This study investigates the spatio-temporal transformation of cropping patterns in Nandurbar district from 2001 to 2024. It is a region characterised by tribal dominance, rainfed agriculture, and varying levels of socio-economic development. Using secondary data from District Statistical Abstracts, agricultural records, and spatial datasets, seven major crop groups were analysed from six tahsils. Percentage share assessment, temporal comparison, and GIS-based spatial interpretation were employed to understand crop distribution and change dynamics. The results revealed a distinct shift from subsistence-based agriculture toward a diversified and commercially oriented cropping system. Cultivation of cereal crops increased marginally by 0.30%, maintaining dominance in tribal and rain fed tehsils such as Akkalkuwa and Akrani, while pulses showed a decline of up to -2.45 %, due to their low-yields, climate-sensitive nature, and more dominance of oilseed crops and cotton. (up to +0.41% and +0.13%, respectively), particularly in irrigated areas like Shahada and Navapur. Horticultural crops (fruits and vegetables) recorded steady increases (+0.15% and +0.10%), indicating a gradual transition towards high-value cash crops. There was 13.93 % rise in Gross Cropped Area. Nandurbar district thus exhibits movement towards commercialisation and diversification.
Responses of Olanzapine, a specific 5-HT4 receptor antagonist,were studied in dorso-lateral region as well as in band region melanophores of Rasbora daniconius. The melanophore size index (MSI) was considered as a parameter for studying responses. Olanzapine (1.6 x 10-5M), the specific 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, strongly inhibited the aggregator effect of 5-HT, which provided a strong evidence for the presence of 5-HT4 receptor in Rasbora daniconius melanophores.
Dogs from Maharashtra State were surveyed for the presence of phthirapteran ectoparasite, Heterodoxus spiniger (Enderlein, 1909) and the report has been given in this manuscript.
In this study, a comparison of antioxidant potential of unripe and ripe fruits of Citrus aurantifolia and Vitex negundo, was carried out. Antioxidant capacity was determined using phosphomolybdenum method, and activity was studied using free radical scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). Higher antioxidant activity was reported in unripe fruit juices as compared to ripe fruit juice. Fruit juice samples of both plants showed promising antioxidant activity and those may be employed for various therapeutic purposes to deal with health hazards caused by free radicals.
Biodiversity of wasps (Vespidae) in various sites of Shahada taluka of Nandurbar district, Maharashtra state was studied.. Thirteen species of wasps belonging to 09 genera of 5 families were collected from different sites of the study area. There was significant seasonal variations in wasp species. Phimenes scelipohron and Phimenes flavopticus were reported during the monsoon, Evonia oppendigastor and Chalybion californicum were found during winter season while Scelipron madraspantum and Ropalida brevita were found throughout the year.
Present investigation deals with the survey of Cestode parasite in Domestic Fowl (Gallus Gallus domesticus) from different localities of Ahilyanagar District (M.S.) India during June 2022 to May 2023. The result indicated variability of Cestode parasites in different seasons. High incidence of infection was observed in winter season while lower in summer. The density of infection was highest in the month of May, lowest in March while Moderate in December. Present study was undertaken to document Cestode parasites associated with domestic animals.
Sangli district of Maharashtra, known for sugarcane, grapes, turmeric and horticultural crops, has shown gradual but uneven adoption of organic farming. This research paper examines the current status, growth trends, crop patterns, institutional support, and major challenges of organic farming in Sangli district using secondary data from government reports, district agriculture offices, and published studies. Statistical tables are used to present the extent of organic farming and crop-wise distribution. The study identifies economic, technical, institutional and market-related constraints and suggests policy and practical recommendations for strengthening organic agriculture in Sangli district.
Present paper reports a new distributional record for the flora of Maharashtra State: Platostoma hispidum (L.) A. J. Paton (Lamiaceae), collected from the forest of Northern Western Ghats, Nashik District, Maharashtra State.. The plant is commonly found at elevations of up to 700–780 meters above sea level, along the trails of evergreen forests and on the upper slopes of hills. To verify the authenticity of the species, herbarium, taxonomic descriptions, colour photographic plates, and various floras were referred.
Acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) is a bioactive compound derived from Alpinia galangal. It is known for anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, anti-tuberculosis, antiparasitic and multidrug resistance-modulating effects Present study was undertaken to explore cell suspension culture of Alpinia. galanga for the biosynthesis of ACA. For this purpose salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate and phenylalanine were tested for their ability to enhance ACA production. HPLC analysis revealed that phenylalanine was most effective in producing ACA.
Present study was undertaken to evaluate cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of methanolic leaf extract of Cassia auriculata on the MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line. Cytotoxicity was assessed using Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) assay. The extract exhibited dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, and the IC50 value was calculated as 338.2 ± 0.132 µg/ml. The treated cells showed significant DNA fragmentation as compared to that observed in untreated control, indicating apoptotic cell death. Agarose gel electrophoresis also revealed degradation of DNA. The findings suggest that methanolic leaf extract of Cassia auriculata possesses significant anticancer potential.
Present study was undertaken on phenotypic evaluation and screening of disease resistance in 16 Capsicum genotypes, taking into consideration the morphological traits, disease susceptibility, germination rates, and transplantation efficacy. Significant genetic diversity in morphological traits, including petal color, fruit dimensions, glossiness, color, and shape was observed. Genotypes IC 208591, IC208518, and IC 255958 emerged as superior candidates for DH development. Genotypes IC 255943, EC599977 and EC255944, demonstrated fruit elongation rate of 87 %, which enabled successful transplantation of 49 seedlings. The study indicated necessity for integrated strategies that combine phenomic diversity, disease resistance, and genetic resources to enhance breeding programs for Capsicum varieties. These results offer substantial insights for trait selection and genetic studies.
Present study deals with morphological characteristics of PSB colonies in rhizosphere of orange crop in Katol Tahsil. . Seventeen soil samples were taken from rhizospheres of orange crop. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria ( PSB ) were isolated on Pikovskaya's (PKV) agar. Morphological characteristics of Colony's ( size, edge, form, elevation, and color ) were measured, and their phosphate solubilization values were calculated. Total twenty samples of phosphatesolubilizing bacteria were isolated from various orange fields.
Powdery mildew is a widespread fungal disease affecting diverse plant hosts in India, including crops and wild species. Powdery mildew appears on leaf surface of host plants, and under severe infection, induce morphological, anatomical and physiological alterations, leading to reduced yields of crop plants. Present investigation was undertaken to study host range of powdery mildew in Pandharpur tehsil of Maharashtra state. Field survey from different localities revealed diversity of powdery mildew caused by almost 12 genera and 82 species, infecting 76 host plants belonging to 33 families. Erysiphe was reported as most dominant genus (22 species) followed by Oidium (16), Golovinomyces, Podosphaera, Pseudoidium (9 each), Phyllactinia (7), Leveillula (3), Microidium, Microsphaera (2 each), Blumeria, Sphaerotheca, and Uncinula (1 each). Among the host plants, species from family Fabaceae showed highest incidence of powdery mildew (21 species), followed by Asteraceae (9), Malvaceae (4), and Euphorbiaceae (3).
Leonotis nepetifolia L., a member of the family Lamiaceae, used in traditional medicine. The present investigation deals with the phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of L. nepetifolia L. leaves. Preliminary screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins in high amount whereas tannins, phenols and terpenoids were found to be least, while steroids, glycosides, amino acid and carbohydrates were absent in leaves. The antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract was evaluated using the disk diffusion method four bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and two fungal strains Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans were used in the study. The antimicrobial study revealed that the leaf extract was effective against bacteria ( E. coli and S. aureus ) and fungi ( C. albicans ).
Pergularia daemia is a medicinal climber traditionally used in for the treatment of infections, inflammation, and tumour-related disorders. Present study investigates phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of P. daemia collected from Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, quinones, phenols, saponins, betacyanins, and resins. Antibacterial activity evaluated by the agar well diffusion method showed concentration-dependent inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The overall study indicated that P. daemia is a promising source of bioactive compounds with significant antibacterial properties.
Cayratia trifolia L. (fox grape) is a medicinal climber belonging family Vitaceae. to Traditionally it is used to treat fever, inflammation, skin disorders, and metabolic diseases, suggesting presence of phytochemicals. In addition, it possess antioxidant potential. Present study evaluates antioxidant potential of plant extracts. using standard in vitro methods. Antioxidant potential was assessed by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Free-radical scavenging method is widely used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity of the plants was assessed in comparison to that obtained with ascorbic acid. The results showed clear variations among the samples. The methanolic extracts exhibited highest radical scavenging activity meaning antioxidant potential.
Almost all of the nutrients present in the host are absorbed by Moniezia expansa cestode parasite. In this study, protein content of cestode parasite was estimated by Lowry’s method. The amounts of glycogen were measured by kemp method and lipids were measured by Folch method. The results obtained indicated that Moniezia species has a higher concentration of lipid than protein and glycogen contents.
Synthetic dyes such as Malachite Green and Crystal Violet are used in textile, leather, and paper industrie.They are responsible for environmental and health hazards due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic properties. Present study was undertaken to investigate the potential of Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas, and a microbial consortium for degrading of the dyes, Malachite Green and Crystal Violet. The results demonstrated that all microorganisms exhibited dye-degrading ability. E. coli showed rapid decolourization within three days. Similarly Pseudomonas and Bacillus also had degradation potential. Microbial consortium showed efficient dye degradation with up to 88 % degradation. This study confirms that microbial biodegradation is an effective and sustainable strategy for removing hazardous dyes from industrial effluents.
Kigelia Africana is widely used in African traditional medicine as anticancer agent against lung cancer. During present study ethanol extract of K. africana stem bark was evaluated for its anticancer activity against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Its phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, and quinones. Ethanol extract of this plant exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, achieving 50 % growth inhibition at the concentration of 62.5 µg/ml after 24 h exposure., The findings suggested that K. africana stem bark ethanol extract possess anticancer properties.
Present study deals with carbon nanotube-based membrane filters infused with Catharanthus roseus extract to eliminate harmful microorganisms from river water. Experiments on filtration of contaminated River water samples revealed that membranes coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reduced bacterial count and lowered colony-forming units (CFUs) It was pointed out efficiency of carbon nanotube-based membranes, especially when used along with plant-derived antibacterial agent.
