE treatment with 66.41% and the lowest acetate production (67.82%) (p = 0.042), and propionate production (21.07%) were observed. The TDE were safe at 5 g and 10 g/day for liver function and exhibited lower BUN levels suggesting an improvement in protein metabolism. TDE extract at 10 g/day (TDE10), showed improvements in total tract digestibility of NDF and reduced the ruminal acetate to propionate ratio. However, due to TDE10 reducing the DM intake, the improvements in digestibility and ruminal fermentation were not reflected in growth performance improvements. Full article

Compost fauna act by releasing various enzymes that break down organic matter into a stable, agriculturally useful products. Mesofauna are the least studied compared to micro- and macrofauna, with the existing studies relying on classical methods such as morphological identification, essentially leaving out cryptic taxa. We sought to evaluate the ecological response of the mesofauna community to different composting materials and durations. Total mesofauna community 18S rRNA was purified in triplicate from lantana-based, tithonia-based, grass-based, and mixed (lantana + tithonia + grass)-based compost heaps after 21, 42, 63, and 84 days of composting and sequenced using the Illumina Miseq platform. Before performing statistical data analysis, we used the Divisive Amplicon Denoising Algorithm version 2 workflow for bioinformatic analyses. The composting duration, but not the composting materials, significantly influenced the total population and composition of the mesofauna communities. The composting materials and duration significantly affected the dispersion and uniqueness of the compost mesofauna communities. Canonical correspondence analysis of the compost’s physical–chemical and biological states showed a significant influence of the materials on the mesofauna community colonization capacity. The mesofauna communities had a significant response to the composting duration. This, therefore, presents them as valuable tools for understanding the temporal evolution of compost. Full article

Food security, sustainability of food production, and greenhouse gas (GHG) production of ruminant livestock are topics that generate scrutiny and debates worldwide. In a scenario of increasing human population and concerns with climate change, it is necessary to increase animal-derived food in sustainable operations. Grazing systems are crucial for ruminant production worldwide, and in the tropics, well-managed grasslands can provide sustainable intensification of this activity. In these regions, production often relies on grass monoculture managed extensively, a practice that commonly has led to the occurrence of degraded soils, limited animal productivity, and increased intensity of GHG emissions. Silvopastoralism is a practice that promotes several ecosystem services, showing potential to maintain soil quality while reducing the environmental impacts of ruminant production. These systems also have the potential to improve animal productive performance and reduce GHG emissions. The review was guided by a search in the Web of Science database using population terms and refined by document type (Article) and language (English OR Portuguese) following PRISMA protocol. Infographics were created using the Bibliometrix package in R software (version 4.3.2), and a specific topic on Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray was explored to demonstrate the importance of this forage resource for tropical silvopastoral systems and its potential contribution to food security. The T. diversifolia shrub is widely distributed in Latin America and tropical regions and presents several characteristics that make it a good option for silvopastoral systems. Focusing on the tropics, our objectives were to present one literature review addressing the role of grazing ruminant production towards the current climate change and food security challenges. Additionally, we aimed to explore the state of knowledge on silvopastoral systems and the use of T. diversifolia, presenting their potential to cope with this scenario of increased concerns with the sustainability of human activities. Full article

The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional value of different tree and shrub leaves in Brazilian ruminant production systems. Eight potentially edible trees and shrubs were identified from interviews with 30 ruminant producers: Aroeira (ARO; Lithraea molleoides), Black Mulberry (BMU; Morus nigra), Candeia (CAN; Eremanthus erythropappus), Jatobá (JAT; Hymenaea courbaril), Gliricídia (GLI; Gliricidia sepium), Santa Bárbara tree (SBT; Mélia azedarach), Tithonia (TIT; Tithonia diversifolia), and White Mulberry (WMU; Morus alba). Four leaf samples of each edible tree were sampled, and chemical analyses and in vitro assays were performed. Edible trees (except CAN and JAT) had lower neutral detergent fiber content than Mombasa grass. In addition, SBT, BMU, WMU, and TIT had lower fiber content than the other evaluated edible trees. Consequently, SBT, TIT, BMU, and WMU had improved dry matter degradation. Among the edible trees and shrubs, SMW and WMU increased the potential for gas production (a parameter). On the other hand, CAN decreased the estimated gas production 48 h after incubation. Furthermore, TIT decreased methane production up to 24 h after in vitro fermentation. Thus, except ARO, CAN, and JAT, the edible trees evaluated in the present study are potential feeds in moderate- to high-producing animals. Additionally, TIT fermentation reduces in vitro methane production. Full article

Tithonia diversifolia is often grown as a cover crop or as a green manure crop in climate-smart agriculture practices. This plant can be harvested at various growth stages, and the biomass can be incorporated into the soil. The decomposition of plant biomass enhances the soil’s nutrients, organic matter content, and crop productivity. This study aimed to determine the best harvesting stage of T. diversifolia to be used as an efficient soil amendment for coconut plantations. Samples were collected at one-, two-, three-, and four-month harvesting stages from an existing T. diversifolia field at Rathmalagara Research Station of the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. In the study, both plant-growth parameters and the nutrient composition of each plant part were individually evaluated for every section of the plant. Biochar was prepared from hardwood stems of T. diversifolia using them as the feedstock under five different temperatures from 300 ℃ to 700 ℃, and a proximate analysis was performed for the characterization of produced biochar. The mean values of measured parameters of T. diversifolia and the properties of biochar were significantly different (p < 0.05) at different growth stages and temperatures, respectively. Considering all the measured parameters of T. diversifolia, the three-month harvesting stage can be suggested as the best growth stage for it to be used as green manure. According to the proximate-analysis results, and by observing the half-burning of produced biochar, 500 ℃ can be proposed as the ideal temperature to produce biochar from hardwood stems. Full article

Among the alternatives identified as capable of making livestock farming a more efficient activity and reducing its environmental impact, the use of feeds with high digestibility and the use of non-conventional fodder species can be highlighted. Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray (TD) has already gained attention as a feed for ruminants. Nonetheless, there has been little discussion about the impacts of this plant on the rumen dynamics that lead to better animal performance. The aim of this study was to assess how increasing levels of TD could affect ruminal microbial biomass synthesis, degradability, and in vitro gas production (IVGP) of diets. Four diets were evaluated: a control diet (TD0: 400 g kg⁻¹ soybean meal and maize grain, and 600 g kg⁻¹ Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.)) and three increasing levels of TD (TD9: 90, TD27: 270, and TD45: 450 g kg⁻¹–dry matter basis) as a replacement for dietary roughage. A 96 h IVGP assay was carried out and five incubation times (2, 4, 10, 24, and 96 h) were used for degradability determination. Gas produced, methane (CH4), degradability of organic matter (IVDOM), short-chained fatty acid (SCFA) production, partitioning factor (PF), and microbial biomass (MB) were evaluated among treatments. There was no significant effect (p > 0.05) between TD inclusion and IVGP at most incubation times; only at 6 h of incubation did gas production increase linearly with TD inclusion (R² = 0.19; p < 0.05). TD inclusion had no effects on CH4. IVDOM increased linearly with TD inclusion at 6 and 10 h, with TD45 being more degradable than the control diet at 6 h only. There was a positive linear relationship (R² = 0.20; p < 0.05) between TD inclusion and PF. TD45 had significantly higher PF values than the control. MB also increased linearly (R² = 0.30; p < 0.05) with TD inclusion, and all diets with TD had significantly more MB than the control diet. The inclusion of TD at the levels used in this work was revealed to have a positive impact on microbial protein synthesis, which could be related to the higher microbial efficiency of increased substrate quality. Full article

The growing interest in herbal and alternative medicines demands information on the toxicity risk assessment of the various plant extracts used in traditional medicines. The rich presence of sesquiterpene lactone, a potentially toxic phytochemical, in Tithonia diversifolia necessitates the toxicological evaluation of its biologically active constituents. This study evaluated the in vivo sub-chronic toxicity of the moderately polar fractions of T. diversifolia in a rat model. The ethyl acetate soluble portion from the methanol extract was separated using the vacuum liquid chromatographic method. Three dose levels—an observed adverse effect level (OAEL) of 2000 mg/kg, a no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 80 mg/kg, and an intermediate dose of 500 mg per kg body weight of rats per day—were selected for a 28-day period of repeated dosing for the sub-chronic toxicological evaluation. The LC-MS dereplication of the active fractions showed the presence of sesquiterpene lactones such as diversifolin, diversifolin methylether, tagitinin A, tagitinin C–F, woodhousin, and orizatin, as well as many unidentified peaks. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the weights of the rats dosed with OAEL and their food consumption of the fraction during week 1, which normalized during the subsequent weeks of the study. The histopathological examination showed mild necrosis and degeneration of hepatocytes in the centrilobular areas of the rats treated with OAEL of the active VLC fraction. There were no T. diversifolia-related adverse toxicological events in rats receiving 2000 mg/kg/day when dosed orally for 28 days. Full article

As influenced by agricultural practices, soil organic matter (SOM) stability is imperative in maintaining soil fertility and crop production. Integrated soil management practices have been recommended for soil fertility improvement by enhancing soil organic matter. We examined the SOM stability under integrated soil management practices for six consecutive cropping seasons in the high agricultural potential area of the Central Highlands of Kenya. The experimental design was a complete randomized block design with fourteen treatments replicated four times. The treatments were minimum (Mt) and conventional tillage (Ct) combined with sole mineral fertilizer (Mf), crop residue combined with mineral fertilizer (RMf), crop residue combined with mineral fertilizer and animal manure (RMfM), crop residue combined with animal manure and Dolichos Lablab L. intercrop (RML), crop residue combined with Tithonia diversifolia and animal manure (RTiM), and crop residue combined with Tithonia diversifolia and phosphate rock (Minjingu) (RTiP), as well as a control (no inputs). SOC was higher in treatments with organic inputs and a combination of organic and inorganic inputs. Treatments with sole mineral fertilizer and no input recorded lower SOC amounts. The C functional groups followed the sequence: alkyl C (53%) > O-alkyl C (17%) > aromatic C (9%) > carboxyl C (8%) > methoxyl C (7%) > phenolic C (6%). The alkyl C proportion was higher in organic inputs treatments, while O-alkyl C was higher in organic and inorganic fertilizer treatment combinations. Methoxyl C, aromatic C, and phenolic C proportion of SOC was greater in crop residue and mineral fertilizer combination, while carboxylic C was lower than the control in most treatments. In addition, the organic inputs treatments had a higher alkyl C/O-alkyl C ratio, increased aliphaticity, and higher hydrophobicity. Applying organic fertilizers individually or in combination with inorganic fertilizers could potentially increase C storage in the soil, thereby enhancing SOC stocks. Full article

Soil health and fertility are indexed by soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Soil management through good agricultural practices that enhance and sustain SOC is vital for soil fertility. We examined the influence of soil fertility management strategies on SOC concentrations in different particle size fractions under a maize cropping system. We laid the experiment in a randomized complete block design, with 14 treatments replicated 4 times, and used the following inputs: inorganic fertilizer (Mf), maize residue +inorganic fertilizer (RMf), maize residue + inorganic fertilizer, and goat manure (RMfM), maize residue + goat manure + Dolichos Lablab L intercrop (RML), maize residue + Tithonia diversifolia + goat manure (RTiM) and maize residue + Tithonia diversifolia + phosphate rock (Minjingu) (RTiP) and a Control (no inputs) under reduced tillage (Mt) or conventional tillage (Ct). Soil samples were collected from two depths, 0–5 cm, and 5–15 cm. We determined the content of organic carbon in three physical fractionation: coarse fractions (1.7 mm, 500 µm sieve), medium fractions (250 µm and 90 µm), and a fine fraction (75 µm). Results showed that treatment with maize residues, goat manure, and legume intercrop (MtRML and CtRML) resulted in higher SOC in most fractions, irrespective of the soil depth. The SOC concentration significantly (p < 0.0001) differed across treatments and depth. It was followed by maize residue, goat manure, and inorganic fertilizer treatments, and the least was inorganic fertilizer treatment. This underpins the importance of manure application and crop residue retention in increasing SOC amounts. Reduced tillage did not influence the SOC amounts during the sampling period in the experimentation site. This study highlights the possibility of improving agricultural productivity by improving soil fertility through a combination of different agricultural soil fertility amendments in Sub-Saharan Africa. Full article