Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

Effect of Nano-primed Green-Synthesized Potassium Nanoparticles (GSKNPs) at Different Temperatures on Seed Quality Parameters in Chickpea

K. Rohitha — 2026-09-05

High-temperature stress can impair chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germination and early seedling establishment. This study evaluated nano-seed priming with green-synthesised potassium nanoparticles (GSKNPs), prepared using onion dry scale extract, for improving seed quality parameters of chickpea cv. JG-11 under 25°C and 35°C conditions. Seeds were primed with 10 mg/l (P1), 20 mg/l (P2), or 30 mg/l (P3) GSKNPs, while untreated seeds served as the control (P4). Germination rate, electrical conductivity, imbibition rate, field emergence, and seedling survival rate were assessed, and the experiment was analysed using a factorial completely randomised design. Germination rate did not differ significantly among nano-priming treatments, although temperature had a significant effect. Electrical conductivity also showed no significant treatment effect, but the temperature effect was significant; P3 recorded the lowest overall mean EC value (128.12 µS cm⁻¹ g⁻¹) compared with the control mean of 131.62 µS cm⁻¹ g⁻¹. P1 produced the highest mean imbibition rate (57.52%), P2 recorded the highest mean field emergence (86.87%), and P3 recorded the highest mean seedling survival rate (74.87%). Seedling survival declined at 35°C across all treatments, with the control showing the greatest reduction. Overall, the findings indicate that GSKNP nano-priming influenced several seed-quality and establishment traits under the tested temperature conditions, with responses varying according to nanoparticle concentration.

Effects of Prolonged Oviposition-site Deprivation on Fecundity, Egg Viability and Blood-feeding Activity of Gravid Aedes aegypti Females from Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Touré Donatié Serge — 2026-09-07

Prolonged dry seasons may restrict access to suitable oviposition sites for gravid Aedes aegypti females, potentially affecting reproductive performance and feeding behaviour. This study assessed the effects of delayed oviposition on fecundity, egg viability and blood-feeding activity in females originating from Korhogo, northern Côte d’Ivoire. Wild immature stages were collected from artificial and natural breeding sites and reared under controlled insectary conditions. After emergence and two blood meals, gravid females were allocated to eight batches of 40 females and subjected to oviposition-site deprivation ranging from 0 to 70 days. Fecundity was determined from the number of eggs laid after access to an oviposition substrate, whereas egg viability was assessed using hatching and adult emergence rates. Blood-feeding activity was monitored over 12 feeding sessions. Mean fecundity remained stable across oviposition-delay treatments, ranging from 114 to 117.79 eggs per female, with no significant difference among batches (H = 29.481; p = 0.103). In contrast, hatching declined from 87.22% in the control to 45.37% after 70 days, and adult emergence decreased from 90.05% to 68.19%. Blood-feeding activity also progressively declined across sessions. These findings indicate that prolonged oviposition-site deprivation may preserve egg-laying capacity while reducing offspring viability and modifying blood-feeding activity in gravid Aedes aegypti females under simulated dry-season conditions.

Temporal Ethylene Dynamics in Fusarium solani-inoculated Roots of Resistant and Susceptible Dalbergia sissoo Genotypes

S. Sharma — 2026-09-07

The study investigates the hormonal basis of genotypic resistance in Dalbergia sissoo against vascular wilt caused by Fusarium solani by quantifying ethylene evolution trend in resistant (genotype 66) and susceptible (genotype 232) genotypes across 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after inoculation (DAI). Results revealed a highly significant three-way interaction among genotype, treatment, and day ($F(3,80) = 1934, p < .001, \eta^2_p = .986$). Under control conditions, the resistant genotype maintained a stable constitutive ethylene rate roughly 4-fold higher than the susceptible genotype. Following inoculation, the resistant genotype mounted a rapid, self-resolving ethylene burst peaking at 15 DAI (6.5-fold relative to its control) before declining by 20 DAI. Conversely, the susceptible genotype exhibited a delayed, uncontrolled surge reaching 122-fold its control value by 20 DAI with no evidence of resolution; at that final time point, its ethylene level was over 9-fold higher than that of the resistant genotype. These contrasting patterns indicate that the timing, containment, and resolution of the ethylene response—rather than its absolute magnitude—distinguish resistance from susceptibility. Ultimately, these findings identify ethylene evolution kinetics as a valuable physiological marker for early screening of Fusarium wilt resistance in D. sissoo breeding programmes.

Studies on Qualitative Traits of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) Germplasm from Assam

Ira Sarma — 2026-09-07

This study characterized qualitative variation among thirty-three sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) genotypes collected from different parts of Assam, including the improved variety Pusa Sneha as a check. The investigation was conducted at the farm site of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jorhat, Assam Agricultural University, during 2017 and 2018 using a randomized block design with two replications. Qualitative characters were recorded through descriptor-based visual observations at vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages. All genotypes exhibited angular stems, dentate leaf margins, yellow flowers, monoecious sex type, low dorsal and ventral leaf pubescence, and white flesh, indicating monomorphism for these characters. Variation was observed in leaf shape, leaf size, leaf lobes, blossom-end fruit shape, stem-end fruit shape, fruit shape, fruit ribs, fruit colour, fruit skin texture, flesh flavour, flesh taste and skin hardness. Orbicular leaf shape was most frequent, followed by reniform and ovate types. Fruit shape included elliptical, elongate elliptical, elongate tapered and elongate slim forms, while fruit colour comprised green, light green and dark green classes. Most genotypes had smooth fruit skin and sweet flesh taste, whereas a few showed intermediate or insipid characteristics. SGG15 and SGG32 were aromatic with Joha flavour. The observed qualitative diversity provides useful phenotypic information for germplasm identification, classification and selection of sponge gourd genotypes for future crop improvement programmes.

Effect of Seed Priming Treatments on Germination and Growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Mamta Yadav — 2026-09-07

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of different seed priming agents and durations on germination, seedling vigour, and growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The experiment was carried out in 2022 at the Horticulture Farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan, using a randomised block design with three replications. Thirteen treatments comprising an unprimed control and seed priming with distilled water, NaCl (2%), PEG (5%), and GA₃ (200 ppm) for 6, 12, and 24 h were evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. Seed priming significantly enhanced germination, seedling vigour, and vegetative growth compared with the unprimed control. Among all treatments, GA₃ at 200 ppm for 24 h (T₁₂) recorded the highest germination percentage (91.20%), seedling length (40.06 cm), vigour index-I (3654), fresh weight (1.13 g), dry weight (0.33 g), and vigour index-II (30.10). Under field conditions, the same treatment produced the maximum plant height at 45 DAS (94.45 cm) and at first pod harvest (166.01 cm), the highest number of branches per plant (2.20 and 4.94, respectively), and the largest leaf area (371.10 cm²). Although PEG 5% for 24 h (T₉) and GA₃ at 200 ppm for 12 h (T₁₁) exhibited performance comparable to T₁₂ for several traits, T₁₂ consistently recorded the highest values. The enhanced performance is attributed to improved metabolic activation, reserve mobilisation, and early seedling establishment induced by priming.

Bio-efficacy and Phytotoxicity of New Generation Fungicide Trifloxystrobin 25%+Tebuconazole 50 % WG against Blast of Rice in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India

Solanki Sarkar — 2026-09-07

Disease severity of rice blast was assessed on 15 tagged hills per replication using the Standard Evaluation System (0–5 scale). Disease scores were recorded at the time of the first fungicidal application (day 0) and subsequently at 3, 5, and 7 days after spraying (DAS). The same assessment schedule was followed after the second fungicidal application (10 days after the first spray), with observations recorded at 3, 5, 7, and 10 DAS. Phytotoxicity was evaluated simultaneously using a 1–10 rating scale based on visual symptoms such as chlorosis (yellowing), necrosis, leaf injury, wilting, epinasty, hyponasty, vein clearing, and stunting after both sprays.

Disease severity was low at the time of the first fungicidal application and did not differ significantly among treatments. Following the second spray, all fungicidal treatments effectively suppressed blast severity compared with the untreated control. Among the tested treatments, Trifloxystrobin 25% + Tebuconazole 50% WG @ 800 ml ha⁻¹ provided the maximum reduction in Percent Disease Index (PDI) and was statistically comparable with the standard check, Galileo (Picoxystrobin 25% SC @ 600 ml ha⁻¹). The efficacy of the fungicide was reflected in its sustained suppression of disease progression throughout the observation period.

Trifloxystrobin 25% + Tebuconazole 50% WG was further evaluated for its effect on grain yield and phytotoxicity under field conditions. The fungicide significantly increased grain yield over the untreated control, with the 800 ml ha⁻¹ dose producing the highest yield increase (17.95%) and performing on par with the standard fungicide. No phytotoxic symptoms were observed on rice plants at any of the tested doses, including the highest dose of 1200 ml ha⁻¹, indicating that the fungicide is safe for crop application under field conditions.

Wound Management in Dogs Using Manuka Honey Hydrogel and Manuka Honey Nano-Silver Hydrogel

Disha Ubnarey — 2026-09-08

Aims: To comparatively evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of Manuka honey hydrogel and Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel in dogs with open wounds and to assess their effects on clinical, microbiological, hematological, biochemical and histological parameters.

Study Design: Prospective randomised comparative clinical study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, from November 2025 to May 2026.

Methodology: Eighteen adult dogs with open wounds measuring ≤5 cm were randomly divided into three groups of six animals each. Group I received topical 5% povidone-iodine ointment, Group II received Manuka honey hydrogel and Group III received Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel. Treatments were applied once daily until complete healing. Wound exudation, hydration, granulation tissue, percentage of wound healing and linear advancement of wound edges were assessed at specified intervals. Bacterial load, hematological and biochemical parameters and histological changes were also evaluated.

Results: Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel produced the most favourable healing response. By day 28, mean wound healing was 94.61 ± 1.55%, 98.96 ± 0.47% and 100.00 ± 0.25% in Groups I, II and III, respectively, with significant differences among groups (p < 0.05). Linear advancement of wound edges on day 28 was significantly higher in Group III (3.19 ± 0.17 cm) than in Group II (2.81 ± 0.18 cm) and Group I (2.14 ± 0.09 cm). Bacterial load in Group III decreased significantly from 9.90 ± 0.04 to 8.60 ± 0.04 log₁₀ CFU/100 µL by day 7, compared with 9.10 ± 0.04 in Group II and 9.73 ± 0.07 in Group I. Histologically, Group III showed complete epidermal stratification, organised collagen fibres and restoration of normal skin architecture. Hematological and biochemical changes remained non-significant.

Conclusion: Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel demonstrated superior wound-healing and antibacterial efficacy compared with Manuka honey hydrogel and conventional 5% povidone-iodine ointment, indicating its potential as an effective topical dressing for wound management in dogs.

Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality and Nutritional Potential of Composite Infant Flours Based on Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) and Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Oulai Sylvie Florence — 2026-09-08

Childhood malnutrition remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly where access to fortified complementary foods is limited. This study evaluated the microbiological quality and micronutrient and phenolic profiles of three composite infant flours formulated from tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Microorganisms were enumerated using the pour-plate method. Minerals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, total polyphenols and flavonoids by spectrophotometric methods, β-carotene and vitamin A by spectrophotometry and conversion, and vitamin C by redox titration. Total mesophilic aerobic flora ranged from 77.63 to 88.42 CFU/g, total coliforms from 32.30 to 54.42 CFU/g, and yeasts and moulds from 24.28 to 34.23 CFU/g; faecal coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected. Potassium and magnesium ranged from 1015.28 to 1019.72 mg/100 g and 109.27 to 118.06 mg/100 g, respectively. Vitamin A ranged from 0.35 to 0.96 mg/100 g, while vitamin C ranged from 43.98 to 50.16 mg/100 g. Iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium were comparatively low. Total polyphenols and flavonoids ranged from 0.96 to 1.30 µg GAE/g and 0.46 to 0.54 µg QE/g, respectively. Under the tested conditions, the formulations showed satisfactory microbiological quality and useful nutritional attributes, although fortification with selected minerals would be required to better meet infant nutritional requirements.

Effect of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) and Different Potting Media on Sprouting, Rooting, Growth and Survival of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari through Hardwood Cuttings under Agro-climatic Conditions of Prayagraj

Priyanka Shrivastva — 2026-09-08

The present investigation was conducted during 2025–2026 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, to study the effects of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and different potting media on sprouting, rooting, growth and survival of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari hardwood cuttings. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with twelve treatments and three replications, comprising three potting media—sand, sand + vermicompost, and sand + cocopeat + vermicompost—combined with IBA at 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm, along with their respective controls. The application of IBA in combination with a suitable potting medium significantly improved sprouting, growth, rooting and survival of the cuttings compared with the untreated control. The earliest sprouting (10.97 days), the highest number of sprouts per cutting (5.75), number of leaves per cutting (17.00), leaf area (16.33 cm²), chlorophyll content (39.17 SPAD), fresh shoot weight (8.90 g), dry shoot weight (4.39 g), sprouting percentage (79.00%) and survival percentage (78.75%) were recorded with sand + vermicompost + IBA @ 2000 ppm ( ). The highest number of roots per cutting (33.98), root length (15.35 cm), fresh root weight (2.40 g), dry root weight (1.31 g) and rooting percentage (66.97%) were recorded with sand + cocopeat + vermicompost + IBA @ 2000 ppm ( ). The control recorded the lowest values for practically all parameters studied. IBA @ 2000 ppm combined with sand + vermicompost (_T7) gave the best sprouting, growth and survival, while sand + cocopeat + vermicompost + IBA @ 2000 ppm (_T11) gave the best rooting, confirming the central role of IBA in adventitious root initiation. These results support the use of sand-vermicompost/cocopeat media with IBA @ 2000 ppm for economical, large-scale multiplication of pomegranate cv. Kandhari in the Prayagraj region.

Aphicidal Efficacy of Chitinase-Producing Bacteria Isolated from White-Grub Gut against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)

Amruta Abaso Pawar — 2026-09-08

The present study was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal potential of chitinase-producing bacterial isolates obtained from the gut of white grub against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), under laboratory conditions. Two promising chitinolytic bacterial isolates, HS3, identified as Stenotrophomonas sp., and LL5, identified as Sphingobacterium multivorum, were selected for bioassay. The insecticidal efficacy of live bacterial cultures, heat-killed cultures and culture supernatants was evaluated at three concentrations, viz., 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁷, using the leaf-dip method. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised design with seven treatments and three replications, and mortality was recorded at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment (HAT). Aphid mortality varied with bacterial isolates, treatment preparation, concentration and exposure period, and generally increased with increasing exposure period. Among the treatments, the live culture of Stenotrophomonas sp. HS3 recorded the highest mortality of 80.00 per cent at a 10⁻⁷ concentration at 72 HAT, followed by Sphingobacterium multivorum LL5 with 73.34 per cent mortality. Culture supernatants also exhibited considerable insecticidal activity, whereas heat-killed cultures recorded comparatively lower mortality. The results demonstrated the insecticidal potential of gut-associated chitinase-producing bacteria, particularly Stenotrophomonas sp. HS3, against L. erysimi. Further studies involving purified chitinase, characterisation of extracellular metabolites and evaluation under greenhouse and field conditions are required to establish their potential as biological control agents.

Exploitation of Heterosis for Yield, Yield Components and Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using Line × Tester Mating Design

T. Saketh — 2026-09-09

Increasing grain yield remains a primary objective in rice breeding to ensure global food security. Heterosis, which exploits the superiority of F₁ hybrids over their parents, is among the most effective genetic tools for achieving yield gains. The present study was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial district, Telangana, India, with the objective of estimating heterosis for yield, yield component and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Four cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines were crossed with eight testers following a line × tester mating design during kharif 2022, generating 32 hybrids. These hybrids, along with their parents and two check varieties (KPH 4 and KPH 468), were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications during rabi 2022–23. Observations were recorded on 13 characters, comprising days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, panicle length, number of productive tillers per plant, number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, grain yield per plant, kernel length, kernel breadth, kernel length-breadth ratio, hulling percentage, milling percentage and head rice recovery. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all characters studied. Heterosis estimates for mid-parent, better-parent and standard checks were variable across crosses and characters. Heterosis for grain yield per plant was attributed to the simultaneous expression of heterosis across multiple yield component traits. The highest standard heterosis for grain yield per plant was recorded in CMS 23A × IR 65514-5-2-19R-1 (32.09% over KPH 4; 16.20% over KPH 468), CMS 14A × IR 65483-14-1-1-4-13R, CMS 64A × IR 65514-5-2-19R-1, CMS 64A × JGL 29651, and CMS 64A × IR 63870-7-3-2-3-3R. Notably, CMS 14A × IR 65483-14-1-1-4-13R also exhibited the highest standard heterosis for head rice recovery (34.63% over KPH 4; 55.64% over KPH 468). These promising hybrids warrant further evaluation across locations and seasons prior to commercial release.

Investigating Insect Diversity and Ecological Association in the JNVU Campus, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Naman Songara — 2026-09-09

Insect population dynamics are greatly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, as several studies have shown. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing effective conservation and management plans, especially in the context of environmental change. This study investigated the diversity and abundance of insect fauna between March 2023 and February 2024. Eighty-nine insect species from 11 orders were recorded in the area around the Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU) New Campus in Jodhpur. The most diverse order was Lepidoptera, with 23 species, followed by Hymenoptera (15) and Coleoptera (12). Climatic factors had a significant impact on seasonal variations in species richness, with the monsoon and post-monsoon months showing the highest diversity. July and August comprised 83 and 80 species, respectively. In contrast, December and January had the lowest species richness, with 10 and 14 species, respectively. Key determinants were temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall; favourable conditions included June rainfall of 186.7 mm, moderate-to-high temperatures (29.8–31.8°C), and humidity above 60%. Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Hemiptera were dominant throughout the year, whereas insect activity decreased markedly under cold and dry conditions, highlighting temperature as the main abiotic control. The findings demonstrate clear seasonal variation in insect diversity and support continued monitoring of insect communities under the arid campus conditions of Jodhpur.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver, Copper and Zinc Nanoparticles from Trichoderma koningii

V. S. Hande — 2026-09-09

Fungal culture filtrates can provide an extracellular route for metal-based nanoparticle formation. This study evaluated the biosynthesis of silver-, copper-, and zinc-based nanoparticles using culture filtrates of Trichoderma koningii and characterised the resulting preparations by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Culture filtrates obtained after 4, 6, 8, 12, and 15 days were visually compared, and the 15-day filtrate produced the most pronounced colour response for all three metal systems. Silver nanoparticle formation was associated with a dark-brown colour and a maximum UV-Visible absorbance at 435 nm. The copper-based preparation changed from blue to blackish-brown and showed a maximum absorbance at 410 nm, whereas the zinc-based preparation produced a yellowish-white to milky-white precipitate with a maximum absorbance at 330 nm. TEM analysis of the copper-based preparation showed predominantly spherical, polydisperse particles ranging from 11.32 to 42.58 nm. FTIR spectra indicated the participation of hydroxyl-, amino-, and amide-associated functional groups in nanoparticle formation and stabilisation. Bands at 416.62 and 420.48 cm⁻¹ were associated with Cu–O and Zn–O vibrations, respectively. These findings show that T. koningii culture filtrate can function as an extracellular biological system for producing and stabilising silver-, copper-, and zinc-based nanoparticle preparations under the tested conditions

Nutrient Analysis and Enrichemnt of Tribal Traditional Ethnic Recipes in Wayanad: A Sensory Evaluation Study

M. S. Revathy — 2026-09-09

Traditional ethnic foods are integral to the food systems of tribal communities and are closely linked to locally available resources and cultural practices. This study analysed the nutrient composition of three traditional recipes associated with the Paniya, Mullu Kurumas and Kattunayakar communities of Wayanad, Kerala, and evaluated the sensory acceptability of nutritionally enriched variants. Bamboo rice porridge, ash gourd leaves stir-fry and cooked lesser yam were analysed for proximate composition, selected micronutrients and functional characteristics. Five enriched treatments were developed for each recipe using locally available nutrient-dense ingredients, including sprouted pulses, tubers, green leafy vegetables and other vegetables. Sensory evaluation was conducted among 30 non-tribal participants. Bamboo rice porridge recorded the highest protein (2.59 g/100 g), carbohydrate (24.26 g/100 g), energy (115.60 kcal/100 g) and iron (6.12 mg/100 g) values. Ash gourd leaves stir-fry had the highest calcium content (27.12 mg/100 g), whereas cooked lesser yam had the highest fibre (5.56%) and total antioxidant activity (1.23 mg/100 g). Significant differences were observed among sensory treatments (p<0.001). The highest overall acceptability scores were 8.14 for T4 bamboo rice porridge, 8.02 for T3 ash gourd leaves stir-fry and 8.61 for T4 cooked lesser yam. These findings indicate that locally available nutrient-dense ingredients can be incorporated into selected traditional recipes while maintaining favourable sensory acceptability.

Effect of Different Liquid Bio Fertilizers on Seed Quality Parameters of Mungbean

Shalini Dixit — 2026-09-10

This study evaluated the effects of different liquid biofertiliser treatments on seed quality parameters of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) cultivar VIRAT. The investigation was conducted during 2024 and 2025, with laboratory seed bio-priming treatments evaluated in a Completely Randomized Design involving eleven treatments and three replications. Treatments comprised individual liquid biofertilisers, combinations of Rhizobium + PSB and Rhizobium + KSB, an untreated control, and a chemical check. Seed quality was assessed through test weight, standard germination and germination dynamics, seedling growth, seed vigour indices, and selected biochemical traits. The combined Rhizobium + PSB treatment (T9) showed the most consistent overall performance across both study years. Its pooled mean test weight was 60.30 g, standard germination was 96.38%, seedling length was 33.53 cm, Seed Vigour Index-I was 3225.85, and Seed Vigour Index-II was 9.15. The same treatment also recorded the highest pooled protein content (23.74%) and methionine content (0.743), while Rhizobium + KSB generally ranked next. The untreated control recorded the lowest values for the principal seed quality and vigour traits. Under the experimental conditions, combined liquid biofertiliser application, particularly Rhizobium + PSB, improved physiological seed quality, early seedling performance, and selected nutritional characteristics of mungbean relative to the untreated control.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Expected Genetic Advance for Horticultural Yield and Biochemical Traits in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Subham Kumar — 2026-09-10

Aims: To quantify genetic variability, broad-sense heritability and expected genetic gain for 20 horticultural, yield and biochemical traits in okra and to identify characters with greater potential for response to phenotypic selection.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in an Alpha Lattice Design with two replications at Vegetable Science Research Farm, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh (India), in Spring-summer and Rainy seasons of 2025. Trait-wise estimates of range, mean, genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), broad-sense heritability (h²bs), genetic advance (GA) and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) were evaluated for 20 characters. Genetic advance was interpreted at 5% selection intensity (k = 2.06). PCV exceeded GCV for every trait. The first fruiting node recorded the highest GCV (26.99%), PCV (29.33%) and GAM (51.17%). High GAM was also observed for number of branches per plant (35.22%), fibre content (30.29%), fruit yield per plant and per hectare (29.24%), total phenols (27.34%), inter-nodal length (26.98%) and number of fruits per plant (25.28%). Broad-sense heritability ranged from 50.72% for single fruit weight to 93.80% for protein content. High heritability together with high GAM was evident for first fruiting node, inter-nodal length, branches per plant, fruits per plant, both yield measures, total phenols and fibre content. The evaluated material contains useful heritable variation for earliness, plant architecture, fruit number, productivity and selected biochemical traits. These characters merit priority in selection, while confirmation across seasons or locations would strengthen breeding recommendations.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Inorganic and Nano Chromium Particles on Production Performance and Egg Quality of Coloured Breeder Hens

P. R. Jadhav — 2026-09-10

Summer conditions can adversely affect the production performance and egg quality of breeder hens, creating a need for nutritional strategies that support productivity during heat stress. Chromium plays an important role in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, while nano-sized chromium may offer greater bioavailability than conventional inorganic forms. However, comparative information on inorganic and nano chromium supplementation in coloured breeder hens during summer remains limited. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with inorganic and nano chromium particles on the production performance and egg quality of coloured breeder hens during the summer season. Ninety coloured chicken breeder (Chabro) hens and eighteen viable cocks were randomly distributed among three treatment groups, with three replicates of 10 hens and 2 cocks each. The basal/control group (T1) was offered a standard breeder diet (Bureau of Indian Standards [BIS], 2007), while the other two treatment groups received diets supplemented with 0.5 mg/kg inorganic chromium (chromium chloride) (T2) and 0.5 mg/kg nano chromium particles (T3) for 12 weeks. There were no significant differences in weekly hen-house egg production (HHEP), hen-day egg production (HDEP), or FCR (on an egg-mass and per-dozen basis) among the treatment groups throughout the experiment. At the end of 12 weeks of experimental feeding, shell weight percentage and Haugh unit were significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 than in T1. Thus, dietary supplementation with chromium chloride significantly increased shell weight percentage and Haugh unit in coloured breeder hens during the summer season.

Diversity of Dairy Farming Systems and Management Practices among Four Small-Scale Farms in Peri-Urban Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Bernadette Yougbare — 2026-09-10

Peri-urban dairy farming contributes to animal-source food supply and household livelihoods in Burkina Faso, but farms differ in herd composition, management, and access to technical resources. This study comparatively characterised dairy farming systems and management practices in four purposively selected small-scale farms in peri-urban Ouagadougou. Farms were assessed according to organisation, herd management, reproduction, feeding, animal health, housing, and equipment. Data were obtained through structured farm-level interviews, direct observation, and available records and were analysed descriptively across four management domains. Three farms were classified as semi-intensive and one as intensive. Herd size and breed composition varied substantially among farms. Artificial insemination was used in three farms, whereas natural mating remained part of reproductive management in three farms. Feeding strategies ranged from reliance on a limited number of ingredients to more diversified use of commercial feeds and agro-industrial or agricultural by-products. Mastitis and lameness were reported in all four farms, while abortion was reported in one farm. Preventive practices included vaccination, calf deworming, vitamin supplementation, and routine animal monitoring. Housing configuration and equipment also differed, and only one farm had a milking machine. Overall, the findings show substantial heterogeneity among the investigated farms and support farm-specific approaches to breeding, feeding, preventive health care, housing, and milk handling. Because only four purposively selected farms were studied, the results should be interpreted as an exploratory descriptive baseline rather than as representative estimates for peri-urban dairy farming in Ouagadougou.

Bottlenecks in Pulse Production: A Critical Narrative Review of Biophysical, Technological and Institutional Constraints

N Pruthviraj — 2026-09-09

Pulses are central to protein and micronutrient supply, diversified cropping systems and biological nitrogen fixation, yet their production remains characterised by large yield gaps, high interannual variability and uneven adoption of improved technologies. This critical narrative review examines the interacting bottlenecks that restrict pulse productivity and production stability, with emphasis on grain legumes cultivated in rainfed and smallholder systems and on evidence relevant to South Asia, particularly India, while retaining a global comparative perspective. Literature was searched across Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, DOAJ, OpenAlex, PubMed, PubMed Central and AGRIS, supplemented by citation searching and authoritative agricultural statistics. The principal search period covered 2014 to 3 July 2026, with earlier foundational studies retained when necessary. The synthesis indicates that low pulse output is not explained by a single yield-limiting factor. Instead, production is constrained by the co-occurrence of terminal drought and heat, nutrient and soil limitations, weeds, insect pests and diseases, weak seed replacement, narrow or poorly targeted varietal adaptation, low mechanisation compatibility, post-harvest losses, price and procurement uncertainty, fragmented value chains and incomplete extension-to-input linkages. These bottlenecks are mutually reinforcing: stress-prone environments reduce expected returns to purchased inputs, weak markets reduce incentives for technology adoption, and inadequate seed systems slow the delivery of genetic gain to farms. Evidence is strongest for the importance of water and temperature stress, reproductive-stage sensitivity, phosphorus-related constraints on nitrogen fixation, major pest and disease complexes, and the persistence of management and adoption gaps. Evidence is less consistent on the size of losses attributable to individual constraints across regions because study designs, environments and outcome definitions vary markedly. Sustainable production growth therefore requires integrated, location-specific packages rather than isolated technologies. Priority actions include stress-resilient and mechanisation-compatible cultivars, faster seed multiplication, improved soil and water management, integrated pest and weed management, reliable procurement and market signals, and evaluation of technologies under realistic genotype-by-environment-by-management conditions. Closing pulse production gaps will depend as much on institutional delivery and farm-level risk reduction as on further biological innovation.

Salivary Biomarkers in Ruminants: A Review

Tanu Sharma — 2026-09-09

Saliva is increasingly investigated as a non-invasive biological sample for assessing health and physiological status in domestic ruminants. Its collection is relatively simple, minimally stressful, repeatable and potentially suitable for individual monitoring, herd-level surveillance and on-farm testing. Salivary constituents reflect systemic physiological and pathological changes, thereby providing information on animal welfare, metabolism, immunity and disease status. However, the diagnostic value of saliva can be influenced by species, diet, feeding status, salivary flow, sampling time, oral contamination, collection device, sample processing, handling, transport and storage conditions. The present review summarizes salivary biomarkers evaluated in ruminants, including cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, butyrylcholinesterase, total esterase activity, antioxidant-capacity measures, haptoglobin, adenosine deaminase, immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, electrolytes, progesterone, pathogen-derived nucleic acids, antigens, antibodies and host-response molecules. These biomarkers are associated with stress and welfare, oxidative status, inflammation and tissue injury, immune activity, reproductive status and parasitic and infectious diseases. The review also covers composition and physiological functions of saliva in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats along with the principal collection methods and key pre-analytical factors affecting salivary analysis. Consequently, standardized sampling and analytical procedures, species-specific reference values and validation in larger field populations are required to establish the reliability of salivary biomarkers. The development of simple collection devices and rapid, cost-effective point-of-care assays could facilitate their direct use on farms for routine ruminant health surveillance, earlier detection of health problems and faster decision-making.

Carbon Farming in the Digital Era: Soil Carbon Sequestration, Permanence, Measurement, Reporting and Verification

Samarpan Chakraborty — 2026-09-11

Carbon farming is increasingly promoted as a way to rebuild soil organic carbon while creating verifiable climate benefits and new farm income streams. Its credibility, however, depends on a chain of conditions that extends well beyond whether a practice can increase soil carbon at an experimental site. This critical narrative review evaluates the biophysical basis of agricultural soil carbon sequestration, the distinction between molecular persistence and project-level permanence, the measurement of stock change, and the rapidly developing role of digital technologies in measurement, reporting and verification (MRV). Literature published from 2000 to 6 July 2026 was examined, with earlier conceptual material considered only where necessary. Evidence was prioritised from peer-reviewed field studies, meta-analyses, methodological studies and authoritative technical frameworks. The evidence supports the capacity of cover crops, organic amendments, diversified rotations and some biochar applications to raise soil carbon under appropriate conditions, but effect sizes are strongly conditioned by baseline stocks, climate, texture, depth, carbon inputs, management history and system boundaries. Apparent gains can also arise from altered depth distribution or transferred organic matter rather than additional atmospheric carbon removal. Permanence is therefore a management and accounting property, not simply a property of chemically resistant carbon. Direct remeasurement remains the evidentiary anchor for stock-change assessment, yet high spatial variability and slow accumulation make short project periods statistically difficult. Fixed-depth accounting can bias comparisons when bulk density changes; equivalent-soil-mass approaches and explicit uncertainty analysis are more defensible. Remote sensing, digital soil mapping, spectroscopy, machine learning and process-based models can reduce transaction costs and improve stratification, activity monitoring and extrapolation, but they do not remove the need for field calibration, independent validation and periodic soil remeasurement. High-integrity carbon farming consequently requires hybrid MRV, conservative uncertainty treatment, transparent counterfactual baselines, reversal provisions, leakage and non-carbon greenhouse-gas accounting, auditable data lineage and safeguards for equitable participation. Digitalisation can make carbon farming more scalable, but only if it strengthens rather than substitutes for biophysical and governance integrity.