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.

Evaluation of Improved Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) Varieties for Yield, Yield Attributes and Economics under Rainfed Conditions of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India

Surajyoti Pradhan — 2026-09-11

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) is an important rainfed cereal whose varietal performance is strongly influenced by local agro-climatic conditions. A two-year on-farm evaluation was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 in Sannai village of Jashipur block and Tilusahi village of Raruan block, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, to compare the improved varieties Arjun (OEB-526) and Shreeratna (OEB-601) with the local Similipal Mandia. The treatments were evaluated in a randomised block design with seven farmer-replications under a uniform recommended fertiliser dose of 60:20:20 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹. Pooled analysis showed significant varietal differences in growth, yield attributes, grain yield, and economic returns. Shreeratna recorded the highest plant height (96.0 cm), leaf area index (4.4), effective tillers per hill (15.01), fingers per earhead (10.9), grains per earhead (1135), finger length (9.3 cm), and test weight (3.5 g). Its grain yield was 18.1 q ha⁻¹, compared with 15.8 q ha⁻¹ for Arjun and 10.1 q ha⁻¹ for Similipal Mandia. Shreeratna also recorded the highest gross return (Rs 63,849 ha⁻¹) and net return (Rs 35,127 ha⁻¹), despite the highest cultivation cost (Rs 28,721 ha⁻¹). Under the study conditions, Shreeratna showed the strongest combined agronomic and economic performance among the evaluated varieties.

Pre-Harvest Calcium Treatments Modulate Ambient Storage Behaviour and Postharvest Quality of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Hisar Safeda during Rainy and Winter Seasons

Rajat Rajat — 2026-09-12

Guava is highly perishable under ambient conditions, and pre-harvest calcium management may modify postharvest deterioration through effects on tissue integrity and ripening. This study evaluated three calcium sources—calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and calcium sulphate—each at 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%, against a water-sprayed control in guava cv. Hisar Safeda during rainy- and winter-season crops at Hisar, India. Pre-harvest sprays were applied in the last week of June and November during 2022–23. Fully mature fruits were stored under ambient conditions and assessed on alternate days to day 6 in the rainy season and day 8 in winter. Calcium source and concentration significantly influenced moisture content, specific gravity, physiological loss in weight, decay, firmness and sensory quality. Calcium nitrate at 1.5% gave the lowest mean physiological loss in weight (8.51% rainy; 6.91% winter) and the lowest mean decay (27.08% rainy; 27.22% winter), while also obtaining the highest mean sensory ratings (7.33 and 7.60, respectively). Calcium chloride at 1.5% provided the greatest mean firmness (4.01 and 5.79 kg cm−2) and the highest mean moisture content (79.11% and 78.33%). Deterioration was numerically slower in winter fruit: at day 6, mean physiological loss in weight was 12.55% in winter compared with 19.52% in the rainy crop, and mean sensory rating was 6.07 compared with 4.43. Because the thesis analysis did not report season as a common factorial term, these seasonal contrasts are descriptive. The results indicate complementary benefits of calcium nitrate for limiting weight loss and decay and calcium chloride for retaining firmness, with 1.5% concentrations consistently among the strongest treatments.

Genetic Diversity and Microsatellite Alleles Associated with Fruits Taste in Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don from the Valley of Ouémé Phytodistrict, Benin

Blaise Alowanou-Kélé — 2026-09-12

Chrysophyllum albidum is a fruit tree species of great socioeconomic importance in West Africa, particularly in Benin, where its fruits are widely consumed. Despite its importance to local communities, the molecular determinants of fruit flavour remain unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic basis associated with the taste of C. albidum fruits. Fruit trees spaced at least 50 metres apart were selected in the Valley of Ouémé phytodistrict, and three ripe fruits per tree were used for sensory evaluation by a panel of three trained, permanent tasters. Only trees whose fruit flavour was unanimously judged to match the flavour previously described by consumers or consenting owners were selected for the final sample. Molecular analysis was conducted on young leaves using 15 nuclear microsatellite markers. Heatmap analysis and Fisher's exact test were used to identify alleles associated with fruit flavour. At the end of the selection process, 30 trees were retained: 17 (56.67 %) produced sweet-tasting fruit and 13 (43.33 %) produced tart-tasting fruit. High genetic diversity was also observed (mean PIC = 0.673; mean expected and observed heterozygosities = 0.70 and 0.51, respectively; mean number of effective alleles = 4.36; rare-allele rate = 32.71 %). Two main genetic groups were identified, each containing the two taste types (sour and sweet) reported by consumers and unanimously confirmed by the tasting panel. The A3 allele of marker CGON51JQ036328 and the A11 allele of marker CGON21JQ036326 were associated with sour taste, whereas the A7 allele of marker CGON21JQ036326 was linked to sweet taste. The high genetic diversity still observed in C. albidum, despite the species' advanced vulnerability, confirms that it constitutes a valuable genetic resource meriting conservation; the preliminary associations established, in turn, provide a basis for subsequent functional and biochemical validation in larger, independent populations, as well as for varietal selection aimed at improving the organoleptic quality of the fruits.

Study on Chicken Breeding Typology and Practices in the Case of the Djôrô Region in Burkina Faso

André Zongo — 2026-09-12

Chicken farming in the Djôrô border region of Burkina Faso is characterised by differences in management, production practices and market orientation. The aim of this study was to analyse the typologies of chicken farming systems in the border areas of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. A total of 120 farmers were interviewed. The data collected covered the structural characteristics of the farms, farming systems, management, production, and organisation. The results identified three farming types: Type 1 (traditional system), Type 2 (intermediate system), and Type 3 (improved system). Recorded zootechnical performance indicators showed that local hens reached sexual maturity at approximately six months of age and produced an average of 12 eggs per laying cycle. Natural incubation was the most common method (adopted by 97%, 94%, and 61% of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 farmers, respectively). Artificial incubation was practised only by Type 2 and Type 3 farmers, with adoption rates of 6% and 17%, respectively. Health management relied on modern treatments (73.68%), supplemented by local traditional medicine knowledge using plants such as Khaya senegalensis and Azadirachta indica. The results indicated an exchange of chickens and production inputs among the three countries. Unit selling prices for chickens ranged from 3,578 FCFA to 4,027 FCFA, depending on the farming type. This study reveals specific characteristics of chicken farming in border areas that should be taken into account in policies aimed at developing the sector.

Effect of Planting Date and Spacing on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Shivani Yadav — 2026-09-12

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025 at the Agronomy Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effect of different planting dates and spacing on growth, yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.). The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomised Block Design with 12 treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments comprised three planting dates, viz., 15 September, 30 September and 15 October, and four spacing levels, viz., 45 × 30, 45 × 45, 60 × 45 and 60 × 60 cm. The results revealed that planting on 30 September in combination with wider spacing generally produced superior growth and head characteristics. The treatment combination P₂S₄ (30 September planting + 60 × 60 cm) recorded the maximum plant height (39.12 cm), head width (26.44 cm), head weight (1.50 kg) and head yield per plot (149.67 kg), along with the minimum number of non-wrapper leaves (11.20). However, the maximum head yield (75.56 t ha⁻¹) was recorded under P₂S₁ (30 September planting + 45 × 30 cm), indicating the advantage of optimum plant population for maximising yield per unit area. The earliest head initiation (41.60 days) and fewest days to harvest (76.33 days) were recorded under P₃S₄ (15 October planting + 60 × 60 cm). Quality parameters were also significantly influenced by planting date and spacing. The highest ascorbic acid content (40.80 mg 100 g⁻¹), total sugar content (4.33%) and TSS (7.40 °Brix) were recorded with 30 September planting, whereas 60 × 60 cm spacing recorded the highest ascorbic acid content (38.85 mg 100 g⁻¹), total sugar (4.09%) and TSS (6.93 °Brix). Economically, P₂S₂ proved superior, recording the highest net return of ₹7,40,866 ha⁻¹ and benefit ratio of 4.47.

Effect of Liquid Bio- fertilizers on Enhancing Plant Growth and Development of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Shalini Dixit — 2026-09-12

Liquid biofertiliser offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers for enhancing mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) growth and yield amid increasing global food demand. A field trial was conducted during 2024 and 2025 to determine the effects of seed treatments on early establishment, subsequent vegetative growth, phenology, and productivity. The study was arranged in a randomised block design with 11 treatments: an untreated control; seven individual liquid biofertiliser treatments (Rhizobium, PSB, KSB, VAM, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, and EM); combined Rhizobium + PSB and Rhizobium + KSB treatments; and a chemical treatment (Thiram). The combined Rhizobium + phosphorus-solubilising bacteria (PSB) treatment recorded the highest values for field emergence (88.32%), plant stand (33.00 plants m⁻²), height (27.43 cm), chlorophyll index (51.80), canopy temperature depression (14.23°C), seed yield per plant (12.57 g), total seed yield (1052.20 kg ha⁻¹), straw yield (1653.89 kg ha⁻¹), and total biological yield (3023.34 kg ha⁻¹), while also recording the earliest flowering (36.67 days) and maturity (56.33 days). The synergistic effects of nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium and phosphorus solubilisation by PSB improved nutrient uptake, increased photosynthetic efficiency in mungbean plants, and supported source-sink relationships. All tested biofertilisers produced higher plant-growth parameters than the control, with the combined treatment showing the best overall performance. Rhizobium + PSB was identified as an effective and environmentally friendly option for increasing mungbean productivity, reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers, and maintaining soil quality and health.

Effect in ovo Feeding and Dietary Supplementation of L-carnitine on Growth Performance and Economics of Broilers

M. Sharma — 2026-09-14

The study evaluated the effects of in ovo feeding and post-hatch dietary supplementation of L-carnitine on growth performance and feed cost in broiler chickens. Five hundred fertile CARIBRO VISHAL broiler eggs were incubated, and on day 18 the viable eggs were assigned to an un-injected control, a sham control, or an in ovo L-carnitine treatment. After hatching, 270 straight-run chicks were allocated to six treatment combinations comprising the three in ovo groups and two dietary treatments, with three replicates of 15 chicks in each combination. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet without or with 50 mg/kg L-carnitine. Birds were reared for six weeks, and weekly body weight, body-weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and feed cost per kilogram of live-weight gain were evaluated. The interaction between in ovo treatment and dietary supplementation significantly affected body weight during the first and second weeks and body-weight gain during the early growth period. In ovo L-carnitine treatment significantly improved feed conversion ratio and reduced feed cost per kilogram of live-weight gain during the third week. However, these responses were not sustained throughout the six-week rearing period. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation alone did not consistently improve growth performance or economic indices. Overall, in ovo L-carnitine produced transient improvements in selected early growth and feed-efficiency measures, but no consistent advantage was evident over the complete production period.

Fast Pyrolysis Derived Biochar from Eichhornia crassipes Biomass of Lake Victoria, Kenya: Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization

Victor O. Genga — 2026-09-14

This study characterised biochar prepared from dried biomass of E. crassipes leaves and stems collected from Dunga Beach, Lake Victoria, Kenya. Biochars were produced at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 700°C and characterised by FTIR for surface functional-group analysis, percentage yield, ash content, pH, and moisture content. FTIR analysis showed the presence of surface functional groups that changed as the pyrolysis temperature increased. Biochar yield decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Leaf and stem biochar yields were 49.30% and 47.32%, 39.32% and 33%, 27.85% and 21%, 28.96% and 20%, and 18% and 18.76% at 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C, respectively. Overall, leaf biomass produced the highest biochar yield. Ash content increased with pyrolysis temperature, reaching its maximum at 700°C. Leaf and stem ash contents were 16.54% and 32.48%, 23.32% and 47.46%, 34.56% and 67.12%, 35.82% and 72.24%, and 42.32% and 87.58% at 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C, respectively. Biochar pH generally increased with pyrolysis temperature; stem and leaf values were 6.4 and 7.1, 8.8 and 7.7, 9.8 and 8.7, 10.0 and 8.8, and 10.4 and 9.2, respectively. Stem biochars had higher pH values than leaf biochars at most temperatures. Stem biochar moisture content decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature, whereas leaf biochar moisture content fluctuated. The corresponding stem and leaf moisture contents were 8.7% and 1.81%, 6.8% and 4.61%, 2.92% and 3.36%, 1.71% and 2.91%, and 0.8% and 7.94%, respectively.

Synergistic Effects of Plant Growth Regulators and Micronutrients on Growth, Flowering, Yield and Fruit Quality of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cv. Arka Shyama

R. Sanjay — 2026-09-14

A field experiment was conducted during 2023-2024 at the Orchard, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, to evaluate the synergistic effects of plant growth regulators and micronutrients on the growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cv. Arka Shyama. The experiment comprised fourteen treatments laid out in a Randomised Block Design with three replications. The treatments included the recommended dose of fertilisers with farmyard manure, either alone or in combination with foliar application of Ethrel, Brassinosteroid and a micronutrient mixture at different concentrations. The results showed significant variation among treatments for all recorded growth, flowering, yield and quality parameters. Among the treatments, T₁₃, comprising FYM 20 t ha^-1 + RDF + Brassinosteroid at 2 ppm + micronutrient mixture at 2% foliar spray, recorded the highest vine length, number of branches, number of leaves and number of nodes per vine. The same treatment also resulted in earlier male and female flower appearance, a higher number of female flowers and a more favourable sex ratio. Yield attributes were also superior under T₁₃, with 3.12 fruits per plant, an average fruit weight of 3.68 kg, yield per plant of 11.48 kg and yield of 57.40 t ha^-1. Quality parameters, including fruit length, fruit girth, total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid content, were also highest under T₁₃. The findings indicate that the combined foliar application of Brassinosteroid at 2 ppm and micronutrient mixture at 2%, along with FYM and RDF, improved the growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality of watermelon under the conditions of the present study.

Cold Plasma-induced Changes in the Antinutritional, Nutritional, and Functional Properties of Air-classified Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.), Protein Fractions

S. Zubeda Sohan — 2026-09-15

Foxtail millet is a nutritionally rich cereal with good adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions and was subjected to air classification to isolate a protein-rich fraction from the whole flour. Air classification using an air classifier (Hosokawa Alpine ATP 50; 5000 rpm; 0.3 kg h⁻¹) produced nutritionally distinct fractions. From 4.30 kg of feed, 2.470 kg of protein-rich fine fraction (approximately 57.44%) and 1.70 kg of starch-rich coarse fraction (approximately 39.53%) were recovered. Cold plasma (CP), a non-thermal method, was applied to the foxtail millet fine fraction at 20 kV for 10 min, resulting in greater reductions in antinutritional parameters. In the untreated and CP-treated foxtail millet protein fractions, respectively, tannins decreased from 19.49 ± 0.75 to 14.40 ± 0.83 mg TAE/100 g, phytates from 77.07 ± 0.99 to 64.65 ± 0.59 mg/100 g, oxalates from 8.32 ± 0.85 to 4.11 ± 0.97 mg/100 g, and saponins from 2.45 ± 0.90% to 1.71 ± 0.70%. Nutritional properties, bioactive compounds such as phenols and flavonoids, and functional and physical properties showed marginal increases after CP treatment. SEM images of the control whole foxtail millet flour, the foxtail millet protein fraction, and the CP-treated protein fraction showed morphological changes on the surface of the CP-treated flour. Principal component analysis of all measured attributes further confirmed that the three sample types formed distinct, non-overlapping multivariate clusters, verifying that air classification and cold plasma treatment produced reproducible, holistic changes rather than incidental variation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to combine dry (air-classification) fractionation with cold plasma treatment specifically for foxtail millet, and the resulting low-antinutrient, functionally enhanced protein fraction is a promising clean-label ingredient for gluten-free bakery products, extruded snacks, and other plant-protein-based product development.

Serum Biochemical Responses of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to Graded Dietary Levels of Detarium microcarpum Stem-bark Extract

Aïcha Edith Soara — 2026-09-15

Plant-derived feed additives are increasingly investigated in aquaculture because of their potential to influence fish metabolism and physiological condition. Detarium microcarpum contains several bioactive phytochemical constituents; however, the effects of its stem-bark extract on serum biochemical responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) remain insufficiently documented. This study therefore evaluated the effects of graded dietary levels of hydroethanolic D. microcarpum stem-bark extract on selected serum biochemical parameters in Nile tilapia. Serum biochemical responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to dietary Detarium microcarpum stem-bark extract were evaluated during a 90-day feeding trial conducted in Loumbila, Burkina Faso. A total of 180 fingerlings with an initial mean body weight of 7.49 ± 1.43 g were randomly distributed among 12 tanks at 15 fish per tank. Four diets were tested in triplicate: an unsupplemented control (RT) and diets containing 200, 300, or 400 mg of dried hydroethanolic extract per kg of feed (R1, R2, and R3, respectively). At the end of the trial, three fish were sampled from each tank, giving nine fish per treatment. Serum total protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose were measured spectrophotometrically. Dietary effects were evaluated using a nested analysis of variance with tanks nested within treatments. No significant dietary effect was detected for total protein (P = 0.764), total cholesterol (P = 0.871), triglycerides (P = 0.510), or glucose (P = 0.749). Total protein ranged from 122.56 ± 42.17 to 152.67 ± 37.03 g/L, while total cholesterol ranged from 6.70 ± 1.34 to 8.15 ± 3.82 mmol/L. Triglycerides ranged from 1.96 ± 1.17 to 3.12 ± 1.67 mmol/L, and glucose ranged from 7.54 ± 8.12 to 12.18 ± 10.69 mmol/L. Under the experimental conditions, graded supplementation did not significantly alter the measured serum biochemical parameters. Greater tank replication and phytochemical characterisation of the extract are required to clarify potential metabolic responses.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Morphological Characterization of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Genotypes

Nisha Rani Chiranjivi — 2026-09-16

A comparative evaluation of eight eggplant genotypes was undertaken to assess their growth, flowering, and yield-related characteristics at the Vegetable Research Unit, Department of Horticulture, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi. The experiment comprised eight genotypes representing different eggplant varieties and was conducted using a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The study of the characteristics of different eggplant genotypes (Solanum melongena L.) provided valuable information about the diversity and variation present within the species. The genotypes exhibited a high degree of morphological and genetic variability, making eggplant an ideal crop for selection and genetic improvement. Observations on morphological characters, growth, and yield attributes of the eggplant crop were recorded. The results revealed significant variation among the genotypes for all the studied traits, indicating the presence of ample genetic diversity. The growth and yield parameters were found to be significant in genotype CB-1 (Birsa Chianki Baigan-1). The highest values of GCV and PCV were observed for leaf area (cm²). The higher values of PCV than GCV for all studied traits indicate the importance of considering environmental factors when selecting genotypes with desirable traits. These findings could be useful for future breeding programmes aimed at improving eggplant cultivars for better yield and quality.

Stability of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.) Genotypes for Growth and Earliness Traits Under Different Nitrogen Environments

Nawaj Khan — 2026-09-16

Aims: The present investigation aimed to evaluate the mean performance and stability of thirteen bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] genotypes for important vegetative growth and earliness traits under three nitrogen-induced environments.

Study Design: Thirteen genotypes were evaluated under three nitrogen levels representing experimental environments.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Haveli Farm, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India, during the Rabi season of 2018–19.

Methodology: The thirteen genotypes were evaluated under nitrogen levels of 50, 62.5 and 75 kg N ha⁻¹. Observations were recorded for vine length, number of primary branches and number of leaves at different growth stages, together with days to first female flower, node bearing the first female flower and days to first harvest. Genotype × environment interaction and stability parameters were assessed using the regression approach of Eberhart and Russell, involving genotype mean performance, regression coefficient (bᵢ) and deviation from regression (S²dᵢ).

Results: Considerable variation was observed among the genotypes for vegetative growth and earliness traits. Bottle G-7 recorded superior mean performance for vine length, number of primary branches and number of leaves at the evaluated growth stages. It also recorded the earliest first female flower (49.25 days) and earliest first harvest (59.67 days). Pusa Naveen recorded the lowest node bearing the first female flower (7.00), indicating early reproductive development for this specific character. The stability analysis demonstrated differential genotype responses across the three nitrogen environments. Bottle G-2, Arka Bahar, Samrat and Kolkatta Local also exhibited favourable performance for selected traits.

Conclusion: The study revealed substantial genotypic variation for vegetative growth and earliness under different nitrogen levels. Bottle G-7 emerged as the most promising genotype for the combined improvement of vegetative vigour and early crop development under the conditions evaluated. However, the experimental environments represented nitrogen levels at a single location and during one season; therefore, broader adaptation should be confirmed through additional multi-location and multi-season studies.

Effects of Straw Management Practices and Nitrogen Application on Paddy Straw Decomposition: An in situ Nylon Bag Study

K. Navya — 2026-09-17

An in-situ field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020–21 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial, to evaluate the effects of paddy straw management and nitrogen application on straw decomposition. The experiment followed a factorial randomised block design with three replications, comprising two straw-management options—incorporation without phosphorus and incorporation with phosphorus—and four nitrogen levels: 100%, 110%, 115%, and 120% of the recommended dose of nitrogen. Nylon mesh bags containing 32 g of paddy straw were buried at transplanting, and decomposition was assessed at 15-day intervals and after harvest. Straw decomposition increased progressively over time under both phosphorus treatments. Incorporation with phosphorus consistently produced greater decomposition than incorporation without phosphorus, reaching 42.41% at harvest compared with 37.53% without phosphorus. Nitrogen level significantly influenced decomposition at 15 and 30 days after transplanting, whereas differences among nitrogen levels were non-significant at later stages. The interaction between straw-management practice and nitrogen level was non-significant throughout the assessment period. The findings indicate that phosphorus application with incorporated paddy straw enhanced decomposition under the experimental conditions, while the effect of increased nitrogen application was primarily evident during the early decomposition period. The nylon mesh bag method permitted temporal assessment of biomass loss under field conditions.

Temporal Dynamics of Soil Nutrient Availability and Humic Substances under Continuous Rice Cultivation

Ili Venkatesh — 2026-09-17

Temporal shifts in soil macro- and micronutrient availability and in humic fractions were evaluated in soils under continuous rice cultivation in Telangana State. Six sites that had been under paddy cultivation for more than ten years were sampled from the 0–30 cm soil layer in February 2023 and again in January 2024. Across the two sampling times, the major available nutrients increased significantly: mean N rose from 223 to 233 kg ha^-1, P from 30.8 to 32.8 kg ha^-1, and K from 340 to 352 kg ha^-1. Mean Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B and Mo concentrations likewise rose from 42.8 to 45.8, 1.44 to 1.53, 9.22 to 9.67, 0.88 to 0.98, 0.44 to 0.47 and 0.30 to 0.32 mg kg^-1, respectively. Most nutrients were consistently highest at Suryapet and generally lowest at Mallapur. Conversely, mean humic acid declined from 0.81 to 0.79 g kg^-1, while mean fulvic acid decreased from 0.74 to 0.71 g kg^-1. Repeated fertiliser inputs during successive rice crops may account for the observed nutrient enrichment, whereas intensive cultivation, repeated tillage and puddling, and inadequate organic matter replenishment may explain the loss of humic fractions. These results indicate that sustaining soil fertility and productivity under continuous rice cultivation requires balanced nutrient management together with sufficient organic matter inputs.

Effect of Weed Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Quality of Spring Planted Sugarcane–Based Intercropping System

P. D. Kumawat — 2026-09-17

Spring-planted sugarcane is vulnerable to early weed competition because of its slow initial growth and wide row spacing, while short-duration intercrops may improve system productivity and returns. A three-year field experiment was conducted at the Main Sugarcane Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Kodinar, Gujarat, India, from 2013–14 to 2015–16 to assess the influence of summer intercrops and weed-control practices on the growth, yield, quality, weed dynamics and economics of spring-planted sugarcane. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, comprising five cropping systems as main plots [sole sugarcane; sugarcane + summer green gram (1:1); sugarcane + summer black gram (1:1); sugarcane + summer groundnut (1:2); sugarcane + summer sesame (1:1)] and three weed-control treatments as subplots [unweeded control; two hand weedings at 20 and 40 days after sowing of the intercrop; pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.90 kg/ha pre-emergence + one hand weeding at 30 DAS of the intercrop]. Pooled analysis showed that cane yield, growth parameters and yield attributes, including germination percentage, stalk diameter, single cane weight and number of millable canes, were not significantly affected by the different intercropping systems, except for millable cane height. However, cane equivalent yield was significantly higher under sugarcane + sesame (118.16 t/ha), sugarcane + green gram (117.85 t/ha) and sugarcane + black gram (114.78 t/ha) compared with sole sugarcane (99.86 t/ha) and sugarcane + groundnut (100.61 t/ha). Juice-quality parameters (Brix, sucrose, purity, CCS and extraction percentage) and weed parameters (weed density at 30 DAS and at harvest, and weed dry matter at harvest) were not significantly influenced by the intercropping systems. In contrast, weed-control measures markedly improved crop performance. Both two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS and pendimethalin 0.90 kg/ha pre-emergence + one hand weeding at 30 DAS significantly increased millable cane height, single cane weight, number of millable canes and cane yield compared with the unweeded control. These treatments also produced significantly higher cane equivalent yields (132.55 and 132.03 t/ha, respectively) than the unweeded control (66.17 t/ha). Juice-quality parameters (Brix, sucrose, CCS, extraction percentage and commercial cane sugar) were significantly improved by these weed-control practices, except for purity percentage. Weed-control efficiency was highest with two hand weedings (75.26%) and pendimethalin + one hand weeding (73.96%). Economically, the sugarcane + sesame (1:1) system recorded the highest net return (₹146,466/ha) and benefit:cost ratio (2.26), closely followed by sugarcane + green gram (₹145,257/ha; B:C 2.24) and sugarcane + black gram (₹139,740/ha; B:C 2.21). Among weed-control options, two hand weedings and pendimethalin + one hand weeding gave the highest net returns (₹169,160/ha and ₹168,969/ha) and B:C ratios (2.35 and 2.36), respectively, compared with the unweeded control. The study indicated that integrating summer legume intercrops, particularly sesame, green gram or black gram, with effective early-season weed management can enhance the productivity and profitability of spring-planted sugarcane without compromising juice quality.

Interactive Effects of Irrigation Scheduling and Sulphur Fertilization on Growth, Water use Efficiency, Yield and Oil Content of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under Irrigated Conditions in Assam, India

Shantonu Paul — 2026-09-17

The experiment was carried out during the rabi season of 2019-20 at the Instructional-cum-Research Farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, to evaluate the effects of irrigation scheduling and sulphur fertilisation on growth parameters, crop growth rate (CGR), water use efficiency, yield, and oil content of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under irrigated conditions in Assam. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two factors, viz., irrigation scheduling and sulphur fertilisation, each at different levels, with three replications. The treatments comprised six irrigation schedules, viz., I₀ - rainfed, I₁ - irrigation at 25-30 DAS, I₂ - irrigation at flowering (F), I₃ - irrigation at 25-30 DAS + flowering, I₄ - irrigation at 25-30 DAS + siliquae formation (SF), and I₅ - irrigation at 25-30 DAS + flowering + siliquae formation, and three sulphur levels, viz., S₀ - no application (control), S₁ - 20 kg ha^-1, and S₂ - 40 kg ha^-1. The results revealed that irrigation scheduling significantly influenced growth parameters, crop growth rate, water use, and yield attributes of Indian mustard. Three irrigations at 25-30 DAS + flowering + siliquae formation (I₅) and two irrigations at 25-30 DAS + flowering (I₃) or 25-30 DAS + siliquae formation (I₄) produced statistically at-par values for plant height at harvest, dry matter accumulation at 50 and 75 DAS, crop growth rate during 25-50 and 50-75 DAS, and branches plant^-1, and these values were higher than those recorded with one irrigation and rainfed conditions. The I₅ schedule resulted in higher evapotranspiration and total water use than I₃ and I₄, but recorded the lowest crop and field water use efficiencies. Plant height at 60 DAS and harvest, dry matter accumulation at 50 and 75 DAS, crop growth rate during 25-50 DAS, 50-75 DAS, and 75 DAS to harvest, and branches plant^-1 were highest with 40 kg S ha^-1, which was statistically at par with 20 kg S ha^-1 and significantly higher than the control. Although evapotranspiration and total water use varied little among sulphur levels, crop and field water use efficiencies were comparatively higher with 40 and 20 kg S ha^-1 than with the control.

Subabul Leaf Meal (Leucaena leucocephala): Effects on Growth Performance, Feed Conversion Efficiency and Economy in Growing Calves

Iqbal Hussain — 2026-09-17

A 90-day feeding trial was conducted at the Instructional Livestock Farm (Cattle), College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural University, to evaluate the effect of including dried subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal on growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient intake, and feeding economy in crossbred calves. Eighteen crossbred (Jersey × Holstein Friesian) calves, irrespective of sex, were randomly divided into three groups (T₀, T₁ and T₂), with six animals in each group. The control group (T₀) was fed a conventional diet, while T₁ and T₂ were fed diets containing 5% and 10% dried subabul leaf meal, respectively. The results showed that average body weight increased in all groups, with no significant difference (P > 0.05), although numerically higher values were observed in T₂. Total body weight gain and average daily gain were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T₂ (20.12 kg and 239.52 g, respectively) than in T₀ (17.35 kg and 206.54 g), with T₁ showing intermediate values. Dry matter intake did not differ significantly among the groups, indicating that subabul inclusion did not affect feed intake. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) also did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) but was numerically improved in group T₂. When daily weight gain was compared among treatment groups, the cost of feed per kg live-weight gain was Rs. 196.05, 170.94 and 152.61 in groups T₀, T₁ and T₂, respectively, and the corresponding relative costs per kg live-weight gain were 100%, 87.18% and 77.83%, respectively. The study indicated that inclusion of dried subabul leaf meal at up to 10% of the diet improved growth performance and feed efficiency and reduced feeding costs without affecting feed intake, suggesting its potential as an economical alternative protein source for growing calves.

Influence of Organic Modules on Productivity, Plant Protection and Soil Bio-Chemical Properties in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Production Systems

Hemen Kalita — 2026-09-18

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important pulse crop, and sustainable management requires simultaneous consideration of productivity, crop protection, and soil quality. Lentil is grown throughout northern and central India mainly for its grains, which are used for traditional Dal as well as other culinary preparations. Pulses are considered among the cheapest sources of protein and, therefore, play a significant role in improving nutrition at both the individual and national levels. Considering the importance of the crop, a field trial was initiated to study the effects of organic treatments on lentil growth, disease and insect-pest management, soil physical properties, and microbial populations. The trial comprised four treatments with six replications. Among the treatments, T3 with the full Package of Practices was the most effective in reducing Fusarium wilt disease incidence (16.39 %), with a 51.32 percent disease reduction over the absolute control (T₄), followed by T₂ (Module II) (seed inoculation with Trichoderma viride based biopesticide (Biogreen-5) @ 10 g kg^-1 and biofertilizer (Rhizobium based consortia @ 50g kg^-1, soil application of vermicompost @ 1 t ha^-1 + rock phosphate @ 30 kg ha^-1, need-based foliar spray of NSKE @ 5%, installation of bird perch @ 40 nos. ha^-1 and yellow sticky trap (0.3 m x 0.2 m) @ 20 nos. ha^-1) with 19.17 % disease incidence (43.07 % disease reduction over the absolute control). The aphid population per plant was lowest under the Package of Practices (12.95), followed by M II (18.33) and M I (19.33). The highest seed yield was recorded in T₃ (10.20 q ha^-1), followed by T₂ (9.58 q ha^-1) and T₁ (8.04 q ha^-1), respectively. The study of soil pH, organic carbon (%), available N, P₂O₅ and K₂O (kg ha^-1) showed an increasing trend over the last six years (2017 to 2023). There was also a gradual increase in fungal, bacterial and actinomycete populations over the years with the application of FYM and vermicompost.

Determination of the Optimal Protein Level for Local Chicken Breeds in Burkina Faso

Nicole Stéphanie Boud-Som Kaboré — 2026-09-18

Information on the diet of local chickens is scarce, which poses practical challenges for their efficient management. This study was conducted in Burkina Faso to help improve the performance of local chicken breeds by determining their protein requirements. The trial lasted eighteen (18) weeks and involved three hundred (300) one-day-old local chicks. The birds were weighed and randomly assigned to twelve (12) groups of twenty-five (25) chicks each. During the starter phase, they received four diets: the local CPAVI chick starter diet (Control), the CPAVI layer chick starter diet (R2), the CPAVI broiler chick starter diet (R3), and an intermediate layer-broiler chick starter diet formulated for the experiment (R4). During the growth phase, all birds received a single pullet diet. Weight gain, phase-specific weight gain, average daily gain, individual feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and water intake were measured during the starter and growth phases. At the end of the trial, carcass and organ yields were evaluated after slaughter. The CPAVI layer chick feed (R2) and the local CPAVI layer chick feed (Control) produced the best zootechnical performance in terms of weight gain (981.92 ± 319.21 g and 991.63 ± 302.1 g, respectively), compared with R3 (859.61 ± 294.56 g), with a significant difference observed. For average daily gain (ADG), R2 (5.68 ± 3.44 g) and R4 (5.45 ± 2.56 g) produced the best results, compared with the Control diet (4.79 ± 2.53 g) and R3 (4.36 ± 3.97 g). For the feed conversion ratio, R3 (0.86 ± 1.95) and R2 (1.73 ± 1.77) performed better than the Control diet (2.69 ± 1.88) and R4 (2.21 ± 1.49).

Reference Values for Caudal Vena Cava and Aortic Dimensions in Healthy Labrador Retriever Dogs Using Ultrasonography

Janvi Gupta — 2026-09-18

Background: Ultrasonographic assessment of the caudal vena cava (CVC) and aorta (Ao) is a useful non-invasive approach for evaluating intravascular volume status, but breed-specific reference values are limited in dogs.

Aim: This study aimed to establish CVC and Ao measurements in clinically healthy, haemodynamically stable Labrador Retriever dogs and evaluate their relationships with age, body weight, sex and systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Multispecialty Veterinary Hospital of the University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India, during 2024.

Methodology: Thirty client-owned adult Labrador Retriever dogs aged 1–5 years, presented either for routine health examinations and preventive care, including deworming and vaccinations, or for evaluation of mild dermatological conditions, were enrolled. A complete physical examination was performed, including assessment of body weight, mentation, heart rate, pulse quality, rectal temperature, mucous membrane colour and SBP. CVC and Ao diameters, cross-sectional areas, and CVC:Ao diameter and area ratios were measured in longitudinal and transverse planes through the left paralumbar window using a colour Doppler ultrasonography machine.

Results: Mean longitudinal CVC and Ao diameters were 0.90 ± 0.02 cm and 0.91 ± 0.03 cm, respectively, while mean transverse CVC and Ao areas were 0.74 ± 0.04 cm² and 0.77 ± 0.04 cm², respectively. Mean CVC:Ao diameter and area ratios were 0.99 ± 0.01 and 0.97 ± 0.02, respectively. CVC and Ao diameters were positively correlated with age and body weight, while CVC and Ao areas were positively correlated with body weight. The CVC:Ao ratios were not significantly associated with body weight. The CVC:Ao area ratio showed a significant negative correlation with age. No significant differences were observed between male and female dogs, and none of the CVC or Ao variables was significantly correlated with SBP.

Conclusion: The study provides breed-specific baseline CVC and Ao measurements and CVC:Ao ratios that may support future ultrasonographic assessment of haemodynamic alterations in Labrador Retriever dogs.

Proximate Analysis of Low Glycemic Index Fortified Rice Flours Developed from Different Rice Varieties

Hima Bindu Chetlapalli — 2026-09-18

Rice is a major staple food, but conventional milling and polishing reduce its dietary fibre, micronutrient, and bioactive compound content while leaving starch as the predominant component. The increasing prevalence of impaired glucose regulation and micronutrient deficiencies highlights the need for nutritionally improved staple foods. Incorporating foxtail millet and vitamin–mineral fortification into selected rice varieties may improve their nutritional profile; however, limited information is available on the proximate composition of such fortified rice flour formulations. The present study assessed the proximate composition of fortified rice flours developed from five rice varieties: RNR-15048 (T1), Chempa (T2), Chengalpattu (T3), Matta (T4), and Doppi (T5). Each formulation comprised 80% rice flour, 18% foxtail millet flour, and 2% premix. Proximate analysis was conducted using standard AOAC protocols for moisture, ash, protein, fat, crude fibre, starch, carbohydrate, and energy. The data were statistically analysed using a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). Significant treatment differences (P < 0.01) were observed for all evaluated parameters. Among the formulations, RNR-15048 (T1) showed the most favourable proximate profile, with the highest ash (2.00%), crude protein (7.53%), and crude fibre (10.00%) contents and the lowest starch (61.19%), carbohydrate (79.26%), and energy (350.82 kcal/100 g) values. Matta (T4) had the highest starch (69.97%), carbohydrate (82.49%), and energy (366.40 kcal/100 g) values and the lowest moisture content (8.00%). Crude fat remained low across treatments (0.40–0.80%) but differed significantly among the formulations. The combined effects of varietal composition and fortification with foxtail millet flour and a vitamin–mineral premix may account for the favourable proximate profile of RNR-15048. Because glycemic index and starch digestibility were not directly measured, the findings indicate potential rather than confirmed glycemic benefits.

Assessment of the Toxicological Effects of Mercury in Aqueous Stockfish Extract on Reproductive Hormones in Male Albino Rats

Ijeoma Jacinta Nwagbara — 2026-09-19

Mercury contamination in fish products remains a concern because of its potential endocrine-disrupting effects. This study assessed the toxicological effects of aqueous stockfish-derived mercury on reproductive hormonal profiles in male albino rats. Twenty-five adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) weighing 180–210 g were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 5). The control group received distilled water, while the treatment groups received graded oral doses of aqueous stockfish extract (250–1000 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. The aqueous stockfish extract contained 0.043 ± 0.018 mg/L mercury. Mercury concentrations in the extract and blood samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and testosterone were measured using ELISA and chemiluminescence immunoassay techniques, while testicular tissues were examined after haematoxylin and eosin staining. Blood mercury levels increased dose-dependently from 0.024 ± 0.005 µg/L in the control group to 0.053 ± 0.011 µg/L in the highest-dose group. LH showed a significant positive correlation with mercury exposure (r = 0.586, p = 0.002), while testosterone increased markedly. FSH remained relatively unchanged. Histological examination showed normal seminiferous tubule architecture at lower doses, with mild structural alterations at the highest dose. These findings indicate that stockfish-derived mercury exposure may affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and produce early testicular structural changes in male albino rats.

Effect of Seed Priming Treatments on Germination and Seed Quality Parameters of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Ravisankar Dubey — 2026-09-19

Seed priming is used to improve the speed, uniformity, and physiological performance of germinating seeds, but responses can depend on the priming agent and genotype. This study evaluated two field-pea varieties (KPMR-522 and Rachana) under six seed-treatment levels: control, hydropriming, KNO₃ at 3%, GA₃ at 0.01%, NAA at 0.01%, and Panchagavya at 5% during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 rabi seasons. The treatment structure was factorial (two varieties × six treatments), and germination-based laboratory observations were made with four replications of 100 seeds per treatment combination. Across the pooled data, Panchagavya at 5% recorded the highest 100-seed weight (21.14 g), first-count germination (72.08%), final germination (94.74%), speed of germination (35.80), peak value (17.76), mean daily germination (11.84), and germination value (210.27). KNO₃ at 3% was closely comparable for final germination (94.59%) and mean daily germination (11.82), for which the differences from Panchagavya were smaller than the corresponding critical differences at 5%. NAA at 0.01% gave the lowest pooled values for most germination variables. The pooled relative growth index was also highest with Panchagavya (76.12), although the treatment ranking differed between varieties, indicating a meaningful variety × treatment response for this index. Under the conditions of this study, Panchagavya at 5% and KNO₃ at 3% were the most consistently favourable treatments for germination performance, while the genotype-dependent responses indicate that broader recommendations should be validated across additional seed lots and environments.

Integrated Non-chemical Weed Management Enhances Root Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Organic Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)

Meesala Srija — 2026-09-19

Weed competition can markedly constrain organic beetroot production, where reliance on synthetic herbicides is restricted. A two-season field experiment (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) was conducted at Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Hyderabad, to compare nine weed-management treatments for beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). The treatments included groundnut-shell and rice-husk mulches, polyethene mulch with intra-row hand weeding, rice-straw mulch with intra-row hand weeding, hoeing, green-leaf vegetable intercropping with hand weeding, tamarind-leaf aqueous extract with hand weeding, an unweeded control and a non-organic pendimethalin reference treatment. Root yield and N, P and K concentration and uptake differed among treatments in both seasons. Polyethene mulch combined with intra-row hand weeding at 30 days after sowing (T3) recorded the highest root yields, 24.11 and 25.99 t ha⁻¹, and the highest nutrient uptake in both seasons. Rice-straw mulch at 5 t ha⁻¹ with intra-row hand weeding (T4) produced root yields statistically comparable to T3 and the herbicide reference treatment. The unweeded control consistently recorded the lowest yield and nutrient uptake. The results indicate that combining a soil-cover mulch with timely hand weeding can improve beetroot productivity and nutrient acquisition under the conditions tested. Rice-straw mulch with hand weeding provides a residue-based alternative where the use or disposal of conventional polyethene is constrained.

Morphological Characterization and in vitro Evaluation of Nanoparticles and Fungicides against Bipolaris oryzae Causing Brown Spot of Rice

Deepanchi — 2026-09-21

Background: Brown spot, caused by Bipolaris oryzae, is one of the major fungal diseases limiting rice production.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of different nanoparticles and fungicides against the pathogen and to assess their potential use in Integrated Disease Management (IDM).

Study Design: Completely Randomised Design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, during 2025–2026.

Methodology: Bipolaris oryzae was isolated from naturally infected rice leaves and identified through cultural, morphological, and pathogenic characteristics. The antifungal activities of ZnO, CuO, and Ag nanoparticles at different concentrations, along with eight fungicides, were assessed using the poisoned food technique under in vitro conditions. Radial mycelial growth and percentage growth inhibition were recorded after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation.

Results: All treatments significantly reduced the mycelial growth of B. oryzae compared with the untreated control. Among the nanoparticles tested, Ag nanoparticles at 200 ppm produced the greatest inhibition of fungal growth, while CuO and ZnO nanoparticles showed comparatively lower but significant antifungal activity. Of the fungicides evaluated, Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG at 200 ppm was the most effective, recording the lowest radial mycelial growth (1.30 cm) and the highest growth inhibition (85.56%) after 96 h of incubation. Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP and Hexaconazole 5% SC were the next most effective treatments.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that Ag nanoparticles possess considerable antifungal activity against B. oryzae. Although the combination fungicide provided the greatest suppression among the fungicides, the performance of the nanoparticles suggests that they could be integrated with existing disease management practices to reduce dependence on conventional fungicides and support more sustainable management of brown spot disease in rice.

Genetic Divergence and Strategic Parental Selection for Hybridization in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Germplasm

H. R. Sri Harsha — 2026-09-21

Aims: To quantify genetic divergence among 25 black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes using Mahalanobis D² statistics, classify the germplasm by Tocher’s method, identify the traits underlying divergence and translate cluster-specific agronomic profiles into a strategic framework for parental selection.

Study Design: Field evaluation in a Randomised Complete Block Design, followed by multivariate divergence analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Field genebank at Haalugudde village, Anandapura taluk, Shivamogga district, Karnataka, India (14.15° N, 75.32° E; 640 m above mean sea level), between November 2024 and March 2025.

Methodology: Twenty-five genotypes, comprising local landraces, a traditional cultivar, released and hybrid varieties, and farmer selections on six-year-old, stable-bearing vines, were evaluated in three replications. Twenty quantitative agro-morphological, yield and quality traits were subjected to Mahalanobis D² analysis; genotypes were grouped by Tocher’s method, and the relative contribution of each trait to divergence was estimated.

Results: The genotypes resolved into six clusters (Cluster III, 9 genotypes; Cluster II, 8; Clusters I and IV, 3 each; and Clusters V and VI, one genotype each: Panniyur-1 and V-2, respectively). Maximum inter-cluster divergence (D² = 6,870.80) occurred between Cluster V and Cluster VI; Clusters II and III were closest (D² = 682.26). Dry berry yield per vine (27.00%), spikes per plagiotropic shoot (17.67%) and laterals m⁻² (16.33%) jointly accounted for 61.00% of divergence. Cluster V combined the highest fresh (32.77 kg) and dry (11.46 kg) berry yields with the longest spikes (21.50 cm); Cluster VI led in plant architecture (27.33 laterals m⁻²; 65.00 spikes m⁻²); Cluster IV combined 105.00 berries per spike with the heaviest fresh berries (16.01 g).

Conclusion: Substantial, cluster-structured divergence exists in this germplasm, but the most divergent pair did not automatically coincide with the pair offering the most useful complementarity. Integrating Mahalanobis D², cluster-specific complementarity and defined breeding objectives is proposed as a more defensible basis for prioritising crosses than divergence alone, with Panniyur-1 × V-2 identified as a high-priority combination for experimental hybridisation and progeny evaluation.

Eco-Friendly Weed Management Enhances Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Watermelon under an Organic Production System

Meesala Srija — 2026-09-21

Weed control is challenging in organic vegetable farming because weeds compete with crops for water, nutrients, sunlight and growing space; however, chemical herbicides are generally not used in organic production. This study was conducted as a field experiment over two seasons, 2022–23 and 2023–24, at the AICRP on Weed Management Block, College Farm, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to evaluate eco-friendly weed-management techniques for enhancing fruit yield and nutrient uptake in watermelon. The experiment was conducted using a randomised block design with three replications. The nine treatments were groundnut-shell mulch, rice-husk mulch, polyethene mulch + intra-row hand weeding, rice-straw mulch + hand weeding, hoeing twice, fenugreek intercropping + hand weeding, tamarind-leaf aqueous extract + hand weeding, an unweeded control and chemical control using pendimethalin. Polyethene mulch + intra-row hand weeding at 30 days after sowing (DAS; T₃) gave the maximum yield in both years (34.27 and 36.64 t ha⁻¹) and was statistically similar to rice-straw mulch at 5 t ha⁻¹ + intra-row hand weeding at 30 DAS (T₄), which gave 33.97 and 34.64 t ha⁻¹. The unweeded control gave the minimum yields of 0.91 and 1.09 t ha⁻¹. Nutrient concentration and uptake varied significantly among treatments. The chemical control gave the highest N, P and K concentrations, whereas T₃ gave the highest nutrient uptake among the non-chemical treatments, with N, P and K uptake of 27.93, 8.39 and 67.22 kg ha⁻¹ in 2022–23 and 27.91, 8.55 and 70.13 kg ha⁻¹ in 2023–24. The findings show that combining mulching with timely hand weeding reduces crop–weed interference while improving watermelon productivity and nutrient uptake. Rice-straw mulch with hand weeding and polyethene mulch with hand weeding were both effective mulch-based approaches.

Inheritance of Early Leaf Spot Resistance in Different Generations of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Natural Epiphytotic Conditions

Kumar Sanu — 2026-09-21

Early leaf spot (ELS), caused by Cercospora arachidicola Hori, is a major foliar disease of groundnut that can cause considerable yield loss under favourable conditions. Understanding the inheritance of resistance is fundamental to developing resistant cultivars through conventional and molecular breeding approaches. The present investigation was undertaken to elucidate the inheritance pattern of early leaf spot resistance using six generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁ and BC₂) derived from contrasting resistant and susceptible parents at the Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, RVSKVV, Gwalior, in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications. Data were recorded from 20 plants per replication, i.e., 60 plants in total. Disease severity was assessed under natural epiphytotic conditions using the standard 1–9 disease rating scale at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing. TG-86 and Nitya Harita maintained low disease scores throughout the assessment, whereas DH-245 and DH-257 showed a marked increase in disease severity and were susceptible at 60 DAS. Among the crosses, TG-86 × DH-245, TG-86 × DH-257 and Nitya Harita × DH-257 showed better resistance, with their F_{1 generations}reflecting resistance. Their F₂ generations also recorded low disease reactions, indicating the presence of resistant segregants. Nitya Harita × DH-245 showed a moderately resistant F₁response, while its F₂ and BC₁ generations recorded highly resistant reactions to ELS. TG-86 and Nitya Harita were identified as useful resistance sources, while promising crosses such as F₂ by selfing (TG-86 × DH-257), BC₁- (Nitya Harita × DH-245) × Nitya Harita and F₂ by selfing (Nitya Harita × DH-245) may be utilised further in breeding programmes for the genetic improvement of groundnut for ELS resistance.

Response of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) Seedlings to the Foliar Application of Major and Micro Nutrients in the Nursery

G. Tejaswini — 2026-09-21

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) is an important perennial spice crop, but its seedlings exhibit slow early growth and generally require a prolonged nursery period before attaining transplantable size. Inadequate or imbalanced availability of essential nutrients may further restrict seedling growth and vigour. Foliar application of balanced major and micronutrients may therefore help improve early vegetative growth, root development, and seedling quality under nursery conditions. An experiment was conducted at the Main Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Iruvakki, to evaluate the effect of foliar application of major and micronutrients on the growth, root development, seedling quality and economics of clove seedlings under nursery conditions. Nine treatments were evaluated in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The treatments comprised water-soluble 19:19:19 alone or in combination with ZnSO₄, MgSO₄, and borax at different concentrations. Growth observations were recorded up to 210 days after treatment. At 210 days, 19:19:19 (0.5%) + MgSO₄ (0.2%) (T₅) recorded the maximum plant height (14.87 cm), number of leaves (7.40), collar girth (3.82 mm), leaf length (9.03 cm), leaf breadth (3.66 cm), leaf area (162.67 cm²), leaf area index (0.42), root length (28.83 cm), number of secondary roots (19.53), number of tertiary roots (23.00), root thickness (3.77 mm) and volume index (5.68). The highest root volume (1.89 cc) and Dickson quality index (0.06) were recorded with 19:19:19 (0.5%) + MgSO₄ (0.1%) (T₄). Treatment T₅ also recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio (1.82). These results indicate that foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%) + MgSO₄ (0.2%) was the most effective treatment for improving overall clove seedling growth, root development, and economic returns under the nursery conditions of this study.

Genetic Variability and Character Association for Yield and Related Traits in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.) under Semi-Arid Conditions of Rajasthan, India

Hemant Choudhary — 2026-09-21

Garden pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.) is an important vegetable legume whose yield and quality are influenced by several growth, flowering, and yield-related traits. Under the semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan, environmental constraints can affect the expression of these traits and overall productivity. Therefore, assessing genetic variability, trait associations, and genetic divergence is important for identifying useful selection criteria and promising genotypes for crop improvement. The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability, character association, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence among twelve garden pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.) genotypes under the semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan. The experiment was carried out during the Rabi season of 2025–26 at the Research Farm, School of Agriculture Science, Jaipur National University, Jaipur, using a randomised block design with three replications. Observations were recorded on growth, flowering, yield and quality traits, and the data were subjected to analysis of variance, estimation of genetic parameters, correlation analysis, path coefficient analysis and Mahalanobis D² statistics. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for the traits studied, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation coupled with high heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were observed for number of pods per plant, average pod yield, fresh weight, dry weight, number of branches and pod length, indicating considerable scope for effective selection. Average pod yield exhibited significant positive associations with number of pods per plant, fresh weight, dry weight, plant height, number of branches, pod length, total soluble solids and protein content, whereas flowering traits showed negative associations. Path coefficient analysis revealed that plant height, number of branches at 60 DAS, fresh weight, number of pods per plant and pod length contributed directly or indirectly to average pod yield, indicating their importance as selection criteria. Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped the twelve genotypes into three distinct clusters, reflecting considerable genetic divergence among the evaluated genotypes. The study demonstrated the presence of substantial genetic variability and identified important yield-associated traits that can be effectively utilised for selection and the development of high-yielding and quality-rich garden pea cultivars adapted to the semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan.

Effects of the Partial Replacement of Soya Meal and Wheat Bran with Cashew Nut Cake and Cashew Apple Bagasse on the Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency of Meat Quails (Coturnix japonica, Temminck & Schlegel, 1849)

N’Dri Saint-Clair Amani — 2026-09-22

This study therefore aimed to evaluate the use of cashew nut cake and cashew apple bagasse in the diet of Japanese meat quails. Accordingly, 270 one-day-old quail chicks with an average weight of 11.02 ± 1.37 g were used. The quails were distributed according to a completely randomized design with three dietary treatments, each comprising three replicates of 30 quails per experimental unit. The experiment lasted 42 days. Three diets were used: a control diet (CD: commercial feed) and two diets labelled 25% and 50% (representing 25% and 50% inclusion rates of cashew apple bagasse and cashew nut cake, respectively). The control diet resulted in a higher final live weight (242.09 ± 23.43 g) (P < 0.05) compared with the D25% diet (194.13 ± 36.67 g) and the D50% diet (185.95 ± 33.30 g), whilst feed intake was higher than that recorded for the other diets throughout the experiment. Conversely, the average daily weight gain was higher (P = 0.002) at the end of the rearing period in the test diets: 5.25 ± 0.35 g/day (D25%) and 5.11 ± 0.18 g/day (D50%), compared with 4.02 ± 0.25 g/day for the control diet. Nevertheless, throughout the experiment, the ADGs were 5.5 g/day (CD), 4.36 g/day (D25%) and 4.17 g/day (D50%). At the end of the starter phase, the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the CD group (2.06 ± 0.13), followed by the D50% group (2.37 ± 0.49), whilst the D25% group had the highest value (2.52 ± 0.15), although there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). During the final week of rearing, the CD group recorded a significantly higher FCR (6.9) than the other groups (P < 0.05). The D25% group provided a favourable balance between growth, with a high average daily gain (5.25 ± 0.35 g/day), and feed efficiency, with a lower daily intake (23.61 ± 1.19 g/day) at the end of the rearing period. However, further studies on nutrient digestibility, egg-laying performance and economic evaluation of the diets would help to clarify their potential for use on a larger scale.

Spatial Distribution, Cultural Diversity and Virulence of Colletotrichum spp. Causing Chilli Anthracnose in Kerala, India

Amrith Raj — 2026-09-22

Chilli anthracnose (fruit rot), caused by Colletotrichum spp., is one of the most destructive diseases limiting chilli production, resulting in substantial pre- and post-harvest losses. This study assessed the distribution, symptom expression, cultural characteristics, mycelial growth and virulence of Colletotrichum isolates associated with chilli anthracnose in Kerala, India. A systematic roving survey was conducted from February to April 2023 at ten locations across three agro-ecological units in five districts. Disease incidence and per cent disease index (PDI) were determined, and ten isolates were characterised on potato dextrose agar and evaluated by artificial fruit inoculation. Anthracnose occurred at every surveyed location; incidence ranged from 28.12 to 49.02% and PDI from 9.33 to 27.51. Mannuthy recorded the highest incidence (49.02%) and PDI (27.51), whereas Parippally recorded the lowest values (28.12% and 9.33%, respectively). Symptoms included foliar brown spots and sunken brown-to-black fruit lesions with concentric zonation and acervuli; advanced infection caused fruit shrivelling and mummification. Although all isolates formed circular colonies, they differed in colour, texture, margin, zonation and pigmentation. Isolate C8 showed the greatest in vitro growth, reaching 9.00 cm at 7 days after inoculation and recording a growth rate of 1.33 cm day⁻¹, whereas C6 grew the slowest (0.56 cm day⁻¹). Virulence also varied markedly: C8 produced necrotic lesions within 3 days, followed by rapid lesion expansion and the highest assay PDI, while C5 and C7 produced delayed, smaller lesions. These findings demonstrate pronounced spatial, cultural and pathogenic variability and identify C8 as an aggressive isolate suitable for resistance screening. Location-specific surveillance and integrated disease management are therefore essential for effective anthracnose control in Kerala.

Morphometric Variation across Developmental Stages of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) Reared on Walnut Kernels

Rukshanda Hanif — 2026-09-22

The rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton), is an important stored-product insect whose growth and developmental characteristics may vary with rearing substrate and environmental conditions. Although morphometric information is available for the species under different rearing conditions, stage-specific morphometric data for C. cephalonica developing on walnut kernels remain limited, warranting systematic documentation under laboratory conditions. The study documented morphometric variation across developmental stages of the rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton), reared on walnut kernels under laboratory conditions. Morphometric observations were recorded for the egg, successive larval instars, pupa, and adult using a stereomicroscope. Five specimens from each developmental stage were measured, and mean values were calculated for the recorded characters. Egg length and breadth were 0.48 and 0.34 mm, respectively. Larval body dimensions increased progressively across successive instars, with mean length rising from 1.62 mm in the first instar to 11.50 mm in the sixth instar, while mean breadth increased from 0.37 to 2.08 mm. The pupa measured 10.22 mm in length and 1.82 mm in breadth, showing a slight reduction in length relative to the sixth larval instar. Adult females were marginally larger than males, with mean body lengths of 11.25 and 10.88 mm, respectively, and wing spans of 15.68 and 15.61 mm. Overall, the observations showed a clear stage-wise progression in body size during larval development, followed by the expected transition to pupal and adult forms. The findings provide condition-specific baseline morphometric information for C. cephalonica reared on walnut kernels and may support identification and description of its developmental stages under comparable laboratory conditions.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Selection Potential for Yield-attributing Traits in Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Gangishetti Ranjithkumar — 2026-09-22

Effective genetic improvement of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) depends on the amount of useful variation present in yield-associated characters and on their expected response to selection. The study quantified genetic variability, broad-sense heritability, and genetic advance for twelve quantitative characters in 21 diverse genotypes grown in the 2016–17 and 2017–18 Rabi seasons. Observations included plant height and primary and secondary branching; pod number and length; seeds per pod; root length; seed yield; and the timing of flowering, pod maturity, and harvest. For each character, PCV was greater than GCV, indicating that the environment contributed to the observed phenotype. The strongest genotypic variation was found in pods per plant, seed yield per plant, and seeds per pod. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 29.80% for pod length to 87.40% for seed yield per plant, with high estimates also recorded for days to 100% flowering, seeds per pod, days to flower initiation, and root length. Pods per plant and seed yield per plant each combined high heritability with a high genetic advance percentage, giving them comparatively strong selection potential in the material examined. Their usefulness as selection criteria should nevertheless be verified under additional environments.

Weather-Mediated Population Fluctuations of Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): A Correlation and Regression Analysis

Rajendra Prasad — 2026-09-22

A field experiment was conducted to determine the population dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) larvae in relation to abiotic factors on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during two consecutive Rabi seasons, 2024-25 and 2025-26, at the Students’ Instructional Farm (SIF), C.S.A. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The larval population first appeared at a density of 0.20 larvae/plant during the 2^nd and 1^st Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs) in 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively. The population subsequently increased, reaching peak densities of 3.60 and 4.20 larvae/plant during the 11^th SMW in 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively. Thereafter, the larval population declined to 3.20 and 2.80 larvae/plant during the 12^th SMW, respectively. At peak infestation, the maximum temperatures were 33.40 and 34.60°C, while the minimum temperatures were 17.40 and 17.30°C during 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively. Bright sunshine durations were 8.80 and 7.10 h, respectively, and no rainfall was recorded during peak infestation in either season. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between larval population and maximum temperature (r = 0.64 and 0.56) and bright sunshine hours (r = 0.66 and 0.59) during 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively. Evening relative humidity showed significant negative correlations with larval population during both 2024-25 (r = -0.70) and 2025-26 (r = -0.51). Minimum temperature showed a non-significant positive correlation during 2024-25 (r = 0.48NS) but a significant positive correlation during 2025-26 (r = 0.60). Morning relative humidity showed a significant negative correlation in 2024-25 (r = -0.56) and a non-significant negative correlation in 2025-26 (r = -0.38NS), while rainfall showed non-significant negative correlations (r = -0.25NS and -0.17NS) during 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the combined abiotic factors accounted for 66.37% and 76.0% of the variation in H. armigera larval population during 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively. These findings indicate that weather parameters, particularly temperature, relative humidity and bright sunshine hours, are associated with the seasonal population dynamics of H. armigera on chickpea.

Correlation between Histopathological Changes and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression in Nodular Skin Lesions of LSDV-Infected Cattle

Seema Kumari Bishnoi — 2026-09-22

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) causes cutaneous lesions whose severity may reflect differences in host immune status. This study evaluated the relationship between histopathological changes in nodular skin lesions and cytokine expression in cattle classified according to clinical severity and neutralising antibody responses. During the 2022–2023 outbreak, skin, blood, and scab samples were examined by histopathology, PCR, serology, and quantitative analysis of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α gene expression. Skin lesions were assessed at 5 and 25 days post-lesion onset. Immunodeficient cattle showed more severe early hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, hydropic degeneration, vasculitis, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, followed by late epidermal necrosis, deep ulceration, granulation tissue formation, dystrophic calcification, and fibrosis. Immunocompetent cattle showed comparatively mild lesions, including a largely normal epidermis at the early stage and limited inflammatory infiltration. PCR detected LSDV in 31 of 34 selected samples. During secondary infection, immunodeficient cattle had low neutralising antibody titres, whereas immunocompetent cattle maintained higher titres. IL-6 and IL-10 were upregulated in both infected groups relative to controls, with IL-10 highest in immunocompetent cattle. TNF-α expression was highest in the immunodeficient group. These findings indicate an association between lesion severity, humoral immune status, and cytokine expression patterns in LSDV-infected cattle, while supporting cautious interpretation of cytokines as context-dependent indicators of immune status.

Development and Evaluation of Prebiotic-Enriched Instant Dosa Mix: Acceptability, Physical Characteristics and Storage Stability

Siriveru Moulika — 2026-09-22

Prebiotic-enriched instant foods offer a promising approach to improve dietary fibre intake while providing convenient and acceptable alternatives to traditional fermented products. The present study was undertaken to standardise a prebiotic-enriched instant dosa mix for its potential use as a functional food. Four prebiotic ingredients—fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), psyllium husk (PH), guar gum (GG), and gum karaya (GK) were incorporated at three levels (1.25, 2.5, and 5%) and evaluated through two preparation approaches: instant (non-fermented) and overnight-fermented dosa. The developed formulations were assessed for sensory acceptability, acceptability index, and functional cooking characteristics. Sensory evaluation revealed that the response varied with both prebiotic level and fermentation approach. Among the formulations, FOS 1.5% fermented overnight, PH 1.5% fermented overnight, GG 2.5% non-fermented, and GK 1.5% non-fermented showed the highest acceptability within their respective groups. The 2.5% guar gum non-fermented dosa (GG 2.5%) recorded the highest overall acceptability index (94.79 ± 1.29%) and was identified as the best formulation. Functional evaluation across enrichment levels highlighted that batter weight and cooked-product weight differed significantly, reflecting water interaction and moisture retention. Cooking time was consistently influenced by prebiotic type, with FOS formulations requiring longer cooking durations, while guar gum fermentation extended cooking time further. Diameter showed minor but significant variation at 2.5% enrichment, whereas thickness remained statistically comparable across treatments. At the 1.25% level, differences were mainly observed in batter weight and cooking time, while at 5% enrichment, guar gum and FOS altered cooking behaviour without affecting diameter or thickness. These findings indicate that prebiotic incorporation primarily affected batter weight, cooked weight, and cooking time, while diameter and thickness remained stable. The standardised 2.5% guar gum non-fermented dosa mix thus provided the most favourable combination of sensory acceptability and functional cooking characteristics.

Radio-histomorphometric Study of the Dental Arch in Farm-raised Rabbits Subjected to Dental Wear Caused by Different Diets in Cote d’Ivoire

Abou Joel Landry Okon — 2026-09-23

Background: Dental wear in rabbits is strongly influenced by dietary texture and composition because their continuously growing teeth require adequate mechanical abrasion to maintain normal occlusion. Inappropriate feeding patterns may disturb the balance between tooth growth and wear and may also affect periodontal and trabecular bone structures. However, the combined effects of different dietary regimens on dental wear and associated radiographic and histological changes in farm-raised rabbits remain insufficiently documented.

Aims: The study aimed to analyse the impact of different diets on dental wear and the histological structure of the dental arch.

Study Design: This was an experimental study conducted in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Place and Duration of Study: Experimental husbandry was conducted for one (1) month at a private animal facility in Abidjan. Radiographic and histological examinations were undertaken at the Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Cytogenetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Abidjan, using the facilities available for microscopic examination and tissue assessment.

Methodology: Thirty-two (32) apparently healthy male rabbits, 6–8 months of age and weighing 2.307–2.624 kg, were allocated to four dietary groups: pellets alone (CG), pellets with carrots (GC), pellets with hay (GFA), and pellets combined with hay, carrot, and grit (GO).

Results: Incisor measurements together with histological sections of the mandible and maxilla were evaluated. The GFA group recorded the smallest final mandibular height (4 ± 1.43 cm) and the largest mandibular wear index (-1.47 cm). Among the diets, hay produced the greatest mechanical wear, while maxillary teeth continued to show a growth tendency. Rabbits receiving pellets alone showed maxillary overgrowth together with insufficient mandibular wear, whereas hay increased mandibular wear. The GO combination yielded the most balanced morphometric and histological findings.

Conclusion: The study confirmed that diet texture and composition determine the dynamics of dental wear and remodelling in rabbits through combined mechanical and metabolic mechanisms. The combined GO diet provided the best overall balance.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Leafy Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) to Organic Amendments and Biofertilizers

Kranti Singh — 2026-09-23

The present investigation was carried out during the Rabi season of 2024–25 at the Vegetable Research Centre, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, to assess the influence of organic nutrient sources and biofertilisers on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of leafy coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design comprising eleven treatments and three replications. Different combinations of recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB), potassium-solubilising bacteria (KSB), Nitrogen Consortia, Bactobooster, EM Culture and Biofertisol were evaluated. The findings indicated that the application of integrated nutrient management practices significantly enhanced the growth and quality attributes of coriander. Among the treatments, T₅ (75% RDF + PSB + KSB + Bactobooster) exhibited superior performance with respect to chlorophyll content index, leaf area index, leaf area duration, leaf biomass, stem biomass, vitamin C content and fibre content. The maximum protein content (2.63%) was recorded under T₇ (75% RDF + PSB + KSB + EM Culture), whereas T₄ (FYM + Nitrogen Consortia) produced the highest essential oil content (0.157%). The improved performance of these treatments may be attributed to better nutrient availability, enhanced microbial activity and increased photosynthetic efficiency resulting from the combined use of fertilisers and biofertilisers. The study demonstrated that integrating biofertilisers with reduced levels of chemical fertilisers can effectively improve the physiological and biochemical quality of leafy coriander while contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly crop production.

Distribution and Relationship of Brown Spot Disease of Rice Caused by Bipolaris oryzae with Weather Parameters Across Kerala, India

G. L. Akhil — 2026-09-23

Brown spot, caused by Bipolaris oryzae, is one of the most prevalent diseases of rice and can assume epiphytotic proportions. A survey was conducted during August–October 2024 to determine the distribution, incidence, severity and epidemiological factors associated with brown spot across nine major rice-growing agro-ecological units (AEUs) of Kerala, India. Three locations were surveyed in each AEU, covering 27 locations. Disease incidence (DI), per cent disease index (PDI), crop characteristics and weather parameters such as maximum temperature (°C), minimum temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and rainfall (mm/day) were recorded. Brown spot occurred in all surveyed AEUs, confirming its widespread occurrence in Kerala. Disease incidence ranged from 24.20 to 75.40%, while PDI ranged from 15.00 to 60.00%. The highest DI (75.40%) was recorded at Kollad in cv. Uma, whereas the highest PDI (60.00%) occurred at Mullassery and Panayara. The lowest DI (24.20%) and PDI (15.00%) were recorded at Aingoth in cv. Shreyas. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between relative humidity and DI (r = 0.604) and between relative humidity and PDI (r = 0.426). The study confirms the widespread occurrence of B. oryzae in Kerala and provides a basis for further studies on pathogen variability and disease management.

Genetics of Quantitative and Qualitative Traits in Tomato

K. V. Manjunath — 2026-09-23

Tomato breeding requires information on combining ability, gene action, and heterotic expression to identify suitable parents and cross combinations for quantitative and qualitative improvement. An experiment was conducted to estimate combining ability, gene action, and heterosis manifestation for eight commercially important quantitative and qualitative characters of 28 F₁ tomato hybrids derived from 11 parents through a line (7) × tester (4) mating design. Analysis of variance indicated the presence of significant variation among the genotypes and combining ability analysis revealed the preponderance of non-additive gene action for the inheritance of all the characters studied. Considering general combining ability and mean performance, Arka Vikas, Arka Alok, and Arka Saurabh as female parents, and Berika, Alisa Craig, and Patharkutchi as pollen parents, were found to be the most promising. Considering specific combining ability, mean performance, and heterotic performance, Arka Ahuti × Patharkutchi, Arka Saurabh × Alisa Craig, Arka Alok × Berika for desirable quantitative traits, as well as Arka Saurabh × Alisa Craig, Arka Ashish × Berika, Arka Saurabh × Patharkutchi, Arka Meghali × Alisa Craig for important biochemical traits, were found to be the best crosses and can be utilised in future wider crossing programmes.

Combining Ability Analysis for Grain Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)

T. Jeevan Kumar — 2026-09-24

The present investigation was carried out at Agricultural Research Station Peddapuram during the Rabi season of 2025–2026 to evaluate combining ability, genetic variance components and progeny contributions for grain yield and 12 yield-attributing traits in maize (Zea mays L.). The experimental material, comprising 56 genotypes (17 lines, 2 testers, 34 Line × Tester crosses and 3 standard checks), was evaluated in an Alpha Lattice Design with two replications. Analysis of variance for combining ability revealed highly significant differences among treatments, parents and crosses for all 12 quantitative traits. Estimates of genetic variance components indicated a predominant role of non-additive gene action (dominance variance, σ²D) for grain yield per plant (σ²SCA = 314.209 vs. σ²GCA = 302.820; GCA/SCA ratio = 0.964), hundred-kernel weight, ear length and flowering parameters. Conversely, plant height (GCA/SCA ratio = 1.296), ear height (2.160) and ear girth (1.287) were predominantly governed by additive gene action. Among the female parents, inbred line PL 23689 proved to be the most outstanding general combiner (overall GCA score = 12), exhibiting significant positive GCA effects for grain yield per plant (64.260**), kernels per row (6.789**), ear length (3.860**), kernel rows per ear (1.016**) and ear girth (0.798*). Line PL 23688 also showed high GCA for yield per plant (38.427**). Among testers, LM 14 was identified as a superior combiner for grain yield (9.486**) and ear girth (0.684**). Cross combinations PL 23687 × LM 13 (SCA = 34.152**) and PL 23705 × LM 14 (SCA = 22.681*) recorded the highest significant positive SCA effects for grain yield. Promising general combiners PL 23689 and PL 23688 are recommended for population improvement, while high SCA hybrids should be advanced for further yield evaluation trials.

Mahalanobis D² Analysis of Genetic Divergence in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) for Selecting Suitable Parents in Hybridization

Madhukar Pawar — 2026-09-25

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important grain legume and oilseed crop, and sustained genetic improvement depends on the availability and effective utilisation of diverse germplasm. Assessment of multivariate phenotypic divergence can assist in identifying complementary parents for hybridisation and broadening the genetic base of breeding populations. Thirty soybean genotypes were evaluated during Kharif 2018 at the Agricultural Research Station, Kasbe Digraj, Sangli, Maharashtra, in a randomised block design with three replications to quantify phenotypic genetic divergence and identify parents for hybridisation. Eleven agro-morphological and quality traits were subjected to Mahalanobis D² analysis and Tocher clustering. The genotypes were grouped into eleven clusters; Cluster I contained 12 genotypes and Cluster II contained nine, whereas Clusters III–XI were monogenotypic. Average inter-cluster D² values ranged from 4.32 (Clusters III–VI) to 13.06 (Clusters III–IX). Other highly divergent combinations included III–XI (12.98), VI–XI (11.84), VI–IX (11.81), V–IX (11.66) and II–X (11.39). Pods per plant contributed most to total divergence (31.26%), followed by seeds per pod (18.39%), plant height (15.86%), days to 50% flowering (10.11%) and seed yield per plant (9.20%). Cluster X recorded the highest mean seed yield per plant (14.81 g), Cluster III the highest 100-seed weight (18.32 g), Cluster VIII the highest SPAD value (48.83), and Cluster V the highest protein (41.27%) and oil content (19.97%). The results identify phenotypically contrasting parental combinations for soybean improvement. Validation across environments and where possible, with molecular or genomic diversity information is required before routine use in a breeding programme.

Comparative Evaluation of Iron Concentration and In vitro Bioavailability of Himalayan Kale and Spinach

Maqsooda Perveen — 2026-09-25

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient involved in numerous physiological and biochemical processes, and increasing the availability of Fe-rich plant foods is important for improving dietary mineral nutrition. Himalayan kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a locally adapted leafy vegetable with potential as a source of essential minerals; however, variation in Fe concentration and bioavailability among its genotypes remains insufficiently characterised. The present study evaluated Fe concentration and relative in vitro Fe bioavailability in four selected Himalayan kale variants, H4, H5, H7 and H8. Dried leaf powders were subjected to wet acid digestion using nitric acid and perchloric acid (4:1), and Fe concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). A Caco-2 cell-based in vitro assay was additionally employed to assess relative Fe bioavailability. Spinach was included as a comparative leafy vegetable, while ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) served as the reference control. Considerable variation in Fe concentration was observed, ranging from 5.83 to 16.58 ppm. H5 recorded the highest Fe concentration (16.58 ppm), followed by H7 (15.30 ppm), H4 (12.72 ppm) and H8 (5.83 ppm). H5 therefore contained approximately 2.84-fold more Fe than H8. The combined evaluation of Fe concentration and in vitro bioavailability identified H5 and H7 as promising variants, providing useful baseline information for nutritional characterisation and future utilisation of Himalayan kale in nutritional improvement and biofortification programmes.

Effect of Hydrothermal Treatment on Cooking Quality Characteristics of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) Pre-release Rice Cultivars

Nazneen Begum — 2026-09-25

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars exhibit considerable variation in cooking quality due to differences in their physicochemical and starch characteristics. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the cooking quality characteristics of selected Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) pre-release rice cultivars before and after hydrothermal treatment. Eleven PJTAU pre-release rice cultivars, namely KNM 12368, KNM 12472, KNM 13555, KNM 7715, KNM 12510, KPS 10642, KPS 10631, KPS 10329, WGL 1380, WGL 1537 and RNR 35008, along with RNR 15048 and BPT 5204 as controls, were evaluated. Steaming was standardised using an autoclave at 0.5 and 1.0 kg/cm² gauge pressure for 5, 10 and 15 min. Based on milling performance, 1.0 kg/cm² gauge pressure for 5 min was selected for preparation of steamed samples. Raw and steamed rice were evaluated for cooking time, elongation ratio, water uptake ratio, alkali degradation, equivalent weight, gruel solid loss, volume expansion ratio and gelatinization temperature. Considerable variation was observed among PJTAU pre-release rice cultivars for all cooking quality parameters. Steaming generally reduced cooking time and gelatinization temperature, while increasing water uptake ratio and equivalent weight. Alkali degradation increased after steaming, indicating alterations in starch gelatinization behaviour. Gruel solid loss generally decreased following steaming, suggesting reduced leaching of solids during cooking. Elongation ratio and volume expansion ratio exhibited cultivar-dependent responses. The findings demonstrated that controlled hydrothermal treatment modified the cooking characteristics of rice, with the magnitude of changes varying among cultivars. Overall, steaming at 1.0 kg/cm² gauge pressure for 5 min showed potential for modifying the cooking quality of PJTAU pre-release rice cultivars.

Pathogenicity-based Isolate Profiling of Macrophomina phaseolina Associated with Stem and Root Rot of Groundnut and Sunflower

Shaik Reshma — 2026-09-25

Aims: To characterize Macrophomina phaseolina isolates from groundnut and sunflower in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India, for cultural traits and pathogenic variability, and to develop an integrated Macrophomina Virulence Index (MVI) for profiling the isolates across hosts and assays in relation to pathogenicity.

Study Design: Pathogenicity based isolate profiling using rolled paper towel and sick-soil pot culture assays, with multivariate analysis and hierarchical clustering.

Place and Duration of Study: Infected groundnut and sunflower samples were collected from districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Laboratory assays and pathogenicity tests were conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, during 2024-25.

Methodology: Forty-one M. phaseolina isolates were isolated from symptomatic root and basal stem tissues. Isolates were characterized for colony morphology and microsclerotial production on PDA. Pathogenicity was evaluated on groundnut cv. K-6 and sunflower hybrid KBSH-44 using rolled paper towel (germination, seed rot, seedling blight, total infection) and sick-soil pot culture assays (germination, wilt incidence, root rot incidence, mean lesion length). Integrated Macrophomina Virulence Index (MVI) was computed across 16 pathogenicity components (2 hosts × 2 assays × 4 variables). Isolates were clustered hierarchically based on disease-response profiles.

Results: All isolates produced typical M. phaseolina colonies with variation in colour, texture and growth. In rolled paper towel and pot assays, total infection and wilt incidence ranged from 0–100%, respectively. MVI values showed a continuous distribution, indicating a continuum of aggressiveness. Hierarchical clustering resolved isolates into three consensus clusters and distinguished broad-spectrum from host-preferential phenotypes.

Conclusion: The study revealed substantial cultural and pathogenic diversity among Macrophomina phaseolina isolates from groundnut and sunflower in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The integrated MVI demonstrated a continuum of pathogenicity and identified both broadly aggressive and host-preferential isolates. These findings provide a useful foundation for resistance screening, pathogen characterization and sustainable disease management in oilseed crops.

Isolation and Morphological Characterization of Endophytic Bacteria and Fungi from Different Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Genotypes

M. Avanija — 2026-09-25

Aim: The present investigation aimed to isolate and morphologically characterise culturable bacterial and fungal endophytes associated with diverse castor (Ricinus communis L.) genotypes.

Study Design: CRD

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IIOR, Rajendranagar. The study was conducted from January 2025 to February 2026.

Results: Healthy root and stem tissues from castor genotypes were surface sterilized and cultured on selective media for endophyte isolation. A total of 222 endophytic isolates, comprising 186 bacterial and 36 fungal isolates, were obtained. Stem tissues yielded a marginally higher number of endophytes (114 isolates) than root tissues (108 isolates), while the highest recovery of endophytes was observed from plants sampled at 30 days after sowing. Bacterial isolates exhibited substantial phenotypic diversity based on colony morphology, including variations in colour, shape, size, texture, elevation, and margin. Gram staining revealed that 137 isolates (73.66%) were Gram-positive, whereas 49 isolates (26.34%) were Gram-negative. Fungal isolates displayed distinct cultural and microscopic characteristics and were tentatively identified as Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium species, with Trichoderma representing the predominant genus. The considerable diversity of endophytes observed among different castor genotypes and plant tissues indicates that the composition of the endophytic microbiome is influenced by host genotype and tissue type.

Conclusion: Overall, these findings provide a strong foundation for the development of endophyte-based, environmentally sustainable strategies for the biological management of castor root rot and improved crop productivity.

Influence of Growing Media on Early Vegetative Growth and Flowering Attributes of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium R.) Genotypes

Rajat Verma — 2026-09-25

Growing medium is a major determinant of root-zone aeration, water availability and nutrient supply in container-grown chrysanthemum, while cultivar-specific responses can modify the magnitude of these effects. A two-year investigation (2024-25 and 2025-26) at Banda, Uttar Pradesh, evaluated seven growing media across five chrysanthemum genotypes in a factorial completely randomised design with four replications. The 7 × 5 factorial generated 35 treatment combinations, with one plant per 10-inch pot and 140 pots maintained under open-field conditions in each experimental setup. This paper focuses on plant height, plant spread, number of branches and number of leaves at 30 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT), together with leaf area, flower bud break, number of flowers per plant, flower withering period and flower weight per plant. Pooled data showed that soil + sand + farmyard manure (2:1:1; M₂) produced the greatest plant height at 30 and 60 DAT (12.79 and 22.75 cm), whereas soil + sand + vermicompost (2:1:1; M₃) produced the highest number of leaves at both stages (24.03 and 45.15). Cocopeat + vermicompost + farmyard manure (2:1:1; M₆) recorded the largest leaf area (30.76 cm²), the highest flower number (54.35 plant-¹) and the longest flower-withering period (71.60 days), while M₃ advanced flower bud break to 96.85 days. Cocopeat + vermicompost + vermiculite (2:1:1; M₇) produced the greatest mean flower weight (3.03 g). Pusa Lohit (G₃) showed the greatest pooled leaf area (45.82 cm²), the longest flower-withering period (68.80 days) and the highest flower weight (5.25 g), whereas Pusa Chitraksha (G₄) produced the most flowers (39.29 plant-¹). Notable pooled interactions included M₂ × G₃ for plant height at 60 DAT (29.13 cm) and leaf area (68.14 cm²), M6 × G4 for flowers per plant (75.63), M6 × G3 for flower withering (75.50 days), and M₁× G₃ for flower weight (6.51 g). The findings indicate that no single medium optimised every trait and that substrate choice should be aligned with the desired vegetative and floral response.

Comparative Evaluation of Mixed and Individual Fruit Vinegars Prepared from Apricot, Date, Bael and Fig

Amandeep Mor — 2026-09-26

Fruit vinegar is a value-added fermented product that can improve the utilisation of highly perishable fruits while providing desirable physicochemical, nutritional, bioactive, and sensory characteristics. However, information comparing vinegars prepared individually and as blends of apricot, date, bael, and fig under standardised fermentation conditions remains limited. Such comparative evaluation is important to determine whether blending these fruits can provide a broader compositional and functional profile than individual fruit vinegars. The present study evaluated mixed and individual fruit vinegars prepared from apricot, date, fig, and bael for their physicochemical, bioactive, mineral, and sensory characteristics. The mixed fruit vinegar was produced through sequential alcoholic and acetic acid fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Acetobacter aceti. Based on the fermentation study, the most suitable conditions were an initial TSS of 14 °Brix, pH 5.0, and 30 °C. Under these conditions, the mixed fruit vinegar had a TSS of 5.10 °Brix, total sugars of 3.65%, pH 2.9, titratable acidity of 1.16%, residual alcohol of 0.30%, and acetic acid of 4.31%. Additionally, it showed 63.31% antioxidant activity, 110.6 mg GAE/100 mL total phenolic content, 8.5 mg/100 mL ascorbic acid, and 3.09 mg/100 mL carotenoids. Bael vinegar demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (75.41%), date vinegar had the highest total phenolic content (67.31 mg GAE/100 mL), and apricot vinegar had the highest carotenoid concentration (2.8 mg/100 mL) among the individual vinegars. Compared with the individual fruit vinegars, the mixed vinegar had higher levels of acetic acid and total phenolic compounds. Sensory evaluation showed good acceptability, with scores of 8.1, 7.3, 7.9, 8.0, and 8.0 for colour, aroma, taste, flavour, and overall acceptability, respectively. Among the individual vinegars, bael vinegar had the highest overall acceptability (8.19). According to phytochemical screening, fig and bael vinegars showed strong reactivity for tannins and flavonoids. While individual fruit vinegars demonstrated clear benefits for particular qualitative characteristics, mixing the four fruits resulted in a highly acceptable vinegar with a high acetic acid concentration and a broad nutritional and functional profile.

Response of Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) to Salicylic Acid, GA3 and NAA

Sakshi Chandpaliya — 2026-09-26

The present investigation was carried out during the Rabi season of 2025–26 at the Agricultural Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, to evaluate the influence of foliar applications of Salicylic Acid (SA), Gibberellic Acid (GA₃), and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) at different growth stages on the growth, yield, quality attributes, and economics of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica cv. Festival F1 Hybrid). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications comprising ten treatments: T₀ (Water Spray - Control), T₁ (NAA @ 70 ppm at 15 DAT), T₂ (NAA @ 70 ppm at 30 DAT), T₃ (NAA @ 70 ppm at 45 DAT), T₄ (GA₃ @ 70 ppm at 15 DAT), T₅(GA₃ @ 70 ppm at 30 DAT), T₆ (GA₃ @ 70 ppm at 45 DAT), T₇ (Salicylic acid @ 70 ppm at 15 DAT), T₈ (Salicylic acid @ 70 ppm at 30 DAT), and T₉ (Salicylic acid @ 70 ppm at 45 DAT). The results revealed that vegetative characters were significantly influenced by synthetic auxin application, with NAA @ 70 ppm applied at 45 DAT (T3) recording the maximum plant height at 45 DAT (29.87 cm) and 60 DAT (30.77 cm), as well as the highest number of leaves per plant (17.86 and 21.11, respectively). Total leaf chlorophyll content was highest (2.80 mg/g fresh weight) under NAA @ 70 ppm applied at 30 DAT (T₂). In contrast, curd yield attributes, yield, and functional quality parameters responded most favourably to gibberellin intervention. A foliar spray of GA₃ @ 70 ppm at 45 DAT (T₆) was significantly superior in maximising primary curd weight (413.26 g), primary curd volume (287.25 cc), number of secondary curds per plant (11.98), weight of secondary curds per plant (194.60 g), total yield per plant (607.87 g), total yield per plot (14.59 kg), and total yield per hectare (24.01 t/ha), which was 21.08% higher than the untreated control (19.83 t/ha). Furthermore, the maximum crude protein content (2.34%) and vitamin C content (79.36 mg/100 g) were recorded under T₆, whereas total soluble solids peaked under GA₃ @ 70 ppm at 30 DAT (T₅, 10.82 °Brix). Economic evaluation clearly demonstrated that GA₃@ 70 ppm applied at 45 DAT (T6) generated the highest net return (₹ 2,25,078.65/ha) and benefit–cost ratio (1.67). Overall, foliar spray of GA₃ @ 70 ppm at 45 DAT represents the most viable agronomic recommendation for optimising yield, curd quality, and farm profitability in sprouting broccoli under semi-arid conditions.

Evaluation of Biofortified Provitamin a Maize Genotypes for Resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot Caused by Fusarium verticillioides

Abibat O. Shittu — 2026-09-26

Provitamin A (PVA) maize was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency in developing regions. However, Fusarium ear rot threatens grain yield, quality, and safety, potentially limiting the intended benefits. A screenhouse evaluation was conducted at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria, to determine the responses of PVA maize genotypes to Fusarium verticillioides. Nineteen PVA maize genotypes were evaluated under artificial inoculation using a completely randomised design with three replicates. Maize ears were artificially inoculated using the silk-channel method with 2 mL of spore suspension (1.0 × 10⁶ spores mL^-1). Disease severity (DS) was assessed at physiological maturity using a 1–7 rating scale. Agronomic, yield, and disease severity data were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant (p < 0.01) genotypic differences were observed for disease severity, which ranged from 1.00 to 5.00. Genotype 17A16494-PVASYHGBC2 exhibited the highest level of resistance (DS = 1.00), whereas 16C25335-F2TWLY131211 was the most susceptible (DS = 5.00). Notably, 14A21616-DOMINANT-YELLOW-VARIETY combined low disease severity (DS = 1.33) with superior ear weight (89.03 g) and cob weight (59.77 g), indicating the potential to combine resistance with desirable agronomic performance. Based on disease severity ratings, 31.58% of the genotypes were resistant, 36.84% were moderately resistant, 21.05% were moderately susceptible, 5.26% were susceptible, and 5.26% were highly susceptible. The study identified several genotypes as promising sources of resistance for the development of high-yielding, Fusarium ear rot-resistant PVA maize cultivars for tropical environments.

Diagnostic Utility of Rapid Immunochromatographic Testing and Comparative Efficacy of Therapeutic Regimens in Canine Ehrlichiosis

Sakshi Singh — 2026-09-28

Canine ehrlichiosis is an important tick-borne disease of dogs that requires early and reliable diagnosis for effective clinical management. The present study was undertaken to compare the diagnostic performance of a rapid immunochromatographic test with peripheral blood smear examination and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of minocycline, doxycycline, and imidocarb dipropionate in affected dogs. A total of 1,214 dogs were examined, of which 149 clinically suspected cases were subjected to diagnostic evaluation using a rapid immunochromatographic test and peripheral blood smear examination. Eighteen confirmed cases were randomly divided into three groups of six dogs each. Clinical, haematological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated before treatment and on days 14 and 28. Of the 149 suspected dogs, 117 (78.52%) tested positive by the rapid immunochromatographic test, whereas morulae were detected in only 12.08% of cases by blood smear examination. Affected dogs commonly showed inappetence, fever, pale mucous membranes, lethargy, melena, and thrombocytopenia, along with evidence of mild hepatic and renal dysfunction. Both minocycline and doxycycline produced marked clinical improvement and faster restoration of altered haematological and biochemical parameters compared with imidocarb dipropionate. All dogs treated with minocycline recovered completely by day 28 without adverse effects, whereas two dogs in the imidocarb-treated group died during the study. The findings indicate that the rapid immunochromatographic test demonstrated a higher detection rate and greater clinical utility than peripheral blood smear examination for the routine evaluation of suspected cases of canine ehrlichiosis, and minocycline may serve as an effective alternative to doxycycline for its treatment.

Diversity and Distribution of Gastropods on the Sikka Coast: A Comprehensive Study

Shubham Janbandhu — 2026-09-28

An inventory study is a primary method for protecting biodiversity. This study focused on the quantitative assessment of marine gastropods at two adjacent sites on the Sikka coast in the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India, namely Vador and the GSFC jetty site, from December 2021 to May 2022. Random sampling was used for the study, and the two sites were compared using the recorded data. A total of 52 species of Gastropoda (phylum Mollusca) were reported, belonging to 12 orders, 31 families, and 49 genera. A total of 48 and 42 gastropod species were recorded from the Vador and GSFC sites, respectively. Neogastropoda was found to be the dominant order, comprising 16 species. At the family level, five species each were recorded from Discodoridae and Muricidae. The highest density at the Vador site was observed for Pirenella cingulata, at 16 no/30m², followed by Erronea adusta at 11 no/30m², whereas at the GSFC jetty site, Euplica scripta had a density of 13 no/30m², followed by Aplysia argus and Peronia verruculata at 12 no/30m² each. The station-wise average Shannon diversity index (H’) was higher at the Vador site (3.3165) than at the GSFC jetty site (3.215). Margalef’s richness index ranged from 5.542 to 8.038 during the study period. The station-wise average Margalef’s richness indices for the Vador and GSFC jetty sites were 7.068 and 6.5325, respectively. The average evenness value was 0.7833 at the Vador site and 0.813 at the GSFC site; thus, GSFC recorded a comparatively higher average evenness value than Vador.

Comparative Study of Milk Composition and Somatic Cell Count in Murrah Buffaloes Reared under Farm and Field Conditions

Pratap Gore — 2026-09-28

Somatic cell count (SCC) is an important indicator of mammary gland health and milk quality and may vary with parity and management conditions. The present study compared SCC and milk composition in Murrah buffaloes reared under farm and field conditions. Forty-eight buffaloes were divided into farm (n = 24) and field (n = 24) groups, with each group comprising 12 primiparous and 12 multiparous animals. Milk samples were collected hygienically and analysed for SCC, fat, solid-not-fat (SNF), protein, lactose, electrical conductivity, and pH. Data were expressed as mean ± SE and analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple-comparison test. SCC differed significantly among groups, ranging from 0.74 ± 0.05 to 1.24 ± 0.16 lakh cells/mL, with the lowest value in farm-reared primiparous buffaloes and the highest in field-reared multiparous buffaloes. Protein content ranged from 3.61 ± 0.11% to 4.22 ± 0.12%, with the highest value in field-reared multiparous buffaloes. Electrical conductivity and pH also differed significantly and were higher in field-reared multiparous buffaloes. Fat, SNF, and lactose did not differ significantly among groups. The findings indicate that parity and rearing conditions are associated with SCC and selected milk-quality indicators in Murrah buffaloes. Routine assessment of SCC together with electrical conductivity and pH may support evaluation of udder health and milk quality.

Micropropagation of Rauvolfia serpentina L. Benth. ex Kurz: An Endangered Medicinal Plant

Jeeban Kumar Nayak — 2026-09-28

Rauvolfia serpentina is an endangered medicinal plant with limited seed-based propagation because of poor seed viability and low germination. This study aimed to standardise an in vitro propagation protocol using shoot tips by evaluating shoot initiation, shoot multiplication, shoot survival, and rooting responses under different plant growth regulator combinations. Mature and healthy shoots were collected from the Horticulture Forest Garden of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, and nodal segments were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP and IBA. Cultures were maintained at 25 ± 2°C under a 16 h light/8 h dark photoperiod, and the data were analysed using a complete randomised design. The earliest shoot initiation occurred after 8.82 days on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L IBA, and the same treatment produced the highest number of regenerated shoots (5.12 shoots/explant) and the highest shoot-health score. Rooting was not observed on the shoot multiplication medium; therefore, regenerated shoots were transferred to rooting media containing IBA and NAA. The highest rooting response was 61.67% with 2.0 mg/L IBA and 0.50 mg/L NAA, with 53.33% post-rooting survival. These results identify treatment combinations that may support mass multiplication, synthetic seed preparation, and subsequent in vitro conservation of R. serpentina.

A Study on the Development and Quality Evaluation of an Instant Pearl Millet Sweet Premix: Influence of Roasting on Physical, Functional and Storage Stability

Turiganti Lasya Sri Rani — 2026-09-28

The present study was undertaken to develop and evaluate an instant pearl millet sweet premix and to assess the effect of roasting on its physical, functional and storage characteristics. Six formulations were prepared using pearl millet, jowar, ragi, nuts, jaggery powder and date sugar and evaluated using a 9-point hedonic scale. Formulation PMRSC, containing 25% pearl millet flour, 12.5% jowar flour, 12.5% ragi flour, 10% nuts, 20% jaggery powder and 20% date sugar, recorded the highest overall acceptability score of 8.20 and was selected for further evaluation. The roasted premix had a bulk density of 0.55 ± 0.00 g/mL, an approximate tapped bulk density of 0.81 g/mL, a Hausner ratio of 1.47 ± 0.00, water absorption capacity of 106.9 ± 0.6% and oil absorption capacity of 116.7 ± 6.7%. During 75 days of storage, alcoholic acidity, free fatty acids, lipase activity and peroxide value increased in both roasted and control premixes; however, the roasted premix showed lower final values for all four deterioration indicators. The findings demonstrate that roasting improved the functional and powder-flow characteristics of the selected premix and reduced the rate of storage-related quality deterioration, supporting its potential as a convenient millet-based instant food product.

Effect of Nano Urea and Organic Liquid Fertilizers on Growth, Yield, Fruit Quality and Economics of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Santosh Kumar Meena — 2026-09-29

Aim: The present investigation was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, to evaluate the effects of nano urea and organic liquid fertilizers on the growth, yield, fruit quality and economics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Methodology: The field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2025-26 in a factorial randomized block design. Factor A comprised four nitrogen-management regimes: control (N₀), 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + two foliar sprays of nano urea at 4 mL/L (N₁), 75% RDF + two foliar sprays of nano urea at 4 mL/L (N₂) and 100% RDF without nano urea (N₃). Factor B comprised control (O₀), vermiwash at 100 mL/L (O₁), Jeevamrit at 100 mL/L (O₂) and seaweed extract at 3 mL/L (O₃). Sixteen treatment combinations were replicated three times.

Results: The N₁ x O₃ combination (100% RDF + two nano urea sprays at 4 mL/L + seaweed extract at 3 mL/L) recorded the highest plant height at 45 days after transplanting (101.48 cm) and at harvest (192.59 cm), number of branches per plant (10.54) and dry matter content (13.56%). It also recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (24.40), average fruit weight (92.48 g), fruit yield per plant (2.12 kg) and reported fruit yield per hectare (47.14 t/ha). The same treatment recorded the highest TSS (7.24 ^OBrix), beta-carotene (18.46 mg/g), total sugars (6.62%), titratable acidity (0.67%), lycopene (6.84 mg/g) and ascorbic acid (24.62 mg/100g), together with the highest numerical net return (INR 400,231.19 per ha) and B:C ratio (2.70).

Conclusion: Under the conditions of this single-season experiment, N₁ x O₃ showed the most favorable overall combination of growth, yield, fruit-quality and economic responses. Validation across additional seasons and locations is required before making a broad agronomic recommendation.

Precision N Management by LCC and SPAD Affecting Growth, Productivity and Economics of Maize

Jahnabi Gogoi — 2026-09-29

Conventional methods based on soil tests and plant tissue analyses result in good yields, but these are often time-consuming and expensive. Precision diagnostic tools such as the leaf colour chart (LCC) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) meter are presently available for site-specific and need-based N management in cereals; these tools can estimate the N status of growing crops and help increase nutrient availability based on plant needs, resulting in greater plant growth and productivity. In view of this, a field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2023-24 at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen management through precision tools on the growth and yield of maize (variety DKC 9081). The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with 3 replications and ten treatments, viz., vermicompost @1.5 t/ha + RDN @ 80kg /ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + SPAD value ≤ 30 @ 20 kg N/ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + SPAD value ≤ 32.5 @ 20kg N/ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + SPAD value ≤ 35 @ 20kg N/ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + SPAD value ≤ 37.5 @ 20kg N/ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + SPAD value ≤ 40 @ 20kg N/ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + LCC ≤ 3.5 @ 20kg N/ha, vermicompost @1.5 t/ha + LCC ≤ 4 @ 20kg N/ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + LCC ≤ 4.5 @ 20kg N/ha and control. The results revealed that the different nitrogen management practices under study influenced crop growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of rabi maize. Among the treatments, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + LCC ≤ 4.5 @ 20kg N/ha and vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + SPAD value ≤ 40 @ 20kg N/ha recorded higher values for crop growth parameters such as plant height, number of fully developed leaves, leaf area index, root parameters, plant dry weight, crop growth rate and relative growth rate. The same treatments showed higher maize yields, with respective increases in cob yield by 120.65 and 114.89%, kernel yield by 153.33 and 152.23%, and stover yield by 69.27 and 67.94% over the control. The benefit-cost ratio was also higher under vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + LCC ≤ 4.5 @ 20 kg N/ha (1.99) and vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + SPAD value ≤ 40 @ 20kg N/ha (1.97).

Prevalence and Bacteriological Characterization of Canine Superficial Pyoderma

Saloni Chouhan — 2026-09-30

Superficial pyoderma is an important bacterial dermatological disorder in dogs. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of superficial pyoderma and characterise the bacterial organisms associated with the condition. A total of 1,874 dogs presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mhow, were screened, of which 418 were diagnosed with dermatological disorders. Dogs showing lesions suggestive of superficial pyoderma were clinically examined and samples were collected aseptically from pustules, exudates and pus for bacteriological examination. Samples were enriched in Brain Heart Infusion broth and subjected to Gram staining, cultural examination and biochemical tests. Of the 1,874 dogs screened, 79 were diagnosed with superficial pyoderma, giving an overall prevalence of 4.21%, while the condition accounted for 22.30% of skin diseases. The highest age-wise prevalence was recorded in dogs aged 1–7 years (40.38%), followed by 6–12 months (14.29%), >7 years (9.82%) and 0–6 months (8.42%). Breed-wise, Labrador Retrievers showed the highest prevalence (29.90%), followed by German Shepherds (22.07%) and Pomeranians (17.95%). Sex-wise prevalence was higher in males (25.21%) than females (11.17%). Bacteriological examination revealed Staphylococcus spp. as the predominant isolate, recovered alone from 74 samples (93.67%), while mixed infection with Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli was detected in 5 samples (6.33%). The findings highlight the importance of bacteriological examination for accurate identification of bacterial organisms associated with canine superficial pyoderma.

Stage-wise Morphometric Characterisation of Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under Laboratory Conditions

T. R. Darji — 2026-09-30

Aims: To characterise the morphometric features of four nymphal instars, apterate adults and alate adults of Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) reared on mustard under laboratory conditions.

Study Design: Laboratory-based morphometric study.

Place and Duration of Study: P. G. Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, during rabi 2024.

Methodology: Four nymphal instars and two adult morphs, apterate and alate, were examined for body and appendage dimensions. Body length and body width were recorded from 30 specimens for each developmental stage or adult morph, whereas antennal, cornicle, caudal and leg dimensions were recorded from 15 specimens per stage or morph.

Results: Mean body length increased from 0.73±0.03 mm in the first instar to 1.59±0.04 mm in the fourth instar, while mean body width increased from 0.38±0.02 to 0.82±0.05 mm. Mean antennal length increased from 0.47±0.04 to 1.03±0.04 mm and mean cornicle length from 0.07±0.01 to 0.16±0.01 mm across the nymphal instars. Mean hind-leg length increased from 0.58±0.04 to 1.29±0.12 mm. The Apterate adult measured 1.84±0.08 mm in length and 1.14±0.03 mm in width, whereas the corresponding values for the alate adult were 1.79±0.08 and 1.05±0.02 mm. Distinct differences were recorded in antennal, cornicle, caudal and leg dimensions among stages and adult morphs.

Conclusion: The study provides stage-specific morphometric information that can support the identification and differentiation of developmental stages and adult morphs of L. erysimi under laboratory conditions.

Genetic Basis of Bacterial Wilt Resistance in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Navin Kumar — 2026-09-30

Bacterial wilt, caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex, is a major constraint to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production, particularly in warm and humid environments such as Karnataka. The development of resistant cultivars represents an effective, sustainable, and economical strategy for disease management; however, the genetic basis of resistance must be understood to facilitate efficient selection and resistance breeding. The present study was undertaken to investigate the inheritance of bacterial wilt resistance in tomato using the resistant inbred NBT-01 crossed with two susceptible inbreds, NBT-05 and NBT-06. The two crosses, NBT-01 × NBT-05 (Cross-1) and NBT-01 × NBT-06 (Cross-2), were generated, and their parental lines, F₁, F₂, and backcross generations were evaluated for disease reaction under sick-plot conditions. Segregation patterns in the F₂ populations were analysed for conformity with expected Mendelian ratios using chi-square tests. The F₁ plants of both crosses showed a predominantly resistant phenotype, with a PDI of 6.66%, indicating strong expression of resistance from NBT-01. Resistance was dominant over susceptibility in both crosses in the F₂ generation. In NBT-01 × NBT-05, 265 resistant and 15 susceptible plants were recorded among 280 plants, compared with expected frequencies of 262.5 and 17.5 under a 15:1 ratio. The corresponding chi-square value was 0.381 (df = 1; P = 0.537). Similarly, NBT-01 × NBT-06 produced 252 resistant and 13 susceptible plants among 265 plants, compared with expected frequencies of 248.44 and 16.56, giving a chi-square value of 0.817 (df = 1; P = 0.366). Thus, F₂ segregation in both crosses was consistent with a 15:1 resistant:susceptible ratio, suggesting that resistance is governed by the interaction of two dominant genes or loci under the conditions evaluated. These findings provide genetic evidence for a complementary gene action model for bacterial wilt resistance in NBT-01, and the identified inheritance pattern can assist in designing selection strategies for incorporating bacterial wilt resistance into susceptible tomato breeding lines. Nevertheless, the segregation pattern represents the genetic model observed for the specific crosses, pathogen population, and screening environment and does not, by itself, establish the molecular identity of the underlying resistance loci.

In vitro Evaluation of Bioagents and Their Consortia against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris Causing Wilt of Chickpea

S. D. Sankethreddy — 2026-09-30

The microbial consortia (combinations of bioagents) are increasingly used for crop protection in preference to single bioinoculants to overcome the inconsistent performance of chemical pesticides. Wilt of chickpea caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is a serious soil-borne disease in chickpea-growing regions. The four biocontrol agents Trichoderma asperellum UASR strain, Bacillus subtilis SE76, Streptomyces nenu DS-11 and Pseudomonas fluorescens UASR strain were evaluated in vitro against F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. The antagonistic potential of bioagents against the pathogen was higher in consortia than in single bioagents. The four-member consortium T₁₅(T. asperellum +B. subtilis + Streptomyces nenu + P. fluorescens) was superior to all other treatments in inhibiting mycelial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (87.77 %). Among three-member consortia, the highest inhibition was recorded in T₁₃ (T. asperellum + Streptomyces sp. + P. fluorescens) with 81.25 per cent, followed by T₁₂(T. asperellum + B. subtilis + P. fluorescens) (76.22 %). Among two-member consortia, T₇ (T. asperellum + P. fluorescens) recorded the highest inhibition (79.13 %). Among individual antagonists, T. asperellum proved to be the most effective (62.14 %) followed by Streptomyces nenu (53.00 %) and B. subtilis (50.33 %), while P. fluorescens recorded the least inhibition (47.22 %). These findings demonstrate that rationally designed, compatible microbial consortia can provide substantially greater in vitro suppression of Fusarium than individual bioagents, supporting their further development as components of integrated wilt management in chickpea.

Effect of Polishing on Nutritional, Physical, Functional and Colour Characteristics of Foxtail Millet

Oggu Sameeksha — 2026-10-01

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is a nutrient-rich, climate-resilient minor millet; however, polishing, while improving processing and eating quality, can alter its nutritional, physical, and functional characteristics. The present study evaluated the effects of 5% and 10% polishing on the nutritional, physical, functional, and colour characteristics of foxtail millet, using dehulled unpolished grain as the control. Foxtail millet variety SIA-3088 was dehulled and polished to 5% (P5FM) and 10% (P10FM), and the samples were analysed in triplicate. Polishing significantly affected fat, crude fibre, protein, total dietary fibre, carbohydrate, and energy contents (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Protein content increased from 13.41% in the control to 13.80% and 14.07% in P5FM and P10FM, respectively, while total dietary fibre decreased from 9.313% to 6.786% and 6.062%. Crude fibre decreased from 1.70% in the control to 1.487% and 1.471% in P5FM and P10FM, respectively, whereas fat increased from 5.28% in the control to 6.17% and 5.70% in P5FM and P10FM, respectively. Energy content increased from 382.1 to 387.1 and 385.5 kcal/100 g. Physical and functional properties were significantly influenced by polishing. Bulk density decreased from 0.5683 g/mL in the control to 0.5062 and 0.5167 g/mL in P5FM and P10FM, respectively, while tapped density decreased from 0.8152 to 0.8128 and 0.7938 g/mL, respectively. Water absorption capacity increased from 1.280 to 1.371 and 1.389 g/g in P5FM and P10FM, respectively, whereas oil absorption capacity did not differ significantly. Colour characteristics were not significantly affected, with L*, a*, and b* values ranging from 62.65-63.19, 7.713-7.987, and 34.09-35.21, respectively, and ΔE values below 1. Overall, polishing up to 10% significantly modified the nutritional and functional properties of foxtail millet while maintaining its colour characteristics, suggesting that moderate polishing can improve functional attributes without substantial visual changes.

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.

Role of Defense Enzymes in Plant Responses to Light Stress

V. Vijay Prabha — 2026-09-11

Light is a major environmental determinant of plant growth, photosynthesis, development, and stress acclimation. Both insufficient and excessive irradiance disrupt metabolism and may reduce productivity. Low light restricts carbon assimilation, biomass accumulation, leaf development, and resource transport, whereas excess light can exceed photosynthetic capacity, promote photoinhibition, impair photosystem II, and increase the formation of reactive oxygen species. Uncontrolled accumulation of superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and related oxidants damages membranes, proteins, pigments, and other cellular components. Plants counter light-induced oxidative stress through coordinated adjustments involving chloroplast movement, stomatal regulation, pigment composition, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and antioxidant enzymes. This review examines the principal defence enzymes associated with plant responses to light stress, with emphasis on superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, class III peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. These enzymes function as an interconnected redox network rather than as isolated components: superoxide dismutase converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide; catalase and peroxidases remove hydrogen peroxide; and glutathione-dependent pathways maintain reducing capacity and redox homeostasis. Evidence across species and light regimes indicates that enzyme responses vary with genotype, light intensity, spectral quality, exposure duration, tissue, developmental stage, and accompanying stresses. Increased enzyme activity does not necessarily indicate greater tolerance because it may also reflect stronger oxidative pressure. Integrated interpretation of enzyme activity, reactive oxygen species accumulation, redox status, membrane damage, and photosynthetic performance is therefore required to identify mechanisms that genuinely support light-stress resilience.

Biotechnological Advances in Microbial Kojic Acid Production and Sustainable Industrial Applications

Parth Shroff — 2026-09-12

Kojic acid is an industrially important fungal secondary metabolite widely utilised in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries due to its tyrosinase inhibitory, antioxidant, and metal-chelating properties. The increasing commercial demand for naturally derived kojic acid is constrained by limitations associated with substrate costs, fermentation efficiency, and downstream processing. Microbial fermentation using Aspergillus species continues to represent the most practical production route due to its environmental compatibility and scalability. This review critically evaluates recent advances in microbial kojic acid production with an emphasis on biosynthetic regulation, fermentation technologies, strain engineering, downstream processing, and sustainable bioprocessing strategies. Particular attention is given to submerged and solid-state fermentation systems, optimisation of physicochemical parameters, and the utilisation of agro-industrial residues as low-cost substrates. Recent advances in metabolic engineering, including CRISPR-assisted genome modification and pathway optimisation in engineered Aspergillus strains, are also discussed in relation to productivity enhancement and metabolic regulation. In addition, the review highlights emerging industrial applications of kojic acid and its derivatives in nanotechnology-based delivery systems, antimicrobial biomaterials, food preservation, and biomedical formulations. Recent developments in green cosmetic formulations, hydrogel-based delivery systems, niosomal encapsulation, and biorefinery-integrated fermentation have further expanded the industrial significance of kojic acid. Advanced formulation technologies improve compound stability, bioavailability, and skin permeability while supporting environmentally sustainable production systems. Despite substantial progress, industrial production continues to face limitations associated with oxygen transfer, substrate inconsistency, purification costs, and process scalability. Future research should therefore focus on integrating systems biology, smart bioprocess control, sustainable feedstock utilisation, and circular bioeconomy principles to establish economically viable and environmentally sustainable production platforms for kojic acid.

Unravelling the Evolution and Anatomical Adaptations Pertaining to Avian Flight

Mayura Moitrayee — 2026-09-14

Avian flight represents an integrated functional system arising from evolutionary modifications of the skeleton, musculature, integument, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, sensory organs, and overall body configuration. This review summarises the evolutionary background of avian flight and the principal anatomical and physiological features associated with aerial locomotion. The transition from theropod ancestors to early birds involved progressive changes in feathers, forelimb morphology, skeletal fusion, and structures supporting wing movement and stability. Externally, wing geometry, flight feathers, tail configuration, and streamlined body form influence lift, thrust, drag, manoeuvrability, and flight efficiency. Internally, skeletal fusion and pneumaticity provide a lightweight yet mechanically stable framework, while the pectoralis and supracoracoideus form the principal muscular apparatus responsible for wing movement. The specialised avian respiratory and cardiovascular systems support the substantial metabolic requirements of sustained activity. Digestive, reproductive, neurological, and sensory features further contribute to functional integration during locomotion and flight. Avian flight is governed by interactions among lift, thrust, drag, and body weight, with wing position, angle of attack, feather orientation, and tail movement contributing to aerodynamic control. Differences among hovering, soaring, high-speed, migratory, and flightless birds demonstrate the diversity of structural and functional strategies within Aves. Overall, avian flight reflects the coordinated interaction of evolutionary history, anatomical specialisation, physiological capacity, and aerodynamic constraints.

Morphology, Phytochemistry and Growth Regulation in Barleria L. (Acanthaceae): A Critical Narrative Review

Nivea Antony — 2026-09-17

Background and Significance: Barleria L. is among the largest genera of Acanthaceae, comprising roughly three hundred palaeotropical species that carry substantial medicinal, ornamental and ecological value. Three research communities have engaged with the genus largely in isolation: systematists concerned with delimitation and structural diagnostics, natural-product chemists concerned with iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides, and a small horticultural and biotechnological community concerned with propagation and growth manipulation.

Purpose and Scope: This review critically evaluates the evidence linking morphological and anatomical traits, phytochemical composition, and growth regulation approaches in Barleria, and assesses whether the three domains can currently be integrated in a defensible way.

Approach: Open scholarly indexes and citation networks were searched from January 1970 to 4 July 2026 using topic-specific Boolean concepts covering taxonomy, micromorphology, secondary metabolism and growth manipulation. Sources were appraised for design adequacy, analytical transparency, taxonomic verifiability and evidential contribution rather than citation count.

Principal Findings: Molecular phylogenetics has repeatedly overturned morphology-based infrageneric groupings, and reconstructions of character evolution indicate pervasive homoplasy in the traits historically used for classification. Micromorphological and anatomical work is descriptively rich but taxonomically narrow, resting on few species. Phytochemical coverage is dominated by four species, and quantitative comparisons across studies are undermined by heterogeneous extraction, inconsistent reference standards and frequently unverified voucher identity. Growth regulation evidence is the weakest domain: a small number of single-site tissue culture, seed dormancy and growth retardant studies exist, few have been replicated, and almost none reports both morphological and chemical outcomes.

Unresolved Questions: Whether secretory trichome complements predict metabolite yield, whether chemotypes correspond to phylogenetic lineages, and whether growth regulator interventions alter metabolite profiles predictably all remain open.

Implications: Integration will require phylogenetically structured, voucher-verified, multi-site studies that measure structure, chemistry and growth response within the same experimental material rather than in separate literatures.

From Horticultural Waste to High-value Agronomic Inputs: A Critical Narrative Review of Biostimulants, Growing Media, Biochar and Nutrient Recovery

Dipak Kumar Murmu — 2026-09-18

Horticultural production, post-harvest handling and fruit and vegetable processing generate heterogeneous residual streams that are increasingly framed as feedstocks for a circular bioeconomy. Their conversion into agronomic inputs is attractive because it can couple waste prevention with reduced dependence on peat, mineral fertilisers and other virgin resources. Yet the value of a recovered product is determined less by the generic label 'horticultural waste' than by the match between feedstock properties, processing conditions, product quality and agronomic function. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on four principal valorisation routes: waste-derived biostimulants, peat-replacing growing-media constituents, biochar, and nutrient recovery from digestates and related wet residual streams. Literature published from 1 January 2000 to 29 June 2026 was examined using multidisciplinary and agriculture-relevant scholarly sources, supplemented by citation searching and reference verification. The evidence indicates that biostimulant claims are most convincing when effects are demonstrated beyond simple nutrient supply and supported by chemical or biological characterisation; current studies remain strongly batch- and crop-dependent. Compost, vermicompost and processed green-waste fractions can replace part of peat, but performance is governed by air-filled porosity, water relations, salinity, pH, maturity, particle size and pathogen control rather than by renewable origin alone. Biochar can improve physical and chemical properties of media and soils, but feedstock and thermal history create large variability, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile compounds require quality control. Anaerobic digestion can mobilise nutrients from wet residues, although nitrogen losses, salinity and crop-demand mismatches complicate direct digestate use; fractionation and struvite recovery can improve handling and phosphorus targeting but add processing burdens. Across all routes, the strongest circular strategy is a cascading, function-led system in which clean extractable fractions, fibrous solids, woody residues and nutrient-rich liquids are directed to the least intensive process capable of producing a safe and reliable input. The main research need is therefore not another catalogue of technologies, but multi-batch and multi-site validation linked to standardised product specifications, contaminant control, life-cycle assessment and credible substitution of conventional inputs.

Cut Foliage in the Floriculture Industry: Crop Diversification, Production Determinants, Postharvest Physiology, Supply-chain Management and Research Priorities

A. P. Malavika — 2026-09-21

Cut foliage is a technically diverse but comparatively under-synthesised component of the floriculture industry. Leaves, fronds, phyllodes, cladodes and leafy shoots are traded as line, mass, filler and textural materials, yet their production and postharvest biology are often managed by practices derived from cut flowers. This critical narrative review evaluates the evidence linking crop choice, preharvest environment, harvest maturity, water relations, senescence, ethylene responses, preservative treatments, cold storage and packaging with the marketable life of cut foliage. Literature published from 1 January 1980 to 13 July 2026 was considered, with earlier material retained only when conceptually necessary. The evidence shows that cut foliage cannot be treated as a single physiological class. Water deficit and declining hydraulic conductance dominate failure in several woody and fern taxa, whereas chlorophyll loss, membrane deterioration or organ abscission can be more important in others. The mechanistic literature on Acacia holosericea demonstrates that wound-induced xylem occlusion may be more important than microbial blockage, while studies of Nephrolepis cordifolia show that dehydration can accelerate ethylene-mediated pinna abscission. Cytokinins, gibberellins, copper ions, nano-silver formulations, polyamines, melatonin and selected essential oils have each extended longevity in particular species, but responses are strongly concentration-, formulation- and taxon-dependent. Standard sucrose-hydroxyquinoline preservatives developed for cut flowers can be neutral or detrimental to foliage. Recent modified-atmosphere and active-packaging studies indicate substantial potential to stabilise water status and preserve quality during long distribution, but evidence remains limited to a small number of species and commercial simulations. The most defensible industry strategy is therefore a species-specific production-to-market protocol based on the dominant failure mechanism, rather than a universal preservative recipe. Future work should prioritise multi-location production trials, harmonised quality endpoints, commercial-chain validation, residue and worker-safety assessment, and foliage-specific environmental life-cycle evidence.

Three-dimensional Food Printing within Emerging Technologies for Personalised Nutrition and Sustainable Food Systems: A Critical Narrative Review

Arya Sarasan — 2026-09-21

Food systems face simultaneous pressure to reduce environmental impacts, limit food loss and waste, and respond to growing evidence that individuals differ in their nutritional needs and metabolic responses. Three-dimensional food printing, an additive manufacturing process that builds edible structures layer by layer from digital designs, is frequently presented as a technology capable of meeting all of these demands. This critical narrative review evaluates whether the available evidence supports that position. Peer-reviewed literature and intergovernmental reports published between January 2010 and July 2026 were identified through multidisciplinary bibliographic databases, scholarly indexes, institutional repositories and citation searching, and were appraised according to study design, outcome relevance, scale and methodological transparency. The synthesis is organised around four themes: technological foundations and process control, the operationalisation of personalised nutrition, contributions to sustainable food production, and the conditions of acceptance, safety, regulation and equity that shape future food systems. The evidence is strongest for laboratory-scale control of printability, texture and geometry, including the formulation of texture-modified foods that comply with international dysphagia descriptors. Evidence that printed foods improve dietary intake, nutritional status, clinical outcomes or quality of life remains sparse and largely limited to feasibility, acceptability and animal studies. The scientific basis of personalised nutrition is itself uneven, with inter-individual variability in metabolic responses well documented but benefits of genotype-based tailoring unconfirmed. Sustainability claims rest mainly on the properties of alternative or upcycled ingredients rather than on printing, and no comprehensive life cycle assessment of printed foods was identified. Consumer research relies heavily on hypothetical intentions, and questions of hygiene, throughput, cost, processing level and regulatory classification remain unresolved. Three-dimensional food printing is best regarded as a promising structuring and delivery tool whose value depends on validated personalisation targets, demonstrated health benefits and transparent environmental accounting. Priorities include standardised reporting of printing and dose accuracy, pragmatic human trials in clinical and ageing populations, and comparative life cycle and techno-economic assessments conducted at realistic scale.

Harnessing Entomopathogenic Fungi for Sustainable Management of Sucking Insect Pests in Rice Ecosystems

Abhijith Kizhattumannil — 2026-09-21

Rice production is increasingly challenged by sucking insect pests, particularly the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), green leafhoppers (Nephotettix spp.) and rice bugs (Leptocorisa spp.). This review evaluates entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) as biological tools for their sustainable management, focusing on fungal diversity, taxonomy, infection biology, pest-specific efficacy, environmental determinants, integration into IPM, commercialisation and emerging technologies. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the most extensively investigated and commercially developed EPF, while Cordyceps fumosorosea and Lecanicillium lecanii also show potential against sap-feeding pests. EPF infect insects directly through the cuticle via conidial adhesion, germination, enzymatic penetration, haemocoel colonisation, immune disruption and secondary metabolite activity. Laboratory and greenhouse studies frequently report strong pathogenicity, whereas field performance is less consistent because it depends on fungal isolate, formulation, temperature, relative humidity, ultraviolet exposure, application timing and pest density. Endophytic establishment, granular and protective formulations, climate-resilient isolates, genomic approaches and precision deployment may improve persistence and efficacy. Wider adoption will require standardised field validation, locally adapted isolate selection, compatible integration with natural enemies and selective pest-management tactics, and practical production, storage and regulatory frameworks. Overall, EPF are best positioned as complementary components of integrated rice pest management rather than stand-alone replacements for conventional control.

A Review on Food Extrusion Technology: A Versatile Processing Method for Innovative Product Development

S. S. Sumi — 2026-09-22

Food extrusion is a versatile food processing technology that can transform a variety of raw materials into products with desirable textural, structural, nutritional, and functional characteristics. This review examines the principles, mechanisms, types, and technological advances in food extrusion, highlighting its role in nutritional improvement, sustainable processing, and the development of innovative food products. Extrusion processing integrates mixing, cooking, shearing, texturization, and shaping into a single continuous operation, offering broad potential for the development of innovative food products. Despite its relatively short processing time, the combined influence of heat, moisture, pressure, and shear induces critical physicochemical transformations in food components, including starch gelatinization, protein denaturation and restructuring, hydration, lipid melting, plasticization, and expansion. These modifications govern the quality, functionality, and sensory attributes of the final products. The capacity to utilise cereals, millets, legumes, tubers, fruits, vegetables, and agro-industrial by-products further extends the scope of extrusion, enabling value addition, nutritional enhancement, and efficient resource utilisation in modern food systems. Food extrusion brings together efficiency, versatility, and innovation to deliver nutritionally enriched, shelf-stable products with tailored textures, flavours, and nutrient profiles. With ongoing technological advancements, it addresses food security and environmental challenges, meets the demand for healthy, convenient, and customised foods, and serves as a gateway to next-generation innovative food solutions.

Advanced Technology for Elevating Coconut Food Products: A Review on Processing Innovations and Value Addition

Merin Lalu — 2026-09-22

The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) represents an indispensable tropical commodity cultivated across more than 12 million hectares globally, sustaining rural economies and driving international market growth. However, conventional processing techniques remain hampered by low extraction yields, rapid microbial deterioration, and thermal degradation of heat-sensitive nutrients. Recent advances in green extraction, non-thermal preservation, innovative drying methods, smart packaging, and digital quality assurance are elevating coconut food processing into a high-value functional food sector. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of novel extraction methods, including supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasound, microwave, and high-speed centrifugation, alongside non-thermal preservation modalities such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, dense-phase carbon dioxide, ozonation, pulsed light, and gamma irradiation. Furthermore, advances in freeze-drying, spray microencapsulation, infrared drying, modified-atmosphere packaging, retort pouch processing, and advanced analytical characterisation using spectroscopy, metabolomics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain traceability are evaluated. Integrating these advanced technologies enhances product shelf stability, preserves essential bioactives, minimises processing waste, and unlocks new market opportunities for high-value coconut derivatives.

From Liquid Feeds to Functional Powders: Process Engineering, Quality, Valorisation and Emerging Innovations in Spray Drying of Fruits and Vegetables

E. K. Anshida Beegum — 2026-09-23

Spray drying is an effective and scalable technique for transforming highly perishable fruit and vegetable juices, extracts and processing by-products into stable powders with improved handling, storage, convenience and application potential. This review synthesises recent advances in spray drying of fruit and vegetable products, moving beyond a description of the drying process towards an integrated appraisal of process engineering, formulation strategies, powder quality, storage stability, by-product valorisation and emerging technologies. The literature indicates that drying temperature, feed flow rate, airflow rate, atomisation conditions and carrier type and concentration collectively determine powder recovery and key quality attributes, including moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, colour, solubility, bulk density, flowability and reconstitution behaviour. Maltodextrin and gum arabic remain widely employed carrier agents because they improve powder formation, reduce stickiness and moisture uptake and support storage stability, although their effectiveness varies with feed composition and processing conditions. Water activity below 0.30 is generally associated with improved microbiological and physicochemical stability of fruit and vegetable powders. Conventional spray drying nevertheless remains constrained by thermal degradation of heat-sensitive compounds, wall deposition, stickiness, caking and losses of valuable bioactive components. Emerging approaches, including vacuum, ultrasound-assisted, dehumidified air, electrostatic, nano and pulse combustion spray drying, provide opportunities to improve heat and mass transfer, drying efficiency, powder recovery and bioactive retention. Spray drying of peels, pomace, seeds and other processing residues further expands opportunities for waste reduction and value-added functional ingredients. Future priorities include integrated optimisation of process and formulation variables, predictive and data-driven process control, sustainable carrier systems, energy-efficient drying, long-term storage evaluation and pilot- and industrial-scale validation to facilitate the commercial development of stable, functional and economically viable fruit and vegetable powders.

Hydroponics: A Review on Applications Beyond Conventional Crop Production

Sona Sojan — 2026-09-23

Hydroponics is widely recognised as a soilless cultivation approach in which plant growth is supported through controlled nutrient solutions and environmental management. Although traditionally associated with food production, its capacity for precise control of the root zone, nutrient supply and water recirculation enables applications across several non-conventional domains. This review synthesises the broader functional uses of hydroponic technology in environmental remediation, plant biomanufacturing, urban heat mitigation, propagation, agronomic biofortification, plant research, vertical farming and extraterrestrial agriculture. In wastewater treatment, hydroponic systems can support phytoremediation through plant uptake and associated rhizosphere processes. Controlled hydroponic environments can also be used to manipulate secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants and to produce planting material under regulated conditions. Hydroponic green roofs contribute to thermal buffering, while nutrient management enables targeted enrichment of edible crops with essential micronutrients. In plant research, hydroponics provides reproducible conditions for studying nutrient responses and abiotic stress, and its integration with vertical farming supports intensive production within spatial constraints. Space-oriented systems further demonstrate the value of controlled water and nutrient delivery where gravity and resource availability are limiting. Across these applications, performance depends on appropriate system design, sanitation, energy input, nutrient-solution management and reliable water and power supplies. Hydroponics therefore represents a versatile technological platform whose value extends beyond conventional crop production.

Heat Stress in Indian Cattle: An Interdisciplinary Review of Physiology, Genetics, Nutrition, Reproduction, Health, Production, and Policy

Rajeshwar Khandare — 2026-09-24

Heat stress has become a persistent constraint on cattle production in India because environmental heat load interacts with high metabolic heat production, breed composition, humidity, solar radiation, housing, water availability and management. This critical narrative review integrates evidence spanning thermal physiology, cellular stress biology, genetics and genomics, nutrition, reproduction, immunity, welfare, milk production, farm economics and public policy. The literature indicates that heat stress is not adequately represented by a single universal temperature-humidity index threshold. Responses vary with breed, milk yield, physiological state, prior acclimatisation and local climatic conditions, and animal-centred measures are therefore needed alongside environmental indices. Indigenous Bos indicus breeds such as Sahiwal and Tharparkar generally show greater thermoregulatory and cellular resilience than high-yielding taurine-derived and crossbred cattle, but this advantage is relative rather than absolute. Recent Indian transcriptomic, epigenetic and phenotypic studies show that thermotolerance involves coordinated regulation of heat-shock responses, metabolism, redox balance, endocrine function and immunity. Nutritional interventions can support water, electrolyte and nutrient balance, yet effects of individual supplements are inconsistent and should not substitute for shade, ventilation, water access and context-appropriate cooling. Reproductive impairment extends from follicular and oocyte function to semen quality, early embryos, gestation and calf development, while immune and welfare consequences can occur even when milk yield appears maintained. Production and economic evidence demonstrates substantial vulnerability but also marked heterogeneity among breeds and systems. India already has strong dairy-development, indigenous-breed and climate-resilience institutions; the principal policy gap is the limited operational integration of heat-resilience phenotypes, climate-linked genetic evaluation, farm-level heat-risk surveillance, resource-efficient abatement and equity-sensitive extension. A durable response therefore requires selection for resilient productivity, locally validated phenotyping, low-resource cooling and nutrition packages, reproductive protection across life stages, and policy coordination across breeding, animal health, climate services and dairy infrastructure.

Genetic Improvement of Chilli (Capsicum spp.): Integrating Conventional Breeding and Modern Biotechnology

M. Lakshmi Nath — 2026-09-25

Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is an economically important spice and vegetable crop with wide variation in fruit morphology, pungency, quality attributes, and adaptation to environmental conditions. This review examines the genetic improvement of chilli by integrating conventional breeding approaches with modern biotechnological tools. Conventional methods discussed include plant introduction, mass and pure-line selection, pedigree breeding, single-seed descent, backcross breeding, heterosis breeding, wide hybridisation, mutation breeding, and polyploidy breeding. These approaches have supported the development of cultivars and breeding materials with improved yield, fruit quality, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. The review also considers tissue culture, genetic transformation, RNA interference, and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing as complementary strategies for accelerating targeted improvement. Emphasis is placed on the use of diverse Capsicum germplasm, male-sterility systems, interspecific hybridisation, marker-assisted approaches, and gene-editing technologies to address major breeding objectives. Specific attention is given to disease resistance, tolerance to drought and heat, pungency and capsaicinoid-related quality, and the prospects of pangenomes and artificial intelligence. The synthesis highlights the importance of combining established breeding methods with emerging genomic and biotechnological approaches while conserving wild accessions and landraces. Continued improvement in regeneration efficiency, stress-resilience breeding, and the integration of genomic selection with advanced analytical approaches may strengthen future chilli improvement programmes and support the development of productive, resilient, and quality-oriented cultivars.

Advances in Ornamental Plant Micropropagation: Prospects for Floriculture Diversification in Bihar, India

S. R. P. Singh — 2026-09-25

Ornamental horticulture is a technology-oriented aspect of high-value agriculture. However, in Bihar, its development is limited by low crop diversification, the use of poor-quality planting material, and deficiencies in production, post-harvest, and marketing infrastructure. This review examines the current state of ornamental horticulture worldwide and its future potential in Bihar, with a particular focus on micropropagation and new biotechnological methods to achieve diversification and commercial intensification. While conventional micropropagation allows rapid clonal multiplication, it faces challenges such as genotype dependence, contamination, hyperhydricity, somaclonal variation, labour requirements, and high costs. More advanced culture systems, particularly TIS, improve nutrient delivery and aeration control and offer greater scope for automation and scale-up. Molecular-marker-based evaluations provide an important quality-control method for checking the genetic fidelity of micropropagated plants. At the same time, genetic engineering and CRISPR/Cas genome editing open the possibility of altering characteristics such as flower colour, plant architecture, flowering behaviour, and stress responses. The review identifies the need to integrate advanced propagation technologies with systems for quality planting material, protected cultivation, post-harvest management, organised markets, farmer training, and biotechnology-driven crop improvement as an essential priority. Such an integrated approach could help accelerate the transition of Bihar's floriculture sector from its current mainly marigold-based system to a more diversified, technology-intensive, and economically competitive ornamental horticulture industry.

Impact of Heat Stress on Animal Reproduction and Mitigation Strategies: A Comprehensive Review

Abhishek Kumar — 2026-09-26

Heat stress is a major environmental constraint affecting livestock productivity, welfare, and reproductive efficiency under changing climatic conditions. When environmental heat load exceeds an animal’s capacity for heat dissipation, coordinated physiological, endocrine, metabolic, cellular, and molecular responses are altered, with adverse consequences for fertility in both sexes. In females, elevated temperature impairs follicular development, oocyte competence, oestrous expression, fertilisation, embryo survival, pregnancy maintenance, and foetal development. In males, heat stress interferes with testicular thermoregulation, spermatogenesis, testosterone production, libido, and semen quality, including sperm motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity. These effects are mediated primarily through oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammation, altered blood flow, and heat shock protein responses. Susceptibility differs among livestock species and breeds, with high-producing dairy cattle, buffaloes, and swine being particularly vulnerable, whereas many indigenous sheep and goat breeds show greater adaptive capacity. Mitigation requires integrated management rather than a single intervention. Environmental cooling, adequate water provision, nutrient-dense diets, electrolyte and antioxidant support, timed artificial insemination, embryo transfer, genetic selection for thermotolerance, and precision monitoring systems may help reduce reproductive losses. This review synthesises the mechanisms, species-specific effects, economic implications, and practical mitigation strategies associated with heat-stress-induced reproductive dysfunction in livestock under current and future climate pressure.

Melioidosis: An Emerging Disease

Apurv Pandey — 2026-09-28

Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacterium that persists in soil and water, particularly in tropical and subtropical environments. Infection occurs mainly through inoculation, inhalation, or ingestion following environmental exposure. The disease affects humans and a broad range of animal species and may present as localised infection, pneumonia, abscess formation, chronic disease, or severe septicaemia. Its clinical and pathological manifestations can resemble tuberculosis, glanders, and other septic conditions, contributing to diagnostic difficulty and under-recognition. This review provides an integrated overview of the history and epidemiology, aetiology, host range, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, lesions, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and biothreat relevance of melioidosis. Particular attention is given to its expanding recognition in India and to environmental and climatic factors associated with exposure. The intracellular survival, immune evasion, latency, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental persistence of B. pseudomallei complicate disease management and control. Culture remains central to laboratory confirmation, while molecular and antigen-based methods can support diagnosis and epidemiological investigation. Effective control requires timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, environmental awareness, preventive hygiene, strengthened surveillance, and coordinated participation of medical, veterinary, public health, and environmental sectors. These features establish melioidosis as an important One Health concern requiring sustained awareness and integrated surveillance.

Plant Growth Regulators for Abiotic Stress Alleviation in Spice Crops: A Critical Appraisal of Mechanisms, Evidence Quality and Translational Gaps

Sneha Santhosh — 2026-09-30

Spice crops occupy a minor share of global cropland yet underpin export earnings, smallholder livelihoods and food quality across the tropics and subtropics. Their production systems are unusually exposed to water deficit, soil salinity and temperature extremes, and their value depends on secondary metabolites whose accumulation is itself stress sensitive. Exogenous plant growth regulators have been promoted as a rapid, low-capital means of buffering these constraints, but the evidence supporting that promise has not been appraised critically for spice crops as a group. This review synthesises experimental and mechanistic literature on regulator application under abiotic stress in turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cardamom, chilli, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, ajowan and saffron, retrieved through structured searching of scholarly databases and citation tracking. Evidence is organised by regulator class and by crop group, and is evaluated against experimental scale, dose design, outcome selection and genotype sampling. Salicylic acid dominates the literature and produces consistent redox and photosynthetic benefits at low concentrations, yet its effects on marketable yield remain sparsely documented. Melatonin and brassinosteroids show rapidly accumulating support in solanaceous and leguminous spices, while polyamines, jasmonates and abscisic acid have been examined in only a few species. Rhizomatous and perennial spices, particularly black pepper and cardamom, remain almost untested despite well-characterised stress sensitivity. Three weaknesses recur: reliance on short-term pot and in vitro systems, narrow dose ranges that obscure concentration-dependent reversals, and outcome sets dominated by biochemical surrogates rather than yield and quality. A further unresolved tension concerns metabolite concentration and metabolite yield, which stress and regulator treatments can move in opposite directions. Confidence in current conclusions is therefore moderate for physiological protection, low for field-scale productivity, and very low for economic returns. Multi-season, multi-genotype field experiments reporting dose–response relationships and harvestable quality are the priority.

Melatonin in Preharvest and Postharvest Management of Fruits and Vegetables: A Critical Narrative Review of Efficacy, Mechanisms, Contradictions and Translational Readiness

S. R. Lakshmi — 2026-09-30

Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable, and a substantial share of their value is lost between harvest and retail through chilling injury, pathogen decay, enzymatic browning, softening and senescence. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), an indoleamine produced endogenously by plants, has been proposed as a low-toxicity, naturally occurring treatment that could improve crop performance before harvest and preserve quality afterwards. This critical narrative review evaluates whether the available evidence supports that proposition and under which conditions. Peer-reviewed literature published between January 2014 and 27 July 2026 was identified through multidisciplinary and life-science databases, supplemented by citation tracking, and appraised for design, dose rationale, replication, genotype coverage, storage realism and mechanistic inference. The synthesis indicates that postharvest melatonin treatments most consistently reduce chilling injury, weight loss and oxidative membrane damage, and frequently delay senescence in leafy and floral vegetables. Effects on ripening are direction-dependent: melatonin accelerates ripening in some species and experiments but delays it in others, and responses vary with dose, application route, developmental stage and cultivar. Disease suppression generally reflects induced host resistance rather than direct antifungal activity, and one pathosystem showed increased susceptibility. Preharvest foliar programmes in stone fruits, pomegranate, strawberry, tomato and kiwifruit have improved yield components, harvest quality and storage performance, although field evidence is concentrated in a few research groups, regions and seasons. Mechanistic claims rest largely on correlative enzyme and transcript data, while receptor-level signalling remains contested. Meta-analytic evidence confirms average benefits but reveals high heterogeneity. Economic feasibility, residue behaviour, consumer exposure, formulation stability, regulatory status and life-cycle sustainability remain insufficiently studied. Melatonin can therefore be regarded as a promising but conditionally effective tool whose sustainability credentials are asserted more often than demonstrated. Priorities include dose–response and multi-season commercial trials, genetic and receptor-resolved mechanistic studies, standardised quantification of endogenous melatonin, residue and exposure assessment, and techno-economic and environmental evaluation.

Ornamental Bamboos in Urban Landscapes: A Critical Narrative Review of Functional Claims, Human Response and Containment Risk

E Fathima Rinsha — 2026-10-01

Ornamental bamboos occupy an unusual position in urban planting practice. They are promoted simultaneously as fast-growing providers of regulating services, as culturally resonant design elements, and as plants whose rhizomatous spread creates long-term liabilities for municipal managers. This critical narrative review examines whether the scholarly evidence supports the functional claims attached to bamboos in urban landscapes, and where the evidence remains too weak to guide specification. Literature was identified through structured searching of open scholarly databases and indexes, supplemented by backward and forward citation tracking and by nomenclatural verification against an international biodiversity backbone. The synthesis is organised around five analytical problems: the taxonomic and architectural heterogeneity of the ornamental taxon pool; psychophysiological and perceptual responses to bamboo landscapes; regulating-service claims and their transferability from managed forest plots to urban plantings; containment behaviour, invasion risk and governance; and establishment, stress tolerance and long-term performance. The strongest evidence concerns human response, where controlled experiments consistently report restorative and attention-related effects, though almost exclusively among young adults in one national setting. Regulating-service claims rest largely on studies conducted in commercial or semi-natural Phyllostachys stands, whose stand density, soil volume and management regime differ fundamentally from urban conditions, making direct transfer unsafe. Evidence on invasion risk is comparatively robust and converges on growth habit as the dominant predictor, yet regulatory treatment across jurisdictions remains inconsistent. Evidence on establishment physiology, cold and drought tolerance and pest pressure is fragmentary and dominated by molecular work on a small number of economically important taxa rather than on the cultivars actually planted. Priorities include urban-sited longitudinal trials, cultivar-resolved trait screening, standardised containment performance testing, and reporting conventions that record cultivar identity rather than genus alone. Current confidence justifies cautious, architecture-aware specification rather than general endorsement.

Entomopathogenic Fungi for Climate-Resilient Pest Management: A Critical Appraisal of Ecology, Formulation, Field Efficacy and Emerging Technologies

K. S. Pagire — 2026-10-01

Hypocrealean entomopathogenic fungi, chiefly species of Beauveria and Metarhizium, constitute the largest group of registered microbial agents for arthropod pest control. Their performance in the field depends on temperature, solar ultraviolet radiation and moisture, which are precisely the variables being reshaped by a changing climate. Recent reviews have addressed fungal ecology, mass production, endophytism and genetic improvement as largely separate literatures, and few have asked whether the combined evidence justifies dependable deployment under warmer, drier or more erratic conditions. This critical narrative review examines how abiotic constraints act at each step of the infection cycle, how production and formulation modify those constraints, what field and semi-field studies genuinely demonstrate, and how endophytic, genetic, nanotechnological and digital approaches might contribute to climatic robustness. Agricultural, acridid, disease-vector and livestock ectoparasite systems are considered; medicinal, nutraceutical and industrial applications of these fungi are excluded. Peer-reviewed literature was retrieved through structured searching of several international scholarly databases and indexes, extended by backward and forward citation tracking and by authoritative institutional sources, then appraised for design adequacy, environmental realism, scale and independent replication. Three conclusions are comparatively well supported. Ultraviolet radiation and low humidity act mainly by depleting or inactivating propagules on exposed surfaces, whereas temperature governs infectivity, virulence and speed of kill in both aerial and soil habitats. Oil-based formulations, polymer encapsulation and stress-conditioned or submerged-culture propagules measurably buffer these constraints, although the supporting evidence remains predominantly laboratory-derived. Large operational programmes against desert locust and sugarcane spittlebug indicate that fungal agents can perform reliably when strain, propagule, formulation and application timing are matched to local climatic conditions. Evidence for endophyte-mediated pest suppression and for endophyte-conferred abiotic stress tolerance in crops is markedly less consistent, and genetically enhanced strains have not advanced beyond contained or semi-field evaluation. The thermal performance of host and pathogen considered jointly, the translation of laboratory stress tolerance into field persistence, and the long-term ecological behaviour of improved strains remain inadequately characterised. Climatic resilience is better conceived as a property of the whole deployment system than of the fungus alone. Entomopathogenic fungi are therefore a credible but conditional element of climate-adaptive integrated pest management, and standardised multi-site field evaluation is now a more pressing need than further laboratory screening.

Parasitological Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management of Clinical Notoedric Mange in Rattus rattus from Bikaner, Rajasthan, India: A Case Report

Pranjal Rajput — 2026-09-23

Aims: To document the clinical presentation, parasitological diagnosis and therapeutic management of naturally occurring notoedric mange in three Rattus rattus presented in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.

Presentation of Case: Three Rattus rattus were presented to the Veterinary Clinic, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan, in April 2026 with pruritus, alopecia, hyperkeratosis and thick white crusts, predominantly affecting the external ears and adjacent facial skin. Individual skin scrapings were processed with 10% potassium hydroxide and examined by light microscopy. Mites were demonstrated in all three animals and were morphologically compatible with Notoedres spp. based on the observable sarcoptiform morphology and diagnostic features. No molecular confirmation was undertaken. Treatment comprised ivermectin (Hitek 0.08%) administered through drinking water, together with enrofloxacin-containing oral liquid, nutritional support and topical wound care. Clinical improvement was observed in all three rats.

Discussion: The clinical distribution and microscopic findings were consistent with notoedric mange described in rats and other rodents. Direct examination of skin scrapings remains a practical diagnostic approach where molecular testing is unavailable. The observed clinical response supports the usefulness of an ivermectin-based regimen with supportive management; however, the absence of post-treatment skin-scraping demonstration of the incriminating parasites and the absence of individual water-intake measurements prevent confirmation of parasitological cure or calculation of an individual mg/kg ivermectin dose.

Conclusion: These cases highlight the value of recognising characteristic ear and facial lesions and confirming infestation by direct parasitological examination. The report provides practical clinical information on the management of naturally occurring notoedric mange in Rattus rattus.