Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

Economic Performance of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. PSB K-25 as Influenced by Different Nutrient Sources

Deepa Sharma, Jyoti Rao, Swapana Sepehya — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation evaluated the economic performance of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. PSB K-25 under nine nutrient-source combinations during the rabi season from September 2024 to February 2025 at the Experimental Farm of the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. The treatments combined different proportions of recommended NPK, farmyard manure, vermicompost, sheep manure and Azotobacter, and seedlings were transplanted at 60 × 45 cm spacing. Economic evaluation considered total curd yield, gross income, total cost of cultivation, net income and benefit-cost ratio. Treatment T9, comprising 50% recommended dose of NPK + farmyard manure at 125 q/ha + 25% vermicompost at 25 q/ha + sheep manure at 50 q/ha + Azotobacter, recorded the highest total curd yield (353.53 q/ha), gross income (Rs 5,30,293.50/ha), net income (Rs 3,35,361.55/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.72). In contrast, T6 recorded the lowest curd yield (266.04 q/ha), net income (Rs 66,662.30/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (1.20). The findings indicate that T9 provided the most favourable economic outcome under the tested low-hill subtropical conditions of Himachal Pradesh by combining higher curd yield with improved net returns.

Drought-Resilient Crops for Sustainable Agriculture: Genetic, Physiological, and Agronomic Advances

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Drought constitutes one of the most pervasive abiotic constraints limiting global crop productivity, with its frequency and intensity projected to increase substantially under ongoing climate change. This narrative review synthesises contemporary evidence on the genetic, physiological, and agronomic dimensions of drought resilience in major food crops, drawing on peer-reviewed literature published primarily between 2000 and 2026. Physiologically, drought impairs stomatal conductance, suppresses photosynthetic carbon assimilation, disturbs osmotic equilibrium, and restricts root-mediated water acquisition, with reproductive stages being disproportionately vulnerable. At the genetic level, the deployment of quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, transcription-factor engineering, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and the overexpression of stress-responsive functional genes has opened novel avenues for enhancing tolerance without compromising yield potential. Breeding programmes have increasingly integrated marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection to accelerate genetic gain, whilst high-throughput phenotyping platforms now enable rapid assessment of drought-adaptive traits at a population scale. Agronomic strategies, including deficit irrigation, conservation tillage, intercropping, and application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), provide complementary levers for sustaining productivity under water-limited conditions. Emerging integrative approaches that combine multi-omics, digital precision agriculture, and policy-enabled climate-smart frameworks are highlighted as critical pathways for translating laboratory and field insights into scalable solutions. The review identifies persistent knowledge gaps—including the limited translation of genomic advances to smallholder contexts and the underexplored potential of microbiome engineering—and calls for a convergence of disciplinary expertise, equitable technology transfer, and coherent policy support to achieve drought-resilient food systems globally.

Insect Bacteriocytes as Convergent Host-Control Systems: Evolution, Cellular Differentiation, Molecular Networks, Multi-Omics and Translational Opportunities

S. Sakthivel, V. Dharani, S. Balamurugan, S. Jeevanantham — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bacteriocytes are specialised insect cells that house intracellular symbionts and convert intimate microbial associations into developmentally organised, physiologically regulated organs. Their importance extends beyond nutritional complementation: bacteriocytes mediate metabolite exchange, restrict or tolerate microbial growth, coordinate vertical transmission and remodel with host sex, age and nutritional state. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on the evolutionary origins, cellular differentiation, molecular control, multi-omics analysis and translational potential of insect bacteriocytes. Literature published mainly from 2000 to 8 June 2026 was evaluated, while earlier conceptual work was used only where necessary for historical context. The strongest mechanistic evidence derives from aphid-Buchnera, whitefly-Portiera and cereal weevil-Sodalis systems, supplemented by comparative work in cicadas, mealybugs, stinkbugs, cockroaches and other lineages. Across these systems, bacteriocytes are better interpreted as recurrently assembled host-control solutions than as a single homologous cell type. Convergent functions are implemented through lineage-specific developmental programmes and molecular modules that include host-symbiont metabolic partitioning, membrane transport, immune attenuation and compartmentalisation, horizontally acquired genes, microRNA control, vesicular trafficking, autophagy and regulated cell death. Genomics and bulk transcriptomics established the principle of distributed metabolic pathways, whereas proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell approaches and laser-capture dual transcriptomics increasingly reveal cell-state and spatial heterogeneity that bulk analyses obscure. Translational studies show that host genes positioned at obligatory metabolic interfaces, bacteriocyte-enriched transport or regulatory nodes, and symbiont-dependent transmission mechanisms can be disrupted experimentally. Nevertheless, field-ready exploitation remains constrained by delivery, genotype-by-symbiont variation, compensatory biology, ecological safety and the evolutionary replaceability of some symbionts. The most productive future direction is therefore not indiscriminate symbiont disruption, but spatially resolved, causally validated identification of bottlenecks that are both indispensable and sufficiently conserved for predictable intervention.

Artificial Intelligence for Crop Protection: From Automated Recognition to Field-ready Decision Support

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping crop protection by converting images, sensor streams and environmental observations into predictions or actions that can support disease diagnosis, pest surveillance, weed management and site-specific interventions. Yet the maturity of these applications is uneven. This critical narrative review evaluates the evidence for AI across the crop-protection pathway rather than treating high classification accuracy as equivalent to agronomic effectiveness. Literature published principally from 2010 to 10 June 2026 was examined, with earlier seminal work retained where conceptually necessary. The synthesis integrates computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, remote and proximal sensing, automated traps, decision-support modelling and precision application systems, while critically appraising external validation, deployment constraints and evidence of chemical-input or crop-loss reduction. The strongest evidence concerns recognition tasks under bounded conditions, including leaf-image classification, weed segmentation and automated insect counting. Field studies demonstrate that mobile imaging, unmanned aerial vehicles, multispectral or hyperspectral sensing and smart traps can extend observation beyond laboratory datasets, but performance commonly declines when illumination, cultivar, growth stage, background, device, geography or pest density differs from the training domain. Forecasting systems based on weather and temporal data show promise for moving from diagnosis to anticipation, although many remain locally calibrated and have limited prospective validation. A central weakness across the literature is the translation gap between model-level metrics and protection outcomes such as avoided crop loss, reduced pesticide use, treatment timing, non-target effects, labour requirements and farm profitability. The review argues that the next phase of AI-enabled crop protection should prioritise multi-site prospective trials, uncertainty-aware and cost-sensitive decisions, multimodal sensing, open and representative datasets, interoperable edge systems, and integration with integrated pest management rather than autonomous chemical intensification. AI is therefore best understood not as a replacement for crop-protection expertise, but as an enabling layer whose value depends on ecological context, agronomic thresholds and reliable sensing-to-action design.

Association of Germination Characters and Early Seedling Growth with Seed Yield in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) Genotypes

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Seed germination and seed vigour are critical determinants of crop establishment and productivity in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.). Understanding the genetic variability and the association of germination-related traits with seed yield is essential for identifying superior genotypes and developing efficient selection strategies in breeding programmes. The present study was undertaken to assess the genetic variability, diversity, and relationships between seed germination characteristics and yield-related traits in pigeonpea genotypes.

Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (RRTTS), Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhawanipatna, Odisha, using 40 pigeonpea genotypes comprising 36 advanced breeding lines and four check varieties. The field experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with three replications. Observations were recorded on eight seed germination and quality traits, namely seed vigour index-I (SVI-I), seed vigour index-II (SVI-II), germination rate index (GRI), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination index (GI), mean germination time (MGT), viability percentage and seed protein content, along with eight agro-morphological traits including plant height, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed index and seed yield per plant. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance (ANOVA), genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV), broad-sense heritability, genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM), Mahalanobis D² cluster analysis, correlation and path coefficient analysis.

Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variability among the genotypes for all sixteen characters studied. The PCV values were marginally higher than the corresponding GCV values, indicating minimal environmental influence on trait expression. High broad-sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for most germination-related traits, particularly SVI-I, SVI-II, GRI, CVG, GI, MGT and viability percentage, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of phenotypic selection. Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped the forty genotypes into seven distinct clusters, indicating substantial genetic diversity among the breeding materials. Correlation and path coefficient analyses revealed that SVI-I, SVI-II, GRI, CVG, GI and viability percentage exhibited positive associations with seed yield per plant, whereas mean germination time showed a negative association, indicating that rapid and vigorous germination contributes to improved productivity.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated the existence of considerable genetic variability and diversity among pigeonpea genotypes for seed germination, vigour and yield-related traits. High heritability coupled with additive gene action for major germination parameters suggests that these traits can be effectively exploited through direct selection. Seed vigour indices, germination rate index, coefficient of velocity of germination, germination index and viability percentage emerged as reliable selection criteria for improving seed yield, while genetically divergent clusters identified through D² analysis provide valuable parental combinations for future pigeonpea breeding programmes.

Optimizing Nutrient Levels and Fertigation Regimes for Yield Improvement and Economic Viability in Banana (Musa acuminata, AAA) cv. Red Banana

Divya Hari, S. Simi, P. R. Manju, T. Sajitha Rani, M. Rafeekher — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2020-2023 to standardise nutrient levels and fertigation schedules for improving the yield of red banana (Musa acuminata, AAA). The study evaluated the interaction effects of four fertigation levels: F₁, 60% RDF; F₂, 80% RDF; F₃, 100% RDF; and F₄, 120% RDF. The split-application schedules were S₁, equal splits of N and K at weekly intervals; S₂, equal splits of N and K at fortnightly intervals; and S₃, split application of N and K according to crop growth stages. The results indicated significant differences in vegetative growth and yield attributes. Although the highest fertigation level (F₄; 120% RDF) maximised plant height and pseudostem girth, the interaction treatment F₂S₃ (80% RDF applied according to phenological growth stages) showed superior overall performance. F₂S₃ reduced the total crop duration to 414.33 days and the shooting-to-harvest interval to 89.00 days. F₃S₃ recorded the highest numerical yield (42.17 t ha^-1), which was statistically on par with F₂S₃ (41.79 t ha^-1). F₂S₃ also recorded the highest number of fingers per bunch (84.33). Despite the marginally higher yield under F₃S₃, F₂S₃ recorded the highest benefit-cost (B:C) ratio (3.53), indicating greater economic efficiency. Therefore, applying 80% RDF of N and K according to phenological growth stages was the most viable treatment under the experimental conditions.

Morphological, Microscopic, Biochemical Characterization and Identification of Potential Isolated Acetic Acid Bacteria from the Pulp of Cola cordifolia Harvested in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cola cordifolia is an under-exploited wild fruit from West Africa with high potential for microbial biotransformation processes. The present study aimed to isolate, characterise and select strains of acetic acid bacteria that could be used as starter cultures in vinegar production and other industrial fermentations. The physicochemical characteristics of the pulp (pH, moisture, dry matter, soluble dry extract, titratable acidity, vitamin C and alcohol content) were first determined. The acetic acid bacteria were then isolated, characterised using morphological and biochemical tests, and evaluated according to several technological criteria, notably their acidifying power, their tolerance to different concentrations of ethanol, glucose and acetic acid, and their tolerance to various temperatures and pH values. Their capacity to produce acetic acid in liquid medium was also determined. The results showed that the pulp of Cola cordifolia had favourable characteristics for the development of acetic bacteria, with a pH of 5.40 ± 0.04, a humidity of 71.33 ± 1.15% and a soluble dry extract of 15 °Brix. Forty-four presumptive isolates of acetic bacteria were obtained, of which eight showed a strong acidifying power and good tolerance to the main stress factors studied. The BAC4, BAC5, BAC11, BAC15 and BAC38 strains showed the highest acetic acid production, reaching up to 6.33 g/L. Multivariate analysis allowed the selection of four strains with the best technological performance. These results indicate that Cola cordifolia is a promising source of acetic acid bacteria that could be used as starter cultures for vinegar production and other biotechnological applications.

Post-Hatch Tracheal Morphology and Morphometry in Uttara Fowl

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Twenty-four healthy Uttara fowl, native to the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, were grouped into four age groups (0, 7, 28, and 112 days), with six birds in each group. The objective of this study was to describe the anatomy of the trachea and to assess the morphological and morphometrical changes after hatching. The trachea was found to be a long, flexible tube with a cylindrical appearance. The trachea continued along the right side of the neck, ventral to the oesophagus. The trachea then entered the thoracic cavity and was finally continuous with the syrinx at the caudal border of the base of the heart. The number of tracheal rings ranged from 101 to 128, and the rings were flattened dorsoventrally. The muscles surrounding the trachea included cleidotrachealis, tracheolateralis and sternotrachealis. Tracheolateralis was a paired muscle that originated from the caudolateral aspect of the cricoid cartilage and was inserted into the first bronchial cartilage of the syrinx. The sternotrachealis muscle was a paired, thick, cylindrical and broad skeletal muscle that extended from the costal process of the sternum (craniolateral process) to the caudal rings of the trachea. As the age of the birds increased from 0 to 7 days, the mean length of the trachea gradually increased. A significant increase was observed from 28 to 112 days of age in Uttara fowl. A gradual increase in the cranial and middle tracheal diameters was observed from 0 to 7 days, whereas a significant increase was observed from 28 to 112 days of age. A non-significant change was observed in the diameter of the caudal part of the trachea from 7 to 112 days.

Effect of New-Generation Herbicide Programs on Weed Control Efficiency and Kernel Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, Dr. B.R. Choudhary Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), during the kharif season of 2024 to study the “Effect of New Generation Herbicide on Weed and Quality Parameter of Groundnut [Arachis hypogaea (L.)]”. A randomised block design (RBD) was used with ten treatments, including different pre- and post-emergence herbicides, as follows: T₁- Diclosulam 25 g/ha (PE) + Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl @ 78 g/ha at 20 DAS, T₂- Fomsafen 11.1% + Fluazifop-p-butyl 11.1% EC @ 230g/ha at 20 DAS, T₃- Propaquizafop 2.5 % + Imazethapyr 3.75 % w/w @ 125 g/ha at 20 DAS, T₄- Aciflourfen sodium 16.5% + Clodinofop-propargyl 8% EC @ 180g/ha at 20 DAS, T₅- Fomesafen 12% + Quizalofop ethyl 3% SC @ 150g/ha at 20 DAS, T₆- Imazethapyr 35% + Imazamox 35 % WG @ 50 g/ha at 20 DAS, T₇- Topramezone 33.6% SC @ 20.6 g/ha at 20 DAS, T₈-Pendimethalin 30% + Imazethapyr 2% EC @ 750 g/ha pre-emergence, T₉- Weed free, T₁₀- Weedy check. Among these herbicides, Fomsafen 11.1% + Fluazifop-p-butyl 11.1% EC @ 230g/ha at 20 DAS recorded the lowest weed density and weed dry weight and the highest weed control efficiency. Furthermore, higher protein and oil contents were recorded with T₂- Fomsafen 11.1% + Fluazifop-p-butyl 11.1% EC @ 230g/ha at 20 DAS, closely followed by propaquizafop 2.5% + imazethapyr 3.75% w/w @ 125 g/ha; fomesafen 12% + quizalofop ethyl 3% @ 150 g/ha and aciflourfen sodium 16.5% + clodinofop-propargyl 8% EC @ 180 g/ha, compared with the weedy check.

Soil–plant Nutrient Dynamics under Nano Fertilizer Application in Apple Orchards of Kashmir Valley

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Effective nutrient management is essential for sustaining soil fertility and productivity in apple orchards of the Kashmir Valley. Under the project "Demonstration, Validation and Popularization of Nano-fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture Development in Kashmir Valley," field demonstrations comparing different fertiliser regimes integrated with Nano Urea and Nano DAP (foliar spray @ 2 ml L⁻¹, two sprays) were conducted in Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag districts during 2024–25. Soil and leaf samples were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available N, P and K, and leaf N, P and K. Treatments integrating nano-fertilisers, particularly T18 (Urea 122 g + DAP 136 g + MOP 250 g + Nano Urea + Nano DAP @ 2 ml at 25-day intervals), were superior to the 100% recommended fertiliser dose (T1) across all districts. In Budgam, pH declined from 7.09 to 6.39, EC rose from 0.13 to 0.20 dS m⁻¹, OC increased from 0.69% to 0.89%, and available N, P and K increased from 360 to 465, 19.0 to 27.2, and 225 to 335 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Similar trends were observed in Pulwama and Anantnag, with available N increasing from 365 to 501 and from 378 to 530 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Leaf nutrient status also improved markedly, with leaf N increasing from 1.86% to 2.37% in Budgam and from 1.95% to 2.46% in Anantnag. Treatment effects were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05), with low coefficients of variation, indicating that integrating nano-fertilisers with reduced conventional fertiliser doses enhances nutrient availability, uptake and soil organic carbon while maintaining favourable pH and EC.

Effect of Light Spectra and Photoperiod on Flowering and Biomass Accumulation in Arugula (Eruca sativa L.)

Obul Reddy Sravani, A. Manohar Rao, Ch. Shanmukhi, Mithun Chakraborty — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Optimising light quality and photoperiod is a critical approach to improving crop growth, yield, and flowering in controlled-environment agriculture, where artificial lighting serves as the primary energy source for plant development. The present study evaluated the influence of different LED light spectra and photoperiods on biomass accumulation and flowering behaviour in arugula (Eruca sativa L.) cultivated under indoor farming conditions. Two cultivars, ES1 and ES2, were grown in a hydroponic production system and exposed to five lighting treatments comprising different red-to-blue and blue-to-red light ratios under 16-h and 18-h photoperiods, including a control treatment. The experiment was conducted using a factorial completely randomised design (FCRD) with three replications. Growth and reproductive responses were assessed by recording fresh leaf biomass, fresh root biomass, crop growth duration, and days to flowering. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among light treatments, cultivars, and their interactions for all measured parameters. The 2B:1R light spectrum with a 16-h photoperiod produced the highest fresh root biomass, while the 2R:1B spectrum with a 16-h photoperiod produced the highest leaf biomass. Modified red and blue light combinations also reduced crop growth duration and promoted earlier flowering compared with the control, although the most effective treatment varied between cultivars. Overall, ES2 showed greater biomass accumulation and earlier flowering than ES1 under most optimised lighting conditions. These findings indicate that appropriate manipulation of LED light spectra and photoperiod can improve vegetative growth and reproductive development in arugula and provide useful guidance for controlled indoor production.

Bio-efficacy of Newer Insecticides against Rice Leaf Folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée)

Thogiti Sowmya, R. S. Meena, N. Srinivasa, S. P. Singh — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, to evaluate selected insecticides against the rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, which is becoming a major concern in rice-growing areas. The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design with seven treatments and three replications. Cyantraniliprole 300 g/L OD was evaluated at 30, 45, 60 and 75 g a.i./ha and compared with fipronil 80% WG at 50 g a.i./ha, lambda-cyhalothrin 4.9% CS at 12.5 g a.i./ha and an untreated control. Two applications were made at 30 and 60 days after transplanting, and leaf damage was recorded before application and at 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after each spray. All insecticidal treatments reduced leaf damage relative to the untreated control. Cyantraniliprole applied at 45 g a.i./ha recorded the lowest overall leaf damage, with values of 7.78% in Kharif 2022 and 6.78% in Kharif 2023. The corresponding values for cyantraniliprole at 60 g a.i./ha were 8.04% and 7.59%, respectively. Fipronil was the next most effective treatment, with values of 8.38% and 8.42%, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin recorded comparatively higher leaf damage of 9.76% and 9.68%, respectively. Under the conditions of this field study, cyantraniliprole at 45 g a.i./ha provided consistent suppression of rice leaf folder across both seasons and produced the highest yields, at 4.09 and 4.26 t/ha, respectively.

Bio-methanation Characteristics and Biogas Production Potential of Selected Food Processing Wastes

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Food-processing industries generate substantial quantities of biodegradable residues that require environmentally appropriate management. This study evaluated the bio-methanation characteristics and gas-production potential of nine selected food-processing wastes under laboratory conditions. The wastes were characterised for moisture content, total solids, volatile solids, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio using standard analytical procedures. Laboratory-scale anaerobic digestion was conducted in 5 L polycarbonate digesters for two months, and cumulative gas production was measured by water displacement. Moisture content ranged from 67.82% in cooked food waste to 91.45% in gherkins waste, while total solids ranged from 8.60% to 42.18%. Volatile solids varied from 81.76% to 94.78%, and pH ranged from 4.52 to 7.76. The C:N ratio ranged from 18.41 to 36.54, with an average of 27.69. Papaya waste recorded the highest cumulative gas volume of 13,850 mL, followed by carrot, watermelon, and gherkins wastes. Nippattu waste produced the lowest cumulative volume of 6,250 mL. The findings demonstrate clear differences among the selected substrates and indicate that feedstock composition influences anaerobic degradation and cumulative gas production. However, the measured volumes represent total displaced gas rather than methane-specific yield. Further replicated studies with standardised loading and gas-composition analysis are required before process-scale application.

Population Dynamics and Weather Associations of Major Sucking Pests on Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) Varieties under Protected Cultivation

Suman Kumari, R. M. Srivastava, Gaurava Kumar, Hassan Beg — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Protected cultivation of capsicum provides a suitable microclimate for plant growth coupled with the proliferation of major sucking pests, including aphids, thrips and whiteflies. Scientific data on the seasonal abundance of these pests and their correlation with abiotic factors under protected conditions remain insufficient. The present study was conducted to assess the population dynamics of major sucking pests on two capsicum hybrids under protected cultivation and to estimate the influence of weather parameters on their populations. Under protected cultivation, biweekly observations on aphid (Aphis gossypii), thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) were documented on two capsicum hybrids (Kaveri 254 and Indra). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to analyse population dynamics, while Pearson's correlation and simple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between prevailing weather parameters and pest populations. The populations of sucking pests varied significantly among Standard Meteorological Weeks, with peak populations occurring between the 50^th and 52^nd SMWs prior to decreasing towards the end of the study period. The capsicum variety Kaveri 254 favoured higher aphid and thrips populations than Indra; in contrast, the whitefly populations were equivalent between the two varieties. Maximum temperature displayed significant negative correlations with all three sucking pests, while evening relative humidity showed a strong positive association with the whitefly population (r=0.918). Simple linear regression reinforced maximum temperature as the key factor impacting aphid (R²=0.713) and thrips (R²=0.533) populations, whereas evening relative humidity explained the highest proportion of variation in the whitefly population (R² = 0.843). The study identified clear seasonal variation in the population dynamics of major sucking pests in capsicum under protected cultivation, with Indra displaying relatively lower susceptibility to aphids and thrips than Kaveri 254. Maximum temperature was recognised as the key weather parameter controlling sucking pest populations, whereas evening relative humidity proved to be the key factor for the whitefly population. These findings present a useful basis for designing weather-assisted pest monitoring and forecasting protocols contributing to sustainable insect pest management in capsicum under protected cultivation.

Energy Production Potential of Food Processing Waste through Anaerobic Digestion

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Food-processing industries generate substantial quantities of biodegradable organic residues that require environmentally sound management. This study assessed the energy-production potential of food-processing waste through anaerobic digestion under routine operating conditions at a biogas plant in Kuriya village, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. The 500 m³ digester processed approximately 8 tonnes of food-processing waste per day, with water added at a reported 1:1 ratio. Biogas production was monitored using a flow meter for 90 days, while methane and carbon dioxide were measured using a handheld infrared biogas analyser. Mean daily biogas production was 561.47 m³, and the 10-day mean values ranged from 554.0 to 567.0 m³. The highest temperature-associated biogas production, 581 m³, was recorded at 34°C. Mean methane and carbon dioxide volumes were 336.88 m³ and 168.44 m³, respectively. Water scrubbing was associated with reported methane volumes approximately 20% higher after purification than before purification. The observations indicate that mixed food-processing residues supported continuous biogas generation during the monitoring period. However, the reported purification data did not include total outlet gas flow, methane recovery, methane loss, water consumption, or a mass balance. Accordingly, the findings describe plant performance under the observed conditions but do not establish overall energy-conversion efficiency or commercial scalability.

Shelf-life Extension Strategies of Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Using Sodium Acetate and Vacuum Packaging at Chilled Storage

Riddhi G. Vagh, D. V. Bhola, Hitanshi S. Rathod, Rupa B. Varma, Vagh Sarman — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is highly perishable under chilled storage, creating a need for preservation approaches that maintain product quality and extend shelf life. This study evaluated the effect of sodium acetate treatment combined with vacuum packaging on skipjack tuna chunks stored under chilled conditions. Fresh tuna were processed into 3–4 cm chunks and divided into three treatments: untreated vacuum-packed control (T1), 1% sodium acetate-treated vacuum-packed samples (T2), and 2% sodium acetate-treated vacuum-packed samples (T3). Samples were stored at 0–4°C and evaluated at 4-day intervals for biochemical, microbiological, physical, and sensory quality characteristics over 24 days. The untreated vacuum-packed control remained acceptable for up to 16 days, while treatment with 1% sodium acetate extended acceptability to 20 days. The 2% sodium acetate treatment showed the longest shelf life, with acceptability extending to 24 days. Across storage, the 2% treatment generally showed better retention of the measured physical, biochemical, and microbiological quality attributes than the other treatments. Changes were assessed through pH, trimethylamine nitrogen, total volatile base nitrogen, peroxide value, total plate count, colour, drip loss, hardness, and springiness. Overall, the findings indicate that sodium acetate treatment, particularly at 2%, in combination with vacuum packaging can delay quality deterioration of skipjack tuna chunks during chilled storage.

To Isolate and Identify Escherichia coli and Salmonella Species from Faecal Samples of Diarrhoeic Calves

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Calf diarrhoea is one of the most important diseases affecting neonatal calves and is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide. Among the bacterial pathogens associated with neonatal calf diarrhoea, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. are considered the principal aetiological agents. The present study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of calf diarrhoea and to isolate and identify Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. from diarrhoeic cattle calves. The study was conducted over a period of six months from November 2025 to April 2026 at the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Livestock Farm Complex Adhartal, organised dairy farms and unorganised dairy sectors of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 100 cattle calves were screened for diarrhoea based on clinical examination, faecal consistency and frequency of defecation. Of the 100 calves, 32 were found positive for diarrhoea, indicating an overall occurrence of 32.00 per cent. Eighteen diarrhoeic calves were subsequently selected for therapeutic evaluation, and faecal samples collected from these calves were processed for bacteriological examination. Samples were enriched in selective enrichment broths and cultured on MacConkey agar, Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, Rappaport vasidalis agar and Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar for the isolation of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. The suspected isolates were further characterised by colony morphology, Gram staining and standard biochemical tests, including catalase, oxidase, urease and IMViC reactions using the KB001 HiIMViC™ biochemical identification kit. Bacteriological analysis revealed that Escherichia coli was isolated from 9 (50.00%) of the 18 diarrhoeic calves, whereas Salmonella spp. were not detected in any of the faecal samples examined. The findings indicate that E. coli was the predominant bacterial isolate recovered from the examined diarrhoeic calves based on culture and biochemical identification during the study period, while Salmonella spp. did not contribute to the disease during the study period.

Integrated Nutrient Management Enhances Growth, Floral Productivity, Postharvest Quality, and Economic Returns in African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm–I, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, during the Rabi season of 2021–2022 to evaluate the effects of integrated nutrient management on the growth, flowering, yield, seed production, postharvest behaviour, and economics of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design comprising eleven nutrient-management treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments included different combinations of the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), and the biofertilisers Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB). Among the treatments, 100% RDF (130:90:100 kg N:P:K ha⁻¹) + 100% FYM (26 t ha⁻¹) + Azospirillum + PSB, each at 6 kg ha⁻¹ (T₉), produced the best overall performance. Treatment T₉ recorded the maximum plant height (100.91 cm), stem girth (5.82 cm), number of branches per plant (23.15), plant spread (70.92 cm), and total dry matter production (84.90 g plant⁻¹) at harvest. It also resulted in earlier flower-bud initiation (31.35 days) and 50% flowering (56.32 days), a longer flowering duration (44.51 days), the maximum flower diameter (7.25 cm), number of flowers per plant (38.74), flower pickings per plot (7.98), flower weight (6.91 g), flower yield per plant (274.72 g), and flower yield (14.47 t ha⁻¹). The same treatment recorded the highest number of seeds per flower (285.50), seed yield per flower (1.77 g), seed yield per plant (26.87 g), and test weight (2.98 g). Although the integrated nutrient treatments did not significantly influence vase life or shelf life, T₉ recorded the highest numerical values for vase life (5.99 days) and shelf life under open conditions (2.96 days) and under a polythene cover (4.86 days). Economically, T₉ registered the highest gross return (Rs. 148,504 ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 95,797 ha⁻¹), and benefit–cost ratio (1.81). The study therefore demonstrated that the integrated application of inorganic fertilisers, FYM, and biofertilisers effectively improved the productivity, seed production, and economic returns of African marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda.

Assessment of Isopod Parasitic Infestation among Economically Valuable Marine Fish Species in Coastal Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Subhadip Shit, Shriparna Saxsena, Pijush Payra — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To determine the temporal and spatial distribution of marine isopods across two sampling stations (Digha Mohana and Petuaghat) in coastal Purba Medinipur.

Study Design: The current research was conducted using weekly surveys at two sampling stations. Owing to increased fishing and fish-landing activities, the surveys were conducted in the morning (6:00–8:00 a.m.) and afternoon (3:00–5:00 p.m.).

Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted at two renowned fish landing centres, Digha Mohana and Petuaghat, in Purba Medinipur. The study lasted 6 months, from the first week of August 2025 to the last week of January 2026.

Methodology: Samples were collected weekly from two fish landing centres, Digha Mohana and Petuaghat, Purba Medinipur. Isopod samples were collected and stored in glass jars containing 8% formalin solution for future research.

Results: Nerocila serra and Nerocila sundaica were the most prevalent and widely distributed of the five identified species, suggesting greater adaptability to local environmental conditions and host availability. Nerocila depressa, on the other hand, was relatively uncommon, which may indicate host preference or habitat specificity. Regarding seasonal variation, the post-monsoon to early winter months (October–December) supported higher species occurrence, potentially owing to favourable environmental conditions and increased host abundance. The lower occurrences recorded in August and January demonstrate the influence of seasonal variation on isopod population dynamics. Spatial variation between the two sampling stations indicates that host distribution and local environmental conditions may affect species occurrence.

Conclusion: The occurrence of these parasitic isopods at both stations implies that both sites provide suitable habitats. These findings are supported by the diversity analysis, which shows that December 2025 had the highest diversity, followed by October 2025, suggesting favourable ecological conditions.

Molecular Detection of Anaplasma marginale Infection in Carrier Cattle by MSP5 Gene-Based Semi-Nested PCR

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma marginale, is a major tick-borne haemoparasitic disease that causes significant economic losses to the cattle industry by reducing productivity and increasing mortality. Early detection of persistently infected carrier animals is essential for effective disease surveillance and control; however, conventional diagnostic methods often fail to identify low-level infections. The present study was undertaken to develop and evaluate a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the major surface protein 5 (msp5) gene for the sensitive detection of A. marginale infection in carrier cattle. A total of 31 blood samples were collected from cattle in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears detected A. marginale in only 16.1% (5/31) of the samples. In contrast, primary PCR amplified a 458-bp fragment of the msp5 gene in 41.93% (13/31) of the samples, whereas semi-nested PCR amplified a 345-bp fragment in 70.96% (22/31) of the samples, demonstrating substantially higher diagnostic sensitivity. The assay successfully detected infections in apparently healthy carrier animals with low rickettsaemia that were missed by microscopy and primary PCR. These findings indicate that the developed semi-nested PCR assay is a rapid, sensitive, and reliable molecular diagnostic tool for detecting A. marginale in carrier cattle and has considerable potential for routine diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, and effective control of bovine anaplasmosis.

Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Present in Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat: Species Inventory with a Dichotomous Identification Key

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are important components of agricultural ecosystems, and reliable species-level identification is necessary for their documentation.

Aims: This study aimed to identify the coccinellid species occurring in the agricultural and horticultural ecosystems of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, and to develop a practical dichotomous identification key.

Study Design: Field survey with regular sampling.

Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural and horticultural ecosystems of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat from February to July 2025.

Methodology: Adult coccinellid beetles were collected twice a week from the agricultural and horticultural ecosystems using sweep sampling and handpicking. Collected specimens were identified based on observed morphological characters, and a dichotomous key was developed for the recorded species.

Results: In the present study, seven species of Coccinellidae, namely, Coelophora bissellata, Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinella transversalis, Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Micraspis univittata, Harmonia dimidiata and Illeis indica were identified and their detailed descriptions, along with an identification key, are given below. The findings may aid in subsequent studies on the distribution, ecology and biological-control potential of coccinellids in agricultural ecosystems of northeastern India.

Conclusion: The study aims to provide a baseline inventory of the coccinellid species found at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, together with a practical morphology-based identification key. The key has been developed for preliminary identification of the species at the regional level, for species documentation, and to assist in biological control. Further surveys covering additional habitats, seasons and standardised sampling effort would be useful to obtain a more comprehensive assessment of coccinellid assemblages in the region.

Effects of Parkia biglobosa Pulp Powder Consumption on Induced Hypertension in Male Rats

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hypertension is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic disturbances. This study evaluated the effects of Parkia biglobosa pulp powder on blood pressure, haematological, biochemical and histological parameters in male Wistar rats with induced hypertension. Sixteen rats were allocated to four experimental groups. Following hypertension induction, the experimental treatment was administered orally for 28 days. The pulp was characterized for phytochemical composition and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It contained polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and sterols, and showed antioxidant activity of 83.16% and anti-inflammatory activity of 40.38%. In the pulp-treated group, systolic blood pressure decreased from 144 ± 3 to 134 ± 2.67 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure decreased from 114.33 ± 17.56 to 88.53 ± 4 mmHg after four weeks. Triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations were lowest in the treated group, while creatinine and urea values did not indicate deterioration in renal function. Erythrocyte indices remained broadly comparable among groups, although platelet-related parameters were lower in the pulp-treated group. Histological examination showed preserved cardiac, hepatic and renal architecture without major lesions. However, CK-MB activity was higher in treated rats than in the other experimental groups. Overall, P. biglobosa pulp was associated with improved blood-pressure and selected metabolic outcomes in this experimental model, but the biochemical findings warrant cautious interpretation. Larger studies incorporating direct oxidative-stress, inflammatory, endothelial and cardiac injury markers are required to clarify efficacy, safety and mechanisms.

Effect of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) Concentrations and Cutting Lengths on the Vegetative Propagation of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings is important for rapid multiplication of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), and establishment may be influenced by cutting length and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentration. This study evaluated the interaction between three cutting lengths (20, 25, and 30 cm) and three IBA concentrations (5000, 6000, and 7000 ppm) under nursery conditions during 2023–24 and 2024–25. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with two replications, and shoot growth, root development, survival, root-to-shoot ratio, and related growth indices were assessed. The interaction between cutting length and IBA concentration significantly influenced the evaluated propagation traits. Among the tested combinations, 30 cm cuttings treated with 6000 ppm IBA showed the strongest overall performance. This treatment recorded the earliest first shoot initiation (31.58 days), a shoot length of 39.50 cm at 120 days after planting, 19.53 primary roots per cutting, a linear root length of 26.80 cm, and a root density of 1.97 mg/in³. It also produced the highest shoot fresh and dry weights at 120 days (140.73 and 27.40 g, respectively), together with 94.17% survival and a root-to-shoot length ratio of 0.88. The results indicate that the combination of 30 cm cuttings and 6000 ppm IBA was the most effective treatment under the experimental nursery conditions and may support efficient vegetative propagation of dragon fruit.

Assessment of Natural Variability in Indigenous Hirpora Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Germplasm Maintained under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir Valley

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Potato landraces maintained under local cultivation can provide useful variation for selection and conservation. The present study assessed natural variability among 25 indigenous Hirpora potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) selections under temperate conditions of the Kashmir Valley during kharif 2023. The experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design with three replications, and growth, yield and quality traits were evaluated. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among selections for all studied traits except average tuber yield per plant. Phenotypic coefficients of variation were slightly higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficients across traits, while broad-sense heritability ranged from 73% to 94%. Genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was highest for number of tubers per plant (37.46), followed by number of stems per hill (33.17), number of eyes per tuber (29.58) and plant height (29.46). Total yield showed positive genotypic associations with average tuber yield per plant (0.8247), number of tubers per plant (0.7237), plant spread (0.3052) and number of stems per hill (0.2676). Path analysis indicated positive direct effects of average tuber yield per plant, number of tubers per plant, plant height, number of eyes per tuber and plant emergence percentage on total yield. These results indicate measurable variability within the Hirpora potato germplasm and identify traits that may assist selection and conservation of promising clones.

Bioprospecting of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria for the Management of Late Leaf Spot Disease

Lopamudra Giri, M Prameela, Hari Kishan Sudini, S Triveni, Srinivasa Chary — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Late leaf spot (LLS), caused by Nothopassalora personata, is one of the most destructive foliar diseases limiting groundnut productivity worldwide. The present study aimed to isolate and characterise plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from the rhizosphere of healthy groundnut plants and evaluate their antagonistic potential against N. personata under in vitro conditions. Rhizospheric soil samples collected from healthy groundnut plants at ICRISAT were used to isolate PGPR using the serial dilution and spread plate techniques. A total of 12 morphologically distinct bacterial isolates were obtained and screened for antagonistic activity using the dual-culture assay. Significant variation was observed among the isolates, with inhibition of mycelial growth ranging from 59% to 92%. The highest inhibition was recorded by isolate IC-PGPR-1 (92%), followed by IC-PGPR-6 (90%). Based on their superior antagonistic activity, these two isolates were selected for molecular identification. Amplification of the 16S rRNA gene using universal primers 27F and 1492R produced an approximately 1,500 bp amplicon in both isolates. BLASTn analysis identified isolate IC-PGPR-1 as Bacillus cereus (99.65% sequence similarity; GenBank accession no. PZ770073) and isolate IC-PGPR-6 as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (99.73% sequence similarity; GenBank accession no. PZ770288). Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis further confirmed the taxonomic identity of both isolates by clustering them with authenticated reference strains. The results demonstrate that indigenous PGPR associated with the groundnut rhizosphere possess promising antagonistic activity against N. personata and represent potential candidates for the development of environmentally sustainable management strategies for late leaf spot disease.

SSR Marker-based DNA Finger Printing of Newly Released Groundnut Variety VRI 11

Mahalingam Angamuthu, Tamilmathi Thalapathiraja, Subrahmaniyan Kasirajan — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Molecular markers are powerful tools that help differentiate crop varieties at the DNA level and have been widely used for fingerprinting in numerous crop plants. The newly released Spanish bunch groundnut variety VRI 11 is derived from a cross between CO 7 and VG 13127 and matures in 105–110 days. Its notable features include a high dry-pod yield (3213 kg/ha) and moderate resistance to early leaf spot, rust, Alternaria blight, stem rot, and dry root rot. Morphological traits, viz., pod length, pod beak, pod reticulation, and pod constriction, can distinguish VRI 11 from the ruling varieties VRI 9, GG 7, GJG 32, K 1812, and BSR 2. However, these varieties cannot all be differentiated using a single DUS character. In the present study, 36 SSR primers were used to differentiate VRI 11 from other popular varieties. Of these, four SSR markers, viz., PM 3, IPAHM 103, Seq 17F06, and AH 426, differentiated the varieties. PM 3 showed polymorphism between VRI 11 and all other varieties, viz., VRI 9, GG 7, GJG 32, K 1812, and BSR 2. IPAHM 103 showed polymorphism between VRI 11 and other varieties, viz., GG 7, GJG 32, K 1812, and BSR 2. Seq 17F06 showed polymorphism between VRI 11 and four other varieties, namely VRI 9, GG 7, K 1812, and BSR 2, but not GJG 32. AH 426 showed polymorphism between VRI 11 and all other varieties, viz., VRI 9, GG 7, GJG 32, K 1812, and BSR 2. Hence, the SSR primers, viz., PM 3, IPAHM 103, Seq 17F06, and AH 426, may be used to differentiate these groundnut varieties at the molecular level during seed certification.

Biochemical Markers of Resistance to Early and Late Leaf Spot in Groundnut: Role of Phenols and Amino Acids

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed and food crop that is severely affected by early leaf spot caused by Cercospora arachidicola and late leaf spot caused by Phaeoisariopsis personata. These diseases are widely distributed and result in substantial yield losses under favourable conditions. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the biochemical markers associated with resistance to leaf spot diseases in groundnut genotypes. The study was conducted during 2020 at the Department of Plant Pathology, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. Biochemical parameters, namely total phenols and free amino acids, were estimated at two growth stages (healthy and infected) in selected groundnut genotypes. The results revealed that the concentration of both phenols and amino acids increased significantly following infection, with resistant genotypes showing a comparatively higher rate of accumulation than susceptible ones. The maximum phenol content was recorded in genotype GJG-32 (5.04 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight), while the minimum was observed in TG-37A (3.00 mg g⁻¹). Similarly, the highest amino acid content was recorded in GJG-32 (9.86 mg g⁻¹), whereas the lowest was observed in TG-37A (6.60 mg g⁻¹). Amino acid content increased initially after infection but declined at later stages. The findings indicate that enhanced accumulation of phenols and amino acids is associated with resistance to early and late leaf spot diseases in groundnut and can serve as potential biochemical markers in resistance breeding programmes.

Gamma Irradiation Alters in vitro Regeneration Efficiency of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivar BRRI dhan92

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tissue culture, combined with gamma irradiation, is an important biotechnological approach for creating genetic variation in rice, particularly for shortening the life cycle of a high-yielding indica rice. The main objective of this study was to establish an effective in vitro regeneration protocol from calli derived from mature seeds, and to evaluate the effects of gamma irradiation on callus survival, as well as shoot and root development and plant establishment. Optimal callus induction occurred on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 5.0 mg/L of 2,4-D, yielding a 66.67% rate. Shoot regeneration peaked at 76.67% with a combination of 0.5 mg/L NAA, 1.2 mg/L Kinetin, and 4.0 mg/L BAP in the basal MS medium. Notably, increased gamma irradiation doses resulted in decreased survival and regeneration rates. Lower doses resulted in longer survival and shoot regeneration. The control group (0 Gy) had the longest survival and shoot regeneration period, but the 6 Gy-irradiated calli had the highest overall rates of survival, shoot regeneration and plant establishment. They were superior to all other groups, including the control, except that 22 Gy-irradiated calli achieved better root induction. The optimal dose of gamma irradiation for BRRI dhan92 calli was determined to be 6 Gy, while the lethal dose for 50% callus survival (LD₅₀) was approximately 24.9 Gy. Later, the in vitro regenerated plantlets were acclimatised and grown under field conditions. The developed protocols offer great promise for rice improvement through in vitro regeneration and mutation breeding techniques. Further studies are needed for molecular validation and field evaluation of subsequent generations to confirm trait stability.

Response of Crop Growth Rate and Absolute Growth Rate of Late-Sown Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to Nutrient and Weed Management

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient and weed management on crop growth rate (CGR) and absolute growth rate (AGR) of chickpea. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, comprising four nutrient management practices viz., F_0-control, F₁-100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), F₂-75% RDF + Rhizobium + phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) and F₃-50% RDF + Rhizobium + PSB + molybdenum seed treatment + foliar boron and urea spray and eight weed management practices viz., W₁-pendimethalin (PE), W₂-quizalofop-p-ethyl (PoE), W₃-topramezone (EPoE), W₄-pendimethalin followed by one hand weeding (25 days after sowing), W₅-pendimethalin followed by quizalofop-p-ethyl, W₆-pendimethalin followed by topramezone, W₇-weedy check and W₈-weed-free. The results revealed that nutrient and weed management significantly influenced crop growth throughout the crop growth period. The application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) recorded the highest CGR (4.36, 5.79, 7.96 and 7.99 g m^-2 day^-1) and AGR (0.154, 0.205, 0.282 and 0.291 g plant^-1 day^-1) during 30-60 and 60-90 days after sowing (DAS) in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively, followed by 75% RDF combined with Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB), whereas the unfertilised control recorded significantly lower values. Among weed management practices, pendimethalin (1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1) applied as pre-emergence followed by one hand weeding at 25 DAS (W₄) recorded significantly higher CGR and AGR than the remaining herbicidal treatments and was closely comparable with pendimethalin followed by topramezone (W₆), indicating that sequential weed management effectively minimised crop-weed competition and promoted biomass accumulation. Absolute growth rate declined progressively with crop age irrespective of treatments, reflecting the normal ontogenic reduction in growth efficiency. The study demonstrated that balanced nutrient management combined with effective weed management substantially improved crop growth by enhancing dry matter accumulation and resource-use efficiency. Under late-sown conditions, the application of 100% RDF in combination with pendimethalin followed by one hand weeding or pendimethalin followed by topramezone proved to be the most effective management strategy for maximising chickpea growth.

Effect of Organic Manure and Silicon on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan, India

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: The present investigation was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, to study the influence of organic manure and silicon on the growth, yield, and quality of tomato.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–26.

Methodology: The experiment comprised two factors. The first factor was organic manure (M), with four levels, viz. control (M₁), 20 ton FYM/ha (M₂), 6 ton poultry manure/ha (M₃), and 8 ton vermicompost/ha (M₄). The second factor was silicon (S), with four levels, viz. control (T₁), 25 kg silicon (T₂), 50 kg silicon (T₃), and 75 kg silicon (T₄). These factors formed 16 treatment combinations, each replicated three times.

Results: The results revealed significant differences among the treatments. Among the organic manure treatments, the maximum plant height at harvest (115.12 cm) was observed with 20 ton FYM/ha (M₂), whereas among the silicon levels, the maximum plant height at harvest (100.25 cm) was observed with 75 kg silicon (T₄). Similarly, among the organic manure treatments, the maximum number of branches per plant (8.95) was observed with 20 ton FYM/ha (M₂), whereas among the silicon levels, the maximum number of branches per plant (7.51) was observed with 75 kg silicon (T₄). The interaction effect of organic manure and silicon levels on plant height at harvest and the number of branches per plant was non-significant. Superior growth parameters, viz. maximum plant spread (72.00 cm) and number of leaves per plant (54.07), were observed with 8 ton vermicompost/ha + 75 kg silicon (M₄T₄), whereas the minimum values were observed in the control. Superior yield and yield-attributing parameters, viz. maximum number of fruits per plant (39.42), maximum average fruit weight (126.46 g), fruit yield per plant (4.00 kg), and fruit yield per hectare (103.11 t/ha), and quality parameters, viz. maximum TSS (7.24 °Brix), β-carotene content (18.46 mg/g), total sugar content (6.62%), maximum titratable acidity (0.67%), lycopene content (6.84 mg/g), maximum ascorbic acid content (24.62 mg/100 g), and B:C ratio (3.70), were observed with 20 ton FYM/ha + 75 kg silicon (M₂T₄).

Conclusion: It may be concluded from the present investigation that the treatment combination of 20 ton FYM/ha + 75 kg silicon produced superior growth, yield, and economic returns and may therefore be recommended for obtaining a higher tomato yield and superior fruit quality.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Onion (Allium cepa) Varieties Using ISSR Markers

Nandini Mishra, Sandesh Waghmare, Vaibhav Sanap — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is among the most widely cultivated vegetable crops worldwide. Despite its considerable global demand and economic importance, information on the genetic diversity of onion germplasm remains limited. Assessment of genetic diversity is essential for the effective characterisation and utilisation of onion germplasm in breeding programmes. The present study was undertaken to investigate the extent of genetic variability among seven onion varieties, namely, Bhima Light Red, Bhima Shubhra, Bhima Shakti, Bhima Safed, Bhima Raj, Bhima Kiran and Bhima Red. Of the ten ISSR primers initially screened, eight produced reproducible amplification profiles. Amplified fragments were resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis and scored as present or absent, and the polymorphism information content (PIC) was calculated to assess primer informativeness. The eight primers collectively generated 40 scorable bands, of which 31 were polymorphic and 9 were monomorphic, corresponding to an overall polymorphism of 76.25%. Primers UBC-825 and UBC-812 each exhibited 100% polymorphism, with PIC values of 0.408 and 0.469, respectively, followed by UBC-823 and ISSR-01 (80% each), UBC-801 and UBC-809 (75% each), UBC-811 (60%) and UBC-880 (40%). Cluster analysis revealed that Bhima Red and Bhima Shubhra shared the highest genetic similarity, whereas Bhima Shakti and Bhima Raj formed distinct outgroups, exhibiting the greatest genetic distance from the remaining varieties.

Aims: To assess the extent of genetic diversity and genetic relationships among seven onion (Allium cepa) varieties using ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat) molecular markers

Study Design: Molecular marker-based genetic diversity analysis using ISSR-PCR, with amplified products scored as binary (present/absent) data, followed by polymorphism, PIC (Polymorphism Information Content), Jaccard similarity, and UPGMA cluster analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: K. K. Wagh College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Nashik, during the year 2025-2026.

Methodology: Genomic DNA was isolated from seven onion varieties: Bhima Light Red, Bhima Shubhra, Bhima Shakti, Bhima Safed, Bhima Raj, Bhima Kiran, and Bhima Red using the CTAB method described by Doyle and Doyle (1987). Ten ISSR primers were initially screened, of which eight produced reproducible amplification. The amplified fragments were resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis and scored as present (1) or absent (0). Polymorphic information content (PIC) was calculated to evaluate primer informativeness. Genetic similarity was estimated using cluster analysis, which was performed using the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean.

Results: The eight primers generated 40 scorable bands, including 31 polymorphic and 9 monomorphic bands, yielding an overall polymorphism of 76.25%. Primers UBC-825 and UBC-812 exhibited 100% polymorphism with PIC values of 0.408 and 0.469, respectively. Pairwise Jaccard similarity coefficients ranged from 0.3235 (Bhima Light Red vs. Bhima Safed) to 0.7714 (Bhima Red vs. Bhima Safed). UPGMA cluster analysis resolved the cultivars into distinct groups, placing Bhima Red and Bhima Shubhra in proximity, while Bhima Shakti and Bhima Raj formed distinct, genetically divergent outgroups.

Conclusion: Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers successfully differentiated the evaluated onion varieties and established preliminary molecular phylogenies. These findings support baseline germplasm characterisation and parental selection, though broader validation incorporating diverse genotypes and complementary marker systems remains necessary.

Epidemiology and Serology of Dengue in Imphal Valley: An Institutional Study

Rabita Hijam, Pratibha Huidrom, Ranjeeta Sougaijam — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Dengue is a pandemic disease with a substantial global burden and can be fatal. Effective dengue control measures should consider the location of outbreaks, relevant demographic parameters, and the diagnostic testing techniques used.

Aims: This study evaluated the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue and the diagnostic testing techniques used in Imphal Valley.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Escent Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research (NABL-accredited Diagnostic Laboratory), Imphal, Manipur. All clinically suspected dengue cases reported by government and private hospitals in Imphal were included from September 2023 to December 2025. Microsoft Excel 2019 was used for data analysis.

Results: Of 3,424 samples received from clinically suspected dengue cases, 1,514 (44.22%) were positive, comprising 735 male and 779 female cases. Cases positive only for NS1 were the most frequent, indicating early infection, followed by cases positive for both NS1 and IgM.

Conclusion: Imphal experienced dengue outbreaks in three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. The largest outbreak during the study period occurred in 2025, driven by a sharp increase in cases. Efforts to control mosquito breeding habitats in high-risk areas should be intensified by removing containers of stagnant water to reduce the density of Aedes mosquitoes.

Effect of Biostimulants on Growth, Yield and Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: This study evaluated the individual and interactive effects of applied biostimulants on the growth, yield, quality, and economic performance of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Pusa Desi.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur (Rajasthan), during 2025-26.

Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design with two factors: commercial biostimulants (control, humic acid @ 3%, fulvic acid @ 3%, and salicylic acid @ 50 mg/L) and traditional biostimulants (control, moringa leaf extract @ 3%, vermiwash @ 3%, and cow urine [1:10]). The 16 treatment combinations were replicated three times, and the observed data were analysed using OPSTAT.

Results: Significant differences were observed among the treatments. Among the treatment combinations, humic acid @ 3% and moringa leaf extract @ 3% (T₁×M₁) recorded the maximum plant height (35.5 cm at 45 DAS and 51.6 cm at harvest), root-shoot ratio (1.15 cm at 45 DAS and 1.20 cm at harvest), average leaf area (218.48 cm² at 45 DAS), leaf area index (3.36 at 45 DAS), number of leaves per plant (8.4 at 30 DAS and 12.61 at 45 DAS), chlorophyll a content (2 mg/g at 30 DAS and 2.2 mg/g at 45 DAS), chlorophyll b content (1.17 mg/g at 30 DAS and 1.33 mg/g at 45 DAS), total chlorophyll content (3.23 mg/g at 30 DAS and 3.24 mg/g at 45 DAS), maximum root diameter (5 cm at 45 DAS and 5.7 cm at harvest), average root weight (123 g at 45 DAS and 130 g at harvest), yield per plot (5.2 kg), yield per hectare (433 q/ha), TSS content in roots (4.24 ºBrix at 45 DAS and 4.4 ºBrix at harvest), vitamin C (27.9 mg/day at 45 DAS and 31.6 mg/day at harvest), total phenolic content (2.16 mg GAE/g at 45 DAS and 2.51 mg GAE/g at harvest), beta-carotene (4.12 mg at 45 DAS and 4.16 mg at harvest), and the highest B:C ratio of 3.16.

Conclusion: The results of our research indicated that the application of humic acid @ 3% and moringa leaf extract @ 3% (T₁×M₁) increased the growth, yield, and quality of radish. However, these findings are indicative and require further experimentation across seasons and locations before broader recommendations can be made.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Dried Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) Leaf Meal on Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen-Mineral Balance and Blood Biochemical Profile in Crossbred Calves

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of dried subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance, and blood biochemical parameters in crossbred calves. Eighteen calves were allocated to three groups (T₀, T₁ and T₂), with six animals in each group. T₀ served as the control, while T₁ and T₂ received concentrate mixtures containing 5% and 10% subabul leaf meal, respectively. A metabolism trial was conducted on five calves from each group. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility did not differ significantly among treatments. Crude protein digestibility increased significantly, reaching 69.45% in T₂ compared with 65.65% in T₀, whereas ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen-free extract digestibility remained unaffected. Nitrogen balance increased numerically from 37.07 g/d in T₀ to 47.61 g/d in T₂, although the tabled treatment effect was not significant. Calcium balance and retention increased significantly with subabul inclusion, whereas phosphorus balance and retention did not differ significantly among groups. Serum glucose, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and superoxide dismutase also showed no significant treatment effects. Within the 90-day feeding period, dietary inclusion of dried subabul leaf meal at up to 10% was associated with improved crude protein digestibility and calcium utilisation without significant changes in the measured blood biochemical parameters.

Effect of Bio NP Consortium, Iron, and Zinc on the Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Kharif Maize [Zea mays (L.)] Grown in Loamy Sand Soil

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Excessive use of chemical fertilisers has degraded soil health, highlighting the need for sustainable practices. Biofertilisers and essential micronutrients such as iron and zinc play key roles in improving nutrient availability, soil fertility, and maize productivity in loamy sand soils. A field experiment titled "Influence of Bio-NP Consortium, Iron, and Zinc on the Physico-chemical and Biological Characteristics of Kharif Maize [Zea mays (L.)] Grown in Loamy Sand Soil" was conducted at the Jorapura Farm of the Livestock Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, during the kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020. A total of eighteen treatment combinations were evaluated, including two seed inoculation treatments with biofertiliser: without bio-NP consortium (B₀) and with bio-NP consortium (B₁). Additionally, three levels of iron (4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 kg Fe ha^-1) and three levels of zinc (2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 kg Zn ha^-1) were assessed using the GAYMH-1 cultivar. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with a factorial arrangement and three replications. Results revealed that seed inoculation with the bio-NP consortium did not significantly affect available N, P₂O₅, K₂O, or DTPA-extractable iron and zinc contents in soil after maize harvest during the individual years; however, available N and P₂O₅ contents in soil improved significantly only in the pooled results. Seed inoculation with the bio-NP consortium significantly influenced Azospirillum and PSB counts and urease enzyme activity in soil after maize harvest during 2019, 2020, and in the pooled results. Different levels of iron and zinc application did not exert any significant influence on EC, pH, available N, P₂O₅, K₂O, DTPA-extractable Zn content, Azospirillum and PSB counts, or urease activity in soil after maize harvest during 2019, 2020, and in the pooled results. However, DTPA-extractable iron and zinc in soil after maize harvest were significantly influenced by the application of iron and zinc.

Effect of Different Cultivars and INM on Physiological Growth Indices of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Integrated nutrient management (INM) plays a crucial role in enhancing the physiological growth of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2023–24 and 2024–25 to evaluate the effect of Indian mustard cultivars and different INM practices on physiological growth parameters. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with five cultivars (V₁ -‘RH 1706’, V₂ -‘RH 1424’, V₃ -‘RH 725’, V₄ -‘RH 749’, and V₅ -‘Giriraj’) assigned to the main plots and four nutrient management treatments [F₁-100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), F₂-75% RDN + farmyard manure (FYM), F₃-75% RDN + vermicompost (VC), and F₄-75% RDN + poultry manure (PM)] allocated to the sub-plots, with three replications. Crop growth rate (CGR) and absolute growth rate (AGR) were determined at different crop growth stages following standard growth analysis procedures. Cultivar effects on AGR and CGR were non-significant during 30–60 days after sowing (DAS) but became significant during 60–90 DAS. Among the cultivars, RH 725 consistently showed the highest AGR and CGR, followed closely by RH 749. Integrated nutrient management significantly improved all physiological growth parameters across both years. The application of 75% RDN combined with poultry manure recorded the highest AGR and CGR. This treatment was statistically at par with 75% RDN + vermicompost and significantly superior to 75% RDN alone. The enhanced growth under INM was attributed to balanced nutrient availability, improved soil biological activity, sustained nutrient release, and greater dry matter accumulation. This study demonstrates that integrating organic nutrient sources with reduced inorganic fertiliser enhances physiological growth and biomass production in Indian mustard. Among the tested combinations, ‘RH 725’ supplied with 75% RDN + poultry manure emerged as one of the most promising options for improving crop growth under the agro-climatic conditions of the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains.