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Bidens pilosa L., Bidens alba (L.) DC., and Bidens subalternans DC., Asteraceae, are often misidentified because of their morphological similarities. The present study provides a comparative analysis of the morpho-anatomical characteristics, histochemical, and chemical fingerprints obtained by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for these three species. Light microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize diagnostic structures. Histochemical assays and LC-MS were applied to obtain chemical information from leaf, stem, and root extracts, and multivariate chemometrics including principal component analysis were used to classify the datasets. The morpho-anatomical and histochemical analysis allowed the identification and differentiation of the three species; also, the LC-MS analysis revealed that the main compounds in Bidens extracts are phenolics, and using chemometrics methods was possible to discriminate by species and plant parts. Together, these complementary approaches provide a robust basis for distinguishing closely related Bidens species and support more reliable pharmacognostic identification.
This study investigated foliar-applied silicon dioxide (SiO2), alone and with calcium (Ca), as a sustainable strategy to enhance lettuce quality and performance, using a genetically diverse panel of accessions for broad applicability. We conducted multi-year outdoor pot and field experiments to assess the effects of a range of SiO2 and Ca concentrations and a promising subset of treatments, respectively. We evaluated key horticultural traits, resistance to diseases, pests, and physiological disorders, as well as post-harvest quality and plant mineral composition. The treatments provided significant benefits for several quality-related traits. A combination of 3.66 mM SiO2 and 2.50 mM Ca significantly improved plant biomass, leaf thickness, and anthocyanin concentration in pot experiments. In field trials, 3.66 mM SiO2 application delayed bolting, reduced downy mildew severity, and increased leaf thickness, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin content. Notably, the combined SiO2 and Ca spray significantly reduced post-harvest deterioration in both pot and field experiments, demonstrating a synergistic interaction. Analysis of mineral elements revealed that the treatments modified the uptake and correlations among several elements in the plant tissue. Foliar SiO2 and Ca applications, particularly in combination, represent an effective approach for enhancing key lettuce quality parameters. While no significant yield gains were observed in field trials, the improvements in post-harvest quality, disease resistance, delayed bolting, and plant composition are clear evidence that this strategy can reduce crop losses and improve overall product quality.
Information sourcing is central to communication and livelihood decision-making among rural households, yet the use of available information channels may vary with socio-economic and behavioural characteristics. This study examined the socio-economic and behavioural factors associated with information sourcing among rural households in Ondo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 125 respondents from five villages in Akure South and Ifedore Local Government Areas. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The findings showed that extension workers were the most frequently used and most accessible information source, while neighbours, non-governmental organisations, family members, and community leaders also remained important. Digital channels, including mobile phones, radio, television, and internet services, were used less prominently, reflecting constraints related to electricity, cost, network access, and usability. Significant relationships were observed between information sourcing and age, marital status, education, occupation, household size, and home electrification (p < 0.05), whereas sex was not significant at the 5% level based on the reported p-value of 0.051. Perceived behaviour was also significantly associated with information sourcing (χ² = 29.070, p = 0.023). The study indicates that information sourcing among rural households is shaped by a combination of socio-economic conditions, behavioural perceptions, and infrastructural access. Improving reliable energy access and integrating trusted interpersonal channels with appropriate digital options may strengthen rural information dissemination and use.
Enhancing agricultural productivity remains a global priority, with extension services shaping farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and resource use. Digital platforms offer alternatives to conventional approaches to the provision of these services. This study examined paddy farmers’ perceptions and behavioural intentions toward WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube in agricultural extension in Sri Lanka using the Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour, and Innovation Diffusion Theory frameworks. Data from 1,130 farmers in the Galle District were analysed using SPSS 28, with descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, regression, and repeated measures ANOVA being utilised. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, subjective norms, and individual innovativeness significantly influence behavioural intention. WhatsApp was the most preferred platform, followed by Facebook and YouTube. The findings provide important implications for Sri Lankan policymakers and agricultural extension agencies to strengthen digital agricultural extension services.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a fast-spreading, economically devastating veterinary viral disease. While inactivated vaccines have contributed to FMD control worldwide, recent outbreaks in Europe and Asia highlight the need for new control strategies. Live-attenuated virus (LAV) vaccines provide strong and long-lasting protection. We previously demonstrated that deoptimization of various viral coding regions results in attenuated foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Here, an FMDV A24Cruzeiro LAV with codon deoptimized P2/P3 regions (A24-P2/P3Deopt) and markers differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) was tested for safety/efficacy in cattle. Animals inoculated intradermolingually (IDL) with 106 or 107 pfu of A24-P2/P3Deopt for safety testing exhibited no clinical signs, viremia or viral shedding for 28 days post inoculation (DPI). To assess efficacy, cattle were subcutaneously inoculated either once with 105 pfu or twice (0- and 14-dpi) with 104, 105 or 106 pfu A24-P2/P3Deopt. No animal developed signs of disease post-inoculation. All prime-boost vaccinated animals developed strong neutralizing antibody responses that were protective against challenge with WT FMDV A24. Moreover, vaccinated sera showed strong cross-reactivity against several A strains and serotype Asia1. Our work demonstrates that codon deoptimization is a viable technology to derive novel LAV candidates that are safe, immunogenic and efficacious against FMD in cattle.
