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Pomacea canaliculata is a serious invasive pest in the rice farms of the Philippines. Using botanical molluscicide is much favored for human health and environmental reasons. Crude leaf extracts of Tithonia diversifolia, also an invasive plant, were observed to have molluscicidal properties. This study aimed to fractionate the different bioactive compounds in the T. diversifolia crude leaf extract using solvent extraction and test these fractions for molluscicidal properties. The results showed that the alkaloid and saponin fractions exhibited an LC50 of 6000 ppm and 3000 ppm, respectively, at 24 h. Histological analyses of tissues from the test organisms showed deteriorated epidermal and subepidermal layers of the foot, highly vacuolated and deciliated epithelium of the gill filaments and osphradial leaflets, and deteriorated lining of the primary ducts of the digestive glands. These results are attributed to the presence of alkaloids and saponins in the different extracts, which are reported from literature to have detergent properties that can disrupt cell membranes and inhibit acetylcholinesterase activities in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of unconventional feedstuffs aims to incorporate alternative dietary options to contribute to the sustainability of livestock systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of incorporating Tithonia diversifolia (TD) into sugarcane (SC) silage on nutritional quality and ruminal fermentation in an in vitro gas production assay. The underlying hypothesis was that the increased protein content in silage with the addition of TD may result in a reduction in total gas production, including methane, due to potential modifications in the substrate fermentation profile. Treatments were formulated based on the inclusion of TD in SC silage, on a dry matter basis, as follows: TC: 100% SC; T25 = 75% SC + 25% TD; T50 = 50% SC + 50% TD; T75 = 25% SC + 75% TD. For the preparation of silages, forage samples were collected, subjected to pre-drying for approximately 24 h, then chopped, mixed according to each proposed treatment, and packed into mini silos (± 2 kg each) with increasing levels of TD. The silos were opened after 30 days, and samples were collected for chemical composition analysis and in vitro gas production assay. Silages with the addition of TD showed higher levels of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber compared to pure sugarcane silage. The addition of TD reduced total gas and methane production. The inclusion of Tithonia diversifolia in sugarcane silage demonstrated potential to enhance the nutritional quality of feed for ruminant production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle manure deposited in pastures is an important source of nitrous oxide (N2O–N) and methane (CH4) emissions. Environmental conditions and soil characteristics affect emissions of these two gases, and therefore, it is important to conduct studies in local conditions to generate emission factors to improve greenhouse gas (GHG) estimates, as well as to identify mitigation strategies. N2O–N and CH4 fluxes from soil, feces and urine were determined for two cattle production systems during two seasons, and emission factors (EFs) were calculated. The static closed chambers technique was used in three conventional systems (CSs) and three silvopastoral systems (SPSs) with Tithonia diversifolia in the Colombian Amazon piedmont. SPSs presented lower emission factors than CSs for N2O–N from urine patches in both seasons (2.64 vs.1.49% and 1.69 vs. 0.89% of nitrogen (N) deposited for the transition and rainy season, respectively) (p = 0.004), N2O–N from feces in the rainy season (0.17 vs. 0.13% of N deposited for CSs and SPSs) (p = 0.046), and CH4 in the transition rainy season (1.08 vs. 0.83 g of CH4/kg of dry matter of feces for CSs and SPSs, respectively) (p = 0.005); with the EFs determined, the cumulative emissions for each system were estimated in 176.8 and 145.3 kg of CO2 equivalent per hectare per year in the CSs and SPSs. We concluded that SPSs can emit lower amounts of CH4 and N2O–N from manure and provide an alternative for mitigation of these gases generated by bovine manure under tropical humid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous composite activated carbon (AC) prepared from cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod and sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) stalk were evaluated for the sorption of Pb(II) and Fe(II) from wastewater. The different biomasses were acid activated by wet impregnation with phosphoric acid and carbonised at 500 °C. Adsorbents studied were AC from Theobroma cacao (TC-AC) and Theobroma-Tithonia blend (TT-AC) in a mass ratio of 75–25 wt%. The adsorbent was characterised by FTIR, BET and SEM–EDS. The specific surface areas were 237.445 and 392.508 m2/g for TC-AC and TT-AC respectively. Parametric studies revealed that adsorbate uptake reduced with increased initial concentration and increased with increasing dosage and contact time. The monolayer adsorption capacities for Pb(II) sorption onto TC-AC and TT-AC were 47.17 and 46.95 mg/g and for Fe(II) sorption onto TC-AC and TT-AC was 37.45 and 37.04 mg/g respectively. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were the best fits for the adsorption process. From the study, it has been observed that high-quality mesoporous adsorbent can be obtained from the carbonisation of the cocoa pod and sunflower stalk for water treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tithonia diversifolia is widely used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of a large number of ailments and disorders, including malaria. In the present study, we evaluated the repellent activity of essential oils (EO) of this plant against Anopheles coluzzii, a major vector of malaria in Africa. Fresh leaves of T. diversifolia were used to extract EO, which were used to perform repellency assays in the laboratory and in the field using commercially available N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and Cymbopogon (C.) citratus EO as positive controls and vaseline as negative control. The repellency rates and durations of protection of the human volunteers involved were used as measures of repellent activity. Chemical composition of the T. diversifolia EO was established further by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The moisture content and oil yield were 81% and 0.02% respectively. A total of 29 compounds in the T. diversifolia EO was identified, with d-limonene (20.1%), α-Copaene (10.3%) and o-Cymene (10.0%) as the most represented. In field studies, the mean time of protection against mosquito bites was significantly lower in T. diversifolia EO-treated volunteers compared to treatments with C. citratus EO (71 min versus 125 min, p = 0.04), but significantly higher when compared with the non-treated volunteers (71 min vs 0.5 min, p = 0.03). The same pattern was found in laboratory repellency assays against A. coluzzii. In contrast, repulsion rates were statistically similar between T. diversifolia EO and positive controls. In conclusion, the study suggests promising repellent potential of leaves of T. diversifolia EO against A. coluzzii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary plant chemistry mediates a variety of communication signals among species, playing a fundamental role in the evolutionary diversification of communities and ecosystems. Herein, we explored diet-mediated host plant effects on development and immune response of a generalist insect herbivore. Vanessa cardui (Nymphalidae) caterpillars were reared on leaves of three host plants that vary in secondary metabolites, Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae), Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae) and Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae). Insect development was evaluated by larval and pupal viabilities, survivorship, and development rate. Immune response was measured as phenoloxidase (PO) activity. Additionally, chemical profiles of the host plants were obtained by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and the discriminant metabolites were determined using a metabolomic approach. Caterpillars reared on P. lanceolata exhibited the highest larval and pupal viabilities, as well as PO activity, and P. lanceolata leaves were chemically characterized by the presence of iridoid glycosides, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. Taraxacum officinale leaves were characterized mainly by the presence of phenylpropanoids, flavones O-glycoside and germacranolide-type sesquiterpene lactones; caterpillars reared on this host plant fully developed to the adult stage, however they exhibited lower larval and pupal viabilities compared to individuals reared on P. lanceolata. Conversely, caterpillars reared on T. diversifolia leaves, which contain phenylpropanoids, flavones and diverse furanoheliangolide-type sesquiterpene lactones, were not able to complete larval development and exhibited the lowest PO activity. These findings suggested that V. cardui have adapted to tolerate potentially toxic metabolites occurring in P. lanceolata (iridoid glycosides), however caterpillars were not able to cope with potentially detrimental metabolites occurring in T. diversifolia (furanoheliangolides). Therefore, we suggest that furanoheliangolide-type sesquiterpene lactones were responsible for the poor development and immune response observed for caterpillars reared on T. diversifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Tithonia diversifolia (TD), a widely available invasive weedy plant was selected for investigating the thermo-kinetic parameters using a thermogravimetric analyzer. Isoconversional methods namely Friedman, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sonuse (KAS), and Miura-Maki methods were applied to elucidate the kinetics of the active pyrolysis zone of TD. The kinetic parameters were also used to determine the thermodynamic parameters. Combined kinetic (CK) model was then used to determine the devolatilization model of TD. The results of Y-master plot demonstrated that the pyrolysis of TD followed initially the order-based reaction models (F4, F3, and F2), which gradually changed to diffusion model (D3) at the latter stage. The average activation energies (Eo) of biomass degradation as determined by Friedman, FWO, and KAS method were 198.13 kJ mol−1, 195.54 kJ mol−1, and 196.15 kJ mol−1, respectively. The pre-exponential factor (A) determined from the Friedman, KAS, FWO, and Miura-Maki method is within the range of the order of 1013–1023 min−1. Thermodynamic outcomes also support the kinetic results. Combined kinetic model (CK model)–based one-step pyrolysis mechanisms of TD biomass was f α = 3.12 × 10 15 β exp − 204988 RT 1 − α 1.1585 α − 3.02 − ln 1 − α 0.80 . Results also reveal that the single-step model explains the pyrolysis of TD to a certain extent. Characterization of the bio-oil and biochar generated during fixed-bed pyrolyser was also presented. Our results, therefore, provide valuable information regarding the bioenergy potential of TD in thermochemical conversion processes and helps in the subsequent designing of pyrolysis reactor systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava cultivation causes serious soil fertility depletion in southern Cameroon due to high mining of soil nutrients by the crop. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass (TB), poultry manure (PM) and inorganic fertilizers (IF) on soil properties, cassava yield, and the economic returns. The treatments consisted of two rates of TB (10 and 20 t ha−1), two rates of PM (10 and 20 t ha−1), two rates of combined TB and PM (5 and 10 t ha−1), a single rate of inorganic fertilizers (100 N:22P:83 K kg ha−1) and a control. The results showed that soil properties, soil quality index and cassava yield were significantly improved by the application of the organic manures. Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass (TB) and poultry manure (PM) lowered the soil bulk density, increased soil total porosity, water holding capacity and chemical properties. TB and PM, solely or mixed, improved the aerial dry biomass (ADB) and fresh tuber yield (FTY) of cassava. The organic manures performed better than inorganic fertilizer. The highest yield (51 and 52 t ha−1 of fresh tubers) was obtained with the mixture of TB and PM applied at 10 t ha−1 each for the successive years. Positive and significant correlation was found between SQI and cassava yield. TB and PM combined at 10 t ha−1 each was the most profitable and cost-effective treatment, with a good benefit:cost ratio of 3.2:1 and net return of FCFA 3.736.900 ha−1. Thus, the use of Tithonia diversifolia fresh biomass and poultry manure is a sustainable method for cassava production in the southern Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of organic fertilizers, based on Tithonia diversifolia, and in-organic fertilizers, based on hydroponics fertilizer, were evaluated on the performance, leaves, and fruit mineral concentrations of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants grown under soilless medium in a screen house. The treatments comprised six levels of liquid organic fertilizer (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 mL), in-organic fertilizer, and a control. Both organic and in-organic fertilizers increased the growth, yield, leaf nutrient concentration, and the mineral contents of tomato and cucumber fruits in comparison with the control. In-organic fertilizer enhanced the performance and mineral concentrations of tomato and cucumber fruits in comparison with organic fertilizer. However, leaf analyses showed that all the essential elements for both tomato and cucumber crops were within the adequate ranges in the organic fertilizer treatments suggesting that this organic fertilizer can be used as an alternative to the expensive and scarce in-organic fertilizer. For organic fertilizer, the highest yield and mineral contents in fruits were attained at doses of 35 mL and 25 mL for tomato and cucumber plants, respectively. At these doses, the fruit weights of tomato and cucumber were increased by 137 and 198%, respectively, in comparison with the control. For a good yield of tomato and cucumber crop with a high fruit mineral content under the soilless medium of coco peat and rice husk, 35 mL and 25 mL of our tested organic fertilizer are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to explore the thermochemical conversion feasibility of an unexplored weed biomass, Tithonia diversifolia. In this investigation, the predictive ability of response surface model (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models for bio-oil yield from pyrolysis of Tithonia Diversifolia was carried out in a fixed bed reactor. The influence of process parameters which included temperature (375–675 °C), heating rate (10–50 °C/min), nitrogen flow rate (50–250 mL/min), and particle size (< 0.25– > 1 mm) on bio-oil yield was investigated by central composite design (CCD) of RSM and feedforward backpropagation neural network with different topology. Based on statistical value for coefficient of determination (R2), mean average error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), standard error of prediction (SEP), and absolute average deviation (AAD), it was found that the ANN was more efficient than the RSM model for predicting bio-oil yield. The bio-oil obtained was analyzed for different physical and chemical properties which revealed that the bio-oil can be used as renewable fuel and chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powders and methanolic extracts of Clerodendrum capitatum, Phyllanthus fraternus and Tithonia diversifolia were evaluated for their insecticidal activities against Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.). Plant materials were tested for contact toxicity, oviposition and adult emergence at rates of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g (w/w) for plant powders and 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ml/20 g (v/w) of cowpea seeds for plant methanolic extracts. The results of the plants powders showed that T. diversifolia was the most effective as it caused 55.0, 60.0, 67.5, 100.0% and 100.0% mortality at the concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g/20 g of cowpea seeds within 24 h of application. The least effective plant powder was C. capitatum which evoked the insect mortality of 77.50% at rate 5.0 g within 24 h of exposure. Similar trend of results were obtained on the plant methanolic extracts. Extracts caused more mortality, prevented oviposition and emergence of adult cowpea beetle, more than the plant powders. The calculated lethal dose (LD50 and 90) and concentrations (LC50 and 90) of the plant powders and methanolic extracts showed that T. diversifolia had the lowest values while C. capitatum had the highest across all period of exposure. Tithonia diversifolia methanolic extract completely inhibited oviposition and adult emergence at concentrations 0.2–2.0 ml. Tithonia diversifolia powder and methanolic extract were found to be the most effective in protecting cowpea seeds against C. maculatus. This can be a better alternative to synthetic insecticides since it is abundant in our environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the nitrogen balance of Holstein cows grazing on an intensive silvopastoral system (ISS) with wild sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray) and kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. Ex Chiov) Morrone) or on a monoculture (MONO) of kikuyu grass, and supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in order to compare the efficiency of animal nitrogen use in both systems, which is important for sustainable animal production. A concentrate with three different lipid combinations was used: control concentrate (D1)—3% commercial saturated fat; concentrate 2 (D2)—1% soybean oil, 0.5% fish oil, and 1.5% of bypass fat rich in n-3 fatty acids; and concentrate 3 (D3)—2.5% soybean oil and 0.5% fish oil. The variables under study were analyzed during two rotations in a randomized complete block (RCB) design. The dry matter intake was evaluated by the marker's method, using chromium oxide as an external marker and indigestible dry matter as an internal marker. The production of milk, urine, and feces was measured for 5 days to quantify nitrogen (N). The urine volume was estimated using creatinine. Nitrogen consumption (grams/day) was similar for cows in both systems (p > 0.05). A significantly higher excretion of N in the urine (p < 0.05) was found in the cows of the MONO group. The percent apparent nitrogen digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) in cows of the ISS group (75.68%) than in cows of the MONO group (73.95%). The N utilization efficiency was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in cows of the ISS group (23.24%) than in cows of the MONO group (19.39%). Therefore, the ISS with wild sunflower and unsaturated fat supplementation could be a positive strategy to improve the nitrogen balance and the productive efficiency of dairy cows in highland tropical regions, reducing the losses of nitrogen to the environment and contributing to the sustainability of the dairy production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high cost of chemical pesticides and their negative impact on the environment prompted the search for natural pesticides from plants. The objective of our study was to control rice seed pathogenic fungi and bacteria using aqueous extract and essential oil from Tithonia diversifolia leaves. We obtained aqueous extract and essential oil, respectively, by maceration and hydrodistillation; the antimicrobial activities were determined in vitro on a solid medium by the food poisoning method. The secondary metabolites were determined by qualitative and quantitative assays; the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from Titonia diversifolia was studied using gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The results showed that phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, sugars and saponins were present in the aqueous extract. The essential oil contained mainly hydrocarbonated, oxygenated monoterpenes, terpenoids and sesquiterpenes. α-terpineol (20.3%), eucalyptol (14.6%), camphor (14.3%) and α-pinene (13.5%) as the main compounds. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, all tested bacteria were sensitive to aqueous extract and essential oil. The activity of the aqueous extract on the tested fungi showed an inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 50 mg/mL against Bipolaris oryzae and Fusarium moniliforme. The activity of the essential oil on bacteria and fungi showed MIC of 125 μg/mL (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Pseudomonas fuscovaginae) and MFC of 5000 μg/mL (Bipolaris oryzae and Fusarium moniliforme). These results allow us to consider Tithonia diversifolia as a potential source of natural biopesticides against rice seed-borne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional treatment of paediatric anaemia in Nigeria entails the use of plants, of which Chromolaena odorata and Tithonia diversifolia are prominent. However, the underlying molecular pharmacology of these plant substances is yet to be established. This study aimed to elucidate the scientific mechanisms that underpin the traditional use of Chromolaena odorata and Tithonia diversifolia as remedy for paediatric anaemia. We investigated the impact of these plants on erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor expression and monitored cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, and FasL/FAS signalling mechanism therefrom. Three samples were prepared from spouting leaves of C. odorata and leaves of flowering T. diversifolia as follows: C.O-group (100g C. odorata was blended in 100 ml distilled/deionized water (dd-water)), T.D-group (100g T. diversifolia was blended in 100 ml dd-water) and the T.D + C.O-group (50g each of C. odorata and T. diversifolia were blended in 100 ml dd-water). Eight-week old in-bred Wistar rats (female) were grouped into 4 (n=3): basal control (2 ml of dd-water), C.O-group (30 mg/kg b.w.), T.D-group (30 mg/kg b.w.) and T.D + C.O-group (30 mg/kg b.w). An oral dose of the extracts was administered 6-h for 72 h followed by RT-PCR analysis of erythropoietin (Epo), erythropoietin receptor (Epo-R), kip1.p27 (p27/cdkn1b), p21Waf1, Kip2-p57 and FAS/FASL. Western blot was used to investigate JAK2 phosphorylation in vitro in bone marrow primary culture. The administration of C. odorata and T. diversifolia potentiated the upregulation of erythropoietin. This was associated synergistically with an upshot of bone marrow erythropoietin receptor while p21Waf1, Kip2-p57 were downregulated in treatment groups. However, the combination of C. odorata and T. diversifolia did not evoke JAK2 phosphorylation in vitro in bone marrow. The combined administration of C. odorata and T. diversifolia results in the stimulation of erythropoietin expression and also the HIF-1α genes, though this does not occur via the erythropoietin receptor agonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil (EO) from the leaves of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Grey was investigated to determine chemical composition and fumigant toxicity against two major stored grain pests rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). A total of 78 compounds were identified by GC-MS of which α-Pinene (63.62%), Bicyclo [3.1.0] hexane, 4-methylene-1-(1-methyl ethyl)- (14.68%) and 1,6,10-Dodecatrien-3-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-, (E)- (2.34%) were most abundant. EO from leaves of T. diversifolia showed strong fumigant activity against S. oryzae adults with LC50 values of 95.12, 77.00 and 74.68 µL/L air after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure whereas for T. castaneum the LC50 values were 102.67, 98.12 and 81.54 µL/L air, respectively. Mortality rates increased with increasing exposure periods and increasing concentration. These naturally occurring materials derived from EO of T. diversifolia could be used to manage the populations of S. oryzae and T. castaneum. It was found that the EO's of T. diversifolia is very effective as a fumigant against stored grain insect pests and can also be used as an alternative to the synthetic fumigants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxicities of Vernonia amygdalina and Tithonia diversifolia leaf powders and extracts on larva and adult mortality of Dermestes maculatus on smoke-dried catfish were evaluated in the laboratory. The leaf powders were admixed at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/100 g of smoked catfish in 500 ml plastic container while plant extracts were tested at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12% concentrations. Results: The toxicities of the plant products were concentrations and exposure time dependent. Significant difference (P < 0.05) existed between the toxicity of V. amygdalina and T. diversifolia leaf powders and control. Tithonia diversifolia powder evoked 27.5, 40, 52.7, 60 and 82.5% larval mortalities at the various concentrations after 24 h of exposure of the catfishes to the plant powder. Similarly, V. amygdalina leaf powders caused 20, 30, 42.5, 52.5 and 77.5% larval mortalities at varying concentrations of 24 h intervals of exposure to the plant powder. Tithonia diversifolia powder achieved 100% mortality at 9 g dosage after 96 h of treatment. Similar trend was achieved on the response of both plant leaf extracts as protectants of smoke-dried catfish against hide beetle. Conclusion: Tithonia diversifolia powder and extract were more lethal than bitter leaf (V. amygdalina) and could be integrated as smoked fish protectant against hide beetle (D. maculatus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus has rapidly increased in South-East Asia over recent years, which has now become one of the most cultivated species. This culture intensification has resulted in the development of various diseases, among which the Motile Aeromonas Septicaemia (MAS) caused by Aeromonas hydrophila. The present study aimed at investigating the potential of three plants, Piper betle, Psidium guajava, and Tithonia diversifolia, to prevent this disease using an enriched fish diet during 4 weeks. Though the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of acetone–extracts were relatively high (2–32 mg mL−1 and 8–64 mg mL−1, respectively), all three plant powders imbedded in feed significantly reduced fish mortalities following an experimental infection with A. hydrophila, as indicated by relative percent survivals (RPS) ranging from 77 to 79%. When used in combination, the three plant extracts showed no interaction in vitro. Even though they improved RPS in comparison with controls, they were, however, less efficient in reducing mortalities than single plants. None of the plant-enriched diet had a clear effect on blood cell count or on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (except for P. betle, which significantly increased ROS production after infection); however, both individual plants and their combinations significantly limited the drop of hematocrit following infection. Altogether, these results indicate that selection of plants for herbal therapy is complex and might depend on several in vivo criteria, and as such should not solely rely upon measurement of their antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut is a popular plantation crop with a growth habit requiring wide space between palms. With the amount of sunlight that reaches coconut understory, the between-palms space can be used to grow other beneficial plants. Growing fertilizing shrubs within coconut rows can contribute to effective and sustainable use of coconut plantation soil. In the long term, sustainable coconut plantation systems will require shrubs that sprout quickly after periodic cutting to provide sufficient plant nutrients. Here, we report the results of a 4-year experiment on Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray biomass allocation and growth performance in coconut plantations in Sri Lanka. Effects of growing T. diversifolia, pruning frequency and its green manure application on soil properties, moisture, organic matter, bulk density and microbial activity were assessed in two agro-ecological research stations. Results revealed increasing dry foliage and wood biomass overtime. At higher pruning frequencies, foliage biomass increased while wood biomass decreased. Inversely, at lower pruning frequencies, wood biomass increased while foliage biomass declined. Growing T. diversifolia in coconut plantations had little effect on soil moisture content especially in humid area. In the long run, mulching reduced bulk density, improved soil nutrient, organic matter and microbial activity and palm leaf macronutrient levels. This study shows that T. diversifolia, when used as green manure crop in coconut plantations, has a great fertilizing capacity and potential to improve in the long term, not only the soil properties, but also the nutrient levels in the palm organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the effect of green biomass of Parkia biglobosa and Tithonia diversifolia on growth, yield and vitamin C content of radish (Raphnus sativus L.). The potential of T. diversifolia as green manure has been discovered by a number of researchers while there is paucity of information and research work on the potentials of P. biglobosa in supplying crop nutrients despite the numerous nutrient compositions contained in the leaves. Both P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia are capable of providing adequate biomass for crop growth and sustainability. The contribution of 10 tonnes ha−1 tithonia to the growth and yield of radish was comparable to that of NPK while the potentials of parkia at all rates was not fully expressed in the growth and yield due to its slow mineralisation. Combination of varying levels of P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia also contributed to the growth and yield of radish though the effects were not significant. It can therefore be concluded that the use of T. diversifolia at 10 tonnes ha−1 as organic manure is sufficient for the cultivation of radish as it performed similar to application of 200 kg ha−1 NPK fertilizer and based on the fact that it is readily available and eco-friendly compared to NPK that is costly and may have adverse effect on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five primiparous cows (Friesians crossed with undefined breeds and in early lactation) were used to assess the milk yield response of dairy cows offered a basal feed of Panicum maximum hay and supplemented with diets based on sorghum stover and Tithonia diversifolia leaf hay during the dry season. The cows were assigned to five experimental diets in a 5 × 5 Latin square design of 21-day experimental periods. The experimental diets consisted of a control (Panicum hay alone), and four experimental diets whereby Panicum hay was supplemented with diets based on sorghum stover, Tithonia leaf hay, maize bran, sunflower cake, and sugar cane molasses as follows: stover/Tithonia/bran/molasses (STBM), stover/Tithonia/bran (STB), stover/Tithonia/bran/cake (STBC), and stover/bran/cake (SBC). The supplements were formulated and offered to meet the crude protein and energy recommendations of a 350-kg cow producing about 10 kg milk/day. Average milk yield significantly increased ( P < 0.05) from 6.49 kg/cow/day (control) to 7.25, 7.29, 7.50, and 7.52 kg/cow/day (SBC, STBM, STB, and STBC, respectively). There was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) in the amounts consumed across the supplements. A similar trend was observed for milk returned/kg supplement consumed. On average, each kilogram of STB, STBC, STBM, and SBC returned 0.48, 0.37, 0.29, and 0.29 kg milk/day, respectively. Thus, the results of the present study revealed that supplements based on sorghum stover and Tithonia leaf hay are a viable option as dry season feed supplements for dairy cows. However, only two supplements, namely STB and STBC, had positive net financial benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two organic amendments, filter mud compost and Tithonia diversifolia leaves generated within a sugarcane growing area were used to enhance the degradation of chlorpyrifos in soil. Filter mud compost and T. diversifolia leaves significantly enhanced degradation of chlorpyrifos in soils ( p < 0.05) with DT values of 21 and 24 days, respectively. Furthermore, field degradation of chlorpyrifos in soil with prior exposure to chlorpyrifos was significantly enhanced ( p = 0.034) with DT of 21 days compared to 30 days in soil with no previous exposure. Degradation of chlorpyrifos in sterile and non-sterile soils were significantly different ( p = 0.023) with DT values of 161 and 27 days, respectively. Results show enhanced degradation of chlorpyrifos in organically amended soils and soils with prior exposure to the pesticide. These amendments show promise in a continuing effort to reduce chlorpyrifos concentrations in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent investigations suggest that the development of multinutrient feed blocks with inclusion of tree and shrub leaves could improve the nutritive value and digestibility of straw. In order to test these possibilities, three types of multinutrient blocks (MNB) namely: MNB0 (wheat bran = 100 %; Tithonia diversifolia leaf = 0 %), MNB50 (wheat bran = 50 %; T. diversifolia leaf = 50 %) and MNB100 (wheat bran = 0 %; T. diversifolia leaf = 100 %) were fed for 15 days in a 3 × 3 Latin square arrangement to West African dwarf goats consuming Brachiaria ruziziensis straw. The blocks presented a good cohesion and a good hardness. The inclusion of T. diversifolia improved levels of crude protein, mineral, feed unit for milk production (UFL) and feed unit for meat production (UFV), but decreased palatability. The effects on the digestibility of B. ruziziensis straw were evaluated in nine West African dwarf goats fed individually with MNB0 + straw, MNB50 + straw and MNB100 + straw. The dry matter, organic matter and crude fibre digestibility of B. ruziziensis straw increased slightly with increasing level of inclusion of T. diversifolia. The apparent digestibility of nitrogen was comparable for all diets independent of the level of inclusion of T. diversifolia. This study showed that the inclusion of T. diversifolia leaves in the MNBs can be recommended to improve the feeding of goats during periods of drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and background: The phosphorus (P) fertilizer value of organic materials (OM) such as plant residues or manure can be larger than that of mineral fertilizers in weathered soils. Recently, the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique was shown to better predict crop response to applied mineral P fertilizer among soils than established tests. The goal of this study is to evaluate the potential of the DGT technique to predict plant-available P in different soils amended with various qualities of OM. Methods: In this study, maize was grown in a greenhouse on two Kenyan soils characterized by strong P sorption. Phosphorus was applied at various rates (deficient to adequate) as triple superphosphate (TSP) only, or at one intermediate P dose in a P-substitution trial with four different OM: farmyard manure (FYM) or residues of Tithonia diversifolia each at low or high P content. All soils were amended with adequate amounts of other nutrients. Next to the DGT technique, two established soil P tests (anion exchange membranes (AEM), and Olsen) were performed on incubated soils for all P treatments. Results: Results show that the relative yield (% of maximum yield) to soil P test values correlated most strongly for DGT measured P concentrations, R = 0.74, compared to Olsen (R = 0.60) and AEM (R = 0.62). Conclusions: Results of this study demonstrate that DGT relates best with DM yields when soils are amended with a combination of TSP and OM compared to the established soil P tests Olsen and AEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of mulch biomass from Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) Gray prior to seeding may improve bean production. We evaluated the response of two Costa Rican bean cultivars (Chirripo Rojo, Negro Huasetco) to the retention or removal of T. diversifolia biomass with respect to soil chemical characteristics, and bean biomass, nutrient content, root architecture, and fungal structures. There were no significant differences ( p < 0.05) between bean cultivars and their influence on soil characteristics. Soil pH, Ca and Mg were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) at bean harvest in both biomass removal and retention treatments compared to those at the time of bean sowing, whereas exchangeable acidity was significantly greater ( p < 0.05) at bean harvest. Bean shoot nutrient concentration differed significantly between cultivars but not between biomass retention or removal treatments except for Mg. Pod, leaf and stem biomass, root characteristics, and the number of root fungal structures (entry points, vesicles, arbuscules) were significantly different ( p < 0.05) between bean cultivars and mulch biomass treatments. Results showed that T. diversifolia biomass positively influenced bean shoot and root characteristics, and suggested that the addition of mulch may have added relatively large quantities of P and K to the soil and stimulated the uptake of these nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural hybridization frequently promotes gene introgression among closely related species in sympatric populations, producing complex patterns of morphological variation. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the dynamics of interspecific gene flow and its morphological patterns is of widespread interest. We tested if introgressive hybridization promotes an increase in transgressive characters in comparison with the parental species. A sunflower species complex occurring in Mexico formed by two native invasive species, Tithonia tubaeformis and Tithonia rotundifolia, was analyzed using 46 morphological characters (leaf, flower and fruit) in five hybrid zones ( N = 150 individuals) and two pure sites for each parental species ( N = 80 individuals). In general, T. tubaeformis differed significantly from T. rotundifolia in all the examined characters, except six foliar and one inflorescence character. Morphological characters support the hypothesis of hybridization in this complex, even though both species remain morphological distinct in mixed stands. Individual hybrids appear to be a mosaic of parent-like (24.8 % of traits), intermediate (26.1 %) and transgressive (37.8 %) phenotypes (the remaining 11.3 % of the traits did not differ significantly from both parental species). Our results suggest that individuals from the same parental species were more similar among themselves than to putative hybrids, indicating occasional hybridization with segregation in hybrid types or backcrossing to parents. Evidence indicates a unidirectional pattern of gene flow toward T. rotundifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the environmental impact of filter mud compost and Tithonia diversifoila amendments on the dissipation of diuron in sugarcane cultivated soils. Filter mud compost is the by-product of sugarcane processing, while T. diversifoila is a common local plant that grows within the study region. The dissipation of diuron was significantly enhanced with DT of 15 and 16 days ( p < 0.05) in soils amended with filter mud compost and T. diversifoila, respectively compared to 26 days in non-amended soils. Residues of 0.93 %, 1.83 % and 5.40 % of the initial applied diuron were recorded at the end of the experiment in the three treatments, respectively. The residues of 3,4-dichlorophenylmethylurea metabolite were 22.93 %, 25.92 % and 30.93 %, while 10.19 %, 12.19 % and 15.46 % of 3,4-dichloroaniline metabolite remained in soil after 112 days in the three treatments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addition of tree or shrub prunings through alley cropping or biomass transfer systems have contributed to sustainable land-use systems in the tropics. Long term productivity of biomass transfer systems require shrub or tree species that coppice after cutting to provide sufficient plant nutrients. The effect of pruning frequency and cutting height on the biomass production of Tithonia diversifolia was studied to provide information for managing hedges. Results showed that height of cutting, pruning frequency, and their interactions significantly affected dry matter production of T. diversifolia. The results also showed that a significantly higher biomass production could be produced when Tithonia was pruned at long time intervals. Pruning height was also of importance in the harvesting of Tithonia biomass and it was evident that dry matter production was highest when Tithonia was pruned bimonthly at 50 cm height. With bi-monthly pruning frequency, dry matter production could be as high as 7.2 t ha yr which might be a sufficient biomass to improve soil productivity in biomass transfer systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection and use of appropriate plant materials to maintain a sufficiently high nutrient supply to meet crop needs remains a major challenge of nutrient management under low input systems. Therefore, research on plant biomass quality as it relates to decomposition and nutrient release has become imperative. This research was conducted at the Agroforestry Research Station of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana to determine the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Tithonia diversifolia, a rarely used non-traditional species but of research interest in soil fertility improvement practices in Ghana. The decomposition and nutrient release patterns of T. diversifolia was compared with Senna spectabilis, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Acacia auriculiformis which are commonly used in biomass transfer systems. Results of the study confirmed significantly high N, P, K concentrations in T. diversifolia comparable to levels recorded for the four leguminous species. In addition, T. diversifolia recorded the highest percent decomposition and nutrient release rates which differed significantly ( P < 0.05) from rates of the four leguminous species. It was apparent from the study that decomposition and nutrient release rates of species are related to quality of leaf material. Phosphorus and Mg concentration in particular were most influential in decomposition and nutrient release based on significant results. For this reason, it would be imperative to consider the concentrations of P and Mg among other factors in selecting high quality plant materials for green manuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed intake and digestibility were evaluated in sheep fed low quality Taiwan grass supplemented with Tithonia diversifolia. Four wether hair sheep were housed in metabolic cages and fed with either Control concentrate 20%, Tithonia 20, 35 or 50% in a Latin Square design. Adaptation and, feces and urine collection periods were 14 and 7 days, respectively. Feed intake was increased ( P < 0.01) from 58.5 in control to 86.1 g/kg in sheep fed Tithonia. NDF intake and digestibility were affected by Tithonia level. Nitrogen intake increased linearly ( P < 0.01) with increase in feces and urine excretion. N retention was similar ( P > 0.1) among sheep fed Tithonia, but different ( P < 0.05) from control. Inclusion of Tithonia foliage at 20% of the DM diet of hair sheep improved their intake of low quality Taiwan grass and nitrogen retention. Higher levels of Tithonia in the diet, however, increase nitrogen loss in feces and urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus was added to two acidic upland soils (a Cambisol and a Ferralsol) at two rates (9 mg P kg-1 and 145 mg P kg-1) either in an inorganic P form (KH2PO4) or as a green manure (Tithonia diversifoliaH. at 2.5 g kg-1 and 40 g kg-1). The effect of P source on the chemical availability of P was assessed in an incubation experiment by measuring resin extractable P, soluble molybdate reactive (DMR-P) and unreactive P (DMU-P). Soil pH and extractable Al were monitored during the incubation period of 49 days. Green manure addition caused an immediate and sustained increase in soil pH and an immediate and sustained decrease in extractable Al. Labile P (resin P + DMR-P + DMU-P) was increased more by P added as a green manure than when added in inorganic form in one soil (Ferralsol), while it decreased or did not differ in the other one (Cambisol). In both soils, the concentrations of soluble DMU-P were frequently higher whereTithoniahad been added. The effects of green manure amendment on physical factors governing the phosphorus supply through diffusive transport were also investigated. Aggregate size distribution was substantially changed by green manure amendment due to a shift in the percentage of microaggregates (<250 µm in diameter) to larger sizes. Changes in soil aggregation as a consequence of green manure amendment led to a reduction in specific surface area (SSA) of the whole soil. Coupled with the large increase in effective cation exchange capacity caused by green manure amendment in both soils, and the decrease in SSA, there was an increase in the net negative surface charge density in both soils. In summary, at a large addition rate - and in addition to the well-known effect derived from the extra supply in P, green manure amendment may improve the chemical availability and diffusive supply of P through the following mechanisms: (i) an increase in soil pH increasing the solubility of phosphate sources; (ii) a decrease in extractable Al reducing the fixation of added P; (iii) increased macro-aggregation and reduced specific surface area and porosity leading to fewer sorption sites for P and hence enhanced diffusion rates; and (iv) increased negative charges and reduced positive charges at the soil surface resulting in a net increase in repulsive force for P. The induced changes in most measured soil properties were smaller in the Ferralsol than in the Cambisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new chromene glycoside, 6-acetyl-2,2-dimethylchromene-8- O-β-D-glucoside, together with four known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Tithonia diversifolia. Their structures were established by 1H, 13C NMR, and HMQC together with the other physical and chemical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Response of the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Tithonia diversifolia (Hamsl.) Gray Biomass Retention or Removal in a Slash and Mulch Agroforestry System," that was published in the January 23, 2014 issue is presented.