Biodiversity

Determination of Seed Dormancy and Longevity Status of Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Peninsular Malaysia

Researcher: Dr. Muhamad Shakirin bin Mispan, Dr. Mohd Zuwairi bin Saiman, Sharifah Nurnabilah

Naturally, weed group contain two important traits i.e., seed dormancy, and longevity that plays an important role in its adaptation and survival. Seed dormancy and seed longevity traits depend on various environmental situations. Weedy rice fitness in rice field, for instance, is determined by seed dormancy which make them able to survive in seedbank, optimize germination time and preventing from pre-harvest sprouting. Thus, this study aimed to determine the variation of seed dormancy in weedy rice populations in Malaysia which could contribute to a better understanding of the nature of seed dormancy in weedy rice, especially in tropical regions.

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Allelopathic Potential of Selected Invasive Weeds to Control Weedy Rice Seeds Germination

Researcher: Dr. Muhamad Shakirin bin Mispan, Dr. Mohd Zuwairi bin Saiman, Siti Nur Mardhiah Bt Zaiwannizar

This research explores the allelopathic potential of a few invasive plant species that perchance could be applied in the rice cultivation industry as this could be an eco-friendlier alternative to the existing method of weedy rice control. The allelopathic potential of M. pigra, S. arundinaceum, L. leucocephala, and D. linearis were assessed on weedy rice seeds using the sandwich method, dish pack method, water extraction, and methanol extraction. Preliminary results of this research have shown that these plants affect the weedy rice seed germination and growth.

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Exploring the nutritional properties of spent mushroom substrate-based fodder for livestock

Researcher : Dr. Muhamad Shakirin Mispan, Dr. Norhidayah Mohd Taufek, Associate Professor. Dr. Tan Yee Shin, Dr. Acga Cheng, Dr. Azman Ma'amor, Mr Mohd Shahmi Hakimi Mazlishah

This study was conducted to explore the nutritional properties of Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) based fodder as supplement diet for rabbit and ram. Maize, rice (MR297) & rice (MR220 CL2) sprouts were prepared in a hydroponic sprouting unit under a controlled environment. The use of SMS for fodder cultivation and diet for rabbit and ram allows mushroom farming waste to be reduced. In addition, it can be used as an alternative source of feed for livestock, further reducing our dependence on imported livestock feed sources. Dr. Muhamad Shakirin Mispan is the PI of the project

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