Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

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

Soumyadeep Das — 2026-10-14

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

B. L. Santhosh — 2026-10-16

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

Hrishikesh Balasaheb Gudaghe — 2026-10-16

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 — 2026-10-17

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.

Hox Genes in Bombyx mori: From Segment Identity to Silk‑Gland Differentiation

Priyangana Chetia — 2026-10-22

Homeobox and Hox genes are conserved transcriptional regulators involved in insect segment identity, appendage patterning and tissue differentiation. This review examines the organisation and functional diversification of these genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, by integrating classical genetic observations with genomic, expression and functional studies. Genome analyses have identified 102 homeobox genes, including a structurally distinctive Hox cluster on chromosome 6 with a split arrangement and tandem homeobox duplications. Research on the E homeotic complex links variation in Ubx, abd-A and Abd-B activity to abdominal identity and proleg development. Studies of the Nc, Wes and Edl mutants, together with RNA-interference investigations, further implicate Antennapedia and Distal-less in thoracic and distal appendage formation. Beyond segment patterning, homeodomain regulators participate in silk-gland specification and compartmental regulation. Scr is associated with embryonic gland development, whereas Antp regulates sericin and other silk-protein genes in the middle silk gland. The LIM-homeodomain factor Awh contributes to fibroin-gene activation in the posterior silk gland. Taken together, these findings support a context-dependent role for Hox and related homeobox factors in both developmental patterning and silk-gland gene expression. Unresolved questions concern the regulatory elements underlying homeotic variation, Hox–Dll interactions and tissue-specific transcriptional mechanisms. Targeted genome editing and spatially resolved molecular approaches may help address these questions.

Nano-Based Interventions for Sustainable Fruit Production and Protection

Bikash Hazarika — 2026-10-22

Fruit production is increasingly constrained by nutrient inefficiency, salinity and other abiotic stresses, emerging and persistent pests and diseases, postharvest decay, and pressure to reduce the environmental burden of conventional agrochemicals. Nano-enabled interventions have therefore attracted attention as fertilisers, stress-mitigation agents, crop-protection materials, controlled-release carriers, edible coatings and packaging components. This critical narrative review evaluates whether these applications currently support defensible claims of sustainability in fruit production and protection. Literature published principally from 2005 to 6 August 2026 was examined, with emphasis on peer-reviewed fruit-crop studies and on mechanistic, environmental and regulatory evidence needed to interpret them. The evidence indicates that nano-enabled materials can improve nutrient delivery, fruit quality, stress responses, disease control and postharvest preservation under specific experimental conditions. Particularly informative fruit-crop examples include selenium nanoparticles in strawberry and pomegranate, zinc oxide and chitosan-based nanocomposites in grape, iron-based materials in citrus and apple, photoactivated zinc oxide in strawberry disease management, copper oxide in citrus disease suppression, sulfur nanoparticles in mango, protein-gated mesoporous silica for fruit-fly control, and chitosan-based nano-coatings for citrus and mango preservation. Nevertheless, superiority over well-matched conventional formulations is not consistently demonstrated, and responses are strongly dependent on particle composition, size, coating, dose, route of application, crop genotype and environmental context. Evidence for long-term field performance, residue behaviour, trophic exposure, soil microbiome effects, life-cycle impacts and cost-effectiveness remains substantially weaker than evidence for short-term efficacy. The most credible sustainability pathway is therefore not the indiscriminate substitution of conventional inputs with nanoscale products, but targeted use of well-characterised formulations that demonstrably reduce total input, improve delivery efficiency or extend marketable life without transferring risk elsewhere in the production chain. Future work should prioritise multi-season orchard trials, matched nano-versus-conventional comparators, mass-balance and transformation studies, residue and dietary-exposure assessment, harmonised characterisation, and techno-economic and life-cycle evaluation.

Plant-Associated Yeasts: Ecology, Plant Growth Promotion, Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Biological Disease Management

A. T. Hisana Mol — 2026-10-23

Plant-associated yeasts are emerging as important members of plant microbial communities and show promising potential to support sustainable agricultural practices. Although yeasts have traditionally received less attention than bacteria and filamentous fungi, increasing research has highlighted their important roles in plant–microbe interactions. They can colonize different parts of plants and perform multiple functions that support plant growth, help plants cope with environmental stresses, and contribute to the suppression of plant diseases. This review explores the ecological diversity and functional roles of plant-associated yeasts, highlighting their potential applications in agriculture, with a particular focus on yeasts inhabiting the phyllosphere. Their plant growth-promoting activities, including phytohormone production, mineral nutrient solubilisation, siderophore production, ACC deaminase activity, ammonia production and polyamine synthesis, are discussed in relation to plant nutrition and development. The potential role of yeasts in mitigating abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, temperature extremes and heavy-metal stress is also examined. In addition, this review discusses the different ways in which yeasts can suppress plant pathogens. These include competing for nutrients and space, limiting iron availability, producing antimicrobial compounds and killer toxins, releasing hydrolytic enzymes and volatile organic compounds, forming biofilms, interacting directly with pathogens, and stimulating the plant’s own defence responses. Particular attention is given to the emerging concept of multifunctional yeasts, which possess a combination of traits that promote plant growth, improve stress tolerance, and suppress plant diseases. Such yeasts may offer greater potential for agricultural applications than strains selected based on a single beneficial trait. Future studies integrating genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbial consortia approaches may help advance the development of effective and reliable yeast-based biofertilisers, biostimulants, and biocontrol agents. Overall, plant-associated yeasts hold considerable promise as an underexplored microbial resource for supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly crop production systems.

Rice Stem Rot Caused by Nakataea oryzae: An Overview of Pathogen Biology, Variability, Host Resistance and Disease Management

O. S. Mydhili — 2026-10-23

Rice stem rot caused by Nakataea oryzae (syn. Magnaporthe salvinii; anamorph Sclerotium oryzae) is an important disease that can adversely affect rice production, particularly under intensive cultivation conditions. This review summarises the current knowledge on the taxonomy, morphology, disease cycle, and cultural, morphological, pathogenic, and molecular variability of the pathogen. The review also examines rice–pathogen interactions, host defence mechanisms, artificial inoculation and disease assessment methods, host resistance, and different disease management strategies. Considerable variability among N. oryzae isolates has been reported, which complicates pathogen characterisation, resistance screening, and the development of durable resistance. Although several resistant rice genotypes, biological control agents, cultural practices, and effective fungicides have been identified, their performance can vary with pathogen diversity and environmental conditions. Therefore, integrated disease management combining host resistance, cultural practices, biological control, and judicious fungicide use offers a more sustainable approach to stem rot management. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between molecular and pathogenic variability, standardise resistance screening and inoculation methods, identify stable resistance, and better understand the molecular basis of rice–N. oryzae interactions. Addressing these gaps will support the development of effective and sustainable strategies for managing rice stem rot.

Agronomic Selenium Biofortification in Field Crops: Soil-Plant-Human Pathways, Fertilizer Strategies, and Nutritional Outcomes

Aniket H. Kalhapure — 2026-10-23

Selenium (Se) is a vital micronutrient for human and animal health. Yet, its uneven distribution in soils leads to widespread dietary deficiencies, particularly in regions reliant on crops from Se-poor areas. Agronomic biofortification can enhance crop Se content through targeted agricultural practices and offers a sustainable, cost-effective strategy to combat this “hidden hunger.” This review integrates current knowledge on the soil-plant-human Se continuum, factors influencing Se bioavailability, and the comparative effectiveness of inorganic (selenate, selenite) and organic Se sources. The chemistry, mobility, and transformations of Se in soils are discussed alongside the benefits and limitations of soil application, foliar sprays, seed priming, irrigation-based delivery, and microbial-assisted biofortification. Case studies, including Finland and China’s nationwide programme, demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale implementation. Evidence shows that optimised Se biofortification can substantially increase grain Se concentrations, improve nutritional quality, and enhance stress tolerance, though benefits follow a narrow dose-response curve. Integration with soil and plant testing, nutrient management, and environmental safeguards is essential to avoid toxicity and ensure long-term sustainability. Agronomic Se biofortification, when adapted to local conditions and supported by policy frameworks, represents a viable global strategy to improve public health by closing the selenium intake gap.

Artificial Intelligence Applications in Fruit Production, Harvesting and Postharvest Quality: A Review

Ashutosh Kumar — 2026-10-26

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being explored as a tool for improving decision-making across fruit production and postharvest management. However, evidence regarding its applications, reported performance, and practical limitations remains distributed across different fruit crops, sensing technologies, and computational approaches. This review systematically examines the applications of machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and remote sensing in fruit science. Relevant publications were identified through searches of [databases used] covering the period from [start year] to [end year], using predefined search terms and eligibility criteria. Of the [number] records identified, [number] studies were included in the final synthesis. The selected literature was categorised into precision orchard management, pest and disease detection, fruit detection and yield estimation, robotic harvesting, non-destructive quality assessment, and postharvest handling. The synthesis compares the reported performance of AI models, their application across fruit crops, the sensing technologies employed, and the principal limitations affecting field implementation. Particular attention is given to quantitative outcomes reported for detection accuracy, prediction performance, harvesting efficiency, resource use, and fruit quality assessment. The review also evaluates challenges associated with dataset availability, model generalization, computational requirements, sensor integration, and deployment under variable orchard conditions. Emerging approaches, including edge AI, multimodal data fusion, explainable AI, and autonomous orchard systems, are discussed in relation to the limitations identified in existing studies. By connecting reported experimental outcomes with implementation constraints, this review identifies evidence-based research priorities for developing reliable and scalable AI applications in fruit production and postharvest management.

Bacteriophage Therapy against Bacterial Pathogens of Farmed Finfish: Mechanistic Evidence, Experimental Outcomes and Translational Constraints

Vijendra Kumar Mishra — 2026-10-27

Bacterial disease remains a major constraint on intensive finfish production, while antimicrobial resistance and environmental stewardship create incentives to investigate pathogen-specific interventions. Lytic bacteriophages can reduce bacterial abundance through receptor-dependent infection and can sometimes alter the virulence of surviving bacteria. Their therapeutic value nevertheless depends on whether active particles reach susceptible pathogens at the right anatomical site and time. This critical narrative review evaluates evidence concerning bacteriophages against clinically important bacterial pathogens of freshwater and marine finfish, distinguishing bacterial killing, experimentally improved fish survival and practical disease control. Peer-reviewed studies and relevant methodological literature published through 12 August 2026 were identified from accessible scholarly resources and critically compared by host–pathogen pairing, experimental challenge design, administration route, resistance, environmental persistence and health outcomes. Experimental successes have been reported against Aeromonas, Flavobacterium, Vibrio, Edwardsiella, Pseudomonas, Lactococcus and Streptococcus infections, but the results are neither uniform nor readily transferable across species. Particularly informative comparisons demonstrate that bath administration can protect against an externally transmitted columnaris infection, whereas the same broad delivery category fails to establish reliable protection against some systemic infections. A negative furunculosis study and route-dependent results in rainbow trout directly challenge the proposition that in-vitro lysis reliably predicts clinical benefit. Treatment timing, accessible dose, bacterial population structure, phage resistance and water-system hydraulics emerge as recurring effect modifiers. Evidence for reduced disruption of rearing-water microbiota is encouraging but still context-dependent. The review proposes a staged translational framework linking local surveillance, genomic qualification, route-specific pharmacology, adequately replicated tank trials and controlled farm evaluations. Bacteriophages are credible experimental tools and potentially valuable adjuncts to aquatic animal health management; routine replacement of antibiotics is not yet justified by the available finfish evidence.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Plant Breeding: Data-driven Frameworks for Genomic Prediction, High-throughput Phenotyping and Accelerated Cultivar Development

Abhishek — 2026-10-29

Plant breeding is increasingly a data-intensive science. Modern programmes generate genome-wide marker data, multi-environment trial records, remote-sensing and sensor streams, and high-resolution images at a scale that exceeds the capacity of conventional statistical workflows. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offer a set of tools for extracting predictive signal from such data. This review surveys the application of ML and deep learning across the breeding cycle, beginning with the foundations of the main algorithm families and moving to genomic selection, where linear mixed models remain the benchmark against which random forests, support vector machines, neural networks and convolutional architectures are measured. It then considers image-based high-throughput phenotyping and disease detection, modelling of genotype-by-environment interaction and integration with crop growth models, yield prediction, optimisation of training populations and trial design, and the coupling of predictive models with genome editing. Deep learning is most firmly established for image- and sensor-based phenotyping, although generalisation across sites remains a recognised weakness, whereas the advantage of ML over well-specified linear models for genomic prediction of complex traits is modest and context dependent. Key obstacles include small sample sizes relative to the number of predictors, limited model interpretability, data heterogeneity, and unequal access to computing and expertise.

Rice Beyond Cereal: A Review on the Evolution of Rice from Staple to Superfood

Samrath Baghel — 2026-10-29

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the world's most important staple crops, providing a major source of dietary energy and playing a significant role in the cultural and agricultural heritage of many countries, particularly India. However, rice's potential extends beyond its conventional role as a cereal grain, as its bran and associated bioactive compounds offer considerable nutritional and functional value. This review highlights rice's emerging potential as a functional food, with particular emphasis on rice bran oil (RBO), γ-oryzanol, vitamin E, and tocotrienols. A favourable fatty acid composition characterises rice bran oil, which contains several bioactive constituents, including phytosterols, γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, lipid-regulating, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties in various experimental models. γ-Oryzanol has attracted considerable attention for its antioxidant activity, potential role in cholesterol regulation, and possible benefits in metabolic health. Tocotrienols have also shown promising biological activities related to cellular protection, inflammatory regulation, cardiovascular health, and bone preservation. Rice biodiversity, particularly indigenous rice varieties, also offers opportunities to identify valuable nutritional and bioactive traits. Nevertheless, these benefits vary by genotype, chemical composition, and experimental conditions, and many reported effects still require validation through well-designed human clinical studies. In addition, the evaluation of rice for functional and nutritional applications must address environmental contaminants and food safety considerations. Integrating rice biodiversity with advanced biochemical characterisation and targeted crop improvement could facilitate the development of rice-based functional foods and value-added products. Thus, exploring rice beyond its conventional role as a staple cereal offers promising opportunities for nutritional innovation, agricultural diversification, and the sustainable utilisation of rice-processing by-products.

Harnessing Endophytic Fungi for Sustainable Pest Management: A Review

K. Sushi — 2026-10-29

Endophytic fungi are increasingly investigated as biological components of pest management because some can inhabit living plant tissues while changing herbivore performance, host resistance or associated microbial communities. Their proposed advantages are attractive for integrated pest management, particularly against concealed feeders and pests difficult to reach with conventional foliar treatments. Yet the label ‘endophyte’ describes a location rather than an insect-control mechanism, and experimental success does not establish durable field protection. This critical narrative review integrates literature on grass-associated defensive symbionts, insect-pathogenic fungi with endophytic capacity, and selected root-associated nematophagous fungi. Evidence was evaluated across colonisation validity, experimental controls, mechanism, pest outcomes, ecological interactions and translational relevance. Studies support biologically plausible and sometimes experimentally demonstrated reductions in herbivore survival, reproduction or feeding, with especially informative evidence from tomato–whitefly systems and controlled studies of leafminers and internal feeders. Molecular work increasingly implicates plant specialised metabolites and defence signalling, whereas inoculation studies reveal pronounced effects of fungal strain, plant genotype, substrate, tissue and sampling time. Distinguishing fungal infection of insects from plant-mediated protection remains essential. Meta-analytic findings indicate an overall protective tendency but conceal substantial ecological heterogeneity; controlled pot experiments and short-term seedling assays still dominate important parts of the literature. Persistence, compatibility with natural enemies and crop protection programmes, livestock and non-target safety, and yield-adjusted economic benefit remain insufficiently documented across seasons and locations. The review proposes an evidence hierarchy linking verified internal colonisation and causal mechanism to pest suppression, crop performance and risk-adjusted sustainability. Endophytic fungi are best regarded as context-dependent candidates for integrated management rather than inherently persistent or universally benign bioinsecticides. Their practical value will depend on reproducible establishment, adequately controlled field trials and transparent assessments of both benefits and trade-offs.

Climate-resilient Fruit Production: Integrating Genetics, Rootstocks, Canopy Management and Water-Smart Horticulture

Priyanka Hugar — 2026-10-30

Perennial fruit crops are exposed to climate change for decades after planting decisions are made, and their capacity for rapid adjustment is constrained by long juvenile periods, high establishment costs and clonal propagation. Declining winter chill, earlier flowering followed by spring frost, more frequent heat episodes, fruit sunburn, drought and the growing use of saline or reclaimed water now act simultaneously on many production regions. Adaptation research has expanded quickly, but it remains fragmented across breeding, rootstock physiology, canopy and microclimate engineering, and irrigation science. This critical narrative review examines how these four groups of levers can be combined to sustain yield stability, marketable fruit quality and water productivity in temperate deciduous fruit trees, grapevine, citrus and selected subtropical species. Peer-reviewed literature published from 2000 onwards was identified through multidisciplinary and life-science indexes, a regional scholarly platform, institutional sources and citation chaining, and was appraised qualitatively for design strength, scale, replication, measurement validity and transferability. The synthesis indicates that evidence is strongest for the physiological basis of chill and frost risk, for rootstock control of vigour, hydraulic supply and ion exclusion, for the sunburn-reducing effect of netting and evaporative cooling, and for water savings under regulated deficit irrigation during drought-tolerant phenological stages. Evidence is weaker, and frequently contradictory, for field-scale drought tolerance conferred by polyploid rootstocks, for the transferability of genomic prediction across environments, for agrivoltaic shading in orchards and for the long-term sustainability of irrigation with marginal water. Interactions among levers are rarely tested directly, although several trade-offs are consistently reported, including reduced red colour under protective nets, greater frost exposure of low-chill or early-flowering genotypes and increased sunburn risk when water deficit coincides with heat. Most field evidence is short in duration, concentrated in Mediterranean-type and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and focused on a narrow set of cultivars. Multi-site, multi-season factorial trials, standardised plant-based stress indicators, phenology models calibrated for cultivars and rootstocks, and economic evaluation of combined adaptation packages are required before integrated recommendations can be made with confidence.

Genomic Selection and Predictive Breeding Approaches for Enhancing Crop Productivity and Climate Resilience: A Review

Sonali Kar — 2026-10-30

Genomic selection (GS) and predictive breeding have emerged as practical approaches to accelerate genetic gain in crops confronted by rising temperatures, increasingly erratic rainfall and growing food demand. Unlike marker-assisted selection based mainly on a limited set of significant loci, GS uses genome-wide molecular markers and phenotypes from a training population to predict genomic estimated breeding values of untested candidates. This review synthesises foundations, prediction methods, training population optimisation, genotype-by-environment interactions, high-throughput phenotyping and operational breeding decisions. It examines the use of ridge-regression best linear unbiased prediction, genomic best linear unbiased prediction, Bayesian shrinkage models, nonlinear kernels and machine learning, and highlights why model comparisons must be evaluated using forward-in-time and independent-environment validation rather than randomly partitioned related materials alone. Evidence from maize, wheat and other crops indicates that GS can shorten selection cycles and improve the efficiency of decisions for complex traits, although performance depends on genetic relationships, heritability, trait architecture, reference population size and changing environments. Integration of weather covariates, crop development, managed-stress trials and remote-sensing phenotypes can improve the biological relevance of predictions for drought and heat resilience, but uncertainty remains substantial under novel climates. The review proposes a practical implementation framework emphasising target population of environments, data quality, economic gain per unit time, genomic diversity, farmer-relevant traits and transparent model updating. Challenges include limited phenotyping infrastructure, biased training data, computational capacity, seed-system bottlenecks and inequitable access to genomic resources. The central conclusion is that predictive breeding should be viewed as a continuously tested decision system, not a standalone algorithm: reliable phenotypes, representative environments and disciplined breeding operations are at least as important as statistical sophistication.

Climate Change and Citrus Production: Multi-Stress Physiology, Rootstock Selection and Adaptive Orchard Management

Priyanka Hugar — 2026-10-30

Citrus is an evergreen subtropical perennial whose long fruit-development cycle exposes orchards to several climatic hazards within a single season. Warming, more frequent heat extremes, altered rainfall, declining irrigation-water quality and episodic freezes now coincide in many producing regions, yet the physiological, genetic and agronomic literature on these hazards has developed largely in separate compartments. This critical narrative review examines how the evidence on combined abiotic stress, rootstock-mediated tolerance and orchard-level adaptation fits together, and how far laboratory and pot findings can support decisions in commercial orchards. Peer-reviewed literature published from January 2000 onwards was identified through international and regional scholarly sources, supplemented by citation tracking, and appraised qualitatively for design, stress realism, scale and transferability. Four conclusions are well supported. First, combined heat and drought produces physiological responses that cannot be predicted from either stress alone, with leaf cooling through transpiration, photoprotection and antioxidant capacity distinguishing tolerant from sensitive genotypes. Second, rootstock rankings are stress-specific and frequently reverse between seedling experiments, grafted pot trials and field orchards, so that no rootstock is broadly tolerant. Third, regulated deficit irrigation applied at less sensitive fruit-growth phases can save water with modest or no yield penalty, although outcomes depend on cultivar, rootstock and stress intensity. Fourth, canopy-level measures such as shade netting, particle films and protective screens alter leaf temperature, water status or pest exclusion, but evidence for their economic value under climate change remains limited. The evidence is weaker for tetraploid rootstocks, whose pot-based advantages have not been consistently reproduced under competition or field conditions, and for elevated carbon dioxide as a buffer, because the long-term enrichment data come from a single well-watered experiment. Major gaps include multi-season field trials combining stresses, standardised stress-imposition protocols, rootstock evaluation across stress types and biotic pressure, and region-specific evidence from tropical and South Asian systems. Adaptation is therefore best framed as matching rootstock, cultivar and management to local hazard profiles rather than as the search for a universally tolerant genotype.

Long non-coding RNAs as Emerging Regulators of Agronomic Traits: Molecular Mechanisms, Functional Landscape and Prospects for Crop Improvement

Abhishek — 2026-10-31

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with little or no protein-coding capacity. Once dismissed as transcriptional noise, they are now recognised as versatile regulators of gene expression that act through chromatin remodelling, transcriptional interference, microRNA target mimicry, modulation of alternative splicing and the formation of RNA–DNA hybrids. In plants, lncRNAs have been linked to many traits of agronomic value, including flowering time and vernalisation response, photoperiod-sensitive male sterility used in two-line hybrid rice, grain yield, fruit ripening, and tolerance to drought, salinity, cold, heat and pathogens. Genome-wide surveys in rice, maize, wheat, tomato and Arabidopsis have catalogued thousands of lncRNAs, and dedicated databases now support their annotation. This review summarises the classification and modes of action of plant lncRNAs, discusses well-characterised examples that bear directly on crop performance, and examines how lncRNAs can be exploited as molecular markers, engineering targets and regulatory tools in breeding programmes. Current limitations, including low sequence conservation, poor functional annotation and the difficulty of editing non-coding loci, are discussed together with future directions for translating lncRNA biology into improved crop varieties.

The Nexus between Natural Farming and Agroforestry: Ecological Synergies for Sustainable Agricultural Systems

G. P. Laxmi — 2026-11-03

Natural farming and agroforestry are frequently advanced as complementary pathways for reducing external inputs, rebuilding soil functions, diversifying production and improving resilience. Their compatibility, nevertheless, is more readily inferred from ecological principles than demonstrated by experiments that deliberately combine the two systems. This critical narrative review examines the conditions under which natural farming practices, especially the Indian zero-budget and community-managed variants, may interact with trees, shrubs, perennial crops and livestock to improve agroecosystem performance. Peer-reviewed field studies, modelling analyses, reviews and meta-analyses were appraised for their designs, comparators, causal interpretation and applicability across contrasting farming environments. Evidence supports several plausible synergies: diversified litter and root inputs can sustain soil cover and biological activity; well-designed tree canopies modify near-surface microclimates; woody habitats support some natural enemies and other biodiversity; and perennial products diversify farm income. These effects are neither additive nor universal. Nitrogen fixation cannot replace phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients removed through harvest, and trees can compete with annual crops for radiation, water and nutrients. Natural-farming experiments in southern India report comparable or improved short-term yields under specified management packages, while nutrient-budget modelling warns of potential constraints during wider adoption. Recent agroforestry syntheses show gains in soil carbon and related attributes but substantial heterogeneity and measurement weaknesses; evidence on combined natural-farming–agroforestry interventions remains particularly thin. Interpreting yield benefits requires attention to baseline input intensity, transition duration, whole-farm output, labour, crop identity, canopy geometry and habitat context. The review develops an evidence-calibrated framework distinguishing demonstrated effects of each component from interactions that require factorial testing. Priority needs are long-term replicated system comparisons, complete nutrient and greenhouse-gas budgets, biodiversity-function measurements and inclusive livelihood evaluation. Integration should therefore be treated as a context-specific design proposition rather than an inherently superior production model.

Medicinal Plant-Derived Biostimulants for Crop Improvement: Phytochemistry, Mechanisms, Agronomic Evidence, and Future Prospects

Cisil C. Poulose — 2026-11-04

Medicinal and aromatic plants represent a phytochemically rich yet underexplored source of botanical biostimulants. Most research and commercial products focus on macroalgal extracts, humic substances, protein hydrolysates, and microbial inoculants; medicinal plant extracts remain comparatively under-validated mechanistically and agronomically. This review examines 37 experimental studies published up to July 2026, covering cereals, legumes, vegetables, and horticultural crops. It explores the phytochemical composition of medicinal plant extracts, their physiological and molecular effects, extraction and formulation technologies, and regulatory challenges. Extracts of Moringa oleifera, Aloe vera, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, containing diverse phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and saponins, have shown potential to improve seed germination, seedling vigour, crop yield, and tolerance to drought, salinity, and heavy-metal stress. Although plant species differ considerably in phytochemical composition, their extracts may produce similar physiological responses in plants. This suggests that chemically distinct extracts can influence growth through common regulatory pathways. These effects may involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling, enhanced antioxidant defence, and direct free radical scavenging by phenolic compounds. However, responses vary among species, and some metabolite-rich medicinal plant extracts show no measurable benefits. Phytochemical variability, non-standardised extraction, formulation instability, and fragmented regulatory frameworks continue to constrain translation into agricultural practice. Future research should prioritise green extraction technologies, nano-enabled delivery systems, multi-omics integration, and predictive modelling to strengthen mechanistic understanding and identify promising candidates. Standardised extraction and multi-location field trials are essential to ensure consistent efficacy and establish medicinal and aromatic plants as a reliable source of biostimulants.

Genome Editing of the Fall Armyworm: A Critical Appraisal of CRISPR/Cas9 Evidence on Gene Function, Resistance Mechanisms and Genetic Control Prospects

A. N. Warghat — 2026-11-06

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has moved within a decade from a hemispheric pest of maize (Zea mays L.) to a pest of near-global distribution, and its capacity to erode the efficacy of synthetic insecticides and transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops has made functional genomics a practical rather than purely academic priority. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) editing has become the principal tool through which gene function is now established in this species, yet the resulting literature has expanded faster than its methodological foundations have been examined. This review evaluates the evidence generated by CRISPR/Cas9 and related editing platforms in S. frugiperda, covering platform development, Bt receptor identification, insecticide resistance genetics, reproductive and chemosensory targets for genetic control, and developmental gene function. Peer-reviewed literature was identified through structured searching of open scholarly databases and indexes, supplemented by citation tracking and verification of bibliographic records. The synthesis indicates that editing has delivered one robust and independently replicated conclusion, namely that the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter SfABCC2 is the principal functional receptor for Cry1F and Cry1Ab, and has simultaneously overturned several receptor assignments derived from in vitro work. Evidence on resistance to the vegetative insecticidal protein Vip3Aa is advancing rapidly but remains mechanistically unresolved, with at least three non-allelic loci implicated. Reproductive and pheromone-pathway knockouts have produced a substantial catalogue of sterility phenotypes, although almost none has progressed beyond laboratory cage experiments. Recurrent methodological weaknesses include reliance on a small number of laboratory strains, limited reporting of off-target assessment, scarce independent replication and an absence of fitness measurement under field-relevant conditions. Confidence in mechanistic conclusions is therefore considerably higher than confidence in their translational implications, and the priority now lies in replication across genetic backgrounds, quantitative phenotyping and realistic evaluation of candidate genetic control systems.

Biochar and Crop Disease Resilience: Mechanistic Evidence, Context Dependence and Translation to Sustainable Management

T Abhirami Prakash — 2026-11-09

Biochar is increasingly proposed as a soil amendment that can reduce crop disease while improving soil functioning and retaining carbon. Yet apparent disease suppression varies among feedstocks, pyrolysis conditions, application rates, soils, hosts and pathogens, and a favourable microbial response is not necessarily evidence of disease control. This critical narrative review evaluates the mechanistic and agronomic evidence linking biochar to crop disease resilience, with particular attention to Fusarium wilt and root rot, bacterial wilt, oomycete diseases, clubroot and foliar infections influenced by belowground treatments. Peer-reviewed experimental studies, mechanistic investigations, meta-analyses and authoritative reviews available through 2 September 2026 were considered through targeted scholarly searching and reference tracing. Three interacting routes emerge: changes in soil chemistry and physical habitat, reorganisation of rhizosphere communities and plant-mediated defence or stress responses. Evidence for microbial mediation is stronger when transplantation or biological intervention is used than when sequencing alone identifies correlated taxa. Tomato and pepper experiments offer compelling proof of principle, while research on sugarcane, tobacco and brassicas expands the range of relevant production systems but remains geographically and experimentally uneven. Dose responses can be non-linear, and high amendment rates, unsuitable biochars or co-applied amendments can obscure or reverse benefits. Carbon persistence, contaminant control and agronomic value must therefore be assessed alongside disease outcomes rather than treated as interchangeable gains. Biochar is best regarded as a potentially useful component of integrated disease management, not a universal curative material. Progress depends on characterising materials, including mechanism-discriminating controls, measuring pathogen load and economic outcomes, and testing durability across soils, seasons and crop genotypes.

Biopolymers as Sustainable Armour for Extending the Shelf Life of Vegetables: Mechanisms, Applications and Emerging Trends

R. Savitha — 2026-11-10

Vegetables remain metabolically active long after harvest and continued respiration, transpiration and enzymatic turnover drive rapid postharvest deterioration. Global assessments indicate that close to one-third of harvested produce is lost before consumption and Indian estimates place vegetable losses at 5–15 per cent, rising to nearly 50 per cent for highly perishable commodities such as tomato within two weeks of ambient storage. Petroleum-derived plastics and synthetic wax coatings have long served as postharvest protective barriers, but concerns over microplastic accumulation and toxic residues such as N-nitrosomorpholine have accelerated interest in biodegradable alternatives. This review synthesises current understanding of biopolymer-based edible coatings, derived from polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and their composites, as a sustainable protective “armour” for vegetables. It examines the molecular basis of their barrier and bioactive functions, including modulation of gas and moisture exchange, ethylene management, enzymatic browning inhibition and antimicrobial/antioxidant delivery. Coating application techniques and advanced nanocomposite and electrospun formulations are discussed alongside safety, regulatory and economic considerations. Representative experimental studies on tomato, carrot, spinach, pointed gourd and green chilli illustrate practical efficacy. Persistent limitations of mechanical weakness, moisture sensitivity and unresolved nanomaterial safety continue to constrain large-scale industrial adoption of these coatings.

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

R. K. Panse — 2026-10-14

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 — 2026-10-14

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 — 2026-10-14

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

M. B. Meghana — 2026-10-14

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.)

Diksha Sangh Mitra — 2026-10-14

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

V. H. Tandle — 2026-10-15

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.)

Deepsikha — 2026-10-15

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

Sushmita Konwar — 2026-10-15

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 — 2026-10-16

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.)

Rajnish Kumar — 2026-10-16

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 — 2026-10-16

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 — 2026-10-16

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 — 2026-10-16

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

M. V. S. K. Rohit — 2026-10-16

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

Talari Aravind Kumar — 2026-10-16

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 — 2026-10-16

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

Boishali Dutta — 2026-10-16

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 — 2026-10-16

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 — 2026-10-17

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

Gouraram Manoj Kumar Goud — 2026-10-17

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 — 2026-10-17

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.)

K. S. Tripathi — 2026-10-17

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

Akshita Maheshwari — 2026-10-17

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

Debasmita Nath — 2026-10-17

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.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Grain Yield and Its Attributes in F1 and F2 Generations of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Normal and Late-Sown (Heat Stress) Conditions

Vaibhav Chauhan — 2026-10-22

Correlation and path coefficient analyses divide the relationships between grain yield and its component traits into direct and indirect effects, thereby facilitating the selection of superior genotypes, particularly under terminal heat stress. Assessing the association of grain yield with its component traits under contrasting sowing conditions may support selection in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study examined genotypic and phenotypic correlations and the direct and indirect effects of yield-related and physiological traits in F₁ and F₂ generations. Nineteen parents (14 lines and 5 testers) were used to develop 70 F₁s and 70 F₂s through line × tester mating (159 treatments) and were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications at Nawabganj Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.), during the 2024-25 Rabi season under normal (15-25 November) and late (25-30 December) sowing environments. Eighteen characters were assessed at the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Biological yield per plant had the highest positive and highly significant genotypic correlation with grain yield per plant in both F₁and F₂generations under both normal and late-sown conditions, while harvest index also showed highly significant positive correlations with grain yield. Days to 50% heading were negatively correlated with grain yield in late F₁, normal F₂and late F₂. Under late sowing, highly significant positive associations of grain yield with proline content and pollen viability were observed in F₁and F₂ generations, and canopy temperature depression also showed a highly significant positive association. Genotypic path analysis revealed that biological yield had the highest positive direct effect on grain yield, while harvest index also showed a positive direct effect under both sowing conditions and in both generations. Therefore, biological yield, harvest index and tillering capacity along with earliness and heat-responsive physiological traits should be considered for wheat improvement.

Unravelling Yield Determinants in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill): Genotypic Association and Path Dynamics for Target Selection

Sunder Nayak — 2026-10-22

Developing high-yielding, locally adapted cultivars requires a precise understanding of genetic architecture and trait associations to overcome the yield plateau in soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill). This study evaluated 40 diverse soybean genotypes during Kharif 2022 at the Agricultural Research Station, Kota, Rajasthan, to quantify genetic variability, interrelationships and direct and indirect contributions of 13 quantitative and quality attributes. Analysis of existing genetic and correlation literature guided the experimental framework, and the data were analysed using a randomised block design (RBD) and path coefficient models. The genotypic correlation coefficients were generally higher in magnitude than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients, indicating that the estimated associations among traits were comparatively stronger at the genotypic level. However, these differences alone do not establish the extent of environmental influence on trait expression. Seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive associations (p < 0.01) with 100-seed weight (r_g = 0.848), seeds per pod (r_g = 0.803), biological yield (r_g = 0.788), branches per plant (r_g = 0.726), pods per plant (r_g = 0.700), pod length (r_g = 0.648), harvest index (r_g = 0.597) and oil content (r_g = 0.465). Path coefficient analysis revealed that biological yield (genotypic direct effect: 1.422) and harvest index (0.862) were showing direct positive effect on seed yield, whereas 100-seed weight and seeds per pod influenced yield predominantly through indirect biomass-mediated pathways. Low residual effects (r_g = 0.070, r_p = 0.308) confirmed the high explanatory power of the model. Genotypes AUKS-22-34, AUKS-22-51, AUKS-22-37 and AUKS-22-35 were identified as superior donors. Overall, breeding programmes should prioritize simultaneous selection for total biomass accumulation, harvest index and reproductive architecture to accelerate soybean yield improvement.

Cultural, Morphological and Molecular Identification of Alternaria Species Associated with Sunflower in Karnataka, India

Ashwini — 2026-10-22

Sunflower is an important edible oilseed crop primarily cultivated for its vegetable oil production and is also grown as an ornamental crop. Among the major diseases affecting sunflower, Alternaria blight is one of the most destructive diseases limiting sunflower productivity, causing severe yield loss under warm and humid conditions. The disease can cause yield losses ranging from 11% to 77%. Studying cultural and morphological variation in the pathogen plays an important role in accurately identifying the causal organism. Therefore, twenty-four isolates of Alternaria infecting sunflower were obtained from different districts of Karnataka during Kharif 2024-25 to study cultural and morphological variation and to identify of Alternaria species infecting sunflower in Karnataka. Colony pigmentation varied among dark grey, grey, brown, white with a brown centre, and cream-coloured colonies. Conidial length and width ranged from 18.54 µm to 64.92 µm and from 7.51 µm to 15.30 µm, respectively. Based on cultural and morphological characters, 20 isolates were identified as Alternaria alternata and 4 isolates as Alternariaster helianthi. PCR amplification of the isolates using ITS primers (ITS1 and ITS4) produced an amplicon of ~550 bp. Sequencing and BLAST analysis of representative isolates confirmed the identity of five isolates as A. alternata and one isolate as Alternariaster helianthi. Phylogenetic analysis further resolved the isolates into two distinct clades with strong bootstrap support, corroborating the morphological identification. The present study demonstrates the coexistence of A. alternata and Alternariaster helianthi in sunflower-growing regions of Karnataka. Integrating cultural, morphological and molecular methods provides useful information for pathogen identification and the development of effective disease management programmes.

Comparative Analysis of Local Perceptions of Sida cordifolia L. after Forty Years of Invasion in Four Communes of Western Niger

Alhou Amoude Issa — 2026-10-22

Sida cordifolia L., a major invasive species in the agro-pastoral zones of Niger for more than forty years, was the subject of a comparative analysis in four communes (Birni N’Gaouré, Namaro, Say and Youri). An ethnobotanical survey of 607 households, conducted using stratified random sampling, was used to assess local perceptions of the species. The socio-demographic characteristics of respondents were broadly similar: a slight majority of women (51–61%), a high proportion of married individuals (83–90%) and a predominance of Quranic education. The Chi-square test revealed that only education levels and certain economic activities varied significantly among communes (p < 0.05), while Fisher’s exact test confirmed a clear difference in agricultural activities (p = 1.73 × 10⁻¹³). Respondents mainly attributed dissemination to anemochory (34–39%) and zoochory (32–38%), with significant variations (p < 0.05). The most frequently cited spread factors were climatic and anthropogenic, several of which also showed significant differences. Perceived impacts mainly concerned competition for resources (90–99%), effects on water resources (up to 82%) and management costs (30–55%). Mechanical control predominated in all communes (95–100%). Correspondence analysis (CA), which explained 91.5% of the total variability, revealed a marked spatial structuring of perceptions: in Youri, the species appears to be expanding, with pedoclimatic factors seemingly combining to favour its invasion; in Say, perceptions are more centred on anthropogenic factors, the species being more widely exploited there, whereas Birni N’Gaouré and Namaro are distinguished by a stronger orientation towards control methods and control dynamics. These results underline the need for integrated management strategies adapted to local ecological and socio-economic realities.

Genotype × Environment Interaction and Regression-based Stability of Yield, Phenology and Component Traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Jyoti Sankhala — 2026-10-23

Genotype × environment (G×E) interaction complicates the selection of groundnut genotypes that combine high performance with predictable response across production environments. The present study evaluated 64 groundnut genotypes, including four standard checks (PM-3, GJG-32, JL-501 and GG-7), across six location-year environments representing three locations in southern Rajasthan, India (Udaipur, Rajsamand and Chittorgarh), during the Kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024. The trials used an augmented block design with six blocks per environment. Adjusted genotype means for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, dry pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant, dry haulm yield per plant and 100-kernel weight were evaluated using the Eberhart and Russell regression model. Genotypic, environment-linear and G×E-linear effects were significant for all six traits, while the E + (G×E) component was significant for all except dry haulm yield. Based on the regression coefficient, PI-879, PI-903, PI-97 and PI-204, which exhibited broad responses across multiple traits. These genotypes may serve as promising parental lines in groundnut breeding programmes aimed at improving yield stability and broad adaptation, with their potential further validated through multilocation trials.

‘Resistance Decay’ Effect in a Strain of Staphylococcus arlettae (BMS7), Exposed to Linezolid through a ‘Serial Passage’ Study

Rishika Panda — 2026-10-23

Background: Staphylococcus arlettae is an opportunistic coagulase-negative bacterium associated with antimicrobial resistance. However, changes in its susceptibility to linezolid following repeated antibiotic exposure through serial passage remain poorly understood.

Aim: This study evaluated the apparent linezolid-susceptibility phenotype of Staphylococcus arlettae BMS7 during serial passage.

Methods: BMS7 was isolated from air-exposed nutrient agar plates placed near a tertiary-care hospital in Burla. Colony observations, Gram staining, 16S rRNA sequencing, BLASTn analysis and phylogenetic comparison were used for characterisation. Initial linezolid susceptibility was assessed using agar-cup diffusion, tube dilution and pour-plate methods. A modified replica-plating procedure compared growth on mannitol agar plates containing 120 µg/ml linezolid with growth on antibiotic-free control plates during successive passages. Post-passage assessments included agar-cup diffusion, pour-plate testing and scanning electron microscopy.

Results: Before passage, BMS7 grew at the tested linezolid concentrations, including 120 µg/ml. During serial passage, some inoculated grids on linezolid-containing plates showed absent or reduced colony growth compared with control plates. Following passage, inhibition zones were observed in agar-cup assays, while the pour-plate assay showed no growth at the reported concentrations ranging from 10 to 120 µg/ml. Electron microscopy documented altered cellular appearances following linezolid exposure.

Conclusion: The observations indicate a change in the apparent linezolid-susceptibility phenotype of BMS7 under the reported experimental conditions. They do not establish the mechanism, stability or clinical relevance of this change.

Management of Disease Complex of Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium oxysporum on Chickpea

Pallabi Roy — 2026-10-23

Chickpea production can be compromised by the combined occurrence of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and the wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri. To compare biological interventions for this disease complex, a microplot trial was undertaken at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, from November 2019 to March 2020. The K850 variety was cultivated in 1 m × 1 m plots under a randomised block design comprising seven treatments, each replicated four times. The treatments consisted of microbial consortia applied to seed, microbial consortia enriched in vermicompost, Glomus fasciculatum, combinations of these interventions, a chemically treated control and an untreated control. Assessments covered growth and yield, root galls and egg masses, soil nematode and fungal populations, and disease incidence. The three-component biological combination gave the greatest shoot length (76.92 cm), fresh shoot weight (33.23 g) and yield (1.23 kg per plot); the corresponding untreated values were 55.86 cm, 12.24 g and 1.03 kg per plot. For this combination, gall number (40.41), egg-mass number (22.99), final nematode abundance (130.56 per 250 cm³ soil) and disease incidence (51.66%) were the lowest observed. These measures reached 246.88, 86.85, 268.46 and 89.99%, respectively, without treatment. Thus, the combined biological approach performed favourably in the conditions examined, although its applicability requires confirmation through broader field assessment.

Taxonomic Notes on Araneus tubabdominus Zhu & Zhang, 1993 (Araneidae) and Micropholcus fauroti (Simon, 1887) (Pholcidae) from the Rice Ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh, India

Dhruba Chandra Dhali — 2026-10-23

Spiders are important generalist predators in rice agroecosystems and can contribute to the natural regulation of arthropod pests. Surveys were conducted from June to October during the kharif seasons of 2015 and 2016 in rice-growing areas of Sundernagar, Jogindernagar, Nurpur, and Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. The objective of the present study is to provide taxonomic notes and diagnostic morphological information for Araneus tubabdominus and Micropholcus fauroti recorded from rice-growing areas of Himachal Pradesh. Sampling employed visual searching, hand-picking, an inverted umbrella to dislodge spiders, beating vegetation, examining foliage and woody plant surfaces, deploying pitfall traps, and extracting specimens from leaf litter. The collected material was examined using stereo zoom binocular microscopes, and taxonomic status was assessed using the taxonomic literature cited in the manuscript. Eighteen spider species belonging to 11 families were recorded, with Araneidae and Tetragnathidae being dominant and Tetragnatha and Neoscona occurring most frequently. The present taxonomic account focuses on Araneus tubabdominus Zhu & Zhang, 1993 (Araneidae) and Micropholcus fauroti (Simon, 1887) (Pholcidae) collected from the rice ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh. Diagnostic somatic and genital characters of the examined specimens are described to support species identification. Araneus tubabdominus is distinguished by its elongated, tubular abdomen and characteristic female genital morphology, including the epigynal and internal genital structures. The examined male of Micropholcus fauroti is characterised by a pale body, globose abdomen, distinctive ocular arrangement, and diagnostic palpal structures. The observations provide locality-specific taxonomic information for these two spider species and add morphological documentation relevant to their identification and distribution in India.

Effect of Gamma Rays, Ethyl Methane Sulphonate and Their Combination on Germination, Survival and Mortality of Okra in M1 Generation

Udayabhan Nishad — 2026-10-23

This study determined the effects of gamma rays, ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and their combination on seed germination, survival and mortality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in the M₁ generation and identified suitable doses for mutation breeding. The experiment used a randomised block design with 16 treatments and three replications at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, during March–May 2023. Seeds of cv. Kashi Kranti were treated with: (i) gamma rays (⁶⁰Co) at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kR (about 100–500 Gy); (ii) EMS at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% for 6 h in phosphate buffer (pH 7.0); and (iii) each gamma dose followed by 0.2% EMS. Untreated seeds served as control. Germination was recorded 10 days after sowing, while survival and mortality were assessed up to maturity. Dose–response relationships were examined using regression analysis. All mutagenic treatments significantly reduced germination (F (15, 30) = 23.01, P < .001) and survival, and increased mortality (F (15, 30) = 34.20, P < .001). Germination dropped from 82.26% (control) to 63.54% at 50 kR and 0.5% EMS, and to 57.19% at 50 kR + 0.2% EMS. Mortality increased from 2.19% (control) to 9.82%, 6.45% and 10.92% at these respective highest doses. Germination decreased linearly with dose (R² = 0.80–0.92), whereas mortality rose sharply at the lowest dose and then slowly. Gamma rays killed more seedlings than EMS. Combined treatments were most damaging, though less than additive. No dose halved germination; hence, the LD₅₀ was not reached. Kashi Kranti showed considerable tolerance to both mutagens. Doses of 30–50 kR gamma rays, 0.3–0.5% EMS and 20–40 kR gamma rays + 0.2% EMS are suggested for raising the M₂ generation, as they reduced germination by 13–28% with mortality near or below 10%.

Morphology and Developmental Stages of Gall-inducing Insects, Asphondylia sp. and Pauropsylla beesoni Laing, Associated with Muga Silkworm Food Plants (P. bombycina and L. polyantha)

Bidisha Saikia — 2026-10-23

Gall-inducing insects occur on the principal host plants used for Muga silkworm rearing, but comparative descriptions of their developmental stages remain limited. Gall-inducing insects associated with the major Muga silkworm food plants, Som (Persea bombycina) and Soalu (Litsea polyantha), were examined at the Department of Sericulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Gall-infested leaves were collected at different stages of gall development, and insects were obtained by dissecting the galls and rearing mature galls until the emergence of adults. The gall-inducing insects were identified as Asphondylia sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on Som and Pauropsylla beesoni Laing (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on Soalu. Asphondylia sp. passed through four larval instars and a pupal stage, whereas P. beesoni completed five nymphal instars before reaching adulthood. The immature stages differed in body length, colour, body shape, antennal development and the presence of characteristic structures. The mean body length of Asphondylia sp. larvae increased from 0.95 ± 0.018 mm in the first instar to 2.51 ± 0.014 mm in the third instar, followed by a slight reduction to 2.32 ± 0.016 mm in the fourth instar. In P. beesoni, body length increased progressively from 1.02 ± 0.024 mm in the first instar to 3.08 ± 0.046 mm in the fifth instar. Adults of Asphondylia sp. measured 3.24 ± 0.017 mm in length, whereas adults of P. beesoni measured 2.34 ± 0.043 mm. The adult morphology of both species showed adaptations associated with their respective taxonomic groups, including the hind wings reduced to halteres in Asphondylia sp. and the jumping hind legs of P. beesoni. The findings provide baseline morphological information for recognising the gall-inducing insects associated with Som and Soalu and may support future studies on their biology, seasonal incidence and management in Muga silkworm food-plant plantations.

Monitoring and Forecasting of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome in Fishes of Dalahi Pond, Darbhanga, Bihar, India

Akshita Ira — 2026-10-26

Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) is an ulcerative disease of freshwater fish associated in this study with seasonal changes in pond conditions and infection by Aphanomyces invadans. The study monitored EUS in Dalahi Pond, Darbhanga, Bihar, from August 2022 to March 2023, with Labeo rohita as the principal species examined. Pond physicochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and total alkalinity, were monitored alongside disease occurrence and mortality. Blood samples were analysed for haematological indices, and ulcerated tissues were examined through fungal isolation and histopathology using haematoxylin–eosin and Periodic Acid–Schiff staining. Ulceration was observed during the post-monsoon and winter periods, when water temperature and dissolved oxygen were comparatively low. Among 428 fish, the highest recorded infection and mortality occurred in January, involving 170 infected fish and 151 deaths. EUS-infected fish showed reduced haemoglobin, packed cell volume and erythrocyte values, while several leucocyte-related parameters differed from those of control fish. Histopathological examination demonstrated fungal hyphae, myonecrosis, epithelial and muscular tissue loss, granulomatous and inflammatory changes, and alterations in the liver and kidney. The findings indicate that seasonal pond conditions, particularly declining temperature and dissolved oxygen, coincided with increased EUS occurrence. Monitoring environmental conditions together with haematological and histopathological indicators may support local surveillance and forecasting of EUS in cultured freshwater fish.

Genetic Variability and Association Analysis of Yield and Its Component Traits in Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Rinee Doley — 2026-10-26

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, character association and direct and indirect effects of yield and its component traits in green gram (Vigna radiata L.). A set of 48 green gram genotypes was evaluated during the Rabi season of 2022 at the experimental field of B.N. College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali, Assam, in a randomised block design with three replications. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for all 15 quantitative traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for yield per plant, harvest index, pods per plant and clusters per plant. Broad-sense heritability was high for all the traits, while high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for harvest index, yield per plant, pods per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, primary branches, plant height and fruit-setting capacity, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of selection for these traits. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations of seed yield per plant with clusters per plant, pods per cluster, pods per plant, seeds per pod, fruit-setting capacity and harvest index, whereas flowering and maturity traits generally showed negative associations with yield. Path coefficient analysis identified pods per cluster as an important direct contributor to yield, along with plant height, pod length, clusters per plant and harvest index. These traits may therefore serve as useful selection criteria for identifying superior genotypes and improving seed yield in green gram breeding programmes.

Effects of Solid and Liquid Jeevamrit on Growth and Yield of Summer Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) under Natural Farming

Martina Chutia — 2026-10-26

A two-season field experiment evaluated the individual and combined effects of solid ghanjeevamrit and liquid dravajeevamrit on summer greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) grown within a natural-farming management system at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India, in 2024 and 2025. A 3 × 4 factorial randomised block design with three replications compared ghanjeevamrit at 0, 1,000 and 1,500 kg ha⁻¹ with dravajeevamrit at 0, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 L ha⁻¹. Liquid treatments were applied in two equal splits at 15 and 30 days after sowing. Two-year pooled marginal means showed a seed yield of 673.84 kg ha⁻¹ with 1,500 kg ha⁻¹ ghanjeevamrit, compared with 491.02 kg ha⁻¹ without ghanjeevamrit. Across liquid-treatment levels, 2,000 L ha⁻¹ yielded 705.81 kg ha⁻¹, compared with 432.21 kg ha⁻¹ without dravajeevamrit; the difference between 2,000 and 1,500 L ha⁻¹ was below the reported 5% critical difference. The highest reported treatment-combination means occurred at 1,500 kg ha⁻¹ ghanjeevamrit plus 2,000 L ha⁻¹ dravajeevamrit (773.07 kg ha⁻¹ seed and 2,060.67 kg ha⁻¹ stover), although this combination was statistically at par with several adjacent treatments. Responses in harvest index and relative growth rate were not statistically significant. The findings support site-specific yield responses to the tested formulations within the common natural-farming package, while further evaluation of year-by-treatment variability and nutrient mechanisms is needed.

Histochemical Study on Lead Acetate Induced Nephrotoxicity and Amelioration with Moringa olifera in Pregnant Rats

Ravina Thakur — 2026-10-26

Background: Lead acetate exposure is associated with alterations in renal structure and function. This study examined renal changes during gestation and lactation and their amelioration following concurrent administration of Moringa oleifera.

Aims: To evaluate lead acetate-induced histochemical alterations and the protective potential of Moringa oleifera against nephrotoxicity in pregnant rats.

Study Design: Eighteen pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): Group I (control), Group II (lead acetate-treated) and Group III (lead acetate plus Moringa oleifera-treated).

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University (NDVSU), Jabalpur. The experimental treatment was carried out from gestation day 5 to postnatal day 21.

Methodology: Lead acetate was administered at 0.8% in drinking water, while Moringa oleifera was administered at 400 mg/kg body weight. Body weight, haematological and serum biochemical parameters, blood and renal lead concentrations, and mineral profile were evaluated. Renal tissues were examined for histopathological alterations, enzyme histochemistry for acid and alkaline phosphatase activities and immunohistochemical expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1).

Results: Lead acetate exposure significantly reduced body weight gain, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count and packed cell volume, while increasing serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Total protein and essential minerals, including calcium, copper, zinc and iron, were decreased, whereas blood and renal lead concentrations were markedly elevated. Reduced litter size and increased pup mortality were also observed. Enzyme histochemistry revealed increased acid phosphatase activity and altered alkaline phosphatase activity. Histopathological examination of renal tissues revealed tubular degeneration, congestion, lymphocytic infiltration, tubular dilatation, eosinophilic casts, brush border disruption, mesangial expansion and amyloid deposition, along with increased KIM-1 expression. Concurrent administration of Moringa oleifera significantly ameliorated these alterations, although complete restoration was not achieved.

Conclusion: Lead acetate induces marked haematological, biochemical, histochemical and pathological alterations in pregnant rats, indicating significant nephrotoxicity. Moringa oleifera exhibited a significant protective and ameliorative effect against lead-induced renal damage, although its effects were not sufficient for complete restoration of normal renal architecture and function.

Growth and Yield Attributes of Maize as Influenced by Different Herbicide Treatments

Rakhee Priya Baruah — 2026-10-26

Background: Weed interference during early maize growth can reduce resource availability and adversely affect crop development. Information on the relative responses of maize to different sequential herbicide treatments under Udaipur field conditions remains important for selecting suitable weed-management practices.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of herbicide treatments on growth parameters and yield attributes of maize.

Methods: A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2024 at the Instructional Farm of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur. Twelve treatments, including weedy and weed-free checks, herbicide combinations and herbicides followed by hand weeding, were assessed in a randomised block design with three replications. Pre-emergence herbicides were applied two days after sowing and post-emergence herbicides at 25 days after sowing (DAS).

Results: The weed-free check recorded the highest values for the principal growth and yield attributes. Among herbicidal treatments, pyroxasulfone @ 127 g ha⁻¹ followed by tembotrione @ 120 g ha⁻¹ at 25 DAS (T₁₀) generally performed best. T₁₀ recorded plant heights of 74.23 and 186.37 cm at 30 and 60 DAS, respectively, a leaf area index of 4.43 at 60 DAS, a cob weight of 185.33 g and a 100-seed weight of 30.33 g. Other pyroxasulfone-based sequences showed statistically comparable responses for several growth parameters.

Conclusion: Pyroxasulfone followed by tembotrione provided favourable maize growth and yield attributes under the study conditions, while the weed-free check remained superior overall.

Evaluating the Growth Dynamics and Grain Quality Interrelationships in Rice as Modulated by Establishment Methods: A PCA Approach

Dimpi Dutta — 2026-10-26

Background: Rice establishment practices can influence early crop growth and may affect grain quality, yet their relationships in the cultivar Shatabdi under Upper Brahmaputra Valley conditions remain insufficiently documented.

Aims: To study the interrelationships between three rice establishment methods (dry direct seeding, wet direct seeding and transplanting), the growth dynamics and grain quality of rice cv. Shatabdi, and to explore the relationships among these traits using correlation and principal component analysis (PCA).

Study Design: A split-plot design with three replications, with establishment methods assigned to the main plots (results were averaged over the sub-plot nitrogen treatments).

Place and Duration of Study: Instructional-cum-Research Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India, during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025.

Methodology: Relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were calculated at 30-day intervals, i.e., 30–60, 60–90 and 90–120 days after sowing (DAS). For the grain quality parameters, amylose content, amylopectin content and gelatinisation temperature were determined. Data were analysed using ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD (p < 0.05), while Pearson correlation and PCA were performed on six establishment-method-by-year means.

Results: The establishment method significantly influenced RGR at 30–60 DAS: transplanting (0.067 and 0.068 g g^-1 day^-1) exceeded wet DSR (0.063 and 0.064) and dry DSR (0.059) in 2024 and 2025, respectively. No significant differences were observed in RGR at later stages, NAR at any stage, amylose content (22.70–23.32%), amylopectin content (76.41–77.24%) or gelatinisation temperature (70.82–72.60 °C). In the correlation analysis, RGR at 60–90 DAS was negatively correlated with NAR at 90–120 DAS (r = −0.89, p = 0.017). The first three principal components explained 88.5% of the variance, and PC1 separated dry DSR from wet DSR.

Conclusion: The early growth advantage of transplanting disappeared by 60 DAS, and grain quality was unaffected by the establishment method. Dry DSR and drum seeding are therefore viable alternatives to transplanting for Shatabdi.

Survey and Collect Different Developmental Stages of Zygogramma bicolorata Associated with Parthenium hysterophorus in the Study Area

Amar Jeet Singh — 2026-10-26

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is an invasive and highly competitive weed found throughout agricultural and non-agricultural habitats in India. The Mexican beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister, is an effective biological control agent used against P. hysterophorus. The present study was conducted to determine the seasonal abundance of different developmental stages of Z. bicolorata on P. hysterophorus in different habitats of Kanpur region of Uttar Pradesh and to assess its feeding efficiency at different growth stages of the weed. Field observations were made on randomly selected P. hysterophorus plants in agricultural, fallow, roadside and agroforestry/field habitats during 2024 and 2025. The population of eggs, grubs and adults of the beetle showed marked seasonal fluctuations, with relatively higher abundance during the monsoon period, especially July–September. During the first year, the highest population in agricultural habitat was recorded as 4.60 eggs, 4.20 grubs and 5.60 adults per plant, whereas roadside habitats recorded maximum densities of 6.10 eggs, 5.20 grubs and 6.60 adults per plant. In 2025, roadside habitat again recorded comparatively high densities, with 6.15 eggs, 4.80 grubs and 6.20 adults per plant. The overall mean population in agricultural habitat during 2024 was 1.22 eggs, 0.71 grubs and 1.65 adults per plant, compared with 1.13, 0.63 and 1.51 per plant, respectively, in 2025. Feeding-efficiency studies revealed an inverse relationship between beetle density and the time required for complete defoliation. At the early vegetative stage, one pair required 13.45 days for complete defoliation, while five pairs required only 2.15 days. At the pre-reproductive stage, the corresponding period declined from 21.15 to 3.62 days, whereas at the reproductive stage it declined from 27.36 to 6.01 days. Thus, Z. bicolorata showed greater defoliation efficiency on younger plants and at higher beetle densities. The results illustrate the importance of seasonal beetle abundance and host-plant phenology in maximising the biological control potential of Z. bicolorata against P. hysterophorus.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Yield and Yield Components in Dolichos Bean (Lablab purpureus L.)

Deepika Kiro — 2026-10-27

Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) is an important leguminous vegetable in which genetic variability for yield-related traits is essential for effective selection. The present experiment was conducted to determine genetic variability for yield and yield-related traits in dolichos bean at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Horticulture, Ranchi Agriculture College, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi (Jharkhand). The experimental material comprised 45 genotypes along with four check varieties, which were evaluated for 17 quantitative yield-related traits under an augmented block design without replication. The genotype AMAD-15 (66.65 cm) recorded the maximum plant height, whereas the minimum was recorded for AMAD-24 (34.56 cm). The genotype AMAD-28 (312.40) recorded the highest number of pods plant-1, followed by AMAD-34 (225.20) and AMAD-25 (225.00). Green pod yield hectare-1 was highest for genotype AMAD-50 (165.52 q/ha), followed by AMAD-52 (131.65 q/ha) and HADB-119 (C3) (130.65 q/ha). In contrast, AMAD-44 (45.40 q/ha) recorded the lowest yield among all the genotypes. High PCV and GCV were observed for 10-pod weight, number of pods per plant, yield per plant, yield per hectare, and number of flowers per cluster, indicating substantial variability in these traits and potential scope for selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for several traits, indicating substantial genetic variability and potential for effective selection. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for the traits studied. The combination of high heritability and genetic advance observed for several traits indicates substantial genetic variation and suggests good scope for selection based on phenotypic performance.

Impact of Plant Growth Regulators on the Physiological and Leaf Nutritional Quality of Mulberry (Morus spp.) S-1635

Prazalit Protim Tamuly — 2026-10-27

The study evaluated the effects of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and kinetin on physiological characteristics and leaf nutritional quality in mulberry (Morus spp.) cultivar S-1635. The present investigation was conducted during 2025–26 at the Department of Sericulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, to evaluate the effects of plant growth regulators on the physiological and leaf nutritional quality of mulberry (Morus spp.) cultivar S-1635. The experiment consisted of nine treatments, comprising four concentrations of IBA (1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 ppm), four concentrations of kinetin (50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm), and an untreated control, with each treatment replicated three times.

Significant variation was observed among the treatments in both physiological and nutritional attributes of mulberry leaves. For the physiological attributes, kinetin 200 ppm recorded the highest chlorophyll content (3.19 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight), chlorophyll stability index (73.22%), membrane stability index (72.26%) and relative leaf water content (75.27%), followed by IBA 3000 ppm in chlorophyll content (3.04 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight), chlorophyll stability index (69.50%) and membrane stability index (62.13%).

Regarding leaf nutritional quality, kinetin 200 ppm recorded the highest protein (14.00%), nitrogen (2.24%), carbohydrate (52.80%) and total soluble sugar (7.16 °Brix) contents. The carbohydrate content under kinetin 200 ppm was statistically comparable to that under kinetin 150 ppm (50.80%). Among the IBA treatments, IBA 1000 ppm recorded comparatively higher protein (12.68%) and nitrogen (2.03%), whereas IBA 3000 ppm recorded higher total soluble sugar content (6.00 °Brix). The untreated control consistently exhibited the lowest values for both physiological and nutritional attributes. Overall, kinetin 200 ppm demonstrated a positive effect on the physiological stability and nutritional quality of mulberry leaves, highlighting its potential for improving leaf quality for sustainable sericulture.

A Multifaceted Framework for Assessing Nanocarriers from Formulation Development to Therapeutic Readiness: The Translational CNS Nanomedicine Index (TCNI)

Aditi Kaushik — 2026-10-27

Introduction: Evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) nanomedicines requires evidence extending beyond physicochemical characterisation or total brain accumulation to include released, unbound drug exposure and pharmacodynamic relevance.

Objective: This framework-development study introduces the Translational CNS Nanomedicine Index (TCNI) to organise evidence across the development and translational pathway.

Methodology: The framework distinguishes five assessment domains: physicochemical and colloidal performance; systemic exposure and drug–carrier dissociation; neurovascular transport and unbound brain availability; parenchymal distribution and cellular localisation; and pharmacodynamic activity and safety. Directional normalisation maps heterogeneous endpoints to bounded domain scores, which are aggregated using a prespecified weighted geometric mean. Monte Carlo resampling is applied to characterise uncertainty, while unmeasured domains remain explicitly unscored. The computational pipeline was illustrated using physicochemical and pharmacokinetic inputs drawn from two published ursolic acid formulation studies.

Results: The pipeline processed available inputs and generated provisional assessments and uncertainty distributions despite incomplete data. The source studies represented different experimental settings and did not provide a matched dataset covering unbound brain exposure, parenchymal distribution and target engagement. Consequently, this exercise demonstrates computational functionality rather than experimental validation, predictive accuracy or comparative therapeutic performance.

Conclusion: TCNI provides a structured approach for identifying evidence gaps, reporting domain-specific findings and prioritising further experiments. Its predictive utility and relevance to CNS efficacy require independent experimental assessment using complete, appropriately matched datasets.

Organic Acid-mediated Modulation of Panicle Architecture and Grain Quality in Oryza sativa L. under Sheath Blight Disease

Akshita Maheshwari — 2026-10-27

Sheath blight in rice is caused by a necrotrophic pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani) which poses significant threats to rice productivity by triggering physiological disruptions that impair its reproductive yield and grain quality. The present investigation examines the structural and metabolic effects of two organic acids, benzoic acid and oxalic acid, individually and in combination, on yield-associated traits and grain quality in rice subjected to R. solani infection. Eight treatments were evaluated: untreated control (Control), pathogen-infected control (Rsolani), benzoic acid (OA1), oxalic acid (OA2), benzoic acid with oxalic acid (OA1OA2), benzoic acid treatment with pathogen infection (OA1RS), oxalic acid treatment with pathogen infection (OA2RS), and combined benzoic acid and oxalic acid treatment with pathogen infection (OA1OA2RS). The responses of rice plants were assessed using test weight, panicle number per plant, panicle weight, primary and secondary branches per panicle, grain number per panicle, and total grain starch content (%). The pathogen-infected plants exhibited an overall reduction in yield-associated traits compared to the control, indicating the adverse effect of R. solani infection on reproductive development and grain formation. Application of benzoic acid and oxalic acid modified the response of rice to pathogen stress and alleviated disease effects to varying degrees. The treatment with benzoic acid and the combination of organic acids exhibited better overall performance individually as well as under R. solani infection. Improvements in panicle development, grain number, panicle architecture, and starch accumulation in treated rice plants suggest that organic acid application may mitigate physiological consequences of R. solani infection. The observations suggest the possible activation of host defence mechanisms, modification of metabolism, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and maintenance of source and sink relationships during reproductive development. The findings indicate that benzoic acid derivative, alone or combined with oxalic acid, has potential as a component of an integrated approach for maintaining rice productivity under sheath blight disease stress. Further studies are required involving host-pathogen interactions and defence-associated metabolism to establish the mechanisms underlying the observed responses.

Evaluation of Mean Performance and Genetic Variability in the M₂ Generation of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Developed through Induced Mutagenesis

Rahul Prakash Chapke — 2026-10-27

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop, but a narrow genetic base in cultivated material can constrain the improvement of agronomic and yield-related traits. Induced mutagenesis can broaden genetic variability and generate material for selection. This study evaluated gamma irradiation and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) to induce variation in two sunflower genotypes, TAS-82 and MORDEN. Seeds were treated with gamma rays at 200, 300, and 400 Gy or EMS at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%, alongside untreated controls. Progenies selected in the M₁ generation were evaluated in the M₂ generation using a randomised block design with three replications. We assessed days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, head diameter, 100-seed weight, volume weight, seed filling, hull content, and seed yield per plant. An analysis of variance was performed to assess treatment differences, and genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) were estimated to characterise variability. In both genotypes, 200 Gy gamma irradiation produced the highest mean seed yield per plant: 41.433 g in TAS-82 and 43.067 g in MORDEN. This treatment also recorded the highest 100-seed weight (5.167 and 5.367 g, respectively) and volume weight (35.233 and 35.967 g/100 ml, respectively). The highest observed head diameter differed between genotypes, occurring at 200 Gy in TAS-82 (14.100 cm) and 0.1% EMS in MORDEN (13.200 cm). GCV was moderate for plant height, head diameter, 100-seed weight, and seed yield per plant, whereas it was low for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, volume weight, seed filling, and hull content. These findings demonstrate trait- and genotype-dependent responses to mutagen treatment. The evaluated M₂ progenies provide a source of variability for further evaluation and selection in sunflower improvement programmes; subsequent generations and cross-environment confirmation are needed to identify stable, useful material.

Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in Relation to Weather Parameters

Suraj Singh — 2026-10-27

A field experiment was conducted at the Students’ Instructional Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, during the rabi seasons of 2024–25 and 2025–26 to investigate the seasonal occurrence of major insect pests on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). Weekly observations were recorded from the 46th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) to the 15th SMW of the following year. During 2024–25, fruit borer first appeared in the 52nd SMW, whitefly in the 47th, and leaf miner and aphid in the 46th SMW. Their peak populations were 3.40 larvae plant⁻¹, 11.80 adults three leaves⁻¹, 11.87 damaged leaves plant⁻¹, and 11.47 adults plant⁻¹, respectively, during the 11th SMW. In 2025–26, fruit borer appeared in the 52nd SMW, whitefly in the 48th, and leaf miner and aphid in the 46th SMW. Their respective peak populations were 3.90 larvae plant⁻¹, 7.87 adults three leaves⁻¹, 11.27 damaged leaves plant⁻¹, and 11.09 adults plant⁻¹. Fruit borer and whitefly peaked in the 10th SMW, whereas leaf miner and aphid peaked in the 9th SMW. Pest populations generally increased and declined after reaching their peaks. Correlation analysis revealed that maximum temperature was positively associated with all four pests in both years. Minimum temperature also showed positive correlations with most pests, particularly during 2025–26. Morning and evening relative humidity generally exhibited negative correlations, whereas sunshine hours showed positive correlations with all four pests. Rainfall exhibited variable relationships, mostly negative, although whitefly showed a positive correlation.

Biology of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) (Thripidae: Thysanoptera) on Citrus in Punjab, India

Rajwinder Kaur Sandhu — 2026-10-27

Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) is a citrus pest that affects nursery growth and fruit quality. This study examined its developmental and reproductive characteristics on citrus under laboratory conditions at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, during 2022–2024. Adults collected from citrus plants were reared on fresh citrus leaves, and biological parameters were recorded across successive generations. Egg incubation lasted 3–7 days, with a mean of 5.04 ± 0.22 days. The first and second nymphal instars lasted 2–7 days (4.27 ± 0.24 days) and 3–6 days (4.34 ± 0.21 days), respectively, while the total nymphal period ranged from 5 to 12 days (8.61 ± 0.38 days). The prepupal and pupal stages each lasted 1–3 days, with mean durations of 1.32 ± 0.20 and 1.42 ± 0.23 days, respectively. Adult female longevity ranged from 6 to 12 days (8.03 ± 0.23 days). The reported total developmental period was 17–33 days (24.42 ± 0.57 days). Fecundity-cum-viability ranged from 4 to 24 viable nymphs per female, with a mean of 9.91 ± 0.23. Nine successive generations were recorded during the study period, with variation in developmental duration and stage-specific survival among generations. These findings document the biology of S. dorsalis on citrus under the conditions investigated and provide baseline observations for subsequent studies of its population development.

Impact of Stem Rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) Pressure on Genetic Variability, Heritability, and Genetic Advance for Yield Traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Eshwar Sai Prasad Chaduvula — 2026-10-27

Stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is a major constraint to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production. The present investigation assessed genetic variability, broad-sense heritability and genetic advance for 16 traits in 29 genotypes comprising nine parents and 20 F₁ hybrids evaluated under normal and stem rot sick-plot conditions during the rabi 2024–25 season at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, using a randomised block design with two replications. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) varied across traits and environments. Genotypic differences were significant for all traits except stem rot incidence under normal conditions and shelling percentage under sick plot conditions. PCV and GCV ranged from 2.61–94.44% and 2.59–90.86%, respectively, under normal conditions, compared with 2.73–76.48% and 2.70–73.96% under sick plot conditions. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 13.97–98.98% under normal conditions and 16.38–98.34% under sick plot conditions, while genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) ranged from 5.31–180.05% and 2.54–147.32%, respectively. Pod yield plant^-1 showed high heritability and GAM in both environments, with estimates increasing from 92.98% and 35.80% under normal conditions to 98.34% and 67.38% under disease stress. Heritability for stem rot incidence increased from 13.97% to 88.54%, accompanied by an increase in GAM from 25.75% to 97.35%. Plant height, primary branches plant^-1, secondary branches plant^-1, number of mature pods plant^-1, 100-pod weight, dry haulm weight plant^-1, kernel yield plant^-1 and pod yield plant^-1 combined high heritability with high GAM in both environments. These traits offer promising selection criteria, while sick-plot evaluation provides a stronger basis for distinguishing genotypes for stem rot response.

Application of Cu-Chitosan Nanocomposites to Stimulate Growth and Induce Defense in Maize (Zea mays L.) against PFSR Disease

Manju Kumari Choudhary — 2026-10-28

Post-flowering stalk rot (PFSR), associated with Fusarium verticillioides, affects maize production and requires effective disease-management approaches. This study evaluated copper–chitosan nanocomposites (CuCH-NCPs) for their effects on PFSR severity, selected growth traits and defence-related enzyme activities in maize (Zea mays L.) under pot conditions. CuCH-NCPs were synthesised by ionic gelation and characterised for particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential. Seeds of the susceptible maize variety 'Surya local' received CuCH-NCP treatments, followed by foliar sprays at 45 and 65 days after sowing. Disease severity, percentage efficacy of disease control (PEDC), plant height, stem diameter, root length, root number and the activities of peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) were assessed. The 0.10% treatment had the lowest reported disease severity (24.7%) and the highest PEDC (48.1%), whereas control plants showed 47.8% disease severity. The greatest plant height (89.2 cm) and stem diameter (5.66 mm) were recorded at 0.02%. Defence-enzyme activities varied across concentrations and observation times, with the 0.14% treatment showing increases in POX, PPO and PAL following the first foliar spray. The findings indicate that CuCH-NCP treatment was associated with reduced PFSR severity and concentration-dependent changes in maize growth and defence responses. Further field evaluation is needed to determine whether these effects are maintained under agricultural conditions.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield-contributing Traits in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Madan Lal — 2026-10-28

The present investigation was conducted to assess the association of seed yield with yield-contributing and quality traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) using genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analyses. The experiment was conducted during Rabi 2023–24 at the Oilseed Farm, C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, using 10 linseed genotypes in a randomised block design with three replications. Observations were recorded for 18 morphological, yield-related and biochemical traits. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were estimated following Al-Jibouri et al. (1958), while path coefficient analysis was performed according to Dewey and Lu (1959). Seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive associations with days to maturity, branches per plant, seeds per capsule, capsule diameter, 1000-seed weight, harvest index and oleic acid at both genotypic and phenotypic levels, whereas days to 50% flowering exhibited a significant negative association at both levels. Genotypic correlation coefficients were generally higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients for several traits, suggesting that environmental factors reduced the expression of traits at the phenotypic level. Among the yield-related traits, 1000-seed weight showed a particularly strong positive association with seed yield, highlighting its importance as a yield-contributing character. Path coefficient analysis revealed positive direct effects of days to maturity, branches per plant, capsule diameter, 1000-seed weight and oil content at the genotypic level, whereas days to maturity, branches per plant, capsule diameter, 1000-seed weight and oil content showed positive direct effects at the phenotypic level. Harvest index showed a negative direct effect at the genotypic level despite its positive correlation with seed yield, indicating substantial indirect effects through other traits. Overall, days to maturity, branches per plant and 1000-seed weight emerged as important selection criteria for improving seed yield, while capsule diameter also showed a favourable direct contribution. These traits may therefore be useful in selection programmes aimed at improving seed yield in linseed under the conditions of the present investigation.

Evaluation of Atrazine and Mulch on Weed Dynamics of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Its Economics

Lakkineni Pranathi — 2026-10-28

Weed infestation poses a significant challenge to maize (Zea mays L.) production under the high-rainfall, rainfed conditions of Nagaland, affecting crop productivity and economic returns. Although herbicides and mulching are used for weed management, information on their combined effectiveness under the region's hill conditions remains limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of atrazine combined with different mulching materials on weed dynamics, maize yield and economic returns. The experiment was conducted at the experimental research farm of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, during the kharif season of 2024 to evaluate the effects of atrazine and different mulching materials on weed dynamics and the economics of maize (Zea mays L.). The results showed that atrazine integrated with plastic mulch recorded the lowest weed density and the highest weed-control efficiency (92.33% at 20 DAS), while hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS achieved the greatest reduction in weeds at later stages (76.09% WCE at 60 DAS). Among organic mulches, atrazine + wood chips and atrazine + banana pseudostem maintained comparatively low weed density and dry matter, whereas atrazine + bamboo mulch was the least effective. Grain yield was highest under hand weeding (4,829.89 kg/ha), closely followed by atrazine + plastic mulch (4,791.66 kg/ha). Among organic mulches, atrazine + wood chips mulch produced the highest yield (3,658.33 kg/ha) and the highest benefit: cost ratio (2.23). The lowest yield occurred in the weedy check (1,904.28 kg/ha). Therefore, integrating atrazine with plastic mulch or wood chips mulch provides effective, sustained weed suppression and enhances maize productivity and profitability under the high-rainfall hill conditions of Nagaland.

Unravelling the Physicochemical Determinants of Cooking Quality in Traditional Sali Rice Landraces of Assam, India

Debasmita Nath — 2026-10-28

Aims: The primary objective of this research was to investigate the complex interrelationships among selected biochemical traits, including amylose content, gelatinisation temperature and gel consistency in Sali rice landraces. By understanding these specific physicochemical properties, the study aims to elucidate the overall eating and cooking quality characteristics of these landraces, which may help breeders to select desirable landraces with an optimal biochemical profile for consumer acceptance.

Study Design: The experiment followed an augmented randomised complete block design (Augmented RCBD).

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

Methodology: The evaluation included 11 Sali rice accessions and five check genotypes from Assam, arranged in an augmented randomised complete block design (Augmented RCBD). Each plot consisted of three rows with nine hills per row. Thirty-day-old seedlings were transplanted at a spacing of 20 cm × 15 cm.

Results: Among the evaluated rice germplasms, seven were classified as having intermediate amylose levels (20–25%), while four exhibited high amylose content. Gelatinisation temperatures (GT) varied across the entries, with two categorised as low, six as intermediate, and three as high. All tested varieties demonstrated a hard gel consistency (GC). Correlation analyses revealed a highly significant negative relationship between GC and both amylose content and alkali spreading value (ASV). Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) identified a single principal component that captured 83.303% of the total variance in the dataset.

Conclusion: The evaluated rice landraces predominantly exhibited intermediate to high amylose levels and intermediate gelatinisation temperatures, alongside a uniformly hard gel consistency. Correlation analysis highlighted the strong interdependence of these traits, revealing a highly significant negative relationship between gel consistency and both amylose content and alkali spreading value. With one principal component explaining more than 83% of the variance, these findings suggest that the combined assessment of these physicochemical traits may inform the selection of traditional rice landraces for grain-quality improvement.

Field Screening of Cabbage and Cauliflower Genotypes for Resistance to Pieris brassicae and Plutella xylostella under Field Conditions

Saima Hamid — 2026-10-29

Field screening was conducted to evaluate fourteen cabbage and fourteen cauliflower genotypes for resistance to Pieris brassicae and Plutella xylostella under natural field conditions at the Vegetable Experimental Farm, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, during Kharif 2024. The experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Larval population and plant infestation were recorded at fortnightly intervals from 15 days after transplanting until harvest, and genotypes were classified using defined resistance categories. For P. brassicae, larval population ranged from 0.66 to 14.06 larvae plant⁻¹ in cabbage and from 0.53 to 9.06 larvae plant⁻¹ in cauliflower, while plant infestation ranged from 6.00 to 66.00 per cent in both crops. For P. xylostella, larval population ranged from 0.07 to 4.53 larvae plant⁻¹ in cabbage and from 0.07 to 3.80 larvae plant⁻¹ in cauliflower, with infestation ranging from 6.00 to 80.00 per cent and from 6.00 to 73.00 per cent, respectively. Four genotypes in each crop were classified as resistant to P. brassicae, while four cabbage and four cauliflower genotypes were also classified as resistant to P. xylostella. The screening demonstrated substantial genotypic variation in pest response. The resistant and moderately resistant materials identified in this study provide candidates for further multi-environment validation and potential use in resistance breeding and integrated pest management.

Evaluation of Parents of Elite Single-Cross Maize Hybrids for Their Suitability as Testers

Kuldeep Saikia — 2026-10-29

The identification of suitable testers is essential for evaluating newly developed maize inbred lines and selecting promising hybrid combinations. This study assessed the suitability of five parental inbred lines of elite single-cross maize hybrids as testers based on mean testcross performance, general combining ability (GCA), discriminatory ability and consistency in ranking inbred lines. Thirty-four diverse maize inbred lines were crossed with five testers, namely MAI 105, NAI 137, MAI 115, MAI 121 and LM 13, using a line × tester mating design. The resulting 170 testcross hybrids were evaluated for grain yield in two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among hybrids (P < 0.001), testers (P < 0.05) and line × tester interactions (P < 0.001). The interaction component accounted for 74.26% of the hybrid variation. MAI 121 recorded the highest mean grain yield (129.90 g plant⁻¹) and the largest positive GCA effect (7.262), followed by MAI 115. Although MAI 115 exhibited the greatest numerical variation among testcrosses, Levene's test indicated no significant differences in variance among testers. MAI 105 and NAI 137 showed the highest rank correlations with the pooled reference ranking (0.55 and 0.54, respectively), while MAI 121 exhibited moderate agreement (0.50). Overall, MAI 121 was identified as the most promising tester for selecting high-yielding hybrid combinations within the evaluated genetic materials. Further evaluation across environments and breeding populations is required to establish its broader applicability.

Screening of Maize Inbreds against Maize Stem Borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) Under Temperate Conditions of North Kashmir

Kshetrimayum Jabaskumar Singh — 2026-10-29

The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), is an important insect pest of maize (Zea mays L.), causing substantial damage to the crop and affecting its productivity. Host plant resistance offers an economical and environmentally sound approach to managing this pest. The present study was conducted to evaluate 102 maize inbred lines for their response to C. partellus under field conditions at the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025. The genotypes were assessed using leaf injury rating (LIR), number of exit holes per plant, stem tunnel length and dead-heart incidence to identify promising sources of resistance. Based on the LIR, 56.86 % of the genotypes were classified as resistant in 2024, increasing to 63.73 % in 2025. A similar trend was observed for exit holes, with the proportion of resistant genotypes increasing from 56.86 % to 63.73 %, while the susceptible group declined from 18.63 % to 7.84 %. Stem tunnelling assessment revealed that resistant genotypes increased from 44.12 % in 2024 to 53.92 % in 2025, accompanied by a reduction in the susceptible group from 29.41 % to 24.51 %. Dead-heart incidence ranged from 0 to 80.00 % in 2024 and from 0 to 60.00 % in 2025, with mean incidences of 24.85 % and 17.58 %, respectively. Among the evaluated lines, G-82, G-22, BML-6, G-85, G-57, G-52 and G-55 showed promising resistance across multiple damage parameters. In contrast, IML-187 and BASI LOCAL generally exhibited greater susceptibility. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant differences between the two years in the frequency distribution of genotypes across the leaf injury rating, exit-hole and stem-tunnelling resistance categories. Overall, the study identified promising maize inbreds that could serve as valuable genetic resources for developing stem borer-resistant cultivars and strengthening integrated pest management strategies under temperate agroclimatic conditions.

Influence of Prebloom Foliar Application of Plant Growth Regulators on Reproductive Performance and Nut Set in Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Krishna Veni Harish — 2026-10-30

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a commercially important crop, but poor fruit set and low fruit retention limit productivity, with only 1–2% of flowers maturing into fruits. To address this yield constraint, the foliar application of exogenous plant growth regulators has emerged as a potential strategy because it can influence key physiological processes such as flowering, fruit set, and retention. The study was conducted during 2024–2025 at the Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara, using the cashew variety Sulabha. The study evaluated eight foliar spray treatments: salicylic acid (SA) at 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm, gibberellic acid (GA₃) at 75 ppm and 100 ppm, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at 75 ppm and 100 ppm, water spray, and an absolute control. Prebloom foliar application of growth regulators significantly influenced flowering laterals, inflorescences and nut numbers per square metre, whereas non-flowering laterals, male and hermaphrodite flower counts and sex ratio were not significantly affected. GA₃ 75 ppm and NAA 75 ppm recorded the highest number of flowering laterals (13.25 m⁻² and 12.92 m⁻², respectively). NAA 75 ppm and GA₃ 75 ppm recorded the highest numbers of inflorescences (19.08 m⁻² and 18.83 m⁻², respectively). NAA 75 ppm recorded the highest number of nuts per m² (32.17 m⁻²), which was statistically on par with GA₃ 75 ppm (28.50 m⁻²). The higher nut set under NAA 75 ppm and GA₃ 75 ppm was mainly associated with greater numbers of flowering laterals and inflorescences, which may be attributed to improved floral differentiation and assimilate partitioning. Overall, prebloom foliar applications of NAA at 75 ppm and GA₃ at 75 ppm may improve flowering and nut set in cashew in the central plains of Kerala. Further evaluation across seasons, varieties, and locations is required to validate their wider applicability.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Quality of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus L.) under Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Manoj Gaund — 2026-10-30

Integrated nutrient management may influence dragon fruit productivity under the semi-arid conditions of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh. This investigation evaluated inorganic nutrients combined with farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost and poultry manure for their effects on yield and selected fruit-quality characteristics of red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus L.). A field experiment was conducted during 2024 and 2025 at the fruit orchard of Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda. Uniform four-year-old plants, spaced 4 m × 4 m apart, were assigned to thirteen nutrient treatments in a randomised block design with three replications. Organic and inorganic nutrient inputs were applied in four split doses. Observations included fruit number, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit yield, total soluble solids and chlorophyll content. The highest pooled values were obtained under T12, comprising 60% NPK and 40% of a combination of FYM, vermicompost and poultry manure. This treatment produced 46.46 fruits per plant, a fruit weight of 336.72 g, a fruit length of 11.68 cm and a fruit yield of 15.15 kg per plant. Total soluble solids reached 15.87 °Brix, while chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were 1.92, 0.74 and 2.65 mg/g, respectively. Of the treatments investigated, T12 showed the most favourable overall response in the measured attributes. The findings apply to the experimental conditions and require validation in other growing environments.

Computed Radiographic Approaches for Quantitative Assessment of Radiographic Liver Length and Height of Caudal Vena Cava (RLL/HCVC) Ratio in Dogs

Megha Fenin — 2026-10-30

Aims: The study was aimed to establish a novel radiographic index for quantitative assessment of radiographic liver length and height of caudal vena cava (RLL/HCVC). ratio in dogs.

Methodology: A total of 123 clinically healthy dogs above one year of age were included after ensuring optimum health. Dogs were categorized according to age, body weight, sex, status of neutering and breeds. Thoraco-abdominal radiographs were taken in right lateral and ventro-dorsal views and RLL and HCVC were measured followed by calculation of the ratio.

Results: Overall ratio was recorded as 1.360.02. Ratio was 1.309 0.025, 1.3700.048 and 1.3810.039 in barrel chested, deep chested dogs and round chested breeds, respectively. Significant variations were recorded among body weight groups and breeds, while age, sex and neutering status showed non-significant alterations. Highest ratio was recorded in dogs aged 9-12 years and in 30-40 kg group. Breed wise, Saint Bernard showed highest value and chow- chow the lowest.

Conclusion: RLL/HCVC was concluded as a useful quantitative radiographic index for canine liver morphometry.

Life-Table and Reproductive Potential of Acerophagus papayae on Papaya Mealybug

Rudra Narayan Borkakati — 2026-11-02

The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is an economically important invasive pest with a broad host range. Biological control, particularly through the encyrtid parasitoid Acerophagus papayae, has considerable potential for suppressing populations of this pest. The present investigation evaluated the life-table and age-specific fecundity parameters of A. papayae developing on P. marginatus during 2020–21 and 2021–22. Cohorts were followed from emergence until death, and age-specific survival and fecundity data were used to estimate major population and reproductive parameters. During 2020–21, oviposition commenced on the sixth day and continued up to the twelfth day, while the last female survived up to day 14. The gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R₀) were 53.00 and 19.56, respectively. Approximate generation time (T_c), corrected generation time (T), innate capacity for increase (r_c), intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m), finite rate of increase (λ) and doubling time (DT) were 6.946 days, 6.947 days, 0.4280, 1.122, 1.534 and 1.619 days, respectively. During 2021–22, oviposition occurred from the fifth to the tenth day, with females surviving up to day 14. GRR and R₀ increased to 68.50 and 28.37, respectively, while T_c and T declined to 6.353 and 6.354 days. The corresponding r_c, r_m and λ were 0.5265, 1.188 and 1.692, respectively, with a reduced doubling time of 1.316 days. The positive reproductive rates, rapid generation turnover and short population-doubling period observed during both years indicate the capacity of A. papayae to increase rapidly when developing on P. marginatus. These biological attributes support its potential as an important biological control agent for the management of papaya mealybug.

Effects of Bioformulations on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Bhagraj — 2026-11-02

A field experiment was conducted during the 2025–2026 rabi season at Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, to compare soil-drench and foliar applications of Panchagavya, Jeevamrutha and a seaweed-based product for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar Abhilaash. Thirteen treatments, including an untreated comparison, were arranged in a randomised block design with three replications. Among the treatment means, soil drenching with 0.8% seaweed extract (T4) gave the greatest plant height (91.84 cm), fruit yield (633.86 q ha⁻¹), total soluble solids (5.07 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (18.56 mg per 100 g) and net return (₹205,166.20 ha⁻¹). For these outcomes, differences from the untreated control exceeded the corresponding reported critical differences at the 5% level. However, the yield difference between T4 and soil drenching with 0.6% seaweed extract (T3) was 25.34 q ha⁻¹, below the reported critical difference of 70.73 q ha⁻¹. T4 and T3 were also not statistically distinguishable according to the reported critical differences for total soluble solids, ascorbic acid or net return. Thus, T4 produced the highest numerical means under the tested conditions, but a statistically established advantage over the adjacent seaweed-drench concentration was not demonstrated for the principal production and quality outcomes. The findings are specific to the cultivar, location and season studied.

Effects of Three Preservation Methods on the Nutritional, Bioactive and Microbiological Properties of Mango Puree from Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Bosson Anoman Jean-Claude — 2026-11-02

Postharvest losses of mangoes represent an important constraint to their utilisation in northern Côte d’Ivoire. This study evaluated changes in the nutritional, bioactive and microbiological properties of puree prepared from Kent mangoes and stored under three temperature conditions. Mangoes were ripened for eight days, processed into puree, packaged in glass jars, pasteurised at 85°C for 20 min and stored for six months at 25 ± 1°C, 4 ± 1°C or −18 ± 1°C. Physicochemical, bioactive and microbiological parameters were assessed during storage. Changes in moisture, pH, acidity, ash, total sugars, reducing sugars and soluble dry matter varied according to storage temperature and duration. Bioactive compounds decreased progressively during storage, with the smallest losses generally observed under frozen conditions. Polyphenol losses ranged from 10.58–48.78%, 9.56–44.45% and 7.54–29.98% at 25°C, 4°C and −18°C, respectively. Vitamin C losses ranged from 10.67–47.61%, 8.13–41.12% and 3.18–13.44%, while carotenoid losses ranged from 20.67–59.92%, 14.05–55.28% and 5.03–33.69%, respectively. Following pasteurisation, total aerobic flora, total coliforms, and yeasts and moulds remained below 10 CFU/g under the evaluated storage conditions. Overall, lower storage temperatures better maintained the measured bioactive constituents of Kent mango puree during the six-month storage period.

Seasonal Variation in Uzi Fly Infestation on Muga Silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) in Jorhat District of Assam, India

Rubi Sut — 2026-11-02

The muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) is reared outdoors and is vulnerable to uzi fly infestation, which may vary among crop seasons. This study examined seasonal infestation at Government Sericulture Farm, Titabar, and Na Chalauria Gaon in Jorhat district, Assam, in relation to weather conditions. Observations were conducted from May 2022 to June 2023 across six crop seasons: Aherua, Bhodia, Katia, Jarua, Chotua and Jethua. Mature larvae were examined for externally visible uzi fly eggs or penetration scars, and infestation percentages were compared with maximum and minimum temperatures, morning and evening relative humidity, rainfall and bright sunshine hours using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Infestation was recorded in all six crops at both locations. The highest infestation occurred in Chotua (36.67% at Titabar and 42.67% at Na Chalauria Gaon), followed by Jarua (32.67% and 34.67%, respectively). The lowest recorded values were 13.33% in Bhodia at Titabar and 12.67% in Jethua at Na Chalauria Gaon. At both sites, infestation was negatively correlated with maximum and minimum temperatures, evening relative humidity and rainfall, moderately positively correlated with morning relative humidity, and negligibly correlated with bright sunshine hours. Only the association with maximum temperature at Titabar reached the 5% significance threshold (r = −0.82; p = 0.047). These findings indicate seasonal variation in infestation at the sampled locations and suggest that monitoring may be particularly useful during Chotua and Jarua. Further observations across additional years are required to assess the consistency of these patterns.

Stability Analysis of Grain Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids Across Diverse Agro-climatic Environments of Chhattisgarh, India

Dinesh Kumar Thakur — 2026-11-02

The present investigation evaluated the stability of grain yield and agronomic traits in maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids across diverse agro-climatic environments of Chhattisgarh, India, during Kharif 2022. A total of 40 experimental single-cross hybrids along with three check hybrids [NK-30, CoH(M)-8, and CGASM-1] were evaluated at three locations, namely Ambikapur, Kawardha, and Raipur, using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Fourteen agronomic and yield-related traits were recorded, and genotype × environment (G × E) interaction was assessed using the Eberhart and Russell (1966) stability model. Pooled analysis of variance revealed significant environmental effects for all traits and significant G × E interactions for ear height, 100-grain weight, ear length, and grain yield, confirming differential responses of hybrids across environments. Grain yield ranged from 44.50 to 69.48 q ha⁻¹, with AMH-2022-126 recording the highest mean grain yield (69.48 q ha⁻¹), followed by NK-30 (68.87 q ha⁻¹) and AMH-2022-101 (68.03 q ha⁻¹). Based on mean grain yield, regression coefficient (bᵢ), and deviation from regression (S²dᵢ), three hybrids—AMH-2022-126, AMH-2022-108 and AMH-2022-133—were identified as widely adapted and stable across environments. Hybrids AMH-2022-101 and AMH-2022-119 showed specific adaptation to favourable environments.

Effect of NaCl Levels on In-vitro Growth and Hardening Performance of Three Banana Cultivars Grand Naine (G9) Povilachandam (B5) and Nendran (B3)

Monika Gamit — 2026-11-02

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that restricts banana growth and yield by disrupting water uptake, ion balance and plant development. The present study assessed the morphological responses of three banana varieties: Grand Naine (G9, AAA), Povilachandam (B5, AAB) and Nendran (B3, AAB), under in vitro NaCl stress and during hardening. Sterilised suckers were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0, 2, 4 and 8 g L⁻¹ NaCl. Morphological traits were assessed after 21 days of culture and following hardening. Increasing NaCl concentration reduced regeneration, shoot length, root number, root length, fresh weight and dry weight, whereas mortality, medium browning and electrical conductivity increased. Incubation from 7 to 30 days generally improved regeneration and shoot and root growth at most salinity levels. Regeneration ranged from 55% to 100%, with B3 showing the highest regeneration and lowest mortality under salinity. B5 exhibited superior root growth, biomass accumulation and performance during hardening, whereas G9 showed higher shoot initiation and pseudostem diameter. During hardening, increasing NaCl concentration consistently reduced shoot length, leaf number, root number and root length across all varieties. Overall, B3 performed better during in vitro screening, whereas B5 showed superior performance during hardening. These findings highlight variation in varietal responses to salinity and indicate the potential of B3 and B5 for developing salt-tolerant banana planting material through tissue culture-based selection.

Comparative in vitro Regeneration Potential of Indian Bean Genotypes from Embryonic Axis Explant

Hensi Kundariya — 2026-11-03

Aim: To develop and evaluate an in vitro regeneration protocol from embryonic axis (EA) explants of Indian bean using four different genotypes (GP-1, GP-189, GNIB-21 and GNIB22).

Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a completely randomised design (CRD) with five replications.

Place and Study Duration: This study was conducted at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Main Sugarcane Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, during 2021–2023.

Methodology: Excised embryonic axes from imbibed seeds of four Indian bean genotypes were cultured on Shoot Induction Medium (SIM) containing BAP (0.5 mg/L), kinetin (0.5 mg/L), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (1 mg/L) for five days. The shoot apical meristem and plumule were then decapitated to induce multiple shoots from the cot-node region. Decapitated EAs differentiated into multiple shoots from the cot-node region on SIM. Elongated shoots were transferred to Shoot Elongation Medium (SEM) containing GA₃, kinetin, and asparagine, followed by Root Induction Medium (RIM) containing IBA (0.7 mg/L) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (1 mg/L). Rooted plants were subsequently hardened and evaluated for survival and regeneration.

Results: Significant differences among genotypes were observed for shoots per explant and shoot length. Two genotypes (GP-1 and GP-189) showed root induction from elongated shoots, with significant variation in roots per shoot and root length. Both genotypes exhibited 100% survival during hardening. The regeneration percentage ranged from 44.08% (GP 1) to 50.07% (GP 189).

Conclusion: The study successfully demonstrated in vitro regeneration of fertile Indian bean plants from decapitated embryonic axis explants. The developed regeneration protocol can serve as a prerequisite for genetic transformation and genome-editing studies in Indian bean.

Development and Nutritional Evaluation of Soaked Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)-Based Chocolate Ice Cream

Arshin S. Patel — 2026-11-03

Chocolate ice cream containing soaked chickpea was developed as a dairy-based composite dessert and evaluated using five 100-g formulations (T1–T5). The chickpea quantity increased from 10 to 50 g while milk decreased from 46 to 6 g; cream (30 g), sugar (10 g), cocoa powder (2 g), carboxymethyl cellulose (1 g), and vanilla essence (1 g) remained constant. Chickpea was soaked for 8–12 h, incorporated into a milk-based slurry, heated at 80–85 °C for 30 min, chilled, combined with whipped cream, and frozen. Thirty panellists evaluated colour, taste, flavour, appearance, and overall acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale. T3 (30 g chickpea and 26 g milk) had the highest reported mean scores (8.60, 8.40, 8.90, 8.50, and 8.60, respectively). Reported proximate values for T3 were moisture 60.22%, ash 1.08%, fat 9.02%, protein 5.86%, and carbohydrate 23.82%. Calculated overrun was 40.0%. Drip-off increased from 2.0% at 20 min to 63.5% at 90 min under the stated melting-test conditions. The results support the preliminary feasibility and sensory preference of T3 among the tested formulations. Because no chickpea-free comparator or treatment-level chemical analyses were included, improved nutritional value relative to conventional ice cream was not established.

Value Addition of Croaker (Johnius dussumieri) through Development of Ready-to-Cook Fish Fingers and Evaluation of Their Frozen Storage Stability

Geetanjali Jena — 2026-11-03

The utilisation of relatively less-preferred fish species through value-added processing can improve resource utilisation while providing convenient fish-based foods. The present study was undertaken to develop ready-to-cook frozen fish fingers from croaker (Johnius dussumieri) and evaluate their quality during prolonged frozen storage. Fresh croakers were procured from a local market, manually deboned and minced, followed by seasoning with pre-standardised ingredients, steam cooking, shaping, battering and breading. The prepared fish fingers were packed in food-grade polyethylene pouches and stored at −20°C for 180 days. Samples were evaluated at 30-day intervals for proximate composition, total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), peroxide value (PV), free fatty acids (FFA), total plate count (TPC) and sensory characteristics to assess their frozen storage stability. Fresh croaker had 74.63% moisture, 17.29% crude protein, 6.46% crude fat and 1.08% ash; while such parameters for raw fish fingers were 58.23%, 18.06%, 6.13% and 1.50%, respectively. During frozen storage, the moisture content of the fingers decreased to 52.11%; whereas the apparent crude protein, fat and ash contents increased to 17.35, 9.07 and 1.81%, respectively. TVBN increased progressively from 4.28 to 10.47 mg/100 g, while PV increased from 3.16 to 6.33 mmol O2/kg fat and FFA from 3.33 to 9.56% of total lipid as oleic acid, indicating gradual biochemical and lipid deterioration during frozen storage. The TPC showed an initial increase followed by a marked decline during prolonged frozen storage. Sensory quality gradually decreased with storage, but overall acceptability remained at 4.0 on a five-point hedonic scale after 180 days. The findings demonstrate that croaker, a less preferred marine fish, can be effectively converted into value-added ready-to-cook frozen fish fingers that maintained acceptable nutritional, microbiological and sensory quality throughout six months of storage at −20°C. The study provides a practical approach for improving the utilisation and marketing of a relatively less-preferred marine fish through value addition.

Isolation and Identification of Aerobic Bacteria from the Dental Region of Managed Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)

Babita Singh Kushwah — 2026-11-03

Aims: This study aimed to isolate and identify aerobic bacteria from dental swab samples collected from Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) managed at different Tiger Reserves in central India.

Study Design: Observational microbiological investigation involving dental examination, bacterial culture, Gram staining, and automated bacterial identification.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from elephants managed at Pench, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Satpura Tiger Reserves and privately managed elephants in central India. Laboratory investigations were conducted at the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, from July 2023 to January 2024.

Methodology: Thirty Asian elephants were included in the study. Dental swab samples were cultured in brain heart infusion broth and subsequently inoculated onto nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and brain heart infusion agar supplemented with 5% blood. Following incubation at 37°C for 18–24 hours, bacterial colonies were examined, subjected to Gram staining, and identified using the BD Phoenix M50 automated identification system.

Results: Fourteen bacterial taxa were identified: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Citrobacter freundii, Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Rothia mucilaginosa, Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus mutans. Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest reported isolation frequency (45.45%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.18%) and Enterobacter cloacae (13.63%).

Conclusion: The study documents a range of aerobic bacteria in dental swab samples from managed Asian elephants in Madhya Pradesh. These findings provide preliminary information on the dental bacterial flora of this species and support further investigations linking microbiological findings with oral health, clinical examination, and molecular identification.

Studies of Genetic Variability for Grain Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Recombinant Inbred Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Surekha — 2026-11-04

Genetic variation in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) provides opportunities to identify breeding materials for improving quantitative traits. A population of 122 F₁₇ rice RILs derived from Danteshwari × Dagad Deshi was evaluated during the 2022 kharif season at Raipur, India, in a randomised complete block design with two replications under non-stress field conditions. Seventeen grain-yield and yield-associated traits were summarised using their observed ranges, means, genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV). Phenotypic variation exceeded the corresponding genotypic variation for every trait in the available summary. The largest GCV estimates occurred for harvest index (25.94%), unfilled grains per panicle (25.37%), grain yield (23.31%), flag-leaf length (22.80%) and filled grains per panicle (21.16%). Using the stated GCV and PCV values, the implied broad-sense heritability was 95.15% for days to 50% flowering, 88.69% for flag-leaf length and 87.90% for filled grains per panicle. Grain yield had an average of 3.70 t ha⁻¹, a GCV of 23.31% and an implied heritability of 69.11%. These descriptive results identify traits that may be useful for selection within the population. However, genotype effects and predicted gains depend on the statistical scale and variance components used; independent validation of the variance analyses is necessary for quantitative selection decisions.

Comparative Clinical, Radiographic and Goniometric Evaluation of Femoral Head Ostectomy and Femoral Head and Neck Excision in Dogs with Canine Hip Dysplasia

Pawandeep Kaur — 2026-11-04

Background: Canine hip dysplasia can result in chronic hindlimb lameness and impaired hip mobility.

Objective: This study compared clinical, radiographic, goniometric, intraoperative, and histopathological findings after femoral head ostectomy (FHO) and femoral head and neck excision (FHNE).

Methods: Eight intact male Golden or Labrador Retrievers with bilateral canine hip dysplasia, aged 6–11 months, were randomly allocated to FHO or FHNE (four dogs per group), and the more severely affected hip was treated. All procedures used a craniolateral approach. Surgical duration, incision length, tissue trauma, wound healing, radiographs, hip range of motion, lameness scores, and femoral head histopathology were assessed during a 90-day follow-up.

Results: Mean operative duration was 58.75 ± 4.27 minutes for FHO and 53.75 ± 2.39 minutes for FHNE, without a statistically significant between-group difference. Immediate postoperative radiographs showed incomplete resection and persistent bone-to-bone contact in two FHO cases, whereas all four FHNE cases showed complete resection without contact. Hip extension and range of motion increased postoperatively in both groups. Lameness scores increased transiently on day 7 and subsequently declined to 0.25 ± 0.25 in both groups by day 90. Histopathology demonstrated trabecular disruption, subchondral osteonecrosis, marrow hypocellularity, and adipocyte replacement.

Conclusion: Both procedures were associated with improved limb function over 90 days, while FHNE produced more complete radiographic resection in this small clinical series.

Green Synthesis of Copper-Based Nanomaterials Using Pleurotus ostreatus: Process Optimization and Multi-technique Characterization

P. S. Akshaya — 2026-11-04

Green synthesis provides a biological route for preparing copper-based materials. This study assessed reaction conditions for producing copper-based nanomaterials from fresh Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting-body extract and characterised the recovered material using complementary physicochemical techniques. A one-factor-at-a-time approach examined extract concentration, reaction pH, temperature and duration. Visual changes and UV–visible absorption were used to select conditions for subsequent preparation. An extract concentration of 15% (w/v), 5 mM CuSO₄, pH 8.5, 70 °C and 180 min were selected on the basis of optical response and physical appearance. UV–visible spectra showed a prominent absorption feature at 200–220 nm, together with secondary features that varied across reaction conditions. X-ray diffraction produced a broad pattern without clearly resolved characteristic peaks attributable to crystalline copper phases. Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed bands at 3242.87, 1606.93, 1025.42 and 611.85 cm⁻¹, indicating functional groups potentially associated with mushroom-derived biomolecules. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed irregular, aggregated nanoscale particles with a reported mean size of 38.7 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detected copper (3.6 wt%) alongside substantial carbon, nitrogen and oxygen signals. The measured zeta potential (−7.2 ± 2.1 mV) suggested limited electrostatic stabilisation. These findings provide a preliminary synthesis protocol and characterise a copper-containing material associated with organic constituents of the mushroom extract, while leaving its copper phase and oxidation state unresolved.

Establishing Contamination-free Cultures and Optimising Shoot Initiation in Bambusa balcooa Roxb. through Nodal Explants

Akanksha Lakra — 2026-11-04

Establishing aseptic nodal cultures and promoting axillary bud development are important early stages in the in vitro propagation of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. Six surface-disinfection regimes (S1–S6) and six Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (I0–I5) were evaluated. Each treatment comprised five replications of ten nodal explants. In the disinfection experiment, 45 of 50 explants (90%) were recorded as contamination-free under S3, which combined an ethanol wipe, Tween 20, Bavistin, mercuric chloride and Plant Preservative Mixture in the culture medium. The reported one-way analysis of variance showed variation among disinfection regimes (F(5, 24) = 18.08; p = 1.91 × 10⁻⁷). For cytokinin treatments, the highest recorded initiation frequency occurred on MS medium with 3 mg L⁻¹ BAP (I3; 42 of 50 explants, 84%); the mean was 8.4 initiating explants per ten-explant replication, rather than 8.4 shoots per explant. Initiation was recorded after a mean of 10 days for I3. An analysis based on replicate counts indicated treatment differences (F(5, 24) = 74.99; p = 7.48 × 10⁻¹⁴), although the reported post hoc grouping did not distinguish I3 significantly from the 4 mg L⁻¹ BAP treatment (I5). These observations identify promising early-stage culture conditions under the tested laboratory setting; confirmation of experimental-unit independence, prolonged culture viability and subsequent multiplication is needed before application as an integrated propagation protocol.

Evaluation of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Genotypes for Resistance to Phomopsis psidii Causing Stylar End Rot

Kumar Suman — 2026-11-05

Stylar end rot can affect guava fruit quality, and disease development may differ among genotypes and fruit developmental stages. The present study aimed to identify the fungus associated with stylar end rot, evaluate its pathogenicity and temperature requirements, and assess the response of seven guava genotypes at different fruit developmental stages. Diseased fruits were collected from Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, and the associated fungus was isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Cultural and morphological characteristics were examined, and pathogenicity was assessed on healthy guava fruits following Koch’s postulates. The effect of six temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) on mycelial growth and colony characteristics was evaluated. Seven genotypes, namely Allahabad Safeda, Arka Kiran, Arka Mridula, CISH-1, GS-35, L-49 and VNR, were screened using 80- and 100-day-old fruits under laboratory conditions. Lesion development, incubation period and area under the lesion progress curve (AULPC) were assessed, and total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content were evaluated to characterise fruit quality. The isolate produced characteristic disease symptoms following artificial inoculation and was successfully re-isolated from symptomatic fruits. Maximum mycelial growth was recorded at 25 and 30 °C, with a growth rate of 11.6 mm day⁻¹, whereas the minimum growth rate (1.0 mm day⁻¹) occurred at 35 °C. Genotype screening revealed differences in disease development between the two fruit ages. In 100-day-old fruits, Arka Kiran recorded the highest AULPC, while L-49, CISH-1 and GS-35 showed comparatively lower values. In 80-day-old fruits, VNR recorded the highest AULPC, whereas GS-35, CISH-1 and L-49 showed lower values. L-49 exhibited the longest incubation period (72 h) at both fruit ages, while VNR showed the shortest incubation period (24 h in 100-day-old fruits and 48 h in 80-day-old fruits). Overall, the findings demonstrated variation in temperature response and genotype susceptibility according to fruit developmental stage. GS-35, L-49 and CISH-1 were identified as promising candidates for further evaluation of reduced susceptibility to guava stylar end rot. Molecular confirmation of the pathogen and further field evaluation are required to validate these findings.

Modulation of Germination Efficiency and Seedling Growth of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) Varieties through Different Growing Media

Anurupa Tirkey — 2026-11-05

Rapid, uniform germination and vigorous early growth are prerequisites for the successful raising of calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) seedlings. A factorial completely randomised experiment with three replications was conducted to evaluate three varieties (Fiesta Gitana White, Yellow and Orange) and five growing media (soil + sand and cocopeat mixed with vermicompost, vermiculite, perlite or poultry manure), comprising 15 treatment combinations. Eighteen germination, seedling growth and vigour traits, together with the economics of seedling production, were assessed at Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India (2025–26). Variety and growing medium significantly affected every trait except the root:shoot ratio. Cocopeat + vermiculite (M3) performed best across the measured traits (germination 95.09%, germination index 22.92, total seedling length 24.39 cm, survivability 95.33%), whereas soil + sand (M1) performed poorest (78.02%, 15.58, 15.72 cm, 78.33%). Fiesta Gitana Yellow (V2) performed best for most traits (germination 90.85%, total length 21.55 cm, survivability 90.40%), whereas Orange (V3) performed poorest (83.57%, 18.37 cm, 84.20%). Yellow grown in cocopeat + vermiculite (T8) showed the highest germination (98.33%), the earliest onset of germination (2.14 days), the longest seedlings (26.33 cm), the highest survivability (98.00%) and the lowest mortality (2.00%), as well as the highest net return (Rs 233.18) and benefit–cost ratio (1.294). Orange in soil + sand (T11) performed poorest (germination 74.33%, survivability 75.00%). Cocopeat + vermiculite (60:40) with Fiesta Gitana Yellow is recommended for pro-tray raising of calendula seedlings.

Genetic Diversity Assessment of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers

Shibani Ritusmita Borah — 2026-11-05

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) germplasm characterisation is important for identifying genetic relationships and selecting breeding materials. This study assessed genetic diversity among 33 potato accessions, including 11 from the International Potato Center (CIP), 16 from the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), four local Assam accessions and two released varieties, using 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Five markers were polymorphic, producing 33 alleles with an average of 6.6 alleles per polymorphic marker; fragment sizes ranged from 100 to 510 bp. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0 to 0.841, with STM1024 showing the highest value. The mean PIC was 0.750 for the polymorphic markers and 0.187 for all markers. Jaccard’s dissimilarity values ranged from 0.00 to 0.40. Unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering separated the accessions into two principal clusters comprising 30 and three accessions. The four local Assam accessions occurred within the same subcluster. Assamese local and BNCA local, as well as MP/20-44 and 7003, showed identical SSR profiles, suggesting possible duplication within this marker panel. Principal coordinates analysis supported the observed groupings, while analysis of molecular variance attributed 7.9% of the variation to differences among accession sources and 92.1% to variation within sources. These results indicate that the polymorphic SSR markers, particularly STM1024, provide useful information for germplasm characterisation and the preliminary identification of divergent breeding materials.

Genetic Variability, Character Association and Diversity Analysis in Advanced Breeding Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Prashant Isharwal — 2026-11-05

Rice remains the world’s most important food crop, and raising its yield depends on how well breeders can identify and combine the right agronomic and quality traits. This study evaluated 44 rice genotypes and three released checks (Govind, Pant Dhan 12, Pant Dhan 4) at Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre (NEBCRC), G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during the Kharif season of 2024 in an augmented block design for ten traits: days to flowering, plant height, tiller number, flag leaf length and width, flag leaf area, panicle length, test weight, amylose content and grain yield per plant. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among genotypes for all ten traits, confirming useful genetic variability. Tiller number and grain yield per plant showed the highest coefficients of variation, along with high heritability (67.6% and 71.0%) and high genetic advance per cent of mean (25.8% and 25.5%), which may indicate the presence of additive gene action. Panicle length recorded the highest heritability (88.60%). Grain yield correlated most strongly with tiller number (r = 0.742) and test weight (r = 0.505), and path analysis confirmed tiller number as the largest direct contributor to yield (0.603), followed by test weight (0.212). K-means clustering based on standard Euclidean distance grouped genotypes into six clusters, with Clusters I and VI being the most divergent. Principal component analysis retained four components (eigenvalue > 1) explaining 71.11% of total variation. PC1 (25.96%) was loaded mainly by grain yield per plant, tiller number, test weight and panicle length; the biplot confirmed the cluster grouping. These findings suggest tiller number and test weight may be used as reliable selection traits, and crosses between divergent clusters may be used for further yield improvement.

Exploring Indigenous Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria from Apple Orchard Soils of Kashmir Valley, India for Sustainable Biofertilizer Development

Misbah Rasool — 2026-11-05

The growing environmental concerns associated with the excessive use of synthetic fertilisers have accelerated the search for sustainable microbial alternatives in agriculture. This study was carried out in 2024 at the Biofertilizer Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), SKUAST-Kashmir, with the aim of isolating and characterizing multifunctional nitrogen-fixing bacterial (NFB) strains from the rhizosphere soils of apple orchards in the Kashmir Valley, India, and evaluating their potential as plant biostimulants. A total of 122 fast-growing bacterial strains were isolated from 90 rhizosphere soil samples collected across ten apple-growing districts. All isolates were subjected to quantitative nitrogen fixation assays, and five isolates demonstrating the highest N₂ fixation were selected for further assessment of nutrient solubilisation and plant growth-promoting traits. All five isolates demonstrated the ability to solubilize phosphate, potassium, and zinc. Assessment of their functional properties revealed positive ammonification, catalase, peroxidase, and gelatin hydrolysis activities among the five isolates. Furthermore, these isolates exhibited important plant growth-promoting properties, including siderophore production, ACC deaminase activity, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and antagonistic activity against Fusarium spp. Based on their overall multifunctional performance, NFB(Ar)₃ was identified as the most promising isolate and selected for molecular identification. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed 99.33% similarity to Azotobacter chroococcum, supporting its taxonomic identification. These findings highlight the potential of NFB(Ar)₃ as an eco-friendly biofertilizer candidate for sustainable agriculture and for reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.

Preparation and Characterization of Ochratoxin A–Bovine Serum Albumin Conjugate Using EDC/NHS Chemistry for Immunodiagnostic Applications

T. Chandravathi — 2026-11-05

Background: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is an important mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species of fungi. It is a potent nephrotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin affecting poultry and other animals, including humans. All mycotoxins are low-molecular-weight proteins, and for their detection, they must be conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA). This conjugation makes them immunogenic and allows them to be used as coating antigens in immunological assays.

Aims: This study aimed to conjugate OTA with BSA by activating the free carboxyl group of OTA with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS), followed by coupling to BSA amino groups.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Mamnoor, Warangal, from January 2026 to September 2026.

Methodology: OTA (5 mg) was dissolved in 0.5 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), mixed with NHS (6 mg) and EDC (8 mg), and incubated for 2 h 30 min at room temperature in the dark, followed by overnight incubation at 4°C. The activated OTA was added dropwise to BSA (10 mg) in carbonate buffer, pH 9.6, and stirred for 2 h 30 min. The mixture was dialysed against PBS for 72 h to remove free OTA and reagents.

Results: OTA was successfully activated using EDC and NHS and coupled to BSA through its free carboxyl group. The reaction mixture was purified by extensive dialysis, and a clear OTA–BSA conjugate solution was obtained. SDS-PAGE analysis showed a major band corresponding to native BSA at approximately 66 kDa. The OTA–BSA conjugate also showed a band in the BSA region, but with a slight upward shift in apparent molecular weight compared with native BSA. This shift indicated that OTA molecules were covalently attached to BSA.

Conclusion: These findings indicate successful conjugation of OTA to BSA. The OTA–BSA conjugate can be used as an immunogen or coating antigen for the development of OTA-specific immunoassays.

Response of Apple cv. Super Chief Sandidge to Crop Water Requirement (ETc) Levels and Fertigation under Drip Irrigation: Growth and Yield

Pawan Kumar — 2026-11-06

The response of apple cv. ‘Super Chief Sandidge’ to different crop water requirement (ETc) levels and fertigation treatments under drip irrigation was investigated during 2023 at SKUAST-K, Shalimar. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with seven treatments, including a control (T₀), and combinations of irrigation at 100% and 75% ETc and fertigation at 100%, 75% and 50% of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF). Treatment T₁ (100% ETc + 100% RDF through fertigation) significantly improved vegetative growth, fruit set and yield attributes. The greatest plant-height increment, trunk-girth increment, trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) increment and fruit-set percentage were recorded under T₁, at 29.17 cm, 0.52 cm, 0.13 cm² and 57.54%, respectively. The number of days after the reference date for full bloom (DARD) was not significantly affected by the treatments. Fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight were also greatest under T₁, at 72.72 mm, 73.85 mm and 180.73 g, respectively. The highest yield (13.14 kg plant⁻¹) and yield efficiency (1.06 kg cm⁻²) were also recorded under T₁. These responses may be associated with optimal soil moisture, efficient nutrient uptake and improved photosynthetic activity. Under the conditions of this study, irrigation at 100% ETc combined with 100% RDF through fertigation was the most favourable treatment for the measured growth and yield parameters in high-density apple orchards.

Cultural and Morphological Characterization of Native Isolates of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Different Locations in Andhra Pradesh, India

A. Raja Mallika — 2026-11-06

Entomopathogenic fungi contribute to insect population regulation, but cultural and conidial traits can vary among isolates. The present study aimed to characterise the cultural and morphological variability of ten native entomopathogenic fungal isolates collected from different locations in Andhra Pradesh, India. The isolates, identified as Beauveria bassiana (five isolates), Metarhizium anisopliae (three isolates), and Metarhizium rileyi (two isolates), were examined for colony characteristics, growth patterns, conidial density, and microscopic morphology. Microscopic observations were performed using lactophenol cotton blue-stained preparations. The B. bassiana isolates produced predominantly white colonies, with variation in growth characteristics and conidial production. Conidial density ranged from 0.73 to 5.12 × 10⁷ conidia mL⁻¹, while mean conidial length and width ranged from 1.93 to 2.78 µm and 1.37 to 1.97 µm, respectively. The M. anisopliae isolates exhibited green to yellowish-green colonies with cylindrical conidia. Their conidial density ranged from 3.34 to 5.91 × 10⁷ conidia mL⁻¹, with mean conidial lengths of 6.07–6.83 µm and widths of 2.25–2.45 µm. The M. rileyi isolates developed olive-green colonies, with conidial densities ranging from 1.64 to 5.11 × 10⁷ conidia mL⁻¹ and mean conidial dimensions of 5.52–5.97 µm in length and 2.06–2.16 µm in width. Overall, the findings document phenotypic variation among the isolates examined and provide baseline information for their preliminary cultural and morphological characterisation. Complementary taxonomic and biological assessments would be valuable to further establish their identity and potential relevance for biological control.

Genetic Association among Parental Lines and Hybridity Confirmation Using SSR Markers in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

C. P. Bal — 2026-11-06

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) improvement depends on the selection of genetically distinct parental lines and reliable confirmation of hybrid origin. This study assessed genetic associations among eight eggplant parental genotypes and evaluated simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for confirming hybridity in 15 F₁ combinations. The experiment was conducted at the Central Research Station, Vegetable Division, Wakawali, and molecular analyses were performed at the Plant Biotechnology Centre, Dr B. S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, during the Rabi seasons of 2022–2023 and 2023–2024. Three bacterial-wilt-susceptible lines and five bacterial-wilt-resistant testers were used in a line × tester crossing programme. Of the 20 SSR markers screened, 11 were polymorphic and produced 40 alleles across the parental genotypes. Allele numbers ranged from three to six per locus, with a mean of 3.64. Polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.41 to 0.81, with a mean of 0.63. Pairwise Jaccard similarity coefficients ranged from 0.00 to 0.47. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean analysis separated the eight parents into three major clusters. Marker emh21J12 distinguished female parents carrying an approximately 300 bp allele from male parents carrying an approximately 280 bp allele. The detection of both parental alleles in the F₁ combinations provided evidence consistent with hybrid origin. These findings support the use of informative SSR markers for parental characterisation and locus-specific hybridity confirmation in eggplant breeding.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield, Milling and Grain Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Accessions

Priya Gupta — 2026-11-06

Genetic variability and the extent to which phenotypic variation is heritable are important considerations in rice improvement. Forty-eight rice genotypes comprising 44 accessions and four checks were evaluated during kharif 2018 in a randomised block design with two replications. Twenty-three yield, milling and grain-quality traits were assessed to estimate genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, broad-sense heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among genotypes for 22 of the 23 traits, whereas harvest index was non-significant. Phenotypic coefficients of variation exceeded the corresponding genotypic coefficients for all traits. Gel consistency recorded the highest GCV and PCV values, at 40.26% and 40.30%, respectively, and also showed the highest broad-sense heritability of 99.82% with a genetic advance of 82.85% of the mean. High heritability together with high genetic advance was also observed for plant height, 100-seed weight, milling percentage, head rice recovery, several brown-rice and kernel dimensions, cooked rice length and cooked rice L/B ratio. Grain yield per plant, filled grains per panicle and biological yield per plant showed moderate heritability accompanied by high genetic advance. In contrast, effective tillers per plant and harvest index exhibited low heritability. The results demonstrate substantial variability among the evaluated rice genotypes and identify several yield and grain-quality traits with potential value for selection in subsequent breeding evaluations. Traits combining high heritability with high genetic advance, particularly gel consistency, head rice recovery, milling percentage and grain dimensions, can be prioritised for direct selection in rice quality breeding programmes, although confirmation across seasons and locations is required.

Effect of Rumen Protected Methionine Supplementation on Protein Digestibility and Milk Protein Content in Lactating Sapera Dairy Goats

Mela Puji Lestari — 2026-11-06

Aims: To evaluate the effects of rumen protected methionine (RPM) supplementation at different levels on crude protein digestibility, nitrogen utilisation, microbial protein synthesis, and milk protein content in Sapera dairy goats.

Study Design: A randomised block design was used with 4 dietary treatments and 5 replicates. The treatments were T0 (without supplementation RPM), T1 (1 g/100 g CP RPM), T2 (2 g/100 g CP RPM), and T3 (3 g/100 g CP RPM). The measured parameters included crude protein (CP) intake and digestibility, faecal and urinary nitrogen excretion, microbial protein synthesis, and milk protein content.

Place and Duration of Study: The in vivo study was conducted at Nio Farm, Pedurungan, Semarang, Indonesia, while the in vitro analyses were conducted at the Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia, from June to September 2025.

Methodology: Twenty lactating Sapera dairy goats were allocated to four treatments based on their average daily milk production. The experimental period lasted 45 days, consisting of an adaptation period, a 30-day treatment period, and a total collection period. Parameters included CP intake and digestibility, faecal and urinary nitrogen excretion, microbial protein synthesis, and milk protein contents. Data were analysed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level, followed by Duncan’s multiple range test when significant differences were detected.

Results: RPM supplementation did not significantly affect CP intake or digestibility. However, it significantly affected faecal nitrogen, urinary nitrogen, and microbial protein synthesis. The best response was observed in T1, which showed lower faecal and urinary nitrogen excretion and the highest microbial protein synthesis (17.43). Milk protein content was also significantly increased, with the highest value observed in T1 (3.586%).

Conclusion: Rumen protected methionine supplementation at 1 g/100 g CP showed the most favourable response, particularly in improving nitrogen utilisation, microbial protein synthesis, and milk protein content in Sapera dairy goats.

Chitosan-induced Enhancement of Plant Growth and Yield in Bush Pepper

T. Dhyana — 2026-11-09

Chitosan is a potential biostimulant for enhancing plant growth and productivity. The present study evaluated the effect of different concentrations and methods of chitosan application on growth and yield attributes of bush pepper (Piper nigrum L.), variety Panniyur 1. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomised design with seven treatments. Chitosan was applied as foliar spray (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g L⁻¹) and soil drench (2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g L⁻¹) at bimonthly intervals. The untreated plants served as control. Chitosan application significantly influenced plant height, secondary branching, leaf production, leaf area, spike length and fresh berry weight. Foliar application at 1.5 g L⁻¹ resulted in the highest plant height at 6 and 12 months after initiation of chitosan application (56.97 and 64.40 cm, respectively). Soil drenching at 2.0 g L⁻¹ recorded the highest number of leaves (40.93) and leaf area (3301.30 cm²) at 12 months after initiation of chitosan application. Soil drenching at 3.0 g L^-¹ produced the highest spike length (7.83 cm). Soil drenching with chitosan at 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g L⁻¹ and foliar spraying at 1.5 g L⁻¹ resulted in significantly higher fresh berry weights, with the highest value (63.47 g plant⁻¹) recorded following soil drenching at 2.0 g L⁻¹. Overall, chitosan application improved vegetative growth and yield attributes in bush pepper.

Influence of Microbial Inoculants and Their Consortia on Pigeon Pea Productivity and Soil Nutrient Availability in a Vertisol

Priyanka S. Nakhate — 2026-11-09

Beneficial soil microorganisms play an important role in improving nutrient availability and soil fertility, thereby enhancing pigeon pea productivity and promoting sustainable nutrient management. A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2024–25 and 2025–26 at the Research Farm of the ICAR-All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity-Biofertilizers, Department of Soil Science, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. Ten treatments comprising different combinations of microbial inoculants and their consortia were evaluated in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications. Laboratory stock cultures of Rhizobium Japonicum, Bacillus megaterium, Frateuria aurantia, Thiobacillus thioxidants and Pseudomonas striata were used for inoculation, and seed treatment was carried out immediately before sowing at 100 ml per 10 kg of seed. Among the treatments, RDF + Rhizophos + KSB inoculation through soil application (T8) recorded the highest seed yield (1735.33 kg ha-1) and straw yield (3551.33 kg ha-1). Treatment T10 (RDF + Rhizophos + ZnSB) recorded the highest soil-available N (216.40, 212.04, 210.70 and 203.32 kg ha⁻¹) and P (22.35, 20.74, 19.44 and 17.76 kg ha⁻¹), whereas treatment T8 (T2 + Rhizophos + KSB inoculation) recorded the highest soil-available potassium (619.06, 617.39, 612.22 and 612.22 kg ha⁻¹), at 45, 90 and 135 DAS and at harvest, respectively. Overall, treatment T8 recorded the highest seed and straw yields and higher soil-available potassium, whereas treatment T10 maintained higher soil-available nitrogen and phosphorus throughout crop growth in the Vertisol.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity for Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Akhila Mathew — 2026-11-09

Genetic variability among tomato genotypes provides a basis for evaluating traits potentially useful in breeding. The present investigation was conducted at the experimental farm of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design with 30 diverse genotypes and three replications. The mean performance of the genotypes ranged from 2.35 for mean fruit yield per plant (MFYP) to 81.94 for mean fruit per cluster (MFPC), with an overall mean of 47.18 for total yield (TY). The highest genotypic variance was recorded for average fruit weight (AFW; 7.343), followed by total yield (1.175) and days to first flowering (DFF; 0.644), whereas the lowest was observed for fruit yield per plant (FYP; 0.004). Phenotypic variance was highest for AFW (13.340) and lowest for FYP (0.015). GCV ranged from 1.023% for MFPC to 3.574% for AFW, while PCV ranged from 2.150% for MFPC to 4.817% for AFW. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 9.637% for days to first fruit set (DFFS) to 56.003% for DFF. The highest heritability was recorded for DFF (56.003%), followed by AFW (55.043%) and MFYP (43.799%). Genetic advance ranged from 0.071 for FYP to 4.141 for AFW, while genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was highest for AFW (5.462%), followed by MFYP (3.748%) and DFF (3.263%). Phenotypic correlation analysis revealed predominantly positive associations among the traits. Total yield showed significant positive associations with TSP (r = 0.4024**), AFW (r = 0.3445**), FD (r = 0.3030**), MFYP (r = 0.2873**), DFF (r = 0.2824**), FYP (r = 0.2276*), NFP (r = 0.2136*) and FL (r = 0.2078*). At the phenotypic level, TSP exhibited the highest positive direct effect on TY (0.30387), followed by AFW (0.18593), MFPC (0.11895), FD (0.11793), MFYP (0.11144) and NFP (0.10083). At the genotypic level, strong positive direct effects were recorded for NFP (2.51975), MFYP (2.26081), AFW (1.10824), FYP (0.86300) and MFPC (0.43325). The genotypic association with TY was highest for NFT (1.0666**), followed by FYP (1.0061**), TSP (0.8859**), AFW (0.7793**), FL and MFYP (0.7569**). Cluster analysis grouped the 30 genotypes into three distinct clusters. Cluster I comprised 13 genotypes (43.3%), Cluster II contained 9 genotypes (30.0%), and Cluster III consisted of 8 genotypes (26.7%), indicating considerable genetic diversity among the genotypes. Overall, DFF and AFW showed comparatively high heritability coupled with higher genetic advance, while TSP, AFW, FD, NFP and MFYP exhibited important associations and/or direct effects on total yield. These traits, together with the genetically diverse genotypes identified through cluster analysis, may therefore be effectively utilized as selection criteria and parental material in future tomato breeding programmes aimed at improving yield and associated traits.

Evaluation of False Smut Antagonistic Endophytic Bacterial Isolates on Rice Seed Parameters

M. Sathvika — 2026-11-09

Aim: To evaluate the effects of bacterial isolates antagonistic to U. virens on rice seed parameters.

Study Design: Completely randomised design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad and Seed Research and Technology Centre, PJTAU, Hyderabad.

Methodology: Fourteen antagonistic endophytic bacterial isolates obtained from the tolerant genotypes RL-1516 and Vary Lava IRGC 386.1 were evaluated for seed treatment under in vitro conditions.

Results: Seed treatment with bacterial isolate EB-10 recorded the highest germination percentage of 88.76% compared with 81.67% in untreated seeds. Similarly, isolates EB-1 and EB-3 recorded the highest root length (6.76 cm) and shoot length (10.41 cm), respectively, compared with 3.13 cm and 6.49 cm in the control treatment. Rice seeds treated with isolate EB-4 recorded the maximum total seedling length of 16.99 cm, whereas untreated seeds recorded 9.62 cm. The highest seedling vigour index I (1430) was recorded following seed treatment with bacterial isolate EB-10, followed by EB-2, EB-3 and EB-4, with values of 1427, 1421 and 1409, respectively, compared with 782 in the control treatment. With respect to SVI II, the highest value of 25.47 was recorded following seed treatment with bacterial isolate EB-10, compared with 17.26 in the untreated control.

Conclusion: Seed treatment with the identified antagonistic bacterial isolates against the false smut pathogen U. virens improved seed germination percentage, root and shoot lengths, and seedling vigour indices I and II.

Optimizing Legume-Based Intercropping Systems for Enhanced Pest Suppression, of Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)

Ratnakar Pathak — 2026-11-09

Legume-based intercropping may reduce insect pest pressure in maize, but the comparative performance of selected legumes and marigold under common field conditions requires evaluation. A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, to examine the influence of ten cropping systems on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), stem borer and aphids. Treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications, including sole maize, maize–legume combinations and maize + cowpea + marigold. Pest observations were recorded from tagged maize plants and analysed using analysis of variance. In the pooled results, maize + cowpea + marigold (T10) had the lowest fall armyworm larval population (0.95 larvae per plant), plant infestation (12.8%), leaf damage (8.9%), Davis leaf damage score (1.7), whorl infestation (11.2%) and ear infestation (5.5%). The same treatment recorded the lowest stem borer dead heart incidence (4.0%), stem tunnelling (5.5%), stem borer larval population (0.45 larvae per plant), aphid population (11.2 aphids per plant) and aphid abundance (4.4 aphids per leaf). Sole maize consistently recorded the highest pest pressure, whereas maize + cowpea (1:1) was generally the next most effective treatment. The findings indicate that combining cowpea and marigold with maize may contribute to managing these insect pests under the field conditions evaluated.

Morphological Variability, Trait Associations and Genetic Divergence in Desi Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Pragati Kumari Verma — 2026-11-10

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important pulse crop worldwide, but its genetic improvement is constrained by the narrow genetic base of cultivated germplasm. The present investigation was carried out during Rabi 2024–25 at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, to assess the existing variability, trait interrelationships and genetic divergence among 24 desi chickpea genotypes. Twelve quantitative traits were studied and analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all traits. Sabour Chana-1 was identified as the highest-yielding genotype. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for most traits, while both values were equal for protein content (34.78%). Grain yield, number of effective pods per plant, protein content, total pods per plant and number of secondary branches showed the highest genetic variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for protein content, number of effective pods per plant, grain yield, number of primary branches, total number of pods per plant, biological yield, number of secondary branches and hundred seed weight. Correlation analysis showed positive correlationss of grain yield per plant with the number of primary and secondary branches, total and effective pods per plant, biological yield and harvest index. Genetic divergence analysis using Mahalanobis D² statistics grouped the 24 genotypes into eight clusters, with cluster II accommodating the largest number of genotypes (six) and clusters V and VI showing the maximum inter-cluster distance, indicating strong potential for generating transgressive segregants. The number of pods per plant contributed the highest percentage towards total genetic divergence, followed by 100-seed weight and grain yield per plant. The study confirms the presence of exploitable morphological and genetic variability among the tested genotypes and identifies divergent, high-performing lines that can serve as useful parental material in chickpea breeding programmes aimed at yield enhancement.

Estrus Pattern and Physico-Chemical Properties of Cervico-Vaginal Mucus in Estrus Induced Lakhimi Cows

Nekibuddin Ahmed — 2026-11-10

Lakhimi is an important dual-purpose cattle breed of Assam. The present study was designed to study the pattern of estrus and the physico-chemical properties of cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) during induced estrus in Lakhimi cows. A total of fifty cyclic Lakhimi cows with good body condition scores (2.5-3.5) in their second to fifth lactations were selected and included in the present study. Experimental cows (n=50) in the mid-luteal stage with a functional CL were synchronized using a single PGF_2ɑbased protocol for estrus induction. Following PGF_2ɑ administration, all the cows were monitored to determine their estrus response. CVM samples were collected during proestrus and estrus, and various physico-chemical properties were determined. In the current study, 100% of the cows responded to a single PGF_2ɑwith intervals to the onset of proestrus and estrus of 48.72±1.25 and 82.60±1.52 hours, respectively, while most cows (90%) exhibited weak oestrus intensity. During proestrus and estrus, clear CVM was recorded in 96% and 90% of cows, respectively, while the pH of CVM was 6.90±0.81 during proestrus and 8.06±0.08 during estrus. The spinnbarkeit value of CVM at proestrus (8.81±0.12 cm) was significantly lower than that at estrus (14.02±0.21 cm). The arborization pattern of CVM revealed a higher incidence of the atypical fern pattern (94.00%) at proestrus and the typical fern pattern (78.00%) at estrus. In conclusion, determining the induced estrus response and characterising the physico-chemical properties of CVM at proestrus and estrus may help improve fertility among Lakhimi cows.

Evaluation of Banana Cultivars for Fruit Quality and Yield Performance under the Agroclimatic Conditions of Marathwada

Amrapali Omprakash Shinde — 2026-11-10

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the fruit quality attributes and yield performance of three banana cultivars, namely Williams, Grand Naine and Ardhapuri, under the agroclimatic conditions of the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, and to identify the cultivar with superior performance.

Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a randomised block design (RBD) comprising three treatments and eight replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Banana Research Station, Nanded, Maharashtra. The experimental duration was not specified in the information provided.

Methodology: Three banana cultivars, Williams, Grand Naine and Ardhapuri, were evaluated for fruit quality and yield parameters. The observations included reducing sugar content, total sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, TSS:acid ratio, pulp weight, pulp:peel ratio, hand weight, bunch weight and average yield. Cultivar performance was compared using the recorded experimental observations.

Results: Williams recorded the highest reducing sugar content (11.16%), total sugar content (14.66%), pulp weight (98.13 g), pulp:peel ratio (2.44), hand weight (1.97 kg), bunch weight (18.22 kg) and average yield (80.99 t ha⁻¹). Ardhapuri recorded the highest TSS (21.10%) and TSS:acid ratio (118.84), indicating favourable soluble solids and sugar–acid balance. Grand Naine exhibited the lowest titratable acidity (0.16%) and an average yield of 80.40 t ha⁻¹, comparable to that of Williams. Several fruit quality and yield attributes differed significantly among the cultivars; however, Williams and Grand Naine were comparable in bunch weight and average yield.

Conclusion: Williams performed better in most of the evaluated fruit quality and yield parameters, particularly sugar content, pulp characteristics and bunch yield. Ardhapuri showed potential for desirable fruit quality based on its higher TSS and TSS:acid ratio, while Grand Naine maintained yield performance comparable to Williams. These findings suggest that cultivar selection may influence banana fruit quality and productivity under the agroclimatic conditions of the Marathwada region.

Effect of Precision Nutrient Management and Humic Substances on Growth and Yield Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Hyper-Arid Region of Rajasthan, India

Kiran Dhaka — 2026-11-10

Background: Wheat cultivated on loamy sand soils in hyper-arid Rajasthan requires nutrient management suited to limited soil nutrient retention. This study assessed the effects of precision nutrient management and soil-applied humic substances on wheat growth and yield attributes.

Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Bikaner during the 2024–25 and 2025–26 rabi seasons using a split-plot design with three replications. Five nutrient treatments comprised an unfertilised control, the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), Nutrient Expert (NE), NE with leaf colour chart (LCC)-guided nitrogen application, and NE with chlorophyll meter (SPAD)-guided nitrogen application. Five humic-substance treatments comprised a control and combinations of humic acid (HA; 20 or 30 kg ha⁻¹) and fulvic acid (FA; 10 or 15 kg ha⁻¹). Results were pooled over two seasons.

Results: NE + SPAD produced the tallest plants (86.55 cm), the most total tillers (541 m⁻²) and effective tillers (407 m⁻²), and the longest (9.11 cm) and heaviest (2.27 g) spikes. These results were statistically comparable with NE + LCC. NE alone was comparable with RDF while applying 8.3% less nitrogen and 17.5% less P₂O₅. HA 30 + FA 15 kg ha⁻¹ gave the highest numerical responses but was statistically comparable with HA 30 + FA 10 kg ha⁻¹. No significant interaction between the two treatment factors was detected.

Conclusion: Sensor-guided NE and soil application of HA at 30 kg ha⁻¹ improved the measured growth and yield attributes under the experimental conditions.

In vitro Evaluation of Antagonists against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris Causing Wilt in Chickpea

Mahima Choudhary — 2026-11-10

Chickpea wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, is a soil- and seed-borne disease that can reduce crop productivity. This study assessed the in vitro antagonistic activity of three Trichoderma treatments and three bacterial bioagents against the causal pathogen. The bioagents comprised Trichoderma harzianum strain 1, T. harzianum strain 2, T. viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. diminuta and Bacillus subtilis. Seven treatments, including an untreated control, were evaluated in a completely randomised design with three replications. Using the dual-culture technique, the radial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris was measured on the third, fifth and seventh days of incubation. Percentage inhibition was calculated relative to the untreated control. On the seventh day, pathogen radial growth in the control was 45.00 mm. No measurable pathogen growth was recorded in the P. fluorescens and B. subtilis treatments, corresponding to 100% inhibition under the assay conditions. T. viride produced 74.82% inhibition, followed by P. diminuta (66.66%), T. harzianum strain 1 (55.55%) and T. harzianum strain 2 (38.53%). The differences among treatments indicate variation in laboratory antagonistic performance, with the two bacterial treatments showing the greatest inhibition and T. viride performing best among the tested fungal treatments. These findings identify bioagents for further assessment in chickpea-based experiments. However, inhibition observed on culture medium should not be interpreted as direct evidence of wilt control in plants.

In-vitro Evaluation of Selected Fungicides against Pyricularia grisea Causing Blast Disease of Pearl Millet

Mahima Choudhary — 2026-11-10

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is an important cereal crop cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions. However, various pests and diseases adversely affect its cultivation, and blast is one of the major diseases of pearl millet. Blast disease is caused by the fungus Pyricularia grisea. This study was conducted during 2022–2023 at the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The poisoned food technique was used to assess the efficacy of six fungicides against Pyricularia grisea. Initially, each fungicide was evaluated at three concentrations: 250, 500 and 1,000 ppm. Following the evaluation at these higher concentrations, the fungicides were also tested at 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm to determine their inhibitory activity against Pyricularia grisea. All six fungicides completely inhibited fungal growth at 250 ppm. Among the lower concentrations, tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin was the most effective treatment, inhibiting fungal growth by 97.8% at 50 ppm and completely inhibiting growth at 100 ppm. Azoxystrobin + tebuconazole and tebuconazole alone inhibited fungal growth by 97.0% and 96.3%, respectively, at 100 ppm. Both treatments achieved complete inhibition at 150 ppm. Propiconazole + difenoconazole, azoxystrobin and propiconazole completely inhibited fungal growth at 200 ppm. Overall, these results indicate that tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin was the most effective fungicidal treatment against Pyricularia grisea under the laboratory conditions evaluated, demonstrating strong antifungal activity even at low concentrations.