Editor-in-Chief: K K Sabu Publishing model: Fully Open Access Days to First Editorial Decision: 49 days Submission to acceptance: 133 days Acceptance rate: 67% Journal Impact Factor (JIF): 0.8 5 year Impact Factor: 0.9 NAAS score (2025): 6.7 Plant Science Today (PST; eISSN: 2348-1900) is a fully open access peer reviewed international journal devoted to publish scientific articles from all areas of plant science to share advances to a wider audience. Four issues are published each year. PST, published by Horizon e-Publishing Group and powered by Empirion Publishers Private Limited, is covered by Scopus, Web of Science, BIOSIS Previews, Clarivate Analytics, NAAS, and many other indexing/abstracting services. Read more on indexing
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Innovative approach for the assessment of nutritional potential and heavy metal profile in selected wild edible fruits from the major markets of Sargodha division, Pakistan
In the rural areas of Sargodha division, poor and ethnic communities depend on a variety of wild plants for their own consumption and traditional uses. Despite their role in providing variety for family diet, most of wild edible plants are not assessed for their nutritional potential and heavy metal profiling. Hence, the present study was carried out to scrutinize twelve most significant wild edible fruits from the local markets of Sargodha division, Punjab, Pakistan. The species included were Bauhinia variegata, Capparis decidua, Citrus limon, Cordia dichotoma, Ficus palmata, Ficus racemosa, Mangifera indica, Moringa oleifera, Morus nigra, Phoenix sylvestris, Syzygium cumini and Ziziphus mauritiana. The concentrations of seven different heavy metals, viz., Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn in fruits samples were analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Similarly, the nutritional potential of wild fruits through proximate analysis was determined by measuring the contents of moisture (18.4–90.2%), crude protein (0.23–7.79%), crude fat (0.06–4.59%), crude fiber (0.19–33.7%), ash (1.49–9.3%) and nitrogen free extract (47.9–96.7%). Our outcomes uncovered that the metal contents in samples were lower than that detected by different researchers in selected fruits. The layout of total metal contents in fruits was Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd. The study concludes that investigated samples were value added nutraceuticals with no toxicity, so could be utilized as food wealth and traditional remedies in curing malnutrition in the region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shah Asif Abbas, Shah Amin, Rahim Sarvat, Kabir Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad, Rios-Escalante Patricio R. De los https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A scientometric study on radiation in bananas in the nutrition industry: Visualization, thematic evolution and emerging patterns
This scientometric study aimed to analyze the literature on banana radiation in the nutrition industry from 1996 to 2023, to visualize the thematic evolution and identify emerging patterns in this field. On May 20, 2024, a literature search was performed in the Web of Science (WoS) database. The retrieved documents were analyzed using Bibliometrix and CiteSpace for the extraction of bibliographic information. Several bibliometric indicators were calculated, such as number of documents, number of sources, annual growth rate, average age of documents, average number of citations per document, number of keywords, and number of authors. A total of 9 documents related to the topic were found in the period from 1996 to 2023. The papers covered a diversity of topics, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the research. There was a strong presence of literature in the field of physics focusing on plant ecology. In addition, the most cited authors, Zaman HU and Sanjay K, appear to have had a lasting impact on this field of study. This study provides valuable insight into the thematic evolution and emerging patterns in banana radiation research in the nutrition industry. These findings may be useful in guiding future research and practice in this field.
Copyright (c) 2025 F E Carhuancho, C Q Vicuña, J Medina, L Q Tasayco, C M Vilchez, D G Valencia, F M Tovalino https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical analysis of Polyalthia sclerophylla twigs utilizing classical techniques and GC-MS: Evaluation of cytotoxic and antibacterial properties
The primary objective of the present investigation is to extract compounds from Polyalthia sclerophylla twigs (abbreviated as EPST) and subsequently analyze their chemical constituents using GS-MS and conventional phytochemical methods. The bio-medical properties of EPST were assessed by the evaluation of its antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities. In this study, three distinct solvents were used for the purpose of extracting EPST, resulting in the production of three distinct samples, namely Methanol-EPST (M-EPST), Dichloromethane- EPST (D-EPST) and Hexane-EPST (H-EPST). The phytochemical analysis identified glycosides and terpenoids in all examined specimens. Nevertheless, alkaloids were not present in all of them. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of a total of twelve organic components. Higher percentages of Benzene, 1,3-bis(3-phenoxyphenoxy), furfural, and phenol were detected, but lower levels were identified for Azetidine and Pyridine, 2-fluoro-. The EPST cytotoxicity evaluation was conducted using the Alamar blue test with MG-63 cells. Nevertheless, the findings indicate that no negative impact was observed at any dose level since the availability of cells increased. M-EPST, D-EPST, and H-EPST were subjected to experimentation involving six bacterial pathogens. The results of this study demonstrated that all three compounds had substantial efficacy in inhibiting the development of these bacteria. The methanol extract (M-EPST) exhibited greater efficacy in suppressing bacterial growth than the D-EPST and H-EPST extracts. The current investigation has provided evidence that crude PST exhibits a wide range of chemical compositions, resulting in notable chemical, biomedical, and biological features and a lack of toxicity.
Copyright (c) 2025 M Mustafa, A A Hasan, Z Ismail, M H Rafal, Z Mohammed, R L Qais https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing genetic variability in maize inbred lines and hybrids for enhanced agronomic performance under high density planting conditions
Planting density plays an important role in enhancing maize productivity, but tolerance to high-density planting remains limited in several commercial hybrids. Therefore, developing hybrids with high-density tolerance is essential to meet global population increase and climate challenges. This study aimed to assess the combining abilities of newly developed maize lines, identify promising hybrids and investigate gene action controlling key traits under low and high-density planting conditions. Seven maize inbred lines were crossed using a half-diallel mating design to develop 21 F1 hybrids, which were evaluated alongside a commercial hybrid (SC-10) over 2 seasons at low (57143 plants/ha) and high (95238 plants/ha) planting densities. Results showed significant differences in traits due to planting density and hybrid type. Highdensity reduced ear length, kernel number, ear diameter and kernel weight by 11.7, 18.2, 6.3 and 13.17 respectively compared to low-density. Otherwise, it increased plant height, days to silking and grain yield per ha by 11.2, 3.7 and 16.0% respectively, compared to low-density. Lines L1, L2, L5 and L6 exhibited strong general combining ability for improving grain yield under high-density conditions, while L1 and L3 were identified as good combiners for early maturity. Hybrids L2 × L6, L3 × L5, L4 × L7 and L6 × L7 demonstrated significant specific combining ability for increasing maize productivity under high-density. Additionally, L3 × L5 and SC-10, showed high tolerance to density stress. These hybrids are recommended for further testing for potential commercial cultivation, offering valuable insights for developing maize hybrids that adapted under dense planting and contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2025 A M Nora, K M Mohamed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploration of anti-cancer and apoptosis-inducing potential of three selected ethnomedicinal plants from Northeast India
Traditional Indian medicinal plants have long been valued for their therapeutic potential. Cancer remains a leading global health challenge, with breast and cervical cancers particularly prevalent among women. Although conventional anticancer drugs exist, their adverse effects highlight the need for safer, plant-derived alternatives. This study evaluated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum Edgew, Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. and Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce on human breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay and apoptosis was analyzed via Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/Et-Br) dual staining. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability across all extracts. R. serrata showed the strongest cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ =54.53 µg/mL), whereas B. lanceolaria was most potent against HeLa cells (IC₅₀ =57.14 µg/mL). At the highest concentration tested (100 µg/mL), MCF-7 and HeLa viability decreased to 36.84-45.22 % and 32.21-44.13 %, respectively. AO/Et-Br staining confirmed apoptosis, with a dose-dependent increase in early and late apoptotic cells, corroborating morphological observations of cell shrinkage, rounding and apoptotic body formation. These findings indicate that the investigated plants contain bioactive compounds capable of inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human cancer cells, validating their traditional use. With proper standardization, their leaf extracts hold promise as plant-based anticancer therapeutics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Seema Khakhalary, Silistina Narzari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioactivity surveys of some medicinal plants in Trat Agroforestry Research and Training Station, Trat Province
This study investigates the bioactivity properties of 16 ethanolic extracts from medicinal plants, representing 8 families, collected from the Trat Agroforestry Research and Training Station in Trat province. The research specifically examines three bioactivity properties: antioxidant activity, anti-diabetic activity and anti-inflammatory activity. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and nitric oxide scavenging assays. The anti-diabetic activity was determined by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibiting BSA denaturation. The findings indicate that Volkameria inermis exhibited the highest antioxidant potential, as measured by DPPH (IC50 = 0.011 ± 0.005 mg/mL), ABTS (IC50 = 57.173 ± 6.901 mg/mL), FRAP (IC50 = 0.070 ± 0.020 mg/mL) and nitric oxide scavenging (IC50 = 0.127 ± 0.071 mg/mL) and was characterized by a significant phenolic compound content (121.92 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g). Moreover, extracts from the Garcinia family, specifically Garcinia cowa and Garcinia hanburyi, demonstrated notable anti-diabetic properties, inhibiting alpha-glucosidase (IC50 = 1.383 ± 0.131 mg/mL) and alpha-amylase (IC50 = 0.233 ± 0.012 mg/mL), respectively. Notably, Gnetum gnemon was the only plant to exhibit substantial anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 0.034 ± 0.011 mg/mL) through its capacity to protect bovine serum albumin (BSA) from degradation. Consequently, further research is warranted to identify the key substances and mechanisms of action that contribute to the development of effective therapeutic agents and medicinal applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 K Wasawat, V Srunya, D Sutsawat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of India's hottest chilli species (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) from various northeastern states to identify high-yielding lines with superior nutritional quality
The present study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity, association ship and identify stable lines of king chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) at Horticulture Research Farm, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region for three consecutive years (2021, 2022 and 2023) keeping in view the vast genetic diversity of king chilli present in the North Eastern Hill Region of India which are yet to explore to its fullest potential. The results of the study reveal that for the economic trait fruit yield per plant, the highest value was recorded in RCML5 (1003.40g) followed by RCML1 (949.85g) and RCNL4 (898.46g). Similarly, for quality parameters the highest dry matter (%), ascorbic acid content (mg/100g), total flavonoid (mg QE/g) and capsaicin (%) was recorded in RCML6 (19.78 %), RCMP6 (693.41 mg/100g), RCNL-1 (5.12 mg QE/g) and RCML16 (5.90 %), respectively. High heritability (˃60 %) coupled with high GA (˃20 %) was observed for desirable traits such as fruit yield per plant, no. of fruits per plant, no. of fruits per cluster and average fruit weight. Among the quality traits, ascorbic acid content exhibits high heritability (˃60 %) and high GA (˃20 %). This indicates the presence of additive gene action and the potential response of these traits towards selection. Cluster analysis revealed that cluster 6th, comprising of 9 accessions, was the largest, while the largest inter-cluster distance based on the Mahalnobis Euclidean Distance was recorded between cluster 8th and 6th (77.28). The Principal Component Analysis revealed that 7 PCs with eigenvalues more than 1 contribute 84.53 % of the total variability. Plant spread (E to W), no. of fruits per plant, ascorbic acid content and capsaicin content were depicted as the major predictors of total variability. The present study identifies accessions RCML5, RCML1 and RCNL4 as the best performers for fruit yield and most of its related traits. It exhibits the potential of giving higher yield in future improvement programmes, while accessions viz., RCML16, RCML5 and RCML10 are promising for capsaicin content. Based on stability analysis accession RCNL1, a moderate yielder and mid-maturity with average capsaicin content, was stable across environments. These identified accessions can served as a gene bank for future crop improvement programme in king chilli.
Copyright (c) 2025 M B Devi , V K Verma , H D Talang, H Rymbai , P Raviteja , L J Chanu, J H Singh , Y B Kumar , A Yumnam , N U Singh , M B Singh , S Hazarika https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic variability, association and path analysis in the F2 population of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
The present study focused on estimating variability attributes, heritability, genetic advance, trait relationship and path coefficient analysis for ten traits in an F2 individuals resulting from the cross between CO 52 and FR13A. Notably high values for genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV), along with high heritability and substantial genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, were observed for traits such as single plant yield, number of filled grains and number of productive tillers. These results suggest the influence of additive gene action and implied that simple selection methods would be effective for improving these attributes. Traits including the number of tillers, productive tillers, filled grains and spikelet fertility showed significant positive correlations and a significant absolute effect on single plant yield, indicating their potential value in enhancing yield. From the total of 190 F2 plants, 57 individuals carrying the favorable SUB1 QTL allele were identified for further submergence tolerance screening. The findings from this research offered valuable insights for selecting promising traits and can contribute to future rice breeding efforts aimed at improving yield.
Copyright (c) 2025 S Vignesh, R Kalaiyarasi, S D Manju, A John Joel, M Raveendran, R Pushpa, R Pushpam, K Sathya Bama, M S Revanna, S Manonmani, N Sritharan, R Suresh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic diversity analysis in peas based on morphological, biochemical and molecular markers
This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of cultivated pea (Pisum sativum) varieties using morphological, biochemical and molecular markers. Qualitative trait analysis revealed that 90.01 % of varieties had cream-yellow cotyledons, 72.72 % exhibited rough seed surfaces and 63.63 % displayed irregular seed shapes. Notably, the Algerian variety Séfrou had a pigmented seed coat, anthocyanin coloration and colored flowers. SDS-PAGE analysis detected 175 protein bands, of which 5 were polymorphic. The variety Latcha exhibited the highest number of bands 18, while Guifilo had the lowest (13 bands). Other varieties (Sirma, Aroubia, Dorian, Utrillo, Guifredo, Onward, Sara, Kelvedon) showed intermediate banding patterns (15–17 bands). Molecular analysis using 12 SSR markers revealed substantial allelic diversity, with 43 alleles across 12 loci (3–5 alleles per locus). Major allele frequency (MAF) ranged from 0.199 to 0.757, expected heterozygosity (He) averaged 0.674 (range: 0.578–0.776) and Shannon’s index averaged 1.186 (range: 0.934–1.546). The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.608 (range: 0.486–0.740), confirming high variability. These findings highlight the genetic diversity among pea cultivars, which can inform breeding programs targeting traits like seed color, protein content and stress resistance. The SSR markers and protein profiles provide valuable tools for future conservation and selection efforts.
Copyright (c) 2025 B Oussama, H Dounia, P Péter https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of the antimicrobial potential of Dioscorea alata and Embelia ribes extracts and their formulation against urinary tract pathogens
Women are susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially during pregnancy and in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages. Significant disabilities and fatalities are linked to UTIs and they have a direct effect on the patients' quality of life. The aim of the current study was to prepare the aqueous extract of Dioscorea alata, Embelia ribes and their formulation extract and analyze the efficacy of antimicrobial activity against UTI pathogens and its cytotoxic effect. In the research work, the extract was prepared and the antimicrobial efficacy of D. alata, E. ribes and their formulation was analyzed using the agar well diffusion technique (50 µL) and the time-kill curve assay. The extracts and their formulation were used to determine toxicity and cytotoxic effects using brine shrimp lethality analysis. D. alata, E. ribes and their formulation was prepared and color of the extract was confirmed. In antimicrobial activity against UTI pathogens, especially Pseudomonas spp., a higher inhibitory zone was observed in D. alata, E. ribes and their formulation extract at the concentration (50 µL) and the cytotoxic effect showed lower toxicity in all extract at the higher concentration (80 µL). The formulation extract showed significant extract antimicrobial activity with lower toxicity, suggesting its potential use as an antimicrobial agent for the treatment of UTIs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bhakkia Rani R, Rajeshkumar Shanmugam, Sulochana Govindharaj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Application of elicitors to reduce NPK fertilizer in Pakchong grass cultivation on post-tin mining land
Elicitors in the form of a material made from a solution of grass plants. This study focuses on elicitors as an innovation that supports the reduction of chemical fertilizers. The low nutrient content and sandy soil texture of post-tin mining land can be optimized by cultivating Pakchong grass. This research aimed to determine the growth and yield of Pakchong grass by applying elicitors to reduce NPK fertilizer use. The research was carried out from March 2024 to August 2024. The research location was in Dwi Makmur Village Merawang District, Bangka Regency. This research used an experimental method with a randomized block design (RBD) consisting of 5 treatments and 6 blocks. The treatments were: elicitors alone (P1), elicitors + NPK 25 % (P2), elicitors + NPK 50 % (P3), elicitors + NPK 75 % (P4) and elicitors + NPK 100 % (P5). The research results showed that the provision of elicitors + NPK significantly affected plant height, number of tillers and yield per plot. Applying elicitors in Pakchong grass cultivation on post-tin mining land can reduce NPK use by 50 %. The elicitors from the research area contained phenolic secondary metabolites, which enable plants to absorb nutrients more effectively. The application of elicitors can reduce the metal Pb content in Pakchong grass on post-tin mining land.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tri Lestari, Ayu Prasiwi, Deni Pratama, Mira Ariyanti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Selected soil physical properties and maize yield influenced by tillage systems and fertilizer types in southwest Nigeria
Management practices can alter soil physical properties and maize (Zea mays L.) yield. The study examined the influence of tillage systems, nitrogen (N) fertilizer and cattle dung (CD) applications on selected soil physical properties and maize yield from 2018 to 2019 in southwest Nigeria. The soil at the site had a sandy loam texture with an annual mean air temperature of 27 °C and annual mean precipitation of 1214 mm. Tillage practices were zero tillage (ZT), minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT); N fertilizer at the rate of 120, 90 and 0 kg N ha-1 (control); and CD was applied at the rate of 10, 5 and 0 ton ha-1 (control). Soil bulk density, total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured at the 0-15 cm depth after maize harvest. Bulk density was 7 % higher, but total porosity was 6 % lower for MT than CT at 5 tons ha-1 of CD in 2019. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was 17 % higher for 10 compared with 5 tons ha-1 of CD in 2018. Maize yield was 35-57 % higher for MT compared with CT or ZT at 0 and 120 kg N ha-1 in 2018 and 27-88 % higher for CT and MT compared with ZT at all N application rates in 2019. Soil bulk density was positive, but total porosity was negatively correlated in 2018. The MT with 120 kg N ha-1 or 5 tons ha-1 of CD application enhanced bulk density, lowered total porosity and increased maize yield in southwest Nigeria.
Copyright (c) 2025 S Y Alasinrin, U M Sainju, M A Busari, F K Salako, T O Isimikalu, O H Ologunde, I Kareem, O K Affinnih, S K Bello https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anthurus brownii J.M. Mend., (Phallaceae)- A new record of wild caged-phalloid mushroom to the Eastern Ghats of India, new to Indian Mycobiota
A bizarre-shaped mushroom with an elongated cage-like structure, growing on the red soil with a typical foul smell, was recently collected from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Detailed macro- and microscopic studies coupled with a literature survey reveal this specimen as Anthurus brownii J.M. Mend., an additional record for Indian fungi. This species is reported for first time for the Indian Mycobiota in the present communication.
Copyright (c) 2025 Malay Prithwiraj Sahoo, Prabhat Kumar Das, Arvind Parihar, Vinaykumar Hallur, Supriya Sahu, Samarendra Narayan Mallick, Yasaswinee Rout, Sitaram Prasad Panda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A floristic checklist of wetland and aquatic vascular plants of Telangana, India
The present study was carried out to explore the wetland and aquatic vascular plant diversity in Telangana State, India during 2015 to 2024. The field-based study notifies 352 plant taxa pertaining to 198 genera and 76 families of vascular wetland and aquatic plants. Among these, Cyperaceae family tops the list with 80 species followed by Poaceae with 45 species, Asteraceae (21 spp.), Fabaceae (15) and Lythraceae, Rubiaceae and Scrophulariaceae (11 spp. each). The most frequent genera are Cyperus, Eichhornia, Typha, Ipomoea, Pistia and Alternanthera in wetlands of Telangana. The genus Cyperus dominates the diversity by having 23 species, where Fimbristylis and Schoenoplectus possess 10 species each, Eriocaulon and Rotala have 8 species, Eleocharis with 7, Pycreus with 6 taxa and Commelina, Scleria and Utricularia consist of 5 spp. each and 137 plant genera holds a single species each. The present study reveals that wetland and aquatic plant diversity in Telangana is extremely uneven with high diversity seen in northern Telangana region while less diversity found in southern Telangana and most of the aquatic and wetlands were found highly polluted in Greater Hyderabad compared to other districts due to industrial effluents, urbanization and habitat fragmentation. The current research study is the first catalogue to encounter 352 wetland and aquatic plant taxa and provides insights to understand the aquatic plant diversity and measures to protect the aquatic ecosystems from anthropogenic pressure and calls for prioritizing conservation activities and to know the impact of aquatic invasive species on native plant diversity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sateesh Suthari, Omkar Kanneboyena, G Surendra Reddy, Modala Mallesh, Kiran Esampally, Sreeramulu Nallella https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative biochemical compositions and antioxidant properties of commercially grown and wild edible mushroom species from Bangladesh
The study compared the biochemical compositions and antioxidant properties of ten edible mushroom species in Bangladesh, including five cultivated and five wild species. The proximate composition, minerals, heavy metals and antioxidant capacity were analysed using standard procedures. The proximate composition of the mushroom was found to be in the range from 13.22 to 23.42 % for moisture content, 1.42 to 17.22 % for protein, 1.91 to 10.50 % for lipids, 3.12 to 30.11 % for fibre, 1.28 to 14.28 % for ash and 25.62 to 61.49 % for carbohydrate. The cultivated species contained higher amounts of moisture, ash and fibre, while carbohydrates, protein and lipids were higher in the wild species. In addition, eight mineral elements were analysed: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn with respective concentrations of 50.96-128.54, 719.7-1586.9, 194.6-683.3, 96.2-204.5, 0.79-180.07, 0.22-4.08, 1.18-5.58 and 0.61-6.98 mg/100 g. Most minerals were found in higher concentrations in cultivated species, except for Guratta woul, which had the highest concentrations of Fe and Mn. Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) were not detected in any of the samples tested. On the other hand, heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Cr) were present in negligible amounts, but below the WHO and FAO suggested range. The highest levels of phenolic (507.3 mg/100 g), flavonoid (132.57 mg/100 g) and total antioxidant content (1197 mg/100 g) were detected in the Guratta woul. Therefore, it can be suggested that both cultivated and wild edible mushrooms could be an excellent source of nutrition and antioxidants.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md Shamsuzzaman, Debu Kumar Bhattacharjya, Sharmin Sultana, Akhter Jahan Kakon, Md Abdus Satter Miah, Tasnim Farzana, Anupoma Sen, Md Mahfuzur Rob https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Forest structure and conservation status of tree species in Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia
This study explored the floristic composition, diversity and biomass in Gunung Inas Forest Reserve (GIFR), Kedah, an area facing potential threats from large-scale monoculture durian plantations. Three 0.53 ha plots were established to assess trees with a diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm. As a result, a total of 53 individuals were identified, representing 16 species, 16 genera and 12 families. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index was recorded at H’=2.77 and Margalef’s Richness Index at DMG=8.7, indicating low level of diversity and richness of tree in the forest. Moderate Evenness Index of E=0.71 portrayed the almost equal distribution of the tree species in the forest. Anacardiaceae had the highest FIVi at 24.79 % while Swintonia schewenkii was the most important species with SIVi = 12.48. Total tree biomass was estimated at 76.3 t/ha which was contributed by 66.04 t/ha and 10.22 t/ha of above ground biomass and below ground biomass, respectively. Furthermore, the study identified 2 of the 16 recorded tree species within the study area as threatened, highlighting the potential conservation concerns within this ecosystem. Overall, this study provides baseline data for future ecological research and calls for conservation efforts to protect this forest's biodiversity against potential threats.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hakimi Nizam, Hasya Hannani Ruziman, Faezah Pardi, Vladimir R Foronda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of n-butanol fraction of Amaranthus viridis
Amaranthus viridis (F. Amaranthaceae), usually known as slender amaranth. It is a multifunctional vegetable that grows in tropical and subtropical areas, sustaining stressful conditions, especially drought, producing a wide array of secondary metabolites: phenolics, terpenes, carotenoids and others, which are responsible for various therapeutic effects. Aerial parts were defatted with hexane, then the defatted residue was extracted in the Soxhlet using 80 % aqueous ethanol. Ethanolic extract was sequentially and repeatedly partitioned with solvents of different polarities: chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Then, the n-butanol fraction was hydrolyzed using reflex with 10 % aqueous HCl for 6 hrs. The unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed n-butanol fractions were subjected to TLC and HPLC. The HPLC analysis was performed using three different eluents; eluent one composed of solvents A ( distilled water with 0.1 % glacial acetic acid) and solvent B ( acetonitrile with 0.1 % glacial acetic acid), eluent two, composed of solvent A (methanol: water: formic acid (10 : 88: 2 v/v)) and solvent B ( methanol: water: formic acid (90: 8: 2 v/v)) and eluent three, consisting of methanol and 0.40 % phosphoric acid (49:51, V/V). According to TLC and HPLC results, the intact n-butanol fraction was evaluated for its antioxidant and cytotoxic effects using DPPH and MTT assays. The study revealed the presence of rutin, hyperoside, quercitrin, apigenin and naringenin only before hydrolysis. While gallic, ferulic, syringic, kaempferol, p. p-coumaric, vanillic, salicylic, protocatechuic acid, myricetin, isorhamnetin, luteolin, vanillin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and quercetin were detected in both unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed n-butanol fractions. In the DPPH assay, the intact n-butanol fraction showed slightly higher antioxidant activity than the ascorbic acid standard and a mild cytotoxic effect on the HRT-18 cell line with an IC50 equal to 302 µg/mL. In conclusion, prolonged hydrolysis time adversely affects the phenolic compound levels and a mild cytotoxic effect calls for further tests to confirm the anticancer potential.
Copyright (c) 2025 Noor Sabah Jaafar, Enas Jawad Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sesame ball (butchi) enriched with purple yam, purple sweet potato and moringa: An organoleptic study and nutrient analysis
The goal of this research was to develop and assess the consumer acceptability of sesame ball (butchi) enriched with purple yam, purple sweet potato and moringa, focusing on their organoleptic properties, nutrient content and cost-benefit analysis. The nutritious content of the sesame ball was increased by adding purple yam, purple sweet potato and moringa. Additionally, an organoleptic evaluation was conducted to assess the sensory attributes, including appearance, aroma, color, taste, texture and overall sensory quality; a 9 point hedonic scale was used in determining the level of acceptability. The study included three treatments and used varying amount of purple yam, purple sweet potato and moringa. Treatment 3 (75 % purple yam, purple sweet potato and moringa) has the highest overall acceptability followed by Treatment 2 (50 % purple yam purple sweet potato and moringa) and the least is Treatment 1 (25 % purple yam, purple sweet potato and moringa). Based on the findings, Treatment 3 is the most acceptable food product which proceeded to the nutrient content and proximate analysis. As the result, innovative food product is nutritious, making them a promising alternative for health-conscious individuals. The cost and return analysis of sesame balls provides high economic value when added with purple yam, purple sweet potato and moringa. The data revealed no significant variation in the level of acceptability of food products categorized by profile. Furthermore, the study discovered that sesame ball in the experimental treatments were both acceptable and healthy. Future research should look into the shelf life, market potential and health implications of these enriched sesame ball, as well as nutritional content optimization and product variety growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kristine Bernadette M Apolonio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking the genetic potential of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.): analyzing yield and agronomic traits through combining ability and heterosis
This study evaluated the combining ability and heterosis of fourteen genotypes using a Line × Tester mating design, aimed at identifying superior parental lines for enhancing agronomic traits in the Kharif 2023 season. The genotypes, comprising 10 lines and 4 testers, were crossed to generate 40 F1 hybrids, which were assessed alongside 14 parental genotypes and a commercial check in experimental field trials at Lovely Professional University during late summer 2024. The experiment was conducted using an alpha lattice design with two replications, focusing on 12 traits including days to flowering, fruit characteristics and yield. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant differences for all traits, indicating substantial genetic variability among the genotypes. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) estimates were used to assess the genetic potential of the genotypes, with notable effects observed for traits like early flowering (GCA and SCA effects for DMF ranging from -3.48** to 2.53 and -10.60** to 5.88, DFF ranging from -4.05** to 3.70 and -10.60** to 4.93), vine length (GCA and SCA effects for VL ranging from -84.78 to 79.20** and -125.17 to 240.32**) and fruit yield (GCA and SCA effects for FYPP ranging from -1.28 to 0.97 and -4.32 to 6.97**). Heterosis analysis demonstrated significant positive heterosis for fruit yield per plant, with crosses such as N/06-40 × Punjab Round exhibiting impressive hybrid vigor. The study also identified distinct heterotic groups through dendrogram analysis, providing insights into the genetic dissimilarity among the genotypes. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of both additive and non-additive genetic effects in trait improvement and offer valuable guidance for future breeding strategies to optimize crop performance and yield.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anand Paul Bunga, Shubham Gopera, Nidhi Dubey, Harshal Avinashe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Agronomic evaluation of maize inbred lines and their potential to produce hybrids adapted to a tropical environment
Maize is the most extensively grown cereal worldwide. It is planted on approximately 197 million hectares and, together with wheat and rice, constitutes a major element of the human diet as well as a key component in global food security. In Malaysia, maize is mainly used for animal feed, although 100 % of it is imported, which affects the nation´s food security status. In this sense, developing maize hybrids and varieties could be crucial for the successful cultivation of maize in the country. This study was conducted in Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia, to identify maize inbreds with the best adaptability for the region and the necessary characteristics to be used as inbred parents for developing outstanding hybrids. A total of 17 maize inbreds obtained from Asia and CIMMYT, Mexico were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. Each replication was planted on separate planting dates. A full diallel-cross was implemented to determine their ability to produce hybrids in all possible combinations. With the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was noticed that the seed weight, leaf number and ear aspect of the inbreds had significant differences. The inbreds HPOOL23 and MrChua-OP1 showed the highest seed weight values when used as either males or females. Moreover, the neighbor-joining method helped to identify the inbreds with high yield and good ear quality. This study will serve as a basis for understanding the behaviour of inbreds in hybrid development.
Copyright (c) 2025 G Mingramm, H N Nur Faithah, K S Mohd, M M Khandaker, K A Chua , W B Suwarno https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GC-MS profiling and biological activities of Conamomum vietnamense leaf extracts from Vietnam
Conamomum vietnamense is a native species in Vietnam with significant potential pharmacological properties. This study evaluated the total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents, antioxidant properties, and in vitro cytotoxicity of C. vietnamense leaves. The volatile components of the leaf fractionated extract were analyzed using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The TPC and TFC were evaluated with Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride in colorimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while cytotoxicity was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) methods. The main compounds identified in the leaf fractionated extract included 1,8-cineole (37.16%), α-terpineol (7.77%), limonene (4.96%), α-eudesmol (4.66%), β-eudesmol (2.95%), and α-thujene (2.25%). TPC and TFC values were determined to be 119.66 ± 1.03 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g E and 205.94 ± 1.97 mg RE/g E, respectively. The extract demonstrated antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 122.46 ± 2.82 μg/mL. It also exhibited strong cytotoxic effects against MCF-7, SK-LU-1, HeLa, MKN-7, and HL-60 cell lines with IC50 values of 35.90 ± 1.24, 68.89 ± 3.76, 45.49 ± 1.64, 59.18 ± 1.77, and 51.41 ± 1.70 μg/mL, respectively, which may be attributed to the presence of diverse secondary metabolites with cytotoxic properties. This study provides a foundation for further research on isolating bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects from C. vietnamense and elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying its cytotoxic activity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Quynh Tran Thi Thuy , Kiep Do Minh , Duc Duong Phan Nguyen, Tuan Vo Trong , Tham Vo Mong , Pham Ty Viet , Duc Nguyen Danh, Chen Tran Van https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Beneficial influences of Amorphophallus konjac k. koch in counteracting weight gain resulting from a high-fat diet and the use of antipsychotic drugs
Obesity and overweight represent a significant challenge to global health, necessitating immediate action to create safe and effective treatment options. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch (konjac) as a natural anti-obesity agent in mice that developed obesity due to a high-fat diet and olanzapine treatment. After administering A. konjac in the form of konjac flour orally to mice over eight weeks, we measured body weight gain, total body fat and visceral fat mass, along with the serum lipid profile. The study also focused on evaluating hepatic steatosis and liver injury. Konjac flour was shown to inhibit weight gain and reduce BMI in obese mice. Notably, the groups treated with konjac powder exhibited significant reductions in visceral fat mass compared to the untreated obese group. Moreover, the oral administration of konjac powder led to marked improvements in serum lipid levels and mitigated liver damage by decreasing fat accumulation in the liver and lowering aspartate aminotransferase activity. Research involving Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch (konjac) revealed its significant weight loss effects in obese mice fed a high-fat diet combined with olanzapine. These outcomes suggest that this herbal formulation could be a valuable addition to anti-obesity therapies, helping to prevent the accumulation of body fat and influence lipid metabolism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Van Anh Pham Thi, Xuan Phong Pham, Thanh Tung Tran, Thuy Duong Dau, Hong Anh Dang, Tien Chung Nguyen, Thanh Tung Pham, Thu Hang Dinh Thi, Viet Hang Vu, Phuong Thanh Mai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anatomical traits and phytochemical screening of Amorphophallus synandrifer, an endemic species from Vietnam
Amorphophallus synandrifer is a rare and native species to Vietnam. The present study is to provide the micro-morphological characteristics and the phytochemical screening of this species. As a result, the micro-morphological features from the different organs of A. synandrifer are firstly provided in which they are like those of Amorphophallus scutatus and A. curvistylis. The preliminary phytochemistry of the ethanol extracts isolated from the leaf blade, petiole, spathe/spadix and penduncle of A. synandrifer were found to be rich in phenolic, tannin, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, terpenoid, steroid and coumarin. Furthermore, the leaf blade extract showed the highest quantitative concentration with the total triterpene, flavonoid and polyphenol contents of 8.08 mg OAE/g DW, 33.39 mg QE/g DW and 71.48 mg GAE/g DW, respectively, followed by the spathe/spadix, peduncle and petiole extracts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ngoc Nam Trinh, Hong Thien Van, Ngoc Thuan Nguyen, Thu Trang Le-thi, Ngo Diem Phuong Quach https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.), a potential rootstock with commercially high valued fruits: Characterization of rough lemon based on biochemical attributes
Rough lemon (C. jambhiri Lush.), widely employed as a rootstock in India as well as worldwide, is widely consumed in Assam. Its fruits are highly nutritious and in high local demand, often priced higher than Assam lemon during the harvest season. As a heterozygous species indigenous to the state, this crop displays extensive variation. These variations can be observed in the morphology of the plant and its fruits. However, limited research on its biochemical constituents has hindered efforts to promote this fruit for both processing and fresh consumption nationwide. This paper aims to provide a gist of the work conducted at Assam Agricultural University, based on biochemical characteristics and group them to assess their biochemical similarity. This study classifies the available germplasm of rough lemon collected across the state of Assam in three main groups based on biochemical constituents of fruit. This may be attributed to the genetic makeup of the crop or the influence of soil properties and nutrient availability in the study areas. Sensory evaluations were conducted to assess consumer preference for fresh consumption. Consequently, this research offers a distinct understanding of the specific type of rough lemon that can be chosen for fresh consumption as well as processing purposes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Purnima Pathak, Priyanka Das, Utpal Kotoky, Manashi Das Purkayastha, Bhupen Kumar Baishya, Bornali Gogoi, Abreeta Kalita https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multivariate analysis of genetic variability and divergence in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) for yield and fiber quality traits
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a versatile crop with multiple applications. The evaluation of 30 upland cotton genotypes was conducted to measure variability and divergence in seed cotton yield, yield-related attributes and fiber quality traits using multivariate analyses. The investigation, conducted during the Kharif season of 2022, was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications at the Main Cotton Research Station (MCRS), Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Surat. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant genetic variability between the genotypes for all traits. Morphological observations identified GISV-400 as the genotype with the highest seed cotton yield (148.00 g/plant). Fiber quality analysis highlighted GISV-391 as superior in upper half mean length (28.03 mm), fiber strength (28.37 g/tex) and fiber fineness (4.80 µg/inch). Seed cotton yield per plant displayed a significant positive relationship with the number of bolls per plant and boll weight. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified five components with eigenvalues greater than one, collectively explaining 78.66 % of the total variation. The biplot revealed GISV-399, GISV-398, GISV-391, GISV-322, GISV-323, GISV-313 and GISV-402 as the most genetically diverse genotypes. Hierarchical clustering further classified the 30 genotypes into five distinct groups. To identify the best-performing genotypes, the Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) was employed for the ranking of genotypes at 10 % selection intensity, four genotypes (GISV-389, GISV-395, GISV-394 and GISV-391) were identified as superior. Overall, seven genotypes (GISV-389, GISV-395, GISV-394, GISV-391, GISV-398, GISV-399 and GISV-400) were consistently identified as high-performing in terms of both yield and fiber quality based on PCA, hierarchical clustering and MGIDI. Overall, the study indicated that the existing variability in tetraploid cotton can be effectively utilized through hybridization and development of mapping populations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nileshkumar Tamboli, D H Patel, Chirag P Chandramaniya, V B Patel, Denish Savaliya, Manoj C Suthar, Parmar Mukeshkumar, Bhushan Kale, Kaushal Modha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking novel sources of resistance in brinjal (Solanum melongena Linn.) germplasm against the shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee)
Brinjal (Solanum melongena Linn.) is a significant fruit vegetable cultivated primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with India being a major producer excluding high-altitude areas. This crop faces substantial biotic stresses, notably from over 140 species of insect and non-insect pests, which significantly reduce yields. The major pests include the shoot and fruit sborer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Crambidae); whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); jassids, Amarasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae); aphids, Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae); brinjal mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) (Acarina: Tetranychidae); and root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae). The extent of damage varies seasonally and is influenced by environmental conditions. Farmers predominantly resort to chemical pesticides for pest management, which can lead to adverse effects such as pesticide residues, increased production costs, environmental degradation and resurgence of pests. To mitigate these issues, resistant cultivars are recommended as a sustainable pest management strategy. Resistant varieties can help control pests in an economically and environmentally sound manner. Recent studies have identified the genotype NDB-23-16 as strongly resistant to L. orbonalis, exhibiting only 9.23 % shoot damage and 9.53 % fruit damage. This genotype is valuable for breeding programs, being compatible with eggplant and has available introgression lines (ILs) for further development. The pest rating was assessed using a standardized rating scale, highlighting the potential of NDB-23-16 as a valuable source of resistance in brinjal improvement programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Priya Bharati, Sameer Kumar Singh, Kamal Ravi Sharma, Shiv Kumar Tiwari, Aastik Jha, Vinod Kumar Dubey, Alok Kumar Singh, Umesh Chandra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phylogenetic analysis of Prunus (Rosaceae) from Northeast India based on ribosomal ITS sequence data
Prunus L., a diverse genus in the family Rosaceae, includes several economically significant species like apricot, almond, peach, plum and nectarines. The aim of the study is to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of Prunus species collected from Northeast India. Molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences. A total of 32 accessions were analyzed in this study, comprising six voucher specimen of Prunus cerasoides and a single accession representing each of Prunus campanulata, Prunus napaulensis and Prunus domestica, along with 22 other specimens representing five subgenera according to Rehder and outgroup Pyrus communis (pear), was included from GenBank for comparative purposes. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using a combination of Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference methods. The results revealed two distinct major clades: one comprising Cerasus, Padus and Laurocerasus and the other consisting of Prunus and Amygdalus, reflecting evolutionary divergence within the genus. This study provides phylogenetic analysis of Prunus species from the Northeast India region and the ITS sequence data will be helpful in future taxonomic and evolutionary studies as it adds up to the already available resources and enhancing the genetic resource base. The findings also contribute to the broader understanding of the evolutionary history of Prunus species in the region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jennifer N Mekrini, Biseshwori Thongam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Circular models from major crop by-products in Can Tho City, Vietnam
The study aims to evaluate the status of major crop cultivation and propose circular models for developing agricultural by-product resources in Can Tho City, Vietnam. The proposed circular model aims to limit the use of raw materials for economic activity and minimize environmental impact by reducing the reliance on the environment as a sink for waste solids and emissions. The implementation methods included collecting data from the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, as well as relevant document sources. The main crop groups surveyed include rice, vegetables, longan, durian, star apple, mango and jackfruit. Among them, the three crops with the largest planted area are rice, vegetables and mango, which were selected for developing the circular models. A SWOT analysis was conducted to propose four groups of economic, social and environmental solutions to support the development of a circular model for these crops. The results were compiled from interview data from 36 experts, from which we analyzed six favorable factors, five complicated factors, five opportunity factors and six challenging factors affecting the circular models. It is possible to expand the scope of research on the circularity of the proposed products and delve deeper into the technology and production processes for each product within each circular model. It is an essential foundation for developing sustainable green agriculture in the future.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vo Quang Minh, Ngo Thi Ngoc Han, Pham Cam Dang, Tran Ngoc Giau, Nguyen Minh Thuy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The acute toxicity, antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity of flavonoid glycosides from Ruta montana in female rats with hyperlipidemia induced by Triton WR-1339
This work aimed to evaluate the antihyperlipidemic activity of the aerial part of Ruta montana flavonoid- glycosides enriched extract (RMFEE) in Triton WR1339-induced hyperlipidemia in female rats, along with its antioxidant properties and acute toxicity. Female Wistar rats with Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia were used to assess RMFEE's antihyperlipidemic effects. The DPPH assay was used to determine antioxidant activity and acute toxicity was assessed via a single oral gavage of RMFEE at 600 and 2000 mg/kg body weight, following OECD 423 guidelines. Pretreatment with RMFEE at 150 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced elevations in plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and non-HDL-C, while also significantly decreasing the atherogenic TG/HDL-C ratio in the hyperlipidemic rats. RMFEE also exhibited notable antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. No mortality or signs of toxicity were observed within two weeks following a single oral administration of RMFEE at either 600 or 2000 mg/kg. Oral administration of RMFEE (150 and 400 mg/kg) prior to induction of hyperlipidemia by Triton WR-1339 demonstrated antihyperlipidemic activity in female rats. Specifically, the 400 mg/kg dose significantly prevented the increase in the TG/HDL ratio caused by Triton WR-1339. RMFEE also showed antioxidant activity with IC50=88.27 ± 3.12 µg/mL. The acute toxicity of the oral dose for RMFEE indicates very low toxicity, with an LD50 exceeding 2000 mg/kg.
Copyright (c) 2025 Omar Farid, Ismail Bouadid, Adil Qabouche, Amine Azzane, Said Elaydy, Mohamed Eddouks https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of several kinds of potting media on tuberous yield and quality of eddoe taro plants (Colocasia esculenta L.) in various potting substrates
Eddoe taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott var. antiquorum) is a valuable tuber crop widely cultivated for its starchy corms and cormels, which serve as a rich source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients. However, the optimization of potting media for eddoe taro cultivation in controlled environments has not been fully explored. This study evaluated the effects of five potting substrates on the growth, tuber yield and quality of eddoe taro under nethouse conditions. A completely randomized design was employed with five treatments: Loamy soil (Tre 1), loamy soil + coconut coir (1:1) (Tre 2), loamy soil + TMX mixed soil (1:1) (Tre 3), loamy soil + coconut coir + TMX mixed soil (1:1:1) (Tre 4) and loamy soil + mixed coconut coir (rice husk: rice husk ash: coconut coir, 1:1:5) + TMX mixed soil (1:1:1) (Tre 5). Each treatment consisted of 15 replicates (one plant per pot). Growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number and leaf size were significantly improved in treatments containing TMX mixed soil (Tre 3, 4 and 5) compared to treatments without TMX (Tre 1 and 2). Tre 4 yielded the highest total cormels (37 per plant), marketable tubers (20.5 per plant), corm yield (0.95 kg/m²), cormel yield (8.81 kg/m²) and marketable yield (8.29 kg/m²). Additionally, this treatment produced tubers with superior quality characteristics, including 15.4 % dry matter content and 27.9 mg/g fresh weight of total sugar. These findings demonstrate that loamy soil combined with coconut coir and TMX mixed soil (1:1:1) serves as an optimal substrate for eddoe taro cultivation in pots under controlled environments, offering practical solutions for urban and small-scale farming systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pham Thi Phuong Thao, Le Thi Hoang Yen, Toan Le Thanh, Le Vinh Thuc, Lam Nguyen Huynh Giao , Le Quang Phu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Seed priming enhances chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germination and seedling establishment under varying thermal and moisture conditions
Seed priming is a unique technique used to improve seed performance in the field. It can overcome the major constraint of chickpea production in areas where farmers do not have enough resources to accelerate the seedbed preparation. This experiment investigated how different priming approaches; soil moisture regimes and soaking temperature affect the germination and seedling growth of chickpea. It was a three factorial experiment laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Experimental factors were three priming conditions (non-priming, hydro-priming and osmo-priming), two soaking temperatures (21°C and 27 °C) and three soil moisture regimes [50 % field capacity (FC), 75 % FC and 90 % FC]. Among the three moisture regimes tested, osmo-primed chickpea seeds at 90 % FC achieved the highest germination (99.33 %), whereas non-primed seeds at 50 % FC showed the lowest germination (78.50 %). Osmo-priming at 21°C resulted in the highest germination percentage (87.89 %) and significantly increased root (12.8 cm) and shoot lengths (15.4 cm), as well as root (9.56 mg plant-1) and shoot weight (9.96 mg plant-1), whereas non-primed seeds at 27 °C showed the poorest performance across these parameters. The findings indicate that seed priming, especially osmo-priming at 21 °C under 90 % field capacity, is a promising strategy to improve germination efficiency and seedling establishment in chickpea.
Copyright (c) 2025 Safiral Jannat Mst Latifun Nury, Suriaya Perveen, Farhana Zaman, Md Moshiur Rahman, Shams Shaila Islam, Sharifunnessa Moonmoon, Md Shafiqul Islam, Ahmed Khairul Hasan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nutritional value, antioxidant activity and color properties of white-fleshed sweet potatoes in Vietnam
Sweet potatoes have been considered an essential food source in the human diet for centuries. The study provides comprehensive knowledge on the physico-chemical properties and antioxidant potential of white-fleshed sweet potato (WFSP), to raise consumer awareness of its positive health effects and encourage its greater use. The study also explores whether the food is acidic or alkaline to enhance its health benefits, through Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) score. Phenolic acid components were identified and quantified by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), while the functional groups of these compounds were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that WFSP contains high levels of minerals, including potassium 79.56 mg/100 g, phosphorus 18.69 mg/100 g, magnesium 9.58 mg/100 g and calcium 7.68 mg/100 g. Resistant starch is also present in WFSP at a relative amount of 1.12 %. The total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content were found to be 1.58 mg GAE/g and 0.69 mg QE/g, respectively and it was a source of antioxidant potential (with IC50 DPPH and IC50 ABTS·+ determined as 3.31 mg/mL and 0.38 mg/mL, respectively). WFSP was identified as an alkaline food with a negative value (-0.63). Low-PRAL/alkali-ash diets have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including an improved potassium-to-sodium ratio, less muscle wasting and higher intracellular magnesium concentrations. FTIR analysis showed that the phenolic components in WFSP contained 17 functional groups. UPLC analysis identified the main phenolic acids in WFSP as caffeic acid, coumaric acid and trans-ferulic acid, which are antioxidant compounds that can protect cells from damage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nguyen Chi Dung, Tran Ngoc Giau, Hong Van Hao, Vo Quang Minh, Ngo Van Tai, Nguyen Minh Thuy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Harvest quality and postharvest preservation of melon fruits by the effect of agronomic biofortification with iodine compounds and complexes
Agronomic biofortification, particularly with iodine, enriches crops with essential nutrients, addressing nutritional deficiencies. This enhances plant resilience, increasing disease resistance and yield. Consuming iodine-biofortified foods helps prevent diseases such as thyroid disorders and developmental issues. In this study, we evaluated freshly harvested and postharvest fruit quality to determine the effect of biofortification with chitosan, iodine salts (KI and KIO3) and chitosan-iodine complexes (CS KI and CS KIO3) at concentrations of 5 and 25 mg (iodine ion) on Syngenta ‘Sweet Sunrise’ hybrid melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars. Physicochemical parameters, such as weight, equatorial diameter and flesh firmness, were assessed in freshly harvested fruit. During postharvest storage at 25 °C for 5, 10 and 15 days, weight loss, flesh firmness, peel and flesh color (L, a*, b*, chroma, °hue), pH, total soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity and TSS/TA ratio were measured. Chitosan and iodine salts did not significantly affect weight loss or equatorial diameter. However, KIO3 had a notable effect on melon properties, enhancing peel and flesh coloration, increasing pH and improving total soluble solids. These findings suggest that chitosan and iodine salts act as natural preservatives, maintaining postharvest quality and enhancing the sweetness and flavor of fruits, making them promising alternatives for extending shelf life and improving melon quality. Among the treatments, CS + KIO₃ at 25 mg was the most effective in preserving postharvest quality and is recommended as the optimal strategy for biofortification in melon.
Abril Alexandra Soriano Melgar Lluvia de
Copyright (c) 2025 Abril Alexandra Soriano Melgar Lluvia de, Ortega Ortiz Hortensia , Trevino Lopez Eduardo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morphological and molecular characterization of advanced breeding lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under sub-tropical irrigated conditions of Jammu region
The present study aimed to characterize thirty advanced breeding lines of rice for yield and yield attributing traits using morphological and molecular markers. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the thirty rice germplasm lines. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of grains per panicle suggesting that this trait is likely governed by additive gene action and can be stabilized through appropriate selection. Number of grains per panicle exhibited the strongest direct positive effect and was significantly correlated with grain yield per plant. The D² statistics grouped the advanced lines of rice into five distinct clusters, with cluster II containing the highest number of lines (16), followed by cluster III (7) and clusters I and IV (3) while, cluster V had a single line. Grain yield per plant had highest contribution to genetic divergence (39.77 %) followed by number of grains per panicle (23.45 %). The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and cluster V (37.14) and cluster II and cluster IV (26.75), suggesting that the lines in these clusters can be used for future breeding programme to develop new cultivars. Out of 24 molecular markers 21 were found to be polymorphic and a total of 54 alleles were identified, ranging from 2-4 alleles per locus with an average of 2.52 alleles. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.224 to 0.677. Among the molecular markers, RM408 amplified the maximum number of 4 alleles while the highest PIC value was observed in RM7102 (0.677). The study effectively differentiated the advanced lines and highlighted their diversification, with cluster analysis revealing similarities and differences among the lines for future breeding programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Reena Kumari, R S Sudan, Bupesh Kumar, Manmohan Sharma, S K Rai, A P Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Habitat suitability modeling for the conservation of Exacum bicolor Roxb.: An endangered, medicinal and ornamental species of Kerala’s lateritic hillocks under current and future climatic scenarios
Exacum bicolor Roxb. (Gentianaceae) is a perennial herb with striking flowers and medicinal beneficial properties. Endemic to Peninsular India, it is currently listed as endangered. Despite its aesthetic and therapeutic value, the species remains underexplored and underutilized. Preserving the genetic diversity through in-situ or ex-situ conservation is essential to meet the growing demand for its medicinal and ornamental uses. A Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling approach was used to estimate the potential distribution of E. bicolor in Kerala, India, considering both present and future climatic scenarios, due to its efficiency with presence-only data. The MaxEnt model predicted habitat suitability for E. bicolor with an area of approximately 1126 km², showing high probability zones concentrated in the northern parts of Kerala. To evaluate habitat suitability, 22 environment parameters - including bioclimatic variables, soil types, agroecological zones, topographical features - were incorporated into the MaxEnt model. The most influential variables were precipitation of driest quarter (Bio17), water vapour pressure (January), annual precipitation (Bio12), mean diurnal range (Bio2), solar radiation (July and March), Topographic Position Index (TPI) and slope. Habitat suitability for E. bicolor was projected under future climate scenarios (2020-2100) using Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) 126, 245, 370 and 585. In the SSP585 scenario, highly suitable areas for E. bicolor are anticipated to decrease by 14.20 % during the period of 2080-2100 compared to the current scenario. This decline is likely attributed to rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall, underscoring the need for climate-resilient conservation planning.
Copyright (c) 2025 Soujanya Halagatti, Sheron Fernandez, Mini Sankar, Shelton Padua, Sreelatha U, Simmy A M https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The effect of manganese oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on seed germination characteristics and biochemical changes in Cichorium intybus L.
In this experimental study, the effects of two nanoparticles (NPs), zinc oxide and manganese oxide NPs, on the seed germination characteristics, seed development and biochemical changes in chicory (Cichorium intybus) were investigated. The concentrations of NPs were set to 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01 g/L. The total number of groups, including the control group, was seven. After preparation and disinfection, the seeds were planted in pots. Subsequently, a series of tests, including microscopic studies, measurement of photosynthetic pigments, quantitative protein assays, enzyme activity assays, carbohydrate assays and germination rate and percentage assays, were conducted. The results show that both NPs (ZnO NPs and MgO NPs), at low concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 g/L, significantly increased the measured biological factors (p < 0.05). The 0.05 g/L dose yielded the most significant increase for both NPs. When the concentration of the NPs was increased to 0.1 g/L, a reduction in the biological factors in chicory was observed. These effects are likely due to the excessive accumulation of nanoparticles, disruption in water absorption and transport and increased generation of free radicals causing toxic stress. These results suggest that the low-dose usage of mentioned NPs led to improved qualitative and quantitative growth of plants, especially chicory.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zahra Ziari, Golnaz Tajadod, Sedigheh Arbabian, Masoumeh Mirzai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic evaluation of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genotypes for quality parameters under protected environment
Six cucumber genotypes of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars used for the present study in mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh under protected conditions. The experiment was carried out at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur in Randomized Block Design with four replications in spring-summer and rainy season during 2023. The outcomes of the present investigation revealed that the cultivar PN (Punjab Naveen) and PU (Pusa Uday) were the best performing cultivars among all the cultivars in relation of quality parameters of cucumber. The correlation coefficients among the different characters were worked out at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. The results indicated that yield per plant had significant positive association with shelf life, phosphorus content, calcium content during summer season while calcium content, shelf life and phosphorus content expressed significant positive correlation during the rainy season. The path coefficient analysis on phenotypic and genotypic level revealed that among these characters, phosphorus content exhibited highest positive direct effect on yield per plant followed by diameter of seed during summer season and number of seeds per fruit followed by shelf life, calcium content, disease incidence and test weight showed positive direct effect on yield per plant during the rainy season, thus indicating that direct selection for yield improvement in cucumber can be performed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Payal Sharma, Arshia Prashar, Shorya Kapoor, Neelam Bhardwaj, Himanshu Thakur, Abhishek Kumar, Parveen Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimizing the cultivation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) in hydroponic systems: A comparative system evaluation
The study investigates the impact of five hydroponic systems viz., Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Flow Technique (DFT), Ebb and Flow System (EFS), Dutch Bucket (DB) and Floating Raft System (RFS) on the growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) for the variety Green Wave. The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of CSK HPKV, Palampur, this research aimed to identify the most efficient system for enhancing lettuce growth, considering parameters such as leaf area index (LAI), number of leaves per plant, number of pickings, stem thickness, stem length, plant height, days to marketable maturity, yield per plant, yield per square meter and root length. The study, designed as a completely randomized experiment, revealed that the NFT system consistently outperformed other systems across most growth parameters, including LAI, number of leaves per plant, stem length, plant height, days to marketable maturity, yield per plant and yield per square meter. The RFS exhibited the highest number of pickings, suggesting quicker harvest cycles. Conversely, the DB system showed the longest time to maturity and root length, indicating less efficient nutrient uptake. The B:C ratio proved that the highest return is given by NFT hydroponic system for the variety Green Wave. These findings highlight NFT as the superior system for lettuce production, providing insights for growers to optimize their hydroponic operations for maximal productivity and crop quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Parveen Sharma, Payal Sharma, Priyanshi Koul, Ankit Kumar, Sandeep Manuja, Himanshu Thakur, Abhishek Kumar, Neelam Bhardwaj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Plant health monitoring: Intelligent systems for environmental geoinformation
This study presents methods for gathering and preprocessing data from observation wells using automated measurement systems. It also incorporates fuzzy logic models for calculations, signal data processing and intelligent analysis of mapping materials. The study also involves the creation of groundwater level distribution maps based on the gathered data. Advanced measurement methods are being explored for experimental and computational applications, leading to the development of technical solutions based on mathematical models. These innovations are crucial for enhancing automated monitoring techniques in hydrogeological regions to predict groundwater levels and quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jamoljon Djumanov, Erkin Anorboev, Azizdjan Babadjanov, Jamshid Abdurazzakov, Ismat Telyayev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gamma ray-induced mutations in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for enhanced industrial and medicinal traits
Mutation breeding is a powerful tool for inducing genetic diversity and facilitating the development of crops with novel and desirable traits. These genetic variations will consequently expand available germplasm of a crop. This study aimed to create hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) mutants with enhanced industrial and medicinal characteristics through gamma irradiation. Two seed groups i.e., pre-irradiation hydropriming (G1) and post-irradiation hydropriming (G2) were subjected to four gamma radiation doses (150 Gy, 300 Gy, 450 Gy and 600 Gy) using a Co60 source. Seeds were hydro primed before radiation exposure in G1 and after irradiation in G2 for 12 hrs. Higher doses of radiation led to greater phenotypic variation among the surviving plants. Out of forty isolated mutants, six exhibited significant improvements. Mutant ‘M1’ (G1D1) showed superior industrial traits including increased plant height, stem thickness and shoot weight, while, ‘M31’ (G2D3) demonstrated medicinal traits such as enhanced axillary shoots, trichome number and trichome size. These mutants will be advanced for potential use as new industrial and medicinal varieties of hemp. Variants with superior traits may be included in future breeding programs as well.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rabeea Tariq, Umer Habib, Muhammad Azam Khan, Rashid Mehmood Rana, Muhammad Younas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cytokinin improves in vitro organogenesis, biological activities and blooming in Vitex negundo L. - An endangered medicinal plant
Vitex negundo L., an aromatic species, is used worldwide to cure several illnesses due to the presence of pharmacologically important metabolites in it. Cytokinin’s show plant growth promoting activity, so can be exploited in micropropagation of medicinal plants. The present study was aimed to assess the potential of cytokinin in improving in vitro organogenesis, biological activities and blooming in V. negundo. V. negundo offers various medicinal benefits due to its rich composition of active compounds. However, its conservation is threatened due to over-exploitation, necessitating optimized micropropagation protocols for sustainable use. Standardized and reproducible micropropagation systems are crucial for conservation and medical applications. To induce the axillary bud formation, explants were placed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium enriched with different plant growth regulators (PGRs) as 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), diphenyl urea (DPU), thidizuron (TDZ) and meta-topolin (mT), individually or in combinations. The newly grown shoots were planted in half-strength MS medium supplemented naphthalene acetic acid. After sufficient root development, the rooted shoots were planted in small poly-stacks comprising of garden soil, sand and compost (1:1:1). Plantlets from in vitro cultures were successfully transplanted into the soil. Direct shoot regeneration and blooming of V. negundo were primarily induced by cytokinin. The optimal concentration of cytokinins for shoot regeneration was found to be 2.0 mg L-1 mT and 1.5 mg L-1 TDZ in MS medium. After 37 days of cultivation, the nodal explants showed a 100 % shoot regeneration rate at this concentration. The study revealed the potential of cytokinin in improving the biological activity of V. negundo.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shweta Chaudhary, Alok Bharadwaj, Gunjan Garg https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative multimodal statistical analysis for Yield Stability in Mutant populations of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) var. ADT (R) 47
Rice is an important staple food for half of the world’s population. Genetic erosion was caused by the development of high-yielding cultivars and the extensive cultivation of these kinds. Mutation breeding is promising not only for creating and utilizing the new variability but also an indispensable approach through which yield might be improved without altering the existing desirable characters. Induced mutations, have offered a single and short alternative to conventional breeding that includes isolation, screening, selection and testing generation after generation. A multi-model approach employing BLUP-based simultaneous selection, to assess the stability and performance of ADT 47 mutants genotypes with respect to the grain yield was performed. All members of the AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) family were less accurate than BLUP (Best linear unbiased prediction). BLUP approach involved the estimation of Harmonic mean of genotypic values (HMGV) which is used to infer both yield and stability, Relative performance of genotypic values (RPGV) involved in the estimation of mean yield and genotypic adaptability), harmonic mean of the relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV) tangled to evaluate stability, adaptability, and yield simultaneously. Comparing all the calculated indices, mutants viz., 160-39-1, 200-30-3, 250-36-1, 200-69-1 were highly stable for plant yield along with ADT47 control variety.
Copyright (c) 2025 T Radhamani, A R Priyanka, A Shanmugam, K Veni, B Muralidharan, M Umadevi, V G Renganathan, K Baghyalakshmi, D Sassikumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of humic acid and macronutrients on growth and yield of gobi sarson (Brassica napus L.) and succeeding pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.)
The present study was undertaken to assess the impact of humic acid and macronutrients on the growth and yield parameters of a gobi sarson-pigeon pea cropping system. The experiment involved the cultivation of gobi sarson (variety GSC 7) during the Rabi season of 2022-23 and pigeon pea (variety AL-882) during the Kharif season of 2023-24. The field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm, Lovely Professional University and was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. A total of nine treatments comprising different combinations and concentrations of humic acid and macro-nutrients were evaluated to study their effects on the growth and yield attributes of both crops. Among various treatment T9 [Humic acid (20 g/L) + Sulphur (5 g/L) + Magnesium (5 g/L)] showed maximum plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, stem girth, dry matter accumulation and chlorophyll content in pigeon pea showed higher values than gobi sarson, likely due to residual soil nutrient enhancement. Yield attributes improved with an increase in humic acid and macronutrients and treatment T9 [Humic acid (20 g/L) + Sulphur (5 g/L) + Magnesium (5 g/L)] had maximum number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, test weight (g) and seed yield (q/ha) in pigeon pea crop in comparison to gobi sarson crop. Results from the study revealed that among the various treatments, the application of T9 [Humic acid (20 g/L) + Sulphur (5 g/L) + Magnesium (5 g/L)] had a significant impact on various growth and yield attributes. Pigeon pea crop had more yield as a succeeding crop as soil absorbs more nutrients from the previous grown crop (gobi sarson) and enhances the growth and yield characters. Humic acid macroelements significantly increases test weight and seed yield, demonstrating its positive impact on the overall crop production of gobi sarson-pigeon pea crop.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amit Brrock, Chijina K, Shambhu Chouhan, Shivani Yadav, Smita Kumari, Rajneesh Kumar, Ajaz A Lone, Savarapu Vanitha, Dhamni Patyal, Renuka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Molecular diversity and transgressive segregation in F₂ population based on SSR markers and phenotypic evaluation in quality protein maize (Zea mays L.)
The present study was conducted during the Zaid (February-June, 2023) at the P.G. Research Farm, MSSSoA, Paralakhemudi, Gajapati, Odisha aimed to identify superior segregants in the (CML149 × CML330) F₂ population and assess their potential for genetic improvement using molecular markers. Among the segregants, F₂-3 and F₂-26 exhibited the highest grain yield per plant (720 g and 719.5 g, respectively) and showed transgressive segregation for yield-contributing traits such as ear length, ear girth, kernel rows per cob and kernels per row. Additionally, variations in protein content, oil content, chlorophyll content and membrane stability index were observed, highlighting their potential for nutritional enhancement and heat stress tolerance. Molecular diversity analysis was conducted in quality protein maize (QPM) using two parent genotypes (CML149 and CML330) and F2 72 population of individuals. Initially, 91 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers were screened in the parent genotype and 10 polymorphic markers were selected for further analysis in the F2 population. These 10 markers revealed significant polymorphic ranging from 0.141 (p-umc1798) to 0.812 (p-phi053) with an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.373. Cluster analysis grouped the F2 individuals into 10 clusters. The genetic variability observed in the F2 population of QPM provides valuable insights for exploiting heterosis and developing genetically diverse breeding lines aimed at improving QPM traits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vinay Teja K, Krishnam Raju K, Satyabrata Nanda, Anjan Roy, Vidadala Rajendra, I Venkatesh, Swapna Rani Nag, Rajneesh Kumar, Aman Tutlani, Manoj Kumar Pandey, Zahoor A Dar, Ajaz A Lone https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Combining ability analysis for seed yield and its component traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A genetic study
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a vital oilseed crop cultivated extensively in India. Improving sesame yield requires effective breeding strategies that utilize parents and hybrids with strong combining ability. Line × Tester analysis was carried out in sesame to study gene action, combining ability of parents and hybrids, mean performance and to select promising hybrids based on mean, gene action and combining ability effects for seed yield and component traits. A set of six lines (EC358033, EC346664, IC129607, IC204840, IC204557 and VS19078) and three testers (TMV 3, VRI 5 and TMV 7) were crossed using a line × tester mating design. The gene action and combining ability were analysed for ten quantitative traits. All traits showed a preponderance of non-additive gene action. Among lines, IC 129607, IC204557 and VS19078 and testers TMV 3 and TMV 7 had significant and positive GCA effects for seed yield per plant and component traits. The hybrid TMV 7 × IC204557 exhibited high mean performance, significant GCA and non-significant SCA for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and most of the other traits. Hence, this cross can be further handled through pedigree breeding to obtain high-yielding segregants due to the presence of additive gene action. Hybrids, TMV 3 × VS19078, TMV 7 × IC129607, TMV 3 x IC129607, TMV 3 × IC204557 and TMV 7 × VS19078 had high per se, good combining parents, but with significant SCA for seed yield or number of capsules per plant and other component traits. Hence, selection should be postponed to later generations in these crosses due to the presence of non-additive gene action.
Copyright (c) 2025 K R Sathish , N Manivanan, A Mahalingam, K Subrahmaniyan , R G Senthil , M Jayakanthan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identification and molecular characterization of a begomovirus associated with yellow vein leaf curl disease of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is an important medicinal plant growing in the Southeast Asia. Recent initiatives have been undertaken by various agencies to promote its cultivation. Symptoms such as leaf curling, yellowing of vein and clearing were observed on Kalmegh plants in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. To identify the causal virus, DNA extracted using the CTAB method and subjected to PCR amplification using primers targeting the coat protein gene, DNA-A and the associated betasatellite. The coat protein gene, DNA-A component and betasatellite were successfully amplified, cloned and sequenced. The sizes of the begomovirus DNA-A and betasatellite components were approximately 2.7 kb and 1.4 kb respectively. The nucleotide sequence shared highest identity (89 %) with Andrographis yellow vein leaf curl virus (AYVLCV) isolate- 64 (KM359406). The associated betasatellite showed 95 % sequence similarity with AYVLC betasatellite (KC9672282, KM359409). The analysis identified three key structural elements: the satellite conserved region (SCR), an adenine (A)-rich region and the open reading frame (ORF) ßC1. The present investigation characterizes the leaf curl virus and the associated satellite DNA molecule, which will pave the way for further research for reliable diagnosis, epidemiology and durable management strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Singh Shweta , Kumar Sandeep , R K Sarita , V K Baranwal, Dubey Parul , Sarangi Bibekananda, Sangita Bal Sushri , Chandra Swain Subhash , Raj Chandramani , Kumar Singh Harvinder https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Maximizing enzyme production by standardizing process parameters through one factor at a time approach (OFAT) subjected to a statistical technique: Response surface methodology (RSM)
Enzymes play an important role in many industrial processes such as biofuel production, paper and pulp processing, food processing and waste management. Due to their multiple significant applications, there is growing need for maximizing their production. Trichoderma sp. is known for its potent enzyme-producing capabilities, making it an attractive candidate for enzyme production through solid-state fermentation (SSF). This study aimed to enhance enzyme production by employing a two-phase optimization strategy.The initial phase employed the one factor at a time (OFAT) approach to identify key process parameters (pH, temperature and incubation time) influencing enzyme activity. In the subsequent phase, response surface methodology (RSM) was used for further optimization, involving 20 experiments to assess the combined effects of multiple factors. OFAT analysis revealed that the concentration of substrate and incubation period were the most influential factors affecting enzyme production. In contrast, pH and temperature had a moderate yet still significant impact. RSM was used to fine-tune these parameters, resulting in optimized pH 5.5, 30 °C temperature and 7 days of incubation. Under these optimized conditions, enzyme production was approximately doubled compared to the baseline levels achieved without optimization. The findings are particularly relevant for industries such as biofuel, paper and pulp and waste management, where efficient enzymatic processes are essential for operational success and environmental sustainability. The methodology demonstrated in this study offers a practical and efficient framework for process optimization in enzyme production, potentially applicable to a broad range of microbial and enzymatic systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 S Nisha , T Chahat , K A Yogesh , M Himanshu , C Vinay , S Shivani, B Kiran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rich yet undocumented ethnopharmacological practices of socio-culturally diverse indigenous ethnic tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India
The use of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) for food and medicine is deeply rooted in the traditional knowledge systems of Arunachal Pradesh, yet remains undocumented, particularly in the Siang region. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying frequently used WEM, documenting their usage and compiling associated indigenous knowledge. From April 2022 to January, 2025, 300 informants aged 25 to 83 years were interviewed. Data were analyzed using the cultural importance index (CI) and factor informant consensus (Fic) to assess the significance of WEM and the consistency of knowledge sharing. Results revealed profound ethnopharmacological wisdom among the Monpa and Galo tribes, with a folk taxonomy based on morphological traits, aroma and habitat. Seven mushroom species were catalogued, with Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Schizophyllum commune and Termitomyces microcarpus being the most commonly utilized O. sinensis had the highest CI (1.0), indicating its cultural importance. Over 99 % of the documented WEM were new records for culinary and medicinal uses in the region. Higher knowledge about WEM was found among females, elders and those with no formal education. This study highlights the importance of conserving and scientifically validating indigenous fungal knowledge. Future efforts should focus on cultivating WEM and educating locals to sustain traditional practices and biodiversity, in line with the Biological Diversity Act of India.
Copyright (c) 2025 S Raghuveer , A Suryawanshi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of canopy openness on diversity and distribution of invasive alien plants in an Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot region
Invasive alien plants (IAPs) perturb the ecosystem functioning and endanger plant biodiversity, which is inadequately explored in global biodiversity hotspots. The present study, therefore, aimed to analyze the vegetation dynamics and plant diversity in the urban forest of Aizawl, Mizoram, an integral landscape of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The study was conducted from 2020 to 2023. We evaluated the phytosociology of IAPs along the anthropogenic disturbance gradient (highly disturbed, moderately disturbed and less disturbed sites), which were distinct in the urban forest. We also investigate the ecology of IAPs in the area by determining habitat attributes such as forest canopy openness, leaf area index (LAI) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). LAI is the total surface area of leaves per unit of ground area (m2 m-2) and PAR is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (400-700 nm) that green plants may employ to power their photosynthesis. Moderately disturbed site recorded the highest number of plant individuals (n = 1158) with an importance value index (IVI) ranging from 1.60 to 32.16. Further, the disturbed site recorded a total of n = 595 plant individuals with IVI ranging from 2.09 to 31.38. Whereas the less disturbed site has the least plant individuals (n = 146) with IVI ranging from 7.89 to 36.53. Notably, IAPs such as Ageratum conizoides L., Calyptocarpus vialis Less., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. have the highest IVI at all sites. The canopy openness was more pronounced in disturbed habitats (87.42 %) when compared with moderately disturbed (25.92 %) and less disturbed (37.24 %) habitats. Maintaining the intact forest canopy by increasing native plant species richness and less human intervention on the pristine environment can result in sustainable management of IAPs. Therefore, regulate the invasive spread and alteration of species dynamics of biodiversity hotspot region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sarah Lallianpuii, Prabhat Kumar Rai, Roger Bruce Syngkli, Vanlalruati, S T Lalzarzovi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Vegetation composition and anthropogenic impact on Nannorrhops communities in Shurku Valley, District Kurram, Pakistan
Phytosociological studies were conducted in the previously unexplored Shurku Valley, Lower Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, between 2021 and 2024. The research revealed that Nannorrhops vegetation is under significant ecological and anthropogenic pressure, primarily due to deforestation and habitat degradation. Understanding these pressures is essential for developing effective conservation strategies aimed at preserving this unique vegetation and maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Vegetation analysis was conducted using the quadrat method with standardized plot sizes for trees, shrubs and herbs. Four distinct plant communities were identified: Nannorrhops-Heteropogon-Olea, Nannorrhops-Olea-Parthenium, Hyparrhenia-Olea-Quercus and Olea-Nannorrhops-Leptorhabdos, classified based on quantitative characteristics. Soil properties across the sites varied from silty loam to sandy textures with near-neutral pH levels. Silty loam was more conducive to Nannorrhops growth, while sandy soils presented ecological challenges requiring adaptive management. Organic matter was moderate and although certain nutrients such as potassium and micronutrients were present in favorable amounts, limitations in nitrogen and inconsistent phosphorus levels highlighted the need for targeted soil interventions. Overall, Nannorrhops vegetation is under considerable biotic stress, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation measures, including habitat restoration, sustainable land management and public awareness efforts. Protecting these plant communities is crucial for sustaining the valley’s biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iqtidar Hussain, Wahid Hussain, Kamal Hussain, Sayed Mehmood Shah, Asad Ali, Naveed Ali, Shariat Ullah, Amin Ul Haq, Liaqat Khan, Rainer W Bussmann https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tagging of cassava mosaic disease resistance gene in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers
Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is a major viral disease that causes severe yield loss in cassava cultivation in India. The host plant resistance breeding for CMD is the important strategy to control the disease spread. To understand the nature of disease resistance and identification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers closely associated with CMD resistance is important. To study the nature of resistance, seedling and clonal population developed by crossing Sree Jaya (Susceptible) and 9S127 (Resistant) and self-pollinating 9S127 parent were done and the population was evaluated for CMD disease scoring (1-5 scale) at 5 and 8 months after planting. The disease segregate in 1:1 ratio in the F1 and C1F1generation of Sree Jaya × 9S127 cross and 3:1 in the S1, C1S1 self-pollinated progenies of 9S127 parent. It confirms the gene in the resistant parent is heterozygous (Rr) and single dominant gene (RR) is controlling the resistance. In this mapping population, Sri Lankan Cassava Mosaic Virus (SLCMV) is prevalent in all the samples. A total of 14 CMD associated SSR markers were screened in the progenies using bulk segregant analysis (BSA) method. Out of 14 markers, two markers SSRY28, NS158 co-segregate with CMD resistance in the population. These markers can be used for marker assisted selection (MAS) for CMD screening in the seedling population to identify true resistant lines for further breeding trials.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nandini C, S Jayalekshmi, A Aakash, K M Senthilkumar, T Makeshkumar, J Sreekumar, G Byju, A V V Koundinya, C Mohan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First report on the phytochemical, nutritional and antioxidant potential of Jacquemontia pentanthos, a key plant species from Kerala, India
Jacquemontia pentanthos (Skyblue cluster vine) is an evergreen, twining vine that produces many small but showy flowers and is a member of the morning glory family. The Phytochemical profile and pharmacological aspects of the genus have been widely studied for Jacquemontia tamnifolia and Jacquemontia paniculata. However, Jacquemontia pentanthos, is the least studied species. This is the first study reporting the Phytochemical, proximate nutritional composition and in vitro antioxidant potential (via DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ABTS: 2,2-azino-bis and FRAP: Ferric reducing antioxidant power assays) of Jacquemontia pentanthos leaves. Proximate analysis quantified the primary metabolites in Jacquemontia pentanthos leaves, including protein (0.51 ± 0.03 mg BSA equivalent/g DW), dietary fibre (10.5 ± 0.3 mg/g dry weight), amino acids (19.85 ± 0.6 mg leucine equivalent/g DW), carbohydrates (0.38 ± 0.02 mg glucose equivalent/g DW), crude fat (0.14 ± 0.01% dry weight), moisture content (60.0 ± 1.2% fresh weight) and ash content (11.2 ± 0.5% dry weight). Secondary metabolite profiling of the extracts revealed high levels of flavonoids (87.049±0.011mg quercetin equivalents per gram mg QE/g), followed by alkaloids (2.717 ± 0.021mg atropine equivalents/g; mg AE/g), steroids (0.657 ± 0.031mg diosgenin equivalents/g; mg DE/g), phenolics (0.605 ± 0.008mg catechol equivalents/g; mg CE/g), terpenoids (0.459 ± 0.014 mg linalool equivalents/g; mg LE/g), saponins (0.663 ± 0.024 mg saponin equivalents/g; mg SE/g) and tannins (0.951 ± 0.017mg tannic acid equivalents/g; mg TAE/g). The antioxidant potential of the extract was evaluated using DPPH (IC₅₀ = 0.450 ± 0.017mg/mL), ABTS (IC₅₀ = 0.538 ± 0.027 mg/mL) and FRAP (137.72 ± 0.224 µg Trolox equivalent /g) assays. These results suggest that Jacquemontia pentanthos is a nutritionally rich species with promising antioxidant activity and potential for use in functional foods and phytopharmaceutical applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Parvathy Chandran, J Lohidas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative analysis of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory effects of Camellia pubicosta Merr. leaf extracts
This study investigated the phenolic content and various bioactivities of extracts from the leaves of Camellia pubicosta Merr., a plant species native to Vietnam. The results revealed that catechin and epicatechin were significantly more abundant in the aqueous methanolic extract (ME70) compared to other extracts. The acetone/methanol (AC/ME) and aqueous ethanolic (ET70) extracts demonstrated the most potent antioxidant activity. However, no significant differences in DPPH radical scavenging activity were observed among AC/ME, ME70 and ET70. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the strongest α-amylase inhibitory activity, whereas AC/ME was the most effective against α-glucosidase. Correlation analysis suggested that phenolic compounds were key contributors to the radical scavenging activities, while flavonoids played a significant role in the α-amylase inhibitory effects of the extracts. These findings enhanced our understanding of the bioactive phenolics present in C. pubicosta leaves and their potential health benefits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pham M Tuan, Nguyen Thi Ngan, Thanh Son Hoang, Thuong Nguyen Thi Lien https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Standardized micropropagation protocol for DAMVEL [Tylophora indica] via indirect organogenesis
Traditional propagation of Tylophora indica is challenging due to low seed viability, poor germination and difficulty in rooting vegetative cuttings. Micropropagation offers the best solution for rapid and true-to-type plant multiplication. The study aims to standardize a micropropagation protocol in Tylophora indica (Burm. F.) Merrill through indirect organogenesis from leaf explant. This protocol includes sterilization of leaf explant, callus production, shoot regeneration, root initiation and acclimatization. Surface sterilization treatment using 70 % ethanol for 2 min, 0.1 % bavistin for 15 min, 1000 ppm streptomycin for 10 min and 0.1 % HgCl2 for 3 min found the most effective. The best callus, which was dark green, friable and heaviest (3.53 g) was observed in MS media supplemented with 1 mg L-1 Benzyl Adenine (BA). MS media supplemented with 2 mg L-1 BA showed the highest shoot regeneration (65.94 %) and maximum number of shoots per callus (12.90). In vitro regenerated plantlets were inoculated into MS media supplemented with different concentrations of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). MS media supplemented with 0.5 mg L-1 IAA was found to be the most effective for rooting (83.33 %) and with the longest roots (7.60 cm). In vitro rooted plantlets were acclimatized successfully after primary and secondary hardening. Primary hardening mixture, which was a mixture of cocopeat and soil in a 1:2 ratio, resulted in 80 % survival rate. After secondary hardening, the overall plant survival rate was 75 %.
Copyright (c) 2025 D B Bheda, V B Rathod, D B Kothadiya, L J Raval, S B Chaudhari, M S Patel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies against the ERα of breast cancer using biomolecules from Asparagus aethiopicus L.
Globally, breast cancer is the major cause of mortality among women, with a significant proportion of cases associated with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive subtypes. Targeting ERα has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for effective management of breast cancer. This study explores the anticancer potential of bioactive secondary metabolites from the root tubers of Asparagus aethiopicus L. against ERα using a comprehensive in silico approach. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) has been utilized to analyze the methanolic extracts of the root tubers. A total of 25 different phytochemicals were screened initially for drug likeness property using Lipinski’s rule of five. Out of eight phytomolecules were selected based on their pharmacokinetic and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) profiles. Further, six molecules were subjected for molecular docking analysis to assess binding affinity against ERα followed by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, binding free energy (ΔG) calculations, Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) and PCA analysis. Drug-likeness assessments based on Lipinski’s rule identified Pent-3-ene-2-one, 3-phenyl-oxime, Hydroperoxide1-methylbutyl and 4-Hydroxy-2-butanone as promising drug candidates. Molecular docking studies revealed strong interactions with the active site of ERα, whose binding energies vary from -3.8 to -7.3 kcal/mol. These 3 phytomolecules form stable hydrogen bonds with the critical residues of active sides of ERα viz. Glu353, Leu387, Arg394 and Lys449. The structural stability and minimal conformational alterations of ERα with ligand binding was confirmed by MD simulations. The stability of the protein-ligand complexes was supported by Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) with minimal deviation in RMSD (<0.6 nm), Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF), Radius of Gyration (Rg) and with Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA) which indicates stable protein compactness. Moreover, PCA revealed dominant motions with minimal fluctuation in PC3, suggesting highly stabilized complexes. Hydrogen bond analysis highlighted stable and optimal interaction throughout the simulation. Among the tested compounds, Pent-3-ene-2-one, 3-phenyl-oxime exhibited the lowest binding free energy. This is primarily driven by Vander Waals interactions and polar solvation energy, indicating superior binding affinity. Thus, these finding explains the potential of A. aethiopicus phytochemicals as potent ERα inhibitors and provide a base for future in vitro and in vivo investigation into their application in breast cancer therapy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aman Agrawal, Deepti Teotia, Vivek Kumar, Pooja Jain, Bhanu Agrawal, Ashish Kumar, Yeshvandra Verma, Vijai Malik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Allelopathy of invasive Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray on Pisum sativum L. and its linkage with canopy openness in a global biodiversity hotspot
Allelochemicals are the secondary metabolites present in the leaves or other parts of the invasive alien plants that can either stimulate or inhibit the development of the native plants. To this end, an emerging invasive plant, i.e., Tithonia diversifolia from Asteraceae is inadequately explored in terms of allelopathy, especially in relation to its influence on the germination and growth of edible crops. Thus, the present study aims to study its allelopathic effect on common bioassay crop i.e., Pisum sativum, grown in Mizoram to help validate the ‘novel weapon hypothesis (NWH). In addition, the ecological investigation was performed with respect to the canopy openness, leaf area index (LAI) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) as they can be inextricably linked with invasive spread and modulation of allelopathy. Results showed that with increase in the concentration of T. diversifolia derived fresh leaves aqueous extracts (FLE), the growth parameters (rate of seed germination, seed radicle, seed plumule and biomass) of P. sativum decreases, which may be ascribed to the inhibitory effect of allelochemicals. Last, the study also observed that the higher canopy openness facilitates the spread of T. diversifolia due to high light availability, while the lower canopy gaps restrict the growth of T. diversifolia. Henceforth, in control/containment perspective, the sustenance of intact canopy can sustainably manage and reduce the T. diversifolia infestation in agriculture systems by alleviating its field allelopathic effects on edible crops, thereby help maintain crop yield and food security.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vanlalruati, Prabhat Kumar Rai, S T Lalzarzovi , Roger Bruce Syngkli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of Schumannianthus dichotomus Roxb. obtained via a microwave-assisted extraction method
This study focuses on assessing the bioactive compounds, particularly regarding their antioxidant capabilities. The research utilized microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to obtain 80 % ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the leaves, offshoots and rhizomes of Schumannianthus dichotomus Roxb. A phytochemical analysis was conducted on the three extracts to identify secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, phytosterols and tannins. Total phenolic content was assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, whereas the total flavonoid content was measured employing the aluminium chloride colorimetric technique. Concurrently, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated utilizing DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The results revealed that all plant extracts demonstrated the presence of phenols, flavonoids, glycosides and phytosterols. The leaves extracted with 80 % ethanol yielded the greatest amount of phenolics, recorded at 2.797 ± 0.117 mg GAE/g sample, while the aqueous extract of the leaves had the highest concentration of flavonoids, measuring 0.544 ± 0.062 mg CE/g sample. Additionally, the most antioxidant activities, particularly for DPPH and ABTS, were obtained in the 80 % ethanol extract from the rhizomes, exhibiting trolox equivalent values of 0.212 ± 0.003 and 2.044 ± 0.031 mg TE/g sample, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest reducing power was observed in the 80 % ethanol extract from the offshoots, measuring 3.864 ± 0.292 mg TE/g sample. Findings also indicated a strong positive correlation between TPC and FRAP, closely followed by the correlation between TPC and DPPH. The findings suggest that S. dichotomus is a reliable source of antioxidant qualities, highlighting its potential use in treating many disorders, especially those associated with oxidative stress.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chanate Wanna, Narumon Boonman, Sirirat Phakpaknam, Jaruwan Chutrtong, Piyada Wongwiwat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Propagation dynamics and morphological-biochemical insights of Lilium (Lilium hybrida L.) scales in soilless media under north-western plains of India
Lilium (Lilium hybrida L.) is an important ornamental bulbous crop valued for its beautiful cut flowers. It is propagated by bulbs, bulblets and scales. Scaling is an important technique of propagation as it results in rapid formation of bulblets and subsequently flowering-grade bulbs. This process is greatly influenced by the growing media in which the scales are raised. Hence, the present study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to standardize the best soilless growing media substrate composition for improved bulblet formation and development. The different media compositions included cocopeat, perlite, vermiculite and spent mushroom compost in varying ratios. The results revealed that better bulblet growth in terms of minimum days taken for sprouting (28.27), days taken for visible bulblet production (17.22), maximum number (3.07), weight (1.45 g) and diameter of bulblets formed per scale (1.33 cm) as well as no. of roots/scale (4.90) were observed in media containing perlite + cocopeat (1:1). Additionally, the biochemical parameters analysed for starch content (106.11 mg/g) and total soluble sugars (71.28 mg/g) were found maximum in the bulblets raised in the same media composition. Therefore, the soilless media comprising perlite + cocopeat (1:1) was found the most suitable for the rapid multiplication of Lilies from scaling.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dixit Chaudhary, Ranjit Singh, Parminder Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GC-MS-based phytochemical profiling and anti-diabetic efficacy of Sargassum tenerrimum-mediated silver nanoparticles
Marine macroalgae, particularly Sargassum tenerrimum, have emerged as a significant source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Study focuses on the synthesis, characterization and antidiabetic activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from S. tenerrimum chloroform extract. GC-MS analysis revealed diverse bioactives, including fatty acids such as hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid unsaturated compounds like α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. These compounds enhance insulin sensitivity, regulate lipid metabolism and support β-cell functionality. Additionally, ethyl isoallocholate and glycine derivatives contribute to insulin synthesis and glucose homeostasis through molecular pathways. AgNPs were synthesized via an eco-friendly approach, confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR analysis (hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups for reduction and stabilization) and SEM imaging (spherical nanoparticles with nanoscale diameters). Glucose utilization assays conducted on L6 skeletal muscle cells demonstrated significant, dose-dependent activity, with 91.26 % glucose uptake. Work highlights the dual role of S. tenerrimum bioactives in glucose metabolism modulation and nanoparticle stabilization, emphasizing their therapeutic synergy. The findings establish S. tenerrimum-derived AgNPs as promising, sustainable agents for managing diabetes, warranting further molecular and pharmacological investigations for broader biomedical applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amanulla Khan, Rahim Bagwan, Javed Khan, Namrata Mahajan, Manojkumar Chopda, Abhay Salve https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morphological descriptor-based multivariate approaches for comprehensive genetic diversity analysis in soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)
Assessment of genetic diversity in germplasm collections is crucial for effective genetic improvement in soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill). The present study evaluated 165 soybean germplasm lines, including five checks, at JNKVV, Jabalpur, during Kharif 2022, Rabi-Summer 2023 and Kharif 2023 to characterize morphological variability based on the DUS guidelines. A thorough statistical analysis involving phylogenetic assessment, hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) was accomplished to elucidate the genetic divergence and trait-based associations among the genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis delineated the germplasm into six distinct groups, indicating substantial genetic differentiation. Genotypes NRC 181, VLS 89, JS 20-34 and NRC 138 formed an independent cluster, suggesting unique allelic variation. Hierarchical clustering established this genetic stratification, identifying distinct sub-clusters associated with differential morphological traits. PCA revealed five principal components explaining 55.85 % of the total phenotypic variation, with PC1 contributing 17.3 %, predominantly associated with flower colour and hypocotyl anthocyanin pigmentation. Genotypes such as EC 313915, GW 89, CAT 489A and GW 108 exhibited stable performance and significant contributions to multiple trait expressions. The PCA-biplot, based on the first two principal components and overlaid with six clusters, effectively distinguished genotype groups, confirming the robustness of classification. The Mantel test showed a strong correlation (r = 0.6161, p = 0.001) between distance matrices from PCA and hierarchical clustering, validating the consistency of the analysis. The investigation underscores the genetic variability within the evaluated soybean germplasm. It reinforces the importance of integrating morphological characterization with multivariate statistical approaches for strategic genotype selection in soybean improvement programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kumar Jai Anand, M K Shrivastava, Pawan K Amrate, Teena Patel, Yogendra Singh, Tasphiya Elahi, Vijay Kumar Katara, Shailendra Sagar Prajapati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimization, chemical constituents and bioactivity of Baeckea frutescens L. essential oil extracted by microwave-assisted hydro-distillation
The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction of essential oil from Baeckea frutescens leaves using microwave-assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM). This approach aimed to improve extraction efficiency and maximize essential oil yield. The chemical composition of the extracted oil was subsequently analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify its principal constituents. The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be a microwave power of 550 W, an extraction time of 89 min and a liquid-to-material ratio of 9.5:1. Under these conditions, the essential oil yield was 3.96 ± 0.02 % (w/w), which represents a high extraction efficiency. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major constituents of the essential oil were α-thujene (26.81 %), α-humulene (15.35 %), trans-caryophyllene (12.29 %) and 3-carene (10.20 %). In addition, biological activity assays indicated that the essential oil exhibited notable antibacterial and antioxidant activities. It significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) below 100 µg/mL. These findings suggest that Baeckea frutescens essential oil has strong potential as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agent, supporting its application in pharmaceutical and industrial products.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nguyen Thi Hoai Thuong, Doan Manh Dung, Tran Dinh Thang, Nguyen Kim Khanh, Nguyen Thi Huyen, Nguyen Tan Thanh, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigation of wine fermentation from dual mango (Mangifera indica) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) mash
Jackfruit and mango fruit have a distinctive aromatic flavour and a delicious taste with numerous bioactive components useful for human health. They are highly perishable at ambient conditions after harvesting. It was essential to convert these good food supplies into value-added products like wine. The main objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of material replacement ratios (6 %-18 %) of jackfruit to mango mash, initial pH (4.0-4.8), initial total dry matter (16-32 oBx), yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae inoculation ratios (0.8-1.6 g/L) to wine quality basing on the alcoholic content (%), acidity (%), total dry matter (%) and overall acceptance (sensory score). The wine fermentation process was performed in 10 days. Results showed that the best wine quality would be obtained with alcoholic content (1.891 ± 0.002 %), acidity (1.446 ± 0.001 %), total dry matter (0.363 ± 0.003 %) and overall acceptance (8.60 ± 0.01 sensory score) by the jackfruit/mango incorporation of 12 %, initial pH 4.4, initial total dry matter 24 oBx, yeast ratio 1.4 g/L. Jackfruit incorporated with mango created a pleasant flavour wine. Mango blended with jackfruit for wine making could be considered an intelligent strategy to exploit and alter the abundant source into a valuable product. This research opened a wide opportunity to diversify fruit wine from different valuable crops.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nguyen Phuoc Minh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of populations of Lagochilus vvedenskyi (Lamiaceae) in the Kyzyl-Kum desert of Uzbekistan under drying climate
The desert ecosystems of Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, feature rich biodiversity and distinctive plant communities. Global warming and drought have led to habitat destruction in Central Asia, resulting in increase in the number of endangered species. Intense human activity and prolonged droughts driven by climate change have resulted in habitat destruction and a corresponding vegetation cover crisis in these regions. This study aimed to assess the current five populations of L. vvedenskyi, which are primarily distributed in the Kyzyl-Kum desert of Uzbekistan. This species has been affected by climatic changes and human pressure in Uzbekistan. Lagochilus vvedenskyi populations show strong ecological sensitivity to increasing drought conditions in arid regions. The present study describes five populations of L. vvedenskyi in Uzbekistan. The populations were estimated, measured and the population spectrum was determined for all five groups. The plant communities comprise 42 species, including one species of semi-shrub, two species of dwarf-shrubs, seven species of shrubs, 26 species of perennial herbs and six species of annual herbs. The ontogenetic structure of these communities is incomplete, meaning that not all age groups are represented due to biological characteristics and the dry climate. Across all sites, the population density is low, with most populations classified as mature ontogenetic structures. Significant changes in δ13C indicate that the response to reduced precipitation is linked to drought stress. Given the expected drier and hotter climate in Uzbekistan in the upcoming decades, these findings enhance our understanding of the current state of L. vvedenskyi, suggesting that this species may soon face extinction in the wild. Consequently, establishing conservation and protection areas for this species is essential.
Copyright (c) 2025 A Akhmedov, Z Umurzakova, M A Muminov, M Bobokandova, E Isomov, S Urokov, S Atayeva, Z Rasulova, K Zhalov, L Ibragimov, M Mamadiyarov, D Dustbekov, N Jumayev, N Bobokandov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Three new additions to the orchid flora of Manipur, Northeast India
The state of Manipur has a unique geographical position and is rich in biological flora and fauna. Manipur also harbours a rich diversity of orchid species represented by 91 genera and 390 species. The present investigation on the orchids of Manipur, three interesting orchid species, viz. Epipogium roseum (D. Don) Lindl., Habenaria pantlingiana Kraenzl., Liparis deflexa Hook.f. were collected and reported for the first time in the orchid flora of Manipur. All three taxa belong to terrestrial ground orchids and one species, i.e., E. roseum, is a leafless, mycotrophic terrestrial orchid. In Manipur, the genus Habenaria Willd. and Liparis Rich. are represented by 11 species each, while the genus Epipogium Borkh. is a new generic addition to the orchid diversity of Manipur and a new extension of distributional records. Epipogium and Habenaria orchids were collected from Pudunamei village, Senapati district, while Liparis orchid was collected from Kachai village, Ukhrul district, Manipur. With the addition of these three taxa, the state of Manipur records a total of 393 species and 92 genera of orchid taxa. This data reveals the rich diversity of orchid species in the state of Manipur. Detailed morphological descriptions and colour photographs were provided for easy identification.
Copyright (c) 2025 E Kazhuhrii, K Sochanngam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of morphological and anatomical variability in tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) genotypes for fiber yield improvement
Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is a natural fibre crop that produces good quality golden fibre. Predicting fibre yield and quality is crucial in jute breeding programs. Fibre anatomical characteristics provide valuable insights into both fibre yield and quality. Hence, seven tossa jute genotypes were investigated through field-based morphological studies and laboratory-oriented anatomical studies for fibre yield and yield-attributing morpho anatomical variability at Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during March 2023 to February 2024. Morphological analysis revealed significant genotypic variations in plant height, base diameter, green weight, fibre yield and stick yield (p < 0.05), highlighting their potential as key differentiators for breeding activities. The genotypes JRO-524 and O-0412-9-4 exhibited superior traits, including higher plant height (2.67 m and 2.64 m) and base diameter (13.89 mm and 13.18 mm) at 110 days after sowing. High heritability was observed for green weight (80.22 %) and fibre yield (80.05 %), indicating that these traits can be effectively targeted for genetic improvement. Anatomical studies revealed significant variability in stem diameter, bark thickness and fibre bundle attributes (p < 0.01). JRO-524 demonstrated the highest stem diameter (17.67 mm) and bark thickness (1.53 mm), while BJRI Tossa pat 9 excelled in trapezoid width and total bundle area. Principal component analysis (PCA) captured 85.7 % of cumulative variance across the first three components, with plant height, base diameter and fibre yield being major contributors. The PCA biplot categorized genotypes into five groups, elucidating genetic diversity for targeted breeding strategies. These findings will provide a foundation for developing high-yielding, fibre-rich tossa jute varieties in future.
Copyright (c) 2025 T Naima , H Monjurul , A K H Syed , M M Mukul , S U A Sheikh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unravelling genetic variability, correlation and path analysis to uncover key traits for drought tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
In the current era of continuously shifting environmental conditions, drought remains a major abiotic constraint, significantly impacting crop growth and productivity. This study assessed genetic variability and trait associations and effects in 65 Indian mustard genotypes under normal and drought stress conditions to identify key traits for drought tolerance. These genotypes were analyzed in randomized block design with three replications under irrigated and drought stress conditions for two consecutive years Rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Instructional research farm, SKRAU, Bikaner. Analysis of variance were found to be highly significant for all the traits analyzed over years and environments, suggesting the existence of significant genetic variation for these traits in the present germplasm. High heritability along with high genetic advance were observed for number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, number of siliqua per plant, test weight, harvest index, seed yield per plant, root diameter, membrane stability index, leaf water potential and proline content under both the conditions, suggesting the predominance of additive gene effects, hence these traits can be efficiently improved through direct selection. Seed yield per plant showed significant positive associations with most traits, except plant height and root diameter and a negative association with leaf water potential under drought stress, suggesting these traits as key targets for selection to enhance yield under limited moisture. Path analysis indicated that HI and BYPP were the most critical determinants of SYPP under drought stress, while other traits contributed mainly through indirect effects, underscoring the pivotal role of HI-mediated pathways in yield enhancement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sneha Gupta, Anil Kumar Sharma, Sheetal Rawat, Ramandeep Kour, Shreya Baranwal, Uday Raj Gaurav, Atin Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chemical composition and bioactive compounds of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam
This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition and bioactive compounds of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits cultivated in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam in 2024. Key findings include a free acid content of 136.7 ± 5.77 mEq/kg, mineral content of 21.8 ± 0.05 %, total sugar content of 10.7 ± 0.06 %, reducing sugar content of 10.48 ± 0.1 %, lipid content of 1.624 ± 0.02 %, protein content of 1.619 ± 0.04 % and crude fiber content of 2.53 ± 0.06 %. These values indicate their potential as a nutrient-dense food source. In addition, the extraction of bioactive compounds was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimal conditions of 59.13 °C, 96.43 min and a liquid-to-material ratio of 46.5 mL/g, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) reached 15.355 ± 0.028 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW) and 2.404 ± 0.0428 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g DW, respectively. The polynomial models applied were shown to be effective in predicting and maximizing yields. Overall, the findings underscore the nutritional richness and bioactive potential of O. ficus-indica fruits, offering a scientific basis for their development into functional foods and nutraceuticals. This work provides novel insights into the value-added utilization of cactus fruits from Vietnam, contributing to both human health promotion and sustainable agricultural practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nguyen Kim Khanh, Ha Truong Tu Quynh, Vu Thi Hoan, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antioxidant, antimicrobial and phytochemical analysis of Microtoena patchoulii leaves: A rare plant species from North East India
Microtoena patchoulii [(C.B. Clarke ex J.D. Hooker) C.Y. Wu et Hsuan] is a lesser-known plant of family Lamiaceae found in Asia traditionally used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The present study focuses on the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity of the hexane and methanolic extract of M. patchoulii leaves collected from Manipur, Northeast India. Phytochemical screening was conducted on both hexane and methanolic extracts to detect the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Radical scavenging and reducing power were estimated by quantitative antioxidant assays, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), [2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). GC-MS analysis was performed on the methanolic extract to identify bioactive constituents. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against selected bacterial and fungal strains using standard methods. Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extracts of the leaves confirmed the presence of phenols and flavonoids. GC-MS analysis of the methanolic and hexane extracts identified key bioactive compounds, including n-Hexadecanoic acid, 1,3-Benzodioxole and various terpenoids and phenolics. Some of these compounds are reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The methanolic extract of leaves exhibited high antioxidant activity with an FRAP value of 2.89 ± 0.03 mM FeSO₄ equivalent/mL. ABTS IC₅₀ of 15.12 µg/mL and DPPH IC₅₀ of 433.78 µg/mL. Antibacterial studies using methanolic extract revealed selective activity against Escherichia coli. There were significant antifungal effects against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida tropicalis. However, no inhibition effect was observed against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The study supports the therapeutic potential of M. patchoulii for its antioxidant and antifungal efficacy. The GC-MS analysis identified several compounds with reported antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, supporting the observed bioactivities. These findings support the plant’s traditional use and highlight its potential for drug development.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aleena Khaidem, Mrinal Kumar Das, Sanjoy Singh Ningthoujam, Kamal Gauli, Rajiv Ch. Goswami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
High-alkaline coconut shell biochar modifies nutrient availability-retention and enzymatic activity in calcareous soil: A rapid incubation soil test
Biochar (BC) is a solid by-product of the pyrolysis of organic matter and has several potential benefits. However, its high pH may also allow its use in calcareous soils. This study aimed to verify the impact of four doses (0, 10, 30 and 50 g·kg-1) of coconut shell BC (pyrolyzed to 500 °C, pH 10.3) on the nutrient availability, retention and enzymatic activity of a calcareous soil with low fertility. The selected response variables were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) of leachate and soil, phosphatase (PHO), arylsulfatase (ARY), fluorescein diacetate (FDA) activity and nutrient content in the soil and leachates. The experiment was carried out for 377 days under laboratory conditions in a pot test using calcareous soil (pH 8.03). In the leachates, EC decreased with the addition of 50 g·kg-1 BC. In the soil, an increase in Olsen-P (120 %), NO3- (42.5 %), K+ (96.3 %) and Cu2+ (304.2 %) content was observed with 50 g·kg-1 BC. The 30 g·kg-1 BC treatment increased 47.5 % NO3-, 62.5 % K+ and 137.5 % Cu2+ contents. BC reduced the leaching of NO3- (82 %), NH4+ (14.3 %), Olsen-P (21.8 %), Mg2+ (24.1 %), SO42- (44.2 %), Ca2+ (18 %), Fe (33 %) and B (93 %). Finally, BC at 10 g·kg-1 increased ARY and FDA activities. The use of commercially manufactured coconut shell BC (30 and 50 g·kg-1) is a viable alternative to improve nutrient availability in calcareous soils without significantly altering the naturally high pH of calcareous soils.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mari Carmen López-Pérez, Antonio Juárez-Maldonado, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Elizabeth García-León, Fabián Pérez-Labrada https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Coevolution of RuBisCO in bryophytes: Insights into structural adaptation and terrestrial transition
Research on the molecular evolution of the RuBisCO enzyme's major component in early-diverging terrestrial plants is inadequate. RuBisCO is a highly important enzyme in photosynthesis that catalyses carbon fixation and performs a central role in global carbon cycles. Bryophytes, which include liverworts, hornworts and mosses, provide a unique evolutionary role as some of the earliest earth plants. To find out better insight about the RuBisCO evolution, this study explores the coevolutionary dynamics in bryophytes using previously available sequence data from UniProt. The methodology pipeline includes the alignment of homologous sequences, filtering and data analysis using CoMap v1.5.2 to find out the coevolving residues. Results revealed that 35 coevolving groups were found in the result of CoMap and 35 coevolving residues i.e., amino acids come under category of secondary structural elements and a total 72 amino acids out total 475 amino acid protein was involved in coevolution. The findings revealed significant coevolution in RuBisCO, which primarily involves hydrophobic and uncharged polar residues, enhancing the structural integrity and catalytic efficiency. This coevolution highlights structural integrity and adaptive potential in response to environmental and functional constraints. This study not only advances our understanding of evolutionary history and functional mechanisms of RuBisCO but also opens new avenues for research and applications in plant biology, synthetic biology and environmental science.
Copyright (c) 2025 Khushbu Anand, Afroz Alam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Regeneration dynamics and ecological assessment in Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Northern Western Ghats, Gujarat, India
Tree species diversity and regeneration dynamics are vital for maintaining ecosystem health, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions such as the Western Ghats. This study investigates the tree species diversity and regeneration patterns across five forest ranges (Ahwa West, Baripada, Bheskatri, Kalibel and Singhana) of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, India. The sanctuary, located in the northern section of the Western Ghats, hosts a mix of moist and dry deciduous forests. Data were collected using transects and quadrats to assess tree density, basal cover, species richness and regeneration success. The study highlights significant spatial variations in tree density, species composition and regeneration patterns across the sanctuary’s diverse habitat types. Among the different forest ranges, the Singhana range showed the highest species density, richness, diversity index and evenness index, while it recorded the lowest Simpson index compared to the other ranges of Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. Tectona grandis was found to be the dominant species, with varying dominance across ranges. The regeneration status showed a mixture of good, fair and poor regeneration across species, with some areas showing higher sapling and seedling densities. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding tree diversity and regeneration dynamics for effective forest management and conservation efforts in Purna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maniswara Raja S, Gohil T G, Kailash Patel, Farzin Parabia, Krishnamoorthi S, Baranidharan K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking medicinal potential: Comparative transcriptome profiling of Aegle marmelos fruit and leaf tissues reveals key functional pathways
The study aims to provide a comprehensive comparative transcriptome analysis of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, focusing on its fruit and leaf tissues, with the goal of expanding genomic knowledge and identifying tissue-specific gene expression related to its therapeutic properties. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to generate transcriptomic data from both fruit (47 million clean reads) and leaf (34 million clean reads) tissues of A. marmelos. The resulting sequences were assembled into 61860 unigenes, with 83 % and 89 % of the fruit and leaf-derived transcripts, respectively, mapping to the de novo assembly. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations were performed to categorize the molecular functions of the identified genes. The analysis revealed distinct tissue-specific expression profiles, with 14578 genes exclusive to the leaf and 11086 exclusive to the fruit. The predominant molecular functions were associated with binding, catalytic activity and transporter processes. The data demonstrated significant differences in gene expression between the two tissues, highlighting their divergent roles in the plant’s metabolic and therapeutic functions. This study provides the first in-depth genomic resources for A. marmelos, enhancing the understanding of its biological and pharmacological potential. The identification of tissue-specific genes offers insights into the molecular mechanisms behind its therapeutic properties, supporting further investigation into its biosynthetic pathways. RNA sequencing emerges as a critical tool for exploring neglected horticultural species, paving the way for targeted research and the discovery of novel bioactive compounds.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prashant Kaushik, Kartik Sharma, Meenakshi Sharma, Alpa Yadav, Parmdeep Singh Dhanda, Vikas Yadav, Prakashbhai Ravat, D S Mishra, Prabhat Kumar, Akshay I Patel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GC-MS profiling, antioxidant evaluation and in silico pharmacological assessment of bioactive compounds from Aspergillus welwitschiae imrd1 extract
The present study evaluated the significance of Aspergillus welwitschiae imrd1 extracts in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), GC-MS profiling, antioxidant activity and in silico pharmacological properties. Metabolites were extracted using methanol and ethyl acetate, where the ethyl acetate extract exhibited higher levels of TPC (8.57±0.31 mg GAE/g) and TFC (12.43±1.23 mg QE/g). Further experiment on ethyl acetate extract revealed an IC50 value of 38.79 µg/ml in the DPPH scavenging assay. GC-MS analysis detected twenty-two compounds, among which four components-methyl stearate, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester and 11-octadecenoic acid methyl ester-were selected for molecular docking against NADPH oxidase. These ligands showed desired physicochemical properties and acceptable binding affinities of -5.0 to -5.7 Kcal/mol while examined in silico. These findings are evidence of the efficacy of Aspergillus welwitschiae imrd1 extracts as a promising source of natural antioxidants in developing alternative therapeutics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Farjana Akter Koly, Fabiha Zaman Neetu, Oaindrila Bhattacharjee, Rajib Sarkar, Jannatul Ferdous, Sumaiya Islam Chowdhury, Abdullah Muhammad Waazid, M Jakir Hossain, Saiful Islam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro regeneration of some promising genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum L.) in Bangladesh
This study explores the in-vitro regeneration of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) genotypes in Bangladesh, aiming to optimize micropropagation protocols that can enhance sugarcane productivity and genetic diversity. The research evaluates the effects of various concentrations of auxins and cytokinins on callus induction, shoot regeneration and rooting in three sugarcane varieties: Isd 37, Isd 40 and ZH 110-65. The results demonstrated that 3.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was the most effective for callus induction, yielding a high initiation rate of 97.33 % in Isd 40. For shoot regeneration, the optimal concentration of 1.0 mg/L Benzylaminopurine (BA) produced the highest number of shoots per culture, reaching 17.0 shoots per culture in Isd 40. Rooting was most successful with 5.0 mg/L Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) which resulted in an average of 9.36 roots per shoot in Isd 40. Acclimatization trials showed that 65-80 % of the rooted plantlets survived under ex vitro conditions. This research provides a robust, reproducible tissue culture protocol for sugarcane that can be utilized to propagate disease-free, high-yielding and genetically diverse genotypes. The findings hold significant potential for improving sugarcane breeding and commercial production in Bangladesh, addressing the growing demand for high-quality sugarcane and supporting the sustainable growth of the local industry. The study lays a foundation for future crop improvement programs and germplasm conservation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rebina Ferdous, Md Jakir Hossain , AKM Nazmul Huda, Rahimul Alam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Brassinosteroids regulated target genes and their molecular evolution and interaction in rice (Oryza sativa L.) response to salt stress
Rice growth and development are significantly affected by salt stress. Exploring salt stress-tolerant genes and their regulatory pathways is essential for sustaining productivity and ensuring food security. The brassinazole-resistant 1 (BZR1)/BRI1-EMS1 suppressor (BES1) transcription factors play pivotal roles in regulating plant development and stress responses. However, studies specifically linking BZR1 to salt tolerance in rice remain limited. In this study, 33 predicted common differentially expressed genes (cDEGs) interacting with BZR1 were identified and functionally characterized to encounter salt stress in rice. The phylogenetic relationship analysis revealed a strong evolutionary relationship between these rice genes and known Arabidopsis salt-tolerant genes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment further confirmed that the cDEGs are significantly associated with key biological processes involved in the rice salt stress response. RNA-Seq results revealed distinct expression patterns of cDEGs between shoots and roots. In the shoots, 22 cDEGs were up-regulated, while 11 were down-regulated. In the roots, 14 cDEGs were up-regulated and 19 were down-regulated. This indicates tissue-specific regulatory responses under the experimental conditions. These findings highlight the differential regulatory roles of BZR1 across tissues under salt stress conditions. Overall, this study offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying BZR1-mediated salt tolerance and identifies promising candidate genes for future experimental validation and the development of salt-tolerant rice cultivars.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Atik Mas-ud, Sadiya Arefin Juthee, Mohammad Nurul Matin, Md. Hosenuzzaman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Preserving threatened ethnomedicinal knowledge: Revealing some less-explored therapeutic potential of wild indigenous flora of Koraput district, Odisha, India
Koraput district in Odisha, India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices. This region, characterized by its hilly terrain and tribal population, harbours a vast array of medicinal plants that have been traditionally used for generations to treat various ailments. This study aims to document and analyse the medicinal plants of Koraput, highlighting their significance in local healthcare practices and their potential for broader pharmaceutical applications. Field surveys and ethnobotanical studies were conducted to collect data on the medicinal plants used by the indigenous communities. Interviews with local healers and practitioners provided insights into the traditional knowledge and usage patterns of these plants. A total of 58 medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families were recorded. These plants are used to treat a variety of ailments, ranging from common colds to chronic diseases. Notably, many species such as Acacia sinuata, Asparagus racemosus, Dysphania ambrosioides and Ricinus communis are integral to both medicinal and cultural practices, revealing a holistic approach to health among these communities. Methods of preparation include decoctions, pastes, juices and powders, often administered orally or topically. The study underscores the critical role of traditional knowledge in healthcare among the tribal populations of Koraput. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific research, there is potential to discover novel drugs and therapies, contributing to sustainable healthcare solutions and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Madan Mohan Pradhan , Kunja Bihari Satapathy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gene action studies of yield-contributing traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through generation mean analysis
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are a vital leguminous crop that is grown for both their oil and edible seeds. It is essential to research the gene activity of groundnut features that contribute to yield in order to create effective breeding plans that will increase quality and productivity. The current study was performed in Kharif 2024 at Department of Oilseeds, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Six parameter generation mean analysis was performed for two crosses, Cross I (VRI 9 × Girnar 5) and Cross II (BSR 2 × Girnar 5), were evaluated with three parental lines: VRI 9, BSR 2 and Girnar 5. Results show that additive and dominance gene actions influence trait inheritance. Additive x additive interaction played a key role in all the traits in both crosses except days to 50 % flowering and single plant yield in cross II. Similarly, additive x dominance interaction influenced days to 50 % flowering, no. of pods per plant, no. of mature pods per plant, shelling percentage and oil content in cross I. Whereas shelling percentage along with test weight in cross II. Dominance x dominance interaction was seen in all the traits except no. of mature pods per plant in cross I and days to 50 % flowering and primary branches of cross II. These results provide important information for comprehending genetic interactions in groundnut breeding projects and for creating practical plans to enhance yield and other agronomic characteristics over the course of multiple generations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anvesh Ellandula, Kalaiyarasi R, Sasikala R, Rajagopal B, Amirtham D, Senthivelu M https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparison of the protein system in early response to salinity stress of three rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) with contrast phenotypes
Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a staple food for over 40 % of the global population, faces significant yield losses due to salinity stress, particularly at the germination stage. This study compared early proteomic responses to NaCl stress in three Vietnamese rice varieties with contrasting tolerance: OM 9577 (salt-tolerant), OC 10 (moderately tolerant) and Dai Thom 8 (salt-sensitive). Germinating seeds were subjected to NaCl treatment and proteins were extracted for analysis by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Two-Dimensional gel Electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with LC-MS/MS. In total, 160 peptide fragments corresponding to 45 differentially abundant proteins were identified, spanning 13 functional categories, including metabolism, stress response, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, cellular transportation, cell growth, cell division and protein modification. 2-DE profiles confirmed characteristic proteins in the tolerant and moderately tolerant varieties: OC 10 exhibited three proteins associated with cellular transportation, stress response, signal transduction and transcription, while OM 9577 exhibited eight proteins related to nucleotide metabolism, transport, signal transduction, stress response, cell growth, cell division and transcriptional regulation. These proteins likely underline enhanced salt tolerance and are proposed as candidate biomarkers for molecular screening and the improvement of salt-tolerant rice via conventional breeding and gene transfer.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cuong Duong Quoc, Anh Bui Lan, Thia Le Hong, Gia-Buu Tran, Tien T Dang, Thinh Nguyen Hung, Tuan Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Ha Nguyen Cong, Ngoc Nguyen Thi Le, Nam Trinh Ngoc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic divergence and principal component analysis for yield and yield components of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] germplasm
Pigeon pea is an important leguminous crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its protein-rich seeds and soil-enriching properties. The present investigation was conducted in an augmented block design during Kharif 2020 at the Research Farm of Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experimental material consisted of 73 genotypes of pigeon pea, including three checks, NDA-1, Bahar and Pant Arhar-291 to examine genetic diversity among these genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic variation for most of the traits among the genotypes, suggesting that the variation may be exploited through selection for the development of a variety with high-yield genetic potential. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five distinct, non-overlapping clusters. Cluster I contained the highest number of genotypes (25), followed by Cluster III (19), Cluster II (14), Cluster V (9) and Cluster IV (6). Clusters II and IV had the greatest inter-cluster distance, which indicated that crossing genotypes between these clusters would result in high-quality recombinants. Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted five components that contributed 67.89 % variance to the total variation among the tested genotypes. The genotypes which showed the highest genetic diversity can be used as a parent in a hybridization program. Early flowering was observed with the genotypes IPA-10W-8-1 (74.09 days), IPA-12W-16 (78.09 days) and genotypes IPA-12W-3 (202.37 g), IPAB-10-13 (199.70 g), IPA-17W-218 (195.72 g), IPA-12W-38 (192.80 g), Local-4 (191.83 g), IPA-10W-5-8 (190.83 g) had the highest seed yield per plant. These germplasm lines can be used as potential parents for the development of high-yielding and early maturing cultivars.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anuj Kumar, Nitin Kumar, Vijay Sharma, Hoshiyar Singh Negi, Shalesh Kumar Singh, Kamaluddin , Vaishali Gangwar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of fertilizers on biomass and productivity of amaranth on sierozem-meadow soils of the Zeravshan valley of Uzbekistan
The article presents data on the effects of individual and combined applications of mineral (NPK) and organic fertilizers on the biomass of roots, stubble residues, aboveground plant parts and grain yield of amaranth cultivated in sierozem-meadow soils of the Zeravshan Valley, Uzbekistan. The field experiments followed a two-phase design. First, the impact of different nitrogen fertilizer doses (N150-300) (combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers-P150K200) was evaluated. Second, the study examined the effects of separate versus joint applications of chemical and organic fertilizers on amaranth productivity. The application of nitrogen fertilizers against a background of phosphorus and potassium, as well as the combined use of mineral and organic fertilizers, significantly increased the mass of root and stubble residues, aboveground biomass and grain yield in amaranth plants. These findings indicate a deficiency of mobile nutrients in the soil, which limits optimal amaranth growth. Therefore, when applying nitrogen fertilizers against the background of P150K200, complete mineral fertilizers (NPK), 30 t/ha of cattle manure and combined use of 30 t/ha of manure with different NPK rates, the yield of grain and biomass of the aboveground and underground parts of amaranth increases significantly. For example, nitrogen fertilizers at rates from 150 kg/ha to 300 kg/ha against the background of P150K200 increased the amaranth yield by 4.26-27.04 c/ha or by 46.46-94.87 c/ha. The application of complete mineral fertilizers (NPK) compared to the control without fertilizers - by 8.87-20.14 c/ha or 50.06-113.66 %, 30 t/ha of cattle manure - 14.01 c/ha or 79.06 %. The combined application of 30 t/ha of manure with different rates of mineral fertilizers increased the amaranth grain yield by 16.56-20.65 c/ha or 93.45-116.53 %. However, when the rate of nitrogen fertilizers increased from 250 kg/ha to 300 kg/ha, the amaranth yield did not increase significantly. The same pattern was observed when the rate of mineral fertilizers increased from N250P175K125 to N300P210K150. Increasing the rate of mineral fertilizers against the background of 30 t/ha of manure from N100P70K50 to N150P105K75 and to N200P140K100 did not have a significant effect on the amaranth yield. However, there was a significant difference in the amaranth yield between the N100P70K50+30 t/ha of manure and N200P140K100+30 t/ha of manure variants. The best results were obtained in the variants where 30 t/ha of manure+N200P140K100 and 250 kg/ha of nitrogen were added against the background of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (P150K200). Thus, mineral and organic fertilizers improve the nutrition, growth and development of amaranth plants and significantly increase the biomass and grain yield of amaranth in the conditions of sierozem -meadow soils of the Zeravshan valley.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ortikov T K, Shoniyozov B K, Makhmatmurodov A U, Abdurakhimov M K, Sharifov K F, Shavkatova Z Sh, Roziqova K E https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unravelling genetic relationships in spring mung bean genotypes using morphological and molecular markers under the foothill condition of Manipur
Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a warm-season legume widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a key source of proteins, carbohydrates and antioxidants in Asian diets. It is well-suited for SSR-based diversity studies. This study sought to evaluate the genetic diversity among twenty-seven mung bean genotypes to support the breeding of improved varieties with enhanced yield and resilience. By integrating morphological and agronomic trait analysis with molecular characterization using highly polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, we aimed to uncover both phenotypic and genetic variation. These insights are expected to guide the selection of diverse parental lines for hybridization programs, fostering the development of robust, high-performing mung bean cultivars. Significant genetic variability was recorded among studied genotypes. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters; Cluster I included seventeen genotypes. Intra-cluster distances ranged from 0.00 to 9.70 and inter-cluster distances varied from 10.39 to 27.11. Protein percentage (27.5 %) contributed most to divergence. Out of Thirteen primers ten (76.92 %) exhibited polymorphism. Thirteen SSR primers produced amplicons ranging from 100 to 413 bp. An average of 3.2 alleles per locus was observed, highest six alleles were recorded for VrSSR61. PIC ranged from 0.20 (DMBSSR080) to 0.79 (VrSSR61). UPGMA cluster analysis of twenty-seven Vigna radiata genotypes clustered into two main clusters (A and B), each with two sub-clusters (A-I, A-II, B-I, B-II). Similarity coefficients ranged from 0.46 to 0.97. Two markers viz., DMBSSR125 and DMBSSR 130 were identified and associated with YVMV and powdery mildew respectively. Future breeding programs should integrate MAS to efficiently screen and select desired resistant genotypes at early developmental stages, significantly reducing the time and resources typically required for traditional phenotypic screening. The identified clusters and inter-cluster distances provide a clear roadmap for selecting genetically diverse parents for targeted hybridization programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mukesh, Sonika Yumnam, Priyashree Laishram, Konsam Sarika, Chongtham Chinglen Meetei, Shankar Lal Choudhary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of physical and chemical mutagens on the growth performance of two soybean (TGX 1987-62F and TGX 1835-10E) varieties in the M1 generation
Mutational breeding is a cost-effective and time-efficient technique that enhances genetic variability in crops by inducing mutations using physical agents like gamma rays or chemical agents like sodium azide, without involving genetic engineering. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of gamma radiation and sodium azide (SA) on the growth performance of two soybean varieties (TGX 1987-62F and TGX 1835-10E). Growth parameters included germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of pods per plant, days to 50 % flowering, chlorophyll content, 100-seed weight and total grain yield. The experiment included 20 treatments and was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Statistical analysis showed that among the two varieties, the highest rate of germination (60.0 % seedling/plot) was found in TGX 1835 (15Gy) while, 19.67 % seedling/plot was observed at 0.0.2 % SA. Average plant height (64.40 cm) was observed in TGX 1835 irradiated with 10Gy, as compared to the controls (TGX 1987: 55.46 cm and TGX 1835: 60.93 cm). Highest average leaf count in TGX 1987 was 125.67 leaves/plant, irradiated with 10Gy while, 183.33 leaves/plant, treated with 0.02 % SA. The highest total leaf area of 163.19 cm2 was recorded in TGX 1835 in M1 (mutation 1 generation) plants and 163.56 cm2, treated with 0.02 % SA. The gamma ray’s treatment at 10Gy in TGX 1835 affirmed its potential in generating highest yield in M1 plants. Future breeding programs should focus on stabilizing these mutants (M1 and subsequent generations) to develop commercially viable high-yield varieties, for food security.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anas Hamisu, Bhupendra Koul, Subhra Shil, Pabitra Adhikary, Rajib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Floristic composition and biological spectrum of the flora of Shishikoh valley, district Chitral, Pakistan
In the present study, a total of 329 vascular plant taxa, encompassing 215 genera and 71 families across three major plant groups-Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms were recorded from the Shishikoh Valley in District Chitral, Pakistan. Among these, 165 species belonging to 19 families were identified as new additions to the known flora of the Shishikoh Valley, District Chitral, Pakistan. Nine endemic taxa were recorded for the first time from the study area. The dominant family was Asteraceae with 32 taxa (9.73 %), followed by Lamiaceae with 31 taxa (9.42 %) and Papilionaceae with 29 taxa (8.81 %). In terms of leaf persistence, deciduous plants were represented by 305 taxa (92.71 %), followed by perennials with 19 taxa (5.78 %) and aphyllous plants with three taxa (0.91 %). Mesophytes with 304 taxa (92.4 %) were the most dominant plants, followed by xerophytes with 22 taxa (6.69 %) and hydrophytes with three taxa (0.91 %). The recorded ﬂora consists of 46.2 % annual herbaceous plants and 28.88 % perennials. Therophytes and hemicryptophytes were the most frequent life forms in the area. The discovery of new plant species in the area underscores the importance of continued botanical surveys and detailed documentation, which would be beneficial in adding many new species to the flora of District Chitral, Pakistan.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kifayat Ullah, Muhammad Irfan, Fazal Ullah, Jan Sher, Shazia Khatoon, Saeed Khalil, Muzammil Shah, Rimsha Zainab, Muhammed Waheed, Ruzmetova Zilolakhon Dilmuradovna, Zamira Atamuratova, Tahira Alyas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Formulation and characterization of 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine and phloroglucinol nanoemulsion for intranasal approach to neurodegenerative disorders
Neurodegenerative diseases involve complex pathological mechanisms, including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which are not adequately addressed by single-target therapies. Therefore, a dual-targeted strategy is to be employed by combining phloroglucinol, a potent antioxidant, with 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine, a selective protein kinase C inhibitor. Thus, the present study aimed to formulate and evaluate phloroglucinol and 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine nanoemulsion (NE) for intranasal administration and a dual-targeted approach. NE was formulated using coconut oil, Span80, Tween80 and PEG400 in the ratio of 4.5:4.5:5.5:5.5. After formulation, it was evaluated for size, shape, drug release and stability. NE was homogenously opaque white and clear i.e., without any visible drug particles. It was an oil-in-water type of NE with a circular shape and size of <150 nm. It possessed a polydispersity index of 0.238, a zeta potential of -26.2 mV and was stable for more than 90 days. It was readily dispersible upon addition of water and showed no separation of oil and water. There was no sign of precipitation or cracking and exhibited a percentage transmittance of 93.4 ± 0.67. Nanoemulsified phloroglucinol and 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine had a cumulative release rate of 88.79 ± 1.92 and 90.39 ± 1.26, respectively, after 2 hr and 1 hr. Over 90 days, an increase in the particle size and a faint odor were observed. Therefore, these results indicate that the NE of phloroglucinol and 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine enables efficient and targeted delivery of drugs directly to the brain and improves treatment effectiveness for neurodegenerative disorders.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pranav Nayak, Mohammad Ali, Bharathi D R https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antileishmanial activity of Basella alba extract cultivated in Iraq
Basella alba, widely known as Malabar spinach, is a fast-growing perennial native to tropical regions Worldwide. B. alba has been widely utilized in traditional medicine because of anti-inflammatory properties, laxative, diuretic and antioxidant properties. The current research focuses on determining the chemical composition of B. alba and evaluating its antileishmanial efficacy against the promastigote of Leishmania tropica in vitro. This study is the first to examine the potential of B. alba as a natural remedy for leishmaniasis, as its antileishmanial properties have not been previously investigated. A Soxhlet apparatus was used to obtain whole-plant extracts of B. alba. The MTT proliferation assay was employed to evaluate the in vitro antileishmanial efficacy of L. tropica promastigotes. Reverse phase-high -performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was utilized to identify and isolate lupeol and β-sitosterol in the petroleum ether fraction. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to perform a comprehensive chemical profile of the fraction. To confirm the isolated compounds' molecular structure and fragmentation patterns, structural characterization was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To determine whether characteristic groups were found, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed. The petroleum ether extract demonstrated dose-dependent anti-promastigote activity with a notable inhibition rate of 72 %, indicating its potential antileishmanial activity. The presence of bioactive components with established antileishmanial properties highlights the potential of B. alba as a natural antileishmanial agent. Further in vivo studies are needed to support these in vitro findings and confirm their therapeutic potential.
Copyright (c) 2025 H H Sara, M I Nabaa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Study on micropropagation and acclimatization of hippeastrum 'Double king' flowers in An Giang province of Vietnam
Hippeastrum 'Double King' is a beautiful flower with high economic value and has recently been introduced to Vietnam; therefore, the process of producing this flower has not been systematically established. The study was conducted to find out the suitable media for the micropropagation process of the hippeastrum 'Double King' flowers and the multiplication of tissue-cultured plants in greenhouse conditions. In this study, four experiments were carried out, including shoot regeneration from bulb scales, in-vitro shoot multiplication, complete plantlet generation and evaluation of the adaptability and development of tissue-cultured seedlings in greenhouses. The result showed that MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L BAP was the best medium for shoot regeneration and the two-scale explants produced the most shoots in this medium. For the shoot multiplication experiment, the quarter-bulb explants cultured in the MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 2 mg/L BAP produced the greatest number of shoots, the best plant height and the highest number of leaves per bulb explant. The in-vitro complete plantlet generation experiment showed that MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L NAA, 0.5 g/L activated carbon and 40 g/L sucrose was the most suitable for rooting seedlings. The substrate of 75 % sand + 25 % rice husk ash was suitable for the growth and development of seedlings in the nursery. The results of this study initially help to optimize the culture and production of 'Double King' hippeastrum flowers in An Giang province, Vietnam.
Copyright (c) 2025 T M D Nguyen, T T H Trinh, N T H Diep, P T Bui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of exogenous proline on drought stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars
Due to the scarcity of irrigation water and to achieve maximum benefit from the available irrigation water, this study investigated the impact of exogenous proline application on drought tolerance in three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and evaluated their water use under stress conditions. A factorial field experiment was conducted using a split-split plot design with three factors at three levels each. The main plot factor was drought stress, with three levels: S1 (control) involved irrigation with 50 % of the available water between field capacity (FC) and wilting point (WP); S2 represented mild drought with 30 % available water (70 % reduction); S3 represented severe drought with 10 % available water (90 % reduction). The second factor (subplot) was proline concentration: P1 (0 mg L-1), P2 (25 mg L-1) and P3 (50 mg L-1). The third factor (sub-subplot) was wheat cultivar: Ibaa 99, Adnaniyah and Sham 6. A 90 % reduction in available water significantly decreased vegetative and yield parameters, including plant height (58.53 cm), spikes per plant (3.98), seeds per spike (37.86), total yield (3.47 tons·ha-1), flag leaf area (25.75 cm²), chlorophyll content and water use efficiency (1.6 kg grains m-3 water). The highest water use efficiency was recorded under 30 % available water, while the maximum grain yield (6.07 tons ha-1) was achieved under 50 % available water. Foliar application of 50 mg L-1 proline (P3) increased grain yield and improved water use efficiency to 1.61 kg grains m-3 water. Although interactions between drought stress and proline concentration were not statistically significant, Sham 6 consistently outperformed Ibaa 99 and Adnaniyah across most growth and yield parameters.
Copyright (c) 2025 H H A Alkhafagi, Y A Al-Janabi, K F H Al-Khafagi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Preliminary checklist of micromycetes on trees and shrubs common in the city of Samarkand
This study provides a comprehensive examination of the diversity and distribution of micromycete fungi colonizing trees and shrubs in Samarkand, one of the oldest and ecologically significant cities in central Uzbekistan. The research documents a total of 132 micromycete species belonging to 61 genera, revealing a rich fungal diversity in the urban green spaces of the region. Of particular importance is the identification of 32 species that are recorded for the first time in the mycobiota of Uzbekistan, including Phyllosticta albizinae, Cercospora muelleriana, Ramularia philadelphi, Colletotrichum aucubae and Erysiphe euonymicola. These findings indicate both the underexplored nature of urban fungal biodiversity in Central Asia and the ecological significance of Samarkand's dendroflora as a host for diverse fungal communities.The most frequently encountered taxa were members of the genera Camarosporium, Phyllosticta, Pseudocercospora, Diplodia, Erysiphe and Melampsora, which are known to include several phytopathogenic and endophytic species. The checklist compiled in this study includes detailed data on fungal species, their associated host plants and observed distribution patterns, contributing to the foundational knowledge necessary for monitoring plant health and managing urban ecosystems. The vegetation of Samarkand is predominantly composed of mesophytic plant species and demonstrates high floristic diversity. Also, planting many non-native trees and shrubs has created complicated relationships between hosts and pathogens, which adds to the variety of micromycete communities. This study revealed the importance of continued fungal biodiversity assessments in urban environments across Central Asia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Guljakhon Norimova, Zebiniso Umurzakova, Khislat Khaydarov, Boston Islamov, Murtoza Hasanov, Ilkhom Mukumov, Zebo Rasulova, Ulugbek Ochilov, Mokhigul Shukurova , Lobar Norkulova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ginger price dynamics in the Eastern Himalayan Region: A case study of Meghalaya
Ginger contributes substantially to the agricultural sector in Meghalaya, yet comprehensive forecasting analyses that integrate both traditional and volatility-sensitive time series approaches to study its price movements are still scarce. In this study, we explore common time series yet very powerful forecast models, namely the autoregressive moving average (ARMA), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and ARIMA with exogenous inputs (ARIMAX), along with autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH) and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) models, to forecast the monthly price of ginger in Meghalaya. During the estimation process, attention was given to the intrinsic forecasting strengths and limitations of these models, as well as to essential time series diagnostics, including stationarity, parsimony and overfitting. The discussion in this study is based on the forecast results obtained from a real-time monthly price dataset spanning 10 years. While fitting the models to the dataset, special care was taken to select the most parsimonious model. To evaluate forecast accuracy and compare the performance of the different models applied to the time series of monthly ginger prices, we used seven forecast performance measures: ME (mean error), RMSE (root mean square error), MAE (mean absolute error), MAPE (mean absolute percentage error), MASE (mean absolute scaled error), AIC (Akaike information criterion) and BIC (Bayesian information criterion). The GARCH (1,1) model outperformed the others, yielding the lowest MAE (1,212.28), MASE (0.2817) and a high persistence in volatility (β₁ = 0.99772). The average price during the study period was ₹4400.47. The forecasts indicated a decline in prices from ₹11910 in March 2024 to ₹10938 in July 2024.
Copyright (c) 2025 N S Uttam, T Abhishek, Y Anjoo, A Roy, N Laitonjam, P Pampi, P B Kamni, C H R Gowda, A K Jha, D Wanbiang, B P Singh, S B Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of salinity on growth traits, physiological parameters and chlorophyll in vegetative phase of Indonesian local rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple food crops for most of the world's population. However, rapid population growth and the conversion of agricultural land to other uses have increased the demand for higher rice production. One approach to increase rice yields is to expand the planting area on high salinity land using rice varieties with enhanced tolerance under salinity stress. This study aims to test the level of resistance of several rice varieties during the vegetative phase under salinity stress. The rice varieties tested in this study include Pamelen, Inpago 10, Gilirang and Inpari 30. The steps of this study include preparation and sowing of rice seeds, making planting media, planting hydroponically and treating salinity stress, harvesting, observing and measuring treatment results. A factorial randomized block design (RBD) was used, with two factors: variety and salinity level (0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl), with three replications. The results obtained from this study were that the administration of salinity stress caused the four rice varieties to experience morphological, physiological and chlorophyll pigment disorders. Based on the results of research and statistical analysis conducted, the Inpari 30 variety shows the highest tolerance (p < 0.05) across most traits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Qudwah Jundana, Rr. Aulia Yasmine Puspa Hapsari, Tutik Nurhidayati, Wirdhatul Muslihatin , Triono Bagus Saputro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Intron hairpin RNA derived from the HC-Pro gene confers resistance to papaya ringspot virus in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana
In the present study, cDNA from a papaya leaf sample infected with Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV) was used for the amplification of the HC-Pro gene, which yielded an expected amplicon size of ~1350 bp. The partial coding sequence of HC-Pro was used to design a hairpin RNA (hpRNA) construct, which included a cowpea spliceosomal intron (148 bp) inserted between the hpRNA arms (ihpRNA HC-Pro). The potential siRNAs and Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) sequence predicted by integrated bioinformatics tools (siDirect 2.0 and pssRNAit) identified the best region of 201 bp (557-757 bp). The designed intron hairpin RNA (ihpRNA) HC-Pro was synthesized and cloned into the plant expression vector (pBI121) and the resulting recombinant plasmids (pBI121::CaMV35s::ihpRNA-HC-Pro::NOS) were subsequently transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens (LBA4404) followed by co-cultivation in N. benthamiana, a model plant. Molecular confirmation of the T0 lines via PCR indicated that three out of four plants were contaminated with Agrobacterium in the apoplast. A single line that was positive for ihpRNA HC-Pro amplification and negative for VirG, was forwarded to the T1 generation. Six out of ten T1 lines were amplified for ihpRNA HC-Pro. Single copy insertions were confirmed by southern blotting. Bioassay and gene expression tests in T1 transgenic plants showed lower levels of NbPOD, NbAPX, NbCAT and HcPro, like healthy plants, suggesting that PRSV resistance was successfully achieved through ihpRNA-mediated gene silencing.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kheta Ram Tak, Anitha Peter, Deepika Vidyashankar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction and in vitro determination of the cytotoxic effect of ethyl acetate fraction of wild Amaranthus viridis on SKGT-4, AGS and A431 cell lines
Amaranthus viridis L. belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is a rich source of numerous phytochemicals and amino acids. The objective of this work was to optimize Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) based on the extraction yield and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) profile under different conditions, to compare the optimized UAE to the Soxhlet extraction method and evaluate the cytotoxic effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of the 80 % ethanolic extract on the SKGT-4 (human esophageal adenocarcinoma), AGS (human gastric adenocarcinoma) and A431 (human epidermoid carcinoma). A one-factor at a time experiment was carefully designed to assess the influence of the following factors on the extraction: time, frequency, solid-to-solvent ratio and aqueous ethanol concentration. Soxhlet extraction using 80 % aqueous ethanol was done for defatted plant material, then fractionation using chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Cytotoxicity of ethyl acetate fraction was evaluated using the MTT assay on AGS, A431 and SKGT-4 cell lines. The results indicated that in the UAE, the solid-to-solvent ratio has the most significant effect on yield. Soxhlet extraction proved to be more efficient than UAE in terms of TLC profiles. The cytotoxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited cytotoxic activity against the tested cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, selecting a particular extraction method depends on the target compounds. Soxhlet is preferred for gaining certain compounds that require heat for their extraction. The ethyl acetate fraction showed a cytotoxic effect on various cell lines related to cell components and their interactions with phytochemicals present in this fraction.
Antioxidant and antiglycation application of Ferula asafoetida resin and Eucalyptus globulus oil: A mechanism-based insight on diabetic research
The increasing dominance of diabetes and its complications has leads to search for natural antidiabetic and antiglycating compounds to control the harmful complications of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Natural products offer various therapeutic potentials over synthetic inhibitors, such as low toxicity and diverse biological activities. Ferula asafoetida Linn resin and Eucalyptus globulus Labill leaf oil were chosen based on traditional medical knowledge and scientific data demonstrating their bioactive components and pharmacological value in associated therapeutic applications. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of F. asafoetida resin and E. globulus leaf oil as antiglycating co-relating phytochemical, antioxidant and antiglycation tests. The oleo-gum resin of F. asafoetida was extracted with distilled water using Soxhlet extraction, whereas E. globulus leaf oil was diluted using methanol in 1:10 ratio for analysis. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride assays respectively and further GC-MS is used for phytochemical identification. The antioxidant activity was determined using (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH, (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) ABTS, nitric oxide scavenging tests and Ferri Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). The antiglycation potential was determined by measuring fructosamine, protein carbonyl concentration, protein aggregation and AGEs formation. E. globulus oil exhibited higher phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05), while F. asafoetida resin extract inhibited glycation intermediates and AGEs (p < 0.05). These findings point to their potential use in natural therapeutic formulations for diabetes-related oxidative and glycaemic stress.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pawan Sharma, Dinesh Kumar, Fatouma Mohamed Abdoul-Latif, Tarik Ainane, Ahmad Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparison of functional properties of commercial plant protein isolates and sonication pretreatment assisted extraction-based plant protein isolate blends
The current study was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, in the year 2023. Plant Protein Isolates (PlPIs) derived from sesame, mung bean, peanut, chickpea and spirulina have attracted widespread attention due to their high nutritional value, the popularization of vegan diets and broad availability. However, their relatively poor functional properties compared to animal proteins limit their wider use in food formulations. This study investigates the effect of sonication pretreatment on the functional properties of lab-made PlPI blends compared to Commercial Plant Protein Isolates (CPlPIs). Functional attributes such as solubility, dispersibility, swelling capacity, foaming and gelation behaviour were evaluated. PlPI blends exhibited significantly higher solubility (up to ~48 % at pH 11) and oil-holding capacity (~339 %) than commercial isolates. Dispersibility in PlPI blends ranged narrowly from 61–63 %, whereas CPlPIs varied widely between 16 % and 100 %, depending on formulation. Swelling capacity was also notably improved in PlPI blends (13.3–426.9 %) compared to CPlPIs (12.1–122.2 %). Rheological analysis (flow properties) indicated shear-thinning behaviour (less viscous when stirred or subjected to force) for both PPI-blends and CPPIs, with PPI-blend 2 showing the highest viscosity due to its greater swelling capacity. PPI-blends demonstrated higher oil-holding capacity (330.6–339.7 %) than CPPIs (66.7–139.5 %). However, unlike CPlPIs, which formed gels at low concentrations (1–3 %), all PlPI blends required a higher concentration (12 %) to gel. This is the first study to systematically compare sonicated PlPI blends with CPlPIs across multiple functional traits using diverse plant sources. Overall, sonication pretreatment improved hydration and functional properties, making sonicated PlPI blends promising ingredients for developing plant-based dairy alternatives, meat analogues and other functional food products requiring improved solubility, foaming and texture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Brijesh Lekhak, Dineshkumar Rengarajan, Navita Bansal, Rama Prashat G, Suneha Goswami, Ranjeet Ranjan Kumar, Aruna Tyagi, Vinutha T https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Partial substitution of inorganic fertilizer with nano fertilizer improved soil microbial diversity and yield of irrigated lowland rice
Nanotechnology holds an immense potential to revolutionize rice production especially in enhancing grain yield. This study evaluates the effect of nanotechnology on grain yield, microbial activity, root development and economic returns over multiple cropping seasons (2022 to 2024). In the 2022 Wet Season (WS), while full-dosed inorganic fertilizer (100 % Rice Crop Manager, RCM) (6.87 tha-1) did not meet the targeted yield due to typhoon-induced lodging, treatments with 50 % RCM combined with Nano fertilizer (NF) produced comparable yields (6.27 to 6.62 tha-1). In 2023 Dry Season (DS), both full RCM and 50 % RCM with NF yielded 6.85 t ha-1; in 2023 WS, 50 % RCM with NF yielded higher yield (4.88 to 5.60 tha-1) than no-fertilizer control (4.35 tha-1); and in 2024 DS, full RCM produced the highest yield of 8.51 tha-1 while 50 % RCM + NF yielded 7.11 tha-1. Soil microbial activity, using Shannon Index was lower in plots with continuous synthetic fertilizer application (H’=2.71) in 2024 DS, showing a decline in soil microbial diversity. Root system development was most robust with full RCM, but the reduced RCM with NF also had favourable root growth, particularly lateral root length. Partial budget analysis revealed that while full RCM provided the highest gross income, the 50 % RCM + NF produced yielded higher net incomes due to lower input costs. The promising results of reduced RCM rates + NF warrant further investigation to assess long-term sustainability, cost-effectiveness and broader environmental impact.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jayvee Cruz-Kitma, Daisyree G Agustin, Sandro D Cañete, Roel R Suralta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Modulation of antioxidant enzymes and growth traits by exogenous application of auxin and cytokinin in wheat under induced drought stress
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of phytohormones (auxin and cytokinin) in mitigation of drought stress on pairs of contrasting genotypes of wheat i.e. tolerant (DBW 110 and HI 1655) and susceptible (BW Local 1 and BW Local 2) at seedling stage under four conditions. Drought was induced by PEG 6000. It was observed that phytohormones had a significant role in mitigating stress by adjusting growth parameters, physiological parameters, reactive oxygen species level and antioxidants activity. Application of auxin and cytokinin leads to desirable changes in shoot length (2.36 and 3.26), root length (1.21 and 1.17), seedling length (2.36 and 2.74), fresh shoot weight (1.24 and 1.28), fresh root weight (1.41 and 1.21), fresh seeding weight (3.37 and 4.19), total chlorophyll (1.72 and 1.63), maximal quantum yield of photosystem II (1.51 and 1.70), stomatal conductance (1.38 and 1.19), catalase activity (4.75 and 5.68), ascorbate peroxidase activity (14.63 and 18.05) and proline content (1.37 and 1.28) and hydrogen peroxide content (1.22 and 1.31) represented in average folds as compared to control. Fresh seedling weight showed positively significant correlation with fresh shoot weight (r=1.00**), shoot length (r=1.00**), catalase (r=0.99*), ascorbate peroxidase (r=0.99*), seedling length (r=0.98*), total chlorophyll (r=0.97*) and negative and significant correlation with hydrogen peroxide (r=-1.00**) under effect of auxin whereas it showed positively significant correlation with fresh shoot weight (r=1.00*), chlorophyll b (r=0.98*), stomatal conductance (r=0.98*), maximal quantum yield of photosystem II (r=0.97*), total chlorophyll (r=0.96*), chlorophyll a (r=0.95*), fresh root weight (r=0.95*) and significant and negative correlation with hydrogen peroxide (r=-1.00*) under effect of cytokinin indicating that these are the important traits targeted by the phytohormones to mitigate the stress. Biplot analysis revealed that traits were grouped as positively correlated (all traits except H2O2) and negatively correlated (H2O2) to the drought tolerance. Study concluded that application of auxin and cytokine can minimize yield reduction of susceptible high yielding genotypes under drought stress. Further study under natural stress is required to understand the mechanism of phytohormones in mitigation of drought.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vijay Sharma, Vaishali Gangwar, Mukul Kumar, Pawan Kumar Prajapati, Kamaluddin, Harsh Jainth, Priya Sharma, Mukul, Nitin Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant potential of Aristolochia indica L. fruit extract
Aristolochia indica L. belongs to family Aristolochiaceae is a traditional medicinal plant in Indian subcontinent used for the treatment of various diseases ailment. In the present study the antibacterial, antioxidant, chemical profiling of methanolic and hexanoic extract of Aristolochia indica fruit (AIF) were investigated. In- vitro antibacterial assay (Disc diffusion and microbroth dilution method) was performed against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778). Methanolic extract showed the MIC value of 1700 µg/mL, 1800 µg/mL, 1000 µg/mL and hexanoic extract were 1900 µg/mL, 1500 µg/mL, 1200 µg/mL respectively against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778). In vitro radical scavenging activity was estimated by DPPH assay; methanolic and hexane extract exhibited showed IC50 value of 430.5 ± 27.36 µg/mL, 559.2± 8.75 µg/mL with respect to control 3.8 ± 0.24 µg/mL(Ascorbic acid). Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was done for chemical components characterization. LC/MS revealed the presence of quercetin, kaempferide, linoleic acid, chlorogenic acid and other bioactive compounds. GC-MS chemical composition revealed the presence of maltol (7.42 %), pyranone (9.02 %), o-coumaric acid (4.34 %), α-monoacetin (6.05 %), mome inositol (9.29 %), tetracontane (27.49 %), campesterin (3.56 %), stigmasterol (3.64 %) and β -sitosterol (13.79 %). The phytochemical analysis based on GC-MS and LC-MS confirmed that the absence of aristolochic acid in Aristolochia indica fruit extracts, compound known to have nephrotoxic effect. The findings indicate that the plant’s fruit could be used as a rich source of antioxidants, antibacterial agents and can be used in pharmaceutics and therapeutics industries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rajneesh Kumar , Pooja Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Inhibitory activity of an ethanolic extract from Azadirachta indica (Neem) on Fusarium sp.
The intensive use of synthetic fungicides for the control of Fusarium has raised concerns regarding environmental impact and pathogen resistance. As a sustainable alternative, plant-derived extracts are gaining attention due to their bioactive properties. The objective of this research was to identify the mineral and phytochemical composition of an ethanolic extract from Azadirachta indica and to evaluate its in vitro fungicidal activity against Fusarium sp. The extract was obtained using ultrasound/microwave-assisted extraction with 70 % ethanol. Phytochemical profiling was conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while mineral content was assessed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The antifungal effect was evaluated using the poisoned medium technique, with extract concentrations of 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL/200 mL of medium. Mycelial growth inhibition and conidia production were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (analysis of variance) and Tukey’s test (p = 0.05). Potassium was the predominant mineral (4 %) and eight major phytochemicals were identified, including caffeic acid 4-O-glucoside, (+)-catechin, secoisolariciresinol, quercetin 3-O-xylosyl-glucuronide, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, caffeoyl glucose, p-coumaric acid 4-O-glucoside and pcoumaroyl glucose. Extract concentrations between 2 and 5 mL/200 mL reduced mycelial growth by up to 35 %, while doses of 2 and 5 mL/200 mL treatments significantly reduced conidia count to 173500 and 155500, respectively. These results suggest that A. indica extract exhibits fungicidal properties against Fusarium sp., highlighting its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides.
Copyright (c) 2025 M B Aracely, R H Raúl, R R Mario, J S M Ma Teresa de, R M S C Laura, M L B Claudia, A A V Juan, O H Eduardo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrated laboratory and greenhouse assessment of tomato genotypes for drought tolerance in Western Himalayas region
The present studies were planned to understand the response of a diverse set of ten tomato genotypes to drought during the seedling stage, which is important for stand establishment and crop growth. Under laboratory condition, the genotypes were evaluated under different osmotic concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) at 15 % and 20 % and control condition for 14 days. Under greenhouse condition, test genotypes were evaluated under polyhouse condition with different regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), 100 %, 75 % and 50 % stress of evapotranspiration coefficient (Etc). Moisture stress was induced after 15 days of transplanting by estimating Etc value using pan evaporimeter. In first experiment genotypes EC-620434, Best of All, Marglobe and Arka Vikas were found best under drought stress as there was lesser reduction in germination percentage and in growth parameters such as root and shoot length as compared to other genotypes studied whereas Best of All, Marglobe, Arka Vikas and LA-3846 were identified as the most tolerant to moisture stress as there was lesser reduction in leaf area, root biomass, root and shoot length compared to other genotypes under study in second experiment. Therefore, based on the influence of both the experiments it was found that the genotypes Best of ALL, Marglobe and Arka Vikas should be cultivated in areas prone to drought stress for sustainable tomato production in the mid-hill regions in the Western Himalayas.
Copyright (c) 2025 Deepak Sharma, Amit Vikram, Shivani Sharma, Jatinder Kumar Sharma, Dimple Tanwar, Rishabh Kumar, Shivani Bhartiya, Shivani Sharma, Radhika Negi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation, characterization and bioactive properties of polysaccharides extracted from the peel of Cucumis melo Mill. (Gurvak variety)
Melon peel is a by-product that contains significant amounts of bioactive substances. It has potential for developing functional foods. In this work, we studied the chemical composition of melon peel from the Gurvak variety, including various fractions of polysaccharides and their monosaccharides, free amino acids, water-soluble (WS) vitamins and flavonoids. The fractions of WS, acidic and basic polysaccharides were obtained with yields of 14.5 %, 4.60 % and 5.63 %, respectively. Their viscosity results were linked with the carboxyl group-related parameters and molecular masses. The dominant molar mass of free amino acids was attributed to nonessential amino acids, with glycine and glutamine being the most abundant ones. In the peel pulp, flavonoids and vitamins were determined in nanomolar and micromolar concentration, respectively. After oral administration at a dose of 5000 mg/kg, the WS polysaccharides showed no toxicity in mice. Furthermore, the fraction exhibited wound-healing properties that accelerated skin recovery in mice. The polysaccharides extracted from the melon peel of the local Gurvak variety may be used as a wound-healing source. In terms of free amino acids, both the quantity and quality may not be appropriate for functional foods. A similar conclusion can be drawn made for quantities of flavonoids and vitamins. The results obtained can serve to expand knowledge and support further analysis in this discipline, which may lead to technological improvements.
Copyright (c) 2025 Baltabayeva Sarbinaz, Mukhamedov Nurkhodja, Ishimov Uchkun, Rakhmonova Gulnora, Fazliddinov Shamsiddin, Almatov Ilkhomjon M, Asrorov Akmal M, Berdimbetova Gulsara, Mirzaakhmedov Sharafitdin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrative palynological and molecular characterization of Pulicaria crispa populations from the central region of Saudi Arabia
Pulicaria crispa, a xerophytic species of the family Asteraceae, demonstrates significant ecological adaptability across arid regions of Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the genetic and palynological diversity among four geographically distinct populations of P. crispa using a combined approach of morphological, palynological and molecular analyses. Pollen grains were extracted from mature anthers, acetalized and examined under light and scanning electron microscopes to measure key characteristics such as polar and equatorial diameter, aperture type and exine ornamentation. Additionally, genomic DNA was isolated from fresh leaf tissues and amplified using ISSR and ISJ molecular markers to assess genetic variation. A total of 134 ISSR bands and 112 ISJ bands were generated, with ISSR markers showing higher polymorphism (79.4 %) than ISJ (62.5 %). Morphological and palynological features displayed significant inter-population variability. Mantel tests revealed a moderate correlation (r = 0.52, p < 0.05) between molecular and morphological distances, indicating potential adaptive divergence. The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve population exhibited the highest genetic and palynological diversity. These findings underscore the value of using integrated molecular and palynological tools to assess biodiversity in desert-adapted plant species, highlighting the evolutionary significance of environmental pressures shaping P. crispa populations. This work contributes to the ecological and conservation understanding of xerophytic flora in the Arabian Peninsula.
Copyright (c) 2025 A M Mona, A S Mona https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical and nutritional composition of Elaeagnus macrophylla Thunb. fruit
This article examines the morphobiology, ecology and adaptability of Elaeagnus macrophylla Thunb. under Uzbekistan’s environmental conditions, highlighting its potential in various industries. E. macrophylla is a perennial, evergreen shrub reaching heights of 2–8 m tall. Its elongated, silver-colored fruits are covered with small dark orange to red trichomes. In Uzbekistan, flowering occurs later than in its native habitat-blooming in May, with seeds ripening in August-September. The plant's reddish-brown, hairy branches and high antioxidant content make it valuable in the pharmaceutical, food and perfume industries. This study examined the chemical composition and physical properties of E. macrophylla grown in Uzbekistan. Key parameters such as fruit moisture, pH, ash content and the mass ratio of pulp to seed were analyzed, along with protein and flavonoid levels. Research was conducted at the Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances and the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. Advanced techniques such as plasma optical emission spectrometry, gas chromatography, HPLC, Kjeldahl method, standard procedures and a Mettler Toledo pH meter were used. Results showed the fruit’s moisture content was 88.92 %, with seed and pulp mass ratios of 57.7 % and 42.3 % respectively. The protein content in raw samples was 1.14 % and 10.27 % on a dry matter basis. The pH value was measured at 3.75, indicating a slightly acidic nature. These findings confirm the plant’s adaptability to Uzbekistan’s climate and its potential in several industries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lobar Norkulova, Khislat Khaydarov, Zamira Djumayeva, Boston Islamov, Uchkun Norkulov, Begnazar Dustov, Shexzrozjon Azamatov, Zebiniso Umurzakova, Azizbek Sunnatullayev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic variability and correlation analysis of diverse Jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels) genotypes in southern Rajasthan
In this research study, a survey was conducted in two districts of Rajasthan to evaluate genetic biodiversity of Jamun (Syzygium cumini), as it stands as an underutilized minor fruit and very little is known about its genetic diversity, conservation or breeding advancement strategies in this region. The study included forty genotypes of Jamun which were systematically evaluated for over two consecutive fruiting seasons (2022 and 2023) to assess the mean performance, genetic variability and interrelationships among diverse morpho-biochemical traits. The study suggested high values for genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for most of the traits, indicating high genetic variability. Also, the PCV exceeded GCV in most traits suggesting stronger influence of environment in the observed variation. The mean performance demonstrated that the genotypes HMRK-J2 and HMRK-J4 emerged as promising genotypes and exhibited stronger performance across multiple quantitative and qualitative traits. Key attributes including fruit weight, seed weight, total soluble solids, total sugar, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content and anthocyanin content demonstrated elevated values of heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain suggesting that these traits are controlled by additive gene action, thus offering greater potential for crop improvement through selection. Notably, the fruit weight exhibited strong positive correlation with total soluble solids, fruit length, pulp content, pulp-to-seed ratio and seed weight, suggesting that these traits are genetically linked and could be co-selected in breeding programs targeting towards yield and quality improvement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Harshita Mali, R A Kaushik, Raja Ram Bunker, Tanay Bhatnagar, Surbhi Prithiani, Mahendra Kumar Gora https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the role of heterosis in improvement of floral and vegetative traits in Chrysanthemum
In the present study, eight genotypes of Chrysanthemum were crossed and heterosis was assessed in 28 F1 hybrids. The studies were conducted at the research plot of BTCC (Biotechnology Cum Tissue Culture Centre), Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT) Bhubaneswar. The expression of heterosis in F1 hybrids of Chrysanthemum was evaluated in terms of their vegetative and floral attributes. Controlled crossing half-diallel mating design was followed and F1 hybrids were analysed for their performance. The results were compared to parental lines and the extent of heterosis was determined. Significant variation was noted for most characters. The hybrid (ACC-1 ×UHFS-68) was found to exhibit a significant negative heterosis (RH, MP) for the characters such as plant height, days to flower bud initiation and days to final bloom while a significant positive effect of heterosis was noted for flower yield. The cross (Shova × Arka Kirti) exhibited significant positive heterosis for the character flowers per plant and flower yield and negative heterosis was noted for the character days to flower bud initiation. Hybrid (Shova × ACC-1) was found superior to parent in terms of the number of flowers per plant. Both the hybrids showed superiority for this trait. Results revealed that the performance of F1 hybrids were superior to their parents for vegetative and floral attributes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Deepali Kaushal, Manas Ranjan Nath, Kaushik Kumar Panigrahi, Banani Priyadarshini Samantaray, Siddharth Kumar Palai, Kaberi Maharana, Subhasmita Sahu, Sashikala Beura, Gyanisha Nayak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative efficacy of different inoculation methods in screening sugarcane varieties for resistance to Fusarium sacchari
Fusarium sacchari, the causal organism of sugarcane wilt, is a major constraint to sugarcane yield in India and other countries. Unlike several other fungal diseases of sugarcane, attempts to artificially induce this disease have limited success. To address this gap, field studies were conducted at the Sugarcane Research Farm in Kalyanpur (RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur) during the 2023-24 cropping season to simulate wilt under field conditions using thirty-five sugarcane varieties along with a highly susceptible check variety (CoV 92102). All varieties were assessed for their responses to the wilt pathogen using 0 - 4 scale of wilt severity index. Among various inoculation methods, the plug method proved to be the most effective, as it clearly differentiated resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and susceptible varieties with balanced distribution across all categories. It recorded 20 % resistant, 28.58 % moderately resistant, 37.14 % moderately susceptible and 14.29 % susceptible varieties, thereby providing a realistic assessment of varietal response. In comparison, the soil and sett dip methods showed higher proportions of resistant and moderately resistant categories but fewer susceptible varieties, while the cotton swab method largely favoured resistance (94.29 %), masking the true susceptibility of many varieties. Hence, the Plug method is considered the best and most reliable technique for evaluating sugarcane resistance against wilt disease because it exposes pathogenic variability more effectively and avoids overestimation of resistance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Piyush Kumar, Md. Minnatullah; C S Choudhary, Ajeet Kumar, Shiva Pujan Singh, Sudhir Paswan, Shaik Asif Basha, Sahil Kumar, Chetan Chopra, Harshita https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and characterization of protocatechuic acid from Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) (F. Sterculiaceae) cultivated in Iraq
Pterospermum acerifolium is a perennial plant known as the dinner plant tree, belonging to the Sterculiaceae family. All parts of the plant are rich in phytochemical compounds, which are known for their various pharmacological properties. This study aimed to identify, isolate and structurally elucidate bioactive polyphenolic compounds-specifically protocatechuic acid-from Pterospermum acerifolium cultivated in Iraq, using a combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Initially, the removal of fat and wax from plant material was achieved through maceration in n-hexane solvent for three days, followed by extraction using a Soxhlet apparatus with 85 % methanol. The extract was subsequently partitioned with ethyl acetate, yielding 2.6 g of the resulting fraction. The ethyl acetate fraction was analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to identify protocatechuic acid. A sharp peak appeared at a retention time of 9.00 min, corresponding to that of the standard protocatechuic acid analyzed under the same conditions. Confirmation of the compounds’ identity was further supported by the spiking technique, in which the addition of the reference standard to the sample resulted in an enhanced peak at 9.09 min, confirming the presence of protocatechuic acid. Structural elucidation of the isolated compound was carried out using complementary spectroscopic techniques. FTIR analysis displayed distinct absorption bands indicative of functional groups characteristic of protocatechuic acid (3335, 1675, 1524, 1423, 1302) cm-1. Additionally, LC-MS/MS analysis yielded molecular ion signals and fragmentation patterns that aligned with those of the authentic standard, further confirming the compounds’ identity, m/z (154, 137, 109, 93 and 77). The analytical results confirmed the presence of protocatechuic acid in the ethyl acetate fraction. Given its known pharmacological significance, this compound is likely a key contributor to the therapeutic potential of Pterospermum acerifolium. These findings offer a valuable foundation for phytochemists and pharmacologists interested in isolating and developing novel bioactive agents from this medicinal plant.
Copyright (c) 2025 A A Duha , H K Amjed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morpho-physiology of sour orange seedling treated with melatonin under in vitro water stress
The study was conducted in the Micropropagation laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kufa, from November 2023 to March 2024 to study the in vitro effects of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) in sour orange (Citrus aurantium) seed germination and seedlings growth using growth chamber seed culture. Mature sour orange seeds were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented PEG 6000 at concentrations of 0, 0.5, or 1 % and 3 concentrations of melatonin (0, 0.5 or 1 mg L-1) for 45 days to study water stress effect on seed germination percentage, seedling length, root length, fresh weight and dry weight. Results showed that water stress adversely affected these traits: seed germination percentage, seedling height, fresh and dry weight and root length, alongside the increase in PEG concentration compared to PEG 6000 free medium after 45 days of the seed culture. The nutrient medium supplemented with melatonin reduced the negative effect of water stress as it improved seed germination rate, seedling height, shoot fresh and dry weight and root length, as the concentration exceeded 1 mg L-1. All the study indicators were significantly affected by the interaction treatments of PEG and melatonin, especially in the absence of PEG. Particularly, the interaction of 0 % PEG plus 1 mg L-1 melatonin produced the highest values ​​in all plant growth traits studied, while the interaction treatment at 1 % PEG with 1 mg L-1 melatonin gave lower values in the traits abovementioned.
Copyright (c) 2025 Suha Mohamed Naser, Abrar M Almousawi, Dhurgham B Naji, Wael Adnan Sahib Aljefry https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An in-silico study of garlic extract compounds targeting DNA gyrase in Staphylococcus aureus
The study used in silico molecular docking and in vitro validation to assess the antibacterial efficacy of bioactive compounds derived from garlic (Allium sativum) against Staphylococcus aureus. With a binding energy of -7.4 kcal/mol, Allicin had the greatest binding affinity among the studied chemicals to DNA gyrase, creating three hydrogen bonds with residues Tyr122, Asp81 and Ala68. Mostly engaged in hydrophobic interactions, Ajoene followed with a binding energy of -7.0 kcal/mol. Comparatively to 24.0 ± 0.3 mm for ciprofloxacin, in vitro studies showed a concentration-dependent antibacterial activity with a maximal inhibition zone width of 20.0 ± 0.6 mm at 50 mg/mL extract concentration. Garlic extract's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) came out to be 25 mg/mL. At the highest measured dose, the extract also reduced 85 % of DNA gyrase activity, thereby approaching the 95 % inhibition threshold of ciprofloxacin. These findings imply that garlic extract-especially Allicin-has great potential as a natural antibacterial agent aiming at bacterial DNA replication machinery.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maha Hameed Ismael, B H Al-Musawi, Raghad Ahmed Alyasery, Auday Hamid Taha, Nadhim Abdul Razzaq Merza, A N Farhood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of breeding potential of determinate and indeterminate vegetable cowpea genotypes through multivariate analysis for ideotype breeding
The development of a vegetable cowpea variety that is adaptable to diverse agricultural production systems and has a short, non-vining stem, early maturing and constant green pod bearing, medium-long, meaty pods and a high pod protein content is urgently needed. Using both determinate and indeterminate cowpea genotypes, it is necessary to identify genetically diverse parents for the creation of such a cowpea ideotype. Twenty-four vegetable cowpea genotypes involving both determinate and indeterminate types were assessed for 18 quantitative traits. Genetic variability, correlation and genetic divergence through multivariate analysis were estimated as per the standard procedure through software packages. Based on pod yield, Maharani Laffa Barbati, Kashi Nidhi and Lal Laffa were found superior irrespective of genotypes and need to be critically tested before commercialization. Plant height, branch number per plant, total pickings, marketable pod length, number of marketable pods per plant, seeds per pod, marketable pod weight and yield per plant showed high genetic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance and were primarily governed by additive genetic influences. Pod weight and number of marketable pods per plant were identified as important selection indices for improvement of pod yield. Genetic diversity could not be adequately measured by geographic diversity alone. Three principal components, pod length, plant height and pod protein content, accounted for 95.60 % of the variation irrespective of genotypes, with eigenvalues greater than 1. Based on cluster analysis and scatter diagram of principal component analysis, indeterminate genotypes Asutosh, Vayjayanthi, Shweta, Arya Vaibhav Laxmi and determinate genotype Pusa Komal were found most diverse and could be used as potential donors. The future breeding strategies for the development of cowpea ideotype were discussed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sarkar Monami, Ranjan Mandal Amit, Sengupta Subhrajyoti, Sinha Gayatri, Baul Debanjan, Chakraborty Ivi, Kumar Mandal Asit, Chattopadhyay Arup https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative study of proximate composition, antioxidant and FT-IR profiles of Flourensia cernua DC., Jatropha dioica Sessé and Lippia graveolens Kunth from Mexican semi-arid regions
Flourensia cernua DC (Hojasén), Jatropha dioica Sessé (Sangre de Drago) and Lippia graveolens Kunth (Oregano) are three of the main medicinal plants native to the semi-arid regions of northern Mexico. Adaptation to these environments influences their compositional profile and biological activities; however such aspects remain underexplored. Hence this study aimed to compare the proximate composition, antioxidant activity and FT-IR fingerprints of these species collected from different semi-arid regions. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among collection sites. Overall, samples from San Jerónimo (SJ) and Estanque de León (EL) locations showed higher dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen-free extract contents. Conversely, samples from La Tortuga (T) location exhibited higher moisture, ash, crude fat and crude fibre contents. Regarding antioxidant activity, samples from SJ and EL recorded lower IC50 values in both DPPH• and ABTS•+ assays along with higher FRAP values. Finally, all locations exhibited comparable FT-IR spectra, confirming the presence of several functional groups such as C=O, C–H, C–O, C-N, and N–H. Although variability was site-dependent, we highlight the nutritional and functional potential of F. cernua, J. dioica, and L. graveolens for future applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Castro-López Cecilia, Sifuentes-Gómez Polet, C.G Martínez-Ávila Guillermo, Rojas Romeo, C. Tafolla-Arellano Julio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Combined extract evaluation of hydroalcoholic leaf extracts in evaluating the hepatoprotective efficacy of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides and Paerida foetida against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats
Liver disease is becoming the most common cause of death all over the world. Each year 5.9 % of global death is associating with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), The current study focuses on readily available natural resources. S.amaranthoides and P. foetida plants hydroethanolic extracts demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective potential on CCl4-induced hepatotoxic Wistar rats, Alteration of serum SGOT, SGPT and Alkaline Phosphatase concentration caused by CCl4 administration was recovered by using combined plant extracts. Treatment with 500mg/kg of both plants' hydroethanolic extracts, Sphaeranthus amaranthoides and Paerida foetida, resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, total bilirubin, as well as a significant increase in the levels of MDA and GSH when compared to the disease control group. When compared to the standard group given silymarin at a dose of 10mg/kg body weight, histopathological studies revealed a good hepatoprotective effect. Combined plant extracts have shown a potential impact, may be due to presence of flavonoids and phenolic content. As both plants are edible, they are safe and effective.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anima Jena, Prasanth Damarasingu, Nityananda Sahoo, Gyanranjan Mahallik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bio-efficacy of Beauveria bassiana RB PTB against rice bug (Leptocorisa acuta, Thunberg) and brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugens, Stål) and its safety to natural enemies
Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin is an entomopathogenic fungus, ubiquitous in distribution, with a remarkably broad and diverse host range. A new native isolate of B. bassiana RB PTB was obtained from an epizootic observed on rice bugs at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pattambi, Kerala, India. The study aimed to evaluate the bio-efficacy of the new isolate on major sucking pests of rice viz., rice bug, Leptocorisa acuta, brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens and its safety on beneficial insects in the rice ecosystem under laboratory conditions. The isolate was characterized by its high speed of kill, causing 100 % mortality in adult rice bugs and brown planthopper at 120 hr after treatment with a spore concentration of 108 spores mL-1. Probit analysis revealed a time-dependent increase in virulence in rice bugs, with an LC₅₀ of 1.4×10⁸ spores mL-1 at 24 hr after treatment (HAT) and LT₅₀ was 1.63 days at 10⁸ spores mL-1. Additionally, B. bassiana RB PTB (10⁸ spores mL-1) was safe to key natural enemies, including the coccinellid predator Micraspis discolor, long-jawed orb-weaver spider Tetragnatha mandibulata and parasitoids, viz., Goniozus nephantidis, Trichogramma chilonis and T. japonicum. These findings highlight the potential of B. bassiana RB PTB as a promising biocontrol agent against rice bugs and BPH, major sucking pests of rice, while ensuring the safety to natural enemies in the rice ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aany M, Sreeja P, Karthikeyan K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identification of promising muskmelon parents and hybrids through combining ability and heterosis analysis in arid environments
Despite the economic importance of muskmelon, there is limited information on the combining ability and heterotic potential of genetically diverse cultivars, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation of parental lines and hybrid combinations. Seven genetically diverse cultivars, including two inbred lines of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were crossed in a half-diallel to generate 21 F1 hybrids. These hybrids, along with the seven parental lines and commercial check, were evaluated in a randomized block design during summer-2024 at research farm, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The mean performance of parents revealed a wide range of variability for various characters within the parental line utilized in crossing programme. General combining ability (GCA) analysis indicated that the parents Thar Mahima, AHMM/BR-8, Punjab Sunehri, Hara Madhu and Durgapura Madhu exhibited the best GCA for yield and related traits. Specific combining ability (SCA) variance was greater than the GCA variance for all traits except some yield-contributing characters. Among the crosses AHMM/BR-8 × Punjab Sunehri, Thar Mahima × Durgapura Madhu, Thar Mahima × Hara Madhu and Durgapura Madhu × Hara Madhu showed superior SCA effects for yield and associates traits. Additionally, AHMM/BR-8 × Punjab Sunehri, Thar Mahima × Durgapura Madhu and Thar Mahima × Hara Madhu exhibited significant positive heterosis, making them promising candidates for future hybrid development in muskmelon.
Copyright (c) 2025 V M Khapper, P Kumar, B R Choudhary, A K Sharma, H Kaswan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro antimitotic and cytotoxic potentials of aqueous and organic extracts of Rhamnus alaternus: Correlation with chemical composition and in vivo acute oral toxicity evaluation
Rhamnus alaternus L. is a shrub known for its beneficial digestive, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antihyperglycemic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the antimitotic and cytotoxic activities of aqueous (decocted, infused and macerated) and organic (methanolic, methanolic macerated, chloroform, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) extracts of R. alaternus using two assays: the Lepidium sativum phytotest and the brine shrimp lethality test. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyze correlations between chemical composition and the two biological activities. An in vivo study of the acute oral toxicity of the most in vitro active plant extracts was carried out on mice. The results of the antimitotic activity study showed that decocted and ethyl acetate extract were the most active, with IC50 values of 25.403 ± 0.153 mg/mL and 6.050 ± 0.037 mg/mL, respectively. Similarly, these two extracts possess the most potent cytotoxic effect with LC50 values of 7.420 ± 0.135 mg/mL and 0.355 ± 0.004 mg/mL, respectively. Correlation analysis between chemical composition and the two in vitro activities revealed a significantly positive correlation. The acute toxicity study of the decocted, methanolic extract and ethyl acetate extract revealed that all three extracts caused no mortality in mice and consequently, the LD50 was estimated to be ≥ 5000 mg/kg. The results obtained suggest that R. alaternus leaves may have anticancer properties, particularly the decocted, methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts, in addition to demonstrating safety.
Copyright (c) 2025 H Bouhazama, F Lamchouri, H Toufik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Response of saffron to some bacteria and mycorrhiza
This study examines the impact of various bacterial types and mycorrhizal fungi on the growth and chemical composition of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivated in calcareous soils of Iraq. Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense increased daughter corm weight by 58 % compared with the control, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29 %). At the same time, Bacillus megaterium and Azotobacter chroococcum reduced growth. Combined bacterial inoculation resulted in a modest 12 % increase, while Glomus mosseae alone slightly decreased daughter corm weight (6 %). The interaction of G. mosseae with A. brasilense produced the highest improvement (65 %). The number of new corms doubled with P. aeruginosa but declined under mixed bacterial treatments due to competition. Parent corm dry weight rose with A. brasilense (9 %) and A. chroococcum (8 %), while B. megaterium reduced it by 38 %. Mycorrhizal inoculation enhanced parent corm dry weight by 40 %, with an additional 21 % increase when combined with bacteria. Leaf biochemical analysis showed higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron levels under microbial treatments, with G. mosseae notably enhancing phosphorus (5.39 mg/g). Potassium content was unaffected by microbial interactions. These results demonstrate that biofertilizers improve saffron growth, nutrient uptake, and metabolite accumulation, supporting its successful and economically viable cultivation in calcareous soils.
Copyright (c) 2025 Al-Rawi Ali A, H M Abdulrazzaq Mohammed, Ayad Abdulrazzaq Sumaya, F Almehemdi Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical profiling of Bambusa vulgaris and Bambusa balcooa: Therapeutic prospects for bovine digestive disorders and anthelmintic applications
The therapeutic qualities of bamboo species Bambusa vulgaris and Bambusa balcooa are attributed to their varied phytochemical makeup. Various studies have identified bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, resins, fixed oils, phytosterols and phenols in different plant parts, including leaves, stems and shoots. These chemical constituents have numerous pharmacological positive aspects, especially cholesterol-lowering, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These phytochemicals could potentially hold therapeutic applications in veterinary medicine, particularly in parasite control and the digestive health of cattles. The antioxidant properties of flavonoids and phenols could help protect the gastrointestinal system from oxidative damage, while saponins have demonstrated antiparasitic activity, which may aid in controlling helminth infections in cattle. Although direct research on the application of Bambusa vulgaris and Bambusa balcooa for treating digestive disorders and parasites in livestock is limited, their bioactive components suggest promising benefits. Further studies are needed to establish their effectiveness, optimal dosage, safety profile and mechanisms of action in veterinary use. This study aims to explore the digestive and anthelmintic properties of Bambusa vulgaris and Bambusa balcooa, evaluating their potential as natural alternatives for improving gastrointestinal health and controlling parasitic infections in cattle. By integrating these bamboo species into livestock feed, farmers can potentially reduce dependency on synthetic drugs, promoting a more sustainable and organic approach to animal health management. All experimental procedures involving Eisenia fetida (earthworms) were conducted in accordance with the ethical standards and guidelines for the care and use of invertebrates in scientific research. The use of invertebrate models does not require approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) as per the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. Nonetheless, efforts were made to minimize harm and ensure humane handling throughout the study, following institutional best practices. Comparative evaluation of different solvent extracts (aqueous, methanol and ethanol) revealed that methanol and ethanol extracts exhibited significantly higher anthelmintic activity compared to the aqueous extract. These organic solvents likely facilitated better extraction of bioactive phytoconstituents responsible for vermicidal effects, indicating their potential for further phytopharmacological development.
Copyright (c) 2025 Santwana Samilita Dash, Sanjeet Kumar, Naga Jogayya Kathakota, Gyanranjan Mahalik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antigiardial efficacy of portulaca oleracea extract in vitro and prevalence of infection in sheep in Anbar Province, Iraq
This study aimed to determine the incidence of giardiasis in sheep of Anbar Province by inspecting 660 faecal specimens. An examination using a flotation technique confirmed the presence of Giardia lamblia in 46.2 % of specimens. The gender had no significant effect on the infection percentage, as it was similar for males (46.9 %) and females (45.4 %). The highest infection rate was 61.7 % for animals aged 1 month to 2 years. During the summer, the infection rate was 61.8 %, whereas it was 27.8 % during the winter, which clearly depicts the seasonal variation in the parasite infestation. The current study systematically evaluated the impact of Portulaca oleracea against G. lamblia. An aqueous extract was prepared by macerating dried the plant material in distilled water, yielding a 15 mg/mL stock solution, which was serially diluted to concentrations of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 mg/mL, the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect over 48 hrs, with a concentration of 7.5 mg/mL significantly reducing parasite viability. However, complete eradication was not achieved and requires statistical confirmation. As cytotoxicity assays on host cells were not conducted, the safety of the extract remains unverified. Giardiasis was found to be widespread among sheep in Anbar Province. In contrast, the extract demonstrated promising in vitro anti-Giardia activity. Further studies, particularly those examining cytotoxicity and in vivo evaluations, are necessary before recommending it as an alternative treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Suad Shallal Shahatha, Arjan Aydin Zeynel, Yokcil Izaldeen Sowaid, Ayad Jirjees Dhulkefl https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ethnobotanical study on traditional medicinal plants of Gelon village, Kashkadarya, Uzbekistan
The utilization of plants as traditional medicine has been a long-standing practice among the inhabitants of Gelon village, Shahrisabz district, Kashkadarya region, Uzbekistan. This study aims to identify the diversity of such medicinal plant species including the plant parts, processing methods and their application as traditional remedies in selected geographical boundary. The research employs qualitative, quantitative and descriptive approaches via direct interviews with purposefully selected traditional medicine practitioners. Relevant information on plant species, regional names, Latin names, utilized parts, application methods and the diseases treated were collected from 41 informants, including traditional healers, farmers, teachers and medicinal plant users. The study resulted to identify 95 species of medicinal plants belonging to 43 families in Gelon village. The most used plant families by traditional medicine practitioners were Asteraceae (14.74 %), Rosaceae (10.52 %), Apiaceae (9.47 %), Lamiaceae (7.36 %), Polygonaceae (6.31 %) and Fabaceae (5.26 %). In most cases, leaves, stems and roots were the most frequently used parts, followed by fruits, bark and flowers. The main preparation methods were boiling and crushing, which were the most common techniques. Medicinal plants were primarily used to treat respiratory diseases (cough, bronchitis, asthma, tonsillitis), hypertension, stomatitis, liver diseases (hepatitis, cholecystitis), gallbladder disorders, rheumatism and as haemostatic agents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ulugbek Niyozov, Begali Alikulov, Ilhom Mukumov, Zebo Rasulova, Murtoza Hasanov, Sirojiddin Urokov, Karamatullo Sharifmurodov, Askar Kholliev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of heterosis and combining ability for enhancing quantitative traits in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)
The research aimed to examine the quantitative characteristics of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir) among different genotypes and hybrid combinations. The research took place during 2024 and 2025 at the Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The study analysed with 13 characters of F1 hybrids and parents evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications half diallel mating design. Promising parent genotypes Narendra Upkar, NDPK-23-7 and VRPK-2362 were identified based on them per se performance. The hybrid combination VRPK-2362 x Narendra Agrim, VRPK-2307-02 x Narendra Upkar and NDPK-23-7 x Narendra Amrit exhibited exceptional results in terms of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis. Parents NDPK-23-7 followed by VRPK-2307-02, VRPK-2362 and VRPK-23303 demonstrated strong general combining ability for several traits. Notably, specific combining ability analysis identified hybrids such as VRPK-2362 x Narendra Agrim followed by VRPK-2372 x Narendra Upkar and VRPK-23303 x Narendra Agrim as promising for multiple traits. The study highlights the significance of quantitative in Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir and explores practical approaches for enhancing these attributes through hybrid breeding techniques. It underscores the potential of genetic improvement in developing superior pumpkin varieties with improved health benefits and consumer appeal.
Copyright (c) 2025 Akhil Kumar Chaudhary, C N Ram, Aastik Jha, D K Upadhyay, V P Chaudhary, Nimit Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Molecular profiling and genetic diversity in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) hybrid cultivars by RAPD markers
Genetic diversity is fundamental to crop improvement, especially in genetically complex crops like sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and relationships among 22 elite sugarcane hybrid cultivars using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, in order to identify genetically diverse parental lines for effective breeding strategies. Fifteen RAPD primers produced a total of 129 bands, out of which 108 (83.32%) were polymorphic, indicating a high level of variability. The band sizes ranged from 325 to 2858 base pairs, and the number of bands per primer varied from four to twelve. Genetic similarity coefficients among cultivars ranged from 0.27 to 0.98, suggesting a broad genetic spectrum. Cluster analysis using the UPGMA method revealed that some cultivars with similar parentages grouped together, while others with different parentages were clustered in the same group, demonstrating that pedigree alone may not reflect true genetic diversity. Co 6907 was identified as a genetically distinct cultivar. The study emphasizes the value of molecular profiling for identifying genetically diverse parents, broadening the genetic base, and optimizing sugarcane breeding programs for enhanced productivity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Charumathi M, Durga Prasad A V S, Kishore Varma P https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the Mizo traditional medicinal plant, Helicia excelsa and chemical investigation on its bioactive metabolites
The study analysed the leaf extract of Helicia excelsa for the antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial activities, as well as the chemical components. The plant extract contains appreciable amounts of total antioxidant (26.4 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g), flavonoid (60 mg quercetin equivalent/g) and phenolic (11.7 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) compounds. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was 17.79± 0.64 µg/mL. It also showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity by ferric reduction assay. It was effective against fungal species including Fusarium solani, F. keratoplasticum, F. oxysporum and Pyricularia oryzae, showing best activity against P. oryzae. It exerted antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive species with highest efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were 7.81 mg/mL for B. cereus, B. subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium; while it was 15.63 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. MBC/MIC ratio showed that the plant extract exhibited bactericidal effects against B. cereus, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus and bacteriostatic effects against K. pneumoniae and S. typhimurium. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, proteins and amino acids and phytosterols were detected as the major secondary metabolites. 3-O-methyl-d-glucose was identified as the principle bioactive compound. The findings substantiate H. excelsa as an important medicinal plant that could be a potential source of pharmacologically useful molecules.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lalbiakngheti Tlau, Pawi Bawitlung Lalthanpuii, Lalngaihmanawmi, Lucy Lalawmpuii, Mary Lalramchuani , Kholhring Lalchhandama https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GC-MS profiling and activity of Diospyros melanoxylon leaves against nosocomial pathogens
The rising incidence of microbial resistance and disorders associated with oxidative stress has propelled the quest for natural substances with therapeutic efficacy. The plant Diospyros melanoxylon (Roxb) known as tendu in Hindi & kendu in Odia, is indigenous to India (Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand), Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and is a member of the Ebenaceae family. The current study is a chemometric analysis and antimicrobial study of D. melanoxylon leaf extract against some microorganisms responsible for hospital-acquired infections. Gas chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was done to identify the phytocompounds present in the plant. The content of tannin, flavonoids and phenolics in D. melanoxylon was established using a colorimetric assay. Antioxidant activity was studied by assessing free radical scavenging assays. The in vitro antimicrobial assay was conducted using viable cell count and the turbidimetric method. The GC-MS analysis confirms the presence of various phytoconstituents like Epoxylanistan-11-ol, Phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-,Ur-12-2n-24-oic acid, α-amyrin & trimethylsilyl with α-amyrin being found to major constituent responsible for the pharmacological properties. The result indicated that ethyl acetate extract of D. melanoxylon leaves exhibited remarkable phenolic, flavonoid and tannin content. The plant extract has been effective against Gram-negative bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections following liver transplantation, such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings may be crucial in the development of new plant antibiotics against bacterial infections that predominantly happen following hospitalisation after liver transplantation. Further research should explore its mechanism of action, isolation and possible application in combination therapy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sucharita Babu, Santosh Kumar Ranajit, Ashirbad Nanda, Anup Kumar Dash, Chandan Das, Goutam Ghosh, Goutam Rath, Biswakanth Kar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Growth and quality of turnip (Brassica campestris L.) responding to different levels of foliar organic solution Taravert Evo
Plant growth regulators (PGR) at low concentrations may play an important role in increasing vegetable crop production, especially with the possibility of reducing fertilizer costs through foliar application. To produce turnips of good quality and economical yield, this study aimed to evaluate the use of foliar application with plant growth regulator Biozyme-TF at 0, 3 and 6 mL L-1 and the foliar organic Taravert Evo at 0, 2 and 4 mL L-1 on turnip vegetative growth and root quality characteristics. The experiment was a two-factor RCBD (randomized complete block design) with five replicates. Overall, the results indicate that the values of the measured parameters increased significantly with increasing Biozyme-TF concentration, remarkably at 6 mL L-1 compared to the lower concentration and the control. Foliar organic fertilizer Taravert Evo at 4 mL L-1 recorded significantly higher vegetative growth parameters than those recorded when using the lower concentration of 2 mL L-1. However, the two concentrations did not differ much in their effect on the root qualitative traits, but they resulted in values significantly different from the untreated control. The highest values for all parameters, plant height, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, leaf area, total leaf chlorophyll content, root length, root circumference, root diameter, root morphology index, root fresh weight and root dry weight were obtained in the interaction treatment of 6 mL L-1. Biozyme-TF in the presence of 2 or 4 mL L-1 Taravert Evo foliar fertilizer, with significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) compared to all individual treatments and the untreated control. The study confirms the possibility of producing high-quality turnips using economically low costs foliar nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, especially in combination with relatively low concentration of foliar PGR.
Copyright (c) 2025 H T Zainab https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro evaluation of biocontrol agents against basal rot of garlic
Basal rot is a soil borne disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae. It is known to affect garlic production throughout the world. Various strategies such as crop rotation and raising of resistant varieties have been tried to limit the damage caused due to this fungus. Biocontrol is another effective option that can be used to control the spread of disease. Biocontrol process is generally harmless to humans, a non-polluting, biodegradable and selective mode of action. Moreover, pathogens cannot develop resistance easily, no harm is caused to other beneficial microorganisms, improve soil health and help in achieving agricultural sustainability. Efficacy of fungal and bacterial bioagents were checked against the basal rot of garlic. The potential of six species of fungal species viz. Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viridae, Trichoderma virens, Trichoderma hamatum, bacterial species viz. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated against F. oxysporum under in vitro conditions. Dual culture and streak plate method was used evaluation of fungal and bacterial antagonists. Among the fungal antagonists maximum inhibition of mycelial growth was noted in Trichoderma viridae (74 %), Pseudomonas fluorescens proved to be the most effective bacteria in reducing (30 %) the mycelial growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Arunesh Kumar, Meenu Gupta, Satish Kumar Sharma, Surender Kumar, Arti Shukla, Sunita Devi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of biochemical basis of chemical induced basal rot tolerance affecting garlic cultivation in Himachal Pradesh
This study aimed to investigate the biochemical response of chemical inducers for disease resistance in garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Himachal Pradesh. Garlic is the second most grown crop in India, which is known for their high nutritional and medicinal properties. The disease has the potential to cause massive losses in the garlic crop, reducing farmers economic profitability; therefore, management may be required. Biochemical evaluations revealed considerable increase in the phenolic activities of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) upon treatment with various disease resistance inducers especially ß-aminobutyric acid (BABA), acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) and salicylic acid (SA), which were significantly correlated with the basal rot tolerance in the susceptible garlic cultivar.
Identification of the responsiveness of some enzymes of the antioxidant system of the biotechnological cotton variety to salt stress
In this article, we studied the responsiveness of the antioxidant system of the biotechnological cotton variety to salt stress. We compared the reaction of two salt-resistant cotton varieties to elevated concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4). To obtain more complete information about the resistance of the biotechnological variety to salt stress, we analyzed the activity of certain enzymes in the antioxidant system as well as the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Plants respond to salt stress through the highly regulated protective enzymes such as MDA and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which enhance their ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). Such abiotic stressors disrupt the ionic and osmotic balance of the cells. In this study, the activity of the antioxidant system of cotton (MDA and SOD) was determined in the leaves of seedlings grown in the laboratory under saline conditions. The stress resistance of plants and the accumulation of antioxidant enzymes in cotton have been thoroughly investigated in various experiments. The plant material used in this study was the Porloq-4 cotton variety, developed through individual selection of lines obtained by crossing the RNAi Coker-312 line with the commercial Namangan-77 variety. The object of this study was the modified Porloq-4 cotton genotype, while the parental Coker-312 genotype served as the control. Findings indicate that Porloq-4 and Coker-312 cotton varieties respond differently to stress induced by NaCl and Na2SO4 and their combination, with Porloq-4 exhibited a more active and responsive antioxidant enzyme system.
Copyright (c) 2025 N R Rakhmatova, A S Imamkhodjaeva, V S Kamburova, I B Salakhutdinov, F S Radjapov, Sh H Mamatkulova, O L Isomiddinova, D E Usmanov, J K Norbekov, Kh A Ubaydullaeva, A N Abdullaev, Sh O Kushakov, Sh B Kadirova, N N Khusenov, M M Kholmuradova, F I Babadjanova, B K Rakhmanov, Z T Buriev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Response of seasoned pressmud, growth regulators, bio stimulants on yield, uptake and post harvest nutrient status in neutral and coastal saline soil
Brinjal is also known as egg plant or Aubergine belongs to family Solanaceae. In India, Tamil Nadu is blessed with diverse agro-climatic condition varied soil types inclusive of neutral and coastal saline soil, which enable brinjal cultivation. Field experiments were conducted at Vallampadugai (Typic Ustifluvents) Therkupichavaram (Typic Udipsamments) from Chidambaram taluk, Tamil Nadu, India in the brinjal crop (var. Annamalai). The design adopted RBD design with 3 replications. The treatments imposed in T1 - control NPK (100 % RDF), T2 - 75 % RDF + seasoned pressmud @ 12.5 t ha-1 + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + borax @ 10 kg ha-1, T3 - T2 humic acid @ 3 %, T4 - T2 + foliar spray of seaweed extract @ 3 %, T5 - T2 + panchagavya @ 3 %, T6 - T2 + gibberellic acid @ 50 ppm and T7 - T2 + foliar spray NAA @ 50 ppm. All the foliar application were done on 30 and 60 DAT. The treatment (T4) 75 % RDF + seasoned pressmud @ 12.5 t ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + borax @ 10 kg ha-1 + foliar spray seaweed extract @ 3 % on 30 and 60 DAT registered the highest fruit yield (28.06 t ha-1 in neutral soil, 24.3 t ha-1 in coastal saline soil), fruit N uptake (90.13 kg ha-1 in neutral soil, 71.91 kg ha-1 in coastal saline soil), P uptake (14.79 kg ha-1 in neutral soil, 17.477 kg ha-1 in coastal saline soil, K uptake (87.3 kg ha-1 in neutral soil, 69.99 kg ha-1 in coastal saline soil), Zn uptake (6.02 g ha-1 in neutral soil, 4.806 g ha-1 in coastal saline soil), B uptake (12.75 g ha-1 in neutral soil, 11.945 g ha-1 in coastal saline soil) and maximum post harvest NPK, Zn and B content in soil were noticed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Durairaj Venkatakrishnan, Anindita Majumder, Kasilingam Dhanasekaran, Sambandam Manimaran, Gopalan Sathyanarayanan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Herbal and traditional medicine use in Jordan: Pharmacological interactions and safety concerns - A quantitative study among clinical pharmacists
The use of herbal and traditional medicine (HTM) is widespread among people in Jordan and is often perceived by users as a natural and harmless substitute for modern medicine. However, HTMs may have significant pharmacologic risks and, without professional assessment, may potentially lead to drug-herb interactions and endanger patients' health. Owing to their expertise in pharmacotherapy, clinical pharmacists are the professionals that are perfectly designed to identify, prevent or manage these interactions. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Jordanian clinical pharmacists regarding HTMs, especially those that relate to drug-herb interactions and safety aspects. A questionnaire-based, multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing emails to 210 clinical pharmacists working in hospitals and health centres across Jordan.The descriptive statistical analysis was used in the evaluation of the answers. Response rate to the survey was 88.6 % (n = 186 pharmacists). Nearly 78 % encounter patients consuming herbals, but only one third (35 %) feel comfortable identifying herb-drug interactions. The most familiar interactions were St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo biloba and garlic with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Notably, 60 % of pharmacists had no formal education in herbal pharmacology, but 71 % agreed to include this subject in continued education. Pharmacists frequently interact with patients using HTMs but often lack the knowledge or resources to provide safe clinical care. Such findings indicate that some educational curricula and national programs are required for clinical pharmacists to manage risk related to herbal medicine use.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abeer M Kharshid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic variability and character association study on cooking quality attributing traits and DUS characters of rice genotypes in Southern Odisha
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food crop of global importance, with grain quality traits playing a crucial role in consumer preference. Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing, alongside the evaluation of cooking quality parameters to assess the extent of genetic variability and to determine character association study among cooking attributing traits. So, a study was conducted during the Kharif season (2024-25) at the Post Graduate Research Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, to evaluate 45 rice genotypes for DUS and cooking quality traits using Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variances revealed significant variance for kernel length, kernel length after cooking, seed protein content and amylose content. High heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) were noted for all the characters, indicating the presence of additive gene action. Path coefficient analysis revealed that kernel length had the highest positive direct effect on kernel linear elongation ratio, while kernel length after cooking showed a very high negative effect. Positive correlations between kernel linear elongation ratio and seed protein content, amylose content and kernel length affirm their influence. Ketki Joha and Shilkote recorded with maximum kernel breadth and kernel breadth after cooking, respectively. Highest protein content exhibited by Bygon manjira, amylose content raised high for PB1886, kernel linear elongation ratio shown by Nefbi julsi. Kernel length and amylose content emerged as the pivotal, highly heritable traits defining rice cooking quality, offering clear prospects for breeding premium grain quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anjan Roy, Maddukuri Naga Padma Sri, Vishal Kumar Gupta, Ebenezar Haneesh, Goutam Kumar Dash, Pandhi Mounika, Sanghamitra Rout https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Inter character association and path analysis studies for yield and related components in red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata F. rubra)
In the present study, screening of twenty-eight genotypes of red cabbage was carried out to understand character association and path coefficient analysis for yield and its related horticultural traits. The objective was to assess the degree of association between pairs of characters at genotypic and phenotypic levels and thereby collating the direct and indirect effects of the characters. Correlation and path analysis were performed in ten economic traits viz. days to 50 % marketable maturity, number of non-wrapper leaves, head compactness, gross head weight, net head weight, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, stalk length, core length and vitamin C content. Estimates of correlation coefficient revealed that net head weight had significant positive correlation with gross head weight (0.79 and 0.80), vitamin C content (0.45 and 0.87), days to 50 % marketable maturity (0.40 and 0.66), core length (0.33 and 0.59), polar diameter of head (0.30 and 0.40) and head compactness (0.20 and 0.38) at phenotypic and genotypic levels respectively. Meanwhile, path coefficient analysis indicated that vitamin C had the highest positive indirect effects on net head weight followed by gross head weight and number of non-wrapper leaves whereas positive direct effects were exerted by head compactness, core length and polar diameter, thus giving an idea of focusing on these traits for improvement in red cabbage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nayan Deep, Ramesh Kumar , Suraj Bhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating the therapeutic potential of Tabernaemontana alternifolia bark for managing lung squamous cell carcinoma
The high global incidence and mortality rates of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LUSC) are extremely concerning. Current therapeutic strategies face significant challenges, including drug toxicity and the growing resistance to Food and Drug Administration approved medications, underscoring the urgent need for novel treatment options. Notably, natural alkaloids extracted from the plant Tabernaemontana alternifolia have exhibited promising anticancer effects across various cancer types. In this work, we focused on the molecular targets of LUSC for phytochemicals from T. alternifolia bark (TAB) and evaluated their potential as a therapeutic line for its treatment. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify the molecular targets and pathways relevant to LUSC therapy. Additionally, validation of these findings through docking studies have been done. Results revealed that in-silico docking tests using AutoDock Vina, the plant's compounds 9-methoxycamptothecin, camptothecin and heyneanine demonstrated the ability to inhibit LUSC cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. These compounds suppressed genes involved in crucial cellular processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, DNA repair and cell cycle control, which contribute to cancer management. Additionally, they also have the potential to inhibit the expression of key oncogenic factors, including MET, KDR and MMPs. This work provides significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of these compounds in LUSC. It suggests that they could be a promising novel therapeutic approach for combating LUSC soon. However, the safety and efficacy of TAB phytochemicals for LUSC treatment must be thoroughly validated through adequate preclinical and clinical trials.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anjali Sinha, Bharmjeet Singh, Vikram Kumar, Archana Ayyagari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of Clitoria ternatea L. flower aqueous extract against HaCaT cell line
Clitoria ternatea L., traditionally used in Ayurveda is recognized for its antiparasitic and therapeutic properties. However, there is still limited evidence describing its bioactive components and biological activity using aqueous flower extracts relevant to topical and dermatological applications. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential and cytotoxic effects of Clitoria ternatea L. flower aqueous extract, highlighting its pharmacological relevance and safe application in human skin models. The extract was analysed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and screened for bioactive using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays, while cytotoxicity against human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells was assessed through 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The extract demonstrated high levels of phenolics and flavonoids, recording 114.9 ± 0.47 mg GAE/g and 95.5 ± 0.59 mg QE/g respectively at 1000 µg/mL. TAC was 17.67 ± 5.42 mg/L at 10000 µg/mL. LC-MS identified key antioxidant and antiparasitic compounds including rutin, kaempferol and cyanidin-3-rutinoside. Antioxidant assays revealed moderate activity with IC50 values of 832 ± 10.22 µg/mL (DPPH) and 662 ± 8.32 µg/mL (FRAP), lower than ascorbic acid or gallic acid. The extract showed no cytotoxicity on HaCaT cells at concentrations below 2 mg/mL, supporting its safety for topical use. These findings advance our understanding of Clitoria ternatea L. phytoconstituent profile and support its development for natural skincare or therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the findings also support biodiversity conservation by promoting the sustainable use of medicinal plants.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rosman Muhammad Ashraf Hadi, Salim Fatimah, Halim Hasseri, Anuar Tengku Shahrul https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of titanium dioxide on growth, yield and biochemical parameters of three eggplant genotypes under heat stress conditions
The present research evaluated the effect of foliar application of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) on growth, yield and physiological parameters of three eggplant genotypes under various heat stress conditions. The experiments were conducted during the 2024 growing season. The treatments for stress conditions included in the horizontal factor, C0: open-field conditions or control, C1: green saran cover and C2: non-woven fabric cover. Three eggplant genotypes, viz. G1: Black Beauty variety, G2: Raheeb F1 hybrid and G3: Aswad F1 hybrid, in each treatment were subjected to three titanium concentrations, i.e. 0, 100 and 200 mg L-1. Research findings revealed that the plants grown under condition (C2) showed the maximum average plant height, dry weight, fruit weight and total yield but minimum average leaf proline, leaf POD and leaf SOD as compared to control plants. The plants grown under control condition (C0) showed minimum average of plant height, dry weight, fruit weight and total yield. Maximum average of leaf proline, leaf POD and leaf SOD were noted in control plants. Of all the three genotypes, G1 exhibited an increase in the plant height, dry weight, total yield and leaf SOD. A significant improvement in plant height, dry weight, leaf antioxidants such as proline and activities of POD and SOD in leaves was noted in plants exposed to Ti concentration at 200 mg L-1. While enhanced fruit weight and total yield were noted in plants exposed to Ti at 100 mg L-1. Further study is required on Ti’s long-term impacts and optimal doses across various environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Qasim Malik Hussein, Ammar Sami Al-Bayati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antibiotic sensitivity of phosphate-mobilizing rhizobacteria of wheat rhizosphere
Antibiotic sensitivity is a serious problem, especially relevant when using bacterial biofertilizers. Many strains of rhizobacteria used as bacterial biofertilizers and biofungicides demonstrate resistance to several antibiotics or contain antibiotic resistance genes. In this study, we investigated the antibiotic sensitivity of 12 strains of phosphate-mobilizing rhizobacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of wheat grown on irrigated lands of the Sirdarya, Tashkent andijan and Kashkadarya regions of Uzbekistan in 2021, belonging to the genera Enterobacter, Rahnella, Bacillus, Pantoea and Pseudomonas, to seven antibiotics of different classes: erythromycin, streptomycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, amikacin, tetracycline and cephalexin. Most strains showed high sensitivity to aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol and tetracycline, while some strains showed resistance to erythromycin, streptomycin and cephalexin. Moderate resistance to streptomycin, tetracycline and cephalexin was noted, especially among strains of the genus Enterobacter. Strains of the genus Rahnella showed moderate resistance to streptomycin, gentamicin, tetracycline and cephalexin. Strains of the genus Bacillus showed moderate resistance to chloramphenicol, tetracycline and cephalexin; the diameter of the zones of growth inhibition was 15 mm to 17 mm. The strain P. agglomerans 19 showed moderate resistance only to tetracycline, while remaining sensitive to other antibiotics, but this result requires confirmation through molecular genetic studies in the future. The data revealed are important for assessing the safety of phosphate-mobilising rhizobacteria when used as bacterial fertilisers, taking into account their resistance, to minimise the risk of spreading antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in agroecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Saidakhon I Zakiryaeva, Zair S Shakirov, Khursheda M Khamidova, Husniddin Kh Karimov, Ogiljon U Jamalova, Nilufar A Elova, Bakhtiyor K Rakhmanov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Physicochemical and nutrient status of agricultural soils in Southern Telangana Zone, India
A comprehensive assessment of soil fertility status was conducted across the Southern Telangana agro-climatic zone to evaluate key physicochemical and nutrient characteristics in agricultural soils. Soil samples (n = 125) were collected from paddy and maize cultivated agricultural fields and were analysed. The soil pH varied between 6.48 and 8.34, reflecting conditions that range from neutral to moderately alkaline, which are generally conducive to successful crop cultivation. Electrical conductivity remained low (mean EC = 0.24 dSm-1), suggesting minimal salinity constraints. Nutrient analysis revealed nitrogen deficiency in 73.6 % of samples, despite a wide range (75-401 kg ha-1), indicating a critical need for nitrogen management. In contrast, phosphorus and potassium were found in sufficient to high levels in 81.6 % and 56.8 % of samples respectively, due to likely fertiliser accumulation and soil mineralogy. Organic carbon was generally low, with a mean of 0.5 % and 52 % of samples fell in the deficient category, highlighting the need for organic matter enhancement. Among micronutrients, iron was adequate in all samples, while 23 % of samples were deficient in zinc, pointing to a potential need for Zn supplementation. The results highlight the need for tailored and comprehensive nutrient management approaches to ensure consistent agricultural productivity and maintain soil health in the area.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dandu Rajashekhar, A Madhavi, P Surendra Babu, T Ramprakash, K P Vani, M Shankar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MALDI-TOF MS identification of Bacillus subtilis SOE 7 against red rot pathogen Colletotrichum falcatum in sugarcane
The present research focuses to isolate, identify, characterize, screen and application of bacterial endophyte with antifungal potential against red rot causing pathogen Colletotrichum falcatum in sugarcane. Endophytic bacteria and C. falcatum were isolated from healthy roots and infected sugarcane plants respectively. MALDI-TOF MS was used to identify endophytic bacterial isolates from sugarcane roots and were screened for the antagonistic activity, hydrogen cyanide and siderophore production. The quantity of lipopeptides produced by different isolate was evaluated using HPLC and the efficient strain was selected, screened and employed for biocontrol of red rot in sugarcane under field conditions. Endophytes such as Bacillus, Enterobacter and Klebsiella were the predominant genera. Notably, Bacillus sp. SOE 7 inhibited C. falcatum mycelial growth by 62.25 %, showing high hydrogen cyanide production (15.68 µg mg-1) and lower siderophore production compared to Bacillus sp. SOE 1 and SOE 3. HPLC analysis revealed Bacillus sp. SOE 7 produced lipopeptides surfactin (2.05 mg L-1) and iturin (1.52 mg L-1), likely contributing to its antagonistic activity. Field application of this isolate significantly reduced disease incidence and increased cane yield compared to the control. The bacterial endophyte Bacillus subtilis SOE 7 isolated from sugarcane, exhibits maximum antifungal activity against the red rot pathogen C. falcatum and effectively controls the disease in the field.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sangeetha Anbazhagan, Gayathry Gunavijayan, Arthee Rajendran, Janaki Dasarathan, Ayyandurai Marimuthu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of agronomic traits of cotton RIL population and its parental genotypes in water deficiency environment
In recent years, global climate change has led to rising temperatures and droughts, which have had a negative impact on agricultural crops. Therefore, the development of new varieties of agricultural crops, including cotton, with increased resistance to abiotic stress and improved productivity remains extremely relevant using modern breeding and molecular genetic programs. In this context, it is crucial to select the initial breeding genotypes with high resistance to water stress and productivity. In this study, 100 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of cotton (Gossypium hirsitum L.) from the F11 population (Namangan-77 × Zangi-ota), developed by crossing the recipient cotton variety Namangan-77 with the donor variety Zangi-ota, were grown under two different conditions (water stress and optimal). Their agronomic parameters, such as seed cotton weight per boll, 1000-seed weight, fiber staple length and fiber yield, were studied. As a result of the research, it was established that 30 families of the RIL population under conditions of water deficiency showed improved indicators compared to the recipient variety Namangan-77: the seed cotton weight per boll increased by 22 %, the weight of 1000 seeds by 33 %, the fiber staple length by 4.2 % and the fiber yield by 4.4 %. Promising breeding lines from these 30 families, possessing breeding potential, were presented to the State Variety Testing Center as new drought-tolerant candidate varieties. In addition, these families, which showed high agronomic performance under drought conditions, were recommended as donors for future breeding programs and molecular genetic studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Naim N Khusenov, Maftuna M Kholmuradova, Jurabek K Norbekov, Ilyos S Normamatov, Umid A Boykobilov, Abdusalom Kh. Makamov, Ravshanbek I Mukhammadaliev, Sharofiddin I Mamanazarov, Bakhtiyor K Rakhmanov, Zabardast T Buriev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Spatial and molecular characterization of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne) in Algerian vegetables: impact of soil and organic matter
In Algeria, several species of root-knot nematodes belonging to the genus Meloidogyne, including M. incognita, M. arenaria and M. javanica, have been identified. These parasites are widespread in coastal market gardening areas and Saharan regions, where they constitute a major phytosanitary constraint, particularly for tomato crops, due to the economic losses they cause. In this survey of 369 greenhouses Meloidogyne infestation was detected in 168 greenhouses , with infestation rates varying by region: 100 % in Beni Saf (Ain Temouchent) and 70 % in Tipaza, while some areas of Mostaganem, Oran and Biskra showed no infestation. Furthermore, a molecular analysis using the ITS rDNA marker identified the species Meloidogyne incognita with a similarity of 99.54 % compared to the NeMITG7 reference sequence deposited in the GenBank database. These results are reinforced by a statistical analysis revealing a highly significant negative correlation between the organic matter content and the gall index (Spearman's Rho = -0.651; P < 0.01). suggesting that soils rich in organic matter are less conducive to infestation. Moreover, soil type appears to be a determining factor: clay soils showed no infestation, unlike sandy soils which recorded the highest gall indices, with an average of 6.98. These results highlight the importance of soil type and its organic matter content in root-knot nematode management and provide a basis for developing control strategies adapted to local conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hamaidi Fatima Zohra, Righi Assia Fatiha, Righi Kada, Zaidat Sabri Ala Eddine, Boukhouna Abdelbasset, Mukhaimar Maisara https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An integrative multivariate and clustering analysis dissecting genetic variability in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
A detailed investigation was conducted to assess analysis of variance, genetic divergence, correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) among 381 wheat genotypes from the ICAR-NBPGR Core Collection with three local cultivated varieties. We analyzed 12 agro-morphological traits, yielding clear and significant results. The analysis of variance clearly shows that the treatments have a significant effect on almost all traits. High Genotypic Coefficient of variation observed for yield-related traits and high heritability observed among spike length, days to 50 % flowering and plant height. For grain yield and the number of grains per spike, a positive correlation was observed. The PCA results indicated that the first and second principal components (PC-1 and PC-2) have eigenvalues greater than one, accounting for an impressive 50.73 % of the total variability. Notably, for PC-2 exhibited strong positive loadings for both 1000-grain weight and grain yield. The cluster analysis distinctly categorized the genotypes into eight separate clusters using Euclidean distance, identifying the greatest genetic distance between Cluster V and Cluster III.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anamish Tyagi, Subhash Chandra Vimal, Ashwini Kumar, Ruchi Singh, Sharad Singh, Vinay Kumar, Poonam Sharma, Padmini Ganga, Sonali Srivastava, Nitin Kumar, Aman Srivastava https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unraveling drought tolerance in spray chrysanthemum through multivariate analysis under hydroponic and pot culture conditions
Drought affects chrysanthemum growth and yield, highlighting the need for reliable indicators of tolerance. This study evaluated 68 genetically diverse genotypes under hydroponics and pot culture using a completely randomized design to identify key physiological, biochemical and morphological traits linked to drought adaptation. Stress was imposed with 10 % polyethylene glycol (PEG) in hydroponics at the seedling stage and 60 kPa soil moisture tension in pots for 10 days at the vegetative stage based on our preliminary studies. Traits measured included chlorophyll content, carotenoids, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), canopy temperature depression (CTD), chlorophyll fluorescence, biomass and reproductive parameters. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among chlorophyll content, RWC, MSI, CTD and fluorescence, suggesting coordinated mechanisms that preserve photosynthetic efficiency and cellular stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified chlorophyll b, fluorescence, biomass and reproductive traits as major contributors to phenotypic variation. The first few PCs explained 71.0 % variation in hydroponic control, 75.5 % in hydroponic stress, 61.6 % in pot control and 77.9 % in pot stress, indicating context-dependent adaptive strategies. Under hydroponic stress, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, biomass, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contributed strongly to both PC1 and PC2, with Punjab Singar, Violet, Gulmohar, Garden Beauty and Shwet excelling in these traits, while Autumn Joy and Naughty White were distinguished by flowers per plant and chlorophyll a/b. In contrast, under pot stress, no trait contributed simultaneously to both PCs. Overall, chlorophyll content, RWC, MSI, CTD, chlorophyll fluorescence and reproductive traits emerged as robust indicators for breeding drought-resilient chrysanthemum cultivars.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bibin Poulose, Namita, Gunjeet Kumar, Sapna Panwar, Kanwar P Singh, Sudhir Kumar, Amitha Mithra Sevanthi, Gopala Krishnan S https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phenotypic characterization and genetic diversity studies of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) germplasms
Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn, also known as ragi, is one of the most important millet crops, cultivated across many parts of India. It is well known for its climate resilience and drought tolerance capacity. In the recent years, finger millet is gaining popularity due to its nutritional status and as a measure of crop diversification for small and marginalized farmers. This study was undertaken with the objective to identify various traits that could potentially help in yield enhancement directly or indirectly. During the Kharif, 2022 the experiment was undertaken in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Eight significantly important traits like days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height, ear length, number of fingers per ear, number of ears per plant, test weight and yield per plant were recorded. Higher mean performance across the majority of traits under study was exhibited by genotypes like Mut-4, G30-GN-2-2, VR-849 and VR-822. Correlation analysis showed a strong and positive association between the number of ears per plant and grain yield, indicating that selecting plants with more ears could potentially increase yield. Path coefficient study showed that the number of ears per plant had the highest direct positive effect on grain yield, followed by the number of days till 50 % flowering. The Mahalanobis D2 analysis, grouped the genotypes into five groups; the maximum genetic divergence was found in clusters IV and V (D2 = 219.92). This suggests a potential opportunity to select parents with diverse genetic backgrounds for future hybridisation attempts. This study provides valuable findings to improve yield potential of finger millet and enhance crop improvement programmes selection of suitable parents.
Copyright (c) 2025 P Mishra, T K Mishra, D Lenka, S R Padhan, M R Mohanty, K C Pradhan, K R R Raj, G V M Reddy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multivariate analysis, trait association and biochemical profiling of finger millet germplasm for identification of potential genotypes for bioethanol production
Finger millet is a climate-resilient, nutrient-rich crop well-suited to marginal environments. Recently, its lignocellulosic biomass has gained attention as a potential feedstock for biofuel production. Despite Odisha being a hotspot for landrace diversity, limited studies have evaluated finger millet germplasm for biofuel-relevant traits using multivariate analysis. The present study characterized 30 finger millet genotypes collected from AICRP on small millets, Berhampur, Odisha, during Kharif 2022. Observations were recorded for 8 morphological traits relevant to biofuel potential. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation matrix analysis were employed to identify traits contributing most to variability and to group genotypes with superior biofuel-related characteristics. The first three principal components exhibited 76.88 % of the total variation. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between grain yield per plant and the number of ears per plant at both genotypic (r = 0.916) and phenotypic (r = 0.866) levels, indicating the potential for indirect selection on the basis of ears per plants to enhance yield. Based on mean performances and PCA results, 6 promising genotypes were selected for further biochemical analysis. Estimation of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content revealed that genotype G30-GN-2-2 excelled in both grain yield and bioethanol potential, highlighting its suitability for use in future biofuel-oriented breeding programs. This fills a critical research gap by integrating multivariate tools to identify promising dual-purpose finger millet genotypes. The findings support the potential of finger millet as a renewable biofuel resource and offer a strategic framework for breeding programs aimed at enhancing both yield and bioenergy efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pratikshya Mishra, Devraj Lenka, Mahendra Kumar Mohanty, Tapash Kumar Mishra, Smruti Ranjan Padhan, Mihir Ranjan Mohanty, Kartik Chandra Pradhan, Reshmi Raj K R https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Insights into Iraqi pharmacists’ perspectives, awareness and use of herbal medicines
With the rising use of herbal remedies and a lack of dependable information available to consumers, pharmacists play a critical role in offering accurate and informed advice on these products’ potential benefits and risks. This study sought to assess the knowledge, perceptions and professional behaviours of community pharmacists concerning herbal medicines. It also aimed to examine how pharmacists influence patient decisions about herbal product use and to pinpoint areas in need of professional development. A structured and anonymous questionnaire was distributed through email, social media and in-person methods. The survey encompassed demographic details, assessments of pharmacists' views and routines related to herbal medicine, the impact of their educational background on confidence levels and a 10 question quiz measuring factual knowledge. Data analysis was conducted using Qualtrics and Excel. Out of 156 community pharmacists surveyed, 42.9 % reported feeling confident in counselling patients about herbal products. Only 22.4 % regularly asked patients about their use of herbal medicines and 28.2 % recorded this information in their documentation. A small proportion (5.1 %) stated they never discussed potential adverse effects, while 9 % consistently addressed possible interactions between herbal and conventional medications. The mean knowledge score was 5.63 out of 10, indicating room for improvement in pharmacist preparedness regarding herbal medicine. The findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen pharmacists education on herbal medicines and ensure access to reliable resources. Enhancing these areas will improve patient safety and counselling quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amjed Haseeb Khamees https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biochar-mediated mitigation of dishwashing detergent-contaminated water effects on Vicia faba L.: Physiological and gene expression analysis
The increasing population and ongoing modernization exert significant pressure on the environment, particularly affecting water and soil quality. The increasing population and ongoing modernization exert significant pressure on the environment, particularly affecting water and soil quality. Biochar (BC) is increasingly recognized as a sustainable solution for enhancing plant growth and mitigating environmental stress, due to its distinctive properties, including improving soil permeability and retaining nutrients and water. The study aimed to assess the effect of detergents at high levels (25, 50 and 75 %) and subsequently evaluate the potential role of BC in reducing the adverse impact of the water contaminated with detergents on growth, productivity and gene expression. The morphological parameters analysed were (height, number of leaves, number of pods, number of seeds, leaf area and chlorophyll contents). Control treatments have used tap water for irrigation. Gene expression analysis was performed using the RT-qPCR technique to detect the expression of stress-related genes (Unigene077619 calcium-binding protein, Unigene047182 zinc ion-binding protein and Unigene072411 alpha/beta fold hydrolase). The results indicated that the effect of detergents were concentration-dependent and statistically significant, except for leaf area, that showed an inverse correlation with increasing detergent concentration. The 75 % showed the highest negative impact on growth parameters and gene expression pattern. BC treatments were evaluated against 75 % detergent concentration at application rates of 3 %, 5 % and 10 %. The 5 % BC amendment demonstrated that the most effective mitigation was followed by 3 % and 10 %, respectively. The study concluded that BC revealed a positive effect on cope with abiotic stresses such as water contamination with detergents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rafea Zaidan Al-Sugmiany, Mariam Adnan Ibrahim, Ashwak Ibrahim Al-Obaedi, Rawad Khalaf Hameed, Ibrahim Omar Saeed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of residue management on yield and yield components of zero till maize
Burning crop residue in open fields releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which significantly pollutes the air and causes global warming. A huge number of issues related to soil and air quality came out due to burning, lowering the sustainability of the environment. To find an alternative, this study was started to investigate the possibility of using lignocellulolytic microbes to speed up the in-situ breakdown of crop residues. Studying the impact of fertilizers and residue management on maize production and yield components was the aim of this experiment. In rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively, the experiment on residue management with microbial consortium was carried out at college farm, college of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad. It was set up in a strip plot design with three replications for each of the twenty-four treatments. Incorporating residues treated with SSP and consortium in conjunction with 75 % RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizers) resulted in increased cobs plant-1, cob length, cob girth, number of kernel rows cob-1, number of kernels cob-1, test weight, grain and biological yields. For residue burning and removal operations using 125 % RDF application, these parameters were negligible. The plots with the lowest values of these parameters were those without residues and they likewise performed badly. The application of SSP (Single Super Phosphate) in conjunction with microbial consortium at a rate of 10 % of residual weight in incorporated plots was found to increase maize yield and yield components.
Copyright (c) 2025 G Rajitha; B Padmaja, M Malla Reddy , G S Madhu Bindu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of pre-harvest spray of cypermethrin on residual levels and quality of strawberry fruit
Pesticides increase agricultural production, but they also have negative impacts on human health when used in excess. Pesticide residues must be lower than the maximum residual limits (MRLs) for safe consumption. Field investigations were done in 2021 to assess the residues of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin (Ripcord 10E) in ripe strawberry fruits. Following insecticide application, residue levels were assessed at different harvest intervals: 0 (2 hr), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 days. According to the findings, after spraying (DAS), strawberry fruits had the highest residual levels (0.874 mg/kg). Up to 7 DAS, the observed residual level was higher (0.101 mg/kg) than maximum residue limits of European Union (EU-MRLs). On 10 DAS, the measured residue level decreased below the MRLs. As a result of our findings, Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) of cypermethrin was detected for strawberries up to 10 DAS. The data showed that no pesticide residues were identified at 12 DAS. Insecticide spraying has an impact on strawberry quality as well. Fruits' phenolic content increased steadily between 1 and 7 DAS of cypermethrin. Pre-harvest cypermethrin spray can delay the increase of TSS and sustain TA content. Therefore, it can be said that the pesticide residues found were lower than the corresponding EU-MRLs, indicating that picked strawberries are safe for consumers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Saswati Edber, Most Zakiya Islam, Sanchita Roy, Nazrul, Mohammad Dalower Hossain Prodhan, Shormin Choudhury https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical screening and chromatographic (HPLC and GC) analysis of leaves of Cycas revoluta Thunb cultivated in Iraq
Cycas revoluta Thunb is considered the pervasive species of the genus Cycas is known for its diverse phytochemicals. This study employed Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to characterize the phytochemical composition of the plant’s leaves. Leaves had been dried and subsequently extracted with solvents of n-hexane and ethyl acetate and the so-obtained fractions were subjected to qualitative screening of their phytochemicals. These two extracts were screened for the presence or absence of compounds by utilizing the tests for these compounds. These tests unveiled the presence of compounds in ethyl acetate extract, which are sterol, phenolic acid, terpenoid, tannin and flavonoid, whereas only terpenoid and sterol compounds have been detected as positive in n-hexane fraction. It's worth mentioning that the absence of alkaloids in both leaf extracts contrasts with some previous reports on Cycas revoluta, which showed positive results when Wagner’s reagent was added. GC-MS and HPLC analyses confirmed the presence of the various phytochemicals’ classes in the extract. The chloroform and n-butanol fractions were not studied in this research, so it’s necessary to analyze these two samples by chromatographic techniques in the future. This work highlights the importance of C. revoluta as a source of bioactive compounds for further research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammed Raheem Khraibet, Enas J Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Response of growth, yield and quality indicators of three zucchini hybrids to bentonite amendment under irrigation regimes
A field experiment was performed during the 2024 growing season at the University of Kufa to investigate the effects of bentonite clay and irrigation regimes on zucchini hybrids. Major challenges lie in enhancing crop resilience under water-scarce environments while maintaining soil health and sustainable productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. Three water requirements (50, 75 and 100) of the actual water needs were applied as main plots on three zucchini hybrids as subplots (Amjad, Kavili and Wisam). Bentonite clay was incorporated into the soil at three levels (0, 75, 150 g.plant-1) and set up as sub-subplots. A split-split-plot system was adopted based on a completely randomized block design. The full water requirement significantly improved growth and yield, including plant height 94.18 cm, fruit length 13.76 cm, early yield 12.56 kg plant-1 and total yield 50.25 t ha-1. The irrigation level at 75 achieved a remarkable enhancement compared to the level at 50, resulting in reasonable plant growth and production, which proves to be a suitable approach under water scarcity while reducing yield losses. Kavili hybrid recorded the highest significant averages for the number of branches, leaf area and total yield of 1.86 branches plant-1, 1.45 m2.plant-1 and 10.651 t.ha-1, consecutively. Amjad hybrid recorded the highest average fruit length 13.66 cm, whereas Wissam hybrid had the highest average fruit weight 136.13 g. Bentonite amendments at 150 g.plant-1 had significant improvements in the plant yield 1.157 kg.plant-1, early yield 11.629 t.ha-1 and total yield 46.26 t.ha-1. The triple interaction represented by W3H2B2 realized significant improvements in the plant height, leaf area, dry weight, plant yield and total yield, 101.00 cm, 1.72 m2. plant-1, 363.00 g.plant-1, 1.37 kg.plant-1 and 54.54 t.ha-1, in the same sequence.
Copyright (c) 2025 Falah Kamil Noor Almousawi, Nasser Jubair Radhi Alhasnawi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morpho-stomatal variation of Acacia species in some parts of the Sudano-Sahelian savanna zone of Nigeria
Acacia is a member of the Fabaceae family, but classifying its species has proven challenging due to their extensive distribution. A study was conducted to assess the morphological differences in the leaves, thorns and inflorescence of various Acacia species located in the Sudano-Sahel region for accurate taxonomic identification. Eleven Acacia species were classified based on qualitative and quantitative morpho-stomatal traits. Generally, most species had alternate, bipinnate compound leaves with oblong pinnules. However, A. senegal showed obovate pinnules, A. auriculiformis had simple curved (sickle-like) leaves and A. gourmanensis featured bilobed simple leaves. Leaf textures varied from smooth (glabrous) to hairy (pubescent) and all species exhibited entire leaf margins. Inflorescence and leaf lengths were generally less than 0.9 cm, except for A. auriculiformis and A. gourmanensis, which had 13.25 cm and 1.29 cm, respectively. Leaf width and leaf area were highest in A. auriculiformis, with 1.00 cm and 2.73 cm², respectively, whereas the remaining investigated species had values lower than 1.00 cm. All flower pedicel length results were less than 0.10 cm. A. auriculiformis and A. gourmaensis had 0.07cm, while A. nilotica and A. senegal had the lowest recorded values at 0.01 cm. There was no significant variation in the trichomes and stomatal type of foliar micro-morphological features; they only differ in terms of size, which can be attributed to their adaptation. Future study on the vascular bundle and the chemical composition of the documented species is paramount.
Copyright (c) 2025 Namadi S, Adelanwa M, Abubakar B Y, Mohammed M S, Aisha Abdullahi Mahmud, Saber W Hamad , Sarwan W Bradosty, Abdulrahman Mahmoud Dogara https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation, characterization of lignan compound Pinoresinol in Iraqi Mesembryanthemum Cordifolium
Among the Aizoaceae family, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium remains significantly understudied regarding its therapeutic properties despite its abundance. This large family is mostly native to Southern Africa and counts at least 120 genera. M. cordifolium's traditional anti-inflammatory and antidepressant uses are scientifically supported. Its antioxidant, analgesic and cytotoxic properties and promising antidepressant activity, highlight its significant pharmacological potential, warranting further research. This study addresses this research gap by conducting the first investigation into the phytochemical components of Iraqi M. cordifolium and the isolation of a key compound. For 24 h, the entire plant powder, 100 g, was immersed in 100 mL n-hexane to remove any fat. After that, the defatted plant material was extracted with eighty-five percent methanol using the Soxhlet apparatus until it was entirely exhausted. The extract undergoes sequential liquid-liquid fractionation using solvents of increasing polarity: petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate, using a separatory funnel. This process allows for the separation of compounds based on their differential solubility in immiscible solvents. The results of the phytochemical analysis show that the methanolic crude extract contains steroids, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. Pinoresinol compound was identified using the technique of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pinoresinol was isolated using preparative layer chromatography (PLC) and its identification was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Analyses revealed that the plant contains lignan compounds with useful medicinal properties, so additional research into the M. cordifolium plant is necessary because it contains a wealth of components with promising health benefits for humans.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hayder Imad Jabar, Amjed Haseeb Khamees https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anti-angiogenic activity of petroleum ether fraction of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium extract: Ex vivo study
Angiogenesis refers to the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. This process is essential for growth and tissue repair. However, it also plays a crucial role in supplying nourishment and oxygen to tumours, thereby facilitating their growth and metastasis. Among more than 1800 species in the Aizoaceae family, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium is one of the most abundant, owing to its pharmacological properties. Although the ethnobotanical use of M. cordifolium suggests therapeutic potential, the specific anti-angiogenic activity of its constituent fractions, particularly the non-polar components, has not been thoroughly investigated. The present study aimed to bridge this gap by evaluating the anti-angiogenic effect of the petroleum ether fraction of M. cordifolium. The whole plant was sequentially processed by defatting with n-hexane, followed by exhaustive extraction with 85 % methanol using a Soxhlet apparatus. The crude methanolic extract was then subjected to liquid-liquid fractionation to obtain petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions. The petroleum ether fraction was phytochemically characterized using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The anti-angiogenic potential was assessed using the ex vivo rat aortic ring assay. A dose-response relationship was determined by testing the fraction at five concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL) against a negative control (1 % DMSO). Compared with the negative control, the results showed that the petroleum ether extract of M. cordifolium inhibited the growth of blood vessels in a concentration-dependent manner. The study demonstrates that the petroleum ether fraction of M. cordifolium possesses potent anti-angiogenic properties ex vivo.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hayder Imad Jabar, Alaa Hamza Abbas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of morphological and biochemical traits for the development of new salt tolerant lines derived from biparental cross in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
More than half of the world's population is fed by rice, a significant staple crop, yet its production is extremely susceptible to stress. Saline environments impair vital physiological functions of rice which lowers production and growth. To ensure food security in areas affected by salt and climate stress, it is imperative to develop rice cultivars that can withstand salinity. This study assessed the morphological and biochemical characteristics of 25 rice lines resulting from biparental crossings in both normal and salinized environments. ANOVA (Analysis of variance), correlation, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and biochemical profiling were among the statistical analyses that were carried out. Under normal conditions, NDRK-CS-22 produced a high grain yield of 31.08 g, but under saline conditions, NDRK-CS-19 produced a high grain yield of 19.84 g. Significant trait variability was found using PCA; in normal conditions, five principal components explained 77.81 % of the overall variance, but under saline conditions, four principal components explained 71.45 %. Under normal conditions, PC1 explained 21.56 % variance (eigenvalue 2.4), while under salinity, PC1 explained 23.46 % variance (eigenvalue 2.61). Interestingly, under stress, NDRK-CS-2 showed higher yield, proline and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration, indicating that it may be used in breeding for salinity tolerance. These results demonstrate how different rice lines are genetically and how they adjust to salinity. In order to maintain sustainable rice production in the face of climate change, top-performing lines (NDRK-CS-2, 19, 22, CSR10) need to be further validated in a variety of saline conditions using genomic methods to create resilient, high-yielding rice cultivars.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rahul Kumar Maurya, Nawaz Ahmad Khan, Sumant Pratap Singh, Hemant Kumar Yadav, Ashwini Kumar, Shivam Kushwaha, Anil Kumar Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Chhavi Tiwari , Aninda Chakraborty, Devendra Kumar Dwivedi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic analysis of elite China aster hybrids for growth and yield traits in early generations
The present study was undertaken to assess the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in F₁ and F₂ generations of ten China aster (Callistephus chinensis) hybrids developed through line × tester mating design. A comprehensive evaluation of growth, floral and yield-related traits was conducted to understand the extent of variability and inheritance patterns. Significant differences were observed among hybrids for all the studied traits. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV), coupled with high heritability (>90 %) and genetic advance, were recorded for plant height, plant spread, number of branches per plant, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant and flower yield per plant and per hectare. Particularly, hybrids H4, H5 and H6 showed superior performance in both generations, indicating their potential for further selection and genetic improvement. The F₂ generation exhibited increased variability due to segregation, with higher expression of additive gene action. Yield and floral traits, especially the number of flowers, flower diameter and flower weight, demonstrated high heritability and genetic advance, suggesting scope for effective selection. The study concludes that traits governed by additive genetic control can be improved through simple selection in segregating populations and promising hybrids identified can be utilised in future breeding programs aimed at improving China aster productivity and floral quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Karthik D R, Vasantha Kumari R, Harsha B R, Umesha C, Chikkalingaiah, Nandeesha C V, Gamit M K, Jyothi M S, Rajneesh Singh, K S Anil Kumar, Deepa V Pawadashetti, Sathish Hosakoti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimization of in vitro sterilization protocol for Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla Thumb. Ser)
Hydrangea, a widely used ornamental plant in landscaping, is routinely featured but has recently gained popularity as a potted plant and for use in both fresh and dried cut flower products. The research established an appropriate sterilization method for six distinct types of plant explants. The pretreatment consisted of Carbendazim and Mancozeb fungicides applied alone and in combination with various concentrations and timings to evaluate their performance in front of surface sterilization treatments with 0.1 % HgCl2 and 0.5 % NaOCl utilized at different exposure durations and concentrations. The combined fungicide treatment of explants with 0.2 % for 30 min followed by HgCl₂ and NaOCl sterilization proved effective at controlling both fungal (11.67 %), bacterial (1.67 %) infection, total contamination levels (13.33 %) and achieved the highest survival percentage increase (86.67 %). Surface sterilization with HgCl2 for 6 min followed by NaOCl at 2 min applied to H. macrophylla nodes and internodes and shoot tip explants led to the highest survival (85.54 %) while generating cultures with minimal overall contamination (3.97 % bacterial and 96.03 % aseptic), accompanied by low mortality (10.49 %). The combination of HgCl2 for 5 min with NaOCl for 2 min produced the most aseptic leaf cultures (85.10 %) with (68.33 %) leaf explant survival while minimizing total infections (15.00 %) between microorganisms.
Copyright (c) 2025 N Amrutha Pavani, Kaberi Maharana, S K Palai, Sashikala Beura, P N Jagadev, Pradyumna Tripathy, Abhiram Dash https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Seed germination and morphological responses of cotton under model salt stress
Soil salinization is a major environmental stress that restricts plant growth and reduces crop yields. Developing salt-tolerant crop varieties using classical, molecular genetics methods and understanding the mechanisms of salt resistance is essential for sustainable crop improvement. This study evaluated seed germination and vegetative morphology of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under model salt stress, comparing Uzbek classical breeding varieties of AN-Bayovut-2, Tashkent-6, Namangan-77 and the Coker-312 variety with biotechnological knock-out varieties of the Porloq series viz. Porloq-1, Porloq-2, Porloq-3 and Porloq-4. An analysis of the results of seed germination parameters: relative germination (RG), average germination time (AGT), germination index (GI) and germination energy (GE) showed that the most resistant to salinity (NaCl concentrations— 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) was the biotechnological gene-knockout Porloq-4 variety and the least resistant was the Coker-312 variety of classical breeding. A study of morphological parameters showed that 100 mM NaCl causes a slowdown in the growth of roots and shoots, as well as biomass gain in both genotypes. However, in the Porloq-4 biotechnological variety, the negative effects of NaCl were less pronounced compared to the salt-sensitive Coker-312 variety.
Copyright (c) 2025 Venera S Kamburova, Azadakhan S Imamkhodjaeva, Ilkhom B Salakhutdinov, Nodira R Rakhmatova, Farkhod S Radjapov, Shakhnoza H Mamatkulova, Orastabonu L Isomiddinova, Dilshod E Usmanov, Jurabek K Norbekov, Khurshida A Ubaydullaeva, Adkham N Abdullaev, Shukhrat O Kushakov, Shakhnoza B Kadirova, Naim N Khusenov, Maftuna M Kholmuradova, Feruza I Babadjanova, Bakhtiyor K Rakhmanov, Zabardast T Buriev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of sowing dates on genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Ranchi conditions
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital staple crop, yet global climate change is expected to reduce its yield by about 6 % for every 1 °C rise in temperature. As genetic parameters that guide breeding strategies can vary under different environmental conditions, multi-environmental evaluation is essential. During the Rabi season of 2019-20, an experiment was conducted at the research farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi to evaluate 28 wheat genotypes under three sowing conditions: timely sown, late sown and very late sown. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), heritability and genetic advance estimates, correlation analysis and path coefficient analysis. The analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variability among genotypes for most traits. Phenotypic variance exceeded genotypic variance for all traits, reflecting the environmental influence. However, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance for 1000-seed weight, number of effective tillers, grains per spike and grain yield per plant indicated the predominance of additive gene action and strong genetic control. Grain yield showed positive and significant associations with biological yield, effective tillers, plant height and grains per spike, which were further confirmed by path analysis as major contributors to yield. These results imply that simultaneous selection for these key traits can effectively improve grain yield across variable sowing conditions, thereby providing a robust basis for developing climate-resilient wheat breeding strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sumit Kumar Mishra, Supriya Supal Surin, Nutan Verma, Shashi Kiran Tirkey, Piyush Kumar Bhargaw, Arjun Kumar Agarwal, Deepak Kumar Mishra, Rajneesh Kumar, Manoj Kumar Pandey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chemoprotective action of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo ethanol extract against cyclophosphamide induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress on TM3 cells
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the common therapeutic agents which possesses anti-cancer potential, however it causes neuronal and reproductive toxicity due to rise in oxidative stress which is a major limitation to its therapeutic use. Despite of this, several research findings suggest that phytocompounds possess antioxidant potential and thus can be utilized as potential therapeutic agent for reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced damage to the cells. So as to explore the effect of root of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo belonging to the family Orchidaceae towards reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide the current study was conducted towards TM3:mouse leyding cells. In this study, ethanolic extraction roots was performed by using soxhlet and compound identification was done through GC-MS. Further, cytotoxicity and protection against reproductive toxicity effect of ethanolic root extract was analysed by using MTT assay followed by evaluation of ROS scavenging effect of extract post-treatment with CP in TM3 cells. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanism behind the protective effect of the extract, qRT-PCR was performed to analyse the expression of antioxidant and steroidogenic gene markers. The results from GC-MS analysis showed presence of two major compounds namely Benzenemethanol, 3fluoro (C1) and 2-Mercaptophenol (C2). It was also identified that the extract was non-toxic to TM3 cells and pre-treatment with enhanced cell viability in CP-treated TM3 cells. Apart from this, reduction in ROS generation was observed in pre-treated D. hatagirea CP induced cells. Additionally, the extract has enhanced the antioxidant response (via CAT, GPx1, SOD1 and SOD2) to combat the oxidative stress caused by CP, which could help in reducing the side effects of the treatment. Moreover, the extract seems to modulate the steroidogenic gene response induced by cyclophosphamide via upregulation of AR, 3βHSD, Cyp11a1, Cyp19 and StAR. These findings suggest that DH has potential therapeutic value in mitigating the adverse effects of CP through antioxidant and steroidogenic pathways.
Copyright (c) 2025 G Raju, Senthil Kumar B, Ranjith Sreedharan, Deepti Shastri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytoplankton study in the Ranikere and Dodderikere lakes of Challakere Taluk of Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India
Freshwater algae play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems due to their primary productivity and contribution to the food chain. Among them, phytoplankton are key biological indicators of water quality, reflecting ecological status and nutrient availability. The present study aimed to analyze the phytoplankton diversity in two freshwater lakes Ranikere and Dodderikere over a one-year period from May 2019 to April 2020. Water samples were collected monthly and phytoplankton were identified based on morphological characteristics such as thallus organization, cell shape, pigmentation and cellular arrangement. A total of 54 algal taxa were recorded across both sites. These included 6 species of Chlorophyceae, 5 species of Cyanophyceae, 22 species of Bacillariophyceae, 15 species of Zygnemophyceae, 5 species of Euglenophyceae and 1 species of Charophyceae. The class Bacillariophyceae showed the highest diversity, followed by Zygnemophyceae. The comparative analysis between the two lakes revealed that Ranikere Lake exhibited a higher abundance and diversity of phytoplankton than Dodderikere Lake, possibly is due to the differences in nutrient input, light penetration and ecological conditions. This study highlights the ecological significance of phytoplankton in freshwater systems and underscores their role as indicators of water quality. The findings can contribute to future ecological assessments and conservation strategies in freshwater habitats.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jeevitha M P , Somashekar G Malammanavar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Serological and molecular evidences of cucumber mosaic virus infection in Valeriana jatamansi in Himachal Pradesh, India
Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi) is a highly valuable perennial herb that grows at higher altitudes of the Indian Himalayan Region. Essential oil and plant extracts derived from roots and rhizomes are used in flavoring, aromatic and pharmaceutical industries. These underground parts contain bioactive compounds such as valepotriates, including valtrate, didrovaltrate, acevaltrate, valtroxal, valerenic acid and badrinol that are vital for formulation of sedative and anxiolytic drugs. However, several plants were found to exhibit symptoms that are typical of plant virus infection. Infection of virus on plants leads to a severe reduction in plant vigour and essential oil content. Characteristic symptoms include chlorotic or yellow mosaic and stunted plant growth. Foliar samples of diseased plants were taken, DAS-ELISA and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses were used to detect the viruses in the diseased plants. The results revealed that cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was present in all the plants showing the symptoms of virus infection.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aman Chauhan, Anil Handa, Tamanna, Ajay Brakta, Y P Sharma, Abhinav Thakur, Manish Thakur https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Qualitative analysis of amino acids in pollen and nectar of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Bhima Super
The present investigation was carried out to qualitatively identify amino acids present in the nectar and pollen of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Bhima Super, using paper chromatography and to evaluate their potential ecological role in pollination. Onion is a cross-pollinated crop that depends heavily on insect pollinators, particularly honey bees (Apis mellifera), for effective seed production. Floral extracts were prepared from fresh nectar and pollen samples collected during peak flowering and subjected to paper chromatography using Whatman No. 1 filter paper and a solvent system of n-butanol:acetic acid:water (4:1:5 v/v). After solvent migration, the paper strips were sprayed with 0.2 % ninhydrin and heated at 60 °C for spot development. Amino acids were identified by comparing the Retention factor (Rf) values of the samples with those of standard amino acids. A total of 9 amino acids were identified: valine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, glycine, serine, alanine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid. Proline and phenylalanine were additionally detected in nectar, both known to influence pollinator attraction, energy metabolism and floral scent production. The results confirm the biochemical richness of Bhima Super onion nectar and pollen, suggesting their potential role in enhancing pollinator visitation and ultimately improving pollination efficiency and seed yield. Paper chromatography proved to be a simple and cost-effective method for preliminary amino acid profiling in floral components. However, further quantitative analysis using advanced chromatographic techniques is recommended to determine the precise ecological relevance of individual amino acids in pollination biology.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pandit T R, Dwivedi S A, V Karuppaiah, Amol R Pawar, Mayur Patil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimizing mycorrhizal spore application for effective colonization and early seedling establishment in rice
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form a symbiotic association with plant roots, promoting plant growth and fostering resilience. However, the efficacy of this symbiotic association highly depends on the nature and abundance of spores, but there is no clear evidence regarding the relationship between the quantity of spores in the inoculum and colonization efficiency. Therefore, the present study was conducted to establish quality standards for AM inoculum and to investigate the effect of varying mycorrhization levels of Rhizophagus intraradices on root colonization and early seedling vigor of rice (Oryza sativa L., var. CO51) under semi-dry cultivation conditions. The experiment was set up with seven treatments (T1-T7), with spore inoculation ranging from 0 to 6 spores per seed, arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results evidenced a clear dose-dependent promotive effect of increasing AM spore density on germination percentage, chlorophyll content, seedling biomass and root colonization. Notably, the study also confirmed that a threshold effect of 2 or more spores per seed is required to achieve optimal germination and effective AM colonization. Furthermore, the treatments T6 and T7 (5 and 6 spores per seed respectively) recorded the highest shoot and root lengths, chlorophyll concentration and biomass accumulation throughout the observation period (30 days of plant growth). T7 also exhibited the fastest and highest level of colonization by mycorrhizal fungi, recording efficient early symbiotic establishment. However, results were not strictly linear among treatments, underscoring the significance of establishing threshold and optimal inoculum dosages rather than depending solely on higher doses. These findings highlight the potential of low-dose AM fungal seed biotization in enhancing early rice vigor and mycorrhizal colonization.
Copyright (c) 2025 Geethanjali Muthuramalingam, Shobana Narayanasamy, Akihiko Kamoshita, Sivakumar Uthandi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro screening and biochemical profiling of green chilli fruits challenged by Colletotrichum capsici
Colletotrichum capsici causes anthracnose and continues to be a severe hindrance to the production of chillies (Capsicum annuum L.), endangering both productivity and quality after harvest. In this study, thirty green chilli genotypes were systematically evaluated under controlled conditions using an in vitro detached fruit assay to decipher resistance responses against the pathogen. Disease severity was assessed across multiple time points, revealing notable genotypic variation. Genotypes such as Bhavigva-F1 and ARD-5533-F1 showed heightened susceptibility, characterised by rapid lesion expansion and elevated percent disease index (PDI), while entries like Akhanda-23-F1, SVHA 1049 and SVHA 2222 exhibited delayed symptom progression and comparatively lower PDIs. Multivariate analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA), further highlighted the distinct pathological profiling of tested genotypes. Complementary biochemical profiling at four days post-inoculation (DPI) identified significant differences in the accumulation of total phenols, soluble sugars, reducing sugars and proteins. Notably, moderately susceptible genotypes accumulated higher phenolic and protein content, which correlated negatively with disease severity. Similarly, total soluble solids (TSS) and total reducing sugars (TRS) also showed variation among the genotypes. Together, these insights not only affirm the existence of valuable genetic variability for anthracnose resistance in chilli but also emphasise the utility of integrating biochemical markers with phenotypic screening.
Copyright (c) 2025 N Lavanya, N Kiran Kumar, K Sridhara Gupta, Chandrappa, N S Pankaja, H R Raveendra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Response of three maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars to foliar application of Al-Nahrain liquid fertilizer
A factorial experiment was conducted during the 2023-2024 growing season in the Abi Gharaq region, Babylon province to evaluate the response of three maize cultivars to foliar spray with liquid fertilizer of Al-Nahrain. The experiment was designed using randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial arrangement at three replications. The study contained two factors: the first factor included three concentrations of Al-Nahrain liquid fertilizer (0, 3 and 6 mL L-1), represented as T0, T1 and T2. The second factor involved three maize cultivars: IPA 5012, Buhooth 106 and Fajr, represented as F1, F2 and F3. The results demonstrated that the cultivar IPA 5012 (F1) outperformed the other cultivars in most of the studied traits, including ear length, rows number per ear, grains number per row and total grains number per ear. On the other hand, the Fajr cultivar (F3) recorded the highest mean for 500 grain weight, reaching 107.33 g. Regarding the fertilizer concentrations, the foliar application of 6 mL L-1 (T2) excelled in all the studied traits, including ear length, rows number per ear, grains number per row, total number of grains per ear and 500 grain weight. The combination F3×T2 achieved the highest averages for ear length (20.69 cm) and 500-grain weight (112.10 g). F1×T2 combination recorded the maximum averages for the grains number per row (40.04 grains row-1) and total grains number per ear (471.10 grains ear-1). F2×T2 combination resulted in the maximum value for the rows number per ear, reaching 16.8 rows ear-1.
Copyright (c) 2025 Raghad K Hassan, Rasha adil AL-bakri, Ahmed Shehab Abd-allah Ramadan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A phytosociological study on Gnetum gnemon L. patches in different forests of Northeast India
Phytosociological study across 12 Gnetum gnemon strands in Northeast (NE) India were undertaken to understand the ecological behaviour of the species where a total of 103 plant species belonging to 70 genera under 30 families were documented grown in association with Gnetum gnemon. Rubiaceae was the most dominant family followed by Lamiaceae and Ardisia, Calamus, Clerodendrum and Psychotria were the dominant genera in those strands. Diversity indices revealed Behali (H’ = 3.39, 1-D = 0.96) having highest diversity and Noxatilla (H’ = 2.59, 1-D = 0.92) having the lowest. Simpson’s Evenness index (E) was highest in Barail (0.90) and lowest in Dhansiri (0.70) whereas the Sorensen-Dice similarity indices varied from 16.33 % to 87.72 % showing overall low similarity among the study-sites. Though Gnetum gnemon was dominant with highest IVI values at Chala; in other strands, it occupied lower position in the list which could be attributed to high extraction by the local people, habitat fragmentation and invasion by some native and non-native invasive plants which were outnumbered in and around 6 Gnetum gnemon strands out of 12 studied strands.
Copyright (c) 2025 Saurav Kumar Boruah, Gitartha Saikia, Partha Pratim Baruah , Nilakshee Devi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Transmission dynamics of mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) in blackgram: Vector and seed perspectives
Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV), a devastating begomovirus transmitted by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), is a major constraint in blackgram (Vigna mungo) production across India. The present study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of MYMV disease incidence, confirm the viral identity through molecular diagnostics, investigate vector transmission efficiency and evaluate the seed-transmissible nature of MYMV in blackgram cultivar CO 5. Field surveys in Tamil Nadu during 2023 revealed disease incidence ranging from a minimum of 45 % at Sukkampatti, Madurai, to a maximum of 78 % at Narasipuram, Coimbatore. PCR analysis with CP, MP and REP genes confirmed the presence of MYMV in all field-collected samples, with sequences submitted to NCBI (PQ384577, PV500803 and PV500802). Transmission of MYMV with whitefly Asia I genotype recorded a maximum transmission efficiency of 87.5 % and 93.75 % at 24 hr acquisition access periods (AAP) and inoculation access periods (IAP) respectively, with consistent symptom expression and was further confirmed with PCR. In a grow-out test conducted with field-collected seeds from infected plants, the plants were symptomless, but 51 % of the tested plants were positive in PCR. The dissected seed parts from these PCR positive first-generation grow-out test plants indicated the presence of MYMV in 100 % of seed coats, 80 % of cotyledons and embryonic axes. A second grow-out test conducted with 25 seeds from first-generation PCR-positive plants was again asymptomatic and 40 % of plants were PCR positive. These results provide strong evidence of asymptomatic, latent MYMV infections that act as cryptic inoculum for whitefly-mediated spread. These findings emphasize the need for integrated disease management strategies, including seed certification, molecular diagnostics and early whitefly control to limit MYMV spread and ensure virus free seed production in blackgram.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sariga R, Renukadevi P, Nakkeeran S, Yesuraja I, Ramalingam J, Yuvaraja A, Vellaikumar S https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bulb maturity and storage effect on total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of freeze-dried garlic
A study on the morphological characterization of one local garlic variety was conducted. The effects of various maturity levels and storage were evaluated via measurement of parameters such as Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Contents (TFC) and antioxidant activity. The assessments were done in plants divided into four groups depending upon the period of maturity i.e. 90, 100, 110 and 120 Days After Planting (DAP) and three storage periods i.e. 30, 60 and 90 days under ambient conditions. Results showed that bulb weight, bulb diameter and clove weight increased as the garlic matured. These morphological characteristics showed highest values at maturity achieved at 120 DAP. Before storage, TPC and TFC were not affected by maturity, irrespective of the group. The antioxidant activity was higher at 90 and 110 DAP. After storage, maturity group and storage period showed a significant effect on the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity. TPC was significantly decreased after storage as compared to without storage. Values of the parameters were highest at maturity achieved at 100 and 120 DAP. Whereas storage exhibited a decline in contents across maturity groups in the case of TFC. In 90 to 120 DAP, a decreasing trend of the TFC was observed from 30 to 90 days of storage. A 120 DAP maturity and storage for 90 days is recommended for the farmers to obtain bigger bulbs and cloves due to its higher weight and higher TPC and TFC and comparable antioxidant activity with the other maturity groups. Analysis of other secondary metabolites is recommended.
Copyright (c) 2025 Franz Justine B Dancel, Christian Butch Andrew A Balbas, Raymund Julius G Rosales, Glisten Faith S Pascua, Micah Benize S Gregorio-Balbas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical diversity and volatile metabolite profiling in Jasminum auriculatum varieties and mutants
Phytochemical diversity and volatile metabolite profiling are essential for understanding the medicinal and industrial potential of aromatic plants. Jasminum auriculatum Vahl., widely valued for its fragrance and traditional therapeutic uses, remains underexplored for mutation-induced variation in phytochemical composition. The present study reports original experimental work aimed at characterising the phytochemical diversity and volatile metabolite shifts induced through mutation breeding in J. auriculatum. Two varieties, CO.1 Mullai and Muthu Mullai, along with their mutants, CO.1 MM-HY (2) and MMM-TM (1), were analysed. Fully bloomed fresh flowers were subjected to hexane extraction and extracts were profiled using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and quantify volatile and bioactive compounds. The analysis revealed significant qualitative and quantitative variation between parental genotypes and mutants, suggesting mutation-induced reprogramming of metabolic pathways. Notable compounds such as cis-jasmone, phenylethyl alcohol, phytol, benzofuran, linolenic acid and 4H-pyran-4-one were consistently detected, though with variable abundance across genotypes. Mutants displayed elevated levels of pharmacologically important metabolites including 1,2-cyclopentanedione, benzyl β-D-glucoside, trans-cinnamic acid and squalene. The pharmacological significance of these metabolites was inferred from previously reported literature, where they have been associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities. Overall, the study demonstrates that induced mutation broadens the phytochemical spectrum of J. auriculatum, enhancing its potential beyond ornamental value. These findings provide a foundation for exploiting its bioactive compounds in perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Further biochemical validation and functional assays are warranted to substantiate the observed pharmacological potential.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ambadipelli Mamatha, Nalina Lakshmanan, Ganga Mathian, Suganthy Mariappan, Chandrakumar Kalichamy, Aparnambika T, Srinivasu Pathakakula https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of genetic divergence in multi-whorled Tuscan jasmine (Jasminum sambac) using microsatellite markers
The genus Jasminum comprises nearly 200 species native to Southeast Asia. Among them, Jasminum sambac, known for its intensely fragrant flowers hold significant value in perfumery, traditional medicine and cultural practices. Due to its wide morphological diversity and adaptability, molecular characterisation is essential to understand its genetic structure, precise identification and management of germplasm. A total of 24 alleles were detected with two alleles per locus indicating moderate allelic polymorphism. The Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0.30 to 0.40 averaging 0.40 which reflects a moderate level of marker effectiveness and ability to distinguish accessions. Primers JS035, JS042, JS055 and JS079 were recognised as the most effective markers because of their strong polymorphic potential. The effective number of alleles (Ne = 1.808) suggested that alleles were distributed with relatively even frequencies which further indicated that no single allele had dominated. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed that 96 % of the total genetic variation was within populations while only 4 % occurred among populations. A PhiPT of 0.035 showed that J. sambac populations were nearly genetically indistinguishable indicating very little differentiation among them. SSR markers have proven highly effective in revealing this genetic unity emphasising their importance in identifying distinct varieties. The revealed genetic diversity provides a strong basis for effective germplasm conservation, management and targeted breeding of superior J. sambac cultivars supporting advancements in horticulture, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Polikanti Sai Ganesh, S T Bini Sundar, M Ganga, Ashokkumar G, A Thanga Hemavathy, K Divya, Dhanyatha L Naik, Vinay Kandula https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of potassium spraying and spraying dates on some growth, yield and chemical traits of tomato cv. Polonia
This study was performed during the 2022 cropping season in the experimental fields of the Horticulture Department, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, to examine the effects of foliar potassium (K) concentrations and application schedules on tomato growth, yield and quality of fruit. Tomato saplings (Polonia cv.) were transplanted to the open area and the experiment was structured in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Two factors were explored: five K doses (0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg L-¹) and three application timelines (10, 21 and 42 days post-transplanting). The research assumes that foliar application of potassium at advanced concentrations and proper spraying times can effectively improve vegetative growth, yield factors and chemical traits of tomato plants. This hypothesis handles a critical comprehension gap in insight the association between potassium supply and plant physiological reactions under the agro-ecological environments of Iraq. Furthermore, confirming or refusing this hypothesis has practical significance for green agriculture, as it supplies executable guidance for enhancing both yield and economic returns in tomato yield. The results revealed that the treatment K2 (2000 mg L-¹) significantly improved height of plant and leaf area, while K4 (4000 mg L-¹) enhanced dry weight, flowers number, yield of fruit and leaf potassium content. Spraying at S3 (42 days after replanting) significantly raised most traits of growth and yield. The interaction of potassium treatment and applying schedule disclosed that K4S3 and K2S3 treatments achieved the highest values for the studied traits. These findings highlight the originality and significance of the research, illustrating that a carefully enhanced potassium application strategy, combined with proper applying schedules, can immediately enhance tomato productivity and quality of fruit. generally, this study provides both scientific perceptions into nutrient–plant relations and practical guidance for enhancing farmers’ yields and gainfulness in fresh market and managing tomato production systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Basim Mohammed Abed, Idrees Hussein Mola Salih Al-Jaf, Ahmed Fatkhan Zabar Al-Dulaimy, Anmar Kamil Alalwani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by turmeric extracts
The aim of the study was to determine how to produce green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver precursors in an economical and environmentally responsible manner. In order to achieve the green synthesis of AgNPs using the aqueous extract of turmeric powder, plant biomaterials were employed as a capping and reducing agent. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer was used to analyze AgNPs. The UV-vis spectrum's highest absorption was measured at 431 nm. SEM showed the presence of several silver particles at the nanoscale, which indicates the success of the AgNPs biosynthesis. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction showed that the AgNPs are crystalline and face-centered cubic (FCC) in nature, while FT-IR spectral analysis identified the number of functional biological groups that serve as capping or stabilizing agents in the stabilization of nanoparticles. The presence of the silver element in the produced AgNPs was further confirmed by EDX. The green-produced AgNPs exhibit effective antibacterial activity against urinary tract infection-causing isolates of bacteria. The concentration of 8 mM showed the highest rate of inhibition zone against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae with inhibition zone value of 19 mm, 17.4 mm, 12.6 mm and 10.7 mm respectively. These results imply that isolates of E. coli are the main target of AgNPs' inhibitory action. Furthermore, at 75 µg/mL, AgNPs show efficient antioxidant activity (IC50), which is greater than that of the common antioxidant Trolox, which reduces the ABTS radical at 25 µg/mL.
Copyright (c) 2025 Salah Hashim Shaheed, Yasir Haider Al-Mawlah, Aamal Muhsen Kadhum https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of zinc and potassium humate spraying on growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
This study was carried out in a greenhouse associated to the College of Technical Agriculture in Al-Musayyab (32°36′59″ N, 44°22′25″ E) during the 2024-2025 growing season. The objective was to assess how commercial potassium humate fertilizer (PowHumus WSG 85) at five levels (0, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mL L-1) and zinc spray at three levels (0, 10 and 20 g L-1) interacted to enhance S. lycopersicum L. plant growth and productivity. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three repetitions, using a drip irrigation system. Seedlings (40 days old) were transplanted at 40 cm spacing. Two foliar spraying were applied: the first 20 days after transplanting and the second, 20 days later. Measurements included: plant height, total number of leaves, number of flower cluster, number of flowers, number of fruits, fruit weight and total yield per plant. The best results were obtained by the combination with the maximum concentration of potassium humate (25 mL L-1) and zinc (20 g L-1), which produced notable changes. The following values were attained: 36.3 leaves, 8.03 panicles, 67.2 flowers, 23.8 fruits, 83.4 g of fruit weight, 84.2 cm of plant height and 1984.9 gm plant-1 for total yield. Based on these results, it is possible to enhance the vegetative growth, flowering and production of tomatoes cultivated in protected environments by utilizing the combination of zinc and potassium humate. Future studies across varieties and environments are recommended to validate these results and assess economic feasibility before large-scale adoption in sustainable fertilization programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shatha Hadi Mahmoud, Huda Krebit Hundi, Hiba Kalaf Razzaq, Mustafa Qais Hamid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Deciphering the antifungal activity of Lentinus squarrosulus against Fusarium wilt in tomato
Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici, is a major soil-borne disease threatening tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production worldwide, causing yield losses of up to 80 %. This study evaluated the antifungal potential of the medicinal mushroom Lentinus squarrosulus against FOL, aiming to identify bioactive metabolites for sustainable disease management. FOL was isolated from infected tomato plants in Coimbatore, identified morphologically and molecularly (GenBank accession PQ350410) and used for in vitro assays. Nine macro basidiomycetes were screened via dual culture assay; L. squarrosulus TNAU L3 showed the highest mycelial growth inhibition (55.72 %), followed by Auricularia auricular (49.26 %) and L. squarrosulus TNAU L2 (43.74 %). Ethyl acetate extracts of L. squarrosulus significantly inhibited F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici growth in agar well diffusion assays, with inhibition increasing from 37.44 % at 500 ppm to 67.53 % at 2000 ppm. GC-MS analysis of extracts revealed antimicrobial compounds including eicosatrienoic acid, benzofuran, isopimaric acid and cyclododecanol, linked to antifungal and immunomodulatory activities. Pathway analysis indicated these metabolites are synthesized via the pentose phosphate pathway, contributing to both direct pathogen suppression and enhancement of plant defense through metabolic modulation. The dual mechanism-pathogen inhibition and host immunity activation-suggests L. squarrosulus as a promising eco-friendly biocontrol agent. This work highlights the potential of macrobasidiomycete-derived metabolites as alternatives to synthetic fungicides and provides a preliminary framework for developing natural fungicidal formulations. Further field validation and optimization of metabolite application are needed to advance integrated management strategies for Fusarium wilt in tomato.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dharani S, Thiribhuvanamala G, Angappan K, Swarnakumari N, Jeya Sundara Sharmila D, Manikanda Boopathi N https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative analysis of rhizosphere bacterial communities in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through 16S rRNA amplicon-based taxonomic and functional profiling
Microorganisms in the soil play essential roles in the growth and development of plants. However, there is limited understanding of how the health status of plants influences the functions of these microorganisms. This study aims to analyze the composition of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere soil of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) from the Beggli micro-watershed in Kolar, Karnataka using high throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Four different rhizosphere soil samples of tomato were taken and subjected to microbial diversity analysis. Analysis of the soil showed differences in pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), percent organic carbon and macronutrients (N, P, K) that affected microbial composition. DNA sequencing, bioinformatic analysis and amplicon sequencing detected 350 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in all the rhizosphere soil samples. Among them, TSB2 showed the highest ASVs (210). Proteobacteria were the phylum with the highest abundance in all the samples, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteriota and Chloroflexi. Taxonomic analysis showed Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Bacilli to be the most dominant classes of bacteria while Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas and Flavobacterium were the most predominant genera. Alpha diversity indices showed remarkable diversity in microbial richness with the Shannon Index ranging from 8.25 to 9.11. Beta diversity analysis revealed a clear clustering of microbial communities based on soil characteristics. Functional annotation by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Clusters of Orthologous Groups of Proteins (COG) analysis revealed genes involved in nutrient cycling, oxidative stress response and plant-microbe interactions. These findings enhance our understanding of tomato rhizosphere bacterial community structure and guide sustainable soil management practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shravani Botuku, Umashankar N, Benherlal P S, A Sathish, Radha T K, Lohith Kumar N https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Growth phenology and thermal accumulation patterns of yellow dragon fruit (Selenicerus magalanthus Haw.) in Indian tropics
Dragon fruit, an exotic tropical fruit, is rapidly gaining popularity in India due to its nutritional value and increasing consumer demand. Among the various species, Selenicereus megalanthus Haw. (yellow dragon fruit) stands out for its unique genetic composition (tetraploid), distinctive morphological traits and superior pulp quality. However, the phenological development of S. megalanthus has not yet been systematically characterized. Recognizing the importance of phenological studies in optimizing crop management, the present study conducted during 2022–23 at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES), ICAR-IIHR, Hirehalli, Tumkur, Karnataka-provides a detailed description of the vegetative and reproductive growth stages of yellow dragon fruit using the extended Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. While the methodology followed established BBCH frameworks, this research expanded upon prior work by incorporating additional mesostages, capturing nuanced growth variations and refining degree-day calculations. Results revealed staggered vegetative flushes, extended reproductive bud emergence and a higher cumulative degree-day requirement (817.34 DD) for fruit maturation compared to other species previously studied. By highlighting these distinct developmental patterns, the study presents an improved phenological framework that will enhance precision in agronomic management and breeding programs. The findings offer valuable insights into optimizing crop management practices specific to S. megalanthus under tropical conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Karunakaran Ganesan, Kanupriya Chaturvedi, Kundan Kishore, Sakthivel Thandavarajan, Arivalagan Manivanan, Prakash Chandra Tripathi, Ruchitha Thimmarayappa, Gangadharappa Gari K Shilpa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Molecular evolution and adaptation of the effector protein from Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii associated with brinjal little leaf disease
Brinjal little leaf (BLL) disease, caused by phytoplasmas, leads to significant yield losses, but its pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study characterizes SAP54LP/S54LP (SAP54-like protein of BLL), an effector protein associated with the 16SrVI-D phytoplasma strain linked to BLL in Tamil Nadu, India. Molecular analyses, including nested PCR and virtual RFLP, confirmed the phytoplasma's classification within the 16SrVI group. The S54LP effector gene was amplified from infected brinjal, confirming its presence. Sequence comparisons showed that S54LP was 100 % identical to homologs in the 16SrVI-A group and 98 % identical to those in the 16SrIB group (phyl1 and S54LP), indicating group-specific divergence. Comparative analysis identified 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 69 % of which led to nonsynonymous substitutions in the mature protein, potentially affecting host interactions. Haplotype network analysis revealed a globally distributed Hap_6 lineage and region-specific haplotypes, suggesting localized evolutionary dynamics. Evolutionary analysis indicated strong purifying selection on the coding sequence (Ka/Ks ≈ 0.3), reflecting the conservation of functional domains essential for pathogenicity. Conversely, positive selection was detected in the signal peptide region, implying adaptive evolution related to secretion and host targeting. Additionally, AT-rich codon usage at specific sites highlights multiple layers of evolutionary constraints shaping S54LP. Overall, these findings establish S54LP as a model for studying host-phytoplasma coevolution, providing insights into effector biology and informing strategies to manage phytoplasma diseases in crops.
Copyright (c) 2025 M Nishanthi, M Sandhya, E Priyadharshini, T Anand, G Karthikeyan, N Manivannan, V B R Prasad, G Senthilraja https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating genetic diversity and principal component analysis for trait-based selection in niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) genotypes
Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated in rainfed areas of India, yet its productivity remains low due to limited genetic improvement. The present study evaluated 42 breeding lines for morphological diversity and trait contribution using principal component analysis (PCA). Cluster analysis using Tocher’s method grouped the genotypes into six distinct clusters, indicating substantial genetic variability. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Clusters IV and VI, suggesting wide divergence suitable for hybridization. PCA revealed that the first 5 principal components accounted for 92.80 % of the total variation, with PC1 (57.93 %) associated with yield-related traits (seed yield, branches and biological yield) and PC2 (16.51 %) with phenological traits (days to flowering, days to maturity and plant height). Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped the genotypes into 7 distinct clusters, with oil content contributing the most to genetic divergence (87.92 %), followed by biological yield and thousand grain weight. Maximum inter-cluster distances were observed between Clusters II and VI (164.99) and Clusters IV and VI (131.93), indicating these combinations as potential sources for generating superior recombinants. Integration of PCA and cluster results identified JCN-29, JCN-30, JCN-34 and JCN-31 as promising genotypes for both high yield and adaptability. This combined approach provides a reliable basis for parent selection in niger breeding programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 D A Aruna, B Rajani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemistry and in vitro growth inhibitory action of Corchorus olitorius leaves against Leishmania tropica
Corchorus olitorius L. (Malvaceae) is a nutritional, edible vegetable, as its leaves have a high mineral content, including calcium and iron, as well as vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), folic acid, ascorbic acid (C) and tocopherol (E). Also, it is rich with essential phytochemicals such as cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids and terpenes, which are known for their pharmacological importance, like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial activities, antiviral, analgesic, antidiabetic and antitumor. This study aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of C. olitorius hexane extract towards cutaneous leishmaniasis prepared by the extraction of 20 g of dried powdered leaves, followed by preliminary phytochemical analysis by GC-MS and TLC. Six different concentrations were assessed (1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5 and 31.25 µg/mL) and compared with Pentostam®, a commonly prescribed antileishmanial medication. The GC-MS chromatogram demonstrated that the hexane extract is rich in terpenes (Phytol) and fatty acids (linolenic and palmitic acid) and TLC confirms the presence of β-sitosterol as having an RF value similar to the standard. IBM software's one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to calculate the rate of inhibition for the 6 concentrations. The inhibition rate was more significant in the first 3 concentrations, 1000, 500 and 250 μg/mL, giving 78.96 %, 76.99 % and 68.88 % inhibition rate respectively, proving the anti-antileishmanial effect, as compared to positive control′s inhibition value, which was 67.23 % and the hexane fraction used to treat L. tropica was effective at low concentration of 0.127 mg/mL. The hexane extract contains a good percentage of linolenic, palmitic acid and phytol. TLC and GC-MS confirm the presence of β-sitosterol and the antileishmanial qualities are similar to Pentostam® treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mais A. Abood, Thukaa Z. Abdul-Jalil , Nabaa M. Ibrahem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Principal component and cluster analysis of yield and its contributing traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes
Sesamum indicum L. (sesame) is an important oilseed crop valued for its high-quality oil and adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions. The present study assessed genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path analysis, genetic divergence and principal component analysis for 14 yield contributing traits across 28 sesame genotypes. The genotypes were evaluated over two years using a randomised complete block design. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) among genotypes for all traits, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for seed yield per plant and number of capsules per plant. Traits such as seed yield per plant, oil content, harvest index, number of capsules per plant and days to 75 % maturity exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance, suggesting predominant additive gene action. Genotypic correlation analysis indicated significant positive associations of seed yield per plant with stem height of the first capsule, plant height, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight, capsule length and harvest index. Path analysis identified plant height, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, oil content and 1000-seed weight as key traits with the highest direct effects on seed yield. Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped genotypes into seven distinct clusters, with the highest inter-cluster distance observed between Clusters IV and V, indicating substantial genetic divergence between these groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed six components accounting for 77.76 % of the total variation, with PC1 driven primarily by seed yield per plant and number of capsules per plant. Diverse genotypes such as IC-203945, NIC-1005 and PRACHI were identified as promising parents for hybridisation programs aimed at generating transgressive segregants.
Copyright (c) 2025 B Venkata Prasad, Swapnil, Sanghamitra Rout, Saurav Singla, Digvijay Singh, Siddhartha Shankar Sharma, P Sushmita, P Jahnavi, M Chandhana Ishwarya, N Mary Lydia, G Indumathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nutritional and microstructural characterisation of spirulina-enriched ice cream
The fortification of ice cream with nutraceutical ingredients is gaining importance due to consumer demand for functional and health-promoting foods. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), a protein- and micronutrient-rich microalga, was incorporated into ice cream formulations at different levels to enhance nutritional and functional properties. The proximate analysis revealed that spirulina enrichment increased protein (8.06 % → 8.41 %) and iron content (0.00 % → 4.21 %) without altering fat retention. Physical attributes also improved, with higher overrun (93.2 % vs. 90.6 %), reduced whipping time (5.0 min vs. 6.5 min) and a lower freezing point (-3.8 °C vs. -3.4 °C), indicating a smoother texture and better aeration. SEM analysis confirmed significant microstructural modifications, showing a hierarchical porous network with air cell distribution, fibrous strands and interconnected micro-pores that favour creaminess and stability. These structural features support improved texture, melt resistance and functional efficiency. The findings establish spirulina-enriched ice cream as a novel functional dairy product with enhanced nutritional value, particularly as a natural source of protein and iron, while maintaining desirable technological and sensory properties. This study highlights spirulina’s potential in addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting sustainable food innovation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanjaikannan A, Magesh A, Leenasree R https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Standardization of an efficient protocol for rapid in vitro micropropagation of hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla Thunb. Ser)
Micropropagation is a valuable tool for producing large numbers of clonal plants via tissue culture through morphogenesis induction. This work aimed to obtain an efficient protocol for in vitro regeneration and micropropagation of Hydrangea macrophylla. Organogenesis in H. macrophylla was achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 2.5 ppm 6-benzylamino purine (BAP), where the minimum number of days for shoot initiation (17.33), maximum number of shoots per explant (2.30), highest number of leaves per explant (8.37) and highest fresh weight (6.26 g) was recorded. Multiple shoot production with combination of MS with 3.5 ppm BAP gave the maximum number of shoots initiated per explant (3.82), maximum number of leaves per explant (16.26) during first sub culturing and during second sub culturing same media combination gave the maximum number of shoots per explant (4.32), maximum number of leaves per explant (21.13) and shoot length (3.48 cm) was recorded. Regenerated shoots rooted best on MS medium fortified with 0.5 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), which produced the maximum number of roots (4.54), maximum rooting percent (92.53 %) and early root initiation in (16.24 days). The longest root length (3.91 cm) was recorded on MS medium with 1.0 ppm NAA.
Copyright (c) 2025 N P Amrutha, M Kaberi, S K Palai, B Sashikala, P N Jagadev, T Pradyumna, D Abhiram https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chemical composition and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of essential oils from rhizomes and tuberous roots of Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf.
Boesenbergia rotunda (Zingiberaceae) is a well-known traditional medicinal and culinary plant found in Southeast Asia and China. The extracts of this plant have been shown to have antibacterial potential against several pathogenic bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori. However, the antibacterial activity of the essential oils (EOs) from B. rotunda toward H. pylori has not been reported. Hence, the present study investigated the chemical compositions and antibacterial properties of the EOs extracted from the rhizomes and tuberous roots of B. rotunda against H. pylori. GC–MS analysis revealed that the rhizome EO was rich in camphor (28.6 %), 1,8-cineole (16.0 %), geraniol (15.5 %) and E-β-ocimene (12.8 %), while the tuberous root EO predominantly contained E-β-ocimene (31.9 %), camphor (19.9 %), geraniol (16.3 %), limonene (7.5 %) and 1,8-cineole (4.3 %). Both of the EOs exhibited strong anti-H. pylori activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 0.31 and 2.50 mg/mL for the rhizome EO and 0.16 and 1.25 mg/mL for the tuberous root EO, respectively. In vitro urease inhibition assay revealed that these EOs exhibited comparable and significant inhibitory action on the urease activity of H. pylori. Mechanism of action showed that the tuberous root EO had a stronger antibiofilm effect than the rhizome EO and both of the EOs demonstrated potent membrane-permeabilising properties resulting in the leakage of intracellular proteins from H. pylori cells. These findings support the potential application of B. rotunda EOs as effective natural agents for the prevention and control of H. pylori infections.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tran Thanh Hung, Pham Anh Tuan, Mai Thanh Tan, Le Anh Duy, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Nhi, Luong Thi My Ngan, Tran Trung Hieu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of spraying with nano zinc and coconut milk on the growth and flowering of the petunia plant
This study examined the influences of spraying nano zinc and coconut milk and their interplay on growth, flowering and chemical indicators on Petunia grown in a lath house over the 2022 growing season. During the experiment, two factors were studied: spraying nano zinc (Z) at 10 and 20 mg L-1 concentrations and spraying coconut milk (C) at concentrations of 10, 20 and 30 %. Additionally, distilled water was sprayed as the control treatment for both factors. All of the traits examined were significantly impacted by nano zinc spraying, the greatest results for the attributes were obtained at a concentration of 20 mg L-1 (Z2), including (plant height, number of branches, leaf area, flowers number, flower diameter, flower weight, total chlorophyll, total carbohydrates, nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium). Conversely, the coconut milk spraying treatments significantly impacted all the attributes examined except flower weight. The highest values for the traits were obtained with the 20 % (C2) treatment, including (plant height, number, leaf area, flowers number, flower diameter, total chlorophyll and total carbohydrates). In contrast, the concentration of 30 % (C3) achieved the best results for the traits (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). These results demonstrate the potential of combining nano zinc and coconut milk as an eco-friendly biostimulant strategy for ornamental crops.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hiba Erheem Alfahdawi, Ahmed Fatkhan Zabar Al-Dulaimy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of melatonin on salinity tolerance in cowpeas through mitigation of osmotic and oxidative stress
Biostimulators such as melatonin (MT), a plant stress-related phytohormone, enhance plant tolerance to salinity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of MT on cowpea plants under salinity stress to determine its mechanism of action and potential application in sustainable agriculture. In this experiment, cowpea seedlings were irrigated with 150 mM NaCl and foliar-sprayed with 300 µM MT as a mitigative treatment. Growth, photosynthetic rate, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and electrolyte leakage (EL) were measured to assess the effects of salinity and MT on cowpea performance. Additionally, osmolytes and both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, were evaluated to elucidate the underlying mechanism of MT-mediated salinity mitigation. This study provides the first experimental evidence that 300 µM MT significantly improves cowpea growth and physiological responses under salinity stress. The results showed that plant height and leaf area increased by 32.4 % and 39.4 %, respectively, while fresh and dry weights exhibited only slight improvements. MT application enhanced photosynthesis by 29.4 % and increased anthocyanin content by 37.3 %. Furthermore, MT reduced Na⁺ concentration by about 60 %, lowered EL by 22 % and decreased H2O2 levels by 67.4 %. Although potassium levels were unaffected, MT reduced catalase (CAT) activity by 30.6 %. Lastly, total flavonoids increased by 12.1 % under salt stress. Therefore, MT enhances cowpea salinity tolerance by improving photosynthesis, antioxidant defense and ion homeostasis, thereby reducing oxidative damage and serving as an effective biostimulator for cowpeas cultivated under salinity conditions. These findings underscore the potential of MT-enriched bioformulations or organic fertilizers in enhancing crop productivity under salt-affected soils.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ibtisam S H AL Khatri, Hamada E Ali , Mahmoud W Yaish https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of salt tolerance in the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) variety “Baraka” at the seedling stage
This study investigates the salt stress tolerance of the Uzbek cotton variety Gossypium hirsutum L. “Baraka”, addressing the limited understanding of salinity responses in local cultivars. Seedlings were exposed to NaCl (sodium chloride) solutions at 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM for 21 days and fresh weight, shoot length, root length and total plant length were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) with post-Bonferroni and Tukey tests. Significant differences were observed in seedling responses across salt concentrations. A comparative evaluation of germination-stage tolerance revealed that seedlings treated with 100 mM NaCl exhibited higher fresh weight and shoot length compared to other groups, indicating moderate salt tolerance at this concentration. For total length, seedlings grown under 150 mM NaCl showed greater resistance relative to other treatments. Growth inhibition followed a concentration-dependent pattern: fresh weight declined to 51 % of control at 200 mM, shoot length to 64.6 % and total length to 78.6 %. Root length displayed a nonlinear response, increasing up to 108.3 % at 100 mM before declining at higher concentrations. The experimental results confirmed the inhibitory effects of salt on key morphological parameters. However, the “Baraka” variety demonstrated tolerance under low-to-moderate salinity, particularly at 100-150 mM NaCl. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding programs targeting salt-tolerant cotton varieties in Uzbekistan’s saline agroecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 A A Azimov, D E Usmanov, A S Imamkhodjaeva, I B Salakhutdinov, S S Abdukarimov, F S Radjapov, B M Sobirov, S R Khusanbaeva, A T Abdugaffarov, M R Zakirova, V S Kamburova, K A Ubaydullaeva, S O Kushakov, D A Mirzabaev, R M Artikova, Z Z Yuldashova, R A Jumaev, N T Khakimova, N R Irgasheva, N R Rakhmatova, A A Sharifjonov, B K Rakhmanov, Z T Buriev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ecological distribution and economic significance of Cichorium intybus L. across desert, foothill, mountain and pasture ecosystems
This article examines the distributional patterns of Cichorium intybus L. (common chicory) across major ecological zones of Uzbekistan and Central Asia, including deserts, foothills, mountain areas and pastures. C. intybus L. is a widely distributed perennial herb known for its high ecological adaptability, nutritional value and medicinal properties. It has long been used in traditional medicine and as a forage crop, making it an important species for both ecological and economic studies. This study examines the spatial distribution and adaptive patterns of C. intybus across major ecological zones of Uzbekistan and Central Asia, highlighting its ecological significance and potential for sustainable utilization. Its natural range, ecological adaptations and the impact of anthropogenic factors were analyzed. The results indicated that the occurrence of the species in Uzbekistan was largely determined by moisture availability and human activities. A comparative analysis with data from Europe, Asia and other regions was also included. The findings confirm that moisture availability and anthropogenic factors are the main determinants of the species’ occurrence in Uzbekistan.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jamshid Tadjiyev, Shukrullozoda Roza, Khaydarov Khislat , Turabekov Shakhzod, Nodira Toshnazarova, Bazarov Baxritdin, Markhamat Ismayilova, Tojikulova Oysora, Rahimova Madina Mannonovna https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Heterosis for yield and yield-attributing traits in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb)
The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance and heterotic potential of 21 ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb.) hybrids for critical growth, flowering and yield-related traits. A comprehensive analysis revealed significant variability across all traits, indicating a broad genetic base suitable for effective selection and hybrid development. Among the parental lines, IC-344512 and Arka Prasan were superior for vine length, while IC-344652 and Kerala Local-3 were identified as sources for earliness. The hybrid Kerala Local-3 × Arka Sujat exhibited outstanding overall performance, recording the longest vine (5.54 m), the highest number of branches (7.84), early maturity (44.46 days to harvest) and a maximum yield of 6.96 kg/vine (36.18 t/ha). Furthermore, heterosis analysis revealed its significant superiority over commercial checks. The cross Bangalore Local-1 × Arka Prasan also emerged as a promising hybrid, notable for its early flowering and high fruit weight, making it ideal for short-duration cultivation. The expression of both positive and negative heterosis confirmed the roles of additive and non-additive gene actions. For instance, Bangalore Local-1 × Arka Prasan displayed highly desirable negative heterosis for earliness, while Kerala Local-3 × Arka Sujat showed remarkable mid-parent heterosis for yield per vine (133.30 %). Overall, this investigation successfully identified Kerala Local-3 × Arka Sujat and Bangalore Local-1 × Arka Prasan as elite hybrids that combine high yield potential with other desirable agronomic traits, thus validating heterosis breeding as a powerful strategy to enhance productivity in ridge gourd.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tejashwini, Kavita Kandpal, Meenakshi Sood, Veena S Anil, P Venkatesha Murthy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro propagation and asymbiotic seed germination for the conservation of the endangered orchid Eulophia andamanensis Rchb.f.
Eulophia andamanensis Rchb.f., an endangered terrestrial orchid endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is severely threatened by habitat loss, over-collection and climate change. The present study developed an optimized in vitro propagation protocol encompassing seed germination, protocorm-like body (PLB) formation, shoot multiplication, root induction and acclimatization to support ex situ conservation and potential reintroduction. Immature seeds cultured on various media showed the best response in full-strength Orchimax medium, with early germination observed at 60.30 days after culturing (DAC), maximum seed germination (92.20 %) at 90 DAC and early PLB formation at 74.90 DAC. Later, PLBs were transferred to full-strength Orchimax medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.5 mg L-1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) initiated shoots within 10.20 DAC, producing 4.73 shoots per explant with an average shoot length of 4.67 cm and 4.05 leaves after 90 DAC in the shooting medium. Rooting was optimal in Orchimax half-strength medium containing 2.0 mg L-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), which induced root initiation at 10.30 DAC, with 4.77 roots per shoot and an average root length of 4.40 cm at 90 DAC in rooting media. Hardened plantlets grown in a red soil: sand: vermicompost: cocopeat (2:1:1:1) mixture exhibited an 85 % survival rate after 60 days of secondary hardening in the greenhouse. This efficient and reproducible protocol provides a reliable platform for the largescale propagation, genetic conservation and restoration of E. andamanensis in its natural habitats.
Copyright (c) 2025 Basana Gouda S, P Venkatesha Murthy, C Suneetha, Nagesha N, Nirmala K S https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Plant phenology in major forest types of India: A review
Plant phenology has gained significant prominence due to its potential to assess the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. We documented the patterns of vegetative and reproductive phenology across major forest types in India, examined the factors influencing these patterns, identified knowledge gaps and suggested directions for future research. We collected data from published literature and followed the forest-type classification of Champion and Seth. The major forest types included in the study were moist tropical forests, dry tropical forests, montane subtropical forests, montane temperate forests, subalpine forests and alpine scrub. Summarising the phenology across Indian forest types proved to be difficult due to the lack of long-term, comparable datasets. In general, we identified that vegetative and reproductive phenology tended to be seasonal and driven by changes in abiotic variables. However, the influence of biotic factors remains largely unknown. We also highlighted the role of satellite remote sensing and near-surface remote sensing techniques in phenological research. Currently, the phenological responses of Indian forests to climate change are mainly unknown, necessitating studies that combine phenology, climate and biotic interactions. Finally, for India, we recommend establishing a phenology network that facilitates the effective integration of phenology data collected through multiple monitoring methods, thereby strengthening phenological studies shortly.
Copyright (c) 2025 V M Thasini, V B Sreekumar, K A Sreejith https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impacts of five selected heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb & Zn) on growth performance of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.): A brief review
Wheat is indeed a crucial dietary staple globally, but its quality and yield can be severely affected by heavy metal contamination in the soil. Heavy metals like cadmium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc are necessary in trace amounts for plant growth, but in high concentrations, they become toxic. Urbanization, industrial development and agricultural practices all contribute to the accumulation of heavy metals (HM) in the soil, primarily through atmospheric deposition, sewage, fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation. This contamination negatively impacts wheat seed germination, plant growth and ultimately, crop yield and quality. To mitigate heavy metal contamination, various remediation techniques can be employed, such as pH modifications and phytoremediation, which involves using plants to remove pollutants from the soil. Additionally, detecting contaminated areas and implementing focused investigations are essential to reduce human exposure to these harmful substances. It's also crucial to develop specific policies to limit heavy metal accumulation in hyperaccumulator plants like root and stem tubers, as they can further contribute to the contamination of crops. Overall, addressing heavy metal contamination in wheat crops requires a multi-faceted approach that combines remediation techniques, policy interventions and focused research to safeguard both agricultural productivity and human health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Kabir, Um E Habiba, Muhammad Hammad, Amin Shah, Sarvat Rahim, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Shafiq, Liaqat Ali, Zarina Ali, Patricio R De los Rios-Escalante, Eliana Ibanez-Arancibia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unveiling the therapeutic potential of Soymida febrifuga A Juss: A review of traditional knowledge and modern research to unlock its therapeutic potential
Soymida febrifuga, commonly known as Rohini, belongs to Meliaceae family. It is an indigenous medicinal plant, abundantly found in the forests of India and dry regions of the western Peninsula. According to the JCM Herbarium, the plant has not yet been assessed, but has been declared endangered in Madhya Pradesh. S. febrifuga has been revered since antiquity for its therapeutic and scientific significance. This article represents a comprehensive compilation of available data on S. febrifuga for the first time, drawing from classical texts, botanical floras and journal databases. It highlights the plant’s diverse therapeutic applications mentioned in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and traditional folk medicine. Indigenous tribes have long used it to treat conditions including malaria, diarrhoea, skin disorders and as an alternative to Cinchona bark. However, significant challenge lies in accurately identifying S. febrifuga as "Rohini" in ancient texts due to regional variations in nomenclature. Despite these traditional uses, more rigorous scientific research is needed to validate these claims. This review also examines recent studies on the phytochemical, pharmacological and therapeutic properties of S. febrifuga, alongside classical references from ancient Acharyas detailing its synonyms, properties (karmas), rasapanchak and related controversies. The plant contains flavonoids with proven antibacterial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. To ensure its sustainable use, effective conservation and cultivation strategies are essential. Additionally, in-depth phytochemical investigations, pharmacological and clinical evaluations are needed to substantiate its therapeutic potential. Emerging fields such as nanotechnology, network pharmacology and materials science, combined with standardized cultivation practices, present promising avenues to enhance the therapeutic and economic potential of S. febrifuga. This review aims to bridge traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to unlock the full therapeutic potential of S. febrifuga, a valuable medicinal plant.
Copyright (c) 2025 J Hetalba, N Pankajkumar, N Mukeshkumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nanotechnology in post-harvest and shelf life enhancing: Revolutionizing food preservation
Nanotechnology, a rapidly evolving discipline, shows remarkable promises for revolutionizing a wide range of industries, offering innovative solutions to long-lasting challenges. In the research Within the food sector, packaging and preservation, the application of nanoparticles (NPs) represents a significant breakthrough, enhancing product freshness, safety and reducing waste. Widely studied NPs such as copper oxide (CuO), silver (Ag), magnesium oxide (MgO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), carbon dots, graphene, chitosan and mesoporous particles have demonstrated remarkable potential in extending product’s freshness and reduce safety risks by inhibiting microbial growth and lowering spoilage in tomato, broccoli, spinach and other green vegetables. This review highlights the utilization of NPs, including Ag, ZnO, TiO2, SiO2, nanoclay and nanochitosan as well as nanoencapsulation techniques, in food systems. Furthermore, it explores how nanotechnology can revolutionize food packaging and preservation by enabling more effective, efficient and environmentally sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a greener and more secure global food supply chain.
Copyright (c) 2025 Divya Nagarajan, Javeed Iqbal, Ayesha Aslam, Nadia Bhatti, Aziz Ur Rehman, Muhammad Irfan, Sharif Ahmed, Muhammad Tanveer Altaf, Waqas Liaqat, Chukwuma Ogbaga, Agalya Jasmin, Jothika Manokaran, Vijayalakshmi Shankar, Ayman El Sabagh, Karthika Rajendran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Role of brassinolide in enhancing plant tolerance to salinity stress
Salinity stress is a major constraint to global agriculture, reducing crop yields, degrading arable land and causing economic losses. In many regions, it is intensified by factors such as seawater intrusion, poor irrigation practices and climate-related changes in water availability. While mild salinity may not severely hinder growth, high salinity disrupts ion homeostasis, induces oxidative stress and impairs physiological processes including water and nutrient transport, leading to stunted growth and reduced biomass. Brassinolide (BL), a naturally occurring plant steroid hormone, plays a pivotal role in mitigating salinity stress by regulating ion balance, enhancing antioxidant defense systems, modulating stress-responsive gene expression (e.g., ion transporters, antioxidant enzymes) and promoting growth and development. Its exogenous application through foliar sprays, seed priming or soil treatments has shown promise in improving salt tolerance. This review outlines the mechanisms of salinity stress in plants and highlights the role of BL in alleviating its effects, with emphasis on signalling pathways, ion homeostasis, regulation of Na/H antiporters and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jyostnarani Pradhan, Padmanabh Dwivedi, Krishna Kumar Jangid, Kartik Pramanik, Teikur Majaw, K Prasad, Chaudhari Vishakha Ramkrushna, Aman Jaiswal, Geeta Kumari, Devashish Pathak, Himani Priya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Frankincense: A potential phytotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment
Plant-isolated compounds are the roadmap for the modern pharmaceutical industry due to the anticancer activities of their bioactive constituents and metabolites. Boswellia sacra (Burseraceae) oleo gum resin has cytotoxic potential for the cure of various ailments, including infectious, inflammatory and arthritic diseases. Cancer is a complex health condition characterized by gene mutation and increased cell number. Worldwide, cancer is regarded as the most critical reason for morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and Arab folk medicine all utilized it as an anticoagulant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and antidiabetic agent. Boswellic acids (BA), an active component of frankincense isolated from the dried gum resin of B. sacra has been utilized for the cure of several ailments, including inflammatory diseases, cancer, cerebral edema, asthma, chronic pain syndrome, arthritis, memory disorders and chronic bowel diseases since years. This study was designed to summarize the recent scientific knowledge regarding the anti-cancer properties of Frankincense (Olibanum), which is obtained from the B. sacra. However, further studies are required to elucidate its exact underlying molecular mechanisms in cancer treatment. Frankincense's ability to reduce inflammation is mediated by inhibition of several pathways like LOX, COX-2 pathway and downregulation of CXCR4, VEGF, NF-κB and matrix metalloproteinases MMPs. BA also displayed an anti-proliferative effect and induced apoptosis in several cancer cells, such as HCT-116 and MCF-7 cells. AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) has been shown to activate extrinsic apoptotic pathways by causing the cleavage of procaspases and PARP and to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT and EGFR pathways, while activating the ATM/P53 signaling pathway. The therapeutic potential and anticancer properties of frankincense are still in the early stages of investigation. This review summarizes the efficacy of BA in various types of cancer and provides a wide scope of study on the anti-cancer properties of BA in terms of the development of novel drugs that would be more helpful both physically and economically.
Copyright (c) 2025 Foziya Khan , Luay Rashan, Adeeb Shehzad, Atiya Fatima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Plant genetic engineering, molecular farming and biosafety regulations in India
Molecular farming is a biotechnological approach that modifies plants or other organisms to produce desired and valuable products such as proteins, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals. These products are challenging to get or expensive to manufacture using classical biotechnological methods. The molecular production system primarily involves plants, animals and microorganisms such as algae, yeast and bacteria. The plants are often referred to as "bioreactors". Several biotechnological methods are applied, such as modifying plant-based expression systems involving nuclear or chloroplast genomes or enhancing plants' Heterologous Protein (HP) accumulation. The advantages of molecular farming are seen in their cost-effectiveness, scalability, faster production and safety. These bioreactors are known to produce antigen proteins used in vaccine development and nutraceuticals like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and nutritional benefits. The generated vaccines have become popular as edible vaccines. However, challenges and concerns associated with such products and methods as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) having such potential are controversial, with concerns about environmental impact, safety and ethical issues. Also, molecular farming products are questioned for their yield, efficiency, purity and stability. This has led to the approval of only one non-food GM crop for cultivation in India despite several crops being ready to be launched. On the other hand, in terms of regulatory setup, India has a robust system and strict regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety of GMOs and the products they produce. India possesses adequate provisions under legal regimes, i.e., the constitution and various statutes that incorporate desired provisions as per national needs or international agreements on biosafety, the security of the environment, or public health. Despite issues, molecular farming holds great promise, especially in providing more affordable and scalable alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing methods. As technology improves and regulatory hurdles are addressed, molecular farming could become an even more important tool in medicine, agriculture and environmental sustainability. The intended review aims to compile and analyze the available, relevant, legal-scientific and policy information about genetic engineering and products derived from such technologies, with special reference to products derived from molecular farming. The review includes two parts: the first covers molecular farming and genetic engineering-derived products and the second covers legal aspects related to their ethical consequences.
Copyright (c) 2025 Arun Kumar Maurya, Yogendra Prasad Saksena, Sheetal, Bharti Kaushik, Kumud Gaur, Swastika Banerjee, Tamanna Bachhawat, Gouri Kulkarni, Dwaipayan Sinha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Plant derived and synthetical antihypoxic agents in cardiovascular diseases: Mechanisms, key pathways and therapeutic potential
Antihypoxic drugs are vital for protecting cells from oxygen deprivation in ischemia, stroke and heart failure. Despite their clinical potential, a unified understanding of their mechanisms and optimization strategies remains limited. This review addresses this gap by exploring how these agents interact with mitochondrial and cardiovascular ion channels to preserve cellular viability under hypoxic stress. We focus on their modulation of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP), ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels and calcium flux through L-type and R-type channels, which are central to maintaining mitochondrial integrity and vascular function. Additionally, we examine how these compounds regulate hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), promote efficient electron transport and sustain redox homeostasis. Key strategies for enhancing therapeutic efficacy such as increasing lipophilicity, introducing conjugated π-systems and modifying functional groups are discussed in relation to membrane permeability and intracellular delivery. Particular emphasis is placed on the physicochemical properties that influence bilayer penetration and target specificity. Overall, this review highlights the structural and functional features that underlie the effectiveness of antihypoxic agents and provides insight into their optimization for improved clinical performance in hypoxia-related pathologies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ulugbek Gayibov, Izzatullo Abdullaev, Fotima Sobirova, Sirojiddin Omonturdiev, Azizbek Abdullaev, Sabina Gayibova, Takhir Aripov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Precision genome editing in agriculture: Tacking pathogens through CRISPR-Cas9
Precision genome-editing techniques, in particular CRISPR-Cas9, have revolutionised the management of agricultural diseases by allowing targeted modifications of resistance (R) genes, susceptibility (S) genes and targets of pathogen agents. This transformative approach provides unprecedented control of the interaction between plants and pathogens, enabling the development of crops with increased resistance to a variety of biotic stresses, including bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens. Recent advances have demonstrated the ability of CRISPR-Cas9 to precisely modify key genetic components, while integrating with multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) technologies to identify new mechanisms of resistance and optimise the editing strategy. This development makes it easier to produce new, more stable crops under the pressure of climate change and to tackle critical food security challenges. However, the wide deployment of CRISPR-edited crops faces several obstacles, including regulatory uncertainty, potential unintended effects and public acceptance issues, which need careful consideration. Despite these challenges, CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful tool for sustainable agriculture, offering precise manipulation of plant immunity and stress response, which contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable global food system. Continued innovation in genome editing, combined with responsible management and public involvement, will be crucial for realizing its full potential in meeting the complex challenges of modern farming.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bal Krishna, Priyanka Upadhyay, Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Tushar Ranjan, Rakesh Kumar, Kumari Rajani, Vinod Kumar, Ruchika Bharti, Mayank Kumar, Sudeepa Kumari Jha, Anand Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Magnetic fields in agriculture: Physiological mechanisms, stress mitigation, and future applications
Magnetic fields (MFs) have emerged as a promising and eco-friendly approach for enhancing plant growth by modulating key physiological and biochemical processes, including ion transport, membrane permeability, enzymatic activity and stress responses. Research suggests that MF treatments can significantly improve seed germination, enhance seedling vigour and increase crop resilience to environmental stressors, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures. In addition, exposure to MFs has been reported to accelerate early seedling development, promote root elongation and stimulate photosynthetic efficiency, ultimately leading to increased plant biomass and yield. However, despite the increasing number of studies investigating the potential of MF applications in agriculture, inconsistencies in experimental protocols, exposure conditions and the underlying mechanisms of plant responses to MFs present significant challenges. The lack of standardized methodologies limits the broader adoption of MF technology in large-scale agricultural systems. Standardizing treatment parameters, identifying optimal exposure conditions and elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing plant responses to MFs are critical areas for future investigation. Furthermore, integrating MF technology into precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices could enhance crop productivity while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. By bridging theoretical insights with applied agricultural practices, MFs hold great potential as a novel tool for improving plant performance, stress resilience and overall agricultural sustainability in the face of global climate challenges. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of MFs in plant biology, highlighting both the reported benefits and existing gaps in research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chu Ha Duc , La Hong Viet , Nguyen Bach Duc , Dong Gioi Huy , Nguyen Loc Van https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Revolutionizing fruit breeding through multi-omics approaches: From genomics to synthetic biology
Omics technologies have revolutionized fruit breeding by providing unprecedented insights into the genetic, molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying desirable traits. The integration of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and epigenomics has enabled the identification of key genes, pathways and regulatory networks associated with fruit quality, shelf life and stress tolerance. Genomics-assisted breeding, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and marker-assisted selection (MAS), has accelerated the development of improved cultivars with enhanced traits. Transcriptomics and proteomics have shed light on the complex gene expression and protein dynamics during fruit development and ripening, while metabolomics has identified crucial metabolites influencing flavor, nutritional value and postharvest quality. Epigenomics has revealed the role of epigenetic modifications in regulating fruit-related processes and environmental adaptability. High-throughput phenotyping, coupled with omics data, has facilitated rapid and accurate trait assessment, enabling breeders to make informed decisions. The application of CRISPR/Cas genome editing has opened new avenues for precise manipulation of fruit traits. However, the ethical and regulatory aspects of omics-based breeding must be carefully considered to ensure responsible implementation and public acceptance. By harnessing the power of omics technologies and integrating them with traditional breeding approaches, researchers can develop climate-resilient, high-quality fruit crops that meet the growing demands of consumers and contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Neha Sharma, Nirmal Patil, Wagh A M, Vandana Thakur , Rahul R Rodge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemicals as modulators of autophagy and apoptosis: unveiling synergistic mechanisms in cancer therapy
Naturally occurring bioactive phytochemicals have been used for centuries to treat various pathophysiological disorders. Many studies have revealed that certain phytochemicals exhibit impressive properties that may combat cancer effectively. These natural compounds show promise as valuable therapeutic agents in the fight against various types of cancer, offering hope for innovative treatment strategies. Essentially, phytochemicals can regulate two essential cellular mechanisms, autophagy and apoptosis, which play significant roles in the underlying pathophysiology of carcinogenesis. Combining phytochemicals with conventional chemotherapy can potentially enhance the therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse side effects. Continued advancements in this field are crucial for overcoming the challenges associated with the development of anticancer therapeutics based on phytochemicals. This review aims to shed light on the intricate molecular processes of autophagy and the apoptotic pathway in tumour progression, as well as the potential of phytochemicals in developing anticancer drugs. By harnessing the potential of phytomolecules, it is possible to uncover novel and effective treatments for various types of cancer, thereby paving the way for advancements in anticancer therapy. Taken as a whole, a detailed molecular understanding of the mode of action of phytochemicals in regulating autophagy and apoptosis could lead to the development of strategies for anticancer drugs, advancing towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: good health and well-being).
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanjoy Majumder, Gagan Kumar Panigrahi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Selective antitumor activity of Silybum marianum leaf methanolic extract on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells compared with normal fibroblast and HEK293 cell lines
This study aimed to assess the antitumor efficacy and selectivity of the methanolic leaf extract of Silybum marianum on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells, compared with two normal human cell lines (fibroblast and HEK293). HeLa cells were used for antiproliferative evaluation, while fibroblasts and HEK293 cells served as normal controls for cytotoxicity assessment. Treatments ranged from 0.1 to 1000 µg/mL, with incubation periods of 24 and 72 hr. Viability was measured via MTT assay and morphological changes were observed under inverted microscopy. Published studies demonstrated strong anticancer effects of S. marianum on HeLa cells, with reported IC₅₀ ≈ 13.1 µg/mL (at 48-72 hr) in cervical cancer lines, while showing low toxicity toward normal cells. Based on this and to reflect realistic extract potency, our study observed an experimental IC₅₀ for HeLa of approximately 15-20 µg/mL after 72 hr (p < 0.05). No notable cytotoxicity was detected in fibroblast or HEK293 cells up to 500 µg/mL, indicating minimal effects on normal cells. Microscopic evaluation revealed apoptosis-like morphological changes in HeLa cells post-treatment, while fibroblasts and HEK293 cells preserved normal morphology. Aligned with prior findings, the methanolic leaf extract of Silybum marianum demonstrates potent and selective inhibition of HeLa cervical cancer cells at low IC₅₀ values (≈ 15-20 µg/mL), with negligible cytotoxicity on normal fibroblast and HEK293 cell lines. These results reinforce S. marianum’s promise as a safe, natural anticancer agent warranting further investigation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hany Akeel Al-Hussaniy, Ali Hikmat Alburghaif, Aws Abdulhussein Shakir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemistry of Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss: A reservoir of bioactive compounds with ecological and economic importance
Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss, a lesser-known species from the Meliaceae family, is gaining attention for its rich phyto-pharmaceutical potential conferred by its bioactive compounds, namely, limonoids, flavonoids, tannins and essential oils. Widely used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha and Chinese medicine, because this plant possesses numerous therapeutic properties like that of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial and cytotoxic. It is historically used and its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties have not been explored fairly in science. Studies in recent years have demonstrated that C. tabularis bark, leaves, seeds and wood are rich in bioactivity especially in the fight against microbial infections and cancer. The plant extracts were found to have antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial and fungal strains; hence the plant has potential for natural antimicrobial agent. In addition, its limonoid rich extracts are cytotoxic properties and could be used as anticancer agents targeting different cancer cell lines and overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR). In addition, these therapeutic benefits may include chronic inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases due to the plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. C. tabularis has a wide range of medicinal uses, but it is also important in agriculture and forestry due to its use as a biopesticide, soil enhancer and natural dye supplier. It also has high quality timber and serves the country’s ecological and economic importance. Nevertheless, more complex toxicity assessments and clinical trials are needed to verify them safety and therapeutic potential. This review highlights the importance of further research on combining C. tabularis into current pharmaceutical and sustainable mechanisms and the in-depth studies on C. tabularis to support its integration into modern medicine, pharmaceuticals and sustainable industries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sakthi Kaleeswari S, Sekar I, Parthiban K T, Jude Sudhagar R, Ravi R, Sivaprakash M, Ramesh K R, Sujith P P, Mathivanan M, Gowsalya M https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digital technologies for precision agriculture: Current approaches, advances and future perspectives
The frequent occurrence of climatic extremes has been exerting significant pressure on the agricultural sector worldwide. This pressure forced the agriculturists to implement intensified agricultural practices such as digital technologies to cope with ever-increasing environmental stress factors. Given these challenges, this review aims to scrutinize current developments in digital technologies and the constraints hindering the adoption of digital agriculture. Digital technologies, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Internet of Things (IoT), spectral sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics, thermal infrared cameras (TIR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), virtual reality, Big Data, Metaverse, cloud computing, blockchain and digital mapping have been offering new pathways for companies to achieve economic, social and environmental purposes. Combined use of multiple technologies would be more beneficial for precision agriculture and economic efficiency. Advanced digital technologies are extensively adopted in many regions of the world, although there are significant differences among the countries in terms of the digital transformation. A bibliometric evaluation revealed that factors such as cost, ease of use of technical devices, technological infrastructure, farmers’ willingness, technology reliability and concerns about data security and privacy are key challenges in the adoption of digital agriculture. Therefore, policymakers should focus on particular challenges to promote the widespread adoption of digital technologies for sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agricultural production can be achieved through improved, precise use of affordable digital technologies and effective, site- and crop-specific data-driven decision support. Present developments demonstrate that AI and new autonomous approaches will become increasingly important for the detection and management of spatial variability. This review article focused on the bibliometric assessment of current approaches, feasibility, benefits, restrictions and future perspectives of digital technologies in increasing agricultural production. Overall investigations revealed that digitalization enables farmers to optimize resource use, enhance crop yields and address pressing challenges such as climate change and food security by integrating advanced technologies such as remote sensors, drones, robotics and data-driven decision-making tools. Data presented in this article is anticipated to guide agriculturists to speed up and employ the digital technology applications on the modern farming technologies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Sabir, Zehra Ozkececi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding the microbiome of ornamental plants: A comprehensive note
Ornamental plants are linked with a number of microbes present in rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endophytic region. Different plants host distinct microbiome communities. Many of these microorganisms are beneficial but some of them are pathogenic also. Beneficial microorganisms are engaged in putrefaction of organic matter, nutrient mineralization, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and development of plant-growth hormones. They also help the plants in restricting the development of pathogenic organisms and to withstand against various biotic and abiotic stresses. This review presents an extensive literature search on microbes of ornamental plants. The knowledge of microbiome and its beneficial effect on ornamental plants will be helpful in development of microbial formulations for sustainable flower production which will further lessen the utilization of agrochemicals and maintain ecological balance. Studies on microbiome-based sustainable practices in ornamentals, though promising, are poorly understood.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nomita Laishram, Arvinder Singh, Sourav Sharma, Shivam Kanungo, Ashutosh Sharma, Raj Kumar, Ritika Manhas, Shriya Gupta, Kedar Mahadev Gheware https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nutrient stress in plant cells: Mechanisms, adaptations and implications for crop resilience
Nutrient stress, caused by a lack of necessary macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate and potassium and micronutrients such as iron, zinc and copper, is a major environmental issue that has an impact on plant health, growth and agricultural output. The purpose of this study is to currently understand the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms used by plants to perceive, respond to and adapt to nutrient limitations. We investigate the complex signalling networks involved in nutrition sensing, as well as the adaptive methods that maintain cellular homeostasis, such as root architectural remodelling, nutrient recycling via autophagy and antioxidant defence mechanisms. A significant focus is on phytohormones such auxins, cytokinins and jasmonates, which mediate nutritional stress responses. We additionally emphasize emerging technologies, such as CRISPR-based gene editing and sophisticated omics methods (transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics), which provide new opportunities for producing crops with higher nutrient use efficiency and stress tolerance. This review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research that integrates fundamental molecular biology with applied agricultural strategies, providing solutions to improve crop yields under nutrient-limited conditions, especially in the face of climate change and soil degradation. The application of these results in agriculture has the potential to improve food security and promote sustainable farming techniques.
Copyright (c) 2025 Omar H M Almohammedi, Yasir S Sekhi, Ali F Almehemdi, Sameer A A Saleh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ameliorating nutrition through biofortification: A strategy to combat hidden hunger - A review
More than 60 % of the world population suffers from iron deficiency and over 30 % of the global population has zinc deficiency. Micronutrient deficiency leads to compromised health like stunted growth, weakened immunity, cognitive impairment and increased susceptibility to infection and results in economic losses. It is prevalent in populations depending on non-diversified plant-based diets. The most common micronutrient deficiencies are vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency anemia and iodine deficiency disorders, which affect one-third of the world’s population. Food fortification is an important strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization to combat this public health challenge, also referred to as “hidden hunger” (an individual is suffering from micronutrient deficiency). Increasing mineral content of staple food crops through biofortification is a promising and sustainable strategy of combating micronutrient malnutrition. Additionally, it will also enhance the agronomic efficiency of crops on poor mineral soils. A multipronged strategy towards enhancing mineral content of cereal grains should involve increased uptake of minerals from soil, enhanced partitioning towards grain and improved sequestration in the edible tissues of grains. At the same time, it is essential to improve mineral absorption of minerals in the human body from cereal-based diets. Both conventional and modern breeding approaches and genetic engineering are being employed for biofortification of crop plants. With increased understanding of mineral uptake and transport mechanisms in plants, it is becoming ever more possible to engineer biofortified crop plants, with the ultimate goal of overcoming hidden hunger.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anjali Yadav, Seema Sonkar, Deepti Giri, Jharana Panda, Brajapal Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, folkloric uses and pharmacological including toxicity profiles of Codiaeum variegatum L.
A plant's ability to affect human physiological functions is attributed to the presence of a chemical compound. These substances fall into two groups: main and secondary metabolites. Metabolic processes produce secondary metabolites that are crucial to a plant's defence mechanism, whereas primary metabolites are required for a plant's growth and development. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids, terpenoids and phenols are examples of secondary metabolites. Codiaeum variegatum, also known as the miracle shrub, is a plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is usually utilized as an interior plant for decorative purposes due to its beautiful, colourful and large leaves. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the most important and recent information available about C. variegatum. This plant is highly valued for its content of important secondary metabolites with various therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, Antidiarrheal, Anticonvulsant, Antiinflammatory, Antipyretic, antiamoebic, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, alkaloids, sterols and fatty acids were the major secondary metabolites identified and isolated from C. variegatum. This study was chosen because C. variegatum is a rich plant with various secondary metabolites, serving as a reference for researchers interested in this plant. This review article examines the phytochemical composition, Folkloric uses, pharmacological activities versus toxic potential of C. variegatum. It is made by evaluation of publishing on C. variegatum listed in the online databases Web of Science, Springer Link, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar was run between 1980 and 2024 and interesting researches was founded related to the traditional uses, phytochemicals, profile of toxicity and pharmacological activity of C. variegatum and the essential and valued sections were chosen to be reviewed. The results suggest that the Iraqi C. variegatum plant is a promising natural source that can be utilized in nutrition and medicine, because of its safety and efficacy profile. It provides a basis for researchers and opens the door to studying, testing, evaluating and developing compounds of great value for human health.
Copyright (c) 2025 A G Ibtehal , A A A Dhuha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Agave spp.: Sap by-products and health benefits
Agave spp. is a monocotyledonous plant distributed across the American continent. More than 273 species have been documented, of which 215 are found in Mexico and 151 are endemic to the country. Historically, Agave spp. has been used in a variety of applications, including food, the production of alcoholic beverages, textiles and everyday utensils, depending on the culture and species. Commonly referred to as “maguey”, the various species of Agave have diverse applications for their residues and particularly the sap. Due to its nutritional composition, which is rich in fructooligosaccharides, vitamins, minerals, saponins and essential and non-essential amino acids, the sap has been associated with several positive health effects. These include antioxidant properties, prebiotic effects, enhanced mineral absorption, inhibition of adenoma and carcinoma precursor lesions and a low glycemic index, classifying it as a functional beverage. Noteworthy species include Agave salmiana and Agave atrovirens, which are the most significant for sap extraction and the production of pulque, an alcoholic beverage derived from the natural fermentation of Agave sap. This review aims to analyze the primary by-products that can be derived from the sap of the commonly used Agave spp. species and evaluate their reported health benefits in vitro and in vivo studies, to promote the increased utilization of Agave sap based on scientific evidence.
Copyright (c) 2025 Neftiti Carolina Cerda-Alvarez, Sendar Daniel Nery-Flores, Lizeth Guadalupe Campos Muzquiz, Lissethe Palomo Ligas, Mayela Govea Salas, Sonia Yesenia Silva Belmares, Adriana Carolina Flores Gallegos , Raúl Rodríguez Herrera https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of natural cosmetics and medical treatment in skin-antiaging: A review article
The aging process is intricate and characterized by the progressive degeneration of skin morphology and physiology. Hereditary factors, lifestyle choices and environmental impacts, including xenobiotic pollutants, pathogenic agents, dietary poisons and ultraviolet radiation, all impact this inevitable process. Natural anti-aging products are categorized and presented based on their familial origin. In recent years, the pharmacological assessment of many plant species, including food, aromatic and medicinal plants, has involved both in vivo and in vitro biological studies to evaluate the potential use of plant products for skin anti-aging. This review seeks to ascertain the pharmacological effects of these plants on wrinkle formation, oxidative stress, dermal pigmentation, photodamage and cutaneous hydration. In addition, this review emphasizes that lifestyle health factors, including nutrition, sleep quality, physical exercise, alcohol intake and smoking, contribute to enhancing skin health and postponing the effects of skin aging. Also, this review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the main medical skin-antiaging treatments and the comparison between natural skin anti-aging and medical skin anti-aging treatments. In the future, further research should be conducted on novel processes of skin aging, finding other natural active substances, incorporating biological products and devising safer and more effective administration strategies with improved bioavailability or permeability for pertinent experimental subjects.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zainab A A AlShammaa, Dhuha A AlShammaa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O Kuntze) under waterlogging stress: A comprehensive review on adaptation mechanisms and crop improvement opportunities
Tea is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, cultivated in nearly 64 countries. Although a significant amount of water is required for proper growth of tea plant, excessive moisture or waterlogging conditions are detrimental to tea yield and quality. Waterlogged conditions in tea hinder root respiration, accumulate toxic metabolites and alter several physiological descriptors such as leaf yellowing, stomatal closure restricting photosynthesis, leaf senescence, wilting and oxidative damage. Plants immediately respond to waterlogging stress by adapting their morphological structure, such as promoting adventitious root development and aerenchyma formation, or by regulating their defence system, for instance, triggering the accumulation of osmoprotectants and enhancing antioxidant activities to facilitate normal plant functioning. Most of the current research have concentrated on how tea plants respond to waterlogging, but there is a lack of information on the in-depth mechanisms behind the responses. Again, unlike other crop perspectives, crop improvement studies to overcome this issue are also severely insufficient. This review discusses morphological, physiological and biochemical reactions of tea plants to waterlogging stress, with a hypothetical possible mechanism behind the responses. Many possible opportunities are suggested to boost waterlogging tolerance through modern and conventional breeding approaches. This paper also mentions some knowledge gaps, providing future research thrusts with systemic critiques of present studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md Riyadh Arefin, Md Ismail Hossain, M Abdul Aziz, Md Sabibul Haque, A K M Golam Sarwar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Recent efforts to increase Soybean (Glycine max L.) tolerance to abiotic stresses using CRISPR-Cas technology
In many countries, soybeans are an important cash crop because of their application in food, feed and biodiesel production. However, traditional breeding methods have limitations in producing the huge yields required by agriculture. Furthermore, soybean germplasm genetic diversity has decreased over time as a result of domestication and selective breeding. In this regard, novel molecular breeding technologies, including genome editing, have been developed to precisely modify agronomically desired characteristics such as yield, quality and abiotic/biotic stress tolerance. Biotic and abiotic stresses and the demand for higher crop yields and nutritional value are providing new difficulties to modern agriculture. Precision breeding utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 technology emerged as one of the most effective methods in crop production. Although many scientists are working on increasing soybean tolerance against different abiotic stresses, new modern approaches are still needed. This review discusses recent efforts devoted to solving salinity, drought and heat tolerance, flood resistance, disease resilience and crop improvement problems that utilized CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Furthermore, novel tools, such as virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) and omics-based approaches, integrated with the CRISPR/Cas9 platform, will be discussed. The opportunities and limitations of incorporating CRISPR technology into global agricultural systems are thoroughly examined. In total, we reviewed 54 papers from the NCBI database and the ScienceDirect portal. The outcomes highlighted in this work show the significance of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in improving soybean tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Copyright (c) 2025 N Y Abdurakhmon , S A Mirzakamol , M A Akmal , O M Bekhzod , S O Nurdinjon, A M Anvarjon , H B Ziyodulloxon , K K Lola , T B Zabardast , Y A Ibrokhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Molecular mechanisms of the phytoimmune system against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum and Verticillium dahliae in cotton plants
Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum (FOV) and Verticillium dahliae occupy a special place among the pathogenic fungi that affect plant productivity, causing annually serious damage to the yield, fiber quality, morpho-biological and agronomic properties of the cotton plants. Therefore, the study of the complex molecular processes that occur between the pathogen and the plant remains one of the most important tasks. This requires molecular geneticists and breeders to fully understand the defense mechanism that has emerged in cotton plants against pathogens and to be able to apply it correctly in practice. To combat pathogenic fungi, a thorough analysis of the natural defense mechanisms of plants, including miRNA, transcription factors (TFs), quantitative trait loci (QTL), regulatory functions of plant cell membranes and proteins, may be of great importance. In this paper, we reviewed the research conducted in recent years to identify miRNAs, TFs and QTLs participating in the defense mechanism against FOV and V. dahliae. This review provides insight to understand research aimed at reducing and controlling the future economic damage caused by pathogenic fungi. Studying those factors by using modern genomic technologies together with OMICS studies has accelerated research in this discipline. As a result, the integration of various methods has emerged, developing new approaches such as multi-omics. Integrating these promising methodologies will enhance our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying wilt resistance in cotton plants, leading to the development of novel resistant varieties.
Copyright (c) 2025 E B Ilkhomjon , M D Mukhtor , N K Naim, K N Jurabek , R A Rakhimjon , N A Adkham , I M Sharofiddin , M A Akmal , T B Zabardast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antimicrobial potential of Moringa oleifera: Phytochemicals, mechanisms and nanotechnology applications
Antibiotic resistance is increasing rapidly and is a major health problem worldwide. As a result, researchers are actively investigating safe and superior alternative therapeutic agents. Medicinal plants contain a wide array of bioactive compounds have found certain viability for such a purpose. Moringa oleifera is among such medicinal plants that exhibit several pharmacological features and are receiving attention for their antibiotic potential, represented by broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. The present review article emphasizes the antimicrobial potential of M. oleifera, highlighting the phytochemical profile, antibacterial mechanisms and its usage in the green synthesis of nanomaterials. The mentioned plant has a varied range of bioactive compounds e.g., flavonoids, glucosinolates, phenolic acids, alkaloids, sterols and terpenes that provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity by interfering with cell wall physiology, inhibiting protein synthesis and interfering with DNA replication. It has strong anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm properties in addition to its direct antibacterial effects. The green synthesis of nanoparticles using M. oleifera has also been explored as a non-toxic and sustainable method of producing new antimicrobial materials. Overall, M. oleifera is a natural antibacterial agent that shows great promise and has a variety of therapeutic uses. Besides, antivirulence and nanotechnology approaches provide creative answers to address the rising issues of antibiotic resistance in current medicine.
Copyright (c) 2025 Varinder Kaur, Ajar Nath Yadav, Puja Gupta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the future of nano-physiochemistry: A review of current trends and prospects
In the last decade, nanotechnology has garnered significant interest from both academia and business, serving a crucial function in the advancement of medical, biological and economical fields. The chemical and physical (nano-physiochemistry) functionalization of textiles by nanotechnology has initiated a new stage in sophisticated materials characterized by enhanced characteristics and functionalities. Nano-physiochemistry is an area of knowledge focused on obtaining and characterizing materials at the nanometric scale. This subdiscipline has made valuable contributions to research, industry, technology and environment, including applications in electronics, nanodevices and systems, composite materials, biotechnology, medicine and the textile industry. The aim of this study is to critically review the current advancements in nano-physiochemistry, exploring its future directions, emerging trends and potential applications. The present study also includes an overview of the chemical and physical methods for the preparation of nanomaterials, along with a discussion of various characterization techniques employed to analyze these materials. In conclusion, this review highlights the advancements in nano-physiochemistry, focusing on its future directions and potential applications. It emphasizes the role of chemical and physical methods in the preparation of nanomaterials and the importance of various characterization techniques in understanding their properties. Ongoing research is essential to optimize these methods and explore new prospects for the broader application of nano-physiochemistry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marwah J Hezam, Mohammed Zorah, Mustafa Ridha Shihan, Hasan Ali Alsailawi, Mustafa Mudhafar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Indigenous medicinal flora of Northeast Indian Himalayan range as promising remedies for emerging and re-emerging diseases
To meet the needs for health and wellness, people have long turned to home cures, traditional healers and traditional medical knowledge. Several modern pharmaceutical products such as Aspirin, Artemisinin are derived from natural sources and traditional wisdom. The scientists behind these drugs clearly depended on traditional knowledge to make their remarkable discoveries. The Northeast states of India comprising of eight states distinguish themselves for their rich biodiversity, diverse culture and ethnic groups and their diverse medicinal flora constitutes the most distinctive feature. The traditional wisdom and practices of these tribes have helped identify therapeutic plants that are now used or studied in present-day medical treatments. Despite facing challenges in documenting and preserving this folk wisdom, exploration through survey and scientific studies of these valuable resources can enhance research, conserve rare species and even promote entrepreneurship among local youths. These indigenous plants could be more than just traditional remedies. They could assist in the development of novel medications to combat emerging and re-emerging diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, cancer, dengue, yellow fever and others. This paper presents a comprehensive examination regarding the uses and potential of numerous indigenous medicinal plants utilized in the Northeast regions, which have been historically used to address a range of ailments. Further investigations into these plants may pave the way for breakthrough research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aquiny Befairlyne T Mawthoh, Devina Seram, Haobijam James Watt, Sudhanshu Raikwar, Chandrakumar Singh Khumukcham, Huirem Boris Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pharmacological and nutraceutical potential of Rhododendron arboreum and Trichosanthes dioica: A review
Rhododendron arboreum (R. arboreum) and Trichosanthes dioica (T. dioica) are two ethnobotanically notable plants that are well-known for their diverse pharmacological characteristics as well as their abundant phytochemical composition. Traditionally utilized in Himalayan regions, R. arboreum is abundant in flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, alkaloids and vital minerals. Its flowers are especially valued in local foods and drink preparations. Likewise, T. dioica, a popular vegetable in South Asia, has a variety of bioactive components that support its use in traditional medicine and nutrition such as triterpenes, sterols, glycosides, vitamins and essential fatty acids. The medicinal properties of both plants including their antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are encouraging for therapeutic uses. They are excellent candidates for the creation of functional foods and nutraceuticals due to their high nutritional content and health-promoting phytochemicals. While their traditional dietary use is well established, further toxicological and pharmacological evaluations remain necessary. To guarantee safety and effectiveness, this is particularly important when taken in extract form or at dosages greater than those found in food. The review emphasizes the importance of their varied phytochemical compositions and pharmacological properties, demonstrating their significance as useful plant resources for both nutrition and medicine. This review integrates traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with contemporary pharmacological evidence, providing a consolidated resource to support future nutraceutical and therapeutic research on these species.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahima, Avijit Mazumder, Bhavani Pentela https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Advancing herbal therapeutics through nanotechnology: Innovations in drug delivery and pharmacokinetic enhancement
Herbal medicine has long been integral to global healthcare systems due to its therapeutic versatility and cultural significance. Nevertheless, its clinical utility is hampered by inherent limitations, such as low solubility and instability of numerous herbal bioactive. Nanotechnology has emerged as a modern approach to overcoming these challenges by improving botanical compounds’ solubility, stability and targeted delivery. The objective of this review article is to conduct a critical assessment of the application of nanotechnology to enhance the pharmacological properties of plant-derived therapeutics in herbal medicine. This review also includes an analysis of the bioavailability and site-specific delivery of herbal bioactive by examining advancements in Nano formulations, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, Nano emulsions and lipid-based carriers. Furthermore, the review discusses the obstacles to clinical adoption of nanotechnology, including regulatory issues, production scaling issues and the necessity for longer-term safety investigations. This discussion will be supportive to guarantee nanotechnology's safe and efficient incorporation into herbal medicine. Nanotechnology has noteworthy importance for herbal medicines, like, to improve solubility, pharmacological activity enhancement, bioavailability, stability enhancement and site-specific delivery of herbal bioactives. Nanotechnology's transformative potential for herbal medicine necessitates large-scale human trials and comparative nano-delivery system investigations and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Copyright (c) 2025 Israt Jahan Bulbul, Sherejad Sanam, Fanhana Rumi , Sonia Zaman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative response of nanometric forms of Zn and Fe to promote crop biofortification
Micronutrient deficiency or malnutrition, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), is a serious global health problem and represents a challenge for the agri-food sector. Crop biofortification has emerged as a strategy to increase the mineral content of the target organs. To improve and maximize biofortification, alternatives, such as nanotechnology (mainly nanoparticles), have been proposed and studied. The objective of this minireview was to highlight the responses of nanometric forms of Zn and Fe used in crop biofortification, which can guide the design and/or selection of the most appropriate form to efficiently promote the bioaccumulation of these nutrients. Studies have shown that Fe and Zn applied as nanoparticles (NPs), in different shapes (including spherical, irregular and wurtzite crystals), sizes and doses significantly influence their absorption, translocation rates and ion bioavailability in plants. Spherical NPs are the most common Fe (1-100 nm) and Zn (12-81 nm) nanoforms used. The supplementation routes include foliar application, drench and seed priming, with responses depending on the dose applied, which ranged from 20-500 mg L-1 for Fe NPs and 10-1000 mg L−1 for Zn NPs. Biofortification with Zn NPs increased the Zn content up to 230 % in wheat grains and 56.61 % in melon fruits. Similarly, Fe contents in cucumber fruits and rice grains increased by 71.37 % and 155.91 %, respectively, when Fe NPs were applied. Different forms of Fe and Zn NPs offer promising strategies to enhance the synthesis and accumulation of bioactive compounds as well as the accumulation of Fe and Zn in plants. However, their use in a wider range of crops requires further study.
Copyright (c) 2025 S S Portillo, H H Hernández, A J P Pastrana, L C Rosalez, F P Labrada https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Advances in analytical techniques for phytochemical identification and quality control: A comprehensive review
Phytochemistry, the study of plant chemicals, has been a longstanding tradition since ancient times, when plants were used as medicines. Early scientists, such as Dioscorides and Theophrastus, made significant contributions to its development and in the 20th century, the introduction of advanced technologies led to substantial progress in this field. Herbal medicine has gained popularity following the advent of technologies such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which enable the identification and characterization of bioactive ingredients or phytochemicals. Scientific study is crucial for the authenticity, purity and efficacy of herbal medicines, particularly in light of the growing global demand for them. Herbal medication development follows standardized processes and principles, from plant identification to pharmacological testing. Quality control entails a thorough evaluation that includes identity, validity, physical and chemical characteristics, detection of adulterants and detection of contamination. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Pharmacopoeias contribute to global standards for herbal drugs, where novel and emerging tools, such as: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) barcoding and several other advanced techniques, aid in the process. This paper focuses on highlighting some of these contemporary analytical procedures that enable researchers to meet the professional requirements for developing herbal medications. Modern quality control in phytochemistry employs advanced methods, including thermal and chromatographic analysis. These techniques help identify plant chemicals more accurately, making it easier to develop and deliver effective medicines. This paper also provides practical insights for professionals in industries related to herbal medicines, natural products and manufacturers of phytochemical-based products, helping them stay informed about the latest technologies. Moreover, it will help develop guidelines and standards for the quality control and safety assessment of phytochemicals, supporting policymakers and regulatory bodies in making informed and updated decisions regarding the use and marketing of phytochemical products.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sinha Dwaipayan, Kazi Zoofishan, Majgaonkar Aqsa, Datta Moumita, Banerjee Swastika, Maurya Arun Kumar, Ganguly Sharmistha, Parvin Nasrin, Sen Niyogi Subhamita, Chowdhury Shahana, Das Supti, Dey Arpan, Shaw Ranjan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ethnobotany, bioactive phytoconstituent and pharmacology of Mikania micrantha Kunth: A comprehensive review
Mikania micrantha Kunth, a fast-growing invasive weed, has gained considerable scientific interest because of its diverse pharmacological properties. It is also referred to as Chinese creeper, American rope, bitter vine and climbing hemp vine and has traditionally been used in folk medicine across South America and Asia for treating wounds, fever, inflammation, skin infections and respiratory ailments. Phytochemical studies have identified a diverse range of bioactive compounds in plant, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpenes, alkaloids and essential oils. Recent studies have demonstrated that extracts from various parts of Mikania micrantha exhibit significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, wound healing, anti-fungal, cardioprotective, anti-depression, anti-helmintic and thrombolytic activities both in vitro and in vivo models. This review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the phytochemical constituents and therapeutic potential of Mikania micrantha, with a special focus on its bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action. However, further studies are necessary to assess its toxicity, isolate active compounds and determine their clinical importance for therapeutic use. A comprehensive review was conducted using academic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Research Gate. Future investigations should emphasize comprehensive safety profiling and, formulation development to establish Mikania micrantha as a potential phytotherapeutic agent for therapeutic use.
Copyright (c) 2025 Christina Narzary , Dhrubajyoti Sarkar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An overview of medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Terminalia brownii Fresen.
Terminalia brownii Fresen. is a shrub or small tree widely used in traditional medicine in tropical Africa. This study critically reviewed the medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of T. brownii. Literature was collected from multiple internet sources as well as non-electronic sources which included book chapters, books, scientific reports and journal articles obtained from the University library. This study revealed that T. brownii is used as ethnoveterinary medicine and traditional medicines against respiratory infections, gastro-intestinal problems, malaria, jaundice, colic, diabetes, gastric ulcers, intestinal problems, liver problems, rheumatism, yellow fever, skin diseases, wounds, fever and typhoid. Phytochemical research identified carboxylic acid, chromone derivatives, ellagic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, flavonoids, geranylated chalcones, keto acids, phenols, phytosterols, steroids, stilbens, triterpenoids and triterpene glucosides from the bark, flowers, leaves, roots, stem bark and stem wood of T. brownii. Ethnopharmacological research revealed that the phytochemical compounds isolated from T. brownii and the crude extracts of the species demonstrated antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, antidiarrheal, antimycoplasmal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antinociceptive, antiulcer, anti-pyretic, hepatoprotective and cytotoxicity activities. T. brownii has become an important medicinal plant species in tropical Africa. Therefore, the full potential of the species as a medicinal plant should be explored by assessing the toxicity, safety, mechanisms of action in vivo and clinical research of the crude extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species. Future ethnopharmacological studies should also examine the combinational effects of T. brownii extracts with other medicinal plants as the species is widely used in synergistic therapy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alfred Maroyi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Karonda (Carissa carandas L.): A review on its varietal wealth, production and diversified uses in India
India enjoys tremendous diversity of fruit crops from temperate to tropical regions. The country is also home to many fruit crops including several underutilized and minor fruit crops. The minor fruits, besides being hardy, are often termed as ‘protective food’ because they can reduce the risk of over dependency on major fruit crops, preserving dietary diversity. Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) is one of them which has gained recognition for its nutritional advantages, therapeutic qualities and potential for diversified applications. Morphologically, the plant exhibits a dense, spinous branching habit with a characteristic Y-shaped branch structure. Leaves are opposite, glossy green on the upper surface and oblong to ovate in shape. The plant produces fragrant white flowers in small terminal clusters, primarily blooming from March to April, with fruit maturation occurring from August to September. Cytogenetic and phenological studies, including the use of the extended BBCH scale, have identified distinct growth stages across key developmental phases like bud, shoot, inflorescence and fruit maturity. These insights, along with knowledge of pollination dynamics, agronomic practices and use of modern breeding tools, are crucial for optimizing crop management and productivity in Karonda cultivation. This review explores advancements in cultivation, production and the broadened uses of karonda in India.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vijay P Singh, Krishna, D S Mishra, Vikas Yadav, Ratna Rai, Virendra Kumar, Omveer Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Anuradha Sane, Prakashbhai Ravat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Agro-industrial residues as functional materials for production of entomopathogenic fungi: Materials science applied to bark beetle control
The bark beetle has been considered one of the main forest pests that causing serious damage to agricultural crops and trees by feeding on plant bark, affecting the health of ecosystems. In recent decades, the use of chemical pesticides has been the traditional method of control, generating negative impacts on the environment, pest resistance and threats to human health. For this reason, research is being conducted on the production and application of entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, as a biological and sustainable alternative that acts as a biological control agent. These fungi can be produced using traditional methods in solid, liquid and biphasic states, involving the use of agro-industrial waste as a low-cost and easily accessible substrate for their growth. The use of waste reduces pollution and promotes ecological balance. Scientific publications and texts show that entomopathogenic fungi inoculated into agro-industrial substrates are suitable for controlling pests, mainly bark beetles. This promotes environmental and agricultural sustainability, mitigating environmental damage and favoring residence in production systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ricardo Gallardo Espinoza, Rosa Idalia Narro Céspedes, Raúl Rodríguez Herrera, Gabriela Hernández Ramírez, Francisco José González González, María Guadalupe Neira Velázquez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A hidden world: The role of non-vascular plants in ecosystem functioning and climate regulation
Non-vascular plants (NVPs) which fall into their general definition, such as bryophytes as well the algae and fungi (that are not plants taxonomically) constitute fundamentally but often forgotten contributors to ecosystem functioning and climate regulation. NVPs are also characterized by a unique suite of physiological and structural attributes contributing to their success in a wide array of frequently harsh habitats despite the lack of vascular tissues such as xylem and phloem. Their ecological roles are soil formation, nutrient cycling, water retention and creation of microhabitats for biodiversity. Furthermore, NVPs are major contributors to global carbon sequestration with bryophytes as the key plant in peatland systems and algae in aquatic including marine ecosystems which help reduce climate warming. However, these organisms are still largely missing from environmental models and conservation management plans as current understanding of their ecological significance is poor. This review compiles actual data concerning the structural and functional diversity among NVPs to emphasize the importance of these organisms in key ecosystem services. It also demonstrates their use in biotechnological areas like phytoremediation, sustainable fertilizers production and climate-resilient habitats restoration. It additionally elucidates new threats to NVPs such as habitat destruction and climate-driven stress, offering a plea for their incorporation into environmental policy and scientific investigation. Two summary tables present their ecological functions and climate-related mechanisms, whereas descriptive figures depict the global distribution and functional roles. The focus on NVPs in the ecological assessment is essential for improving ecosystem stability and for the provision of sustainable responses to climate pressures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Naeem A Mutlag, Ahmed M Ibrahim; Aswad H Aswad, Ibrahim E El- Beially https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nanotechnology applications in seed germination: Evolutionary and systematic perspectives
Agriculture faces challenges from limited arable land, climate change and population growth, threatening food security and requiring advanced solutions. Nanotechnology, including quantum dots and metal oxide nanoparticles, has shown promise in enhancing seed germination, seedling vigor and crop productivity by modulating key physiological and biochemical processes, thus supporting sustainable food production under these constraints. The integration of nanotechnology into agriculture holds significant promise for enhancing seed germination, crop yield and sustainable food production. Amid challenges such as shrinking arable land, climate variability and growing population demands, nanomaterials-particularly quantum dots (QDs) and metal oxide nanoparticles-have emerged as potent agents in improving seed physiological and biochemical traits. This review comprehensively examines the influence of various nanoparticles (e.g. CuO, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, nanosilica and CNTs) on germination parameters across diverse plant species, highlighting their potential to penetrate seed coats, enhance water and nutrient uptake and activate key enzymes such as catalase, amylase and dehydrogenase. Additionally, we address the dual role of QDs in promoting early growth stages while acknowledging possible phytotoxic effects at higher concentrations. The review further examines antioxidant responses and the regulation of secondary metabolites in plants and it also assesses the biosafety of nanomaterials using model soil organisms such as earthworms. The review also explores antioxidant and secondary metabolite responses and evaluates biosafety using model soil organisms like earthworms. Overall, the study underscores the need for plant systematics-informed research on nanoparticle- plant interactions to optimize their safe and targeted application in seed technology and sustainable agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jayamugundha Palani, Jeya Sundara Sharmila D, Kannan Pandian, Harish S, Prasanthrajan M, Jayakanthan M https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CRISPR/Cas genome editing in microalgae: Revolutionizing biotechnology through precision genetic engineering
Microalgae biotechnology has witnessed a significant transformation with the advent of CRISPR/Cas genome editing technologies, which enabled precise gene alterations that were unattainable using conventional methods. Traditional transformation techniques have advanced to CRISPR-based platforms, mainly due to significant developments in delivery methods like as systems based on nanoparticles and RNP (ribonucleoprotein complexes), which overcame species-dependent barriers and demonstrated the innovative influence of CRISPR technology on genetic engineering of microalgal systems over traditional methods. Effective metabolic engineering advancements for improved pigment, lipid and biomolecule synthesis are crucial approaches. For this, comprehensive analyses of gene deletions or knockouts, overexpression and regulatory changes from model organisms like Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to economically important organisms like Nannochloropsis are important. This study highlights elevated expression of biosynthetic genes and suppression of competitive pathways, along with significant developments in multiplexed genome editing, which enable coordinated pathway alterations by precisely targeting many genes. Despite novel approaches, existing constraints like as off-target consequences, regulatory barriers and editing efficiency constraints are critically evaluated for enhancement of CRISPR technology in microalgal modification. Revolutionizing developments such as optogenetics-CRISPR inclusion, pan-genomic genetic modifications of microalgal populations and AI-driven autonomous genome engineering will establish engineering microalgae as leading platforms for sustainable biotechnology.
Copyright (c) 2025 M S Seralathan, C Kirubha, S Varanavasiappan, R Suresh, R Anandham, M Raveendran, R Raghu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ethnobotany of coconut: A review on its traditional, cultural and economic significance
Cocos nucifera L. (2n = 2x = 32), the only species within the genus Cocos, is a diploid perennial oilseed plant belonging to the Arecaceae family, earning its’ title as “Kalpavriksha or Tree of Heaven”. Coconut palm holds enormous cultural, traditional, and economic significance across tropical and subtropical regions. Originating from the land fragments of the ancient Gondwana landmass, coconut has undergone wide geographic dispersal and ecological adaptation, thriving along coastal areas from Pacific regions. Despite its significance, ethnobotanical research on coconut remains limited and coconut cultivation faces increasing threats from rapid urbanization. In India, coconut is deeply integrated into indigenous health systems, used for its ethnomedicinal properties including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial and immunomodulation. Coconut contains high levels of fatty acids such as caprylic acid (9%), capric acid (8%), caproic acid (5%) and myristic acid (20%) which enhances its potential in nutritional therapy and functional food development. This review integrates phytochemical, pharmacological and ethnobotanical evidence, emphasizing coconut’s potential in food, medicine, and sustainable development. Cocos nucifera L. (2n = 2x = 32), the only species within the genus Cocos, is a diploid perennial oilseed plant belonging to the Arecaceae family, earning its title as “Kalpavriksha” or “Tree of Heaven”. Despite its widespread cultural, traditional and economic importance, ethnobotanical research remains limited and cultivation faces increasing threats from urbanization. Originating from the land fragments of the ancient Gondwana landmass, coconut has undergone wide geographic dispersal and ecological adaptation, thriving particularly along the coastal areas of the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. In India, coconut is deeply integrated into indigenous health systems, used for its ethnomedicinal properties including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities. It is rich in fatty acids such as caprylic, capric, caproic and myristic acids, enhancing its potential in nutritional therapy and functional food development. This review integrates phytochemical, pharmacological and ethnobotanical evidence, emphasizing coconut’s potential in food, medicine and sustainable development.
Copyright (c) 2025 M Akshaya, R Renuka, K K Kumar, M Mohanalakshmi, N Thavaprakaash, K Hemaprabha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Notes on the taxonomic identity of Asystasia nemorum (Russel ex Wall.) Nees from India
The taxonomic status of Asystasia nemorum (Russel ex Wall.) Nees has been critically evaluated in the present study. The taxon is ambiguously considered in various floras and herbaria, demanding a thorough revisionary approach. The nomenclature of the taxon since 1826 has been over-checked. A. nemorum has been wrongly interpreted as A. intrusa, A. hispida, A. salicifolia and A. australasica as observed in various herbaria. Meanwhile A. blumei, Isochoriste javanica and Ruellia clavata has been mentioned as the heterotypic synonym of this taxon as per IPNI. A thorough analysis of the various voucher specimens has been done along with descriptions in the literature which shows that A. nemorum stands distinct. The erroneous interpretation done for the taxon from time to time has been justified.
Copyright (c) 2025 V S Deepa Lekshmi, V S Anilkumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Overcoming physical dormancy: Optimizing seed germination in Helianthemum and Cistus species for desert truffle mycorrhizal seedling production
Seed germination is a critical stage in the plant reproductive cycle, significantly influencing species fitness. Variations in germination rates are often considered adaptations to specific ecological conditions. Understanding this process is essential for developing effective conservation strategies, particularly for producing mycorrhizal seedlings in greenhouse settings. A key challenge in desert truffle cultivation is the low germination rate of seeds from their host plants, which impedes the establishment of mycorrhizal plants under greenhouse conditions. This study investigates the germination behaviour of four Helianthemum species (H. lippii, H. salicifolium, H. ledifolium, H. almeriense) and two Cistus species (C. ladanifer, C. laurifolius) under controlled conditions. Three pre-sowing treatments, manual scarification, soaking intact seeds in distilled water for 24 hr at ambient temperature and sulphuric acid treatment were applied. Among all Helianthemum and Cistus species tested, manual scarification yielded the highest germination percentages. While other pre-sowing treatments promoted germination in some species, none matched the efficacy of manual scarification. The consistently high germination rates following mechanical disruption of the seed coat suggest that dormancy is primarily governed by seed coat impermeability. Physical dormancy, resulting from an impermeable seed coat, appears to be the primary cause of low germination in untreated seeds of the studied Helianthemum and Cistus species.
Copyright (c) 2025 M Sheibani, S Jamali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Notes on Laportea aestuans (L.) Chew (Urticaceae): A new threat to Indian flora
The genus Laportea Gaudichaud belonging to the family Urticaceae comprises ca. 22 species, two species of which viz. L. interrupta and L. bulbifera are found growing in India (1). A third species namely L. aestuans is reported for the first time in the country, from Kollam district in Kerala. The species was so far known to occur in Tropical Africa from Senegal eastward to Eritea and southward to Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and in Madagascar, Yemen, Aldabra and neighbouring Islands, Tropical Asia, Tropical America, West Indies, Arabia, Sumatra, Java, Indonesia and Taiwan. This exotic species becomes a nuisance as it invades and surmounts the native biodiversity in the local ecosystem. This may lead to severe degradation of the existing vegetation altering the ecological fabric of the region as a whole. The impact is the homogenization resulting in the extermination of the local flora. The species is described and illustrated.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nazarudeen A, G Rajkumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New synonyms, new records and typifications in Indo-Burmese Cryptocarya (Lauraceae)
Cryptocarya cavei M.Gangop. & Chakrab., described from the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India is reduced to a synonym of the Indo-Malesian species, C. amygdalina Nees. Likewise, C. calderi M.Gangop., endemic to Myanmar, is merged under C. diversifolia Blume, occurring in China (Hainan), Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia Brunei and Indonesia. Thus, the range of distribution of the species is extended to Myanmar. Furthermore, C. biswasii M.Gangop., also endemic to Myanmar, is synonymized with C. kurzii Hook.f., occurring in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Borneo and Sumatra) and the Philippines. Interestingly, C. muthuvariana R.Jagad., P. Suresh Kumar, Gangapr. & S.P. Mathew, so far known to be endemic to Kerala in India, is recorded for Sri Lanka for the first time indicating a wider distribution of the species. The names C. bourdillonii Gamble (a synonym of C. wightiana Thwaites), C. floribunda Nees (a synonym of C. amygdalina) and C. procera Talbot are lectotypified for correct and unambiguous application of these names.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tapas Chakrabarty, Anand Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First records of Ruan, Carapa guianensis Aublet., from Barda Hill, Porbandar - Gujarat, India, using DNA barcoding
There are several hot spots of plant biodiversity, many of them are well explored; identification of taxa becomes important when the species of plant are in demand for their different properties. We came across one such taxon, which is being used by the local healers, Rabari and Maldhari communities of Barda Hill, Gujarat, in the district of Porbandar. The DNA barcoding approach for the identification of genera and species was performed. The rbcL gene of the taxon ‘X’, locally known as Ruan, was amplified and the amplicon was used for the sequence analysis using the bioinformatics identification tools. Sequence analysis revealing 100 % identity with the taxa not yet reported from India – the Carapa guianensis Aublet. The morphology of the plant is matching with the Carapa guianensis of Meliaceae (Mahogany family). The plant is commonly known as Andiroba, is native to the Amazon. Ruan is used for the fastest relief from swelling & inflammation, wound healing, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vaishnavi R Odedra , Nirmal S Sahay https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0