2026-04-01
Sharma Aakanksha, Behar Neha, Purena Rupal
Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) are particularly valuable due to their broad applications, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic and wound healing properties. In this study the phytochemicals of Terminalia chebula Retz. fruits were extracted via Soxhlet extraction and cold extraction method using methanol as solvent after that, ZnNPs were synthesized using a green chemistry methodology employing the above methanolic extracts. After the synthesis, qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract was executed to precisely identify the key biomolecules responsible for facilitating the nanoparticle formation. The ZnNPs were characterized using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, their effectiveness as an antibacterial agent was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Visual observation confirmed nanoparticles formation through a colour change from brown to creamy. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed characteristic absorption peak around 360–380 nm, which is the typical excitonic peak of Zn nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the highly crystalline and polycrystalline nature of the zinc nanoparticles, while FTIR spectra revealed differences in extraction efficiency between Soxhlet and cold extraction methods. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed irregular morphology and agglomerated clusters of the synthesized ZnNPs. Crucially, the T. chebula mediated ZnNPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, often surpassing streptomycin, with optimal activity between 150–200 µg/mL, highlighting its potential as a source for natural antimicrobial compounds.
2026-04-01
WAA Hayyawi, RL Nabil, HA Hassanein, FH Diaa, QH Mustafa, AHGA Rand
The smart application of nanopesticides marks a significant shift toward environmentally responsible and sustainable pest management. By utilising nanotechnology to encapsulate and deliver active ingredients with high precision, nanopesticides offer targeted action against pests while minimising collateral damage to non-target organisms and ecosystems. Unlike conventional pesticides, these nanoscale systems reduce the overall chemical load required for effective pest control, thereby mitigating environmental pollution and human health risks. Advanced delivery strategies such as stimuli-responsive release, ligand-receptor targeting and controlled degradation enhance the specificity, stability and efficiency of these formulations. Innovative nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, enable the controlled release of active compounds in response to environmental triggers such as pH fluctuations, temperature changes, or enzymatic activity. These technological breakthroughs align with the principles of sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical runoff, groundwater contamination and pesticide residues in the food chain. Additionally, the decreased frequency and quantity of applications contribute to lower carbon emissions and resource consumption. To ensure the safe integration of these technologies, robust regulatory frameworks and comprehensive risk assessment models are essential.
2026-04-01
M D Abdulrahaman, A H Harmand, O Dogan
Ficus carica L. (fig) is traditionally used to treat diverse diseases. However, despite its health benefits, fig fruit deteriorates quickly after harvesting due to its delicate nature. This study aimed to examine the influence of storage conditions on the biological efficacy of F. carica. The extracts of F. carica were subjected to analysis of total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and disc diffusion assay. The room temperature drying (RTD) fig extracts, especially those of the purple variety (RTD-P), were more bioactive than their counterparts, with a maximum flavonoid content (77.1 mg QE/g) and excellent antioxidant potential (DPPH IC50 = 20.2 µg/mL, FRAP = 23.6 mmol Fe2+/g). Moreover, the RTD extracts exhibited high potential to inhibit α-glucosidase (IC50 46.2 µg/mL) and potent inhibition against Escherichia coli (17.8 mm), Citrobacter freundii (13.9 mm) and Enterobacter aerogenes (8.4 mm). The RTD results in the retention of more compounds, which contributes to its biological activities. Future studies should profile the chemical composition of each drying method to obtain a better understanding of the effects of the drying methods on the degradation of compounds.
2026-04-01
V Ermatova, Z Akilbu, A Akkulov, B Shamshiyev, A Ismailov, S Tashbaltaeva, K Khaydarov, R Shukrullozoda, S Turabekov, I Sultonov, S Atayeva
Amid intensified urbanization and industrial expansion, heavy metal (HM) contamination has become a critical challenge for urban ecosystems. Toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) threaten both public health and environmental stability. This study evaluates the bioaccumulation capacity of two widespread urban tree species-Paulownia and Acer-within different districts of Osh city. Leaf samples were collected across multiple seasons and HM concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The findings demonstrate pronounced spatial and seasonal variability, with the highest metal levels recorded in districts under strong anthropogenic pressure. Paulownia consistently accumulated more Fe and Cu than Acer, particularly during autumn, when atmospheric deposition intensifies. These results highlight the suitability of Paulownia not only as an effective bioindicator but also as a promising species for phytoremediation. These findings demonstrate the strong influence of urban structure, seasonality and species-specific traits on patterns of metal accumulation. Overall, the results highlight the value of Paulownia as a sensitive bioindicator and a promising species for phytoremediation, providing practical insight for urban ecosystem health assessment and evidence-based planning of sustainable green infrastructure in rapidly developing cities.
2026-04-01
A H Noaman, M A Imad, H A Adil, A A Almarie
Zinc deficiency is a common issue in cotton cultivation that can significantly impact yield and quality, especially when the soil zinc content is unavailable due to a problem related to nutrient competition. A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2023, on a farmers’ field in Al-Anbar province, Iraq, to investigate the effect of zinc spraying on cotton yield and its components, as well as quality characteristics, for several cotton varieties. The experiment utilised a split-plot design that was arranged within a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plots occupied by four zinc concentrations, which were 0, 75, 150 and 225 mg L -1 , while the sub-plot contained four cotton varieties: Spearo888, Cocker 310, Pak-cot and Candia. The results showed that the Spearo 888 cotton variety had the highest average in terms of plant height, reaching 156.72 cm, while the Pak-Cot variety had the highest average for traits: branch per plant -1 (12.61), number of total and opened bolls per plant -1 (26.57 and 19.04), boll weight (3.97 g) and total seed cotton yield (2.95 t ha -1 ). The studied traits improved progressively with increasing zinc concentration, with the highest concentration yielding the best results. The integration of zinc with the varieties led to the best results. The cotton fibre characteristics were not significantly affected by zinc concentrations; rather, variety had the greatest influence, indicating that these characteristics are more influenced by gene action than by environmental conditions.
2026-04-01
S Hradesh, C N Ram, Jha Aastik, K Anil, D K Upadhyay, C Tribhuvan, K S Manoj
Using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications, 30 F1’s and their 13 parents were evaluated at the Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, during the zaid seasons of 2023 and 2024. The optimum genotypes were recommended based on the findings of studies on heterosis and combining ability. To determine the best parental combination and the best-performing hybrid, the hybrids were assessed for seven distinct qualities. The best hybrid combination, both in terms of overall heterosis effects and per se performance, was NDCU-23-11 x Punjab Naveen. The cross combinations NDCU-23-11 x Punjab Naveen, VRCU-2203 x Pusa Uday and NDCU-23-11 x Pusa Uday outperformed the midparent in terms of fruit yield, while the combinations NDCU-23-11 x Pusa Uday, VRCU-2203 x Pusa Uday and VRCU-2203 x Arka Veera outperformed the standard variety in terms of heterosis. Heterosis over normal variety ranged from 15.05 to 112.31 %, whereas over better parent it ranged from 0.00 to 106.49 %. The predominance of dominant gene activation suggests the possibility of hybrid breeding for genetic enhancement in cucumbers.
2026-04-01
S R Bhabani, K M Ashim, S C Chandra, P Rabindra, K C Ram, R Dinesh, R Anshuman
Ajwain ( Trachyspermum ammi L.) Sprague is a high-value seed spice crop in India with considerable medicinal and culinary importance, yet its production is severely limited by stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, resulting in yield losses exceeding 50–80 %, with major economic implications for farmers and the spice export market. This study tested the hypothesis that selected homoeopathic formulations can reproducibly suppress fungal growth, providing environmentally safe and economically viable alternatives to chemical fungicides. In vitro evaluation revealed complete inhibition of S. sclerotiorum by propiconazole 11.9 % + azoxystrobin 7.1 % (Apropo), tebuconazole 18.3 % + azoxystrobin 11 % (Custodia) and difenoconazole 11.4 % + azoxystrobin 18.2 % (Amistar Top) at 150 ppm, while hexaconazole 5 % emulsifiable concentrate (EC), propiconazole 25 % EC and azoxystrobin 23 % suspension concentrate (SC) showed substantial inhibition. Among homoeopathic treatments, Calcarea carbonica and Thuja occidentalis achieved over 70 % inhibition. By integrating experimental results with published literature, patents and prior studies, this work provides a robust, interdisciplinary framework connecting plant pathology, homoeopathy and sustainable agriculture. The findings reveal a breakthrough: ultra-diluted biological preparations can complement fungicides, reduce chemical dependency, mitigate resistance development and support low-input, organic and export-oriented spice production systems. Economically, adoption of these strategies could protect yield worth millions of USD annually, while minimising environmental and regulatory risks. Future research should focus on field validation, application optimisation, biochar integration and techno-economic modelling, ensuring global applicability and maximising agronomic, ecological and financial benefits.
2026-04-01
A Farrux, A Mushtaq, A Aqsa, Z Kholmurod, P Sakhib, K Mekhrubon, S Shazia, M Nagmetullayev, S Suyunkulova, Mamadiyarov Muzaffar
Mosses, a diverse group within the bryophyte division, have been historically used for their medicinal properties. Despite their global distribution and resilience to extreme environmental conditions, their medicinal potential remains underexplored, particularly in regions like Uzbekistan. This study provides the first comprehensive investigation into the medicinal mosses of Uzbekistan, focusing on Brachythecium rutabulum (Hedw.) Schimp. , Funaria hygrometrica Hedw., Marchantia polymorpha L. and Pellia epiphylla (L.) Corda . Using advanced analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the study determines the biochemical composition, amino acid profiles, carbohydrate content, water-soluble vitamins and elemental concentrations of these species. Results revealed that F. hygrometrica had the highest total amino acid content, particularly rich in arginine, aspartic acid and tyrosine, while B. rutabulum exhibited the highest carbohydrate concentration (19.53 mg/g). Marchantia polymorpha contained the highest levels of water-soluble vitamins, including B and C complexes. Mineral analysis confirmed the presence of 41 essential elements, such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium, with cadmium and lead concentrations remaining below Uzbekistan’s safety thresholds. In addition, the study reviews traditional medicinal applications of mosses globally, with particular emphasis on those within Uzbekistan's bryoflora. These results emphasise the bioactive potential of bryophytes and enhance the knowledge of their biochemical characteristics, therapeutic value and uses in natural medicine.
2026-04-01
K Sreelekshmi, T R Keerthi
Isolation and screening of microbes were the first and important step to explore the diversity of naturally occurring beneficial bacteria. This study hypothesized that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) naturally associated with flowers and vegetables possess unique probiotic traits that could outperform conventional strains in both human and agricultural applications due to their environmental adaptability and enzymatic versatility. The current study is focused on the probiotic potency of LAB associated with flowers and vegetables. A total of 71 strains of bacteria were isolated and 51 were selected based on the LAB characteristics. To ensure probiotic efficacy, a series of in vitro tests were conducted to determine the probiotic potential of the isolates including survival in gut conditions (acid, bile and gastric juice tolerance). Seven strains exhibited remarkable tolerance to low pH, bile salt and gastric juice. The safety evaluation (hemolytic, deoxyribonuclease (DNase) and gelatinase activities) of the selected strains proved the non-pathogenic nature and hence generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, further identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains by 16S rRNA sequencing. The carbohydrate utilization pattern coincides with the molecular identification and the enzymatic profiling of 7 isolates showed the ability to produce protease and cellulase, proving their adaptability to the natural habitat. This study shows that naturally occurring LAB from unexplored plant-based niches have dual functions as probiotics for humans and plants. This study is the initial step to establishing low-cost probiotic innovations derived from indigenous microbial resources, improving human health.
2026-04-01
S Swaray, M R Yusop, M Jalloh, A J Musa, M Sesay, S A Koroma
This study assessed environmental and biological factors influencing oil palm fruit set and yield decline. This study was conducted in Malaysia, Teluk Intan, Perak State, at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Research Station during February 2019 to January 2020. The optimal oil palm fruit set is continuously declining, attributed to genetic origins, inflorescence sex ratio, pollinator insect ( Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust) and environmental factors (rainfall, field temperature, wind velocity, evaporation rate and sunshine duration). This study was conducted to investigate the most influential factor responsible for the decline in oil palm fruit set. The analysed results showed that oil to bunch was the highest contributor to oil yield, followed by mesocarp to fruit and fresh fruit bunch. The novelty of this study as a unique contribution to the oil palm industry primarily identified E. kamerunicus as the most influential biological factor in fruit set success, followed by wind velocity and field temperature, especially in older or taller palms with reduced male inflorescence. These findings can be used to develop strategies to combat declining oil palm fruit setting and low oil yield.
2026-04-01
T V B S Lalitha, S Reeja, M Manasa, R Arjun, M Shalini, K Kumaran
Azadirachtin, a key bioactive compound derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), holds paramount importance in various industrial applications due to its potent pesticidal properties and versatile nature. The existence of natural variability for azadirachtin among different Neem genotypes presents an opportunity for strategic selection and breeding. The variability observed across genotypes allows for the identification and breeding of genotypes consistently high in azadirachtin content. Genetic diversity studies of A. indica using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers revealed that the 40 genotypes were grouped into 7 distinct clusters based on Jaccards’ similarity coefficient. The dendrogram obtained at a 0.73 similarity matrix showed the highest genetic diversity between genotypes G1 and G25, in contrary to this, G32 and G37 showed the least genetic diversity. A total of 33 primers were used in the study, but only 20 primers were successfully amplified at different annealing temperatures, with the Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranging from 0.201 to 0.385, averaging 0.31. Most of the primers exhibited 100 % polymorphism. The number of bands generated ranged from 6–14. Among all the bands generated, 13 unique bands were identified across 12 primers in 14 genotypes, with G16 and G25 showing the highest number of unique bands. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting superior genotypes as candidate trees for future improvement programs, contributing to better management and commercial utilisation of neem resources. This study also plays a crucial role in advancing the genetic enhancement of A. indica.