Nematicidal activity of extracts from plants was assayed against Meloidogyne incognita. In laboratory assays extracts from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L), clove (Syzygium aromaticum L), betelvine (Piper betle L), and sweet flag (Acorus calamus L) were most effective in killing the nematode, with an EC 50 that was 5-10 times lower than the EC 50 of the synthetic pesticides chlorpyrifos, carbosulfan and deltamethrin. The shapes of the dead nematodes differed in a characteristic way, and groups of pesticides and plant extracts could clearly be distinguished based on this phenomenon, which may be an indicator for the modes of action of the tested pesticides. In a greenhouse bioassay clove bud and betelvine were tested as mulch. Experiments revealed that the total number of live nematodes on roots of pepper plants treated with mulch of the clove bud was 7% of that of the controls and did not differ significantly from that of plants treated with the recommended synthetic pesticide carbofuran. The application of clove buds as a botanical pesticide for future use against nematodes is highly promising since clove is the 6 th major plant grown on Bangka Island, and the market value of clove has decreased sharply over the last years.

Recently, the main problem of the rice stock and distribution in Indonesia is the quality degradation as indicated in unpleasant odor (smelly), stained, yellowness, and high percentage of broken rice. This is due to the low of paddy quality dried by from either direct

Abstract. Wiratno, Syakir M, Sucipto I, Pradana AP. 2019. Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria from roots of Piper nigrum and their activities against Fusarium oxysporum and Meloidogyne incognita. Biodiversitas 20: 682-687. The endophytic bacteria from spices plants have potential as biocontrol agents. Nevertheless, their potential has not been explored. Pepper plant (Piper nigrum L.) is linked with promising endophytic bacteria as biocontrol agents. This study aimed to obtain isolates of endophytic bacteria from root tissues of pepper plant. The isolation of endophytic bacteria was done using surface-sterilization method and using Tryptone Soya Agar (TSA) medium. The result showed that 10 endophytic bacteria were successfully isolated. We found that a total of 9 bacteria were safe for plants and mammals and used for subsequent steps. The selected bacteria showed inhibition activity of Fusarium oxysporum (18.6 to 43.7%). Furthermore, the secondary metabolites of the endophytic bacteria also promoted lethal effects on Meloidogyne incognita (16.6 to 65.8%). The physiological activity also showed that seven isolates were able to produce chitinase, and four (4) isolates were able to produce protease. Additionally, 55.6% of isolates were also able to dissolve phosphorus and fix nitrogen. This study provided fundamental information related to the biocontrol properties of endophytic bacteria isolated from pepper plant roots.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effect of probiotic combination on ratio of IFN-γ: IL-4 levels in patients with allergic rhinitis. Materials and methods: Single blind, randomized controlled trial.This study included 40 patients with severe allergic rhinitis according to WHO criteria. This study used 2 treatment groups with probiotics and placebo control group. IFN γ and IL-4 levels were evaluated using ELISA method. Data were analyzed using paired T test with 95% confidence intervals Results and Discussion: In the treatment group, the levels of IFN-γ increased significantly (p<0.05).In contrast, IL-4 levels decreased significantly(p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the IFN-γ ratio: IL-4 treatment and control group (p <0.05). Conclusion: The administration of combination of probiotics can improve the levels of IFN-γ/ IL-4 in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.18(1) 2019 p.42-45