Jul 2026· Indonesian Journal of Chemical Science and Technology· Vol 9, pp. 264-274· 0 citations· 8 references
Abstract
The increasing demand for clean water due to population growth and human activities is not matched by its availability, as many regions still face pollution from domestic and industrial waste. This study explores the potential of sweet potato leaf extract (Ipomoea batatas L.) as a natural bioflocculant in water treatment. Sweet potato leaves contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which contribute to coagulation–flocculation processes. The extract was applied to contaminated water samples and evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing turbidity, suspended solids, and other water quality parameters. The results show that the extract significantly improved water quality at optimal concentrations, outperforming the control. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly as it does not produce hazardous residues. Therefore, sweet potato leaf extract has potential as an economical, sustainable, and safe alternative bioflocculant for clean water treatment.
The development of natural insecticides is essential to minimize the adverse effects of synthetic plant protection products on the environment, human health, and non-target organisms. Natural bioactive compounds are considered safe, biodegradable, and often more selective, making them promising alternatives for sustainable pest management. Controlling insect pests in stored food products remains challenging due to restrictions on the use of chemical insecticides, which can leave harmful residues. Therefore, identification of plant-derived antifeedants is a viable solution. This study aimed to evaluate the antifeedant activity of methanolic leaf extracts from the invasive giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Aiton) against the grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.), a major storage pest. The chemical composition of the extracts was analyzed by LC-MS/MS, which identified 12 compounds. Chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and rutin were found at the highest concentrations, while citric acid, gallic acid, and kaempferol-3-rutinoside were present at the lowest concentrations. Antifeedant activity was assessed using the "wheat wafer test" at three extract concentrations (3.5, 5.0, and 12.0 mg⋅mL-1) dissolved in ethanol. The extracts demonstrated medium to good antifeedant activity against female grain weevils and weak to medium effects against males. A significant reduction in feeding was observed in most cases, depending on both the sex of the insect and the extract concentration. Methanolic leaf extracts of S. gigantea exhibited promising antifeedant properties and may serve as potential natural insect deterrents. Further studies are required to evaluate their efficacy, safety, and mode of action under storage and field conditions.
Paulina Bączek, Jacek Łyczko, Kamila Twardowska· Journal of Plant Protection...· 0 citations
Watermeal (Wolffia arrhiza L.), known as the smallest aquatic plant in the world, has recently gained attention as a promising plant-based protein source for its high protein content, essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Its rich nutrient profile highlights its potential for use in health-oriented food innovations. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of incorporating dried watermeal (WM) as a partto enhanced in rice seasoning powder (furikake)to enhance its nutritional value, particularly its protein content. The rice seasoning powders were prepared following a modified standard recipe, which involved heating the seasoning mixture at 90°C, drying at 60°C, cooling, and subsequently blending with either dried seaweed or dried WM before packaging. Five formulations were developed by substituting seaweed with WM at levels of 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%, and their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, microbial quality, and sensory acceptance were evaluated. The results demonstrated that increasing WM substitution significantly elevated protein, fiber, and mineral contents compared to the control (0% WM). All formulations achieved food safety standards and indicated suitability for extended storage. However, higher WM levels led to notable changes in appearance, aroma, taste, and texture. Among the tested formulations, WM-3 (3% WM) achieved the most desirable balance between nutritional enhancement and consumer acceptability across all sensory attributes. Antioxidant activity was reduced in WM-substituted samples, likely due to thermal and processing effects that influenced the stability of bioactive compounds. Overall, the findings confirm that WM can serve as a functional ingredient that effectively enriches the nutritional profile of furikake without compromising food safety or overall consumer acceptance when used at low substitution levels. The incorporation of WM presents an opportunity to develop plant-based, nutrient-dense seasoning products that align with current market trends toward sustainable and health-oriented diets.
Key words: Watermeal, Wolffia arrhiza, Furikake, Plant-Based Protein, Functional Food
K. Saeiam, P. Hirunyophat, J. Weenuttranon et al.· African Journal of Food, Agr...· 0 citations
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of active compounds contained in several plant species as botanical pesticides to control mealybug pests (Pseudococcus lilacinus). Mealybugs are major agricultural pests that damage plants by sucking cell sap, leading to growth inhibition and yield loss. The excessive use of synthetic pesticides poses health and environmental risks and promotes pest resistance. Therefore, botanical alternatives are needed for safer and sustainable pest control. The research used plant extracts containing bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, which act as contact poisons, antifeedants, and growth inhibitors. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate mortality rates of mealybugs under different extract concentrations. The results showed that certain plant extracts significantly increased mealybug mortality, indicating their potential as effective botanical pesticides. This finding supports the use of plant-based pesticides as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.
Grandy Sihotang, Immanuel Veron Silitonga, Dela Oktavianti et al.· Indonesian Journal of Chemic...· 0 citations
Cacabean weed (Ludwigia sp.) is an invasive weed that disrupts the growth of main crops such as rice and corn. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of kirinyuh leaf extract (Chromolaena odorata L.) as a bioherbicide in suppressing the growth of Ludwigia sp. using concentrations of 25%, 50% and 75%. The research was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications. The results showed that kirinyuh leaf extract had a significant effect on the phytotoxicity of Ludwigia sp., with symptoms of chlorosis, necrosis and tissue death. A concentration of 75% shows the highest effectiveness, equivalent to herbicides containing the active ingredient glyphosate. These findings show the potential of kirinyuh leaf extract as an environmentally friendly bioherbicide.
Elma Nor Khaliza Khaliza, L. Aphrodyanti· Jurnal Proteksi Tanaman Trop...· 0 citations
Seaweed-derived biostimulants are promising tools for improving crop performance and fruit quality in sustainable horticulture. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of a liquid Sargassum spp. extract on the commercial quality, nutraceutical attributes, and antioxidant response of melon fruit (Cucumis melo L. cv. ‘Cruiser’). Four extract concentrations (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5%, v/v) were applied in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Compared with the control, the 1.5% treatment increased (p ≤ 0.05) fruit firmness (33.5%), total soluble solids (25.4%), flesh thickness (16.5%), and ascorbic acid content (51.2%). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents also increased by 22.9% and 22.4%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities increased in a concentration-dependent manner (p ≤ 0.05), highlighted by a 207.1% increase in catalase activity at 4.5% with catalase. In contrast, the highest concentration reduced carbohydrate content by 49.3% (p ≤ 0.05), while fruit yield remained unaffected (p > 0.05). Overall, 1.5% provided the best balance between commercial and nutraceutical quality while avoiding the adverse biochemical responses observed at 4.5%. These findings suggest the potential use of Sargassum spp. extract as a biostimulant for sustainable melon production under the conditions of this study.
Melisa C. Hermosillo-Alba, Bernardo Murillo-Amador, Alain Buendía-García et al.· Crops· 0 citations
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Trichoderma esperellum biological agent applied through soil treatment and foliar spray, as well as the possibility of their interaction on the vegetative growth of sweet potato plants. The density of fungal spores in the propagule suspension ready to be sprayed onto the canopy surface was the same as that contained in the solid form for fertilization application, namely 105 CFU.mL-1. The experiment was arranged factorially in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replicates. The variables observed were plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and harvest weight per 1.5 m2 plot area. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance followed by a 5% BNJ test. The results showed that the application of Trichoderma biofertilizer as soil fertilization had a significant effect on plant growth and harvest weight, while application through canopy spraying had no significant effect. The interaction effect was only significant for plant height. Fertilizer application at planting time yielded the highest results at the end of the observation period, namely 34.0 cm, 114 shoots, 10.05 cm, and 2,686.6 g for plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and harvest weight, respectively.
Izzat Khadafi Haikal, S. Sutarman· Deméter· 0 citations
