Abstract. Srivastava A, Pandey V, Verma RK, Marwal A, Gupta R, Shahid MS, Gaur RK. 2025. Phylogeny and recombination of papaya begomoviruses in Northern and Central-East India. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 298-312. Papaya plants exhibiting characteristic leaf curl symptoms were surveyed in 2022 across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, India. Begomovirus infection was suspected based on symptomatology and confirmed in 11 of 47 collected samples using PCR with Begomovirus-specific primers. This study aimed to elucidate the diversity and distribution of begomoviruses infecting papaya in these regions. Full-length viral genomes were amplified through Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA), and associated alphasatellites and betasatellites were detected using PCR with universal primers. The amplified viral genomes (~2.7 kb), betasatellites (~1.4 kb), and alphasatellites (~1.3 kb) were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed 94.57-99.46% nucleotide identity of DNA-A with known isolates of Papaya Leaf Curl Virus (PaLCuV), Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV), Croton Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (CYVMV), Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV), and Cotton Leaf Curl Multan Virus (CLCuMuV). The DNA-B component exhibited 98.33% identity with ToLCNDV. Ten betasatellites shared 86.81-99.71% identity with related species, whereas two alphasatellites showed approximately 98.5% identity with PaLCuA and PaLCVSA. One betasatellite (PL36) displayed 86.81% identity and was identified as a novel Papaya Leaf Curl Raipur Betasatellite (PaLCuRPRB). Furthermore, six PaLCuV isolates showing <91% identity was classified as new PaLCuV variants.

Abstract. Ekasari I, Sahromi, Wardhani PK. 2025. Morphological characterization and correlation of seed, fruit, and seedling of Horsfieldia iryaghedhi. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 218-225. Horsfieldia iryaghedhi is a critically endangered species from the Myristicaceae family. Examining seed, fruit, and seedling morphology of the species is crucial, as generative propagation remains the only known conservation method. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the morphological characterization of the seed, fruit, and seedling of H. iryaghedhi and to analyse the correlation between seed, fruit, and seedling traits. This study was conducted at the Bogor Botanical Garden, utilizing five plant collections. The examined morphological traits included length, width, and weight of the seed, as well as fruit height, root collar diameter, and the number of leaves for the seedling. The results showed that the length, width, and weight of the fruit were 39.64±2.48 mm, 30.04±1.98 mm, and 20.33±3.60 g, respectively. Overall, the correlation between seed and fruit parameters indicates that one trait influences the other. The low variability in fruit and seed traits, despite being obtained from mother trees of different origins, has implications for the species' genetic diversity. The mean for seedling height is 106.74±32.78 cm, and the mean of collar diameter is 1.27±0.64 mm. Height and root collar diameter seedling traits were found to be closely related in 24-month-old seedlings. Understanding the ecology of seedling growth is essential for developing developmental strategies to conserve biodiversity and restore natural habitats. In conclusion, the variability in fruit and seed traits is exhibited by plants obtained from mother trees of different origins. The trees in the Bogor Botanical Gardens study site are mother trees, and this is extremely important for the future sustainable population of this species.

Abstract. Anugrahani AD, Indarto D, Pamungkasari EP, Wijayanti L, Utami F. 2025. Development of anti-obesity herbal drink from butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) extract and lemon (Citrus limon) juice. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 129-136. Obesity is a multifactorial disease with a high global prevalence and higher risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Obesity management comprises diet, physical exercise, and pharmacotherapy. Some obese patients have low compliance with diet and exercise therapy, while long-term use of anti-obesity drugs causes adverse side effects. Herbal drinks have also been used for obesity treatment, but their efficacy remains debatable. Herbal drink products have been developed, including butterfly pea flower extract and lemon juice, which contain flavonoids and anthocyanins that have anti-obesity activity. The purpose of this study was to create a herbal drink for obesity treatment and analyze acceptability, microbiological contamination, and nutritional and phytochemical contents. An organoleptic test assessed the acceptability of the herbal drink. Analysis of macronutrient content used proximate methods. Vitamin C and microbiological tests were performed using spectrophotometric and Total Plate Count (TPC) methods. Delphinidin and hesperidin levels were measured using a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and followed by the post-hoc Mann-Whitney with p<0.05 to determine the best formula of the four formulas (F1-F4) in this study. Organoleptic test results showed that formulation F3 of the herbal drink was the most liked and acceptable by the panelists. The herbal drink (F3) contained 0.82% fat, 0.34% protein, 0.099% carbohydrate, 3,527.25 mg/100 g vitamin C, 21.66 ppm delphinidin, and 525.68 ppm hesperidin. In conclusion, herbal drink has the potential to become an alternative anti-obesity treatment. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of herbal drinks on weight loss and lipid profile improvement in obese patients.

Abstract. Sulton MN, Rammadhani RM, Fahimah RA, Putri RA, Permatasari RI, Saensouk S, Iskandar J, Supriyatna J, Setyawan AD. 2025. Exploring the ethnobotany of natural dye plants in Kalibawang Sub-district, Wonosobo District, Indonesia through traditional knowledge, conservation, and community empowerment. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 155-168. The use of synthetic dyes can cause environmental and health problems. Natural dyes can be a novelty to replace synthetic dyes because they contain materials that are more environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable. This ethnobotanical research was carried out to reveal the traditional knowledge of the people in Kalibawang Sub-district, Wonosobo District, Indonesia, regarding the use of various species of plants as a source of natural dyes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the species of plants that can produce natural colors used by the people of Kalibawang Sub-district, as well as to assess their conservation and sustainability and empower the community. The method used is an ethnographic study through in-depth interviews with informants, field observations, and documentation of plant species. The quantitative method used is recording how many people use the coloring plants and calculating the RFC. This study identifies various species of plants used as natural dyes and their utilization. A total of 53 plant species from 37 families have been identified and utilized as color producers in Kalibawang Sub-district. The most widely used plant parts are fruit (36%) and leaves (28%), the plant forms are herbs (49%) and trees (26%), the colors are red (28%) and green (15%), used to color food (49%), and drinks (42%). Most of these plants are intentionally planted (53%), but most of them are rarely used (43%), only a few are frequently used (26%), among the most important are turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) (RFC 0.891) for yellow color, and pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. ex Lindl.) (RFC 0.633), and green grass jelly (Cyclea barbata Miers) (RFC 0.613) for green color. The sustainability of several species needs attention because of their conservation status, namely Tectona grandis L.f. (EN), Coffea arabica L. (EN), and Cinnamomum verum J.Presl (VU). The dye extraction method usually uses water or other natural ingredients. This study shows that natural dyes have the potential to be further innovated. However, this traditional knowledge is in danger of being lost due to lifestyle changes and the lack of interest of the younger generation. Hence, it needs to increase public awareness of the potential of natural dyes as an alternative to synthetic dyes and to engage the community in this important issue.

Abstract. Nurzahra VY, Muzazzinah, Indrowati M. 2025. Diversity of macrofungi (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) in the Banyak Mountain Forest Area, Sragen District, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 16: 39-48. Macroscopic fungi are high-value forest components that play an essential functional role in forest ecosystems. However, studies focusing on the diversity of macroscopic fungi in Indonesian forests are still limited and underexplored. The forest located in Banyak Mountain is one example of a forest area in Indonesia that has significant macroscopic fungal diversity. This study aims to examine the diversity of macroscopic fungi species in the Banyak Mountain Forest Area, Sragen District. The research employed an exploratory method by establishing 2×2 m plots using purposive sampling techniques and conducting descriptive analyses of the collected data. The results of the study in the Banyak Mountain Forest Area identified 33 species of macroscopic fungi from two divisions, namely Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, which are classified into four classes, six orders, twelve families, and twenty-two genera. Most macroscopic fungi found were substrate-dependent on decayed wood, with fewer species located on the soil. The environmental factors influencing their growth include air temperatures ranging from 28 to 32°C, air humidity between 67 and 80%, and soil pH levels of approximately 6.0 to 7.5, which are highly conducive to fungal proliferation. These findings provide a valuable checklist for future research on fungal distribution in tropical regions and contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation efforts.

Abstract. Riok PAH, Hariani N, Nugroho RA, Arif MF, Syafrizal, Aryani R, Manurung H, Rudianto. 2025. Fermented black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) carcass meal as a substrate for its larva. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 49-56. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758)) is an insect commonly used as an organic waste decomposer. The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) has four life stages, and as an adult, it dies shortly after reproducing, which leads to it being an underutilized waste product. This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of the fermented BSF Carcass Meal (fBSFM) and Fermented Palm Kernel Meal (fPKM) as substrates on the growth rate and proximate composition of BSF Larvae (BSFL). The present research used a completely randomized design with four groups: a control group (100% fPKM) and three experimental groups with varying percentages of fBSFM (P1: 5% fBSFM, P2: 7.5% fBSFM, P3: 10% fBSFM). The results showed that substituting fBSFM at concentrations of 7.5- and 10% in fPKM increased growth rate, individual weight, biomass, and bioconversion, supporting their life cycle; the use of 15% fBSFM as BSFL substrate significantly impacted substrate reduction. The substrate reduction rate was measured at 55.18 ± 8.49%, suggesting that black soldier fly larvae can effectively reduce both fBSFM and fPKM. The different proportions of fPKM and fBSFM did not have a significant effect on the proximate values of the BSFL. Therefore, this research provides valuable insight for waste management and agriculture, suggesting that incorporating more than 5% of fermented BSF carcass meal into the substrate mixture with fPKM is advisable to enhance the growth indices of BSFL.

Abstract. Abal KET, Choresca Jr. CH, Fagutao FF, Anuevo G, Apines-Amar MJS, Catienza FA, Pedroso FL. 2024. Nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) peels in different drying processes. Nusantara Bioscience 16: 292-296. Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) is abundantly grown in the Philippines and is primarily utilized for its juice, resulting in peels as a waste product. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different drying techniques (sun-drying, dehydration, and oven-drying) on the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of calamansi peels. The dried samples were analyzed for nutritional content such as protein, fiber, fat, ash, carbohydrates, and moisture. Antioxidant properties were also measured through a DPPH scavenging activity assay, including total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. The results showed that Calamansi Dehydrated (CDD) had a significantly higher protein and fiber content than oven-dried and sundried, and calamansi oven-dried (COD) peels had the highest carbohydrate, fat, moisture, and ash content. Calamansi Sundried (CSD) has a significantly highest value of 21.04±2.44% scavenging activity, followed by CDD (20.79±5.43% scavenging activity), and then COD (8.91±1.89% scavenging activity) in DPPH assay. For Total Phenolic Content (TPC), CDD has a significantly higher value of 192.6±21.99 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) L-1 dry sample, followed by CSD and COD, with 145.7±6.54 mg GAE L-1 dry sample and 70.7±8.87 mg GAE L-1 dry sample, respectively. CSD had the highest value in Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) of 163.3±1.90 mg catechin equivalent (CE L-1 dry sample ) mg catechin Equivalent (CE) L-1 dry sample, followed by COD (121.0±6.87 mg CE L-1 sample), and CDD (41.9±6.25 mg CE L-1 sample. The findings suggest sun-drying and dehydration as drying techniques resulted in higher antioxidant properties and economic viability.

Abstract. Bareke T, Addi A. 2024. Floral nectar secretion dynamics of Pavonia urens (Malvaceae) and honey production potential. Nusantara Bioscience 16: 89-95. The honey production potential of honey plant is estimated using the total floral nectar secretion potential of the plant foraged by honeybees within a given location. The current study aimed to determine the floral nectar secretion dynamics of Pavonia urens Cav. in addition to estimating the potential amount of honey that can be produced thereof. Nectar volume (using micropipette), nectar concentration (using digital refractometer), temperature, and humidity (using thermo hygrometer) were measured at 3 h intervals. Nectar volume and concentration differed significantly at different time points throughout the day. Also, nectar volume and concentration differed annually. There was a positive correlation between nectar volume and humidity as well as between temperature and nectar concentration. The mean nectar volume per 24 hours of P. urens was 7.23±0.43 µL. Individual flowers continuously secreted nectar for about 10 days throughout flower life. During each flowering season, an average of 823.5 mg g-1 of honey was generated per plant. Additionally, the average honey production capacity of P. urens was 35 kg ha-1. This suggests that P. urens has the capacity to produce honey; therefore, for sustainable honey production, plating and in-situ conservation of this plant are recommended.

Abstract. Adhyaningtyas RFI, Rahmawati, Mukarlina. 2023. Effect of phosphate solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria on Pontianak siam citrus (Citrus ×nobilis var. microcarpa) seed germination. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 245-250. West Kalimantan is one of Indonesia's largest producing areas for Siam citrus (Citrus ×nobilis var. microcarpa Hassk.). It is necessary to carry out the proper treatments within the early stages of planting, which increases the speed of germination of citrus seeds to quickly increase the number of seedlings. The biological agents that play a role in promoting plant growth are a group of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), consisting of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria (NFB). This study aims to determine the effect of a combination treatment or a single treatment of phosphate-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which is known to obtain the best results in the germination and growth of Siam citrus seeds. The study was conducted in a nonfactorial, Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The given treatments were control (without bacterial inoculum), nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB P1), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB P2), a combination of NFB and PSB bacteria with a ratio of 1:1 (P3), a combination of NFB and PSB bacteria with a ratio of 2:1 (P4), and the combination of NFB and PSB bacteria with a ratio of 1:2 (P5). Observations were made for 4 weeks after planting. A single treatment with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (P2) gave the best result on almost all parameters, such as germination percentage, emergence time of germination, root length, number of leaves and fresh weight of Siam citrus seedlings.

Abstract. Babatunde OJ, Ogundare AO, Adebolu TT. 2023. Antibacterial activities of Polyalthia longifolia leaf extracts on multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from hospital fomites in Akure, Nigeria. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 149-160. Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.), an ornamental plant, is said to be therapeutic while searching for new medications to treat infections caused by multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (MAR). This plant's leaves were investigated for prospective antibacterial activity against MAR isolated from fomites in selected hospitals in Akure and their pharmacological properties. Standard microbiological methods were used to isolate and identify bacteria from fomites. Disc diffusion was performed to test their sensitivity to conventional antibiotics and P. longifolia leaf extracts made with ethanol and water. Ciprotab® was used as the control during the antibacterial assay. Therefore, GC-MS analysis was carried out using standard methods to identify the chemicals in the plant leaf extracts. Staphylococcus aureus (29.17%), Streptococcus pyogenes (20.83%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.28%), Escherichia coli (14.28%), Salmonella typhi (12.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.33%) were the bacterial species isolated from the fomites sampled in this study. Crude ethanol leaf extract of P. longifolia (100mg/mL) inhibited the growth of these organisms with the greatest effect on P. aeruginosa with a value of 23.83±0.44 mm, which is superior to that medicated by the control antibiotic (ciprofloxacin). The GC-MS analysis of the purified leaf extracts of P. longifolia revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as n-hexadecanoic acid and phytol, among others. The study revealed that the leaf extracts of P. longifolia can inhibit the growth of the isolated MAR from fomites with an added cidal effect, and the inhibition increase with the increase in concentration and exposure time.