Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

Relationship of Weather Parameters with the Incidence of Insect Pests and Their Natural Enemies

R. K. Panse, Shraddha Karcho — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined associations among weather parameters, major rice insect pests, and their natural enemies under field conditions at the College of Agriculture, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India. Pest incidence and natural-enemy abundance were recorded at weekly intervals during the crop season, while corresponding meteorological data were obtained from the KVK observatory at Badgaon, Balaghat. Simple correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between arthropod populations and meteorological variables. Relative humidity showed positive associations with the incidence of several pests, whereas maximum temperature and evaporation were generally negatively associated with pest abundance. Rainfall was positively associated with leaf folder and gundhi bug incidence, while sunshine hours showed pest-specific relationships. Associations between insect pests and natural enemies also varied among taxa. Significant positive correlations were observed for several pest–predator combinations involving spiders, odonates, mirids, coccinellids, carabids, staphylinids, cicindellids, and hymenopterans. These positive relationships are best interpreted as temporal co-occurrence or possible numerical responses of natural enemies to prey availability rather than direct evidence of pest suppression. Overall, the findings indicate that weather–pest and pest–natural-enemy relationships were species-specific and dependent on local field conditions. The identified associations may support local pest monitoring and weather-informed integrated pest management in rice, subject to validation across additional seasons and locations.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies for Management of Leaf Folder and Their Natural Enemies in Rice

R. K. Panse, Shraddha Karcho — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rice leaf folder is an important constraint in rice production. This study evaluated integrated pest management (IPM) modules for suppressing leaf folder damage while conserving spiders and improving rice yield and economic returns under field conditions at Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. The experiment used rice variety JRB-1 and seven treatments comprising selected IPM modules, farmers’ practice, and an untreated control, with cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical components. Leaf damage and spider abundance were assessed at successive crop stages, and yield attributes and economics were determined. Based on the pooled mean, farmers’ practice recorded the lowest leaf damage (0.89%) but also the lowest spider population (0.39 spider/hill). Among the IPM modules, T4, comprising hand destruction of immature stages and infected plant parts plus need-based granular insecticide application, recorded the lowest overall leaf damage (1.20%). T3, comprising installation of straw bundles plus need-based granular insecticide application, supported the highest spider population (2.90 spiders/hill) and produced the highest grain yield (29.33 q/ha), with 13.53 tillers/hill and 209 grains/panicle. The untreated control recorded 5.35% leaf damage and the lowest yield (18.05 q/ha). T3 also provided the highest additional yield (11.28 q/ha), net return (Rs. 18,832/ha), and cost-benefit ratio (1:7.24). These results indicate that, under the study conditions, the T3 module combined comparatively low leaf folder damage with greater spider abundance, yield, and economic return, while T4 achieved the lowest leaf damage among the evaluated IPM modules.

Evaluating the Concentration of Vitamin C and Vitamin E During the Different Stages of Lactation in the Marwari Goats

Pankaj Kumar, Ruchi Maan, Sandeep Bissu, Sunita Pareek — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Lactation is accompanied by metabolic adjustments that may influence circulating non-enzymatic antioxidants.

Aim: This study evaluated serum vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) in Marwari goats at defined stages of lactation.

Methods: Eighty apparently healthy Marwari goats from the Bikaner region were examined, comprising 20 dry, non-pregnant control animals and 60 lactating does. The lactating animals were assessed across three intervals: days 0–25, 26–50, and 51–75. Blood was collected by jugular venepuncture; serum vitamin C and vitamin E were determined using the reported titrimetric and spectrophotometric procedures, respectively. Group differences were analysed using one-way analysis of variance.

Results: The reported control concentrations were 2.72 ± 0.32 µmol/L for vitamin C and 4.33 ± 0.05 µmol/L for vitamin E. Vitamin C concentrations were 2.57 ± 0.01, 2.16 ± 0.03, and 2.41 ± 0.02 µmol/L across the three successive lactation intervals. Corresponding vitamin E concentrations were 3.61 ± 0.02, 2.79 ± 0.04, and 2.43 ± 0.02 µmol/L. Vitamin C declined in the middle interval before partially recovering, whereas vitamin E decreased progressively across the intervals. The manuscript reports significant differences among lactation stages.

Conclusion: These findings describe stage-related variation in serum antioxidant concentrations in lactating Marwari goats. The patterns are consistent with changes in antioxidant status during lactation but do not independently establish oxidative stress or altered immune function.

Assessment of Severity of Soybean Anthracnose in North Eastern Karnataka, India

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Soybean (Glycine max (Merrill)) is a globally important oilseed and leguminous crop valued for its protein, oil and industrial applications, with India ranking fourth in area and sixth in production worldwide. Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Schwein) Andrus and Moore, is one of the most destructive seed-borne fungal diseases of soybean, capable of causing yield losses of up to 100 per cent under favourable conditions. A roving survey was conducted during Kharif 2025 across major soybean-growing districts of North Eastern Karnataka, viz., Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Yadgir to assess the incidence and severity of anthracnose. Disease severity was recorded on a 0 - 9 scale and expressed as Per cent Disease Index (PDI). The PDI ranged from 24.44 to 82.22 per cent across surveyed locations, with Bidar district recording the maximum mean disease severity (69.00 %), followed by Kalaburagi (61.36 %) and Yadgir (34.56 %), while Raichur recorded the minimum (24.44 %). Among the varieties observed, KDS - 126 showed the highest mean PDI (67.59 %), followed by JS - 335 (63.55 %) and DSB - 34 (51.11 %). Variation in disease severity across locations was attributed to differences in rainfall, relative humidity, leaf wetness duration, varietal susceptibility and local cultivation practices. The findings underline the widespread prevalence and high severity of anthracnose in the region and highlight the need for integrated disease management strategies.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation Coefficient Analyses for Yield and Yield-Attributing Traits in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) improvement requires an understanding of associations between fruit yield and component traits. This study was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm-I, Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow, India, during two consecutive Rabi seasons (2024–25 and 2025–26) to estimate genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients among plant growth, yield, and biochemical quality traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). The trial was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, and evaluated 51 genotypes comprising 12 lines, 3 testers, and their 36 F₁ hybrids. Data recorded for 18 quantitative and qualitative traits in the individual years (Y₁ and Y₂) and the pooled dataset were analysed statistically to determine trait interrelationships and guide indirect selection strategies for yield improvement. The findings showed that total fruit yield per plant exhibited highly significant positive correlations at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with key vegetative, reproductive, and biochemical parameters. At the genotypic level, positive associations (r_g) were observed with plant height (0.642), average fruit weight (0.578), fruit polar length (0.549), number of fruits per plant (0.409), total sugars (0.403), length of calyx (0.401), total soluble solids (0.399), number of fruits per cluster (0.388), primary branches per plant (0.380), fruit equatorial circumference (0.368), non-reducing sugars (0.357), length of pedicel (0.357), ascorbic acid (0.336), and reducing sugars (0.327). Similarly, phenotypic correlation estimates (r_p) showed positive associations with plant height (0.589), average fruit weight (0.566), fruit polar length (0.537), number of fruits per plant (0.402), total soluble solids (0.393), total sugars (0.391), number of fruits per cluster (0.388), length of calyx (0.387), primary branches per plant (0.374), non-reducing sugars (0.351), fruit equatorial circumference (0.350), length of pedicel (0.340), ascorbic acid (0.330), and reducing sugars (0.323). Overall, brinjal productivity was associated with plant growth characteristics, fruit-component traits and biochemical quality factors. Because genotypic correlations were generally higher in magnitude than their phenotypic counterparts, the observed associations may have a genetic component. Consequently, plant height, primary branching, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant may be useful criteria for selection aimed at improving total yield and fruit quality.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Trichoderma harzianum

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To investigate the biosynthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles from Trichoderma harzianum.

Study Design: Completely randomised design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra, India. The study was carried out during 2025–2026.

Methodology: A seven-day-old culture of T. harzianum was grown in potato dextrose broth. The fungal biomass was separated by filtration, and the cell-free culture filtrate was used for extracellular synthesis. The fungal filtrate was reacted with 1 mM silver nitrate, and the reaction was monitored for nanoparticle formation. Culture filtrates obtained at different incubation periods were compared, and the 15-day-old filtrate was used for characterisation. UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and TEM were employed to characterise the synthesised AgNPs.

Results: The culture filtrate showed progressive colour development with increasing culture age. Following reaction with 1 mM AgNO3, the solution changed from colourless to brown, indicating AgNP formation. UV-visible analysis showed a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 440 nm. FTIR analysis showed prominent bands at 3332.99, 2303.01, 1637.56 and 410.84 cm−1, suggesting the participation of hydroxyl/amino, organic metabolite, amide/carbonyl and metal-ligand-associated groups. TEM revealed predominantly nanoscale particles with a reported size range of 12.58–65.23 nm.

Conclusion: T. harzianum culture filtrate provided an extracellular biological route for AgNP synthesis. The combined UV-visible, FTIR and TEM results supported nanoparticle formation and indicated that extracellular fungal biomolecules were involved in reduction and stabilisation.

Integrated Application of Zinc, Sulphur, Vermiwash and Seaweed Sap for Enhancing Yield and Economic Returns of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was carried out in the rabi seasons of 2024–25 and 2025–26 at the Crop Research Centre of ITM University in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, with the aim of assessing the integrated use of zinc, sulphur, biodigester and seaweed sap for improving the productivity and economic returns of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment was arranged in a randomised block design with three replications and used the chickpea variety JG-24. Of the various treatments, the treatment comprising 100% (RDF) together with Zn at 5 kg ha⁻¹, S at 25 kg ha⁻¹, biodigester at 10% and Kappaphycus seaweed sap at 10% yielded the highest values for major yield components and total yield. In the years 2024–25 and 2025–26 respectively, this treatment gave 141.48 and 147.25 pods per plant, 1.98 and 2.00 grains per pod, 0.682 and 0.854 g per pod, and 34.14 and 34.90 g for 100-seed weight. The same treatment also produced the highest grain yield (2300 and 2379 kg ha⁻¹), the highest straw yield (4065 and 4189 kg ha⁻¹) and the highest biological yield (6365 and 6568 kg ha⁻¹), with a harvest index of 36.14 and 36.22% in 2024–25 and 2025–26 respectively. The highest net returns of ₹89,017 and ₹97,246.68 ha⁻¹ were also obtained with this treatment in the two respective years. The study therefore indicated that the integrated application of 100% RDF plus Zn at 5 kg ha⁻¹, S at 25 kg ha⁻¹, biodigester at 10% and Kappaphycus seaweed sap at 10% increased both the productivity and profitability of chickpea under the agro-climatic conditions of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Comparative Evaluation of Soil Physico-Chemical and Enzymatic Dynamics in Termite Mounds Across Tea Cultivation and Fallow Land Use Systems

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to analyse the soil properties of the epigeal portions of the termite mounds compared to their adjacent soils under tea (T) and fallow (F) land-use systems in Jorhat, Assam, India. Fifty samples were collected: one from each of the top, centre and base of the mounds, alongside two samples from adjacent surface soils at distances of 1 m and 1.5 m from the mound base. The collected samples were evaluated for physicochemical properties, nutrient content and biological parameters using standard laboratory protocols. The results indicated that termite activity was associated with enrichment of clay (31.21±2.12% in T and 30.14±1.97% in F in the mound soils, and 26.33±1.99 % in T and 25.33±2.31% in F in the adjacent surface soils), organic carbon and key plant-available nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and elevated water holding capacity in the mound soils compared to the adjacent surface soils. Nitrogen content was found to be higher in the mound soils (210±4.28 kg/ha in F and 225±5.71kg/ha) compared to the adjacent surface soils (157±5.21 kg/ha in F and 171.46 kg/ha). The activity of dehydrogenase was found to be 85.24±4.12 µg TPF/g soil/24hr in the mounds under tea and 81.26±4.56 µg TPF/g soil/24hr under the fallow land-use system, compared with 75.35±4.24 µg TPF/g soil/24hr under tea and 68.23±4.98 µg TPF/g soil/24hr under the fallow land-use system. The Soil Quality Index (SQI) values indicated marked aggradation in the termite mound soils (32.12 in T; 31.80 in F) compared to the adjacent soils (29.32 in T; 26.21 in F).

Genetic Analysis of Combining Ability for Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Yellow Mustard (Brassica rapa L.)

Dushyant Singh, Manoj Kumar Singh — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Yellow mustard (Brassica rapa L.) improvement requires identification of parents and cross combinations with favourable combining ability for yield and related traits. The present investigation was conducted to assess genetic variability, combining ability, and gene action for yield and yield-contributing traits in yellow sarson (Brassica rapa L.). The experimental material comprised 84 genotypes, including 20 lines, 3 testers, 60 F₁ hybrids developed through a line × tester mating design, and one check variety, Pitambari. The genotypes were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications during the rabi seasons of 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26 for fourteen agronomic traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant variability among genotypes for most traits, indicating adequate scope for selection and hybrid breeding. The significance of line × tester interactions for most characters suggested the predominance of non-additive gene action. General combining ability analysis identified Benoy, NDYS-4, Pant Girija and NRCYS 05-02 as superior general combiners for seed yield and related traits, whereas YSH 0401, NDYS-4, Benoy and Pant Girija showed favourable effects for seed yield per plant. Specific combining ability analysis revealed promising crosses such as Patan Sarson × PYS 1, NDYS-6 × NRCYS 05-02, NDYS-4 × NRCYS 05-02, Pusa Swarnim × NRCYS 05-02 and Ragini × Anushka for seed yield and associated traits. The proportional contribution of line × tester interaction was highest for most traits, including seed yield per plant, siliquae per plant and seeds per siliqua, confirming the major role of non-additive gene effects. The study suggests that heterosis breeding, along with selection-based improvement using superior general combiners, can be effectively utilised for developing high-yielding, early-maturing and oil-rich yellow sarson genotypes.

Integrated Nutrient Management, Irrigation, and Moisture Conservation Effects on Growth, Soil Moisture, and Root Traits of Chandrasur (Lepidium sativum L.)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Garden cress, known as Chandrasur (Lepidium sativum L.), is an underutilised crop with considerable nutritional and medicinal value. A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2015–16 and 2016–17 at the Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm of C.S.A. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, to examine the effects of irrigation scheduling, integrated nutrient management (INM), and moisture conservation practices on crop growth, soil moisture dynamics, and root characteristics. The experiment followed a split-split plot design with three replications. Treatments comprised irrigation at 35 days after sowing (DAS), at 35 and 60 DAS, or at 35 and 70 DAS; three nutrient management treatments; and three moisture conservation practices. In 2015–16 and 2016–17, respectively, irrigation at 35 and 70 DAS produced the highest fresh root weights (20.40 and 21.86 g plant⁻¹) and dry root weights (7.90 and 8.36 g plant⁻¹). However, the greatest root depths (30.43 and 31.61 cm) were recorded with irrigation at 35 DAS. Among the INM treatments, 75% nitrogen supplied through inorganic fertiliser and 25% through vermicompost, together with phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) at 2.5 kg ha⁻¹, produced the greatest root depths (29.61 and 30.35 cm), fresh root weights (19.67 and 21.02 g plant⁻¹), and dry root weights (7.50 and 8.18 g plant⁻¹) in the respective years. Similarly, weeding and hoeing combined with organic residue mulch at 4 t ha⁻¹ produced the highest fresh root weights (19.86 and 21.16 g plant⁻¹) and dry root weights (7.70 and 8.32 g plant⁻¹). The greatest proportion of soil moisture extraction occurred in the 0–25 cm soil layer. The findings indicate that appropriate irrigation scheduling, vermicompost-based nutrient management, and organic residue mulching combined with weeding and hoeing may improve soil moisture conditions and root development in Chandrasur.

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Local Kharif Brinjal Genotypes of Assam

Barsha Nath, Jumi Saikia, Sailen Gogoi, Reecha T. Das, Utpal Kotoky, Sangita Das — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and its contributing traits in local kharif brinjal genotypes of Assam. A total of 25 entries, comprising 24 local kharif brinjal genotypes and the check variety Kashi Himani from IIVR, were evaluated during kharif 2024 and kharif 2025 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam in a randomised block design with three replications. Observations were recorded for 19 quantitative traits in each season and were pooled to estimate genetic variability parameters. Pooled analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) ranged from 6.13% in days to first harvest to 57.16% in the number of fruits per cluster, while the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) ranged from 6.11% in days to first harvest to 54.66% in the number of fruits per cluster. The highest PCV and GCV were recorded for the number of fruits per cluster (57.16% and 54.66%, respectively), followed by the number of fruits per plant (49.69% and 49.66%), fruit yield per plant (41.01% and 40.71%) and average fruit weight (36.72% and 36.53%). Broad-sense heritability was highest for the number of fruits per plant (99.88%), followed by days to last harvest (99.82%). Genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was highest for number of fruits per cluster (107.69%), followed by the number of fruits per plant (102.25%). The combination of high heritability and high genetic advance observed for all the traits except days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to first fruiting, days to 50% fruiting, days to first harvest and days to last harvest indicated the predominance of genetic effects and suggested good scope for selection. The findings indicate that the evaluated local kharif brinjal genotypes possess considerable genetic variability and may serve as useful material for future breeding programmes, subject to further evaluation across environments.

Principal Component Analysis of Morphometric Traits in Induced Mutants of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

Deepshikha Saikia, Akashi Sarma, Saibal Ray — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To characterise morphometric variation among mungbean mutants and other genotypes in two successive mutant generations (M4 and M5) using principal component analysis (PCA).

Study Design: A randomised block design with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Instructional-cum-Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India, during the kharif season of 2018 and the summer season of 2019.

Methodology: Thirteen genotypes were evaluated: six mutant lines (three synchronous-maturity, one dense-clustered, one long-podded and one brown-podded) selected from the cultivar Pratap (SG-1) treated with gamma rays and ethyl methanesulphonate, five Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) genotypes and two controls. Twelve traits were recorded: days to 50% flowering, days to pod initiation and days to maturity, plant height, branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, seeds per pod, disease infection, pod length, 100-seed weight and seed yield. PCA was performed on genotype means for M4, M5 and the pooled generations, retaining principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues above 1.

Results: Four PCs explained 80.49% of the variation in M4 and five PCs explained 80.09% in M5. In M4, PC1 (42.57%) was a yield and pod axis (seed yield 0.94, seeds per pod 0.91, pod length 0.88). In M5, PC1 (24.90%) was a maturity and seed-size axis (days to maturity 0.83, 100-seed weight 0.78). In the pooled analysis, PC1 (35.46%) separated the two generations, whereas PC2 (18.90%), defined by seed yield, pod length and 100-seed weight, was shared across both generations. The long-podded and brown-podded mutants had the highest PC1 scores in both generations (M4: 3.88 and 3.94; M5: 3.76 and 2.18).

Conclusion: Trait associations depended on the generation. The long-podded and brown-podded mutants were the most consistent genotypes for pod and seed traits and merit evaluation over more seasons and locations, as generation and season were confounded.

In-vitro Inhibitory Potential of Commercial Probiotic Formulations against Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae from Clinical Samples

Bhawesh Bhagat, Bhagyashree Deshpande — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae recovered from clinical specimens are important contributors to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the in vitro inhibitory potential of six commercially available probiotic formulations (P01–P06) against eight clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates recovered from pus, blood, urine and stool specimens, together with six antibiotic-susceptible comparator isolates (N01–N06). Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion against ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and meropenem, representing five antimicrobial classes because cefotaxime and ceftazidime belong to the same third-generation cephalosporin class. Organism-specific CLSI M100-Ed34 (2024) criteria were applied. Five of the eight clinical isolates (E02, E03, E04, E05 and E07) met the MDR criterion of non-susceptibility in at least three of five classes; E01, E06 and E08 were classified as non-MDR and combined with N01–N06 to form a nine-isolate non-MDR panel. Cell-free supernatants of each formulation were tested in triplicate by agar well diffusion. At the isolate level, mean inhibition zones against the MDR panel ranged from 8.44 ± 0.56 mm (P01) to 15.56 ± 0.60 mm (P06), whereas the corresponding means against the non-MDR panel ranged from 10.23 ± 1.03 mm to 16.82 ± 1.10 mm, representing 5.2–17.5% lower inhibition in the MDR panel. Welch two-sample t-tests showed significant MDR versus non-MDR differences for P01 (p = 0.001), P02 (p = 0.002), P04 (p = 0.001) and P06 (p = 0.017), but not for P03 (p = 0.070) or P05 (p = 0.057). The correlation between resistance burden and mean probiotic-derived inhibition was negative but not statistically significant (r = −0.55, p = 0.157, n = 8) and is therefore considered exploratory. The findings provide an isolate-level in vitro screening dataset while emphasising that the present study does not establish clinical or adjunct-therapeutic usefulness.

Genetic Variability, Heritability, and Trait Associations in Rice Genotypes under Low Nitrogen Conditions

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nitrogen is a primary macronutrient required for rice growth and development. The present study evaluated sixty rice genotypes across two seasons under low-nitrogen conditions. Mixed-model ANOVA indicated significant genetic variability for all evaluated agronomic traits. To rigorously account for environmental variation, best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) estimates were derived using a mixed linear model framework. This approach applies shrinkage towards the population mean, thereby reducing the inflation of extreme values and isolating stable genotypic effects. High heritability in conjunction with high genetic advance was recorded for 100-seed weight, total and filled grains panicle^-1, biological yield, and grain yield, indicating the predominance of additive gene effects. Grain yield demonstrated stable genetic control, establishing it as a reliable selection criterion. BLUP-based ranking identified RPR-6 (4.16), MS15 (3.03), MS22 (2.24), Rasi (2.06), and RPR-4 (1.72) as superior, stable genotypes across seasons. Specifically, RPR-6 and MS15 exhibited coordinated improvements in sink strength and biological yield, while MS22 and Rasi demonstrated highly efficient biomass partitioning. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between grain yield and biological yield, while a significant negative correlation existed between biological yield and harvest index. Cluster analysis grouped genotypes into distinct clusters, identifying Cluster 2 as a source of high-yielding lines. Ultimately, this exploitable variability will provide a valuable foundation for breeding rice cultivars adapted to a low-nitrogen environment.

Effect of LED Light Quality, Photoperiod and Temperature on Vegetative and Reproductive Attributes of Indoor Coriander

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Controlled-environment cultivation offers the possibility of regulating light and temperature to influence coriander growth and reproductive development. This study evaluated the effects of LED light quality, photoperiod and temperature on selected vegetative and reproductive attributes of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) grown indoors during 2025–2026. The experiment used a completely randomised design with seven treatments and three replications. Treatments comprised red- and blue-light combinations under 16- and 18-hour photoperiods, together with two temperature regimes. Branch number was recorded at 10, 20 and 30 days after transplanting, while umbels per plant, umbellets per umbel and seeds per umbellet were assessed as reproductive attributes. At 30 days after transplanting, the 18–20 °C treatment recorded the highest number of branches per plant (12.60). The control recorded 8.53 branches per plant at 30 days, providing a comparison with the temperature and light treatments. The 2R:1B LED combination with a 16-hour photoperiod produced the highest number of umbels per plant (31.09), umbellets per umbel (7.80) and seeds per umbellet (8.52) among the reported treatments. These findings show that vegetative branching and reproductive attributes responded differently to the environmental conditions evaluated. Under the tested indoor conditions, the lower-temperature treatment favoured branching, whereas the 2R:1B light combination with a 16-hour photoperiod was associated with superior reproductive performance.

Effect of Pre-sowing Seed Treatments on Seedling of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym)

K. P. Shibina Sherin, Sunil A. Nair, P. Anitha, K. Surendra Gopal, Saji Gomez — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum (mill.) Nym) is an important culinary and aromatic herb; however, its cultivation is constrained by slow, erratic seed germination and poor seedling establishment. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of ten seed priming treatments for enhancing germination and early seedling growth of parsley. The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2025–2026 using the parsley variety ‘Moss Curled’ under rain-shelter conditions at Thrissur, Kerala. Seed priming treatments significantly influenced germination and several early seedling growth parameters. Hydropriming by soaking in water for 24 hours recorded the highest germination percentage (81.80%) and vigour indices I (1223.70) and II (4.51), followed by hot-water treatment at 60 °C for 30 minutes (79.10%) and GA₃ at 2.0 g L⁻¹ (76.50%). The shortest mean germination time (5.71 days) was recorded with Piriformospora indica, compared with 9.56 days in the untreated control. Pseudomonas fluorescens recorded the maximum shoot length (8.90 cm), whereas Azospirillum zeae produced the longest roots (9.10 cm). Seedling weight was not significantly influenced by the priming treatments. Overall, 24-hour hydropriming was the most effective treatment for improving germination and seedling vigour, whereas microbial biopriming enhanced specific seedling growth attributes. The findings indicate that appropriate seed priming techniques can improve germination performance and early seedling establishment in parsley.

Cropping System-driven Changes in Phosphorous Fractionation and Soil Fertility in Acid Soils

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phosphorus (P) availability in acidic soils is predominantly influenced by its transformation into various inorganic and organic forms, which are further affected by cropping systems and associated nutrient management. The present study was conducted at the ICR farm, Assam Agricultural University, to assess the distribution of different P fractions in acid soils under seven intensive cropping systems, with three replications in a randomised block design, following five consecutive years of cultivation. Soil samples (0–30 cm) collected from each cropping sequence were analysed for major soil properties, available nutrients, total P, organic-P and different inorganic P fractions, including saloid-P, Al-P, Fe-P and Ca-P. Continuous cultivation improved soil pH, organic carbon and available N, P₂O₅ and K₂O compared with the nearby uncultivated soil (virgin soil). The different phosphorus fractions varied significantly across the cropping-system soils. The inorganic P distribution was dominated by Fe-P, followed by Al-P, Ca-P and saloid-P, irrespective of the cropping system. The contributions of the P fractions to total P followed the order Fe-P > Al-P > Org-P > Ca-P > Sa-P. Correlation analysis indicated strong associations between soil pH and Fe-P and Al-P, whereas organic-P was positively associated with soil organic carbon. Thus, the findings demonstrated that five consecutive years of intensive cultivation and associated nutrient management substantially affected soil phosphorus pools and their distribution, highlighting the significance of balanced nutrient management and diversified cropping systems in sustaining different P pools in acidic soils.

Gibberellic Acid and 6-Benzylaminopurine Treatments Prolong Storage Life and Delay Ripening in ‘Grand Naine’ Banana

Ch. Swethasri, Venkata Satish Kuchi, K. Venkata Subbaiah, V. V. Padmaja — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Banana is a highly perishable climacteric fruit for which rapid ripening after harvest results in softening, moisture loss, starch degradation and accumulation of soluble sugars, thereby reducing marketability. The present investigation was conducted during 2025-2026 in the Department of Postharvest Management Laboratory, College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Annamyya District, Andhra Pradesh, to study the influence of postharvest growth-regulator dipping treatments on the quality and shelf life of banana cv. Grand Naine during storage. Fruits harvested at approximately 70% maturity were subjected to five treatments comprising a control, gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 100 ppm, GA3@ 200 ppm, 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) @ 50 ppm and 6-BAP @ 100 ppm. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomised design with four replications. Observations were recorded at 0, 3, 6 and 9 days of storage for pulp to peel ratio, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, firmness, starch, physiological loss in weight (PLW) and marketability. Ripening progressed in all treatments during storage, but the rate of change was lower in treated fruits. At 9 days, gibberellic acid @ 200 ppm recorded the lowest pulp-to-peel ratio (1.76), pH (4.45), total soluble solids (18.80 °Brix) and total sugars (15.04%), while retaining the highest firmness (4.89 kg cm⁻²) and starch content (3.24%). It also recorded the lowest PLW (21.97%) and highest marketability (77.36%). In comparison, untreated fruits recorded a pulp to peel ratio of 2.79, a pH of 5.81, TSS of 22.80°Brix, total sugars of 18.84%, firmness of 3.04 kg cm⁻², starch content of 1.42%, PLW of 26.64% and marketability of 27.36% at 9 days. The slower increase in ripening-related attributes and better retention of firmness and starch indicate delayed physiological and biochemical ripening in treated fruits. Among the treatments, GA3 @ 200 ppm showed the greatest potential for maintaining postharvest quality and marketability of Grand Naine banana during the nine-day storage period.

Comparison and Screening of Extraction Conditions for an Anthocyanin-rich Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Cheerka Pravalika, T. Kamalaja, P. Janaki Srinath, P. Sridevi — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Natural food colourants are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes because of their colouring ability and health-promoting properties. This study compared organic solvent, aqueous, orbital shaker-assisted, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods for the recovery of natural red colour from rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces. In the organic solvent extraction method, ethanol produced the highest extraction yield (20.00±0.28%) after 4 hours, whereas UAE significantly (p < 0.001) achieved the highest yield (28.67±0.21%) and concentration (21.45±0.3) among the methods. Optimisation of UAE identified 60% ethanol with 2% citric acid and 30 minutes of sonication as the optimum condition, yielding 40.03±0.15% extract at a concentration of 25.8±0.04. The optimised extract had a pH of 2.51±0.06, titratable acidity of 21.77±0.64%, ascorbic acid content of 139.23±3.56 mg/100 g, TSS of 21.47±0.32 °Brix, TPC of 28.82±0.18 mg GAE/g, TFC of 50.03±0.07 mg RE/g, DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 84.31±0.26%, and Hunter Lab values of L* 1.68±0.01, a* 1.18±0.01, and b* 0.15±0.01 (ΔE = 2.81; hue angle = 7.3°), indicating a red colour. The findings demonstrated that UAE using 60% ethanol with 2% citric acid for 30 minutes was an efficient method for extracting natural red colour while preserving bioactive compounds and highlighted its potential as a natural food colourant for clean-label food applications.

Physiological, Phenological and Yield Responses of Rabi Sunflower and Mustard under Conventional Urea and Foliar Nano-urea Nitrogen Management

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Efficient nitrogen management is essential for improving the productivity of oilseed crops such as sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Foliar nano-urea offers a potential approach to supplement conventional nitrogen fertilisation; however, its effects on physiological traits, flowering behaviour, oil content and seed yield in rabi sunflower and mustard under Telangana conditions remain insufficiently understood. The present study was carried out during rabi 2021–22 at the Agricultural Research Institute, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to evaluate the effect of foliar application of nano-urea on SPAD, GreenSeeker-derived NDVI, days to 50% flowering, oil content and seed yield of rabi sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The experiments were laid out in randomized block designs with three replications. In sunflower, 50% RDN was applied at sowing followed by foliar application of nano-N at 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 mL L⁻¹ at the star-bud and 50% flowering stages, while in mustard, 50% RDN was applied at sowing followed by nano-N sprays at the rosette and flowering stages. In sunflower, conventional split application of nitrogen produced the highest SPAD value (35.0) at 50% flowering and GreenSeeker NDVI (0.75), compared with 32.3 SPAD and 0.64 NDVI with nano-N @ 4 mL L⁻¹. Conventional nitrogen application also resulted in earlier 50% flowering (55.3 days) and the highest seed yield (1774 kg ha⁻¹) and oil content (43.0%). Although foliar nano-N treatments improved seed yield over the no-N treatment, they remained inferior to conventional nitrogen application. In mustard, 50% RDN at sowing + nano-N @ 4 mL L⁻¹ at rosette and flowering recorded the highest SPAD (34.0) and GreenSeeker NDVI (0.52), with 50% flowering at 45 days, the highest seed yield (1126 kg ha⁻¹) and an oil content of 34.5%. The seed yield was comparable with the recommended conventional nitrogen treatment (975 kg ha⁻¹). Overall, the results suggest that SPAD and GreenSeeker NDVI effectively reflected crop nitrogen status and were associated with differences in flowering and yield performance. Foliar nano-urea showed greater potential as a partial substitute for conventional nitrogen in mustard than in sunflower.

Biotransformation of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Endosperm into a Fermented Beverage: Impact on Physicochemical Attributes, Organoleptic Quality and Antioxidant Capacity

Saji Gomez, Anagha Lakshmi Ganesh, P. Anshida, K. Rixon Raphael, R. S. Maheswari — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coconut liquid endosperm discarded during coconut oil processing offers a potential substrate for value-added fermentation. This study examined the physicochemical characteristics, sensory acceptability and antioxidant activity of a fermented beverage produced from mature coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) liquid endosperm. Coconut water obtained from approximately 12-month-old West Coast Tall nuts was adjusted from 7.0 to 24 °Brix using cane sugar and inoculated with 1.0% Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Following fermentation, racking, clarification and filtration, the beverage was aged in stainless-steel tanks at 15 °C for 12 months. Physicochemical properties were monitored during storage, and sensory quality was evaluated by a semi-trained panel of 30 participants. Total soluble solids declined from 7.2 to 6.4 °Brix between two and 12 months of storage, while titratable acidity increased slightly from 0.38% to 0.40%. Alcohol content decreased from 13.07% to 12.24%, and total phenolics declined from approximately 26 to 21 mg per 100 mL. Vitamin C and total sugars also decreased during storage. The aged beverage achieved an overall sensory acceptability score of 8.0 out of 9.0, with aroma receiving 9.0. Its DPPH IC₅₀ value (1.280 µg mL⁻¹) was lower than that of fresh coconut endosperm (1.408 µg mL⁻¹), indicating higher radical-scavenging activity under the assay conditions. These findings support further consideration of mature coconut liquid endosperm as a substrate for fermented beverage production.

Effect of Phosphorus Levels and Phosphate-Solubilizing Inoculants on Productivity and Profitability of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation was carried out during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Agroforestry Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was arranged in a randomised block design comprising eight treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments involved varying phosphorus application rates, corresponding to 100%, 75%, and 50% of the recommended dose, either alone or in combination with phosphate-solubilising biofertilisers, namely Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Phosphate-Solubilising Bacteria. The rice cultivar PB-1 (Pusa Basmati-1) was transplanted on 20 June 2024 at a spacing of 20 cm, using a seed rate of 40 kg ha⁻¹. The recommended NPK fertiliser dose of 120:60:40 kg ha⁻¹ was applied to the crop.The results revealed that the number of effective tillers, panicle length, panicle weight, and grains per panicle in rice significantly increased with higher phosphorus levels and the application of P-solubilising inoculants. The highest values were recorded under 100% P (T₁) with 434 tillers m⁻², panicle length (24.26 cm), 179.23 grains per panicle, grain yield (4216 kg ha⁻¹), and straw yield (7367 kg ha⁻¹), followed closely by 75% P + PSB (T₆) and 75% P + AM (T4), all statistically at par. The 1000-grain weight and harvest index were not significantly affected by the treatments. Economic analysis showed that 100% P produced the highest net returns (Rs. 87,335 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.88), followed by T₆ (2.80) and T₄(2.79), whereas the control recorded 2.18. The integrated application of phosphorus with P-solubilising inoculants significantly improved rice growth, yield, and economic returns compared with lower phosphorus levels and the untreated control.

Influence of Organic Acids on Growth and Phenological Responses of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Rhizoctonia solani Infection

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (RS), which causes sheath blight in rice, is a soil-borne fungal pathogen that adversely affects plant growth and productivity. It causes characteristic sheath lesions and can also interfere with vegetative development and reproductive transition. The present study evaluated the potential of two organic acids, benzoic acid (OA1) and oxalic acid (OA2), to modify growth and phenological responses of rice under R. solani stress. Eight treatments were evaluated: untreated control, pathogen infected control (RS), benzoic acid (OA1), oxalic acid (OA2), benzoic acid with oxalic acid (OA1OA2), benzoic acid with pathogen (OA1RS), oxalic acid with pathogen (OA2RS), and benzoic acid with oxalic acid with pathogen (OA1OA2RS). Studies on the effects of organic acids on rice growth and phenology under pathogen stress are limited. Therefore, treatment effects were assessed using growth parameters, including relative growth rate, total dry matter, flag leaf number and flag leaf weight and phenological parameters, including days to flowering and days to maturity. Fungal infection adversely affected plant growth and development compared with the healthy control, with reductions of approximately 25% in RGR and TDM. Organic acid application moderated these effects, with OA1 and the combined organic acid (OA1OA2) treatment showing the most favourable overall performance. The superior performance of benzoic acid-based treatments was reflected in improved relative growth (OA1 by 27%; OA1RS by 13%) and the maintenance of flag leaf development (OA1 by 12%) and biomass compared with Rsolani-infected plants, together with comparatively favourable flowering and maturity responses. The results suggest that exogenous organic acids may improve rice performance under R. solani stress. Information about the mechanisms involving defence activation, stress regulation and the maintenance of functional tissues remains limited. The present findings also indicate that benzoic acid, alone or in combination with oxalic acid, warrants further investigation as a potential component of integrated sheath blight management.

Characterizing the Interdependence of Amylose Composition, Gelatinization Temperature and Gel Consistency in Indigenous Rice of Assam, India

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: This study evaluated the variation and interrelationships of amylose content, gelatinisation temperature and gel consistency among traditional Bora rice landraces of Assam.

Study Design: An augmented randomised complete block design was used.

Place and Duration: The experiment was conducted at the Assam Rice Research Institute, Titabor, during the 2025 kharif season.

Methodology: Fifty-six Bora rice germplasm accessions and five check genotypes were included in the evaluation. Thirty-day-old seedlings were transplanted at a spacing of 20 cm × 15 cm. Amylose content was estimated from rice flour, gelatinisation temperature was assessed through alkali spreading value, and gel consistency was measured using a gel-length test. Pearson correlation and principal component analyses were used to examine the relationships among the recorded physicochemical traits.

Results: Of the 56 landraces, 43 were classified as waxy, 11 had very low amylose content and two had low amylose content. Gelatinisation temperature was classified as low in 32 accessions, intermediate in 14 and high in 10. Soft gel consistency was observed in 55 accessions; only Abor Bora exhibited intermediate gel consistency. No statistically significant correlations were identified among the studied traits. Two principal components with eigenvalues greater than one together explained 72.282% of the observed variation.

Conclusion: The evaluated landraces exhibited variation in key physicochemical grain-quality traits, supporting their consideration as potential genetic resources in rice improvement programmes.

Carbon Farming as an Emerging Agribusiness: Markets, Business Models, Risks and Farmer Value Capture

Soumyadeep Das, Shouvik Kar, Poulami Chhetri, Sambuddha Mukherjee — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Carbon farming is increasingly presented as a means of rewarding land managers for storing carbon, reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and supplying differentiated environmental attributes to buyers. Its agribusiness viability, however, cannot be inferred from biophysical mitigation potential or the existence of tradable credits. This critical narrative review integrates research on soil carbon science, environmental economics, contract design, voluntary carbon markets, farmer behaviour and agricultural value-chain governance. Peer-reviewed evidence and relevant institutional frameworks published through 9 August 2026 were examined with particular attention to methodological strength, conflicting findings and distributional outcomes. The synthesis distinguishes carbon removals from emission reductions, carbon-credit sales from value-chain payments, and gross revenue from the value ultimately retained by farmers. Empirical studies suggest that measurement uncertainty, counterfactual design, reversal exposure, fragmented holdings and costly verification constrain the conversion of agronomic improvements into reliable marketable units. Farmer surveys and choice experiments repeatedly identify delayed payment, repayment liability, unclear terms, data-sharing concerns and uncertainty about additionality as barriers, although stated preferences are not equivalent to observed adoption. Case evidence from Europe, Australia, India, Kenya and the United States shows that finance structure and control over credit rights can matter as much as headline prices for farmer benefit. Action-based, outcome-based and hybrid contracts allocate risks differently, while aggregation offers potential bargaining advantages without guaranteed cost savings or equitable distribution. The review develops a conditional value-capture framework centred on auditable environmental claims, transparent net-revenue accounting, farmer-controlled options, proportionate risk sharing and independent dispute resolution. It concludes that carbon farming can become a complementary agribusiness activity under credible measurement and inclusive governance, but cannot currently be assumed to deliver dependable stand-alone farm income or interchangeable offsets across practices and locations. Priority research needs concern longitudinal net farm returns, independent verification of environmental outcomes and comparative tests of contract and ownership arrangements.

Precision Plant Breeding: Integrating Genome Editing with Artificial Intelligence- A Review

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Precision plant breeding seeks to link biological target discovery with the development and evaluation of useful alleles in crop improvement. Genome-editing platforms, including CRISPR–Cas nucleases, base editors, prime editors, multiplex editing and cis-regulatory editing, enable targeted genomic alterations; however, their successful use depends on appropriate target choice, editing performance and phenotypic validation. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers complementary approaches for integrating pangenomic, multi-omics, phenotypic and environmental data to prioritise genes and regulatory sequences, predict guide-RNA activity and off-target effects, and support selection across genetic backgrounds and environments. This review examines the potential of combining these methods within a design–build–test–learn framework that connects edit design with molecular verification, high-throughput phenotyping, genomic prediction and conventional breeding operations. Examples discussed include susceptibility-gene and promoter editing for disease resistance, regulatory interventions associated with stress responses, nutritional modification and the emerging application of AI-designed nucleases in rice. Although these advances demonstrate technical feasibility, widespread implementation remains constrained by plant-specific data scarcity, differences among genotypes and environments, transformation and regeneration bottlenecks, complex trait architecture, unintended editing outcomes and regulatory diversity. The review emphasises prospective model validation, causal interpretation, pangenome-aware design, rigorous molecular characterisation and replicated field evaluation. It concludes that AI-guided genome editing can support crop improvement when used alongside quantitative genetics, breeder-defined objectives and responsible governance, rather than as a substitute for empirical breeding evidence.

Optimizing Poultry Gut Health: Integrating Intestinal Morphometry, Microbial Ecology and Precision Nutrition

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gut health has become a central pillar of modern poultry production due to its direct influence on nutrient utilisation, immune competence, productivity, welfare and flock resilience. In broilers, efficient intestinal function is closely associated with growth rate, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, and resistance to enteric disorders, whereas in layers and breeders it contributes to persistency of lay, egg quality, reproductive efficiency and longevity. The poultry gastrointestinal tract is a highly dynamic biological system composed of epithelial tissues, digestive secretions, mucosal immunity and a complex microbial ecosystem, which collectively regulate host metabolism and defence. Disturbance of this integrated system through nutritional imbalances, environmental stress, pathogenic challenge, heat stress, mycotoxins or management errors may result in dysbiosis, impaired barrier integrity, inflammation, wet litter and substantial economic losses. Recent research has emphasised the importance of measurable gut health indicators such as villus height, crypt depth, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, goblet cell activity, microbial diversity, total bacterial count, coliform load and clostridial proliferation. These biomarkers are increasingly used to evaluate the efficacy of nutritional interventions in poultry systems. Concurrently, global restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters have accelerated the adoption of non-antibiotic gut health strategies including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, organic acids, enzymes, phytogenic compounds and precision feeding approaches. This review critically examines recent advances in poultry gut health with particular emphasis on intestinal morphometry, microbial ecology, nutritional modulation and practical implications for sustainable broiler and layer production. Emerging opportunities involving microbiome engineering, genomic technologies and precision nutrition are also discussed.

Induction of Plant Disease Resistance by Seaweed Extracts: Molecular Mechanisms, Application and Future Prospects

K Anagha Krishna, N V Radhakrishnan, Susha S Thara, S Asha, S Shyam Kumar — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing environmental concerns associated with excessive synthetic pesticide use and pathogen resistance have encouraged the investigation of sustainable approaches to plant disease management. Seaweed extracts are potential biostimulants because their bioactive constituents can influence plant growth and activate endogenous defence responses. This review examines the principal seaweed-derived components associated with disease resistance, particularly polysaccharides, alginates, laminarins, carrageenans, ulvans and phenolic compounds. It considers their roles in receptor-mediated signalling, reactive oxygen species generation, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and interactions among salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene. These processes may contribute to defence priming, the activation of antioxidant and defence-related enzymes, the accumulation of phenolics and phytoalexins, and the reinforcement of plant cell walls. Reported applications indicate potential activity against fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode pathogens, through direct antimicrobial effects or the induction of host resistance. However, treatment outcomes depend on seaweed species, extraction methods, chemical composition, formulation, application rate, crop genotype and environmental conditions. Commercially available formulations demonstrate opportunities for agricultural use, although inconsistent extract composition and limited field validation constrain broader application. Further chemical characterisation, standardisation of extraction procedures, crop-specific optimisation and integrated molecular investigations are needed to improve reproducibility. The available evidence supports the continued evaluation of seaweed-derived biostimulants as components of integrated plant disease-management strategies rather than as universally effective replacements for conventional treatments.