Browsing by Author "Radha R"

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BIOSYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM THE NESTS OF THE PAPER WASP, ROPALIDIA MARGINATA AND THE MUD WASP, SCELIPHRON CAEMENTARIUM AND THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES
(UBI Journals, 2018) Susheela P; Rosaline Mary; Radha R
Nanotechnology forms one of the emerging subjects of research with regard to the modern biological and material sciences. In the present study we have reported, bio synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) from the nests of the paper wasp, Ropalidiamarginata (PE) and mud wasp, Sceliphroncaementarium (ME) and confirmed their antimicrobial activities. The AgNps were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive electron spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The AgNps were evaluated for antimicrobial properties both antibacterial and antifungal. The board peaks were obtained at 389 nm for PE and 400 nm for ME with UV-Vis surface plasmon resonance studies confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles are AgNps. The FTIR data showed prominent peaks for both which indicated the presence of phenolics compounds and proteins in the synthesis of AgNps. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical in shape with size ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 µm for PE and 0.2 to 0.5 µm for ME. EDAX analysis showed 75.48 weight percentage of Ag present in PE and 72.57 % in ME indicated the purity of sample. The AgNps of PE showed potent antibacterial activity against S. pyogenes, S. aureus, E.coli, K. pneumoniae, B. subtilis, S.paratyphi and antifungal activity against C. albicans, T. viride and A. fumigatus. The PE AgNps produced zone of inhibition of 13 mm against K. pneumoniaeand 8 mm against T.viride at 30µg/ml. The AgNps of ME showed potent antibacterial activity against S. pyogenes, S.aureus, E.coli, K.pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, S. paratyphi and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, T. viride, Afumigatus. The PE AgNps produced zone of inhibition of 12 mm against S. aureus and 9 mm against T. viride at 30 µg/ml. Pencillin standard drug (10µg) was used as positive control for both bacteria and fungus
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS FROM THREE AROMATIC PLANTS AGAINST CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS (COLEOPTERA: BRUCHIDAE)
(Scrutiny Journals, 2014) Radha R; Susheela P
The insecticidal activity of essential oils extracted by hydro distillation from three aromatic plants from Chenopodium ambroisoides (L.)Chenopodiaceae), Thymus vulgari (L.) (Labiatae) and Murraya koeingii(L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae) were tested by fumigation on cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus. Concentration of 6.7; 10; 16.7 and 33.3 µl/l were evaluated at a temperature of 27.5 ± 0.2 °C and at a relative humidity of 80.3 ± 1.6%. The chemical composition of the essential oils used was established by GC/MS analysis. These oils presented an insecticidal activity and induced, in the females of C. maculates, a very significant reduction of lying (4.79±0.75) (C.ambroisoides), 3.75±0.28 (T.vulgaris) and 1.81±0.53 (M. koeingii) at the lower concentration (6.7 compared to that in the control (51.23±0.32). The essential oils of C.ambroisoides with the LC50=3.09 µl/l was more effective than that of T.vulgaris (8.05 µl/l) and M. koeingii (6.89 µl/l)
COMPARATIVE MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF POND WATER STORED IN DIFFERENT STORAGE VESSELS
(Ubijournal, Ubitech solutions Pvd Ltd, 2015) Radha R; Susheela P
Water is most essential for existence of life on earth. Water is the basic necessity of all living creatures and its important use are for drinking purpose. Water intended for human consumption must be safe and free from microbes. Therefore this investigation was taken with the objective to study the effect of storage of lake water in different vessels like plastic, clay, copper and stainless steel by comparing the number of coliforms present in the water before and after storage. The findings may have significant implications in the use of vessels made of copper and its alloys for household storage of drinking water. .
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF AQUATIC INSECT POPULATION IN SINGANALLUR LAKE, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU, INDIA
(Journal Of International Academic Research For Multidisciplinary, 2014) Susheela P; Radha R; Ezhili N
Aquatic insects play ecological roles that are essential for the fresh water ecosystems to function properly. The aquatic insects are frequently surveyed as part of an environmental assessment or impact study. Also, the aquatic insects are considered one of the best biological indicators of water quality. This study deals with diversity and distribution of aquatic insects from three stations in the Singanallur lake of Coimbatore district for a period of four months from December 2013 to March 2014 from the three sampling sites of the lake. The aquatic insects were sampled systematically and randomly in station-wise habitats, using standard protocols. The insects belonging to the orders Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Odonata, Trichoptera, and Ephemeroptera were collected from December 2013 to March 2014 from the sampling sites. Hemiptera ranked first with the large population of individuals and percentage (1555 and 48.5%). The orders followed by Hemiptera were Coleoptera (631, 19.6%) Diptera (505, 15.7%), Odonata (333, 10.3%), Trichoptera (119, 3.7%), Ephemeroptera (61, 1.9 %).
EFFICACY OF PLEUROTUS SAJOR CAJU AS AN EXCELLENT POTTING MEDIUM FOR GARDEN PLANTS
(Int J Pharm Bio Sci, 2016-01) Harathi P.B; Radha R; Gayathri M
Coir is a natural fibre found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut is used as a by-product of the coir manufacturing industry. Normally, they are dumped as agricultural wastes in the fields or disposed by burning which causes air pollution. Composting of coir pith is an alternate method to reduce pollution and it also serves as a source for the maintenance of organic matter of the soil. Coir pith is an ideal soil re-conditioner and soil substrate with excellent water holding capacity. Coir pith contains high quality of nutrients which keeps the soil healthy in a natural way. It acts as a top dressing that helps to maintain moisture content of the soil and re-conditions the soil. The proportion yielded effective growth of the plant and indicating its use as an excellent potting media for garden plants. Hence the objective of the present study focused on the efficacy of basidiomycetes fungus, Pleurotus sajor-caju for the cultivation of medicinal plant, Ocimum santum using the biodegraded coir pith.
EVALUATION OF LARVICIDAL ACTION OF NATURAL EXTRACTS ON MOSQUITO LARVAE OF AEDES AEGYPTI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)
(Innovative Journal Solutions, 2016) Susheela P; Radha R; Padmapriyanga
Mosquitoes are known to cause more diseases than any other group of arthropods and affect millions of people throughout the world. The current study was aimed to investigate larvicidal potential of three natural extracts such as aloe vera and onion, alcohol and cloves, marigold and garlic against the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti. Insecticidal susceptibility tests were carried out using WHO standard method and the mortality was observed after 24-h exposure. All the tested extracts showed moderate to good larvicidal activities. However, the maximum larval mortality was observed in the extract of the alcohol and cloves that showed high efficacy on the Aedes mosquito larva. The findings of the present studies suggested that the use of aloe vera, onion and garlic has a strong effect in acting as a mosquito larvicide and the natural plant extracts can be prepared at home and used at any cost of time which is feasible for the masses
FAUNAL DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF AQUATIC INSECTS IN SINGANULLUR LAKE, COIMBATORE, TAMILNADU
(IJAPSA, 2015) Susheela P; Radha R
Aquatic biodiversity is one of the most essential characteristics of an aquatic ecosystem for maintaining stability and a means of coping with any environmental change. The presence or absence of certain families of aquatic insects can indicate whether or not a particular body of water is healthy or polluted. Studying life cycles of aquatic insects and their relationships with other organisms and their own environment can give insight into many different areas of ecology, including population dynamics, competition and predator-prey interactions. An inventory was carried out to study the aquatic entomo-fauna, their diversity and distribution in the Singanallur lake of Coimbatore district for a period of four months from April to July 2014 from the three sampling sites of the lake. A total of 1633 aquatic insects were recorded. Insects belonging to the orders Hemiptera and Coleoptera showed higher species richness followed by those belonging to Odonata, Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera respectively. This study re-emphasized the potential of the Singanullur lake as an important area of biological diversity
GC-MS ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF NEST MATERIAL OF MUD DAUBER WASP, SCELIPHRON CAEMENTARIUM
(Innovare Academic Sciences Pvt Ltd, 2016) Susheela P; Rosaline Mary; Radha R
The objective of the present study was to determine the chemical compounds present in the nests of the mud dauber wasp, Sceliphron caementarium.Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the nest samples was carried out by standard procedures. The resultant compounds were compared with the database of the National Institute Standard and Technology (NIST), WILEY8, FAME.Results: The results of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the concentrated ethanol extract revealed the presence of chemical compounds such as methylene chloride, 1, 1’:3’, 1’’-Terphenyl, 5’-Phenyl, Di N Decylsulfone, Eicosanoic acid, 1, 2-Bis (Trimethylsilyl) Benzene, and Androstane-11, 17-Dione, 3-[(Trimethylsilyl) Oxy]-, 17-[O-(Phenylmethyl) O.Conclusion: The compounds identified were found to have biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal, and further study of these isolated compounds may prove their medicinal importance in future
IN-VITRO STUDY OF THE ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED FROM THE NESTS OF ROPALIDIA MARGINATA AND SCELIPHRON CAEMENTARIUM
(UBI Journals, 2018) Susheela P; Rosaline Mary; Radha R
Nests of the paper wasp, Ropalidia marginata and mud nest wasp, Sceliphron caementarium were used for the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The objective of the present work was towards the evaluation of in-vitro cytotoxic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from the nest extracts of the paper wasp (PE), and mud wasp, (ME) against breast cancer cell lines (MCF 7) and cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa). Characterization of the AgNPs were done by UV-Visible spectrometry, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV spectrophotometeric analysis of AgNPs displayed maximum absorption at 389 nm for PE and 400 nm for ME. Prominent peaks were obtained with FTIR data indicating the presence of phenolics compounds and proteins. SEM studies revealed the spherical nature of the nanoparticles with the size ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 μm (PE) and 0.2 to 0.5 μm (ME). The weight percentage of Ag present in PE was 75.48 % and 72.57 % for ME indicating the purity of sample during EDAX analysis. MTT assay results revealed that AgNPs exhibited potent cytotoxicity against MCF 7 cell lines with IC50 value for18.98μg/ml with regard to paper wasp extract (PE) and 22.70μg/ml for mud nest wasp (ME).And for the HeLa cell lines the values were 23.10μg/ml for PE and 29.02μg/ml for ME. Thus the present study concludes that the bio synthesized AgNps exhibit anticancer properties and these nest extracts can be used to develop into an anticancer formulation of clinical interest
INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS ON THE AQUATIC ENTOMOFAUNA ASSEMBLAGES OF SINGANULLUR LAKE, COIMBATORE, INDIA
(International Science Community Association, 2015) Susheela P; Radha R
The aquatic insects are an important component of biodiversity and are very important indicators of water quality parameters. The distribution and composition of insect communities are considered to be determined by the environmental factors and interactive relationship within the ecosystem. The present investigation was to determine the effects of environmental factors on the aquatic insect assembly in Singanullur Lake, Coimbatore .Three different sampling stations were selected and were examined for the water quality and aquatic insect assemblages. A total of aquatic insects were collected from the lake with the highest number of aquatic insects from the order Hemiptera. The water analysis results revealed that Station I- had the best water quality when compared to the other sites. Thus environmental variables were found to influence the aquatic insect distribution in the lake.
LABORATORY EVALUATION AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HERBAL MOSQUITO COILS AGAINST THE FILARIAL VECTOR, CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)
(Journal of Research in Biology, 2014) Susheela P; Radha R
Synthetic insecticides employed for the control of insect pests are toxic to man and livestock acting as pollutants to the environment, killing all beneficial insects thereby causing a disturbance to the ecosystem. The use of natural products such as plant essential oils has assumed significance as an important component of insect pest management because of their financial viability and eco-friendly nature. They hold promise as alternatives to chemical insecticides to reduce pesticide load in the environment. A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of three essential oils -eucalyptus oil, lemon grass oil and thyme oil for the repellent activity against the filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. Among the essential oils, Lemon grass oil showed good repellency property when compared to the other two plant oils. Hence, the results of the investigation would indicate a significant potential for lemon grass oil as a possible source of natural products that could be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides.
NESTING BEHAVIOUR AND BIOCHEMICAL ESTIMATION OF THE HAEMOLYMPH OF THE PAPER WASP, ROPALIDIA MARGINATA (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE)
(EJBPS, 2015) Susheela P; Radha R
Wasps are remarkable amongst the higher social insects in exhibiting all stages of development of sociality from completely solitary to highly advanced colonial species with females clearly differentiated into reproductive and worker castes. The paper wasps are the most common type of wasps which is cosmopolitan throughout the world and mostly built their nest in human houses and trees. It is also the single largest genus within the family Vespidae, with over 300 recognized species and subspecies. A study was conducted on the nesting behaviour and biochemical estimation of haemolymph in paper wasp, Ropalidia marginata. The life cycle of paper wasp has egg, three instars of larval stage namely I, II and III, pre-caped pupa, pupa and adult. The biochemical analysis of the haemolymph revealed that the haemolymph contained the biochemical components, protein, glucose and cholesterol which were high in instars than the adult. When compared to all the three components, protein content was found to be high all the developmental stages
A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF FIG WASP, EUPRISTINA VERTICILLATA AND ITS KEY ROLE IN THE POLLINATION OF FIG TREE, FICUS MICROCARPA
(Akinik Publications, 2016) Susheela P; Radha R; Meenatshi K
Fig wasps are apparently irrelevant insects which have an inseparable and delicate relationship with fig trees as they both try to maintain a delicate balance for survival. The fig trees are dependent on fig wasps for growth, reproduction and the perpetuation of their species. These wasps have considerably adapted to the morphological changes shown by the fig fruits. Hence a preliminary study had been made to study the life history of the fig wasp, Eupristina verticillata and its key role in the pollination of fig tree, Ficus microcarpa. There exists a mutualism between fig wasps and fig trees and the behavioural aspects shown by the wasps are highly suited for their living inside the fig fruit bodies. These wasps are the ones which pollinate the fig trees and in turn the fig trees provide nutrition and shelter to these wasps. The ratio of number of females to males is in such a way that many fig tree species can be pollinated at a time. The males occupy about only 25% of the total population. They show remarkable reproductive patterns which offer an environment for the interplay between the fig and the fig wasps.
PRODUCTION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM DRY COCONUT SHELL AND ITS EFFICACY IN TREATING WASTE WATER
(2015) Susheela P; Radha R
Activated carbon is a non-graphite form of carbon which could be produced from any carbonaceous material.Activated carbons are increasingly used as the economic and stable mass separation agent for the removal of surfactants to raise the final product quality many industrial processes. Activated carbons also play an important role in many areas of modern science and technology such as purification of liquids and gases, separation of mixtures and catalysis. The main objective of the study is to produce activated carbon from dry coconut shell and to treat the domestic waste water and to recycle the treated water for home gardens. The higher purity, negative cost, high rate of production and strong carbonaceous structure of coconut shell proves to be a precursor for carbon production. This research will pave way for the recycle and reuse of waste water that could further reduce the level of water pollution
STUDIES ON THE LIFE CYCLE PATTERNS OF TREEHOPPER AND ITS OBLIGATORY MUTUALISTIC ASSOCIATION WITH GODZILLA ANT, CAMPONOTUS COMPRESSUS
(Dr. V. Shanmugaraju,Darshan Publishers,Dr.T.Sivakumar, 2016) Radha R; Susheela P
The beneficial interaction between individuals of two species, commonly referred as mutualism, is recognized as a common and important ecological interaction. Ant-hemipteran mutualisms are wide spread in nature in which homopterans produce honeydew collected by ants, and ants provide protection or other services. Hence the present investigation has been conducted to assess the life cycle of thorn mimic treehopper and to determine the effects of mutualistic strength between Thorn Mimic Treehopper, Leptocentrus taurus (Hemiptera: Membracidae) and the Godzilla ant(Camponotus compressus). It was observed that the secretion of honey dew occurred by tree hopper during evening hours of the day when compared to morning hours. The more the numbers of tickling by the ant, the more honey dew was secreted. There was a significant reduction in the nitrogen and phosphorous level in the host plant after the attack of the host plant by the tree hopper.
STUDIES ON THE LIFE CYCLE, PREY CAPTURING MECHANISM AND FOOD PREFERENCES OF NYMPH OF DRAGON FLY, BRACHYTHEMIS CONTAMINATA (ODONATA:ANISOPTERA)
(The Place Names Society of India, 2020) Radha R; Susheela P
Dragonfly nymphs are voracious predators that feed on smaller aquatic organisms. In this study, the life cycle and prey capturing mechanism of dragon fly nymph, Brachythemis contaminata was investigated. It was found that prey capturing mechanism is a complex grasping mechanism with additional sensory organs that help in sensing the surroundings. The time taken for the contraction and retraction of labial organ during prey capture was 180±52 minutes. The study also proves that dragonfly nymph had highest predation efficacy against Anopheles stephensi when compared to Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. The laboratory studies on the predatory potential of dragonfly nymphs, B. contaminata against different mosquito species in laboratory suggests that these nymphs have good larvivorous potential
STUDIES ON THE LIFE HISTORY AND OVIPOSITIONAL PREFERENCE OF CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS REARED ON DIFFERENT PULSES
(International Science Community Association, 2014) Radha R; Susheela P
The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), is a worldwide insect pest that infests pulses in the fields and seeds in storage. An investigation has been conducted on the life history and ovipositional preference of Callosobruchus maculatus reared on five different pulses. The oviposition period had not varied significantly between the pulses. The adults exhibited a marked preference for smooth, well-filled seeds for oviposition.The order of preference for Callosobruchus maculatus for oviposition were: Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) > Vigna radiata (green gram) > Vigna mungo (black gram) > Dolichos biflorus (horse gram) > Pisum sativum(green peas). The pulses selected for the investigation were initially infested by the insect, but the degree of infestation varied among the pulses. This is due to the varied responses of the insect to different host seeds for oviposition and their appropriateness for the successful completion of the life cycle.
STUDIES ON THE MICRO-BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION OF TOOTHBRUSHES AND IMPORTANCE OF DECONTAMINATION USING DISINFECTANTS
(Dr R. K. Pal At. Po. Lakhani, Ta. Lakhani, Dist. Bhandara, Maharashtra, 2016) Susheela P; Radha R
Brushing teeth is the primary mode of oral hygiene practice. Toothbrushes may play a significant role in disease transmission and increase the risk of infection since they can serve as a reservoir for micro organisms in healthy, oral diseased and medically ill adults. There is complete lack of awareness among public regarding tooth brush maintenance. So, it is of utmost importance to educate the public about proper storage, replacement and disinfection of tooth brushes. Considering this aspect, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the presence of microorganisms in the tooth brushes and the effect of disinfectants to decontaminate them. The tooth brush samples were randomly collected from apparently healthy individuals and tested for the presence of microbes. The test samples demonstrated the presence of microbes such as E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia. A total of three strains were isolated from the tooth brushes and when the test samples were treated with disinfectants, there was significant reduction in the microbial contamination. Thus it is mandatory for every individual to disinfect the tooth brush at regular intervals thereby maintaining good oral hygiene.
STUDIES ON THE NUTRITIONAL CONSTITUENTS AND THE AQUATIC INSECT FAUNA ASSOCIATED WITH WATER HYACINTH, EICHORNIA CRASSIPES IN SINGANALLUR LAKE, COIMBATORE.
(Akinik Publications, 2015) Susheela P; Radha R
Wetlands are considered the most biologically varied of all ecosystems that act as link between terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Wetland vegetation plays an important role on invertebrate communities, as many invertebrates are found on these vegetation and they are used as shelter from predators, and for obtaining their food. Invertebrate communities may also vary according to plant growth form or morphology. Hence the present investigation was carried out to study the nutritional composition of the water hyacinth, Eichornia crassipes and the study of insect and plant interaction between Eichornia crassipes and selected aquatic insects. The nutritional constituents revealed that Eichornia crassipes was found to be rich in high protein and total organic matter that makes it more attractive to aquatic insects which adhere to the plant for its survival. The inventory of insect species present in the water hyacinth was grouped into four orders namely; Orthoptera; Coleoptera; Hemiptera and Odonata. The larvae, nymphs and adult of the insect species feed preference was on the upper leaf surface, lower leaf surface and the petiole of water hyacinth. This clearly indicates that the density and size of water hyacinth mats appear to have played an important role in determining invertebrate density, diversity, and assemblage composition.