2026-10-06 · Article
T Raghavendra, B V Ravi Prakash Reddy, S Rama Devi, R Naseeruddin, K VenkataRamanamma
Climate change and global warming are intensifying the frequency and severity of heat stress, posing a major threat to crop growth, development, and productivity. Rising temperatures adversely affect key physiological and biochemical processes, particularly during critical stages of crop development. In this context, rapid and reliable screening techniques are essential for evaluating large numbers of genotypes and identifying heat-tolerant sources. The present study was conducted to evaluate the response of thirty sunflower genotypes to temperature induction under laboratory conditions and to identify potential heat-tolerant genotypes. Significant genotypic variation was observed among the genotypes for all the traits evaluated, indicating substantial genetic diversity in response to temperature stress. Seedling survival ranged from 35.0 to 90.0%, while root growth reduction varied from 0.0 to 34.3%. The chlorophyll stability index (CSI) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity declined following temperature induction; however, the magnitude of reduction differed considerably among genotypes. Genotypes ‘PHT 6’, ‘NDI 26’, ‘NDSH 1012’, ‘NDI 55’, and ‘SH 2602’ maintained higher chlorophyll stability and antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting enhanced cellular protection against stress. Genotypes ‘PB 1340’, ‘NDI 30’, ‘PB 1351’, and ‘PB 1356’ exhibited greater reductions in physiological and biochemical traits, indicating greater susceptibility to heat stress. The study identified ‘PHT 6’, ‘NDI 26’, ‘NDSH 1012’, ‘NDI 55’, and ‘SH 2602’ as promising sources of heat tolerance. These genotypes may serve as valuable genetic resources for development of temperature-resilient sunflower cultivars through future breeding programmes.
2026-10-06 · Article
Girija Shankar, Chanchal Patel, Nisha Thakur, Parmeshwar Gore, Ayushi Dole, A L Tandon
Colletotrichum truncatum (Schwein.), a devastating fungus causing anthracnose and pod blight of soybean, is a major threat to soybean production as it causes heavy yield loss. A roving survey across the 16 villages of six districts of Chhattisgarh, India during Kharif 2024 and 2025, covering 32 villages revealed mean percent disease index (PDI) ranged from 17.8 to 31.0%, while percent pod infection (PPI) ranged from 14.85 to 25.75%. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.99, p 40%) and five as virulent. Cultural characterization revealed substantial phenotypic variability within isolates, with colony diameter ranging from 60.6 mm to 90.0 mm on PDA. Morphological studies revealed considerable variation in conidial dimensions (21.9-24.8 × 3.6-4.2 μm), appressorial size (11.0-12.8 × 7.4-8.4 μm), acervuli (121.4-225.8 × 180.8-295.4 μm) and setae (79.6-212.6 × 5.0-8.4 μm). The study provides baseline information on disease distribution and pathogenic variability that may be helpful in devising appropriate disease management in Chhattisgarh (India).
2026-10-05 · Article
G K Jatav, L K Srivastava, Rakesh Banwasi, V K Singhal, R K Bhagat, Deepika Devdas, Sakshi Bajaj
Soil fertility management is cornerstone for sustainable crop production, ensuringnutrient availability for optimal yields.Reliable estimates ofpost-harvest soil test values (PHSTVs) are crucial for planning nutrient applications for succeeding crops. Conventional soil testing after each crop cycle is costly and time-consuming; hence, predictive models based on initial soil fertility status, applied fertilizer doses, and crop yields provide a practical alternative. The present study was aimed to assess the relationship between observed and predicted PHSTVs and to generate prediction equations after safflower cultivation. Multiple regression analysis was performed, considering PHSTVs as the dependent variable and initial soil test levels, fertilizer inputs, and grain yields as independent variables. Equations developed on the basis of yield and nutrient uptake demonstrated high predictability for KMnO4-N, Olsen’s P, and NH4+-acetate extractable K. Predicted PHSTVs for N, P, and K were compared with observed values, yielding considerably large R² values, confirming strong model performance. Calibration using RMSE and RE showed RMSE values in the order K > N > P, while RE values followed P > K > N. For safflower, RE values below 10% indicated excellent prediction accuracy. The generated equations for PHSTVs offer a reliable tool for estimating soil test values without repeated laboratory testing. This approach reduces soil testing costs, improves nutrient management efficiency, and supports sustainable crop production.
2026-10-05 · Article
Manisha Medhi, Sutopa Das, Rita Nath, Durlav Prasad Bora, Muthannan Andavar Ramakrishnan, Dhanavelu Muthuchelvan
Infectious bursal disease (IBD), caused by the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), is a highly contagious viral infection of young chickens that causes immunosuppression and substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. This study aimed to isolate and characterize IBDV strains from backyard poultry in Assam, a major poultry-producing region of North-Eastern India. Cloacal swabs and bursal tissues were collected from chickens with clinical signs of IBD across four districts. Virus was isolated in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cultures and propagated in Vero cells, and molecular characterization was performed by phylogenetic analysis of the VP2 gene. Affected flocks showed a cumulative mortality of approximately 5%, and viral titres reached 7.5 log₁₀ TCID₅₀ mL-1 by the 15th Vero-cell passage. Necropsy findings were consistent with IBDV, including haemorrhages in breast and thigh muscles, a hyperaemic cloacal bursa, a necrotic and hyperaemic liver, and enlarged spleen and kidneys. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial VP2 gene placed both isolates within the lineage of previously reported very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) strains from India. These findings indicate that vvIBDV-related strains circulate among unvaccinated backyard poultry in Assam and may serve as candidate strains for future antigenic and vaccine-related investigations.
2026-10-03 · Article
V B Sankpal, P B Ghorpade, P V Yeotikar, M J Sanap, M F M F Siddiqui, S A Amrutkar, L A Pangaonkar
The present study explored polymorphism in ACSL1 gene, a candidate gene involved in fatty acid metabolism and milk fat synthesis, in thirty lactating Red Kandhari cattle. Two reported SNP regions, g.35446C>T and g.35941G>A, were targeted for genotyping. The polymerase chain reaction for SNP g.35446C>T, and g.35941G>A yielded PCR amplicon of 148 and 142 bp, respectively. SSCP analysis revealed no mobility variation, and subsequent Sanger sequencing confirmed monomorphic patterns with homozygous CC and GG genotypes, respectively. These findings indicated that the selected ACSL1 regions are conserved in this indigenous breed. Although milk trait data—including fat percentage, protein percentage, lactose, solid-not-fat, somatic cell score, and milk yield—were collected, the absence of polymorphism precluded genotype phenotype association analysis. Documenting monomorphic loci is scientifically relevant as it establishes a genetic baseline for Red Kandhari cattle and contributes to the broader understanding of breed-specific genetic diversity. This study represents the first report of ACSL1 gene monomorphism in Red Kandhari cattle. The lack of polymorphism limited association analysis with milk traits and the results underscore the importance of expanding genetic studies to include additional SNPs, larger populations, and comparative analyses across breeds.
2026-09-24 · Article
Aafreen Khan, Sanju Mandal, Anil Gattani, Amit Kumar, Subhradal Nath, Anand Kumar Jain, R Hari
Seasonal variation significantly influences the reproductive efficiency of small ruminants, particularly in subtropical regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal variations in semen quality and reproductive parameters of Barbari and Sirohi bucks raised under subtropical environments. A total of 96 ejaculates were collected fortnightly from 12 healthy adult breeding bucks of the Barbari and Sirohi breeds during the summer and winter seasons of 2024 using an artificial vagina. Scrotal temperature was significantly higher and scrotal circumference was significantly lower in summer as compared to winter season in both breeds. Ejaculates collected during summer season had significantly lower mean values of semen volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, individual motility and live sperm countthan those collected during winter time in both breeds. Hormonal profiles (testosterone) were assessed to establish correlations with reproductive performance. The results revealed that semen quality and reproductive traits were superior during winter and autumn, while summer heat stress significantly impaired sperm motility, concentration and morphology. Testosterone levels also exhibited seasonal fluctuations, peaking in cooler months. These findings highlight the pronounced impact of climate-induced seasonality on reproductive efficiency, suggesting the need for improved breeding management and nutritional supplementation during heat stressed periods in subtropical goats.
2026-09-24 · Article
Amna Amin Sethi, Faizan Siraj Qureshi, Syed Fahad Ali, Haniah Iqbal Naseem, Tayyaba Wasi
Prostate cancer remains a major global health challenge, and the largely unexplored non-coding genome—including microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) — offers critical insights into its early molecular events. This study is distinct in integration of computational analyses of both TFBS and miRNAs to identify highly recurrent mutations within non coding regions of prostate cancer. Point mutations were retrieved from the COSMIC database and then subjected to computational analysis. Recurrent non-coding mutations were identified in MIR100HG, MIR4432, and MIR2054. These statistically significant mutations were mapped to prostate cancer cell-line specific TFBS, revealing their presence within recurrent mutational hotspots. Importantly, a 10,000-bootstrap randomization model (q
2026-09-24 · Article
Mohammad IshaqNaikoo, Intikhab AalumJehangir, Faisul urRasool, Ashaq Hussain, Waseem Raja
Cereal legume intercropping is considered as promising cropping system to surge crop productivity. A field trial was conducted during summer 2023 in a randomized block design with three replications to evaluate maize-bean intercropping under different nitrogen levels. The experiment comprised of 10 treatments involving sole maize, sole beans, maize-bean intercropping in 1:1 (IC-I) and 1:2 (IC- II) row ratios, each supplied with 0, 60 and 120 kg N ha⁻¹, along with sole bean at the recommended NPK dose. Maize growth, yield, nitrogen use efficiency and system productivity were significantly influenced by row arrangement and nitrogen level. The 1:1 intercropping arrangement with 120 kg N ha-1, though statistically comparable with IC-II, recorded highest maize yield of 8.78 t ha-1, while bean seed yield was highest under IC-II at the same N level. Maize equivalent yield (MEY) and land equivalent ratio (LER > 1) confirmed a consistent advantage of intercropping over sole cropping. These results indicate that maize-bean intercropping in 1: 2 row arrangement with 120 kg N ha-1(IC-II + N2) is an optimum treatment for enhancing system productivity and land use efficiency, while IC-I + N2 is the best treatment for maize yield under temperate agro-ecosystems.
2026-09-24 · Article
Shalini Suri, Jasvinder Singh Sasan, Kamal Sarma
Oesophagus is an important part of avian digestive tract and no information is available on structure of oesophagus of indigenous poultry of Poonch region of Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, a study was conducted with the aim to characterize the gross, histomorphometry and histochemical composition of the oesophagus of indigenous poultry of Poonch region, thereby establishing baseline anatomical data for this local poultry population. Histologically, tunica mucosa was thrown into folds. Lamina epithelialis was composed of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria contained mucous-secreting simple tubule-acinar glands. Each acinus was surrounded by myoepithelial cells. Glandular cells had foamy cytoplasm and were full of secretions. A few glands were associated with lymphoid follicles. Collagen fibers and reticular fibers formed basket like arrangement around each lobe and lobule of glands. Lamina muscularis was thick and folded supported by central collagenous core. Tunica muscularis consisted of inner circular (three prominent layers) and outer longitudinal layers. At certain locations, oblique muscles were also observed. Between muscle layers, parasympathetic ganglions were also present. Thickness of tunica mucosa, lamina epithelialis, tunica muscularis, tunica serosa/adventitia and greater diameter of glands was significantly (p
2026-09-24 · Article
Suvarna Dnyaneshwar Patil, Arpana Hemraj Jobanputra, Naziya M A Rehman
div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(>.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow"> Soil salinity poses a significant challenge to global agricultural productivity, necessitating sustainable approaches to improve crop performance under salt stress. This study aimed to isolate and characterize halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from saline soils of Maharashtra and Gujarat, India, and to evaluate their salt tolerance, plant growth-promoting traits, and effects on maize and wheat growth and seed germination. Soil samples collected from Lonar Lake, Mehrun Lake, and coastal regions were analyzed for physicochemical properties. Bacterial isolates were screened for tolerance to 2–18% NaCl and for the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), siderophores, and exopolysaccharides (EPS). Morphological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA sequence analyses identified the selected isolates as Bacillus haynesii (B1 and B2) and Shouchella clausii (B3). All isolates tolerated NaCl concentrations up to 14%, while temperature tolerance ranged from 15 to 45°C, with optimum growth at 30–35°C. S. clausii B3 produced the highest IAA (7.5 µg mL⁻¹), whereas B. haynesii B2 showed the highest GA production (91.3%). Siderophore production peaked at 72 h, with B1 producing 68%, while EPS production was highest in B1. In pot trials, B1 significantly enhanced wheat growth, whereas B3 improved maize biomass. Seed germination assays recorded 100% germination in treated seeds, with B1 and B3 outperforming the controls in root and shoot elongation. The findings demonstrate the potential of halotolerant PGPR as effective bioinoculants for enhancing crop growth under salinity-stress conditions.
2026-07-13 · Research Papers
Madhusmita Bal, Chittaranjan Sahoo, Gobinda Chandra Acharya, Rajkumari Bhol, Kailash Chandra Samal, Satyapriya Singh, Manasi Dash, Nikita Mandala
Excess soil moisture and short-term waterlogging constrain vegetable production, particularly during reproductive stages requiring continuous assimilate supply for fruit development. Twelve contrasting eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes were evaluated for growth dynamics, reproductive performance, and yield under six days of waterlogging imposed at the flowering stage. Growth traits (leaf area, root and total dry weight, CGR, RGR, NAR), reproductive traits (flower drop, fruit set), and yield attributes (fruit number, average fruit weight, yield plant⁻¹) were assessed. Significant genotype × treatment interactions were observed for most of the parameters (p
2026-07-13 · Research Papers
Ashaq Hussain, Intikhab Aalum Jehangir, Tasneem Mubarak, Nazir Ahmad Teeli, M. Anwar Bhat, Najeeb. R. Sofi
Parthenium hysterophorous, globally recognised as one of the most problematic invasive weed species, demonstrates remarkable adaptability across tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate environments. This study, the first of its kind from Kashmir valley, investigated the life cycle dynamics of P. hysterophorus within rice agroecosystem under temperate conditions. The population was characterized in relation to geographic distribution, prevailing weather conditions, soil properties, taxonomic features, and biometric parameters. Parthenium plants were observed at varied phenological stages, including seedling/rosette, branching and flowering phases. Morphological measurements revealed considerable variation in plant height (7 to 76 cm), leaf count (3 to 26 plant⁻¹), flower and bud production (0-230 plant⁻¹), and shoot fresh weight (6-58 g plant⁻¹). Several plants cut 15-45 cm aboveground regenerated successfully through lateral shoots and new leaves. The high variability in plant height, branching, flower production, and biomass was presumably due to the differences in phenological stages. The field observations indicated that seeds over-wintered under sub-zero temperatures and high soil moisture, germinated during late spring, and reached reproductive maturity by the end of October. Mature seeds exhibited 65% germination under laboratory conditions, confirming the successful completion of life cycle under temperate Kashmir conditions. The study highlights the invasive potential of parthenium to establish and proliferate within rice ecosystems of Kashmir, posing a serious threat to local cropping systems under changing climatic scenarios. Comprehensive surveillance, early detection, targeted eradication, and long-term monitoring are, therefore, essential to mitigate its spread in Kashmir.
2026-07-13 · Research Papers
Somsole Bharath, Neeraj Kumar, B.S. Patil, Mahesh C. Meena, Uttarayan Dasgupta, Yogesh Kumar, C. Bharadwaj
Phosphorus (P) limitation is a major constraint in crop productivity, emphasizing the need for genetic improvement of phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) for sustainable agriculture. During 2024-25, thirty-three chickpea genotypes were evaluated under low and adequate P conditions to assess genotypic plasticity and identify the efficient genotypes using PUE index, principal component analysis (PCA), and multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI). The PUE index ranked genotypes across the contrasting P regimes, PCA summarized trait covariation to highlight efficient multivariate profiles, and MGIDI integrated multiple traits to estimate the distance from an ideal genotype. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant genotype, treatment, and their interaction effects. Under low P conditions, shoot phosphorus concentration declined by 45.6%, while phosphorus assimilation efficiency increased by 82.7%, and root dry weight by 62.7%, indicating adaptive biomass allocation to the roots. Strong positive trait associations were observed across both P regimes, with biomass and P traits varying co-ordinately. Across all the methods, genotypes IG 5860, Pusa 3022 (BG 3022), and PG 0515 consistently emerged as superior genotypes. Notably, no cultivar surpassed the efficient check IG 5860, reinforcing its value as a donor for PUE breeding. These convergent rankings validate the integrated approach as a reliable strategy for prioritizing chickpea genotypes under low P stress.
2026-07-02 · Article
Shahnaz Tabassum, Harmeen Kour, Seema langer, Ghasem M Kashani
Terrestrial isopods remain poorly documented in northern India. This study reports Porcellionides pruinosus (Brandt, 1833) and Cubaris murina Brandt, 1833 from Jammu and Kashmir, India. C. murina is recorded for the first time from the northern India, whereas P. pruinosus is reported for the first time from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (India), extending its known distribution in the region. Species identification was based on detailed morphological examination, and the identity of P. pruinosus was further confirmed through mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, which demonstrated its close affinity with previously reported global populations. These findings expand the known distribution of terrestrial isopods in the North-Western Himalaya and provide baseline morphological and molecular data for future taxonomic and biodiversity studies.
2026-07-02 · Article
Ankit Kumar, Pankaj Kumar, Umesh Chandra, Vinod Kumar, Suraj Soni, Aditya Kumar Sharma, Priyanshi Kamal, Mohd Yahya, Ravi Singh, Shiv Kumar Sharma
Melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is one of the most destructive pests of bitter gourd causing substantial yield losses through larval feeding within developing fruits. The present study evaluated the efficacy of some selected botanicals, Spinosad 45 SC + jaggery, and fruit bagging for the management of melon fruit fly in bitter gourd under field conditions. Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2024 and 2025 in a randomized block design with three replications. Fruit infestation and marketable fruit yield were recorded and analysed on the basis of two years pooled data. Among all treatments, fruit bagging proved most effective, showing the lowest pooled mean fruit infestation (7.16%) and highest fruit yield (8.35 kg plot⁻¹). Spinosad 45 SC + jaggery proved the next best treatment, with 10.32% infestation and a yield of 8.07 kg plot⁻¹. Among botanicals, ginger powder (22.10%) and neem leaf extract (23.10%) were most effective, whereas parthenium extract depicted least efficacy (44.48%), close to the untreated control. In second spray enhanced suppression of fruit fly infestation was observed across the treatments. The study concluded that fruit bagging is an effective, eco-friendly and residue-free strategy for sustainable management of melon fruit fly in bitter gourd.
2026-07-02 · Article
K Bhavitha, K Suresh, T Ram Prakash
Post-emergence herbicides play a vital role in weed control in maize; however, their efficacy is often influenced by the quality of spray fluid. In semi-arid regions like Telangana (India), groundwater is mildly alkaline to alkaline with pH in the range of 6.6 to 8.6. Due to the limited availability of quality water the farmers use ground waters for spraying herbicides. The dissolved salts, particularly calcium and magnesium ions, present in ground waters can antagonize active ingredients of herbicide, thereby reduce weed control efficiency. Therefore, a field study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of post emergence herbicides when applied using different saline waters as spray fluids in maize (Zea mays L.) during rabi 2020-21 at College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Hyderabad (India). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with different combinations of saline waters, herbicides, and adjuvant treatments. The results divulged that tank mix application of halosulfuron methyl @ 67.5 g ha-1 + atrazine @ 0.5 kg ha-1 with C3S1 saline water along with ammonium sulphate @ 2% as adjuvant (H6W1) resulted in lower weed index (10.3) and higher herbicide efficiency index (1.78) , crop resistance index (6.73, and 7.07 at 30, and 60 DAS) and yield (5006 kg ha-1) of rabi maize compared to the other treatments of saline water without adjuvant next to tank mix application of halosulfuron methyl @ 67.5 g ha-1 + atrazine @ 0.5 kg ha-1 + ammonium sulphate @ 2% at 21 DAS with distilled water (H6W3) indicating that ammonium sulphate as an effective adjuvant in negotiating the impact of hard water cations and improving the herbicide efficacy when saline water is used for spray.
2026-06-11 · Article
Masuood Ahmad John, A R Choudhury, Andleeb Rafiq, Firdous A Dar, Mohd Yusuf Dar, Jasvinder Singh Sasan, Shabir Ahmad Mir, Tanzel Ul Islam Wani
Understanding the cranial nerve anatomy is essential for accurate neurological examination, and provides a framework for performing nerve blocks during surgical procedures. However, there is scarcity of information on the gross anatomy of cranial nerves in water buffalo, and this study was aimed to comprehensively explore the gross anatomy of cranial nerve roots in water buffalo brain. Forty adult buffalo heads were procured from local slaughter houses and their cranial nerve roots exposed using the ventral and lateral approaches. The findings revealed that the gross anatomy of buffalo cranial nerve roots closely resemble that of other ruminants. The intracranial course of cranial nerves innervating the orbital region was influenced by the location of their origin within the brain and their entry points into the cranial dura mater. Unlike vestibulocochlear and facial nerve, which appeared as solid cylindrical structures, the vagus group and hypoglossal nerves comprised of multiple rootlets. The hypoglossal nerve, in addition to its predominant root, presented a small root emerging out through an accessory foramen. Consistent with other ruminants, the vagus group originated from dorsolateral aspect of medulla and traversed through jugular foramen, cranial to the hypoglossal foramen. Based on this study the first five cranial nerves emerging from the brain stem are best visualised using ventrolateral approach, while the remaining cranial nerves are more effectively observed through ventral approach.
2026-06-11 · Article
Priyanka Das, Muni Kumar Dokka, Nagendra Babu Gundamraju, Hari Priya Sarvepalli, Triveni Gudla
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) globally affects 8-20% of reproductive age women, with significant metabolic and hormonal implications. Comprehensive biochemical profiling studies in Indian women remain limited despite the condition's high prevalence in Indian population. This cross sectional study recruited 100 women aged 18-40 years from Malla Reddy Hospital, Hyderabad, India. Fifty women diagnosed with PCOS as per Rotterdam criteria were compared with 50 age-matched healthy controls. Fasting blood samples were analysed for glucose, lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL), and hormonal markers (testosterone, prolactin, T3, T4 and TSH). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and independent t-tests. All measured parameters showed significant differences betweenthe groups(p
2026-06-10 · Article
Sarika Satish Kulkarni, Anil Panditrao Narsinge, Ruddhi Rajendra Jagtap, Gajanan Vishnu Mali
The environmental pollution due to the lead discharge from industrial effluent is a major concern owing to its non-biodegradable and toxic nature. The present study was aimed to isolate, screen, and molecularly characterize a lead resistant bacterium isolated from the industrial effluents in Pune (India). The study was conducted in the years 2022-2024. The effluent samples were analysed for physicochemical characteristics and lead concentrations, both before and after bioremediation treatment. The lead concentration in the samples was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy during a lead reduction study over 48 h. Of the 30 bacterial isolates from the samples collected, five isolates viz., S1, S4, S8, S12 and S14 exhibited resistance up to 1000 ppm. Isolate S8 showed maximum lead reduction (14.80-6.78) in 48 h. Based on the morphobiochemical and molecular characterisation the isolate was identified as a Bacillus cereus (Accession No. PZ327497). The 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed using MEGA11 software. Further, the physicochemical parameters of industrial effluent such as BOD, COD, TSS, and TDS were considerably reduced after treatment. The study demonstrated that B. cereus strain S8 is a potential isolate for the bioremediation of lead polluted industrial effluent.
2026-06-10 · Article
A Ravanachandar, K Prakash, V Deepika, G Vaidehi, M Sudhakaran
A field study was conducted to evaluate the fertilizer use efficiency, soil nutrient dynamics and yield of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) under different levels of fertigation. The study compared different nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) application rates and methods, including conventional soil application and drip fertigation with both water-soluble and normal fertilizers. The results demonstrated that fertigation treatments significantly influenced the soil nutrient levels. Specifically, the application of 125% of recommended fertilizer dose [RFD] (125:50:175 g plant-1 year-1) as water-soluble fertilizers through drip irrigation consistently resulted in highest soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents across the vegetative, flowering, pod set, and harvesting stages of crop growth. Available nitrogen and potassium contents showed a slight decrease with increasing soil depth (0- 15 cm to 30-45 cm). However, drip fertigation with water-soluble fertilizers maximized available phosphorus at 30-45 cm depth. The findings suggest that drip fertigation with water-soluble fertilizers at 125% RDF enhances soil nutrient availability and distribution, leading to improved nutrient use efficiency in cocoa cultivation. The study recommends the adoption of appropriate fertigation strategy for optimizing the soil fertility during cocoa production under Alfisol conditions.
2026-05-02 · Article
Preeti Yadav, S K Dhankhar, RamMehar
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is a nutritionally important pulse crop with strong potential to enhance dietary protein and mineral intake. A pot experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (India) during the summer season of 2023-24 to assess genotypic variability in quality traits and nutrient composition across ten cowpea genotypes. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Grain samples collected at harvest were analysed for protein, carbohydrate, nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu), along with Zn concentration in pods and the overall index of nutritional quality (OINQ), using standard procedures. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences were observed among genotypes for all parameters. Protein content was in the range of 18.0–23.5%, while seed Zn and Fe concentrations varied between 28.12 and 41.66 ppm, and 40.2 and 59.2 ppm, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among protein, nitrogen, Zn, Fe, and Cu, suggesting coordinated accumulation of these traits, whereas carbohydrate content showed strong negative correlations, indicating a dilution effect. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 90.26% of total variance within the first three components, with PC1 representing a nutritional quality axis dominated by protein and micronutrients. Genotypes ‘Kashi Kanchan’ and ‘Cowpea-263’ consistently exhibited superior nutritional profiles and higher OINQ values. The study highlights the utility of multivariate approaches in identifying nutritionally superior cowpea genotypes and provide promising candidates for biofortification-oriented breeding under semi-arid Indian conditions.
2026-05-02 · Article
Arfa Ji, T A Sofi, Ehtishamul Haq, Ishtiyak Ahmad Peerzada, Shahnaz Anjum, Saira Banoo, Meraj U Din Dar
Biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts is a sustainable, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional physico chemical methods. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized for the first time using the aqueous extract of underutilized medicinal herb Dipsacus inermis, rich in phytochemicals. The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by UV-visspectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X ray diffraction to confirm nanoscale dimensions, crystalline ZnO structure, and phytochemical-mediated surface functionalization. The characterization studies revealed that the phytochemicals in the extract simultaneously acted as bio reducing and stabilizing agents and further confirmed the formation of spherical nanoparticles with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 37 nm anda crystalline ZnO structure. The synthesized ZnONPs were then evaluated for antimicrobial and cytotoxicity studies, which revealed that the nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with respective inhibition zones reaching 9.1 ±0.2 and 8.9 ±0.1 mm at 500 μg mL-1. Anticancer potential was assessed on human breast cancer (MDA MB231) cells and cytocompatibility on human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells, which revealed potential anticancer activity with only 37% ± 1.01 cells viable at the highest test concentration of 100 μg mL-1 and showed no significant cytotoxicity to normal cells with more than 70% ± 3.6 cells viable at highest test concentration. These findings highlight the potential of D. inermis-mediated ZnONP as ecofriendly therapeutic agents with multifunctional properties, including antibacterial activity, emphasizing further biomedicalstudies.
2026-05-02 · Article
Preeti Chaudhary, Satish Kumar Reddy, Meenakshi Thakur, Anil Kumar Verma
The growing consumer demand for healthier beverages has increased interest in functional drinks with enhanced nutritional benefits. The present study aimed to develop, standardize, and evaluate a low-calorie ready-to-serve (RTS) beverage combining hill lemon (Citrus pseudolimon Tan.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) juice blends as a refreshing antioxidant-rich drink. Fresh hill lemon fruits (447 g average weight, 42.7% juice yield, and 4.94% acidity) and ginger juice with high antioxidant activity (72%) but low TSS (3.1°Brix) were used. Three formulations were prepared using different ratios of hill lemon-ginger juice and sweeteners (sugar, sorbitol, honey, and stevia). The highest sensory acceptability was observed for the 85:15 juice ratio with a stevia: sugar (75:25) blend. Nutritional analysis showed that stevia-based formulations significantly reduced sugar content while maintaining antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid. FTIR analysis confirmed functional groups (O–H, C–H, and C–O) associated with key bioactive compounds. During 90 days of storage, acidity, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, and sensory quality gradually declined, with glass bottles performing better than PET. Overall, the developed low-calorie hill lemon–ginger RTS beverage shows strong potential as a functional drink for health-conscious consumers and commercial applications.
2026-05-02 · Article
Shikha Sharma, R Katoch, S R Upadhyay, Shilpa Sood, Pawan Verma, Anis Yadav, Sharad Kumar, Abha Tikoo, Rajesh Godara, Sudhir Kumar
Helminthic infections remain a significant global health concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals where disease severity and tissue responses may be altered. Ancylostoma caninum infection, primarily a parasite of dogs, has widely been used as an experimental model to study host-parasite interactions due to its ability to induce systemic pathological changes. Moreover, metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus are known to modulate immune responses, potentially exacerbating infection outcomes. This study was aimed to elucidate the tissue-specific histopathological responses following experimental infection with A. caninum in both healthy and diabetic Wistar rats. A total of 108 rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 18 per group). Groups I and II served as healthy and diabetic controls, respectively. Experimental infection was performed using L3 larvae of A. caninum administered either orally (200 larvae rat-1) or percutaneously (1000 larvae rat-1) based on group designations. Histopathological assessments of lung, liver, skeletal muscle, and brain tissues were conducted on six randomly selected rats from each group on days 15, 30, and 45 post-infections. No significant lesions were observed in groups I, II, V, and VI. In contrast, group III and IV (orally infected healthy and diabetic rats, respectively) exhibited pronounced pathological changes, with severe manifestations in diabetic animals. These findings highlight the exacerbated tissue responses associated with hyperglycemia in helminthic infections and provide insights into the pathogenesis of ancylostomiasis in immunocompromised hosts.
2026-05-02 · Article
S Archana, S Shanmugapackiam, D Durgadevi, L Rajendran, T Raguchander
Powdery mildew is a common disease in sunflower ecosystems, particularly during the flowering stage, and is caused by the obligate pathogen Golovinomyces cichoracearum (G. ambrosiae). The disease produces powdery growth on leaves, petioles, and flowers, leading to significant seed and oil yield losses. In present study, a mixed population of G. cichoracearum and Podosphaera xanthii was observed, with G. cichoracearum being predominant. To manage powdery mildew, twenty-one naturally occurring mycoparasitic fungi were isolated from different host plants. Based on culturo-morphological characteristics, ten isolates resembling Ampelomyces spp. were selected for further study. Under laboratory conditions, these isolates produced pycnidia within 7 days. Molecular characterization using ITS (18S and 28S rDNA regions) revealed genetic diversity among the isolates. Pycnidiospore concentration of 10⁸ spores mL⁻¹ effectively parasitized the conidia and conidiophores of G. cichoracearum in vitro. Among the isolates, HP 003 (A. quisqualis AQ 003; NCBI accession ON502948) showed superior pycnidial production and faster mycelial growth, resulting in reduced disease severity under field conditions. The mycoparasitic activity was associated with the production of hydrolytic enzymes and secondary metabolites. GC-MS analysis identified 39 compounds, including 2-methylfuran and 3-pentanol, which are implicated in metabolic pathways and plant defense responses. These findings highlight the potential of A. quisqualis AQ 003 as an eco-friendly biocontrol agent against powdery mildew disease in sunflower crop.
2026-04-11 · Article
Mokhamad Tirono, Thilal Syihabuddin
Elevated blood cholesterol and glucose levels are common conditions among the elderly, often requiring continuous pharmacological intervention. To explore alternative approaches, the present study investigated the effects of alternating electrical simulation on these parameters, as well as on hemoglobin concentration and blood viscosity, using mice as experimental subjects. Treatment were applied at voltages ranging from 0 to 2.0 V, with a frequency of 500 kHz, for durations of 3 or 5 min day-1 over a 5-day period. The results revealed that electric stimulation at 2.0 V for 5 min reduced cholesterol levels by 7.53-9.0% and glucose levels by 28.41%, while hemoglobin levels tended to increase without a consistent pattern. Blood viscosity decreased under stimulation at 1.0 and 1.5 V but increased at 2.0 V, indicating a voltage dependent response. In conclusion, electrical stimulation effectively lowered cholesterol and glucose levels in mice; however, its effects on hemoglobin and blood viscosity were non-linear, thus suggesting the need for further studies to optimize treatment parameters.
2026-04-11 · Article
Ishita Hirapara, Lalit Ghetiya
Okra cultivated during summer season is highly susceptible to mite infestation. These mites thrive in hot and dry conditions, leading to severe damage to the crop. Therefore, proper monitoring and timely management practices are essential to control mite infestation in summer-grown okra. A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, NAU, Navsari (India) from February to May 2021 in a randomized block design with eight treatments including a control so as to evaluate the efficacy of various acaricides against the spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae infesting okra in field condition. The results revealed that all the test acaricides were significantly superior over untreated control in checking the spider mite population. Among the acaricides, fenazaquin 10 EC @ 2.5 mL L-1 was most effective and gave 78.4% control of spider mite, which was at par with spiromesifen 240 SC @ 0.8 mL L-1(76.73%) and propargite 57 EC @ 2 mL L-1(76.62%), which were best, with higher mite mortality in okra. Fenpyroximate 5 EC @ 1 mL L-1(62.22%) and diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 1 mL L-1(51.24%) were positioned in the next order, while the lowest mite mortality was observed in hexythiazox 5.45 EC @ 1 mL L-1(39.72%) and Hirsutella thompsonii @ 4 g mL-1(25.69%).
2026-04-06 · Article
Vasundhra Negi, R S Jarial, Kumud Jarial
Pleurotus eous (pink oyster mushroom) is an important edible mushroom known for its high nutritional value and ability to grow on lignocellulosic agro residues. However, successful cultivation largely depends on the selection of suitable spawn substrates. The present study was aimed to evaluate different grain substrates for spawn production, standardize spawn dose, and identify suitable locally available substrates for cultivation of P. eous. The experiment was conducted during 2020-2022 at the Mushroom Research Laboratory, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur (India), using six grain substrates viz., wheat (Triticum aestivum), paddy (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), bajra (Pennisetum glaucum), and jowar (Sorghum bicolor), and several lignocellulosic substrates. Among the spawn grains, bajra recorded maximum linear mycelial growth (91.58 mm), highest growth rate (9.62 mm day⁻¹), and minimum spawn run period (9.33 days). Maize grain gave the highest mushroom yield (2134 g kg⁻¹ dry substrate) with biological efficiency of 213.40%. Standardization of spawn dose revealed that 3% spawn rate resulted in shortest spawn run, earliest primordia formation, and highest yield (1850 g kg⁻¹). Among locally available substrates, paddy straw gave highest yield (2803 g kg⁻¹ dry substrate) with biological efficiency of 280.3%). The study concludes that maize grain spawn with 3% spawn dose and paddy straw substrate provides an efficient and cost-effective cultivation strategy for P. eous.
2026-03-21 · Article
Rahul Sur, Pinky Maity, Soumitra Chatterjee, Anindita Karmakar, Ivi Chakraborty, Arup Chattopadhyay
Dehydration of green chillies is a highly effective preservation technique that reduces moisture content, enhances storability, and ensures year-round availability, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study evaluated the influence of three cultivars namely ‘Beldanga’, ‘Bidhan Chilli-4’, and ‘Bullet’ on the physicochemical and functional properties of green chilli powder (GCP) produced using different drying methods under ambient storage conditions (21-39°C and 42–93% relative humidity). The drying treatments included: sun drying for 8 ± 1 days; hot air drying at 60°C for 48 ± 1 h; osmotic treatment in 30% salt solution for 120 min followed by hot air drying at 60°C for 30 ± 1 h; and osmotic treatments in 30% salt: sugar (3:1) and 30% salt: vinegar (3:1) solutions, each followed by hot air drying at 60°C for 30 ± 1 h. The results showed GCP had low moisture content (9.50%), low bulk density (470 kg m⁻³), relatively high tapped density (690 kg m⁻³), and poor flowability (Carr index: 28.78%), depicting a compact and highly compressible powder structure. These properties remained stable even after 180 days of ambient storage. Among the cultivars, ‘Bidhan Chilli-4’ demonstrated superior quality attributes. Hot air drying proved most effective processing method, followed by osmotic pre-treatment combined with hot air drying using salt + sugar (3:1) and salt + vinegar (3:1) solutions. Overall, the findings emphasize that careful cultivar selection and optimized drying techniques are critical for preserving the quality and nutritional value of GCP during extended storage.
2026-03-21
Rahul Sur, Pinky Maity, Soumitra Chatterjee, Anindita Karmakar, Ivi Chakraborty, Arup Chattopadhyay
Dehydration of green chillies is a highly effective preservation technique that reduces moisture content, enhances storability, and ensures year-round availability, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study evaluated the influence of three cultivars namely ‘Beldanga’, ‘Bidhan Chilli-4’, and ‘Bullet’ on the physicochemical and functional properties of green chilli powder (GCP) produced using different drying methods under ambient storage conditions (21-39°C and 42–93% relative humidity). The drying treatments included: sun drying for 8 ± 1 days; hot air drying at 60°C for 48 ± 1 h; osmotic treatment in 30% salt solution for 120 min followed by hot air drying at 60°C for 30 ± 1 h; and osmotic treatments in 30% salt: sugar (3:1) and 30% salt: vinegar (3:1) solutions, each followed by hot air drying at 60°C for 30 ± 1 h. The results showed GCP had low moisture content (9.50%), low bulk density (470 kg m⁻³), relatively high tapped density (690 kg m⁻³), and poor flowability (Carr index: 28.78%), depicting a compact and highly compressible powder structure. These properties remained stable even after 180 days of ambient storage. Among the cultivars, ‘Bidhan Chilli-4’ demonstrated superior quality attributes. Hot air drying proved most effective processing method, followed by osmotic pre-treatment combined with hot air drying using salt + sugar (3:1) and salt + vinegar (3:1) solutions. Overall, the findings emphasize that careful cultivar selection and optimized drying techniques are critical for preserving the quality and nutritional value of GCP during extended storage.