Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

Assessment of Soil Nutrient Status of Selected Villages of Kamareddy District in Telangana State, India

K. Shailaja — 2026-03-20

Soil health deals with the assessment of soil physical, chemical and biological indicators, which represent the current soil condition of specified area as they range from nutrient concentrations to complex soil microbial communities. Timely assessment of soil fertility status and soil nutrient status plays an important role in the implementation of best management practices. This study aimed to assess the nutrient status of selected villages of Kamareddy district of Telangana. A total of 76 samples were analysed from farmers' fields from Kardpalley, Demi Kalan and Kazhriwadi villages of Kamareddy district, Telangana. The study area comes under a tropical climate with wide temperature ranges. The majority of samples recorded low organic carbon (< 0.5%), organic matter (<1.0%), and soil available nitrogen (<280 kg ha^-1). Soil pH ranged between 6.02-8.40, 100% samples in all the villages were non-saline (< 1 dS m^-1). Soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ranged between 90-363 kg ha^-1, 11-34 kg ha^-1,and 143-664 kg ha^-1, respectively. The P and K contents were medium, high and low, suggesting that site-specific nutrient management and regular soil testing help prevent excessive and unnecessary application of nutrients. It is concluded that site-specific fertilizer recommendation and regular soil testing is recommended for nutrient balance during the crop growth period to prevent unnecessary application of fertilizers. Adequate incorporation of crop residue/organic manure improves soil organic matter content.

Effect of Explant Size and Season of Explants Excision on Propagation of Wilt Tolerant Interspecific Rootstock of Guava (Psidium molle Bertol x Psidium guajava L.)

Garima Yadav — 2026-03-21

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important tropical and subtropical fruit crop valued for its nutritional, economic, and industrial significance. However, morphological characterization and propagation studies of interspecific guava rootstocks remain limited. The present investigation evaluated the effect of season of explants excision and explant size on the propagation of wilt-tolerant interspecific guava rootstock (Psidium molle × Psidium guajava). The study was conducted during 2024–2025 at the Division of Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Rehmankhera, Lucknow, India. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications for seasonal treatments and five replications for explant size treatments. Data on season of explants excision revealed that July–September recorded the highest rooting frequency (81.91%), regeneration frequency (83.66%), plant height (32.02 cm), and shoot girth (4.71 mm). Five cm long explants resulted in the earliest root initiation (21.24 days), whereas 10 cm explants showed superior rooting percentage (57.43%), number of primary roots (19.09), number of secondary roots (31.76), primary root length (11.63 cm), and root diameter (0.74 mm). The results demonstrate that both season and explant size significantly influence propagation efficiency in wilt-tolerant interspecific guava rootstock.

Performance of Barnyard Millet Varieties under Graded Fertilizer Levels in Rainfed Conditions of North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India

U. Triveni — 2026-03-21

Adequate plant nutrition is essential for barnyard millet to exhibit its maximum yield potential. However, some improved barnyard millet varieties respond differently to graded fertilizer doses. To evaluate the varietal response of different barnyard millet varieties, a field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh during kharif, 2025 in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plot treatments include fertilizer doses viz., F₀: Absolute control; F₁: 75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF); F₂: 100% RDF; F₃: 125% RDF. The sub-plot treatments include varieties (V₁: BUBM 18; V₂: CBYMV-1 and V₃: VL 207). The soil texture of the experimental field was red sandy loam in nature. The experimental results indicated that, among the graded NPK fertilizer doses, 125% RDF resulted in higher productivity, profitability and nutrient uptake, however, it remained on par with 100% RDF. Among the varieties, CBYMV-1 showed the highest grain yield (2141 kg/ha), harvest index (30.5%), net returns (Rs.49696.00) and benefit cost ratio (3.02). From this, it was concluded that 100 % RDF was found to be the most effective for barnyard millet crop as it produced comparable yields at 125% RDF, apart from saving of 25% of RDF.

Nutritional Analysis of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): A Comprehensive Study

Tariq Hussain Bhat — 2026-03-26

This study presents a comprehensive nutritional analysis of farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The investigation encompasses the proximate composition, amino acid, fatty acid, vitamin, and mineral profiles of the fish flesh. The results confirm that rainbow trout is an exceptional protein source, exhibiting a protein content of 72% on a dry weight basis. Notably, the essential amino acids lysine (4.46%) and leucine (4.29%) are present in substantial proportions. The flesh contains a fat content of 5.83%, with a fatty acid profile characterized by notable concentrations of linoleic acid (1.17%), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (0.51%), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (0.10%). The vitamin analysis reveals a high concentration of vitamin B3 (152.37 mg/100g), while the mineral assessment indicates a predominant potassium content (12,077.87 mg/kg). Furthermore, the moisture and ash content of the rainbow trout flesh are estimated to be 8.32% and 6.09%, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights into the nutritional value of rainbow trout, contributing significantly to our understanding of its potential benefits for human consumption and aquaculture research.

Investigation on Outbreak of Contagious Ecthyma in Assam Hill Goats and Its Therapeutic Management at Goat Research Station, Burnihat, Assam, India

Prerona Patowary — 2026-03-27

Contagious ecthyma, also known as orf, is an acute, highly contagious, and economically important zoonotic disease of small ruminants caused by orf virus, belonging to Parapoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. An investigation of an outbreak of contagious ecthyma was conducted at Goat Research Station, Burnihat, Assam, from November 2025 to February 2026 to study the epidemiological pattern, clinicopathological changes, and therapeutic management of contagious ecthyma in goats. Out of a total of 170 goats, 28 goats showed clinical manifestations of contagious ecthyma, resulting in an overall outbreak prevalence of 16.47 percent. Among these, kids between 0-3 months of age showed the highest incidence of contagious ecthyma, with female kids being more susceptible to the disease than male kids. Clinically, goats with contagious ecthyma showed pyrexia, anorexia, depression, and proliferative, crusty lesions around the lips, muzzle, and occasionally on the eyelids and limbs. In addition, goats with contagious ecthyma showed leukocytosis with decreased hemoglobin and packed cell volume. Contagious ecthyma was confirmed by PCR assay of scab materials. Antiseptic care, topical antimicrobial agents, systemic antimicrobial agents, and supportive care resulted in complete recovery of goats with contagious ecthyma within 10-20 days, with two mortalities. The findings highlight the seasonal vulnerability of young kids and underline the importance of early diagnosis, isolation and prompt supportive therapy in controlling outbreaks.

Carbon–Nitrogen Metabolism in Mulberry (Morus alba L.) and its Influence on Leaf Protein Quality for Silkworm Nutrition

M. N. Chethan — 2026-03-18

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is the sole food plant of the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori L.), and the nutritional quality of its leaves directly determines larval growth, cocoon weight, shell ratio, and silk yield. Among the physiological factors governing leaf quality, carbon–nitrogen (C–N) metabolism plays a pivotal role by coordinating photosynthetic carbon assimilation with nitrogen uptake, reduction, and assimilation into amino acids and proteins. The balance between carbon skeleton availability and reduced nitrogen largely determines both the quantity and quality of leaf proteins accessible to the silkworm. This review synthesizes current knowledge on carbon–nitrogen interactions in mulberry, with particular emphasis on photosynthetic carbon metabolism, enzymatic pathways of nitrogen assimilation, and their regulation by nitrogen form, rate, and timing of application. The influence of environmental factors such as light, temperature, water availability, and soil fertility on C–N metabolism and leaf biochemical composition is also discussed. Special attention is given to how variations in leaf protein content, amino acid profile, soluble carbohydrates, moisture retention, and secondary metabolites affect silkworm digestion, metabolism, silk gland development, and silk protein synthesis. An improved understanding of the physiological basis of C–N metabolism in mulberry provides a scientific foundation for precision nutrient and water management, enhanced leaf protein quality, and efficient silkworm performance. Integrating plant physiological insights with agronomic and sericultural practices is essential for developing climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable sericulture systems capable of improving silk productivity and quality.

Mulberry Leaf Metabolomics: Linking Plant Biochemistry with Silkworm Physiology and Sustainable Sericulture

Gali Suresh — 2026-03-19

Mulberry (Morus spp.) leaves constitute the exclusive food source for the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori), making their biochemical composition a critical determinant of silkworm growth, cocoon characteristics and silk productivity. Recent advances in plant metabolomics have enabled comprehensive profiling of metabolites present in mulberry leaves, providing deeper insights into the biochemical factors influencing leaf quality and insect nutrition. Mulberry leaves are rich in diverse primary metabolites, including amino acids, soluble sugars, organic acids and proteins, which are essential for silkworm metabolism and silk protein synthesis. In addition, secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids and alkaloids contribute to plant defence mechanisms and influence silkworm feeding behavior and physiological performance. Environmental conditions, including drought, salinity, temperature fluctuations and nutrient availability, significantly alter the mulberry leaf metabolome, thereby affecting larval development, cocoon weight, shell ratio and filament length. Modern analytical platforms such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have facilitated the identification and quantification of key metabolites associated with improved silkworm performance. Integrating metabolomics with other multi-omics approaches, including transcriptomics and proteomics, offers new opportunities to understand gene–metabolite interactions governing mulberry leaf quality. This review highlights recent advances in mulberry leaf metabolomics, its relationship with silkworm physiology and the potential of metabolomics-guided strategies for enhancing mulberry cultivation and promoting sustainable sericulture.

Herbicide Resistance in Weeds: Evolution, Mechanisms and Agronomic Mitigation Strategies

Rahul — 2026-03-19

One of the most serious threats to global crop productivity and sustainable weed management in present scenario is herbicide resistance. Dependency on repeated application of herbicides with similar modes of action, simple cropping systems and reduced diversity among agronomic practices turns out to be major reason for evolution of resistant weed populations across different agroecosystems. Currently, around 260 weed species have been reported to be resistant to one or more site of action, leading to increased yield losses, production cost and environmental concerns. Resistant weed populations usually evolve through different mechanisms such as target-site resistance, which mainly occurs due to genetic mutations at the specific herbicide binding site, and non-target-site resistance, which includes different mechanisms like enhanced herbicide metabolism, reduced translocation or sequestration. To delay or avoid the development of herbicide resistance and restore sustainability we have to implement agronomic mitigation strategies which include crop diversification, cultural and mechanical interventions, use of integrated weed management practices (combination of chemical, cultural, mechanical and biological methods) and precise use and application of herbicides Globally, herbicide resistance has started to become a wide spread problem in controlling the weeds. Studies have reported that resistant weed species can easily cause around 20–70% yield losses, depending on the crop, weed species and infestation level. To delay or avoid the development of herbicide resistance and restore sustainability we have to implement agronomic mitigation strategies which include crop diversification, cultural and mechanical interventions, use of integrated weed management practices and precise use and application of herbicides. It proper and timely solution of this problem is not developed or left unchecked than it can cause uncontrolled losses to crop yield.

Mangrove-associated Halotolerant Bacteria: Ecological Roles, Molecular Interactions and Biotechnological Potentials

Pratik Sunil Sawane — 2026-03-19

Mangrove ecosystems are productive coastal habitats found in tropical and subtropical areas. They play an important role in regulating the global climate and protecting coastlines. As vital blue carbon ecosystems, mangroves grow along the coastlines of about 124 countries. They provide essential services such as shoreline stabilization, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity conservation. These ecosystems are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including high salinity, tidal flooding, and changing oxygen levels. Despite these challenges, mangrove plants thrive through a complex interplay with different microbial communities, principally halotolerant bacteria. This review explores the global distribution of mangroves and the diversity and functions of the bacterial communities that help to keep these ecosystems healthy. Halotolerant bacteria contribute significantly to nutrient cycling, soil fertility enhancement, and plant growth promotion. They also enable plants to cope with salinity stress through various mechanisms such as producing phytohormones, regulating osmotic pressure, and controlling stress-responsive gene regulation. These plant-microbe interactions not only help mangroves stay resilient but also hold promise for use in biosaline agriculture, environmental management, and biotechnology, aiding in the sustainable conservation of saline and coastal ecosystems.

Recent Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Production: Insights into Artificial Intelligence Integration

Rishubh Motla — 2026-03-20

Sustainable agricultural production has emerged as a critical global priority in response to increasing food demand, climate variability, environmental degradation, and socio-economic instability within farming systems. Contemporary agricultural research increasingly emphasizes the integration of statistical modelling, artificial intelligence (AI), genetic improvement strategies, disease management frameworks, and economic assessment tools to enhance productivity while ensuring long-term ecological and economic sustainability. Recent advancements in time-series modelling, regression-based forecasting, bootstrap techniques, and meta-modelling approaches have strengthened crop yield prediction and production planning across diverse agro-climatic regions. Parallel developments in AI-driven precision agriculture, including machine learning (ML) algorithms and deep learning (DL) architectures, have improved predictive accuracy through the integration of environmental, morphological, and remote sensing datasets. Genetic variability assessment, marker-assisted screening, and stress tolerance studies have contributed to the development of resilient cultivars capable of sustaining productivity under biotic and abiotic stresses. Additionally, research on export forecasting, market infrastructure evaluation, geographically indicated (GI) products, and regional income convergence underscores the importance of economic viability within sustainable production systems. Rather than relying on isolated technological interventions, emerging evidence supports an integrated framework that combines predictive analytics, precision management, breeding innovations, and market-informed planning. This review synthesizes recent advances across these domains and highlights the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches for achieving resilient, resource-efficient, and economically viable agricultural systems.

Recent Advances in Diagnostic Techniques for Detecting Mastitis in Dairy Cows

Bhuneshwar Pal Singh Kanwar — 2026-03-21

Mastitis is among the most widespread and economically significant diseases affecting dairy animals across the globe. Epidemiological studies conducted in various countries have reported similar prevalence patterns, indicating that nearly 25% of udder quarters are infected when assessed through indirect diagnostic methods, while the overall morbidity rate among dairy cows approaches 40%. The disease manifests in both clinical and subclinical forms; however, subclinical mastitis accounts for the majority of cases and often remains undetected for extended periods due to the absence of visible symptoms. A diverse range of microorganisms has been associated with mastitis, including bacteria, fungi, mycoplasmas, and certain algal species. Nevertheless, most infections are caused by a limited group of bacterial pathogens. Mastitis leads to considerable alterations in milk composition, resulting in reduced yield and changes in key constituents such as protein, lactose, and fat, which ultimately compromise milk quality and its processing properties. The economic consequences of mastitis are particularly severe in developing dairy industries. In India, the annual financial loss attributed to mastitis is estimated to be approximately ₹2.37 thousand crore, with over 70% of these losses linked to subclinical mastitis. These economic setbacks arise from decreased milk production, treatment and management costs, discarded milk, reduced animal productivity, and premature culling, underscoring the critical need for effective preventive and control measures.

Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata Lugens (Stål, 1854): Biology, Ecology, Outbreak History and Integrated Management in Rice Ecosystems

A. P. Namirtha — 2026-03-23

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is one of the most devastating rice pests in Asia, causing significant yield losses due to direct feeding damage and the transmission of viral diseases. Once considered a minor pest, N. lugens has become a major threat following the expansion of rice cultivation, the introduction of high-yielding varieties, and the excessive use of insecticides. The pest exhibits high reproductive potential, migratory behavior, wing dimorphism, and remarkable adaptability, which contribute to rapid population growth and frequent epidemics. This chapter provides a detailed overview of the brown planthopper, including its taxonomic features, host range, life cycle, ecological distribution, economic threshold levels, damage symptoms, and area-specific economic losses. The focus is placed on management strategies, including legal, physical, mechanical, cultural, biological, botanical, chemical, and microbial approaches, with particular attention to their implementation and dosage. The chapter also highlights the role of insecticide resistance, pest resurgence, and ecosystem disturbances in aggravating planthopper outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of integrated pest management and the conservation of natural enemies. Recent developments in molecular genetics and host plant resistance are discussed as potentially valuable tools for sustainable management. Overall, this chapter synthesizes past and recent research to provide a comprehensive perspective on N. lugens and outlines future directions for environmentally friendly and sustainable control strategies in rice ecosystems.

Organic Herbal Mosquito Repellent Formulation (Herbal Dhoop): A Sustainable Alternative to Commercial Chemical Dhoops

Adaikkan Yogapriya — 2026-03-23

Commercial mosquito coils, liquid vaporizers, and commercial dhoops are widely used across tropical countries. These products typically contain hazardous chemicals like pyrethroids, organophosphates, or other chemicals that provide rapid knockdown effects. However, continued exposure to the smoke and fumes generated from these commercial repellents leads to indoor air pollution, respiratory disorders, neurological toxicity, skin irritation, eye irritation, and environmental hazards. The Organic herbal mosquito repellent dhoops has emerged as a promising eco-friendly and sustainable alternative. Herbal dhoops traditionally prepared using natural plant materials is rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as terpenoids, phenolic, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. Common ingredients include neem (Azadirachta indica), basil (Ocimum sanctum), pepper mint (Mentha piperita), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), marigold (Tagetes sp.). Repellent activities of the above botanicals, disturbs the insect nervous system and mask off host odours. When compared to commercial dhoops, herbal alternatives offer several advantages like indoor air safety, renewable raw materials, cost effective, environment friendly, and cultural acceptability in traditional households. This review compares the effect of several plant materials that are effective in controlling mosquitoes. Further it discusses the evaluation procedures, advantages of herbal dhoop formulation over commercial ones.

From Trash to Treasure: Exploring the Potential of Bioplastics in Fruits

B. Suchitra — 2026-03-26

The increasing accumulation of plastic waste and fruit-processing residues highlights the need for sustainable biodegradable materials. This review examines recent advances in bioplastics derived from fruit wastes, focusing on material sources, processing approaches, properties, and applications. Fruit residues such as peels, pomace, and seeds are rich in polysaccharides that can be converted into biodegradable films and composites with promising mechanical, barrier, antimicrobial, and biodegradation properties. These materials show potential for food packaging, edible coatings, and agricultural applications. However, challenges such as high production costs, raw material variability, and limited infrastructure hinder large-scale commercialization, highlighting the need for scalable technologies and effective waste valorization strategies.

Clinical Correlation of Anatomical Knowledge for Veterinarians: A Foundation for Diagnostic and Surgical Precision

Ratnesh Kumar Choudhary — 2026-03-26

Anatomical knowledge forms the cornerstone of veterinary clinical practice, underpinning every diagnostic decision and surgical intervention across the remarkable diversity of species encountered in veterinary medicine. This review examines the critical relationship between foundational anatomical understanding and its clinical application, with particular emphasis on diagnostic precision and surgical accuracy. Drawing upon literature spanning classical anatomical studies to contemporary advances in imaging technology, surgical technique, and pedagogical methodology, this article explores how anatomical competence informs the management of disease processes in companion animals, equids, ruminants, and exotic species. Regional anatomy, species-specific variations, neuroanatomical localisation, musculoskeletal relationships, and cardiorespiratory architecture are discussed in the context of their direct clinical relevance. Furthermore, this review evaluates emerging educational strategies — including three-dimensional modelling, virtual dissection platforms, and plastination — and their role in bridging the gap between didactic anatomical teaching and clinical application. The evidence consistently demonstrates that anatomically literate veterinarians deliver more accurate diagnoses, perform safer and more effective surgical procedures, and achieve superior patient outcomes. Strengthening anatomical education and its integration within clinical curricula is therefore identified as a paramount priority for veterinary institutions globally.

UV-B Radiation-Induced Stress and Mutagenesis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): Physiological, Biochemical, and Genetic Perspectives

Sachchida Nand Mishra — 2026-03-26

Further people have become aware that the ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays (280–315 nm) impact the development of plants and overall yield, particularly in the context of global warming. Because various varieties of the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a crop extensively valued worldwide for its nutritional and financial benefits, behave differently to UV-B exposure, it is clear that importance genetic diversity is in adaptability to stress. This review compiles recent research on chickpea cultivars' response and adaptations to UV-B radiation. It focuses attention to the genetic, psychological, biological, and structural mechanisms that support stress tolerance. The destruction of the genome and changes caused on by ultraviolet (UV) rays may change gene expression and result in changes in response to stress traits. Plant growth and production are ultimately affected by the physical impacts of ultraviolet (UV) rays on systems like transpiration, irrigation, and nutrient uptake. Normal plants' ability to operate physically is typically affected by higher UV-B radiation level. It can reduce water-use efficiency, stomatal pores formation and metabolic productivity, every one of which slow down biomass production and eventually affect production. Still, genotypes that are more sensitive to UV-B rays have the capacity to handle these challenges. By turning on effective sunscreen mechanisms and altering standards as needed to preserve essential functions, they promote continued development. the context of addition to morphological and biological variations, chickpea plants have significant structural modifications that avoid UV-B damage. These consist of more developed cuticle (the waxy outer layer), larger leaves, and an altered roots and shoots structure. These major modifications enhance the plant's ability to soak up nutrients, water, and sunlight, all of which assist it handle stress. Future studies should focus on discovering and enhancing inherited characteristics that enhance protection from UV-B radiation.

Advancements in Precision Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review of Technologies for Improving Agricultural Efficiency

Battala Sheshagiri — 2026-03-28

Precision agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach for modern farming systems, integrating advanced digital technologies to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resource efficiency. Traditional agricultural practices often rely on uniform input application across fields, which can lead to inefficient use of resources such as fertilizers, water, and pesticides. Precision agriculture addresses this limitation by utilizing technologies such as remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics, and big data analytics to monitor field variability and enable site-specific management practices. These technologies facilitate real-time monitoring of crop health, soil properties, environmental conditions, and farm operations, allowing farmers to make informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting. Recent developments in machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and smart sensor networks have further enhanced the capabilities of precision farming systems by enabling automated data collection and predictive analytics. The integration of digital technologies into agriculture also contributes to improved environmental sustainability by reducing input wastage and minimizing ecological impacts. Despite its significant advantages, the adoption of precision agriculture remains uneven across regions due to challenges such as high implementation costs, technological complexity, and limited digital infrastructure. This review paper examines recent advancements in precision agriculture technologies and evaluates their role in enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability. The study also discusses emerging innovations, adoption trends, and future prospects that are expected to shape the next generation of digital farming systems.

Application of Laser Treatment on Bio-commercial Traits of the Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.: A Comprehensive Review

Ashish S. Karur — 2026-03-30

The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori L., represents one of the most economically valuable insects in global sericulture. Beyond silk production, it serves as a powerful experimental model in genetics, radiation biology and developmental physiology. The application of laser irradiation and other ionizing and non-ionizing radiations has gained increasing importance in silkworm improvement programmes aimed at inducing beneficial mutations, enhancing biological efficiency and improving commercial traits. This review synthesizes experimental findings on the impact of laser and radiation exposure on embryonic development, mutation induction, growth performance, morphological variation, haemolymph biochemistry, silk gland integrity and economic traits such as cocoon weight, shell ratio and filament length. Evidence from multiple studies indicates that early embryonic stages are highly sensitive to irradiation, whereas controlled low-dose exposure during specific developmental windows may stimulate growth and silk productivity. The phenomenon of radiation hormesis has been repeatedly documented in bivoltine and multivoltine races. However, high-dose exposure induces mortality, morphological abnormalities and protein degradation. Genetic variability in radiation resistance further provides opportunities for breeding radiation-tolerant strains. Integration of laser-based techniques with molecular genetics and antioxidant supplementation strategies offers promising avenues for future sericulture biotechnology.

Hydrogels as an Emerging Water Management Tool for Sustainable Vegetable Production: A Review

Rahul Ahirwar — 2026-03-30

Water scarcity and climate variability pose major challenges to sustainable vegetable production, which is terrifically dependent on continuous soil moisture and efficient water use. Hydrogels, or superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), have dawn as promising soil amendments due to their merit to absorb and retain huge quantities of water and release it step by step according to plant demand. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the concept, classification and functional properties of hydrogels, emphasizing their role in enhancing soil water-holding capacity, improving soil physical characteristics, reducing irrigation frequency and increasing water use efficiency. Research findings indicate that hydrogel application improves germination, vegetative growth, yield and quality attributes of various vegetable crops, particularly under water-deficit conditions. Hydrogels also mitigate drought stress by maintaining plant physiological processes and enhancing stress tolerance mechanisms. Additionally, their integration with nutrient management reduces nutrient leaching, enhances fertilizer efficiency and supports climate-smart and environmentally sustainable agricultural systems. While biodegradable and eco-friendly hydrogel alternatives address environmental concerns associated with synthetic polymers, continued research and development are required to optimize formulations for field-scale adoption. Overall, hydrogels present an effective water management tool for sustainable and climate-resilient vegetable production.

Cutaneous Form of Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) in a German Shepherd Dog: Case Report

Boddula Varun Kumar — 2026-03-19

Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT), historically known as Sticker's sarcoma, represents a unique contagious round-cell neoplasm that primarily affects the external genitalia of dogs. While the genital form remains frequently encountered in routine veterinary practice, extragenital or purely cutaneous presentations are comparatively rare and often complicate the diagnostic process due to their atypical distribution. This case report documents an unusual manifestation of cutaneous TVT in a 4-year-old intact male German Shepherd dog. The patient presented with multiple ulcerated, nodular lesions prominently distributed on the muzzle, periocular region, dorsal trunk, and limbs, accompanied by concurrent bilateral corneal opacity. A definitive diagnosis was promptly achieved through Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), which revealed high cellularity comprising characteristic round cells containing distinct, pathognomonic cytoplasmic vacuoles. The underlying etiology was determined to be autoinoculation, resulting from the animal's licking behavior involving a previously healed genital tumor site. A targeted therapeutic course of Vincristine sulfate, administered intravenously at 0.025 mg/kg once weekly for four weeks, yielded a complete clinical cure, achieving total regression of all skin lesions alongside complete resolution of the ocular symptoms. This report underscores the critical necessity of including TVT in the differential diagnosis for nodular dermatological diseases and reaffirms the exceptional efficacy of vincristine chemotherapy for extragenital manifestations.

Incidental Finding of Polycystic Kidneys in a Persian Cat with Lower Urinary Tract Disease: A Case Report

D. Akilkumar — 2026-03-30

Urinary obstruction is a common emergency in cats and may be exacerbated by underlying conditions such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This case highlights the diagnosis and management of a Persian cat with lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) and incidental PKD. A two-year-old male Persian cat presented with a two-day history of urinary obstruction, anorexia, and absence of defecation. Clinical examination revealed a distended urinary bladder, congested penile mucosa, and sand-like particles at the penile tip. Ultrasonographic evaluation confirmed LUTD associated with PKD, characterized by multiple renal cysts. A Tomcat catheter was used to relieve 40 mL of reddish urine, after which comprehensive diagnostic evaluations were conducted. The treatment regimen comprised intravenous administration of amoxicillin-clavulanate, pantoprazole, ondansetron, and fluid therapy, followed by oral antibiotics, phosphate binders, and nephroprotective agents. By day five, the cat exhibited improved appetite, reduced bladder distension, and stable renal function; however, persistent leukocytosis necessitated further treatment with enrofloxacin. By day 20, substantial clinical improvement was evident, with normalized serum creatinine and decreased phosphorus levels. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach in effectively managing feline LUTD complicated by incidental PKD.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth Attributes of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in a Semi-Arid Agroecosystem of Rajasthan, India

Mukesh Vishnoi — 2026-03-14

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a vital pulse crop in the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, India, where productivity is constrained by suboptimal nutrient management and poor soil fertility. The experimental soil was characterized as a sandy loam, slightly alkaline, with low organic carbon and available nitrogen. While Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)—which combines organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources—presents a sustainable solution, there is a research gap regarding the optimal combination for mungbean in this specific agro-climatic zone. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different INM strategies on the growth parameters of mungbean. A field experiment was carried out during the Zaid season of 2024 in a randomized block design with eight treatments, including various combinations of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and Rhizobium inoculation. Results demonstrated that the integrated application of 100% RDF with vermicompost (1 t ha⁻¹) and Rhizobium (T₈) consistently and significantly outperformed other treatments, leading to the greatest improvements in plant height (51.54 cm), primary branches (6.27), dry matter accumulation (12.38 g plant⁻¹), and leaf area index (2.44). This treatment also recorded the highest root nodulation. This study concludes that the conjunctive use of 100% RDF with vermicompost and Rhizobium is a superior nutrient management strategy. This approach not only enhances the vegetative growth of mungbean but also contributes to long-term agricultural sustainability by improving soil health, nutrient cycling, and resource-use efficiency in fragile, semi-arid agroecosystems.

Molecular Diversity Analysis of Mid-late Maturing Sugarcane Clones Derived from Bi-parental and General Crosses Using SSR Markers

Ankita Kailas Kurhade — 2026-03-16

Genetic diversity has been assessed based on morphological and agronomic traits. However, these traits are greatly influenced by environmental conditions and genotype × environment interactions, often leading to unreliable estimates of true genetic relationships. In contrast, molecular marker systems enable direct assessment of genetic variation at the DNA level, independent of environmental influences, thus providing a more accurate and stable measure of genetic diversity. The study aims to evaluate genetic similarity, clustering patterns, and intra-cross variability to facilitate effective parent selection and enhance genetic gain in sugarcane breeding programmes. The study was conducted during 2022–23 to characterise the molecular diversity among twenty mid-late maturing sugarcane genotypes derived from bi-parental and general crosses using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. All the genotypes, along with one check, were planted at the research farm of Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, in a Randomised Block Design with two replications. Genomic DNA was isolated from young leaf tissues of all twenty genotypes. Eleven polymorphic SSR primer pairs were used for amplification of DNA, generating a total of 53 alleles, including 37 shared and 16 unique alleles. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to seven. The Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0.39 (SOSSR 48) to 0.78 (SOSSR 31), with an average of 0.61, indicating a high level of marker informativeness. Genetic similarity coefficients among the genotypes ranged from 0.800 to 0.892. UPGMA-based cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into four major clusters, largely corresponding to their parental lineage. Clones with common parentage were predominantly grouped together, whereas genotypes derived from the same cross but placed in separate clusters revealed substantial intra-cross genetic variability. The results demonstrate that SSR markers are highly efficient in detecting molecular diversity. It is concluded that using an SSR marker is a very reliable approach for identifying diverse genotypes where phenotypic similarity of the cultivars leads to difficulty while selecting parents for hybridisation.

Correlation Study between Cane Yield and Attributing Traits and Their Path Analysis in Early Maturing Sugarcane Clones

Chandan Kumar Dash — 2026-03-18

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the relationship between cane yield and its contributing traits in early maturing sugarcane clones using correlation and path coefficient analyses. The study assessed several important growth and juice quality parameters, including germination percentage at 45 days after planting (DAP), number of shoots at 120 DAP, plant height at harvest, cane diameter at harvest, number of shoots at harvest, number of millable canes at harvest, purity percentage at the 8-month stage, extraction percentage, and Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS). These parameters were analysed to determine their relative contributions to cane yield and to identify traits with significant direct and indirect effects. Correlation analysis revealed that cane yield exhibited significant and positive associations with number of shoots at 120 DAP (0.926), germination percentage at 45 DAP (0.881), CCS (0.862), extraction percentage (0.785), cane diameter at harvest (0.754), number of shoots at harvest (0.502), number of millable canes at harvest (0.494), and purity percentage at 8-month stage (0.394). These strong associations indicate that both early growth parameters and juice quality traits substantially influence cane productivity. Path coefficient analysis further partitioned the correlation coefficients into direct and indirect effects. CCS (t/ha) exerted the highest positive direct effect on cane yield, followed by pol percentage in juice at the 10-month stage, brix percentage at the 8-month stage, purity percentage at the 8-month stage, plant height at harvest, number of shoots at 120 DAP, germination percentage at 45 DAP, and extraction percentage. In contrast, brix percentage at the 10-month stage showed the highest negative direct effect on cane yield, along with purity percentage at the 10-month stage, pol percentage at the 8-month stage, single cane weight, number of millable canes at harvest, number of shoots at harvest, and cane diameter at harvest. Among indirect effects, plant height at harvest contributed the maximum positive indirect influence on cane yield, whereas cane diameter at harvest contributed substantially to negative indirect effects through other associated traits. The findings highlight the complex interrelationship among growth and juice quality traits in determining cane yield. CCS (t/ha), pol percentage, and plant height emerged as the most decisive traits for yield improvement. Therefore, these characters should be given due emphasis in selection strategies aimed at developing high-yielding early maturing sugarcane varieties.

Integrated Weed Management Using New Generation Herbicides for Enhancing Growth and Yield of Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

B. Jothilakshmi — 2026-03-18

Background: Rice is a major staple crop globally and plays a vital role in India’s food security and agricultural economy. However, the increasing shift from puddled transplanted rice to direct-seeded rice due to water and labour constraints has intensified weed management challenges, which significantly affect crop growth and yield.

Aims: The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of new generation herbicides combined with manual and mechanical weed management practices on growth attributes and yield of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Place and Duration of Study: The field study was conducted in the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu from June - October, 2023.

Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications and comprised of nine treatments viz., bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + pretilachlor 6% GR @ 10 kg ha^-1, triafamone 20% + ethoxysulfuron 10% WG @ 225 g ha^-1, bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 200 ml ha^-1with manual and cono weeding.

Results: Among the various weed management practices, bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + pretilachlor 6% GR @ 10 kg ha^-1on 7 DAS followed by manual weeding on 40 DAS recorded higher plant height (105.14 cm), no of tillers (12.56 hill^-1), leaf area index (5.79), crop dry matter production (11.94 t ha^-1), grain yield (5.30 t ha^-1) and straw yield (7.55 t ha^-1).

Conclusion: The study suggests that integrating pre-emergence herbicide application with timely manual weeding is an effective and sustainable weed management strategy for improving the productivity of direct-seeded rice.

Screening of Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin Residues in Pork Sold in Guwahati City and Its Periphery and Validation by Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography-UV/Vis

Param Debbarma — 2026-03-18

Antimicrobial residues are unwanted substances with persistence capabilities in the food chain and harm the health of the consumers. The present study aims to detect the presence of ciprofloxacin and gentamicin residues in pork sold in Guwahati City and its surrounding areas and validation by Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography-UV/Vis. Pork samples were randomly collected from multiple districts that provide pork to the city of Guwahati. A microbial inhibition assay using the endospores of Bacillus subtilis MTCC 441 as the test organism was used to initially screen out 261 pork samples. Of these, 80 pork samples were subjected to further screening using the UFLC-UV/Vis (Model: Shimadzu Prominence LC-20AD, Detector: SPD-20A-UV/Vis; RP C18 Column: (BDS Premium, 250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 µm) to confirm the residues in the pork samples. During the preliminary screening, no sample tested positive for antimicrobial residues with the exception of 3 (three) samples that were suspected of having the antimicrobial residues. On further screening using the UFLC-UV/Vis, it revealed that one sample (1.25%) tested positive for ciprofloxacin residue, but none of the samples tested positive for gentamicin residue. The ciprofloxacin residue was 0.039 µg/g, which is much below the MRL threshold recommended by Codex Alimentarius. Therefore, considering the detection of only 1.25% ciprofloxacin residue and the absence of gentamicin residue, it can be concluded that these antimicrobial substances are not abused in the pig husbandry practices and are comparatively safer for consumption in the areas under investigation. However, periodic screening of the pork samples are recommended and mass awareness drive should be carried out so the farmers can produce a healthy pig for human consumption.

Effect of Feeding Dehydrated Cashew Apple-Based Pellets on Intestinal Parasites in Female Lambs

Casimir Kekou — 2026-03-20

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pelleted feeds based on dehydrated cashew apple on parasite excretion rates, hematocrit values, and zootechnical performance in ewe lambs.

Study Design: Twelve lambs, divided into two groups, were the subject of the study. Two lots of 6 lambs each were formed: one lot called pellets and the other lot called control.

Place and Duration: The study took place at the experimental farm of École Supérieure d'Agronomie at Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Yamoussoukro, from June 14 to December 21.

Methodology: A total of 12 ewe lambs with 11.79 ± 2.22 kg average live weight, aged 3 to 5 months, were used. These ewe lambs were randomly allocated into two homogeneous groups, with the individual animal as the experimental unit. The first group was supplemented with the pellets and received no synthetic anthelmintic treatment (experimental group). The second group received dried cassava peels as a supplement and was treated with synthetic anthelmintics monthly for 6 months (control group). Fecal, blood, and weighing samples were collected from each animal at the trial start and monthly until the end.

Results: The results showed that the sheep receiving the dehydrated cashew apple-based pellets had lower parasitic loads. Unlike the control group (30 ± 27 OPG), no Haemonchus contortus parasites were detected in the experimental group. Hematocrit evaluation also revealed higher values throughout the study (45.6%). No significant differences were observed in animal growth. The animals reached 21.43±3.81 kg average weight at the end.

Conclusion: The use of dehydrated cashew apple-based pellets appears to be a feasible approach to reduce parasitic loads in sheep, improve hematocrit values, and support better growth.

Genetic Analysis of Heterosis for Yield and Fibre Quality Traits in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

V. C. Raghavendra — 2026-03-20

Cotton is one of the major crops that can be used for both commercial heterosis exploitation and the development of genotypes as varieties. The present research was aimed to determine best heterotic crosses for yield, fibre quality and economically important traits and to develop compact hybrids. Five lines and three testers were crossed in Line × Tester mating design to obtain 15 hybrids. All fifteen crosses, their parents and two checks were evaluated in 2024 kharif season in randomised complete block design. The results indicated significant differences among lines, testers and crosses for most of the traits and preponderance of non-additive gene action. The lines CMP3 recorded maximum mean value of seed cotton yield. For seed cotton yield trait, none of the crosses showed significant positive heterosis over better parent and standard heterosis. Three crosses viz., CMP1 × V1, CMP3 × V1 and CMP3 × V3 exhibited high significant mean performance and higher standard heterosis over standard check for yield, fibre quality and economically important traits and thus, could be exploited for crop improvement programme.

Structural Host Plant Resistance: Influence of Foliar Morphological Traits on Bemisia tabaci Dynamics in Soybean (Glycine max)

Priyanshu Pawar — 2026-03-20

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a devastating polyphagous pest of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill), causing severe yield losses directly through sap-draining and indirectly by acting as the primary vector for the Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV). It has a broad host range of over 700 different plant species with an ability to transmit more than 200 viruses specifically those belonging to the genus Begomovirus, leading to severe economic loss, the environmental hazards and resistance issues associated with chemical insecticides, identifying and utilizing host plant resistance (HPR) is paramount. This study was conducted exclusively during the Kharif 2023 season to investigate the role of foliar morphological traits in conferring structural resistance (antixenosis) against B. tabaci. Twenty diverse soybean genotypes were evaluated under field conditions at the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh,India. Morphological parameters like leaf area, specific leaf weight, leaf succulency, trichome density, trichome width, and trichome length were recorded at 45 days after sowing (DAS). The results demonstrated highly significant genotypic variations in all evaluated Morphological leaf traits, which profoundly influenced B. tabaci. colonization dynamics. Correlation analyses revealed that specific leaf weight (leaf thickness) (r=−0.945) and trichome density (r=−0.886) acted as physical barriers, showing very strong negative correlations with whitefly populations. Conversely, leaf succulence (r=0.919) and leaf area (r=0.817) exhibited highly significant positive correlations, indicating that broader and highly hydrated leaves enhance plant susceptibility by providing a favourable microclimate and easier feeding access. The genotype JS 97-52 emerged as highly resistant, possessing the thickest leaves (0.40 g/cm²), maximum trichome density (434.57 trichomes/cm²), and the longest trichome (562.24 μm), alongside the lowest leaf area (30.50 cm2) and succulency (37.25%) area. On the contrary, the highly susceptible genotype JS-335 exhibited the thinnest leaves (0.17 g/cm²), lowest trichome density (182.64 trichomes/cm²), and the highest leaf succulence (57.26%). These findings conclusively establish that morphological traits are critical determinants of B. tabaci resistance and provide highly reliable phenotypic markers for screening and breeding whitefly-resistant soybean cultivars.

Effect of Rhizospheric Bacteria on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Development of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Geetika Kalita — 2026-03-21

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that inhabit plant roots and promote plant growth through a diverse array of mechanisms. These include direct and indirect methods such as phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, ammonia production, phytohormone production and various enzymatic activities. A total of 17 rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from a rhizosphere region of green gram field and they were screened for various growth promoting activities. It revealed 52.9% isolated bacteria were positive for siderophore production and phosphate solubilization, 47.05% were positive for cellulase production and 100% were positive for catalase production. Two bacterial isolates (Rgb4 and Rgb5) were selected for evaluation of finger millet seed germination on the basis of their prominent growth promoting activities. The percentage of finger millet seed germination is more in the seeds treated with Rgb4 (90%) as compared to treated with Rgb5 (70%) and control with (30%). Thus, this piece of work may be the milestone in near future for the productivity of millets by the application of some potential rhizobial isolates.

Study of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Organic Waste and Isolation and Identification of Cellulolytic Bacteria from Organic Waste

Toiba Gul — 2026-03-21

Organic waste represents a valuable reservoir of ligno-cellulosic materials, creating a favorable environment for the proliferation of cellulolytic bacteria. The microbial degradation of cellulose plays a pivotal role in sustaining material cycling within the biosphere. The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the physico-chemical properties of organic waste and to isolate and identify cellulose-degrading bacterial strains. Samples were collected from diverse sources, including agricultural residues, aquatic weeds, and kitchen waste, at multiple sites around Dal Lake and the Shalimar campus of SKUAST-K. A total of 24 bacterial isolates were obtained, of which five exhibited pronounced zones of hydrolysis on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) agar plates following Congo red staining. These five isolates were subjected to morphological characterization, Gram staining, and biochemical profiling, with identification guided by Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. The results revealed that the majority of the potent cellulolytic strains belonged to the genus Bacillus. This study highlights the potential of such bacterial species to utilize cellulose as a cost-effective carbon source, thereby offering promising applications in biodegradation processes and the production of therapeutic agents. The findings provide a foundation for harnessing cellulolytic bacteria in sustainable waste management and biotechnological innovations.

Impact of Organic Residue Mulching Combined with Natural Farming Inputs on Growth Performance, Yield Attributes and Yields of Chickpea and Soil Health under Rainfed Climate of Bundelkhand Region

Ashish Kumar Tiwari — 2026-03-21

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic residue mulching (ORM) and natural farming inputs (NF) on growth and yield performance soil fertility status of chickpea during 2023-24 and 2024-25. The experiment was randomized twelve treatments including different organic leaf mulches, pulse straw, sugarcane residues, farmyard manure (FYM), adequate control, and no mulching organized by randomized block design. The results revealed that ORM addition significantly improved crop growth parameters including plant population, plant height, number of branches per plant and flowering compared to adequate control. Among treatments T12 was recorded higher plant height i.e. 8.30, 19.98, 28.72 and 39.51 cm at 15, 45, 60 and 75 DAS, respectively, during 2023-24 and further increased to 8.56, 21.05, 30.01 and 40.46 cm during 2024-25, with maximum height at harvest (49.51 and 50.12 cm) respectively. Consequently, maximum grain yield was obtained under T12 recorded the highest grain yield approximately 21% more than the control (1645 and 1665 kg ha⁻¹ during 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively), followed by T9, T8, and T3. However, the lowest yield was recorded under no mulching treatment (T11). Results also revealed that the ORM enhanced soil organic carbon concentration over control treatment. Our finding indicating the available nutrients increased with addition of organic mulch and NF inputs. The higher performance of chickpea yield was mainly attributed due to retention of soil moisture, moderated soil temperature variation, enhanced microbial activity and improved nutrient availability. Overall, the study demonstrates that integration of ORM with NF inputs is an effective and sustainable approach for improving chickpea productivity and enhancing soil health for long-term agricultural sustainability.

Quantifying Nutritional and Economic Losses in Post-Harvest Soybean Handling: A Case Study from Madhya Pradesh, India

Madhusudan Tiwari — 2026-03-21

Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital leguminous crop, widely cultivated for its high protein and oil content, making it an essential component in both the global food and livestock feed industries. In India, Madhya Pradesh stands as a major producer of soybean, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy. However, soybean production faces substantial challenges during the harvest and post-harvest stages, leading to considerable losses in both quantity and quality. This research investigates the post-harvest losses of soybean across different farm sizes in Madhya Pradesh, examining losses during threshing, winnowing, drying, storage, transportation, and other post-harvest activities. The study highlights that the total losses are more significant during post-harvest processes compared to the harvesting stage, with large farmers experiencing the highest losses. Additionally, this research quantifies both physical and monetary losses, revealing a direct correlation between farm size and the magnitude of these losses. Beyond physical degradation, the study also accounts for biochemical/nutritional losses such as reductions in protein quality, essential fatty acids, and vitamin content due to exposure to heat, oxygen, and microbial activity. These hidden losses further compromise the food and feed value of soybean. Addressing these losses through improved techniques and infrastructure could play a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability and profitability of soybean farming in the region.

Effect of Digestive Enzymes-Fortified Castor Leaves on Cocoon and Reproductive Parameters of Eri Silkworm (Samia ricini Donovan)

G. Savitha — 2026-03-21

Sericulture is an important agro-based industry that provides employment and income to rural communities, particularly in regions like Assam where eri culture is widely practiced. The productivity and quality of silk largely depend on the nutritional quality of host plant leaves and the efficiency of digestion in silkworms. The present study was conducted during 2024–2025 at the Department of Sericulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, to evaluate the effect of digestive enzymes-fortified castor leaves on the cocoon and reproductive parameters of eri silkworm (Samia ricini Donovan). Lipase and α-amylase enzymes were used as fortification agents at three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%), along with a combined treatment (1% lipase + 1% α-amylase) and an untreated control. Castor leaves were fortified using the leaf-dip method and fed to larvae from the first to fifth instar during spring and autumn seasons. The results revealed that enzyme fortification significantly improved most of the economic and developmental parameters compared to the control. Among the treatments, lipase at 5% concentration recorded the best performance, showing the highest cocoon weight (3.00 g in spring and 2.36 g in autumn), shell weight (0.50 g and 0.35 g), pupal weight (2.50 g and 1.88 g), shell ratio (16.88% and 15.66%), moth emergence (92.72% and 91.68%), and adult longevity (8.50 and 9.25 days). The same treatment also resulted in the lowest defective cocoon percentage and reduced pupal duration compared to the control group. The findings indicate that digestive enzyme supplementation, particularly lipase at 5%, can be an effective nutritional management strategy for improving cocoon quality and overall productivity of eri silkworm. This approach may contribute to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of eri sericulture.

Influence of Dietary Spermidine on Larval Growth and Development in Bombyx mori L.

Neha Sudan — 2026-03-23

The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is a key organism in sericulture, where the quality and nutritional composition of its exclusive host plant, Morus alba, critically influence larval growth and silk yield. Polyamines such as spermidine have emerged as important dietary supplements due to their role in cellular metabolism and protein synthesis, yet their stage-specific effects during silkworm development remain inadequately explored. The present study examined the impact of spermidine (Spd) supplementation on the larval growth performance of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Larval length and weight were assessed during the 4th and 5th instars under varying concentrations of spermidine (Spd 25, Spd 50, Spd 75, and Spd 100) along with a control treatment. During the 4th instar, no significant differences in larval length and weight were observed on the first day; however, significant variations became evident from the third day onward. By the fifth day, the highest larval length and weight were recorded in Spd 25 (4.06 cm, 1.00 g) and Spd 50 (4.09 cm, 0.97 g), whereas comparatively lower values were observed in the control group (3.94 cm, 0.83 g). A comparable trend was noted during the 5th instar, where treatments with Spd 25 and Spd 50 resulted in the greatest larval length and weight on the seventh day (7.27 cm, 4.75 g and 7.27 cm, 4.57 g, respectively), while the control group showed the lowest measurements. Furthermore, analysis of overall growth rate (OGR) and compound periodical growth rate (CPGR) demonstrated a significant enhancement in larval length and weight under spermidine supplementation. Overall, the results indicate that moderate levels of spermidine, particularly Spd 25 and Spd 50, effectively stimulate larval growth, suggesting its potential application as a growth-promoting dietary additive in silkworm rearing systems.

Determination of Optimum Lethal Dose of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) and Its Effect on Germination Percentage and Seedling Survival in Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.)

V. Prashantha — 2026-03-23

The creation and effective utilization of genetic variability are fundamental aspects of crop improvement programs. Mutation breeding is an important approach that allows the breeders to generate substantial genetic variation. Studies in several plant species have demonstrated that the effects of induced mutations differ considerably depending on the type of mutagen used and the dosage applied. Identifying the most effective mutagenic treatments is essential to obtain a higher frequency and wider spectrum of desirable mutations. The present investigation was conducted to estimate the lethal dose of the chemical mutagen EMS in niger variety JNC-6. Genetically pure seeds were treated with different doses of EMS i.e., 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 %. Significant effects of EMS concentration on germination percentage under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions and survival percentage in in-vivo condition were observed. As the doses of the EMS applied increased, there was consequent decrease in germination and survival percentage in all the treatments compared to the unmutated control. The lowest germination (29%, 17%) was recorded at the highest EMS concentration (0.9%), whereas the highest germination (80%,79%) occurred at the lowest concentration (0.5%). At the intermediate dose (0.7%), the germination percentage was 52.20%, 51%, in-vitro and in-vivo conditions respectively. To reduce experimental losses and achieve an optimum balance between mutagenic effectiveness and plant survival, the LD₅₀ (lethal dose 50) test is performed before initiating any mutation breeding program. LD₅₀ dose of EMS under in vitro and in vivo condition were fixed at 0.7% based on probit analysis. The frequency of morphological mutations like chlorophyll mutants, plant type mutants, and floral mutants were more in 0.7% EMS treatment compared to other treatments. After ascertaining LD50 value, mutation was induced to create variability for morphological and other desirable traits.

Variability for Calcium and Magnesium Content in Brassica Vegetables

Amit Kumar Upadhyay — 2026-03-23

The aim of this study investigates the genotypic variation in calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations among varieties, F1 hybrids, inbred lines, and local landraces of Brassica vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, knol-khol and Brussels sprouts, encompassing 47 accessions grown in crop improvement trials at the Vegetable Research Farm, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed both within and between subspecies and genotypes. Chinese cabbage exhibited the highest mean Ca (3.05 mg g^-1 DW) and Mg (1.67 mg g^-1 DW) contents, while broccoli showed comparatively lower levels. Cluster analysis grouped accessions based on their mineral profiles, identifying high-mineral clusters (e.g., cabbage genotypes BC-76, Hari Rani Gol, and Chinese cabbage genotype CCSH-1) suitable for biofortification efforts, and low-mineral clusters (e.g., broccoli genotypes NS-50 and Hybrid No. 2) indicating reduced nutritional value. These findings align with previous research indicating substantial genetic variation in mineral accumulation among Brassica species. The observed variation is attributed to genetic differences and environmental factors influencing mineral uptake and translocation. Overall, the study underscores the potential for breeding programs to enhance the nutritional quality of Brassica vegetables by selecting genotypes with higher mineral concentration.

Quantitative Genetic Analysis of Yield and Its Components in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Genotypes

Matam Jayanth Kumar — 2026-03-23

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important vegetable crop valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The present investigation was undertaken to assess the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and yield-related traits in 68 bitter gourd genotypes evaluated during the late kharif season of 2024–25. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with two replications to ensure reliable estimation of genetic parameters. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied, thereby indicating the existence of substantial genetic variability within the experimental material. The estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were consistently slightly higher than those of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, suggesting a relatively minor influence of environmental factors on trait expression. Notably, high GCV and PCV values were observed for fruit yield per vine, fruit yield per hectare, average fruit weight, vine length, and ascorbic acid content, reflecting considerable scope for improvement through selection. Heritability estimates ranged from 51.00% to 99.00%, while genetic advance expressed as a percentage of the mean varied widely from 8.58% to 131.95%. Importantly, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for yield and its principal contributing traits, indicating the predominance of additive gene action. This suggests that direct selection for these traits would be highly effective in achieving genetic improvement in bitter gourd.

Role of Weed Hosts in the Epidemiology of Chilli Leaf Curl Virus (ChiLCV) in Chilli Ecosystems

Madhu J — 2026-03-23

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important spice and vegetable crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. However, its productivity is severely constrained by several viral diseases, among which chilli leaf curl disease caused by begomoviruses is considered one of the most destructive. The present study investigated the role of weed hosts in the epidemiology of chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) in chilli-growing ecosystems around Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Field surveys were conducted during the 2023–2024 cropping season in major chilli-producing regions including Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Bengaluru districts. Several weed species growing within and around chilli fields were collected and examined for begomovirus-like symptoms such as leaf yellowing, upward curling, puckering, mosaic patterns, and plant stunting. Molecular detection using coat protein gene-specific primers confirmed the presence of ChiLCV in multiple weed hosts. The results indicated that several weed species act as potential reservoirs of ChiLCV and may facilitate virus survival and dissemination through the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci. These findings highlight the epidemiological importance of weed hosts in the persistence and spread of chilli leaf curl virus. Effective weed management in and around chilli fields, together with appropriate vector control strategies, is therefore essential for reducing virus inoculum sources and minimizing the incidence of chilli leaf curl disease.

Diversity of Lepidoptera in SCS College of Agriculture and It Surrounding Areas, Assam, India

R. K. Nath — 2026-03-24

A preliminary study was conducted in and around the Sarat Chandra Sinha College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Rangamati, Chapar, Dhubri campus, Assam, India during 2024-25 to record and study the diversity of lepidopteran insects. The college campus and the surrounding locations harbour a wide variety of butterflies and moths showing the richness of biodiversity of lepidopteran insects. The study revealed an impressive total of 44butterfly and moth species that belonged to 44 genera and 10 families. It was also noted from the study that with 10 species Nymphalidae emerged as the most dominant family followed by Pieridae and Erebidae (8 species each), Papilionidae (5 species), Geometridae, CrambidaeandHesperidae (3 species each) and Zygaenidae and Notodontidae (1 species each).The highest percentage of 22.72 species was recorded from the family Nymphalidae which was followed by 18.18 per cent in the family Peiridae, and Erebidae followed by Papilionidae with 11.36 per cent, Geometridae, Hesperidae and Crambidae with 6.81 per cent, Sphingidae with 4.54 per cent and the lowest percentage of 2.27 was recorded in the family Zygaenidae and Notodontidae. Given the widespread distribution of such a large number (44) of butterflies and moths species, the college campus and the surrounding area may be considered as an ideal spot for good diversity of lepidopteran insects. Adjacent forests offer an ideal breeding habitat lepidopteran insect. At the same time, various wild and cultivated plant species in and around the campus ensure sufficient food materials round the year to support such a robust population of butterflies and moths. Such an ecosystem provides a baseline information on the lepidopteran diversity in the SCS College campus for future research prospective.

Morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Assessment in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes Using DUS Descriptors

Chandrabhan Ahirwar — 2026-03-23

The study was conducted to assess morphological variability among seventy-seven rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes using thirty-two qualitative traits in accordance with the Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) guideline. The study aimed to quantify phenotypic diversity through genotype frequencies, percentage contribution and the Shannon–Weaver Diversity Index (SWDI) and to identify key descriptors useful for varietal distinctness and selection in rice breeding programs. The results revealed considerable variation in several reproductive and panicle-related traits, whereas most vegetative and pigmentation traits exhibited uniform expression. Traits such as leaf auricle, ligule, collar, and stem anthocyanin colouration were monomorphic, showing 100% uniformity with zero diversity (SWDI = 0.00), indicating linkages of the concern gene based on genomic constitution across the genotypes. In contrast, panicle attitude of branches exhibited pronounced polymorphism, with spreading (76.81%), semi-erect to spreading (8.70%) and erect (5.80%) types, and recorded the highest diversity index (SWDI = 0.85). Moderate diversity was observed for lemma pubescence density (strong 82.61%, medium 11.59%; SWDI = 0.57), panicle exertion (well exerted 84.06%, mostly exerted 10.14%; SWDI = 0.54) and grain shape (medium slender 86.96%, long slender 8.70%; SWDI = 0.50). Most genotypes were awnless and exhibited straw-coloured lemma and palea (98.55%), reflecting low variability (SWDI = 0.08). Overall, the SWDI values ranged from 0.00 to 0.85, indicating variable levels of phenotypic diversity across the descriptors studied. The findings suggest that traits exhibiting higher diversity—particularly panicle attitude of branches, lemma pubescence, panicle exertion and grain shape, can serve as key indicators for genotype identification, varietal protection and selection of diverse parental lines in rice breeding programs aimed at enhancing distinctness and broadening the genetic base of cultivated rice.

Effect of Different Mulching Sources for Management of Downy Mildew of Isbagol Caused by Peronospora plantaginis

Adeel A. Kasif — 2026-03-24

Sporangia emerged with stomata on the lower surfaces of infected leaf. Sporangia germinate either by direct germ tube or forming biflagellate zoospore which spread the downy mildew diseases. Isbagol play a significant role in the medicinal industry. It has an enormous effect on minimising digestive issues. Downy mildew of isbagol is caused by oomycetes fungi Peronospora plantaginis. Isbagol downy mildew symptoms start appearing up 30 to 35 days after sowing. Management of downy mildew is a challenge in conventional farming to the growers because they are not adopting advanced methods of disease control. Integrated disease management is the most effective way to manage downy mildew disease of isbagol. In the current study, different mulching sources and metalaxyl fungicide were used to manage the effect of downy mildew on isbagol. Seeds of isbagol were collected from the Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, ANDUA & T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya for carried out the experiments. Among the treatments, minimum per cent disease intensity, highest per cent disease control and highest growth attribute of isbagol were observed T₅ - Vetiver leaves (Vetiveria zizaniodes) + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%. Maximum per cent disease control was observed (49.77 - 63.07%) in T5 - Vetiver leaves (V. zizaniodes) + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25% followed by (40.55-56.09%) in T7 - Kas leaves (S. sponteneum) + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%, 36.71-53.44% in T2 - White polythene + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%, 23.41- 47.53% in T3 - Paddy straw + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%, 19.79- 46.58% in T1 - Black polythene + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25% and 14.70 - 45.72% in T4 - Lemongrass leaves (C. flexuosus) + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%. Although the two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25% significantly reduced the percent disease intensity 8.07-37.78 percent over the control. Organic mulches slowly decompose and provide organic matter which helps greater organic carbon, a source of plant nutrients and there by improves plant growth and yield.

Evaluation of Indigenous Trichoderma Isolates from Nepal Terai Region against Sheath Blight Disease of Rice

Ram Nandan Yadav — 2026-03-24

Sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a major constraint to rice production in Terai region of Nepal, often resulting in substantial yield losses. The heavy use of chemical fungicides raises serious concerns about environmental pollution and human health, highlighting the need for safer disease management options. In this context, biological control using Trichoderma spp. has gained considerable attention. This study aimed to manage sheath blight in spring rice using indigenous Trichoderma spp. Based on prior in vitro and screenhouse experiments, three promising Trichoderma isolates and a virulent isolate of R. solani were selected for field evaluations. Four rice varieties, Hardinath-1, Chaite-2, BINA Dhan and Chaite-5 were included in the experiment. Rice seeds were soaked in Trichoderma spore suspension (10⁶ spores/ml) and sown in nursery beds. Twenty-five days old seedlings were root-dipped in Trichoderma spore suspension before transplanting and a foliar spray was applied 24 hours after pathogen inoculation. Among the tested isolates, Trichoderma isolate RN-12 was found to be highly effective, reducing the average lesion size by 75.1%. Plants treated with RN-12 showed a significant reduction in disease severity, and lower relative lesion height compared to untreated control. These results clearly demonstrated the strong antagonistic potential of RN-12 in limiting both the development and progression of sheath blight. In addition to disease suppression, RN-12 also enhanced plant growth. The highest values for total tiller number, flag leaf length, panicle length, and total grains per panicle were consistently recorded in RN-12-tretaed plants across all four rice varieties, showing its superiority over other treatments, including untreated control.

Influence of Biophysical Characters of Resistance in Sesame Genotypes against Leafhopper (Orosius albicinctus)

K. Revathi — 2026-03-24

Host plant resistance is one among the important components essential to combat yield losses caused by insect pests and diseases. Interactions between the host plant and insect are very dynamic and involves development of many defense mechanisms by the plants and counter adaptations by the insects. The present study was conducted at S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati during rabi, 2019-20 and 2020-21 for a period of two consecutive seasons to study the effect of biophysical characters viz., leaf area, leaf thickness and trichome density in selected sesame genotypes in response to leafhopper population and phyllody incidence. The correlation studies conducted during the study revealed that there is a positive correlation between leaf area and leafhopper population, negative correlation between leaf thickness, trichome density with leafhopper population and phyllody incidence. However, the correlation was found to be significant for leaf thickness during both the seasons i.e., rabi, 2019-20 and rabi, 2020-21. The genotypes identified with high trichome trichome density, leaf thickness with minimum leaf area can be utilized in further breeding programmes in development of resistant source against sesame phyllody.

Isolation and Screening of Marine Actinomycetes from Mangrove Soil for Bioactive Compound Production

E. Sandhya Rani — 2026-03-24

The mangrove ecosystem is a largely unexplored source for actinomycetes with the potential to produce biologically active secondary metabolites. The present study addressed the physico-chemical properties of mangrove soil and screening of potent actinomycete isolates for bioactive compound production. The mangrove soil was collected from coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, India, and tested for physical properties, colour, odour, and water-holding capacity; pH and electrical conductivity; and chemical properties, such as Carbon, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Iron, and copper contents. The findings highlighted that mangroves are rich in organic matter and nutrients, providing an ideal habitat for actinomycete formation. A potent Actinomycetes isolated and selective media, Strach casein agar, International Streptomycin Project media (ISP₂), and Actinomycetes isolation agar media (AIA), and identified as Streptomyces enissocaesilis based on cultural, morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. The primary screening was performed using an antibiotic sensitivity assay on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, demonstrating that significant inhibitory activity indicates the antimicrobial properties of the bioactive compound produced by Streptomyces enissocaesilis.

Copper Sulfate Mediated Alterations in Morphological Traits and Antioxidant levels of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Subjected to Salinity Stress

Rahul Anand — 2026-03-25

Salinity stress is one of the most severe abiotic constraints limiting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production worldwide. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of foliar CuSO₄ (copper sulfate) treatment on the growth and morpho-agronomic performance of tomato cv. Pant Tomato-3 under varying levels of NaCl-induced salinity stress. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Treatments comprised four salinity levels (S1: 25 mM, S2: 50 mM, S3: 100 mM NaCl and a non-saline control) and four CuSO₄ concentrations (M1:5 ppm, M2: 10 ppm, M3:50 ppm, M4:100 ppm). Key morphological parameters assessed included plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, number of leaves and days to 50% flowering. Results demonstrated that increasing NaCl concentrations significantly suppressed all vegetative growth parameters, with S3 (100 mM) recording maximum reductions in plant height (65 cm), stem diameter (3.9 mm) and number of branches (12) compared to the control. Salinity stress delayed days to 50% flowering, with S3 recording additional days (45) over the control (35). Salinity stress also triggered significant biochemical alterations, evidenced by enhanced accumulation of proline and elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, reflecting activation of the plant defense system against oxidative stress. Application of CuSO₄, particularly at 50 ppm, moderated these stress-induced biochemical responses by maintaining comparatively balanced proline levels and antioxidant enzyme activities under mild to moderate salinity conditions. Application of CuSO₄ at 50 ppm proved most effective both as a standalone treatment and as a mitigation strategy under salinity stress, promoting plant height, stem diameter and number of branches, while partially restoring normal flowering phenology under mild to moderate stress. These findings suggest that CuSO₄ at 50 ppm holds promise as a growth-promoting and salinity-ameliorating agent in tomato cultivation, though its efficacy diminishes under severe stress conditions.

Virulence of Native Kerala Isolates of Purpureocillium lilacinum against Galleria mellonella Larvae

Atham Bhavana Sruthi — 2026-03-25

Background: Crop protection using mycopesticides has a crucial role in sustainable pest management programmes. Biocontrol agents, such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and other microorganisms, offer a safer, more effective alternative to chemical insecticides and pesticides, which are associated with numerous environmental and health risks.

Aim: Purpureocillium lilacinum is a well-known entomopathogenic fungus used against a wide range of insect and nematode pests in agricultural ecosystems. In this study, we determined the virulence of four native isolates of P. lilacinum from the soils of Kerala.

Study Design: The test organism used was the larval stage of Galleria melonella. The design used was CRD.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, KAU, Vellanikkara, Between 2024-2025

Methodology: The mortality of G. melonella larvae was studied at spore concentrations from 1x10⁴ to 1x10⁹ for each isolate in vivo.

Result: The isolate TVM1 showed higher mortality (97.50% 7 days after treatment) than other isolates (PKD20-85%, WYD2-92.50%, ALP7-65.00%). The TVM1 isolate showed the highest median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀) after 7 days of treatment and the lowest LT₅₀ value, indicating that the strain is virulent towards insect pest.

Conclusion: This study has shown that a Kerala native isolate exhibits high virulence against the lepidopteran pest G. melonella.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Rainfed Condition of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Sara Hansepi — 2026-03-26

A field experiment was carried out during the kharif season in the year 2023 at Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh to assess the effect of azolla along with organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield and economics of Black rice. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with six treatments and four replications. The results revealed that application of Azolla @ 1800 kg ha^-1 + NPK @ 80:30:30 kg ha^-1 + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha^-1 result in the highest number of Panicles plant^-1 (11.5), panicle length (26.75 cm), number of Tillers (17.85), height (219.75 cm), Number of grain (113.50), Grain yield (3.12 t ha^-1), straw yield (4.40 t ha^-1) of Black rice. Transplanted Black Rice of variety khamti black rice exhibited significantly the highest gross return (₹1,29,200.00 ha^-1) and cost of cultivation was ₹63,961.08 ha^-1by application of Azolla @ 1800 kg ha^-1 + NPK @ 80:30:30 kg ha^-1 + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha^-1 respectively. It showed significantly maximum net ratio (₹82,081.42 ha^-1) and B: C ratio (2.05) by applying Azolla @ 1500 kg ha^-1 and NK @ 80:30 kg ha^-1respectively. Therefore, in the present experiment, NPK requirements are met by applying 80:30:30 kg ha^-1combined with 1800 kg ha^-1 of Azolla sppalong with 2.5 tons ha^-1 of vermicompost. This approach revealed superior performance in terms of both crop yield and economic returns.

Molecular Evolution, Codon Usage Bias, and Population Differentiation of the E2 Gene in Classical Swine Fever Virus

Sharanagouda Shiddanagouda Patil — 2026-03-27

Codon usage bias reflects the interplay between mutational pressure and translational selection, influencing viral fitness and host adaptation. A comprehensive dataset of Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) sequences was retrieved from the NCBI GenBank database. Analysis of 568 global E2 gene sequences of Classical swine fever virus revealed moderate genetic diversity, comprising 75 polymorphic sites, 120 total mutations, and 207 distinct haplotypes. The gene exhibited high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.9789) but moderate nucleotide diversity (π = 0.098), indicating the presence of numerous closely related variants. Negative neutrality indices (Tajima’s D = -1.39 and Fu’s Fs = -3.92) suggest the predominance of purifying selection acting to conserve protein structure. Codon usage analysis demonstrated a clear preference for A/T-ending codons, with moderate codon usage bias (ENC values ranging from 43 to 55). The narrow GC content range (44–52%) and balanced PR2 plot distribution indicate compositional stability, with codon usage patterns primarily driven by mutational pressure rather than translational selection. Population genetic analysis revealed low genetic differentiation among isolates from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, suggesting substantial gene flow or shared ancestry across these regions. In contrast, African isolates showed high genetic divergence (FST = 0.81–0.83; D² = 0.325–0.397), indicating limited gene flow and long-term evolutionary separation. Principal component analysis further supported these findings by distinctly separating African isolates, while Eurasian and American isolates clustered together, reflecting genetic cohesion among these populations.

Ameliorative Effects of Moringa oleifera on Perinatal Lead-induced Systemic and Developmental Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Mayur Temghare — 2026-03-27

Lead is a persistent environmental contaminant with no biological role and is known to produce systemic toxicity, particularly during pregnancy and early developmental stages. The present study evaluated the effects of perinatal exposure to lead acetate on maternal growth, offspring development, haematological indices, blood lead concentration, and essential mineral status in Wistar rats, and examined the potential protective role of Moringa oleifera. Eighteen pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): control, lead acetate treated (0.8% in drinking water), and lead acetate with Moringa oleifera supplementation (400 mg/kg body weight). Treatments were administered from gestation day 5 to postnatal day 21, and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Lead exposure resulted in significant reductions in maternal body weight gain, pup body weight at birth and during lactation, litter size, and survival of pups. Haematological evaluation revealed decreased haemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume in both dams and pups, indicating lead-induced anaemia. Blood lead concentration was markedLy increased in exposed animals, while the levels of essential minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, and copper were reduced compared with the control group. Supplementation with Moringa oleifera significantly improved growth performance, haematological parameters, and mineral levels and reduced blood lead concentration compared with the lead-treated group, although values did not completely return to normal levels. These findings indicate that perinatal lead exposure causes significant systemic and developmental toxicity, while dietary supplementation with Moringa oleifera provides partial protective effects against lead-induced alterations.

Genetic Divergence and Population Structure in Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) Revealed through Cluster and Principal Component Analyses

Aasif Fayaz — 2026-03-27

The present investigation was carried out on 28 genotypes of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) at the Experimental Vegetable Farm, ETC Malangpora, Pulwama, during the Rabi season of 2023. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). To evaluate genetic divergence and identify promising genotypes, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were utilized. Three principal components (PC1 to PC3) with eigenvalues greater than one accounted for 88.66% of the total phenotypic variation. Traits like curd weight (0.97%), curd depth (0.96%), and curd yield (0.97%) contributed predominantly to PC1, while total soluble solids (0.91%) and acidity (0.83%) influenced PC2. PC3 was primarily explained by plant height (0.55%) and curd diameter (0.12%). Based on cluster analysis, the genotypes were grouped into four distinct clusters, indicating substantial genetic diversity. Cluster 1 comprised the most genotypes (12), followed by cluster 2 (11), while clusters 3 and 4 included three and one genotype(s), respectively. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters 1 and 4 (1159.60), highlighting significant divergence, while the lowest was between clusters 1 and 2 (77.81). The analysis of cluster means provided essential insights for selecting diverse and superior genotypes for future breeding efforts.

A Study of the Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Morphological Traits for Seed Yield and Oil Content in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under Late Sown Condition

Nishat Perveen — 2026-03-27

Background: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a significant oil crop produced under a wide range of agro-climatic conditions, and the inability to plant the crop on time frequently puts the crop at risk of heat stress, which negatively affects the seed production and oil content.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between morphological traits and the effects of late-sowing on safflower seed production and oil content, both directly and indirectly.

Method: The experiment was carried out in an augmented design with 150 accessions of safflower germplasm and four varieties of checks in Rabi 2014-15 and 2015-16. Yield and oil content were two of eleven quantitative characteristics.

Results: There was a negative relationship between the days to 50% blooming and seed output and oil content, but a positive relationship between the number of effective capitula per plant, the number of seeds per capitulum, and 100-seed weight, according to the phenotypic correlation study. Path coefficient study showed that, in terms of direct positive impact on seed output, the number of effective capitula per plant was the most important factor, followed by 100-seed weight. When it came to oil content, the most positively impactful factor was 100-seed weight, whereas the most negatively impactful was days to flowering.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that capitula number and seed weight selection would work well in enhancing seed plant output and oil content of safflower grown in late sown conditions.

Postharvest Application of Anti-Browning Agents and Edible Coatings for Shelf-Life Extension and Quality Maintenance of Fresh-Cut Apples

Aastha Dubey — 2026-03-27

Fresh-cut apples are highly valued for their convenience and nutritional value, yet their marketability is constrained by rapid enzymatic browning, tissue softening and loss of sensory quality during storage. Conventional preservation methods such as refrigeration and chemical additives offer only partial protection and often conflict with consumer demand for minimally processed, clean-label foods. Previous studies have evaluated either single or anti-browning agents over short storage periods with limited focus on browning or colour changes. There is still a significant research gap in the systematic evaluation of composite edible coatings, particularly those based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and anti-browning agents, evaluated across a variety of quality indicators over an extended storage period. The combined effects of edible coatings and anti-browning agents on the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut "Royal Gala" apples over 16 days of refrigeration (5 ± 2 °C) were examined in this study. The most effective treatment (T8: 1% HPMC + 0.5% CaCl₂ + 1.5% ascorbic acid) significantly reduced browning index and maintained quality attributes during storage. Aloe vera gel, Tulsi extract, cysteine, CaCl₂ + ascorbic acid and their combinations were the treatments. Browning index (BI), whiteness index (WI), browning potential (BP), headspace gas composition, and sensory attributes were used to evaluate quality. Among treatments, HPMC + CaCl₂ + ascorbic acid (T8) was most effective, significantly reducing BI to 53.52 ± 4.05 versus 246.3 ± 20.17 in the control, maintaining a WI of 54.04 ± 0.52 compared with 23.15 ± 1.32, reducing mean CO₂ accumulation to 16.7% versus 40.2%, and sustaining higher O₂ levels (−17.8% versus −40.6%). T8 also achieved the highest sensory ratings for firmness, flavour, and overall acceptability. This study provides a comparative evaluation of composite edible coatings incorporating hydrocolloids and anti-browning agents, highlighting their combined effectiveness in maintaining quality and extending the shelf life of fresh-cut apples. These results offer a practical, clean-label approach for the fresh-cut fruit industry to mitigate postharvest losses, enhance marketability and promote sustainable food supply chains.

Transformation of Health-seeking Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Rural Districts of Hisar and Sirsa (Haryana), India

Mini Sharma — 2026-03-28

Every year brings its own challenges, but the year (2020) had been more demanding than most. On 8 January 2020, a new virus was identified as the cause of the pneumonia by Chinese scientists. On 11^th March 2020, the World Health Organization labeled the disease as COVID-19, which stands for corona virus disease 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on people's lives across the globe. India faced a series of challenges and implemented various strategies to combat the virus and during pandemic behavioral changes was evident as individuals adapted to new norms of social distancing, mask-wearing and hygiene practices. In the study, cross-sectional impact on the health seeking behavior of rural people and how the transformation in their behavior occurred during COVID-19 into two districts viz. Hisar and Sirsa was observed. The results revealed that health seeking behaviors varied significantly during the COVID 19 pandemic with highest adherence observed in changes to daily routines, escape from anxiety, stress coping strategy/pandemic nervousness/ boredom (WMS - 2.67) in district Hisar while in district Sirsa highest adherence was seen in changes to daily routines of wearing masks (WMS - 2.89). The Fogg behavior model was applied to evaluate the transformation of behavior among respondents towards health in both the districts. It was applied on the elements for which the respondents felt change and followed them in order to break the chains for spread of COVID-19.In Hisar change was seen in elements like ‘fluids’(B=MAT), ‘modes’, ‘hand wash’ B \(\neq\)MAT)‘transmission’ (B = MAT) and ‘daily routine’ (B = MAT), whereas in district Sirsa, changes were seen in elements like ‘modes’(B = MAT), ‘fluids’(B = MAT), daily routine’ (B \(\neq\)MAT)MAT) and ‘transmission’(B = MAT).

Isolation, Screening and Characterization of Efficient Lignocellulose Degrading Actinomycetes for Crop Residue Management

B. Lakshmi Sowjanya — 2026-03-28

Ever increasing demand for food made the farming community to adopt intensive agricultural practices leading to a corresponding rise in crop residue production which has to be managed judiciously for by incorporating it in-situ and ex-situ for converting it into compost instead of burning. Faster decomposition of crop residue in the field and production of compost, efficient microbial consortium needs to be developed. To develop efficient decomposing consortium, it requires a variety of lignin, cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectin decomposers. Hence, a study was conducted to isolate decomposers from natural habitat and characterise them to get the efficient ones for developing better consortium for faster decomposition of crop residues. A total of 75 actinomycetes isolates, obtained from 177 various decomposing substrates from natural habit of different parts of Andhra Pradesh. These isolates were primarily screened for in-vitro lignin and cellulose degradation potential. Among these, 52 isolates showed cellulose degradation ability by forming the zone of clearance on carboxy methyl cellulose plates and 29 isolates showed the lignin degradation ability. Among these 75 isolates, 21 have shown both lignin and cellulose degrading ability. Hence, these isolates were quantitatively screened by enzyme assays viz. cellulase, lignin peroxidase, laccase and xylanase activity by using spectrophotometer. Results of secondary screening shows that highest cellulase enzyme activity was shown by LCDA-22 (62.153 U/mL) and LCDA-36 (60.93 U/mL), highest xylanase enzyme activity was recorded by LCDA-1 (39.753 U/mL) and LCDA-22 (39.281 U/mL), highest Laccase enzyme activity was shown by LCDA-22 (579.167U/mL) and LCDA-1 (509.167U/mL), then the highest lignin peroxidase enzyme activity was observed in LCDA-22 (5.064 U/mL) and LCDA-1 (5.007 U/mL). These 21 isolates were characterized morphologically and biochemically, found that they bear powdery growth with white to ash-coloured mycelia with spiral chains of spores and has shown positive results for utilization of different sugars viz. glucose, arabinose, mannitol, sucrose and starch. Based on these results LCDA-1, LCDA-22, LCDA-36, LCDA-40 and LCDA-67 were identified as potential isolates for lignocellulose degradation can be better utilized for developing efficient decomposing consortium. Although lignocellulose-degrading microbes are already well known, this study looks at actinomycetes from a variety of agro-residues in Andhra Pradesh, which hasn’t been explored much. It focuses on finding strains that can produce multiple enzymes, making them more useful in real-world applications than those with just one function for sustainable agriculture.

Synergistic Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management and Foliar Micronutrients on Growth, Flowering and Bulb Yield of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal

Vaishali Kumari — 2026-03-30

Integrated nutrient management (INM) plays a crucial role in improving productivity and sustainability of floricultural crops. A field experiment was conducted during 2022–23 at the Horticulture Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (U.P.), to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) and micronutrients on growth, flowering, bulb yield and economics of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments comprising RDF, vermicompost and foliar application of FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ (0.7%). The results revealed that INM significantly improved all growth, flowering and yield parameters. Among the treatments, 75% RDF + 25% vermicompost along with FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ proved most effective, recording superior vegetative growth, early flowering, improved spike quality, higher flower yield and bulb production. Enhanced performance may be attributed to better nutrient availability and efficient utilization under integrated nutrient supply. Economic analysis also indicated higher net returns and benefit–cost ratio under this treatment. Thus, based on the present study, the combined application of inorganic fertilizers, vermicompost and micronutrients can be considered effective in enhancing growth, flowering and bulb yield of tuberose.

Aloevera Assisted Green Synthesis of Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles and It's Antifungal Properties

Swarnabala Jena — 2026-03-30

Manganese Dioxide (MnO₂) nanoparticles have garnered significant attention for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, including antifungal activity. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), a widely recognized medicinal plant, is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, which possess reducing and stabilizing properties conducive to nanoparticle synthesis. The synthesized sample was characterized hy UV-VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM etc. Biological testing demonstrated strong antifungal activity of these green-synthesized nanoparticles against harmful fungal strains such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The sugars, polyphenols and proteins present in aloevera suggests its stabilizing capability. The UV-Visible spectra at 320nm confirms the formation of MnO2 particles. FTIR Spectra peaks at 3213cm-1O-H stretching), 1622cm-1(C=C stretching), 1033cm-1 (C-O stretching) confirms the presence of phenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides respectively. The largest antifungal activity was observed in MnO₂ NP suspension at 1000 ppm, which exhibited the maximum diameter of inhibition zone 57.667±1.528 mm as compared to the Thiram. The synthesized sample helps for future biomedical applications.

Agronomic Performance and Yield Stability of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids under Drought Stress in the Sudanian Savanna of Côte d'Ivoire

N’da Hugues Annicet — 2026-03-31

Background: Climate variability and increasing rainfall irregularity in West Africa, particularly in the Sudanian savanna zones of Côte d'Ivoire, pose significant challenges to stable cereal production. Consequently, there is a critical need to identify crop varieties that combine high yield potential with resilience to drought and fluctuating environmental conditions.

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the stability of grain yield under abiotic stress is a major challenge for enhancing the resilience of cereal-based cropping systems in West Africa.

Place and Duration of Study: This study characterises the performance and stability of seven maize genotypes (five experimental hybrids and two checks) across two contrasting environments in northern Côte d’Ivoire : Ferké (favourable rainfall conditions) and Boundiali (severe water stress during the grain-filling phase).

Study Design: The experimental design was a randomised complete block design with three replications.

Results: Analysis of variance revealed highly significant effects for genotypes, environments, and the genotype × environment interaction. At Ferké, mean grain yields reached 5.79 t/ha, whereas a drastic reduction was observed at Boundiali with a mean of 2.63 t/ha. GGE biplot analysis decomposed the interaction and identified two distinct mega-environments. Hybrid A1909-9 exhibited remarkable stability and balanced performance across both sites, while EWH-118 demonstrated the highest tolerance to stress, achieving 4.35 t/ha at Boundiali. In contrast, the check FMB showed high sensitivity, with a yield reduction of 60%.

Conclusion: Hybrids A1909-9 and EWH-118 display the most promising adaptability profiles and are recommended for dissemination to enhance maize productivity and food security in the Sudanian savannah zone subject to climate variability.

Screening and Characterization of High Efficiency Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from the Rhizospheres of Sangareddy District, Telangana, India

R. Venkat Ramchandar — 2026-03-31

This study investigated the potential of indigenous phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to address phosphorus limitation in the semi-arid tropical soils of Sangareddy district of Telangana state. By isolating microbial strains from diverse rhizospheric environments and employing both qualitative and quantitative characterization—including the molybdenum blue method and multi-phasic biochemical analysis—we identified ten high-performing isolates from the Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Micrococcus genera. A notable discrepancy was observed between solid-media halo zones and liquid-broth efficiency, confirming the "Nautiyal effect" and highlighting that acid diffusion rates in solid media may underestimate true phosphate solubilizing metabolic potential. Specifically, Isolate I₄₇(Pseudomonas strain) demonstrated an exceptional quantitative solubilization capacity, marking it as a superior candidate for agricultural application. These resilient, locally adapted bacteria represent a promising biological toolkit for developing cost-effective bio-fertilizers. By enhancing the bioavailability of mineral-locked phosphorus, these isolates offer a sustainable strategy to improve soil fertility and increase crop productivity in phosphorus-fixing tropical ecosystems.

Effects of Seed Priming with Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extracts on Germination Kinetics, and Water Relations of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) under Moisture Deficit Conditions

T. Movwe — 2026-04-01

Seed priming with botanical extracts is a sustainable strategy to enhance crop establishment under water-limited conditions. This study evaluated the effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and neem (Azadirachta indica) extracts on the germination kinetics and early vegetative development of two Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) genotypes (ZM 1856 and ZM 2656) subjected to moisture stress. A factorial experiment was conducted using varying concentrations of ginger (0–20% w/v) and neem (0–4% w/v). Results revealed highly significant main treatment effects (p < 0.001) for germination index, total dry matter (TDM), and root nodulation. Effect size analysis (η²)) established that botanical treatments exerted the largest functional effects on root nodulation (η²) = 0.55), germination rate (η²= 0.44), and seedling vigour index (SVI; η²= 0.44). Pearson correlation analysis further elucidated these relationships, showing a near-perfect positive correlation between germination rate and SVI (r = 0.97, p < 0.001), and significant positive associations between TDM and both root nodulation (r = 0.52) and leaf efficiency (r = 0.52). However, a notable negative correlation between TDM and germination rate (r = -0.44, p < 0.05) suggests a physiological trade-off between rapid emergence and long-term biomass accumulation under stress. While ginger priming at 10–15% was the most effective for enhancing kinetics, higher neem concentrations (4%) significantly delayed germination. These findings demonstrate that botanical priming, particularly with ginger, triggers a holistic developmental shift that balances rapid establishment with enhanced resource partitioning for drought resilience.