Crude latex of Carica papaya L. has been known to offer a lot of benefits and potentials especially in the agricultural industry and human health. This study focuses on the latex coming from its fruits of Papaya CX variety. Seven to eight longitudinal incisions were made in order to allow latex to appear and drain in the collecting devices. 439.5 g dried latex was stored in plastic containers and freezed. Results showed that dried latex contained higher amount of crude protein (57.24 ± 0.69%), followed by moisture (17.76 ± 0.09%), ash (7.00 ± 0.01%), crude fat (5.21 ± 0.13%) and crude fiber (0.67 ± 0.09%) based on the complete proximate analysis. In the enzyme analysis, papain had protease activity of 2655 units·g −1 at pH 5.5 and 285 units·g −1 at pH 9.0. These results provided evidence that papain as a protease enzyme is found in the crude latex of papaya which is a major constituent in various proteolytic activities. Crude latex from C. papaya L. can be utilized to address the issues in agricultural farms to accelerate production and reduce environmental hazards.

The ultrastructures present in the scales of Glossogobius aureus were subjected to morphological analysis using a Leica ES2 stereomicroscope in tandem with an Olympus digital camera with a 12.1 megapixel resolution and a 5x optical zoom. The female scales were typically of a ctenoid type whereas the male scales showed the presence of cycloid and ctenoid types. The study described 21 scale morphotypes in the male species while 24 morphotypes were described in the female species. These morphotypes were categorized into main, regenerated and specialized scale types. Differences in scale morphology between sexes are best described by the variation in the characteristics of its fully developed scales.

Growth performance, survival and profit index of 30-day post hatch Siganus guttatus (0.08 ± 0.09 g and 1.60 ± 0.15 cm) of the same age group was evaluated for 60 days in hapa net cages (1m wide x 1m long x 1m deep) in pond based conditions. Three stocking densities were replicated three times and laid out using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The three treatments were: 1(T1)-250 fish m -3 ; 2 (T2)-500 fish m -3 and 3 (T3)-1000 fish m -3 . Growth performances (final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate) and survival rates of juveniles stocked in 250 fish m -3 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those fish stocked at 1000 fish m-3. However, growth performance and survival rates between 250 fish m -3 and 500 fish•m -3 were not significant. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower (P<0.05) in T1 than T3. However, FCR was not significant between fish stocked in T1 and T2. Net profit was higher in fish stocked in T2 compared with T1. Among the stocking densities of S. guttatus evaluated, 500 fish•m -3 appeared as the optimal stocking density based on growth, survival, FCR and profit index.

Abstract.Habitat fragmentation results to displacement of inhabiting floral and faunal species. The resulting geographic isolation of various species affect regeneration, genetic flows and recruitment. Hence, a study was conducted in a forested area of Mt. Malindawag in Naawan, Misamis Oriental. Sampling stations were designated at the agro-forest, mid-forest and upper-forest habitat types. Species characterizations were based on DAO 2007-01 and IUCN Red List for conservation status. Results showed highest diversity index of flora at mid-forest while lowest diversity was observed in the agro-forest area. A tree species Canarium racemosum obtained highest Species Importance Value (SIV) at 38.6%, 42% and 30.8%, respectively in the three habitat types. The highest endemicity of flora was at mid-forest with 24% per DAO 2007-01 and 26% per IUCN conservation status. Majority of faunal species were birds that were mostly resident and common and were usually observed at upper-forest habitat. The relatively low diversity and endemicity of flora and fauna species could be due to the influx of human population. Various activities undertaken were threatening the inhabiting biodiversity, and therefore, demand immediate protection and conservation measures from formulating policies to increasing awareness of various stakeholders. Future related studies were recommended to increase scientific understanding on the interrelationships of socio-economic and ecological interactions of biodiversity to the inhabiting human population.

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