Contents Vol 2 | June/July 2014
2 From the Dean Events Editorial 3 From the Editor-in-Chief 30 Remembering the past... Editor-in-Chief the Bio School reunion dinner Professor Ng Wing Keong, FASc Mashhor Mansor Articles Editors 32 Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef Associate Professor 4 Human health hazards caused by Ng Wing Keong Shaida Fariza Sulaiman rove beetles Dr Foong Swee Yeok Wan Fatma Zuharah and Maryam Sufian 34 A community service program at Dr Nik Fadzly Nik Rosely Kampung Batu Ring Dr Wan Fatma Zuharah 6 The mysterious life of the London Zarul Hazrin Hashim Wan Musthapa underground mosquito Dr Nethia Mohana Kumaran Nur Faeza Abu Kassim 36 Ocean Awareness Week at Dr Faradina Merican Universiti Sains Malaysia Mohd. Sidik Merican 8 Mycorrhizas: the amazing fungi Quek Yew Aun Rosnida Tajuddin Graphics & Layout Vanda Dynamic Enterprise 10 Umami : the infamous fifth sense Chew Bee Lynn © Copyright School of Biological Sciences, Bugging the bugs, the life of a pest exterminator Universiti Sains Malaysia 2014. Published 12 under a Creative Commons Attribution Regine Lim license. You may copy and distribute this publication as long as credit is given to the original author/s and Bio-Bulletin, School of 16 Coastal morning glory: a potential mosquito bio-larvicide Biological Sciences as the original source. Wan Fatma Zuharah and Ahbi Rami Rattanam Printed by Vanda Dynamic Enterprise.
Address all correspondence to: 18 New discovery of Malaysian plants with anti-tuberculosis properties Professor Ng Wing Keong Suriyati Mohamad Editor-in-Chief Bio-Bulletin of the School of Biological Sciences, 20 Karas trees + fungi = agarwood + money Universiti Sains Malaysia Baharuddin Salleh 11800 USM, Penang. Fax: 604-656 5125 Tel: 604-653 3888 ext 4052 22 Seven life lessons we can learn from sea turtles Email: [email protected] Aini Hasanah
26 The rattan resources of Penang Wan Nur Fasihah Zarifah Wan Rozali and Asyraf Mansor
28 Bio-monitoring using aquatic insects Suhaila Ab. Hamid
Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 From the From the Dean Editor-in-Chief
The second semester for academic session 2013/2014 has nearly A few months ago, I started noticing numerous red spots on my lower legs. reached the end. I am truly indebted to all the academic, administrative Initially the symptoms were mild, infrequent and the spots faded off within and technical staff of the School of Biological Sciences for their untiring a week. So I ignored it and thought it was just a skin rash. However, the efforts in sustaining and increasing our school Key Performance Index (KPI) for 2014. I am pleased to symptoms got worse and more frequent until I had to go see a dermatologist at the hospital one day announce that during the 49th convocation on April 26th 2014, a total of 19 PhD and 31 MSc candidates when I noticed the rash on my arms as well. I was told by the skin specialist that the red spots were graduated from our school. Congratulations to all of them. caused by insect bites. Thus begin a very stressful time of cleaning, vacuuming, spraying, washing and bagging all my stuff but the symptoms persisted. Eventually I gave up and called in the professional pest This year also witnessed the appointment of Professor Siti Azizah Mohd. Nor as the new Director of control people. To cut a long story short, they eventually managed to trace the problem to an infestation Centre for Research Initiative (CRI) in Life Sciences and Associate Professor Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah as our new Deputy Dean of Research. I would also take this opportunity to congratulate Professor Siti Azizah Mohd. Nor for successfully chairing the Asian Fish Biodiversity Conference in February this year. of cat fleas in my office at the School of Biological Sciences. The indiscriminate discard of food wastes by This Conference was co-organized by our School. students and staff into the wastebaskets placed along the office corridors has attracted numerous stray thecats Bio-Bulletin, that carry fleas. “Bugged My office by Bugs”! room has now been sprayed and fogged with chemicals to kill off the cat My two deputy deans have made the School proud when their inventions were awarded recognition in fleas but the stray cats continue to roam the corridors… Thus, the inspiration for this second issue of two different competitions: Associate Professor Amir Hamzah Ahmad Ghazali who won a Gold Medal in the 25th International Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) in May 2014, and Associate experienced being greatly inconvenienced by these bugs and some of them are vectors of deadly human Professor Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah had secured a Bronze Medal in Invention and Innovation Awards, diseases.Whether It it is is therefore cat fleas ornot mosquitoes, surprising that cockroaches, bugs are a ants, subject termites, matter bed of great bugs, research etc., many interests. of us haveThe Malaysia Technology Expo in February 2014. Entomology and Parasitology group at the School of Biological Sciences has the highest number of faculty members and the School also houses the internationally accredited Vector Control Unit. Some In this second issue of Bio-Bulletin 2014, I wish to highlight that we are going to miss two of our of the insect research being conducted by our staff are highlighted in this issue of the Bio-bulletin and prominent professors who are retiring this semester. Throughout their careers, both emerged as includes the human health hazards of rove beetles and the amazing ability of mosquitoes to adapt to new man-made surroundings. Innovative research in exploring the use of local plant extracts as bio- Salleh in Fusarium research and Chan Lai Keng in Plant tissue culture. Their valuable contributions are larvicides for the Aedes mosquitoes are also highlighted. The increasing prevalence of bugs infesting our internationallyhighly appreciated recognized and we wish researchers them the and best lecturers in their future in their undertakings. specific fields: Professors Baharuddin graduating from the School of Biological Sciences with specialization in entomology and vector control th arehomes, in high offices demand and public by pest spaces control has companies. made pest Incontrol this magazine a very dynamic issue, we and highlighted lucrative industry. the success Students story of February with the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) and the second of one of our former student who started her own pest control company. She shares how her training Twoone wasMemorandum with the Indonesian of Understanding Institute (MoU) of Limnology, had been Jakarta, signed on this March year, 14. the Ifirst would one like was to on highlight the 6 that the School will be hosting the 9th IMTGT Uninet Conference 2014 which will be held at Bayview Hotel Georgetown, Penang, from 3-5 November 2014. On behalf of the Organizing committee, it is my in USM had benefitted her in her career and the various issues of controlling pests in the homes and pleasure to extend the invitation to all readers of Bio-Bulletin to participate in the Conference. Thisoffices issue in Malaysia. of Bio-Bulletin also highlights the research on various plant-related topics such as the new discovery of local plant extracts with anti-tuberculosis properties, the rattan resources of Penang, the Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the staff of the School of Biological Sciences lucrative potential of agarwood as well as the world of mycorrhizas; the latter two topics highlighting for their continuous co-operation and support to ensure that the standard of our academic education, the interesting relationship between plants and fungi. Articles with an environmental and aquatic research, teaching, facilities, and student care are of the highest order. biology theme include sea turtle conservation, an Ocean Awareness Week organized by USM students and my recent trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
Associate Professor Ahmad Sofiman Othman Congratulations to Nethia, one of our editors, for the birth of her new baby girl! Dean, School of Biological Sciences Happy reading and thank you for your support of the Bio-Bulletin magazine.
Professor Ng Wing Keong, FASc
2 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 3 activities of an endo-symbiont bacteria (Pseudomonas ssp.) Prevention of Paedarus dermatitis within the Paederus’s body. The tail of this insect is known The principal way of preventing pederin-based skin trauma Human health hazards to contain the highest pederin concentration compared is to prevent human-beetle contact. However, if a P. fuscipes to other body parts. Even in the immature stages of P. beetle lands on the skin, there is no cause for alarm. Avoid fuscipes, pederin do exist in the egg and pupa stages. The handling the beetle directly and do not crush the beetle manufacture of pederin is largely restricted to adult female against exposed areas of the skin; just remove it gently by caused by beetles. However, the larvae as well as the males can store blowing it away. They will only release pederin when they pederin obtained maternally such as through eggs or by feel threatened. To be safe, immediately wash contact area Rove Beetles ingestion. of the skin with water. If contact with pederin did occur, it Wan Fatma Zuharah and Maryam Sufian will slowly penetrate the skin and by washing shortly after exposure with soap and water, this will remove most of the toxin before it has time to penetrate into the skin. Since Bugs! They are fascinating little creatures that move by these beetles are attracted to lights at night, switching habitat of Paederus fuscipes beetles. off the lights will reduce entry of beetles into buildings. Paddy fields are the natural your home. Some of these bugs or certain species of insects Similarly, by closing the doors and windows as well as arecreeping, potentially crawling, dangerous slithering, to humansliding andbeings. fluttering For example, around the rove beetles Paederus fuscipes. i) Egg stage ii) First Larval stage shouldusing fine be sought mosquito if there netting is a severe will also skin reduce reaction. the risk of Rove beetle from the family Staphylinidae is a large family beetles entering our homes and offices. Medical attention of insects found all over the world with over 47,744 Research on rove beetles in USM Not much research has been done in Malaysia on the P. beetle as an insect of public health importance. About 650 described species of the Paederus rove beetles, Immature stages fuscipes subtribedescribed Paederina, species inare 3,847 extensively genera disseminated and 31 subfamilies. globally. of the Paederus One area of research currently being conducted in USM on fuscipes beetle. these rove beetles is the exploration of the potential factors These rove beetles are commonly known as the ‘Beetle that may have caused the increasing intrusion of Paederus iii) Second Larval stage iv) Pupa stage Tomcat’, ‘Skirt and Blouse Beetle’ and locally recognized as spp. into human living areas from their usual habitats in the ‘Semut Semai’, ‘Semut Kayap’ or ‘Charlie’. Rove beetles such Consequently, those in contact with the P. fuscipes beetles as the P. fuscipes are mainly distinguished by their slender subsequent to disturbance by human activities during might be a victim of paederus dermatitis (PD) which is elongated body with short elytra that leave more than half Public health concerns ricepaddy harvesting fields. Firstly, such food/prey as straw shortagescutting and in theburning rice fields can a characteristic skin irritation that occurs if one of the of their abdomens exposed. These insects are normally 7 The beetle species, P. fuscipes cause these beetle predators to search for food from areas beetles is accidently crushed against the human skin. to 13 mm in length, brightly coloured with metallic blue Java (Indonesia) when a Anjet-Kidoel lighthouse personnel nearby since they no longer have their usual food supply to , was first reported in 1981 in PD which is also known as linear dermatitis or blister or green elytra and has black and bright orange or red on was found to be a victim of dermatitis. Since the 1990’s, support their population. Secondly, mass dispersal towards beetle dermatitis is a peculiar irritant contact dermatitis the pronotum and the basal segment of the abdomen. This the P. fuscipes beetle has become a public health concern human habitations may also be due to their attraction after many outbreaks was reported worldwide. Human categorized by erythematous and bullous lesions of abrupt towards bright lights from the cities. The Paederus spp., onset on exposed areas of the body. Other names given to may be an example of aposematic which is a caution sign dermatitis is widely reported in the world and has caught especially the adults, is active during the day in search PD include ‘spider-lick’, ‘whiplash dermatitis’ and ‘Nairobi thatspecific give colour a word pattern of warning with towards bright colours potential on predators. their body public interest whenever these rove beetles infested human settlements. Paedarus beetles infestations have lights at night which bring them into contact with human been reported in many countries and had cause dermatitis neck, thorax, arms, forearms, thighs, hands, legs, abdomen, beings.of prey Thirdly,and are suitableattracted environmental by luminescent factors and fluorescentmay be the outbreaks in the world including Australia, Japan, China, earsfly dermatitis’. and even The the affected eyes which areas aresometimes mainly oncan the cause face, cause that triggers the beetles to disperse from the paddy Malaysia, Iran, Iraq, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Sierra temporally blindness. Rarely affected areas are the palms Leone, etc. In Malaysia, P. fuscipes has been reported as and feet soles. Infected skin areas will turn red, itchy and the problem is the intensive and unmonitored usage of the dermatitis causing agents for the outbreak cases in herbicides,fields towards fungicides human habitations.and insecticides Further by compoundingthe farmers Terengganu, Kelantan and in Penang, especially in the contact. A few days later, visible scars will appear. It will which may create chemical-resistant beetles thereby takeeventually a few becomemore weeks swollen or sometimes after 24 to months 48 hours for from the scarfirst The adult areas of Permatang Pauh and Kepala Batas. contributing to the current massive explosion of P. fuscipes Paederus fuscipes to be totally cleared. Sometimes secondary infections can populations in Malaysia. By studying the ecology, biology rove beetle. Generally, rove beetles are harmless creatures. From about occur if scratching causes extensive exfoliating as well as and behavior of these rove beetles, we hope to generate 50,000 staphylinids species found around the world, only ulcerating dermatitis which requires hospitalization. the genus of Paederus, Paederidus and Megalopaederus are and movements in order to prevent or reduce the human Habitats of Paederus fuscipes beetles of public health concerns. These beetles have an unusual healthscientific threats data andthat preventcan help us us from to control being theira victim population of PD in Beetles of the genus Paederus can be found dispersed in all habit of raising the tip of their abdomen in a way that the future. temperate and tropical continents, north and south of the resembles a scorpion whenever they feel threatened. This equator, throughout the North, Central and South America, intimidating behavior led people to assume that these Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia, with the exception of beetles are far more harmful than they really are. The adult Paedarus dermatitis on Antarctica. In Malaysia, the prevalent species of Paederus is beetle of P. fuscipes does not bite nor sting. Nevertheless, affected areas such as P. fuscipes which are mainly found distributed throughout these beetles are dangerous if they are unintentional elbow, neck and face. brushed against or crushed over the human skin as this Dr. Wan Fatma Zuharah Wan Musthapa Interestingly, even though they are insects of public health is a medical entomologist and her research concerns,the country it also in marshes plays an as important well as in role the as paddy bio-control fields. toxin called pederin which circulates in their hemolymph. focuses on arthropods of public health agents in controlling other insect pests. These rove beetles Oncewill releasein contact its with coelomic human fluid skin, that pain contains occurs. a powerful importance. Her research emphasizes on the ecology, biology, and control of insects Effects of pederin on humans and it’s interaction with humans. usually prey upon leafhoppers, thrips, planthoppers predominantly on the western part of Peninsular Malaysia. The toxin known as pederin (C25H45O9N) is an amide with Otherand other habitats rice pestswhich in the paddyspp. fields beetles which can are be found two tetrahydropyran rings and makes up approximately Paederus Email: [email protected] are the freshwater lakes, marshes, riverine areas, crop 0.025% of the P. fuscipes’s body weight. It has been
fields and other moist terrestrial environment. confirmed that the production of pederin depends on the 4 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 5 The mysterious life of the London Underground Nur Faeza Abu Kassim Mosquito Discovery of an exotic mosquito New research has shed light on a mysterious species of mosquito in Australia that can live and breed in underground environments and can lay eggs without a blood-meal. Commonly known as the London Underground Mosquito, Culex molestus is thought to have been introduced into the Australian continent in the 1940s. The mosquito is thought to be the only Australian species that will refuse a blood meal if they are yet to lay their eggs. The discovery of this species of mosquito is said to be important as it may affect the designing of subterranean water storage systems in cities to ensure limited access for mosquito populations. The mosquitoes are usually found in the infected tanks or in the unused storm water pipelines rather than breeding in ponds, pools or wetlands. The discovery of the Cx. molestus has been published in the Journal of Vector Ecology, Australian Journal of Entomology and Journal of Storm water drain areas are sites with large populations of mosquitoes. American Mosquito Control Association. I was privileged to be one of the researchers involved in the discovery and the study of Cx. molestus, in collaboration with Dr. Cameron An example of a mosquito trap used for research. E. Webb and Professor Richard C. Russell of the University of Sydney, Australia. Cryptic urban habitats opportunities for mosquito access is crucial. Perhaps more potential human health concerns caused by this species It is not known why the London Underground mosquito importantly, when assessing the risks of mosquito-borne of mosquito, much focused research is still needed with ignores the offer of blood meal, but given the absence of diseases, these underground habitats should not be ignored. suitable animals to feed on in underground tanks and With climate change and expected warming of south eastern Culex molestus the future as more and more cities and underground pipes, this biological adaptation ensures the mosquito states of Australia, there is also a risk of migration of tropical transportationthe aim of filling systems gaps are in ourconstructed knowledge around to prepare the world. for can exclusively exploit these habitats not just during mosquitoes and their diseases, including those that carry the summer season but throughout the year. Although dengue fever (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) and malaria Special characteristics of Culex molestus closed systems like disused underground pipes and (notably the Anopheles mosquito). Collecting this mosquito for research was not easy. Instead septic tanks appear closed from the surface to us, we of wandering through pristine wetlands, we were going This study has highlighted the importance of understanding around storm water drains and other polluted structures. caused by the earth movement over time which would the basic biology and ecology of local mosquitoes. While many History of the London Underground Mosquito Finally, the toilet blocks in urban parklands were where havepresumed opened the these existence closed-up of fissures spaces and to small the mosquitoopenings important pest and vector mosquitoes have been well studied, Culex molestus is thought to have been introduced into we really found large populations of this mosquito. The populations. Through the centuries, mosquitoes it is highly possible there will be important breakthroughs southern Australia in the 1940s, hitching a ride into the disused septic tanks associated with these structures are have adapted to most aquatic environments so their in the control of diseases mosquito-borne diseases when we country with travelling American military personnel and where this mosquito is commonly found. Once we were adaptability to man-made subterranean habitats learn new things in terms of the biological and ecological their equipments. This species of mosquito is known in able to collect enough specimens, we were able to study should perhaps not be too surprising. In the case of traits of some of our less well known mosquito species. other countries for the spread of the West Nile virus. The the various biological traits of this underground-dwelling Cx. molestus mosquito has been found in all states and territories in mosquito over a four year period. Our research shows its underground lair is an obvious advantage. Some Australia except in Queensland and the Northern Territory. that people in cities need to take the mosquito’s amazing mosquitoes , require the lack sunlight of fish andto dry other their predators chitinous in Where exactly the mosquito came from is still a mystery, adaptability into account when designing water storage Cx. molestus, which but it may have its origins from cities in the USA or Europe. systems. We observed that the female mosquitoes use a spends much of its life underground, may have found Dr. Nur Faeza Abu Kassim is a medical The mosquito became famous during the bombing of process called autogeny to lay eggs. While the majority of somewings waybefore to dothey so can without fly. However, the presence of sunlight in entomologist specializing in mosquito- the United Kingdom in the Second World War (the Blitz) pest mosquitoes require a blood meal before laying their this process. borne diseases. Her work focuses on the where Londoners sleeping in the underground shelters eggs, “autogenous” mosquitoes such as Cx. molestus make biology, ecology, genetics and control was a ready source of blood meal for these mosquitoes use of nutrients stored during their immature development Conclusions of vector mosquitoes. She is currently which is the reason why it is commonly referred as the stages instead of blood for laying eggs. The breakthrough There is a lot of information we still do not know about working on a range of projects designed London Underground Mosquito. Culex molestus belongs discovery from our study is that female mosquitoes will this mosquito. One of the major implications from our to assess the change in vector mosquito to a group of internationally known mosquitoes that may research data so far is that we must be mindful of the populations associated with the dynamics be important vectors implicated in the spread of diverse batch of eggs is laid. Soon after laying eggs, the female mosquito risks when designing subterranean water of container breeding sites. diseases including Eastern equine encephalitis virus, mosquitoesnot bite even will when hunt offered for a blood a blood meal meal and untilcan become its first storage systems in our cities to avoid creating new Japanese encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus a severe nuisance-biting pest. We believe this is the only mosquitoes breeding sites. Ensuring water storage Email: [email protected] and Western equine encephalitis virus. Due to the many Australian mosquito species to exhibit this behavior. structures are screened or designed to limit the
6 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 7 Mycorrhizas: the amazing fungi Rosnida Tajuddin
Mycorrhizas are formed by the mutual association Endomycorrhiza between fungi and plant roots and this partnership has Endomycorrhiza is characterized by the growing of fungal hyphae not only covering the root of the associated plant There exist a symbiotic association between plant roots but they can penetrate into the root cell walls. These fungi andbeen the studied fungi. for Mycorrhizal over a century fungi sinceacquire the carbon late 1800’s. from can also form symbiosis with herbaceous plants such as plants to grow and in return, they assist in increasing the banana and oil palm. These endomycorrhizas have been host plants’ nutrients absorption capabilities. Mycorrhizas were previously grouped into two broad subdivisions: a) orchid c) ericoid d) arbutoid and e) monotropoid. Here, ectomycorrhiza and b) endomycorrhiza. Ifurther would classifiedlike to focus into only five on groups; arbuscular a) arbuscular and orchid b)
Ectomycorrhiza Ectomycorrhiza is characterized by the formation of mycorrhizas because they are more significantly mantle, Hartig net or fungal sheath enclosing the plant a)related Arbuscular to our flora mycorrhiza communities. roots. Ectomycorrhizal fungi have different types of An association between Glomalean fungi with Mycelia network of Suillus variegatus colonizing Pinus sylvestris root system. sporocarps such as thin, crust-like (resupinate), coral-like the roots of most vascular plants is called The age of this microcosm is one year old. (clavarioid), cantharelloid, and agaricoid as well as boletoid arbuscular mycorrhiza. This association is usually structures. These fungi are mainly from Basidiomycota characterized by the formation of arbuscules; and Ascomycota, and as many as 10,000 fungal species branched hyphae that involved in nutrient exchange, intraradical hyphae, extraradical Ectomycorrhizal fungi h) are a food source (e.g. fruit bodies of cantherelles, globally. The symbiosis is economically important because mycelium that connects the plant roots to the Russula sp. Lactarius, Boletus and other species) and some fruit theseand 8,000 fungi plants form species mutual may symbiosis be involved with in mostlythis symbiosis woody soil and the presence of spores in the extraradical bodies of mycorrhizal fungi are among the most plants such as timber trees from Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, mycelium. Arbuscular mycorrhizas do not produce Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Salicaceae, Dipterocarpaceae and an obvious change in the plant’s root system and Myrtaceae families. to observe the distinguishing characteristics, one has Conclusionexpensive of natural foods (e.g. truffles). to use various microscopic methods. Meanwhile, for Mycorrhizal fungi have been long known for their various ectomycorrhizal root tips, they can be easily visualized appropriate mycorrhizal species. The with our eyes without using a microscope. The arbuscular species willseed provide must necessary first be carbohydrates colonized by Ectomycorrhizal root tips of Paxillus involutus (red arrows) mycorrhizal fungi have a broad range of host plants, to aid the development of embryo into a structure inbenefits, the Lowland especially Dipterocarp in enhancing Rain nutrient Forest. uptake Dipterocarpaceae of the host on Pinus sylvestris root system including some non-vascular plants such as ferns, seedless called a protocorm. The protocorm will eventually familyplants. ofMalaysia plants isdominates well known the for forest the diverseand these flora high and quality fauna vascular plants (gymnosperms) such as conifers, and initiate a shoot apical meristem. An example of orchid timber trees are known to form ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. angiosperms plants such as corn, banana, oil palm and mycorrhizal fungus is Rhizoctonia sp. Apart from that, we are also a major key player in palm oil cocoa. Glomalean fungi that belong to Glomus, Paraglomus production and the palm also forms arbuscular mycorrhiza. and Gigaspora genera are obligate mutualists, which mean The importance of mycorrhizas These are just a few examples highlighting the importance of they can only propagate in association with the host plant Mycorrhizas are important because they: mycorrhizal symbiosis in our forests and for crop production. roots. a) can increase nutrient uptake from the soils to More studies are needed to understand the community, their associated host plants; b) Orchid mycorrhizas b) can be used as bio-fertilizer in which they are and soils. useful in the restoration of degraded sites; distribution and efficiency of mycorrhizal fungi in our forests association between root of plants from the Orchidaceae c) can also be used as bio-control agent to control familyOrchid with mycorrhizas mycorrhizal can basidiomycete be defined fungi. as a Either symbiotic the pathogenic fungi and nematodes; orchid plants are chlorophyllous or achlorophyllous as d) are useful as bio-remediation tools because some adults; all orchid plants are reliant upon mycorrhizal fungi of mycorrhizal fungi can bind to heavy metals, at some point of their life cycle. The association of orchid extract them out from the soils and protect the Rosnida Tajuddin research interests mycorrhizal fungi with the host plants started during the plants from the toxicity of these substances; embryo stage; when the embryo emerges and produces of mycorrhizal fungi, understanding a few hairy roots. The mycorrhizal fungi will then rapidly establishment of plant communities above ectomycorrhizalare concerned withfungi the identificationcommunity e) ground;also have a positive effect in influencing the colonize these roots. The hyphae also penetrate the and their distribution in the Malaysia f) can improve soil structure, increase water host plant embryo to form hyphal coils (pelotons) in the rainforest and the nutrient transportation embryo cells. The success of this association will result in ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular in the germination of the orchid seeds. Orchid seed is soil erosion; mycorrhizal symbioses. very small and contains an undifferentiated embryo that g) areinfiltration essential and for retention, seeds germination and also reduceand seedlings risk of is lacking of root and shoot apical meristem, making the establishment in orchid plants;
8 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 9 substances in food and this is indeed a healthier option without having to compromise on tasteless foods. It is in fact proven
elderly patients did improve their appetite, increase the food intakeby various and findingsimprove thattheir the health addition and ofnutritional MSG in diets status given when to Umami: compared with subjects fed with the same diet without MSG. the infamous fifth sense Chew Bee Lynn
The discovery of Umami Most of us are aware of our four senses in our tongue namely sweet, salty, sour and bitter but not all of
us are aware about the existence of the fifth sense Kikunaeproviding Ikeda, us the discovered perception and of further the savoury studied flavour on this better known as ‘umami’. In 1908, a Japanese scientist, (a large seaweed that belongs to class Phaeophyceae), traditionallyflavour from used‘dashi’- in Japanesea cooking cooking. stock made Ikeda of discovered dried kelp a distinct taste quality which could not be explained by any of the four basic senses. He noticed this peculiar The maturation of cheese is a process where glutamate accumulates
caused by glutamate in the kelp itself. He then named taste in ‘dashi’ and later found that this flavour was to provide the well loved savoury flavor. The Chinese Restaurant Syndrome distinctivethis flavour taste “umami”. and the There closest is not we any can Western describe term this The Chinese Restaurant Syndrome is frequently associated isthat using could the define terms the relating exact toword meaty, for umamisavoury due or brothy.to its with the high consumption of MSG and the ensuing symptoms The most prominent difference that could describe the
experimentalof thirstiness, studies headache, and surveyssweating, that skin this flushing association and is nausea. invalid moreumami acceptable flavour is and its palatable. property Glutamic in enhancing acid is flavour. reported The to andA researcher in fact failed in to 1986 prove has that demonstrated MSG is the culprit through in evoking several haveaddition a sour, of this insipid flavour taste in and other it is foodstuffs the salt form makes of glutamate the foods these symptoms. They concluded that the so called Chinese that produces the unique umami taste. Yamaguchi and and mushroom. The ripening process of many fruits and Restaurant Syndrome could affect those who are unfamiliar Kimizuka in 1979 showed that the palatability of soup is vegetables is in fact related to the accumulation of glutamic with the exotic foods and the surroundings. Some would enhanced after the addition of monosodium glutamate therefore argue that if we were to claim that addition of MSG (MSG). Further studies discovered other substances that of cheese maturation that involves the breakdown of is unhealthy, how can Japanese foods that contain among the proteinsacid for the into enhancement free amino acidsof flavour also properties. increases the The glutamic process highest levels of glutamate are often considered the healthiest 5’ribonucleotides like inosine monophosphate (IMP) and acid content. The same applies to cured ham where the diet in the world? There are even many food advertisements guanosinecould greatly monophosphate enhance the umami(GMP). flavourScientists that have includes also claiming what is being sold do not contain MSG when clearly discovered the umami taste receptors on the tongue and the product contains umami rich ingredients and this is also in the human gut, which suggested the importance detectedfermentation in the process human inducesbreast milk the flavourand its presence development. may clearly misleading labeling. Many health conscious people are Interestingly, a significant amount of glutamate is being Pizza consists of a mixture of naturally occurring not aware of these facts and claim to others that they do not glutamate rich ingredients. consume MSG in their diets. In fact, many natural foods we Monosodiumand the existence glutamate of this unfamiliar in food flavour. Monosodiumhave greatly influencedglutamate theis produced acceptability by the and fermentation palatability consume already contain natural glutamate compounds that Most of us are afraid of the word MSG and presume that of thisnatural flavour ingredients since we such were as born. sugarcane, corn and tapioca this substance has caused much health detrimental effects when present in food. MSG is in fact safe to be consumed. for commercial purposes. The addition of MSG as a food enhance their flavor. MSG is actually a salt form of glutamic acid where glutamic where the salt form of glutamic acid is being purified acid is an amino acid. It is categorized in the same category to prevent the undesired side effects. Enhancing the as vinegar by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). enhancer has to be at very specific quantities in order
cheese, tomato and pizza by the Italians, meat stock and sodiumumami tastein our of daily foods diets can has give always positive been benefits emphasized not only to Dr. Chew Bee Lynn specializes in plant hamThe use by the of fermented French, seaweed fish sauce and by other the Greekssauces byand the Romans, Asians promoteto flavour healthy but also living. to reduce It is usuallysalt addition. the case A lowthat intake reduced of are foods rich in natural MSG. The combination of these palatability is the result when less sodium is being added food ingredients used worldwide has been impacting on biotechnology, specifically in genetically the human taste perception and palatability for a long time when it is less seasoned with salt and this is where umami currentlymodified working organisms, on tissueprojects culture regarding and but not being acknowledged until now. playsinto cooking a part and in foodstuffs.enhancing Foodfood becomes palatability. less flavourfulJapanese transgenicthe umami crops flavor tasteand tissue modalities. culture She on is medicinal plants. Glutamic acid is part of food proteins in both animals and in their Japanese clear soup model (with reduced levels of Email: [email protected] plants. This amino acid is present naturally and abundantly salt)researchers has been discovered able to maintain in 1984 its that palatability. the addition The of desire MSG in most foods such as meat, seafood, vegetable, fruit for saltiness can be reduced through the addition of umami
10 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 11 Pest control programs play an important part in food in major pest control jobs on the property of another. An processing and it is not merely dependent on chemical applicant must at least complete a minimum educational application. To design a good pest program for food level of Form Five or its equivalent or have at least three years working experience. different food processing environment and proper pest related establishments, first we have to understand the Assistant Pesticide Applicator License (APAL) their sanitation and housekeeping as that will directly affectidentification. pest infestation Secondly, in the to surrounding evaluate the environment. condition of pest control under the supervision of a licensed pesticide Following the initial assessment, there needs to be applicator,A person who accept possesses for minor this licensepest controlis certified jobs to where carry outno Ecogreen Pest Management company in Penang uses scheduled monitoring activities and documentation supervision is required. Minor pest control job includes more eco-friendly pest management strategies. for future pest trending analysis. If the number of pests general household pest control in private dwelling and general is above the threshold limit, chemical application may public weed control. An applicant must possess at least a pass need to be introduced into the infested environment in Standard Six or two years working experience as a worker but only selected approved pesticides can be used. in a pest control company. However, if the infestation can be managed by cleaning and sanitation activities, pesticide application is not Some of the regulations enacted under the Malaysian Pesticide necessary. In urban integrated pest management Act include providing a detail written report to the client (IPM), regular monitoring is carried out to determine regarding the pest control activities using a form designed if and when a treatment needed. It employs physical, by the Pesticide Board upon the completion of pest control mechanical, cultural, chemical, biological and services on the premise by the PAL or APAL. The written educational programs to keep pest populations low report shall be kept by the licensed pest control operator enough to prevent intolerable damage or annoyance. for a period of two years from the service date to which the report refers, and shall be made available for inspection by After working for more than 10 years with pest control the Pesticide Board when required. We at the Ecogreen Pest companies, I started my own company, Ecogreen Pest Management works closely with the Pesticide Board Malaysia Bugging the Management, in Penang. Ecogreen focus more on eco- and Pest Control Association Malaysia (PCAM) on this to friendly pest management where we use less pesticide in share important information to the public to ensure that the our services and emphasizes on monitoring, sanitation public are following the rules and regulation when it comes to and pest exclusion activities. We started off with pest awareness and educational talk to schools, colleges, the life of a residence associations and at press conferences. These Withselecting the awide certified availability licensed of pest the control internet operators. and social media, Bugs, activities provide useful pest information and the latest the general public nowadays tends to understand pest control technology in pest control industry to the public. better compared to previous decades. Customers will usually browse through the internet before they consider hiring a pest Pest Exterminator Pest Control in Malaysia controller to manage their pest issues. It is therefore crucial Regine Lim In Malaysia, the pest control industry is regulated by that modern day pest controllers be highly professional and the Pesticide Board under the Ministry of Agriculture. well informed of the latest techniques in pest management. Various rules and regulations have been promulgated The basic requirements for a professional Pest Control Learning about the Bugs different urban pest behaviors and development of control and implemented to ensure that the objectives of I received my B.Sc. (Zoology) degree from Universiti Sains methods. Detail documentation, precise pest trending the Malaysian Pesticide Act are achieved. Under the Valid Pesticide Application License Malaysia (USM) in 2001. I completed several specialized and non-chemical applications are critical to ensure end amended Pesticides Rules 2004, a person carrying out OperatorWearing in Malaysia uniform should with company fulfill the logo following criteria: courses in Entomology during my undergraduate studies products are safe to consume by humans. any of the following activities or engage in the business Carry proper tools and also conducted an honors degree dissertation entitled of applying pesticide to the property of another person Conduct thorough inspection must at any time possesses the relevant license issued German cockroaches, Blatella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: by the Pesticide Board. These activities include: Recommendation options ‘InsecticideBlattellidae)” susceptibility under the supervision in various stages of Professor of field-collected Lee Chow General household pest control; UsedPest Identification registered products in original containers with Yang of the School of Biological Sciences. Termite and other wood destroying organisms label control; Emphasis on public health and safety After graduation, I worked with a major pest control General public weed control; or Provides detail service report with detail chemical usage company in Kuala Lumpur as an operation executive and Control of pests affecting public health. after services. have had a good exposure working with insects in the urban environment such as cockroaches, ants, stored There are three types of license issued by the Pesticide Life of a Pest Exterminator product pests and subterranean termites. With the Board. To qualify for these licenses, a person shall be Over the last 4 years, Ecogreen Pest Management has been technical knowledge I gained from the Entomology Lab of subjected to examination requirements. servicing more than a thousand premises in the northern USM, I successfully managed to help my company introduce region of Peninsular Malaysia in Penang, Kedah and Perak. termite baiting system to the commercial market. This Pest Control Operator License Generally, the type of pests targeted here are subterranean activity helps to reduce the use of conventional liquid The license enables a person to own, operate and termites, cockroach, ants, rats, mosquitoes and the occasional termiticide treatment in favor of a more environmental- manage a pesticide application business which is invading pests. With the massive growth in construction friendly way in termite management. engaged in applying pesticides on the property of activities and human population especially in Penang, the another. To qualify for this license, the operator must environment will serve as a good breeding ground for many In April 2004, I joined an international pest control either possess or employ at least a licensed pesticide urban pests if serious comprehensive preventive measures company as Regional Technical Manager to focus on applicator. are not taken. designing pest management programs that are fully compliant with food safety for F&B establishments and Pesticide Applicator License (PAL) Subterranean termites are the most important economical the food manufacturing environment in Southeast Asia. Pest awareness talks to Schools and various public Any person who is licensed by the Pesticide Board can pest in this part of the world. They can be found in both old This position provided me with a great platform to explore forums on pest management. perform or supervise the application of any pesticide colonial period buildings and newly constructed premises.
12 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 13 Conventionally, infestations of subterranean termites and residual spraying which are frequently carried out are treated using arsenic powder dusting or liquid by professional pest controller against these pests. In termiticides by spraying or trenching but not all termite contrast, we prefer to use baiting systems in controlling colonies can be eliminated using these methods due to these pests after the level of infestation and species are the complicated social behavior of these subterranean properly studied. Furthermore, it should be noted that termites and the condition of the surrounding perimeter treatment is also essential in the general pest environment they are in. Thus, we introduce “Termite control program to prevent external pests Baiting Technology” to our customers whenever entering the premises from the subterranean termite infestation is found. This method exterior. simply achieves total colony elimination without drilling into the slab or trenching of liquid termiticides into our environment. Blood sucking bed bugs hiding in the bed seams of a bedroom.
Recently, bed bug infestations are on the increase in Malaysia. Signs of termite In the Northern region, we quite infestation near a power outlet. frequently detect this blood sucking insect. Bed bugs are hard to eliminate and can rapidly spread from one infested room to the other. Early detection and prompt action are essential in bed bug management.
to success in both inspection and treatment. Scheduled treatmentsFrom experience, are necessary we find to that completely being thorough eradicate is bed the bugs key Mosquitoes are the main that have reached critical population levels. Sometimes, vectors that bring many bed frames and mattresses may need to be discarded to achieve total elimination. Aedes mosquitoes are important species that can diseases such as dengue fever, filariasis and malaria. containers like coned leaves or vegetation containing clearbreed easilywater, inespecially both artificial after containersrain. Ecogreen and natural Pest Management encourages home owners to conduct self-inspection at home on weekly basis to eliminate mosquito breeding sources and consider environment
area. A combination of chemical control (larviciding and spacemodification treatments) to prevent and other mosquito methods activities incorporating in their Integrated Pest Management should be implemented for overall mosquito management strategies.
Cockroaches, ants and rats are commonly found in urban environments especially when the sanitation condition is bad. In Malaysia, most of the control methods rely heavily on insecticides application Part of the Ecogreen Pest Management team at a trade exhibition in Malaysia.
Regine Lim is a former undergraduate student at the School of Biological Sciences, graduating with a degree in Zoology. She is now the Operation Director and owner of Ecogreen Pest Management Sdn Bhd in German cockroach hiding underneath a Penang. www.ecogreenpest.com.my restaurant kitchen table.
14 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Purple flowers of morning glory are produced Coastal year round and bloom in the morning. Morning Glory: a potential mosquito bio-larvicide Wan Fatma Zuharah and Ahbi Rami Rattanam
Coastal morning glory Distribution of coastal morning glory in the leaves of this plant. Acetone extracts of all the The results from our research project indicated that this plant Coastal morning glory (Ipomoea cairica) is also known as Coastal morning glory, as its name implies, plant parts produced higher mosquito larval mortality extract could be an important source of bio-control agent to be the “Mile-a-minute” or “Railway creeper” and is a vigorous, occurs mostly in coastal areas and wastelands, compared to methanol extracts with 100% mortality at incorporated into integrated pest management programmes fast-growing perennial creeper. The leaves are dark often near the sea. It is also an occasional urban 300 ppm concentrations. for the control of aedines. Lethal and sub-lethal properties of green, 4-5 cm long and deeply divided into 5-7 lobes. The weed found in waste land, rubbish dumps, car yards and hedges. Ipomoea cairica comprises the largest Since acetone extracts of I. cairica leaves produced conditions. Since the plant is widely distributed in Malaysia and lavender, pink or whitish-pink, with a deeper coloured number of species within the Convolvulaceae family and the most effective larvicidal activity, this fraction was isthis considered plant could an provideinvasive broader plant, the application commercial in variousexploitation field throat.trumpet-shaped Together with flowers hairless are producedstems and yearreadily round set roots with can be found in almost all tropical regions. The plant is chosen to conduct subsequent experiments. Exposure could provide an important step in the development of new when in touch with the ground, coastal morning glory widespread in the tropical areas of the world such as the of larvae to sublethal concentrations of acetonilic I. plant based insecticides. It has the potential grows rapidly, sometimes climbing 4-6 meter into the West Indies and Asia. cairica leaf extracts was found to reduce fecundity by to be a more cost-effective and cheaper canopy. The plant reproduces by seed dispersal mostly by option to the conventional expensive water or garden refuse during removal. Ipomoea cairica is an invasive plant and can colonize and Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti and environmentally harmful mosquitoes,34.46% and 16.61%,respectively. and fertility Larval athead 49.06% capsule and width 18.55% chemical insecticides. Ipomoea cairica is used in folk medicine for treatment This species tend to creep along the ground even in the in first generation of absencereplace other of supporting native flora structure particularly due to along its twinning the riverbanks. growth smaller in both Aedes species when compared crushed leaves of this plant are used for treatment of toand the wing normal length mosquitoes. were also found Ipomoea to be cairica significantly leaf rashes,of rheumatism especially and those inflammations. accompanied by Drinks fever. madeAlso, it from was extracts was further evaluated for oviposition Thishabit. in Significantturn may lead infestations to the displacement of this weed of certain may kill native the deterrent and ovicidal activity. It was evident that rheumatism, antinociceptive effects and inhibition of HIV animalsnative flora due and to the lead destruction to a reduction of their in natural natural biodiversity. habitat. the plant extract produced excellent oviposition replication.reported to show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti- deterrent with 100% repellency at 100 ppm Cytotoxicity and mosquitocidal properties and 100% ovicidal activity which prevented the Death occurs during malformed larval-pupal intermediate stages. Anti-herbivore defences have been reported in the genus hatching of the eggs of Ae. aegypti. of Ipomoea, which makes this plant suitable to be used in insect pest control programmes. Chemical studies of I. The mosquito larvae exposed to I. cairica extracts cairica extract has led to the isolation of major constituents showed severe morphological deformities. The larvae such as alkaloids, coumarins scopoletin, umbelliferon, exposed to high concentrations of this extract showed lignans, arctigenin, matairesinol and trachelogenin. The severe deformaties that caused death with darkening coumarin presents anti-edema properties and is also an or blackening of larval abdomen and malformed larval- immuno-stimulant and exhibit cytotoxic activity. Arctigenin pupal intermediate. was reported to be the most cytotoxic compound in this plant.
Even though this plant has been known as an invasive and rampant weed, the extract from I. cairica may become an effective means of killing mosquito larvae. Bio-prospecting Dr. Wan Fatma Zuharah Wan Musthapa for botanical insecticides has become a main focus for is an entomologist that specializes in research due to their high level of eco-safety. Our study medically important insects. Her research in the School of Biological Sciences was designed to test focuses on the ecology, distribution, the biological activities of I. cairica crude extract on Aedes behaviour and control (bio-control and mosquitoes in terms of larvicidal, sublethal, oviposition repellent and ovicidal properties. The crude extracts from integrated management) of medically I. cairica were obtained by using Soxhlet extractor with two important insects including mosquitoes different solvents, methanol and acetone. Crude extracts and rove beetles. from I. cairica leaf produced highest larvicidal activity Email: [email protected]/ Leaves of the Ipomoea cairica creeper plant climbing on a fence. Aedes larvae with blackened abdomen after the [email protected] This indicated that more bioactive compounds are located exposure to morning glory extracts compared to the flower or stem parts from the same plant.
16 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 17 Table 1. Malaysian plants with anti-tubercular properties. L. pumila (leaf) n-hexane, and T. coronaria (leaf) n-hexane. MIC* Previous flower) n-hexane; New discovery of No Scientific names (µg/mL) studies Potential sources of anti-TB compounds 1 Ageratum conyzoides 1600 Nil The killing dynamics of the most active fractions were subsequently studied based on their effects on the growth Malaysian plants with 2 Allium odorum 1600 Nil kinetics of M. tuberculosis H37Rv at lower growth rate in 3 Aloe vera 1600 Reported simulation of latent stage TB. The cidal rate of a drug in relation to the time of exposure at dormant state is an important 4 Alpinia galanga 1600 Reported
5 Amaranthus tricolor 1600 Nil prevent development of resistance. The results revealed that sixcharacteristic fractions could for therapeutic be potential efficacy sources in latentof anti-TB TB infection agents for to Anti-tuberculosis 6 Angiopteris evecta 400 Nil latent infection as indicated by their high killing capacity after 7 Averrhoa bilimbi 1600 Nil only one day of exposure. These fractions were A. conyzoides (whole plant) n-hexane and chloroform, C. speciosus (stem- properties Capsicum annum 1600 Nil L. pumila (leaf) n-hexane, T. coronaria (leaf) 89 Catharanthus roseus 1600 Nil n-hexane, and E. longifolia flower)% killing n-hexane, was fully achieved by these plant fractions. Suriyati Mohamad 10 Ceiba pentandra 1600 Nil (leaf) n-hexane. Cidal effect of ≥ 99 11 Centella asiatica 1600 Reported The roadmap of TB drug development follows endless diverse routes, that reaching any landmark is a progress by itself. So 12 1600 Nil Screening for anti- Citrus microcarpa far, this research study stands up with pride for its exciting tuberculosis compounds schematic Figure). A detail evaluation of the anti-TB 13 Clerodendrum 1600 Nil The global tuberculosis (TB) activityincreasing of these polarities partitioned to afford plant five fractions main fractions by means (see of indicum burden underscores the importance of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum outcomes especially as landmark findings in Malaysian TB 14 Clitoria ternatea 1600 Nil anti-TB drug compounds from Malaysian medicinal plants. The developing new effective anti-TB drugs. Since bactericidal concentration (MBC) determinations revealed research. These findings have indicated potential sources of plants are a proven template for the development of promising results. With regards to solvent types, the non- 15 Colocasia esculenta 1600 Nil A. conyzoides, C. odorata, C. speciosus, C. citratus, E. longifolia, new scaffolds of drugs, they have received considerable polar fractions of n-hexane and chloroform were more 16 Costus speciosus Nil L.tubercular pumila, P.plant indica, species P. guajava, identified and in T. this coronaria study, particularly,are indeed attention as potential sources of anti-TB agents. Nowadays, active, indicating that more bioactive constituents against worthy of further investigations. Furthermore, this study had development in high throughput screening, combinatorial M. tuberculosis could have been extracted by these solvents. 17 Eurycoma longifolia 1600800 Nil chemistry, structure-based drug design, TB genomic These results also inferred that the active constituents Ficus carica 1600 Nil active plants to produce alternative forms of TB remedy. tools, and the innovative systems biology approach have could be lipophilic in nature. The fractions of L. pumila also provided scientific evidences on the possible use of these enhanced TB drug discovery efforts from plants. These new (root) n-hexane and chloroform, and P. indica (leaf) 1819 Flemingia strobilifera 1600 Nil technologies have opened the methodological possibility n-hexane were the most active with MIC/MBC values of 20 Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 1600 Nil to investigate complex plant mixtures even at an advance level. Leveraging on the huge potential of Malaysian rich A. conyzoides 21 Jasminum sambac 1600 Nil biodiversity, it is aptly appropriate to initiate a dedicated (whole50/100 plant) μg/mL. n-hexane Other plant and chloroform; fractions that C. speciosuspossessed (stem- good 22 Jatropha curcas 1600 Nil anti-TB activity with MIC of 100 μg/mL were point to relevant sources of potential compounds as drugs 23 Justicia gendarussa 1600 Nil anti-TB research in the anticipation that the findings can 10-15g crude methanolic extracts + 200ml for the treatment of TB. mixture of methanol (30ml) and water (170ml) 24 Labisia pumila 200-400 Nil
Extracted 3X/1-3 days 25 Lepisanthes 1600 Nil with 200ml n-hexane rubiginosa going TB research project, pertinent to its primary aim ofThis identifying article highlights Malaysian the plants preliminary with anti-TB findings properties. of an on- 26 Licuala spinosa 1600 Nil Seventy two plant species belonging to different genera and n-Hexane-soluble fraction Crude methanolic layer Dried and weighed topped-up with H O (200ml) 27 Morus alba 1600 Nil families were investigated based on their ethnobotanical 2 uses in relation to TB disease. In vitro anti-TB activity Passiflora foetida 1600 Nil Extracted 3X/1-3 days Mycobacterium tuberculosis screening of the plant methanol extracts was carried with 200ml chloroform 2829 Phyllanthus acidus 1600 Nil out against a standard virulent strain, Mycobacterium tuberculosis 30 Piper nigrum 1600 Reported H37Rv ATCC 25618 Chloroform-soluble fraction Crude methanolic layer Eurycoma longifolia tetrazolium microplate assay (TEMA) method. More than Dried and weighed topped-up with H O (200ml) 31 Piper sarmentosum Reported H37Rv ATCC 25618, utilising a colorimetric 2 within the test concentration range of 1600 - 200 µg/ Extracted 3X/1-3 days 32 Pistia stratiotes 1600800 Nil with 200ml ethyl acetate half (38 species) of these plants exhibited anti-TB activity 33 Pluchea indica Nil
mL. Among the 38 active plants, 30 species have not been Ethyl acetate-soluble fraction Crude methanolic layer 34 Selaginella plana 1600800 Nil Dried and weighed topped-up with H O (200ml) 1).reported Nine inplant scientific species literature (Ageratum for theirconyzoides, anti-TB Cananga activity 2 35 Sesbania grandiflora 1600 Reported odorata,indicating Costus novel speciosus, findings Cymbopogon based on plant citratus, species Eurycoma (Table Extracted 3X/1-3 days 36 Solanum torvum 1600 Reported longifolia, Labisia pumila, Pluchea indica, Psidium guajava, with 200ml n-butanol Dr Suriyati Mohamad specializes in anti- ) were selected for further and Tabernaemontana coronaria 37 Tabernaemontana Nil tuberculosis drug discovery from natural investigations based on their high anti-TB activity and their coronaria n-Butanol-soluble fraction Aqueous methanolic fraction resources. importance in the local traditional medicine. 800 Dried and weighed Dried and weighed Zingiber officinale 1600 Reported Email: [email protected] The methanol extracts of these active plants were Plant liquid-liquid partitioning procedures for *Minimum38 inhibitory concentration. sequentially partitioned using different solvents with screening anti-TB compounds in plants.
18 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 19 Karas Trees + Fungi = Agarwood + Money Baharuddin Salleh
Introduction seeds. Seedlings raised through tissue culture techniques Karas is a group of tropical trees from Aquilaria and are getting less popular due to a peculiar problem because Gyrinops species and native to South and Southeast Asia. the seedling is without a tap root and gets easily up-rooted. When the trees are infected or challenged with incitants/ inducers/intruders, especially microbes, agarwood The establishment of karas plantations is getting very (dark resinous heartwood) is formed. Agarwood oil is an popular in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, especially expensive product from distillation of karas wood chips. when our Malaysian government is trying to promote Agarwood is therefore a disease symptom and known this tree as a new crop that can bring more income to the under many names such as chénxiāng (Chinese), cham country. The plantations can also serve well in eco-, agro-, heong (Cantonese), (Vietnamese), jinkō and edu-tourism industries. It is not uncommon to plant (Japanese), oud ( ) (Arabic), and gaharu (Indonesia and karas trees between main plantation crops such as oil palm Malaysia). and rubber. In certain areas of Indonesia, young oil palms
to do so. were replaced with karas trees as it was more profitable
Karas seedlings raised from seeds. Agarwood/gaharu Uses of Karas (dark resinous wood) Karas, especially the products such as gaharu, has is formed on Aquilaria been valued, used and traded internationally for more Comments from the Editor-in-Chief: malaccensis heartwood than 2,000 years. It attracts more investors from as a result of Prof. Baharuddin Salleh will be retiring in July 2014 from the many countries as domesticated karas are becoming School of Biological Sciences after decades of exemplary service with fungi. more important and more productive in a very short to the School and USM. He will be missed. In my opinion, one artificial inoculation period (7-10 years). At present, some companies have of his significant legacies to the university was the introduction started to manage and offer a contract farming system of transparent standardized criteria for academic promotion in Aquilaria plantations. We therefore propose to get during his tenure as the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Agarwood has been much sought after for perfumeries, Malaysians to start planting or be involved in contract Affairs. Unlike in the past when the promotion of faculty staff was incenses, medicinal, and religious/ritual purposes. The farming of karas trees. The income is becoming even based on subjective and ambiguous criteria, the introduction of trees are now recognised as natural/botanical sources of more attractive with side income from the harvesting standardized application forms and criteria made this exercise incenses, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. of karas leaves for beverages such as tea and other more objective, transparent and merit-based. This was truly an Large international companies are investing into agarwood products. example of “Kami memimpin” (We lead) as imprinted in the USM and oil as part of their perfumeries business. Currently, logo as many other local universities soon followed suit. Bio- new business opportunities have emerged in the use of Bulletin would like to wish Prof. Baha a restful and meaningful the leaves and other parts of the trees; being developed Inoculation of fungi to induce agarwood retirement. into high value health products such as tea and cookies. Agarwood will not be formed if the karas trees are growing Therefore, karas is being developed as a new and emerging happily without any external disturbances. Therefore, forest plantation with high economic values in Southeast agarwood production in a plantation system must be Asia, potentially with better economic return than rubber induced by suitable microbes and accompanied by suitable and oil palm plantations. Unfortunately, due to the very high production/inoculation techniques which, in many cases, demand, the population of naturally grown karas trees are being depleted, and the trees are consequently listed in the developed to stimulate the formation of agarwood by CITES (Convention of International Trade of Endangered can be costly. A few decades ago, a scientific method was Species). Aquilaria malaccensis is one of the 15 species of Dr. Richard Blanchette has patented the methods. The Prof. Baharuddin Salleh research artificial wounding. Based on his experiments in Vietnam, genus Aquilaria in the Indo-Malesian Archipelago that is process of inoculation is only carried out on 10-cm specialization is focused on non- of great interest to commercial plantation entrepreneurs. diameter or at least 4 year-old trees. Holes are drilled and pathogenic, pathogenic, and toxic species the microbes, especially fungi, are introduced. However, of Fusarium on agricultural crops. Cultivation of karas trees we were able to induce agarwood in 1 year-old seedlings. The cultivation of karas trees is now becoming more Our recent studies showed that the most common fungi Successful inoculation of fungi on a mature tree to Email: [email protected] common for the people who used to be gatherers of wild stimulate agarwood formation. agarwood. Like most forest trees, karas is raised from were Fusarium spp. isolated from artificially- and naturally-formed gaharu
20 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 21 The tranquil beach at Setiu, Terengganu
cue. Sea turtles might move awkwardly and slow on land, but and wandering on a bleak path. But remember the generally they are brilliant swimmers. Did you know that only seaAs humans,turtles that there have are to daysnavigate we findthrough ourselves the brutal, lost 1 out of 1,000 hatchlings will survive after being released to relentless waves, and merciless predators. Not all the sea? Hence, the struggle to save this species is indeed vital.
home too. wanderers are lost. Just hold on, we can find our way Lesson #3: Of being committed and responsible Turtles are gentle and calm creatures. They never bite Seven Life humans and the only aggressive behaviour they show is
laying their egss. The only reason they do that is to when they flip their flippers ferociously after finishing the eggs cannot be seen by predators (which include humans).protect and Other provide than camouflagethat, I do not for remember the eggs so when that Lessons or why turtles can be dangerous to us. Funny thing is that we, consciously or not, are the main cause to its we can learn from destruction. We poach their eggs, create disturbance by causing too much noise and light near their nesting site, destroy their habitat and the list goes on. Turtle hatchlings fresh from the egg clutch waiting to be released. Sea Turtles Nature and its bounty can be shared among us humans, animals and plants. However, it will take commitment, Once the small turtle hatchlings are in the big ocean, who Aini Hasanah effort and responsibility. Archie Carr, a prominent knows what lies ahead; boats waiting to catch and boil the turtle scientist, once said, “For most of the wild things hatchlings into hot pots, nets that are drifting in the ocean on earth, the future must depend upon the conscience I stepped down from the car and here I am again in Setiu for of mankind”. crabs. But these hatchlings swim through anyhow and anyway, the umpteenth time. The last time I was here was in 2010. regardlessthat can entangle of the oddsthem thator natural are stacked predators against such them. as fish If theyand I was then an intern with the World Wide Fund (WWF) A female adult turtle nesting So lesson number three, let us be more committed and lose, they lose. If they survived, they will return back to the Malaysia for their Turtle and Terrapin Project. Setiu is at the Setiu beach. responsible to the conservation of our environment, same spot they originated. Whatever happens, they will never including our precious sea turtles. give up. which among them are the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydashome ),to painted many species terrapin of (endangeredBatagur borneoensis flora and) andfauna, river of Lesson #4: Be well travelled There is a saying, ‘You can never cross the ocean, until you terrapin (Batagur baska). One of Terengganu’s hidden With no reservations and passports, sea turtles may be have the courage to lose the sight on the shore.’ gem, Setiu has in its vicinity, rivers, mangroves, lagoons, the luckiest ambassadors. I once experienced assisting long stretches of sandy beach, and forest. the turtle conservation team in tagging a turtle with Lesson #6: Age gracefully a satellite tracking device. The sea turtle was tracked Turtle functions to stabilize the food web interaction in and travelled from Setiu to Johor, and the last signal the marine ecosystem. Their dietary habit can control the event in my life. It was an inspiring time. A dear former detected was from the Philippines. Female green sea population of other organisms in the coral reef. For example, colleagueMy first ‘encounter’once said to withme that Setiu the wasmost a fundamental short and sweetthing turtles will land every alternate year to nest during the about doing conservation work is not only passion but also nesting season. During the nesting season itself, they feed on algae and sea grasses. Sometimes, sea turtles work creativity, perseverance and most of all, it takes sincerity. leatherback turtles feed on jelly fishes, while green sea turtles I found myself nodding blindly at that time because I they have the whole borderless ocean to roam. thought you can do almost everything with passion alone. I Even though I know that team work is important and will land about five to six times to lay eggs. After that, thetogether latter withwill get other more organisms food by using for mutual less energy. benefits. In return, Their learned a valuable lesson back then. oftentimes needed to accomplish goals, nevertheless, symbiotic relationship with yellow tang fishes ensures that there are times when we are on our own with no one to parasite and make it lighter for the sea turtles to move since This time around, Setiu would be more than a place depend on. Just like the tiny hatchlings, we are also capable Installing a satellite the carapace fish would surface keep will the be carapace smoother clean (reduces from drag). any external to gain experience. I came here with two objectives. to be independent, carry on our own way and make our tracking device on the Other than assisting WWF for the turtle and terrapin own path in life to explore the sea of opportunities. If we sea turtle’s carapace. Turtles’ body parts are exploited, their eggs and meat for conservation work, I was there collecting research data persevere, we shall conquer. consumption, and carapace for ornamental purposes. In a for my Master degree studies. Upon completion, I felt that I non-consumptive manner, turtles are used as an icon for had accomplished more than I had anticipated. During my First lesson learned. culture in certain regions such as in Terengganu, Indonesia seven months stay in Setiu, I’ve learned seven important and China. Turtles can symbolize longevity and strength due life lessons. All I can say is that these take-home lessons are Lesson #2: Be a good navigator to its long lifespan. These days, as traditional beliefs fades Sea turtles are good navigators. After reaching adulthood away, turtles are more linked to eco-tourism and provide socio and become sexually mature, sea turtles would return to its economic growth to the locals. However, there are Standard Lessonanecdotes #1: that Team I learned work versusfrom watching being independent our flipper friend. natal beach. Sea turtles are able to detect the earth magnetic It’s okay to be away from home, just to take a breather. Operating Protocols that must be followed, so that the balance Female sea turtles will lay eggs by the beach, hide the clutch It’s okay to learn new places and faces, for we will and return back to the sea. There is no parental care for positional information from two magnetic elements, which expand our horizons. It might be scary and intimidating be achieved. the hatchlings upon her return back to the sea, regardless arefield the and inclination use it as angle a directional and intensity. cue. These They two can elements receive between conserving turtles and gaining monetary profit can the size of the clutch. Hence, the turtle hatchlings are on differ across sea borders and endow different geographic then we will not know. Turtles might be a living proof that nature does not simply their own once they hatch. No parents to guide their way areas with unique magnetic signatures. During the sea at first, but if we don’t brace ourselves for the first step, exist just for the sake of existence. The ecological role turtles to the sea. Even if they crawled up from the nest together Lesson #5: Courage and perseverance play are huge and not limited to the marine environment. in a clutch, once they emerged, they will be on their own in of the hatchlings natal beach is imprinted in the turtle’s Once hatched from the clutch, turtle hatchlings will the huge ocean. memory.turtle hatchlings’ Amazing! first crawl to the sea, the magnetic field navigate to the sea on their own, by using moonlight as turtle population sustainable and allow them to age gracefully. Humans too derive benefits from sea turtles. Let us keep the
22 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 23 Lesson #7: Be at ease in your own shell Sea turtles can be differentiated based on different physical features. Every species is basically covered by a hard bony carapace, except for leatherbacks which has a cartilaginous carapace. Hawksbill turtle has a narrow hawk-like beak, hence the name. Green turtles have vertebral and costal
species.scutes on its carapace, and its flesh is green. Each of the features is special and distinct, and provides benefit to the Similar to a sea turtle, we too are special and distinct in our way. A successful person is someone who might not be the best in everything, but he/she makes the best out of everything. Contentment and comparison rarely occupy the same mind, so choose wisely. Choose to be content instead. And just as we are at ease in our own shell, we will be a better person. Perhaps like a sea turtle too, we would be able to roam a wider and borderless sea of life challenges.
Final lesson learned.
The practice of community-based conservation is important to enhance livelihood and gain awareness regarding conservation efforts. This includes interacting with the local community such as providing tuition classes for their children.
Aini Hasanah recently received her Masters degree in Environmental Biology from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her research involved nesting ecology and behaviour of green sea turtles, variation of carapacial scute and the level of public awareness of turtle conservation at Setiu, Terengganu.
24 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 The Rattan resourses of Penang Wan Nur Fasihah Zarifah Wan Rozali and Asyraf Mansor
Rattan is derived from the Malay word “rotan”, the local Across the Straits of Malacca to the mainland of Penang, different name for spiny climbing palms with scaly fruits. Rattan is rattan compositions and abundance are recorded with Bukit Panchor being dominated by Calamus radulosus followed by to those living near the forests. This particular palm group Daemonorops geniculata. A low density of D. calicarpa, Daemonorops isa significantmainly distributed source of incomethroughout for local South-East people, especiallyAsia, the grandis, Calamus densiflorus, Korthalsia hispida and Daemonrops hystrix were also recorded in Bukit Panchor. As for Bukit Mertajam, the recent global assessment of rattan, about 600 species D. geniculata was recognized as the dominant species followed by Western Pacific region and in the humid areas of Africa. In D. calicarpa. species are commonly and commercially used by the local communities.in 13 genera were identified. However, only about 50
Rattan inventory is a way of evaluating the status of rattan resources in the forest. It is an important step towards proper management of these depleting resources. An inventory of available rattan resources is also very important in order to tag their location and to identify their distributional pattern. The main objective of rattan inventory is to provide baseline information on rattan composition and distribution in Malaysia since Malaysia was once known to have abundant resources of rattan. At
on the collection of rattan in the country. Therefore we initiatedpresent, therea study is limitedto compile compiled data scientificon rattan data resources available in Malaysia, initially focusing on the forest reserves of Penang.
A recent survey in four forested areas; namely Bukit Panchor Reserve, Bukit Mertajam Reserve, Penang Hill Reserve and Penang National Park, revealed a total The spiny stems of Calamus densiflorus
rattan species and 21 species were recorded from all four samplingnumber of sites. 5482 Calamus individuals dieppenhorstii representing is the five dominant genera of In conclusion, the endemism of Calamus penicillatus only to Penang species in Penang National Park followed by Plectocomia griffithii and Daemonorops forest, but not found on the Penang mainland sites surveyed, is the lewisiana. Other species which were Island, specifically at the Penang National Park and the Penang Hill found in lower total individuals in the Penang National Park are Daemonorops most interesting findings obtained from this study to date. calicarpa, Calamus penicillatus and Calamus castaneus. For Penang Hill, there were ten species found and P. griffithii showed the highest abundance. The least recorded individuals are from D. lewisiana and C. penicillatus. Other rare species are the Calamus castaneus, D. calicarpa, Korthalsia scaphigera, Calamus calospathus Dr. Asyraf Mansor has focussed research and Calamus javensis. expertise in forest ecology. Wan Nur Fasihah Zarifah Wan Rozali is currently a postgraduate student. The fruits of the rattan Email: [email protected] Daemonorops calicarpa
The fruits of Calamus castaneus Calamus castaneus 26 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 27 Construction of dams and barrages may change the
stream flow and riparian biota population. Aquatic insects and pollution Aquatic insects are not only numerous but also divergent in their taxonomic composition consisting
of the orders Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Odonata (dragonflies, damseflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), Blattodea (cockroaches), Trichoptera (caddisflies), Hemiptera (water bugs), Megaloptera (alderflies, Hymenopterafishflies, dobsonflies), (wasp), some Neuroptera Diptera (midges) (spongillaflies, and semi aquaticowlflies), Orthoptera. Coleoptera Aquatic (beetles), insects’ Lepidoptera assemblages (moths), are made up of species that constitute a broad range of tropic levels and pollution tolerances thus providing strong information for interpreting Sampling activity to collect biological and cumulative effects. physical data in the stream.
Among all insect groups, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) are good indicators (DOE) of Malaysia has not considered using aquatic insects of environmental conditions in streams. Interestingly, as bio-indicators of pollution for river pollution studies. The EPT species vary in sensitivity to organic pollution and DOE principally uses Water Quality Index (WQI) based on thus their relative abundance has been used to make physico-chemical water parameters for monitoring water inferences about levels of pollution. These insects’ quality purposes. It is hoped that with more formal training groups of EPT reach their maximum development in streams and contain families that are entirely or almost EPT,opportunities as potential and bio-indicators refined analyses can be extensively especially used on species in bio- indicator using EPT is based on their diversity, identification, the application of aquatic insects, especially the Bio-monitoring abundanceconfined to and running the water.distribution The concept in relation of biological to the Malaysian in the future. using aquatic insects physical and chemical conditions of the habitats. monitoring of aquatic ecosystem health and thus can benefit A Suhaila Ab. Hamid C Water is vital to life. Protection of streams is important to ensure that an adequate supply of high-quality water can status of an environment which represents the impact of last for a long time. One great threat to the stream biota group of species that readily reflects the abiotic or biotic is the construction of dams and barrages that affect the or ecosystem. In other words, evaluation of ecosystem healthenvironmental can be measured change on quantitatively a specific habitat, using community biological B organisms found in the habitat. A taxon that responds disturbancesregulation and that diversion may lead of riverto loss flow. of fauna. The species richness to any environmental disturbance or changes in the of stream fauna is strongly influenced by anthropogenic environmental situation is a good candidate to be used in Aquatic insects (immature stages) found in streams; Monitoring of water quality the bio-monitoring process. Assessing ecological quality of rivers using macro- invertebrate fauna including aquatic insects is an The presence, absence and/or trend in population of a) Mayfly (Ephemeroptera): Family Caenidae, macro-invertebrate species in a particular environment in a b) Stonefly (Plecoptera): Family Peltoperlidae, and c) Caddisfly (Trichoptera): Family Leptoceridae. of human demands on water supply and the needs of water body provide a measure of aquatic ecosystem health. expanding global science due to the conflicting pressure freshwater biota. Monitoring water quality by conventional Multiple groups of organism such as macro-invertebrates, Kick sampling technique for chemical methods can tell us very little about the effects insects sample collection. of pollution on aquatic life. The impact of pollution will to evaluate aquatic ecosystem health. Aquatic insects have Family Heptageniidae. beenfish, plankton used effectively and algae as biologicalare usually indicators used as bio-indicators to determine Adult mayfly: area. Therefore, bio-indication is important in aquatic environmental conditions of stream ecology. Biological systemsdirectly influenceas a parameter organisms to monitor that livewater within quality. the A affected routine monitoring using aquatic insects has many advantages. chemical analysis can only be done for a few selected toxic Aquatic insects have limited mobility or are sedentary and chemicals and it is becoming more expensive to buy the therefore they can become good assessors of pollution required chemical reagents and hire the technical staff Dr Suhaila Ab. Hamid is a senior lecturer required to analyze the water samples. taxa of aquatic insects with regard to their sensitivity to in School of Biological Sciences. Her research interests are taxonomy, biology environmentalimpact on a specific changes habitat. is due The to existence different of aquatic many different insects Nonetheless, the use of aquatic insects for bio- and ecology of aquatic insects in freshwater Bio-indication or bio-monitoring that live in different microhabitats and can occur very indication seems less popular in the Asian region Bio-indication or bio-monitoring is the science of close together. Furthermore, biological methods using although this technique provides a cheaper option to ecosystems. She had investigated aquatic applied ecology using organisms (bio-indicator) that aquatic insects as bio-indicator is environmental friendly, monitor aquatic ecosystem health without the need insect fauna in various rivers in Penang live within natural ecosystems to monitor any changes less expensive and less time consuming. Aquatic insects of high-technology tools. The obstacles include lack and other states in peninsular Malaysia. or disturbance in the ecosystem and the data collected are usually abundant and have relatively short life spans of knowledge of the macro-invertebrates fauna in Email: [email protected] used in the management of these ecological systems. Bio- making them suitable to be studied as there are usually no Malaysia and limited government understanding and ethical constraints in insects sampling. support. Currently, the Department of Environment indicator or indicator taxa can be defined as a species or 28 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 29 Remembering The four former deans of the School of Biological Sciences were happy to pose for this photograph. Sitting, from left, Prof. Dato’ Wong Tat Meng the 3rd Dean. On the right is Prof. Dato Ho Sinn Chye the 9th Dean. Standing, on the left is Prof. Abu Hassan, the 14th Dean and Prof. Mashhor Mansor, the Past... th the 13 Dean. We all had a great time sharing our bitter-sweet experiences of the Bio School Reunion Dinner administrating a large and challenging School in USM. Mashhor Mansor The academic and technical staff of the School of Biological Sciences held a reunion dinner at the end of 2012 at a Chinese restaurant in Penang. The event was attended by Bio staff from the 1970s /80s and was a nostalgic event and brought back many fond old memories. It was a great time of meeting and catching up with old friends again. We have not been in contact with many of these pioneering members of the Bio School family for many years, some whom we have lost contact for more than 30 years. A few of them had come from as far as Australia and England.
Dr. Lim Boo Liat, the first PhD student graduated from the School of Biological Sciences is the recipient of the prestigious MERDEKA Award in 2013. Apart from the recognition accorded by the award, the Merdeka award also comes with a cash award of RM500,000. Dr. Lim graduated in 1977 with a PhD in Zoology from USM. Dr. Lim is still active in his zoological research although he is more than 80 years old. Dr. Goon Wooi Khoon and I were privileged to share a private moment of conversation with him.
Sitting, from left Dr. Kam, Prof. Abu Hassan, Dr. Leong, Dr. Lim, Dato Ishak Kechik, Dr. Tan, Dr. Marcus Chamber. Standing, from left Dato Liong, Mr. Adrin, Prof. Mashhor, Dr. Khiew, Dr. Lim was awarded the Merdeka Award 2013 in the Environment Dr. Kamaruzaman, Dr. Wong, Dr. Lim, Dr. Ong and others (not listed in sequence). category. He was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the conservation of Malaysia’s biological diversity through the study, understanding and control of vector-borne diseases and the relationship between diseases and the environment; and for advocating the protection of our natural heritage. (Text and photo adapted from www. merdekaaward.my)
30 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 31 Deviating from tradition, a gap day was inserted into on October 24, 2012 at the age of 90. It was very interesting the symposium program for tours to nearby areas and to see the role John Halver played in making Fish Nutrition a symposium dinner so that delegates had ample time and the for more informal networking and catching up with colleagues from around the world. Most delegates froma legitimate basic monitoring scientific field.of the We effects were of alsodiet ontaken parameters on a journey such Cairns chose to visit the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest asof howgrowth fish and nutrition feed intake research to the has measurement progressed ofover biochemical the years coral reef system and living structure. The cruise boat parameters to enzyme analysis and the pioneering efforts in Great Barrier Reef took us to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef making formulated pelleted feeds. We have much to thank where delegates can choose to snorkel, scuba dive or John Halver for the advances currently made in this thriving visit the various facilities on the multi-level reef activity Ng Wing Keong platform which included a semi-submerged viewing in research and traveled the world attending conferences. At station. For those who can snorkel or scuba dive, a ISFNFfield of conferences,research. Even he in will his 80s,always Halver sit oncontinued the front to berow active and spectacular and colorful underwater will not hesitate to make comments (negative or positive) The 16th International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and world of marine life and on the presentations. At ISFNF 2004 in Phuket, Thailand, as Feeding (ISFNF) was recently held at the coastal town corals exploded into I was making my way down from the stage after giving my of Cairns in Queensland, Australia from 25 to 30 May, view. oral presentation, he gave me the thumbs up and commented 2014. Cairns is perhaps best known as the departing point “Excellent presentation”, which made my day! I last met Halver at the ISFNF 2010 conference in Qingdao, China. is a relatively small tourist town but has most of the amenitiesfor visits toof thebig magnificentcity life. Sandwiched Great Barrier between Reef. the Cairns Attending these highly specialized conferences is critically sea and a mountain range, it has spectacular scenery important as a venue to highlight our research, make the and I immediately felt very relaxed upon entering the world take notice of our work and to establish linkages with town center from the airport. There is a man-made sea colleagues from both the academia and industry. Through both formal and informal meetings at these conferences, very successful research ideas and collaborations can be forged. thatlagoon seems and toartificial permeate sandy through beach this constructed town. within the town center which truly reflects the laid-back way of life Over the years, these conferences have played a large role in my own career development. I sincerely hope more young About 360 participants, from both academia and the Photo taken with Asian-based technical managers from commonly sighted in these waters at the outer the Behn-Meyer Group of Companies and Novus International. edgeThe giant of the humphead Great Barrier wrasse Reef is (underwater a coral fish researchers from Malaysia will make better use of their Higher management level personnel from the aquafeed industry photo courtesy of Brett Glencross). attendance at these highly specialized conferences of their were well represented at this Symposium. own subject matter to establish international contacts, to toaquafeed the symposium industry, wasfrom kept 38 countries updated attendedto the latest this trends premier in highlight their research and to make an impact on the global aquaticfish nutrition animal symposium nutrition research that is a biennial through event. a total Delegates of about industry are therefore similarly informed of any new Fish nutrition research has come a long way since the stage. 1960s and have contributed much to the development of the phrase “Fish” in the title of this series of Symposium, 88 oral, 3 keynote and 180 poster presentations. Despite chosen as an oral presenter for this symposium and decided the ever expanding global aquaculture industry. It was findings in this field of research. I was privileged to be therefore timely and appropriate that the Symposium including shrimp, lobsters, abalone, microalgae, seahorses, to speak on my latest research on the use of organic acids started off at the opening ceremony to acknowledge the etc.,scientific albeit, presentations the major focus covers of most a variety presentations of aquatic were species on as a functional feed additive in marine shrimp feeds. Our research in USM discovered that a special blend of organic have recently passed away. Kevin Williams (Australia), must consist of research data that are new and have not yet acids was able to not only enhance shrimp growth but also significant contributions of some of our colleagues that teleost fish of commercial importance. All presentations boost their immune response and resistance to bacterial Colin Cowey (United Kingdom) and John Halver (United States) were given honorable mention at the start of the ISFNF, there are no concurrent oral presentation sessions diseases. Considering the prevalence of global shrimp andbeen allpublished delegates in scientificattend thejournals. same Ashighly is the informativetradition of by Ronald Hardy, the chairman of the International presentations and ensuing discussions. Eminent scientists, farmers these days, the presentation was timely and very diseases and the huge financial losses suffered by shrimp symposium. The first keynote presentation was given graduate students and technical personnel in the aquafeed well received by the symposium delegates. Together with my collaborators from Turkey and Australia, we presented topic “John Halver Oration: Accidental Fish Nutritionist another paper on the impact of rising water temperatures WhoScientific Changed Committee Everything” of the and ISFNF highlighted who spoke all the on major the on fatty acid metabolism and lipid nutrition of European achievements of John Halver who is widely regarded as sea bass. the “Father of Fish Nutrition”. John Halver passed away
John Halver, the “Father of Fish Nutrition” at the conference in Qingdao, China, in 2010.
Some of the Symposium delegates trying out the snorkeling gear during the Great Barrier Reef day trip. Ng Wing Keong is a Professor of Aquaculture Nutrition. He has specialized interests in developing new lipid and protein ingredients as well as functional additives in the feeds of commercially Waiting at the Reef Terminal for our day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. On the far left is Douglas farmed fish and shrimp to enhance I was the only oral presenter representing Malaysia at the Tocher (University of Stirling) who was one aquaculture. of the keynote speaker and on the far right is sustainability and profitability of International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and Feeding in Cairns. Email: My trip was sponsored by an industry-based development grant. Brett Glencross (CSIRO), the local organizing [email protected] committee chairman of the Symposium.
32 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 33 Sign board at the Kg. Batu Ring jetty to commemorate the community program. A Community Ocean Service Program Awareness Week Boat ride heading towards at Kampung Batu Ring at Universiti Sains Malaysia Kampung Batu Ring in Perak. Zarul Hazrin Hashim Quek Yew Aun
Kampung Batu Ring, with a population of about 200 assigned to their respective family to experience the livelihood Ocean Awareness Week (OAW) is an event organised three nights. Participants of the event were provided with people, is located in a secluded area in Lenggong, of the local villagers via the home-stay concept. Kg. Batu Ring, by the Scuba Diving Club of Universiti Sains Malaysia myCSD points and popcorn. The event was a great success, Perak, and is a typical small village in Malaysia. The which at the moment is already well-known for her home-stay (USM) to advocate the importance of the marine attracting about 620 students from all the 14 Schools in the unique characteristic of this village is that the only program, is the only village in the area that offers guests to ecosystem among students and staff of USM. The main campus. access into the village is by boat, via the Perak River. stay together with the home owner. Participants were then There are three main jetties where people can take the given a chance to rest, relax and bond with their ‘new’ family. undergraduate students from the School of Biological boat ride to get to Kg. Batu Ring: jetty of Kg. Cherakoh, Most of them were taken to the nearby waterfall by their new eventSciences was and initiated the inaugural by a few OAW passionate was successfully first year jetty of Kg. Pipit and the jetty at Tasik Raban. The boat carried out in May 2013. This year, the event was held ride usually takes 20 minutes by using a long wooden from 3 to 10 May. Participants of the “Run for the Ocean” charity event at the boat powered with a propeller-generator. Using boats family members. Those who love fishing made use of this time starting point of the route in as daily transportation is a way of live for the locals, toThe fish opportunity at the jetty. to visit Kg. Batu Ring was fully utilized by The 35 committee members for OAW 2014 were made USM main campus. including school children to go to nearby schools. up of undergraduate students from various Schools in USM with 20 students from the School of Biological Surrounded by a green mountain range and next to the ourdistribution fisheries researchgroup. My project colleagues in these and Iareas. had the As chancea result, to theset Sciences. Perak River and Tasik Raban, this unique scenery has severalsatisfactory sets ofcatch gill becamenets to fulfillone ofpart our of lunch our fish menus diversity once andthe quite often been chosen by producers as their location needed data were recorded. The species, number and the size
and commercials are Anna and the King, starring Chow area. Yunfor filming Fat and movies Jodie Foster, and commercials. and a Hari Raya Among commercial the movies by of captured fish can directly indicate the fisheries status in the Petronas directed by the late director, Yasmin Ahmad. By late afternoon, the villagers and the participants once again The mountains, river and lake also provide lots of work together to prepare a delightful menu for the feast in the opportunity for biological diversity studies, especially used for this purpose. Besides barbeque, the meat was also Sciences, USM. Research and education programs eveningprepared that for rendangincluded anda barbeque. soup. The A feast stag isweighing the peak 8 event kg was of Run for the Ocean (26 April) toconducted field researchers in Kg. Batu Ring from and the its School nearby of area Biological include the program as it involved all villagers. The night continues One of the themes for OAW 2014 was endangered marine with a lively karaoke session with active participation from species. True to this theme, a charity run was organised in studies and other university programs. Frequent visits staff of Bio School. support of two non-governmental organizations (NGO) that wildlife,by students trees and andlecturers fish to inventories, Kg. Batu Ring water for research quality The committee members of the Ocean Awareness Week 2014. carry out research on endangered marine species. MareCet is purposes have indirectly created a bond between the Overall, the objectives of this community program have been a local NGO that does research on cetaceans (dolphins, whales researchers and the villagers. successfully achieved and the participants acquired valuable During OAW, exhibition booths were set up in front of and porpoises) while Save Our Seahorses focuses on seahorse community outreach experience. Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra and included involvement conservation. Part of the funds collected from this run was In order to further strengthen this bond, a community from various government and non-governmental channelled to the respective NGO to support their research service program organized by the School of Biological organizations as well as private companies interested and conservation of these amazing marine species. Sciences was held at Kg. Batu Ring from 12-13 April in being involved in marine ecosystem management 2014. Twenty nine staff including lecturers, supporting and conservation. OAW 2014 was co-organized by The event targeted not only USM students and staff but also staff and administrators took part in this program. the general public. The participants were asked to choose Very early in the morning, participants gathered at the brand in Malaysia. Other organizations involved between running for the dolphins or the seahorses and Kg. Cherakoh jetty for the boat ride to Kg. Batu Ring. Pacificincluded West the Malaysia, Marine Stewardshipa renowned valueCouncil, added Centre seafood for received a limited edition “Run for the Ocean” T-shirt themed Upon arrival, the program started with a prayer recital Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan after the species that they supported. followed by speeches from the village head, Mohd Alias Malaysia, MareCet, Save Our Seahorses, Reef Check Md Arshad or more famously known as and The participants from Bio School and the Malaysia, Malaysia Nature Society and the Malaysian Pak Yeh villagers of Kampung Batu Ring. Presentations and Talks (6 to 9 May) Society of Marine Sciences. This part of OAW 2014 allowed direct contact of students After a light tea-break, Bio School participants together with people involved in the conservation and preservation of thewith dean the villagers of Bio School, started Assoc. to clean Prof. the Dr. surrounding Ahmad Sofiman. area. Activities carried out before, during and after OAW marine ecosystems. The event hosted several talks in a span Six plants each of cloves and tamarind were planted 2014 included: of 5 days and included presentations given by Ms. Vivian Kuit- along the walkway from the jetty to the balairaya. So (MareCet) on “What’s the big deal with marine mammals?”, A special sign board was installed near the jetty to CinemOcean (26 to 28 March) Mr. Kanda Kumar (Malaysian Nature Society) on “Sea pollution commemorate this program. Dr. Zarul Hazrin Hashim is a senior OAW 2014 kick-started with a movie screening event from domestic waste”, Ms. Charlotte (Marine Stewardship lecturer at the School of Biological aptly named CinemOcean. The event featured six Council, Australia) on “MSC in a seashell: safeguarding seafood In any community program, one of the enjoyable movies that depicted the beauty of the ocean. The Sciences. His research mainly focused on supplies for this and future generations”, Ms. Serina Rahman six movies comprised of three animations (Finding (Marine Society of Marine Sciences) on “Student engagement water nutrient dynamics and the diversity, Nemo, Seefood, Happy Feet) and three motion pictures for the community in Sungai Pulai coastal environment” and activitieswith mango is studs tasting and the salads local were cuisines. served Pickled at lunch fish, by ecology, biology and management of (Dolphin Tale, Big Miracle, Free Willy). One animation Ms. Cynthia (Reefcheck Malaysia) on the topic “Coral reefs: grilledthe villagers. tilapia, Infish the head afternoon, curry, jackfruit each participant curry together was and one motion picture were screened every night for why should you care?”. freshwater fishes. 34 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 35 Fisheries Department of Malaysia. The aim of this visit was to spread awareness regarding the status of turtle conservation in Malaysia. The program
involved a hike into Kerachut Beach, briefing on Advertising in entranceturtle conservation of Penang National by the Park. officers, release of Bio-Bulletin turtle hatchlings and finally a boat ride back to the A publication of the School of Biological Sciences, Bio-Bulletin Due to the success of the past two events, Ocean Universiti Sains Malaysia programme for the Scuba Club of USM. Hence as long Circulation Some of the participants at a talk asAwareness Scuba Club WeekUSM exists has as now an active become society, the the flagship OAW Bio-Bulletin (ISSN: 1823-0504) is a given by Ms. Charlotte of the Marine AUTHORS’ GUIDELINES programme will run every year. This will ensure the twice yearly publication by the Stewardship Council, Australia. sustainability of the programme. With USM as the host, OAW could transform into something more meaningful by targeting We, the Editorial Team, would like to invite you to contribute School of Biological Sciences, not only USM but the rest of the universities throughout short articles (about 1000-1500 words; 2 to 3 pages of text) for Universiti Sains Malaysia. The Documentary Screenings (6 to 9 May) the twice yearly issue of the magazine, the Bio-Bulletin, on any magazine will be widely Four documentaries were screened in conjunction biological sciences topic of your interest. distributed to faculty, staff with OAW 2014. These included Blackfish, an expose documentary about the consequences of keeping large Malaysia.hope that We this hope event to continuecould be toan attract annual sufficient affair that sponsorship everyone and students of the School of Articles should include at least 3 to 4 good quality color pictures marine mammals in captivity; Sharkwater, a Canadian andinterested exhibitors in the to marinethe event environment to ensure its in financial USM and viability. in Malaysia We Biological Sciences, various documentary about how the shark hunting industry is could look forward to. strategic departments at driving this species to extinction; Plasticized, an eye- This event is a great avenue to train young leaders who are (digitaltables should images) be placedalong withat the any end tables of the andarticle, figures one perthat page. can Universiti Sains Malaysia and opening story about the effects, reality, and scale of selected local and international plastic pollution around the world and Garbage Island, environmentally conscious and also equipped with the enhance understanding of the subject matter. All figures and collaborators. A secured PDF a Texas-sized island made entirely of our trash in the know how to carry out environmentally friendly events. within the text). Photos and graphics are very essential to middle of the ocean. All screening were free and free Although the students of USM come from different courses, illustratePhotos should articles be publishedsent as separate in Bio-Bulletin jpg or tif and files should (not embedded be at the file of the magazine will also be popcorn was given to all attendees. the knowledge that they gain from this event be it by being a highest resolution possible. hosted on the School of Biological part of the committee or being a participant of the events, will Sciences website at www.bio.usm. be of use to make informed decisions related to the marine Literature citations are not needed nor encouraged in your my environment and its protection. All of our current committee article. Please include complete contact information of all or second year undergraduate students. These are the people who will take over the reins of this event when the time comes. members are youths (age 19-23) and many of them are first includeauthors a(designation, digital photo email (face address, only) of affiliation) the corresponding but the number author Discounts and Long live OAW! of authors for each article should not be more than five. Please Payments 5 sentences) on your area of expertise at the end of your 1. A 20% discount on space is The turtle release event at Kerachut Beach as a separate jpg file. Include a short write-up (not more than given on display ads featured in in the Penang National Park. formatting and editing will be done by the Editorial Team. both issues. article. There is no fixed text format for submitted articles as all 2. Advertisers will be required to prepay for their ads upfront for Bio-Bulletin, please try to summarize and reword the article prior to publication of any When adapting your published scientific journal manuscripts using terminology easily comprehensible by the general public. advertisement (a closing date You may include an Author’s note at the end of the article giving will be provided). USM students and staff as well as people in Penang the full paper citation upon which your article in Bio-Bulletin concerned about the cleanliness of our beaches was based so that interested readers can refer to your published 3. Ad contracts are subject to at the beach clean-up event. paper for more information. cancellation provided notice is given before the closing date. On behalf of the Editorial Team, we thank you for considering 4. Advertisers are responsible for Beach Clean-up (10 May) the design of their advertisement The other theme for this year’s Ocean Awareness Week this request, and we look forward to receiving your article was marine debris. Penang island is surrounded by contributions to Bio-Bulletin. and must be of good quality. many beautiful beaches. Sadly, only a few beaches with potential to attract tourists are well kept and cleaned regularly. The rest are littered with marine debris. OAW Editor-in-Chief, Interested advertisers, kindly contact: 2014 organised a beach clean-up in several beaches. Professor Ng Wing Keong, FASc Dr. Faradina Merican Mohd. Sidik Merican
Students and staff of USM as well as the Penang public [email protected] participated in this event. The event reminded us all 04-653 3888 ext: 5878/5901 that whatever we throw into our oceans will come back 011-2437 1154 to us. Quek Yew Aun is currently a second year Aquatic Biology student in the School Turtle Release Program (24 May 2014) of Biological Sciences. He chaired the Beaches of Penang island are nesting sites for two committee of OAW 2014. His decision in species of the world’s marine turtles, green turtle choosing to study in USM was due to the (Chelonia mydas) and the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). OAW14 strong Aquatic and Environmental Biology highlighted the importance of conserving these program available and his interest in Marine Biology. Beach turtle sanctuary that is managed by the flagship species by organising a visit to the Kerachut
36 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014 Bio-Bulletin June/July 2014