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Item Amelioration of Cadmium (Cd) Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) by using Selected Soil Amendments and Aquatic Plants(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Weerakkodi, W.A.G.I.S.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.; Jayawardana, N.U.Heavy metal contamination in paddy soil, particularly Cadmium (Cd) has become a serious issue with the potential risk of transferring Cd to the human food chain. Rice plants exposed to high Cd, encounter deleterious effects on growth and yield. This necessitates the need to identify effective and feasible remediation measures to ameliorate Cd stress in rice. Therefore, the efficacy of using selected soil amendments and floating aquatic plants to ameliorate Cd stress in rice was evaluated in this study under controlled environmental conditions using rice variety Bg 250. The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design with six treatments replicated thrice. Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), duckweed (Lemna minor), partially burnt rice husk (RH), and rice straw (RS) were evaluated as the amelioration treatments under two soil Cd contamination levels (5 and 8 ppm). The control was maintained with the only Cd without any amelioration. RH and RS were separately incorporated to Cd treated soil and mixed well at two levels (soil: RH or soil: RS, 1:1 and 2:1 v/v). Upon transplanting of rice, the aquatic plants were introduced to Cd treated pots. Growth and yield parameters were measured at 45 and 75 days after transplanting. Rice grown in the soil medium amended with RH (1:1 v/v) showed significantly higher values for plant height (43±0.2 cm), the number of tillers (3.67±0.03), root length (24.33±1.2 cm), root volume (13.33±0.7 cm3 ), root dry weight (3.17±0.2 g plant-1 ), shoot dry weight (7.44±0.07 g plant-1 ) and seed dry weight (3.12±0.15 g plant-1 ) compared to the control under 5 ppm Cd level. A similar pattern was observed in the other Cd level as well. Interestingly, the aquatic plants reduced the growth and yield of rice possibly due to competition for resources. In conclusion, RH has the potential to be used as an effective soil amendment to ameliorate Cd stress in rice. Field investigations are suggested for making a general recommendation. Keywords: Aquatic plants, Cd stress, Growth and yield, Rice, Soil amendmentsItem Antioxidant Properties and α-Amylase Inhibition Activities of Four Different Curcuma Species in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Samarasinghe, K.G.B.A.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Marasinghe, P.The genus Curcuma belongs to the family Zingiberaceae comprises rhizomatous annual or perennial herbs. Curcuma has a long history of traditional uses ranging from folk medicine to its culinary uses. This study was undertaken to study the biological activities of rhizomes and leaves of four Curcuma species available in Sri Lanka namely, Curcuma albiflora, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma longa, and Curcuma zedoaria. Fresh rhizomes and leaves of four Curcuma species were collected from their natural habitats in Wet and Dry Zones of Sri Lanka. Rhizomes and leaves were cleaned and cut into small pieces and oven-dried at 45 °C and 40 °C respectively for 12 hrs. Dried samples were ground into a fine powder. Methanol extracts from rhizomes and leaves were screened for total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and α-amylase inhibition activities. The TPC of dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa was the highest of all tested as 5.530 ± 0.012 g of GA equivalents per 1 g of the dried rhizome. The Methanol extracts of the rhizome and leaf samples of four species showed moderate antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay with IC50 values ranging from 150.253 ± 0.273 ppm to 389.051 ± 0.426 ppm. Interestingly the rhizome extracts of Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma longa, and Curcuma zedoaria exhibited higher α-amylase inhibitory activities (13.915 ± 0.023, 6.455 ± 0.117 and 9.492 ± 0.024 respectively) than the Acarbose drug which is an antidiabetic drug (28.273±0.615 ppm). The results revealed that the Sri Lankan Curcuma species have a potency to be used as a source of antioxidant and antidiabetic agents and it is important to increase the value of the unexplored medicinal herbs available in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Antioxidant, Anti-diabetic, Biological Activities, CurcumaItem Bark, Leaf and Stem Yield of Cinnamon as Affected by Spacing and Type of Planting Material: At the Stage of First Harvest(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Aluthgamage, H.N.; Fonseka, D.L.C.K.; Benaragama, C.K.; Kumarasinghe, H.K.M.S.Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (cinnamon), is an evergreen aromatic plant with several uses and considered as a prominent spice throughout the world. Though, quills produced from bark are the most familiar product of cinnamon, leaves and stems also yield some economically valuable products. Therefore, this study was aimed at identifying the effect of spacing and type of planting material on the yield of leaves, bark, and stems of cinnamon at the stage of the first harvest. Seedlings and vegetatively propagated plants of cinnamon variety Sri Gemunu were planted under three different spacing as 1.2×0.6 m with three plants per hill, 1.2×0.4 m with two plants per hill and 1.2×0.2 m with one plant per hill as two-factor factorial RCBD at the Agriculture Faculty premises of University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Seedlings in 1.2×0.6 m spacing with three plants per hill were used as the control. The first harvest was collected after two years from the establishment and the measurements were taken. According to the results highest mean dry weight of bark (59.68 g), leaves (267.9 g), and stems (600.1 g) were recorded in control. But it was not significantly different (p<0.05) from seedlings in 1.2×0.2 m spacing with one plant per hill. The highest yield of quills per plant (55.58 g) and the highest mean weight of bark per centimeter of the harvested shoot (215.41 mg cm-1) were also recorded in the control. But it was significantly different (p<0.05) only from vegetatively propagated plants in 1.2×0.2 m spacing with one plant per hill. The type of planting material and spacing does not have any significant influence (p<0.05) on the bark stem ratio of cinnamon plants at the stage of the first harvest. When considering the results of the study, seedlings tend to produce more bark, leaf, and stem yield when compared with vegetatively propagated plants at the stage of the first harvest. Though vegetatively propagated plants have higher yield potential, it appears to require more time to develop a better structure which can give a higher yield. Keywords: Cinnamomum verum J. Presl, Spacing, Planting material, YieldItem Comparative Study on the Phytochemical Composition of Medicinally Important Three Ocimum Species Available in Sri Lanka.(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) De Silva, S.D.A.I.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Lochana, E.A.L.; Marasinghe, P.Ocimum species have been used as an important medicinal herb, since ancient times but no recorded scientific evidence on morphological variations and phytochemical composition in Sri Lanka. Hence this study was conducted to determine the variation of morphological characteristics, total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and essential oil composition of three different Ocimum species namely; Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum americanum. Healthy and fresh leaves of Ocimum plants were collected from Badulla and Welimada area. Morphological differences in leaves, flowers, roots, stem, and seeds of three Ocimum species were compared visually and recorded. Methanol extraction was performed using dried and powdered leaf samples and analysed total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity for three species using the Folin Ciocalteu reagent method and standard 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity respectively. Hydro distillation was done to extract essential oils from Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum gratissimum and analysed by using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry method. There were differences and similarities between morphological characteristics among three species. The maximum polyphenol content was recorded in Ocimum americanum and the minimum was recorded in Ocimum sanctum. In determination of antioxidant activity, the highest half maximal inhibitory concentration was recorded in Ocimum americanum and the lowest was recorded in Ocimum gratissimum. There were differences in essential oil composition between Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum gratissimum. It can be concluded that there is a significant variation in morphological characteristics and phytochemical composition of three different Ocimum species available in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Antioxidant, Chromatography, Polyphenol, Scavenging, Spectrometry.Item Determining the Willingness to Adopt Sustainable Rice Supply Chain Approach in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Kankanamge, P.K.D.K.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P.P.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.Rice is the major staple diet of people in Sri Lanka and is the single most important crop occupying in Sri Lanka. Although it represented a major supply chain in the country there are many issues regarding the durability of the rice supply chain. Achieving sustainability supply chain practices is the best way to address those issues. For that, it is important to consider the willingness of each member in the supply chain. The main purpose of this study is to determine the willingness to adopt the sustainable rice supply chain approach in Sri Lanka. To accomplish the objective, a structured questionnaire was constructed and direct interviews were conducted with 100 farmers and 37 rice mills in Pollonaruwa and Hambanthota districts. For data analysis ordered logistic regression model was used and the marginal effects were calculated. The regression results revealed that the potential, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and technology acceptance have a significant relationship with the sustainability approach for the farmers’ practices. The regression-based on rice mills revealed that attitudes and perceived behavioural control are the most influencing factors that affect the willingness to adopt a sustainability approach. Keywords: Sustainability, Willingness, Rice Supply ChainItem Effect of DMX-7 Mold Inhibitor on Mold Inhibition and Nutritional Composition of Commercial Layer Feed Stored under Room Temperature(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Jayaratne, R.R.M.C.L.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Perera, W.L.B.DMX-7 is a mold inhibitor used in the animal feed industry. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of DMX-7 on layer feed, the effective dosage which could be used under Sri Lankan condition, and to analyse the proximate composition of the prepared layer feed. Four different inclusion levels of DMX-7 were used as treatments such as 1 kgt-1 , 1.5 kgt-1 , 1.75 kgt-1 , and zero levels as the control of the experiment. The treatments were stored under room temperature. Proximate composition, mold colony count, and aflatoxin detection during 60 days of storage duration were measured in triplicate at biweekly intervals. Statistical data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple range test at p<0.05. Proximate analysis was done to determine the moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and total ash. Feed samples were inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and mold colonies were counted after 7 days incubation period at 25⁰ C. Isolated colonies were inoculated on Coconut Agar Media (CAM) and were incubated at 25⁰ C for 7 days. Aflatoxin analysis was performed in the presence of fluorescence ring on CMA under UV light. During the storage period except for moisture, the proximate composition of all the treatment was not shown a significant difference. The mold colony count was increased in all treatment with storage duration. The highest mold count was recorded in the control. DMX-7 added treatments were not shown a significant difference in the mold count with each other. The presence of the fluorescence ring firstly appeared at 45th day of storage on the control and others were not present the fluorescence ring at the rest of storage duration. In conclusion, DMX-7 can be used to control the growth of mold in layer feed. Based on microbial, nutritional, and cost basis the effective dosage of DMX-7 is 1 kgt-1 of feed. The aflatoxin contamination has reduced by the effect of DMX-7 and the nutritional composition of prepared layer feed was not altered by DMX-7. Keywords: DMX-7 Mold inhibitor, Layer feed, Proximate analysisItem Effect of Root Pruning on Growth and Yield Performance of Potatoes Grown in Aeroponic System(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Abeysundera, K.M.; Abeythilakarathna, P.D.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.; Perera, D.Y.A.D.D.Production of potato mini-tubers through aeroponics is gaining popularity with the increased demand for more efficient, high-quality seed production methods. Root zone with mini-tubers of potatoes is always wetting with a nutrient solution in the aeroponic system making roots more vulnerable to fungal infections. Disease infected roots can be removed by practicing root pruning. However, proper assessment is needed to identify the effect of root pruning on tuber production. Therefore, the effect of root pruning on growth, mini-tuber yield and, quality of aeroponically grown different potato varieties were evaluated at the Agricultural Research Station, Seetha-Eliya during Maha season 2019-2020. Four levels of root pruning (no pruning and pruning ½, ¼, ¾ of the potato roots, respectively) and three potato varieties (Granola, Red La Soda, and Arnova) were tested using two-factor factorial design of CRD with four replicates. Growth, yield, and quality parameters such as specific gravity, starch, and dry matter content were recorded. Data were analysed using SAS statistical software. Plant height, compound leaf width, terminal leaf length & width, and stolon number were not significantly affected by root pruning or variety (p ≥ 0.05). The interaction effect between pruning level and variety was significant for mini-tuber yield where the highest value was recorded by Granola with no root pruning (235.98 g) which was statistically similar to the value recorded by ¼ level of root pruning (235.72 g). The highest starch (8.06%) and dry matter (13.53%) contents of mini-tubers were found in Granola at ¼ level of root pruning and no pruning, respectively. The specific gravity of mini-tubers was not affected by root pruning or variety. In conclusion, pruning at a level of ¼ of the total root length can be recommended for aeroponically grown potato with root infections as it does not cause any yield or quality reduction. Keywords: Aeroponics, Growth, Yield, Potato mini-tubers, Quality, Root pruningItem The Effect of Selected Sri Lankan Herbal Plant Crude Extracts Against Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ranaweera, M.N.; Henegamage, A.P.; Prematilake, M.M.S.N.; Peris, C.M.The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda is a recent invasive pest that has successfully established in Sri Lanka where it continues to disrupt agriculture, particularly corn production. Management of fall armyworm using agrochemicals has led to the development of resistance against many insecticides and the accumulation of toxic residues on agricultural products. Therefore, the utilization of plant extracts which are wealthy in bioactive compounds for the control fall armyworm has become a developing pattern. This study was undertaken to screen the effectiveness of Adathoda vassica, Dathura metal, and Tagetes erecta crude extracts against fall armyworm. Shade dried leaves were used for the extraction which was done by the Soxhlet method using methanol and ethyl acetate as solvents. Bioefficacy of crude extracts was studied against third instar larvae of S. frugiperda using 4000, 2000 and 1000 ppm concentrations to test the contact toxicity by topical application method, antifeedant activity by leaf disc no choice assay and repellency effect from the dual choice method. Commercially available insecticide, collagen was used as a positive control. The crude extracts from T. erecta (LD50 - 186.63µg/g) and D. metel (LD50 - 256.44µg/g) showed significantly (p < 0.05) high mortality (100%) rate within twelve hours even compared with the positive control. The results revealed that the methanolic extract of T. erecta showed the highest significant (p < 0.05) antifeedant activity (92.09%) at 4000 ppm compared with other plant extracts. All plant extracts provoked a notable decrease in feeding with the increment of their concentration. Methanolic extract of T. erecta showed the highest significant repellency (66.65%). Therefore, it can be concluded that methanolic extracts of D. metel and T. erecta have the power of damaging fall armyworm and are suitable candidates for the development of bio-insecticide for the local use. Keywords: Fall armyworm, Adathoda vassica, Dathura metel, Tagetes erectaItem Evaluation of the Efficiency of Weed Seed Separation from Crop Seeds Using the Seed Color Sorter(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Gunathilaka, K.R.K.S.; Premathilaka, K.G.; Jayakody, D.P.P.Seed color sorter machine has the potential to help quarantine purposes by facilitating the separation of weed seeds from crop seeds. It separates weed seeds from crop seeds based on color differences with the help of Near Infra-Red cameras. The current study was conducted to evaluate the separation efficiency of ‘Sinvec’ seed color sorter with the appropriate speed level. This study was conducted at the National Plant Quarantine Service, Katunayake, during the period from September to December 2019. Three random samples of 500 g were taken from onion, radish, coriander, leeks, and carrot separately. Each sample was mixed with quarantine important weed seed mixture which was prepared using 5 quarantine weed seed species. 10 seeds from each weed species were used. Prepared samples were tested under 3-speed levels viz., 55, kg hr-1 , 45 kg hr-1 and 35 kg hr-1 . The manual separation was followed to clarify the obtained results. Average separation efficiency was calculated using 3 replicates. The time taken for the machine to finish the sorting process was measured and the weight of rejected crop seeds of each machine test was also weighed. Data were analysed using the SAS university edition. Speed 45 kg hr-1 showed better performances compared to the other two speed levels. Under 45 kg hr-1 speed, the weed seed separation efficiency for coriander was 80- 100%. Separation efficiency for leeks, carrot, onion, and radish was 73-100%, 76-100%, 50-86% and 46.7-90%, respectively. Always, the machine method consumed less time compared to the manual method. Drawbacks of seed color sorter were found during the study as it was unable to achieve 100% separation efficiency, Improper data feeding procedure, Malfunctioning with crop seeds treated with colored fungicides, highly sensitive to voltage variations, the higher weight of rejection, needs of proper technical knowledge to operate the machine. These findings will be useful in the future for the proper functioning of the new Seed Color Sorter in handling large seed lots. Keywords: Seed colour sorting, Separation efficiency, Weed seeds, QuarantineItem Identification of Common Pathogenic Bacteria and Suitable Antibiotics for Treatment of Bovine Mastitis in Badulla District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Thelisinghe, T.H.M.S.N.; Kumaravithana, K.V.I.N.; Gamage, M.G.S.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.Mastitis is a common problem in dairy farms which is caused by multiple pathogens. Ad hoc use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance in common mastitis-causing bacteria. Identification of common pathogens and their resistance to antibiotics is important for future mastitis treatment plans. The present study was conducted to identify the prevalence of different mastitis-causing bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from milk samples of dairy cows with mastitis in the Badulla district. The study considered milk samples received by Veterinary Investigation Centre, Badulla. A total of 55 milk samples from lactating cows were collected and California Mastitis Test (CMT) was used to detect the severity of mastitis. Milk samples were collected from all four quarters of affected cows. Bacteria in CMT positive milk were cultured and identified using colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests including catalase, urease, citrate, Triple Sugar Iron Agar, Sulfide Indole Motility test, etc. Sensitivities of the isolates were tested against five antibiotics; Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Enrofloxacin, Gentamycin, and Neomycin using Kirby-Bauer method. Statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA. The pure and mixed bacterial infection in total mastitis cases were 90% and 10%, respectively. Hindquarters (55%) were mainly affected than the forequarters (45%). There is no significant difference between the association of mastitis severity and the affected quarter (p>0.05). The prevalence of mastitis is more common in 5 to 7 years of age. The prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. was high (72%) followed by Escherichia coli (6%), Klebsiella spp.(6%), Streptococcus spp.(4%), Pasteurella spp.(4%)and Bacillu s spp. (4%). Bacterial isolates were most sensitive to Enrofloxacin and Gentamycin. Around 75% of the isolates were resistant to one or more antibiotics. In conclusion, Staphylococcus is the most predominant pathogenic bacteria present in mastitis milk and, Enrofloxacin and Gentamycin are the most suitable antibiotics for treatment of bovine mastitis in Badulla district. Keywords: Bacteria, Mastitis, Antibiotic SensitivityItem Implementation of low cost, automated, mobile monitoring module by means of AI for container gardening in urban areas(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Madhusanka, P.B.H.; Perera, T.A.N.T.; Piyasena, P.; Jayasinghe, G.Y.The limited amount of space and climate variability have led to the emergence of urban agriculture mainly in agricultural countries. This has turned urban gardens to be smart, autonomous, and efficient with the trend towards interconnected devices. The main objective of this study is to build an IoT based low cost, automated, mobile monitoring module for container gardening in urban areas. This system built with NodeMCU ESP-32 has been designed and successfully examined during the study. In constructing of the device, several sensors sych as environmental humidity and temperature, light, Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR), soil temperature, soil moisture sensors and a base station connecting the cloud to the whole network were used. The system will track plants on a mobile device which has the capability of providing real-time updates on crop conditions through the internet (Thinkspeak). The device is capable of measuring five parameters (soil moisture, temperature of soil & air, air humidity and light intensity) at once and show all the parameters on the ThingSpeak site for user to get the idea and also this controls the light level and soil moisture levels of the pot automatically. The acquired results have been shown the performance of the device is precise. Such as collecting, logging and analyzing the irregular data from the sensors. Consequently the system is beneficial and cost effective for the commercial scale farmers as well. Farmers can be monitor their field without wasting time and resources with the help of several sensors and the alert system. With the automatic irrigation system help to reduce water wastage and it allows to use water efficiently. Therefore, the device is efficient both the farmer’s as well as environment in concentration. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, NodeMCU ESP-32, Smart gardening, Sustainability, Urban agricultureItem A Model for a Mobile Application to Support Agro-ecological Zones based Crop Selection in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Mohamed, M.S. A.; Wathugala, D.L.; Indika, W.A.; Madushika, M.K.S.; Piyaratne, M.K.D.K.; Samaraweera, G.C.Agriculture is the key source of livelihood and economic support for the Sri Lankan population. The farmer is the salient stakeholder in agriculture and he has to decide the appropriate crops for cultivation in every season. This decision should be primarily based on market conditions including pricing but several other factors such as climatic conditions of the area, land suitability, irrigation facilities, etc. should also take into consideration. Thus, crop selection is a vital and critical decision that farmer has to get in the farming lifecycle and many farmers face problems in selecting the right crops at the right time to grow. Therefore, in this study, a digital platform has been created to provide crop suitability information based on the agro-ecological zones in Sri Lanka. Providing information regarding suitable crops according to agro-ecological zones in Sri Lanka is the correct intervention to facilitate farmers during the crop selection stage. Contextual data for crop selection were mainly gathered through primary and secondary sources. The study learned that the agro-ecological zones have been classified based on different climatic zones, annual rainfall, terrain characteristics, available major soil groups, and recommended crops for all agro-ecological zones. A crop selection model was designed and listed out suitable crops based on 46 agro-ecological zones in Sri Lanka. Further, this decision is depended on the influence factors such as major cultivation seasons, irrigation types, and farmer preferences, etc. The designed model has been provided through a mobile-based platform to the farmers. Then, they could easily find recommended crops and varieties suitable to their farms by asking users to add their Province, District, Divisional Secretariat, and Grama Niladhari, division. Thus, the model will be promised in supporting farmers to increase the profit and social status of the farmers in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Agriculture, Agro-ecological zones, Crop selection, Farmers, Mobile applicationItem Phytochemical Comparison of Imported and Locally Available Species of Rubia cordifolia (Walmadata)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Fernando, L.A.M.E.; Kaliyadsa, P.E.; Marasinghe, P.; Wedamulla, N.E.At the commercial level, it is difficult to find quality medicinal plant material though it is important in Ayurvedic preparations. R. cordifolia is a common and important medicinal plant belongs to the Rubaceia family. It imports from India through favourable growing conditions that exist in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the important phytochemical properties of imported and locally available materials of Rubia cordifolia. The imported market sample was collected from the Uva Provincial Department of Ayurveda, Diyathalawa, and the fresh locally available sample was collected from Maspanna (IM1a) forest area in Welimada. Those samples were washed and dried under the shade, oven-dried at 40°C and sonication proceeded for phytochemical extraction using 70% methanol. Before the extraction, samples were observed for macroscopic and microscopic features of the root and stem. Phytochemical properties such as total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, flavonoid, and anthocyanin were quantitatively analysed by using standard protocols available in the literature with slight modifications. There was no significant difference between morphological characteristics of locally available Rubia cordifolia and Indian species according to the literature except the colour of the stem and roots. However physicochemical properties of the locally available sample are in better comparison to the imported market available sample. The 7.412± 0.45 mg gallic acid/1 g dry weight of polyphenol was received from the local sample and it was significantly higher amount compare to the imported sample (4.182 ± 0.399 mg gallic acid/1 g dry weight, p<0.05). A significantly high antioxidant activity was observed in the locally available sample 239.08 µg/ml compare to the imported sample 228.48µg/ml. Flavonoid content and monomeric anthocyanin in local available R.cordifolia is significantly lower than the imported sample of R.cordifolia. This implies the potential of using locally available materials for drug manufacturing and different Ayurveda preparations. Keywords: Antioxidants, Polyphenols, FlavonoidsItem Potential of Biofilm Biofertilizer Application in Paddy Soil Carbon Sequestration in Sri Lanka: An Economic Feasibility Analysis(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ekanayake, S.N.B.; Seneviratne, G.; Premarathna, M.; Gunathilaka, R.P.D.; Banagala, C.H.M.; Hearth, H.M.S.K.Anthropogenic emissions of carbon (C) to the atmosphere at higher rates have led to global warming and climate change. Soil carbon sequestration (SCS) has been recognized as the process that stores atmospheric C for a long period without escaping back to the atmosphere. Globally, expanding agricultural lands has come to play a major role in SCS in the phase of degradation of natural ecosystems like forests by deforestation, fire, etc. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Biofilm biofertilizer (BFBF) application in SCS under rice cultivation. Soil stable C was estimated as sequestered soil C by using organic carbon (Walkley-Black) and oxidizable carbon in the BFBF application and the farmers’ chemical fertilizer (CF) alone application. Soil samples were collected from paddy fields in 25 representative locations in several districts of Sri Lanka in three consecutive seasons: Yala 2018, Maha 2018/19, and Yala 2019. The results showed that the SCS was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the BFBF practice in every season. This is due to increased microbial C assimilation in the root zone of soil. The BFBF practice sequestered 19 t C ha-1 year–1 over farmers’ CF practice, showing an enormous potential to gain income through soil C trading. There was also an increasing trend in the paddy grain yield up to ca. 30% under the same practice. Thus, during the next five years, if the BFBF practice would be implemented island wide, the potential income from trading C will be ca. 190 billion rupees. In conclusion, the BFBF practice can be considered as an eco-friendly and economically viable method to replace the farmers’ current practice of CF alone application. Keywords: Biofilm biofertilizer, Carbon trading, Rice cultivation, Soil carbon sequestration