The present study was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal potential of chitinase-producing bacterial isolates obtained from the gut of white grub against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), under laboratory conditions. Two promising chitinolytic bacterial isolates, HS3, identified as Stenotrophomonas sp., and LL5, identified as Sphingobacterium multivorum, were selected for bioassay. The insecticidal efficacy of live bacterial cultures, heat-killed cultures and culture supernatants was evaluated at three concentrations, viz., 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁷, using the leaf-dip method. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised design with seven treatments and three replications, and mortality was recorded at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment (HAT). Aphid mortality varied with bacterial isolates, treatment preparation, concentration and exposure period, and generally increased with increasing exposure period. Among the treatments, the live culture of Stenotrophomonas sp. HS3 recorded the highest mortality of 80.00 per cent at a 10⁻⁷ concentration at 72 HAT, followed by Sphingobacterium multivorum LL5 with 73.34 per cent mortality. Culture supernatants also exhibited considerable insecticidal activity, whereas heat-killed cultures recorded comparatively lower mortality. The results demonstrated the insecticidal potential of gut-associated chitinase-producing bacteria, particularly Stenotrophomonas sp. HS3, against L. erysimi. Further studies involving purified chitinase, characterisation of extracellular metabolites and evaluation under greenhouse and field conditions are required to establish their potential as biological control agents.
The present investigation was conducted during 2025–2026 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, to study the effects of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and different potting media on sprouting, rooting, growth and survival of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari hardwood cuttings. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with twelve treatments and three replications, comprising three potting media—sand, sand + vermicompost, and sand + cocopeat + vermicompost—combined with IBA at 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm, along with their respective controls. The application of IBA in combination with a suitable potting medium significantly improved sprouting, growth, rooting and survival of the cuttings compared with the untreated control. The earliest sprouting (10.97 days), the highest number of sprouts per cutting (5.75), number of leaves per cutting (17.00), leaf area (16.33 cm²), chlorophyll content (39.17 SPAD), fresh shoot weight (8.90 g), dry shoot weight (4.39 g), sprouting percentage (79.00%) and survival percentage (78.75%) were recorded with sand + vermicompost + IBA @ 2000 ppm ( ). The highest number of roots per cutting (33.98), root length (15.35 cm), fresh root weight (2.40 g), dry root weight (1.31 g) and rooting percentage (66.97%) were recorded with sand + cocopeat + vermicompost + IBA @ 2000 ppm ( ). The control recorded the lowest values for practically all parameters studied. IBA @ 2000 ppm combined with sand + vermicompost (T7) gave the best sprouting, growth and survival, while sand + cocopeat + vermicompost + IBA @ 2000 ppm (T11) gave the best rooting, confirming the central role of IBA in adventitious root initiation. These results support the use of sand-vermicompost/cocopeat media with IBA @ 2000 ppm for economical, large-scale multiplication of pomegranate cv. Kandhari in the Prayagraj region.
Aims: To comparatively evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of Manuka honey hydrogel and Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel in dogs with open wounds and to assess their effects on clinical, microbiological, hematological, biochemical and histological parameters. Study Design: Prospective randomised comparative clinical study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, from November 2025 to May 2026. Methodology: Eighteen adult dogs with open wounds measuring ≤5 cm were randomly divided into three groups of six animals each. Group I received topical 5% povidone-iodine ointment, Group II received Manuka honey hydrogel and Group III received Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel. Treatments were applied once daily until complete healing. Wound exudation, hydration, granulation tissue, percentage of wound healing and linear advancement of wound edges were assessed at specified intervals. Bacterial load, hematological and biochemical parameters and histological changes were also evaluated. Results: Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel produced the most favourable healing response. By day 28, mean wound healing was 94.61 ± 1.55%, 98.96 ± 0.47% and 100.00 ± 0.25% in Groups I, II and III, respectively, with significant differences among groups (p < 0.05). Linear advancement of wound edges on day 28 was significantly higher in Group III (3.19 ± 0.17 cm) than in Group II (2.81 ± 0.18 cm) and Group I (2.14 ± 0.09 cm). Bacterial load in Group III decreased significantly from 9.90 ± 0.04 to 8.60 ± 0.04 log₁₀ CFU/100 µL by day 7, compared with 9.10 ± 0.04 in Group II and 9.73 ± 0.07 in Group I. Histologically, Group III showed complete epidermal stratification, organised collagen fibres and restoration of normal skin architecture. Hematological and biochemical changes remained non-significant. Conclusion: Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel demonstrated superior wound-healing and antibacterial efficacy compared with Manuka honey hydrogel and conventional 5% povidone-iodine ointment, indicating its potential as an effective topical dressing for wound management in dogs.
Childhood malnutrition remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly where access to fortified complementary foods is limited. This study evaluated the microbiological quality and micronutrient and phenolic profiles of three composite infant flours formulated from tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Microorganisms were enumerated using the pour-plate method. Minerals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, total polyphenols and flavonoids by spectrophotometric methods, β-carotene and vitamin A by spectrophotometry and conversion, and vitamin C by redox titration. Total mesophilic aerobic flora ranged from 77.63 to 88.42 CFU/g, total coliforms from 32.30 to 54.42 CFU/g, and yeasts and moulds from 24.28 to 34.23 CFU/g; faecal coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected. Potassium and magnesium ranged from 1015.28 to 1019.72 mg/100 g and 109.27 to 118.06 mg/100 g, respectively. Vitamin A ranged from 0.35 to 0.96 mg/100 g, while vitamin C ranged from 43.98 to 50.16 mg/100 g. Iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium were comparatively low. Total polyphenols and flavonoids ranged from 0.96 to 1.30 µg GAE/g and 0.46 to 0.54 µg QE/g, respectively. Under the tested conditions, the formulations showed satisfactory microbiological quality and useful nutritional attributes, although fortification with selected minerals would be required to better meet infant nutritional requirements.
High-temperature stress can impair chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germination and early seedling establishment. This study evaluated nano-seed priming with green-synthesised potassium nanoparticles (GSKNPs), prepared using onion dry scale extract, for improving seed quality parameters of chickpea cv. JG-11 under 25°C and 35°C conditions. Seeds were primed with 10 mg/l (P1), 20 mg/l (P2), or 30 mg/l (P3) GSKNPs, while untreated seeds served as the control (P4). Germination rate, electrical conductivity, imbibition rate, field emergence, and seedling survival rate were assessed, and the experiment was analysed using a factorial completely randomised design. Germination rate did not differ significantly among nano-priming treatments, although temperature had a significant effect. Electrical conductivity also showed no significant treatment effect, but the temperature effect was significant; P3 recorded the lowest overall mean EC value (128.12 µS cm⁻¹ g⁻¹) compared with the control mean of 131.62 µS cm⁻¹ g⁻¹. P1 produced the highest mean imbibition rate (57.52%), P2 recorded the highest mean field emergence (86.87%), and P3 recorded the highest mean seedling survival rate (74.87%). Seedling survival declined at 35°C across all treatments, with the control showing the greatest reduction. Overall, the findings indicate that GSKNP nano-priming influenced several seed-quality and establishment traits under the tested temperature conditions, with responses varying according to nanoparticle concentration.
Cleome gynandra L. is an underutilised indigenous leafy vegetable widely recognised for its nutritional, medicinal and ethnobotanical significance across Africa and Asia. Despite extensive studies on its leaves, information on the nutritional and functional properties of its seeds, particularly among West African germplasm, remains limited. This study investigated the nutritional composition, mineral and vitamin contents, fatty acid profile, amino acid composition, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of eleven C. gynandra seed accessions obtained from diverse West African germplasm sources. Seed samples were processed into flour and analysed using standard biochemical, chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. Significant variation was observed among accessions for all nutritional parameters evaluated. Proximate analysis revealed moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents that varied considerably across accessions. Crude fat content ranged from 2.93% to 30.89%, while carbohydrate content ranged from 31.86% to 64.43%, indicating substantial diversity in energy-yielding nutrients. Mineral analysis confirmed the presence of essential elements, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc, although their concentrations differed significantly among accessions. Likewise, vitamin composition exhibited notable accession-dependent variation. Fatty acid profiling demonstrated differences in saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid fractions, with oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, palmitic, stearic, lauric and myristic acids constituting the major fatty acids detected. Amino acid analysis identified both essential and non-essential amino acids, suggesting that C. gynandra seeds possess appreciable protein quality and nutritional value. Antioxidant evaluation revealed considerable variability among accessions, with DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀) ranging from 12.4 to 78.5 µg/mL and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values ranging from 6.14 to 13.70 mg GAE/mL. Total phenolic content varied from 1.67 to 3.45 mg GAE/g, indicating differences in bioactive compound accumulation among accessions. The observed nutritional and biochemical diversity highlights the potential of C. gynandra seeds as sources of nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals. These findings provide a scientific basis for the selection and utilisation of superior accessions in crop improvement, food fortification, nutraceutical development and functional food applications.
Biopolymer-based encapsulation offers a formulation approach for modifying herbicide release, retention and environmental exposure while retaining weed-control activity. This review evaluates biodegradable biopolymers and biopolymer-based hybrid systems used for herbicide encapsulation, with an emphasis on carrier materials, formulation technologies, controlled-release mechanisms, kinetic modelling, field performance, environmental interactions and formulation optimisation. Chitosan, alginate, pectin, lignin and polyhydroxyalkanoates are prominent carrier materials, while layered double hydroxide–biopolymer hybrids provide an inorganic–organic alternative. Herbicide-specific evidence reported in the manuscript includes systems for atrazine, pretilachlor, trifluralin, glyphosate, 2,4-D and MCPA. These studies show that encapsulation can slow release and, in selected cases, retain herbicidal efficacy under laboratory or field conditions. However, a substantial proportion of the mechanistic evidence is derived from pharmaceutical, food and biomedical delivery systems and therefore provides transferable formulation principles rather than direct agricultural validation. Release behaviour depends on polymer chemistry, crosslinking, particle characteristics, swelling, diffusion, dissolution, erosion and environmental conditions. The principal constraints to wider adoption include scale-up, material variability, storage stability, formulation consistency, environmental fate, non-target assessment, economic feasibility and regulatory requirements. Overall, biopolymer encapsulation is promising for more controlled herbicide delivery, but broader agricultural value requires standardised characterisation, realistic soil and field validation, long-term environmental assessment and careful comparison with conventional formulations.
The dry season is a critical period for ruminant feeding in Burkina Faso due to the low availability and poor quality of herbaceous forages. In this context, browse species represent a strategic resource, particularly Ficus sycomorus L., which is widely used by livestock farmers and appreciated by sheep. The inclusion levels of this browse fodder in animal diets are poorly documented. This study aimed to determine the optimal rate of inclusion of dried Ficus sycomorus L. (sycamore fig) leaves in the diet of sheep. Twenty Djallonké sheep, aged 18 to 36 months and with an average body weight of 20.81 ± 3.81 kg, were divided into five homogeneous groups and fed diets containing 0, 15, 30, 70 or 100% of dried F. sycomorus leaves. The measured parameters included voluntary feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The results showed significant differences among dietary treatments for feed intake, digestibility, and growth performance (p < 0.05). The diet containing 70% of F. sycomorus leaves recorded the highest rates of voluntary intake (924.96 g DM/day), dry matter digestibility (71.32%), and crude protein digestibility (55%). In contrast, the most efficient utilisation of the diets was observed at the moderate inclusion level of 30% dried F. sycomorus leaves, which resulted in an average daily gain of 48 g/day and a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 15.94. These findings suggest that the inclusion of dried F. sycomorus leaves into diets based on low-quality forage during the dry season may improve the weight gain performance of sheep.
Hydrothermal treatment is an effective modification technique for improving bamboo performance; however, treatment temperature critically influences structural integrity and material properties. This study investigated the effects of high-temperature hydrothermal treatment on the physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics of Bambusa tulda culms, considering variations among the base, middle, and top sections. Bamboo specimens were treated at 120°C, 140°C, 160°C, and 170°C for 60 minutes under hydrothermal conditions. The mass loss percentages were 5.98%, 5.45%, and 3.5% for the bottom, middle, and top sections, respectively, in the control; 4.2%, 3.4%, and 2.34%, respectively, at 120°C; and 10.67%, 6.68%, and 5.5%, respectively, at 170°C, with the basal section exhibiting the greatest mass loss. Density exhibited a temperature-dependent response, increasing in the basal section after treatment at 120°C (Bottom: 5.22 g/cm3, Middle: 4.13 g/cm3, Top: 2.34 g/cm3) but decreasing markedly at 170°C (Bottom: 2.84 g/cm3, Middle: 2.67 g/cm3, Top: 0.17 g/cm3) due to thermal degradation, especially in the top portion of the bamboo. Mechanical evaluation showed that treatment at 120°C markedly improved the modulus of elasticity (MOE) (Bottom: 27199.9 MPa, Middle: 13025.07 MPa, Top: 9961.41 MPa) and modulus of rupture (MOR) (Bottom: 231.66 MPa, Middle: 105.70 MPa, Top: 93.38 MPa) in the basal section, whereas treatment at 170°C resulted in marked deterioration of MOE (Bottom: 2950.42 MPa, Middle: 5215.37 MPa, Top: 4516.79 MPa) and MOR (Bottom: 37.30 MPa, Middle: 57.02 MPa, Top: 72.31 MPa). Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy confirmed molecular modifications through changes in O–H and C–H absorption bands, indicating moisture redistribution and structural alterations within the cell wall. Chemical analysis showed an increase in Klason lignin content and a corresponding decrease in holocellulose content with increasing treatment temperature, reflecting preferential degradation of carbohydrate components. Overall, hydrothermal treatment at 120°C provided the most favourable balance between property enhancement and structural preservation, whereas higher temperatures led to progressive degradation. These findings highlight the importance of optimising hydrothermal treatment conditions according to bamboo culm position and intended application, providing valuable insights for the sustainable utilisation of Bambusa tulda in structural and value-added products.
Milk proteins contain intact bioactive molecules and encrypted peptide sequences that can influence cell survival, redox regulation, immunity and tumour-associated signalling. Interest in their anticancer potential has expanded from early observations of tumour-selective cytotoxicity to defined lactoferrin-derived peptides, casein fragments, whey hydrolysates and alpha-lactalbumin-oleic acid complexes. This critical narrative review evaluates whether these entities can reasonably be regarded as natural anticancer agents and distinguishes mechanistic plausibility from evidence relevant to treatment or prevention. Literature published from 1995 to 15 June 2026 was selected through searches of multidisciplinary and biomedical scholarly sources, citation tracing and reference verification. The strongest mechanistic convergence concerns lactoferrin and lactoferricin, for which direct membrane effects, apoptosis, modulation of tumour metabolism, inhibition of angiogenic signalling and context-dependent immunomodulation have been demonstrated across several experimental systems. Alpha-lactalbumin-oleic acid complexes show reproducible cytotoxicity and limited human proof-of-concept, but the contribution of the milk protein remains disputed because oleic acid can account for much of the observed toxicity and non-malignant cells are not invariably spared. Casein-derived peptides and caseinate preparations show antileukaemic, antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects in selected models, yet contradictory prostate-cell findings and marked preparation dependence argue against a class-wide anticancer effect. Whey protein mixtures and hydrolysates provide signals in colorectal carcinogenesis models and support nutrition in patients with cancer, but clinical nutritional benefit should not be conflated with direct antitumour efficacy. Across candidate classes, translation is constrained by incomplete pharmacokinetics, gastrointestinal proteolysis, high experimental concentrations, inconsistent normal-cell controls, heterogeneous processing and sparse cancer-specific trials. Milk-derived proteins and peptides therefore constitute a credible discovery platform rather than an established therapeutic class; the most defensible path forward is chemically defined, mechanism-linked development with rigorous selectivity, exposure and clinical validation.
Asalio or garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) is a nutritionally and medicinally important herb affected by Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria burnsii. The present study evaluated selected plant extracts and bioagents under in vitro conditions and chitosan under glasshouse conditions for disease management. Tulsi leaf extract (10%), ginger rhizome extract (10%), neem leaf extract (10%) and garlic bulb extract (10%) were assessed by the poisoned food technique. Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum, T. koningii and Pseudomonas fluorescens were evaluated by the dual culture method. Chitosan at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% was evaluated in a growbag experiment. Garlic extract (10%) completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A. burnsii, recording 100.00% inhibition, while neem extract recorded 60.00% inhibition. Among the bioagents, T. viride was the most effective, with 86.52% inhibition, followed by T. harzianum and T. koningii. Under glasshouse conditions, chitosan at 0.4% recorded the lowest disease intensity after each spray and produced the highest disease reduction over the untreated control (58.09%). These results indicate that the evaluated plant extracts, bioagents and chitosan differed in efficacy against Alternaria leaf spot of Asalio. Garlic extract, T. viride and chitosan at 0.4% were the most effective treatments within their respective evaluations and warrant further assessment under integrated disease-management conditions.
Indian bartail flathead (Platycephalus indicus) is a commercially harvested marine fish along the Mangaluru coast, for which local information on growth pattern and condition remains limited. This study assessed the length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of the species using 240 specimens comprising 86 males and 154 females. Samples were obtained from commercial catches at fish landing sites, and total length and body weight were recorded for length-weight analysis. The allometric relationship between length and weight was estimated, while the relative condition factor (Kn) was used to describe fish condition. The study reported negative allometric growth for both males and females, indicating that body weight increased at a lower proportional rate than length. Monthly relative condition factor values remained above one for both sexes and showed only limited variation during the observation period. Male Kn values ranged from 1.002237 to 1.055086, while female values ranged from 1.004919 to 1.054667. These observations indicate comparatively stable condition across the sampled months under the interpretation applied in the study. The results provide baseline biological information on the growth pattern and relative condition of P. indicus along the Mangaluru coast. Broader spatial and temporal sampling, together with assessment of environmental and reproductive variables, would strengthen future interpretation of population condition and support fisheries assessment and management.
Tabernaemontana divaricata is an important ornamental shrub valued for its lovely white flowers, continuous blooming habit, and potential as a loose-flower crop. Aim: The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the morphological variability among ten accessions of Tabernaemontana divaricata under the agro-climatic conditions of Kerala and to identify superior accessions for loose flower production, commercial cultivation and future crop improvement programmes. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications, each comprising ten plants. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during 2024–2026 at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Methodology: Ten accessions of Tabernaemontana divaricata collected from different regions of Kerala were evaluated for important vegetative and floral characters. Observations on plant height, internodal length, leaf length, leaf width and stem girth were recorded at 30 and 90 days after planting (DAP). Floral characters, including bud length, bud diameter, flower diameter, corolla length, 100-bud weight, number of petals, number of inflorescences per branch and number of buds per inflorescence were also recorded. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the significance of differences among accessions. Results: Significant variation was observed among the accessions for all vegetative and floral characters, indicating considerable morphological variability. Accession A7 recorded the maximum plant height at 30 and 90 DAP (49.33 cm and 61.80 cm, respectively), while A3 recorded the maximum stem girth (21.95 and 29.61 mm), leaf length (11.18 and 12.01 cm) and leaf width (4.89 and 5.90 cm) at 30 and 90 DAP, respectively. Among floral traits, A3 recorded the longest buds (37.33 mm), the highest number of inflorescences per branch (6.20) and the maximum number of buds per inflorescence (16.84). Accession A7 recorded the maximum bud diameter (9.01 ± 0.21 mm), flower diameter (46.53 mm), corolla length (39.67 mm), 100-bud weight (73.33 g) and number of petals (15.10). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (P < 0.01) for all the characters studied. Conclusion: The study revealed considerable morphological diversity among the evaluated accessions of Tabernaemontana divaricata. Accession A3 was identified as promising for enhanced flowering potential, particularly for flower yield-related traits, whereas A7 was superior for floral quality and ornamental attributes. These accessions may serve as valuable genetic resources for breeding, varietal improvement and commercial cultivation of Tabernaemontana divaricata as a loose flower crop under Kerala conditions.
Seed dormancy limits the uniform propagation of several Cassia species because of the presence of a hard, water-impermeable seed coat. This study evaluated the effects of thirteen pre-sowing treatments on seed germination percentage and mean daily germination (MDG) of Cassia fistula L., Cassia glauca Lam. and Cassia tora L. Seeds were collected from Samastipur district, Bihar, India, surface-sterilised and subjected to physical, chemical, hormonal and combined pre-treatments. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomised design with five replications, with 40 seeds per treatment for each species. Germination was recorded daily for 14 days under controlled laboratory conditions. Untreated seeds showed the lowest germination, with 17.5% in C. fistula and 20.0% in both C. glauca and C. tora. Among the treatments, soaking in sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) at 550 ppm for 5 minutes, followed by gibberellic acid (GA₃) at 550 ppm for 24 hours, gave the highest germination and MDG in all three species. This treatment produced 82.5% germination in C. fistula, 85.0% in C. glauca and 90.0% in C. tora, with corresponding MDG values of 5.89, 6.07 and 6.43. Mechanical scarification followed by GA₃ also improved germination, although it was slightly less effective. The findings indicate that combined scarification and GA₃ treatment can improve laboratory germination of the tested Cassia species.
The present study investigated the food and feeding habits of Sperata seenghala in the Gomti River, Uttar Pradesh, with emphasis on seasonal variation in diet. From October 2024 to March 2025, 233 specimens were examined during the six-month sampling period. Gut contents were assessed using frequency-of-occurrence, numerical, volumetric and gravimetric methods. Clear monthly shifts were observed. Insects were the most widely occurring and numerically dominant prey during several winter months, reaching 100% occurrence in February and 87.9% numerical contribution in January. Annelids increased during the later months, contributing 49.6% and 55.6% numerically in February and March, respectively. Fish contributed strongly by volume and weight, reaching 26.70% volumetrically in December and 60% gravimetrically in March, indicating the influence of larger prey on dietary bulk and biomass. Molluscs, semi-digested matter, plant matter, algae and mud occurred at lower or more variable levels. The contrast among occurrence, numerical, volumetric and gravimetric estimates shows that prey importance depended on the metric applied. Overall, S. seenghala exhibited a broad and predominantly carnivorous diet, with seasonal shifts in prey use and the relative importance of small and large food items. These findings provide baseline information on the trophic ecology and resource utilisation of this catfish in the Gomti River.
Aims: Induced mutagenesis is an effective strategy to broaden the genetic base of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), especially where conventional breeding is limited by low genetic variability and hybridisation barriers. This study aimed to identify superior EMS-induced mutant lines of the mungbean variety DGGV 2 using both conventional and multivariate selection approaches. Study Design: Fifty-five M₄ lines were evaluated in an alpha-lattice design. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the experimental plots of the Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad. Methodology: Fifty-five M₄ lines were evaluated in an alpha-lattice design, along with susceptible and resistant checks, for eleven agronomic traits and responses to major foliar diseases under natural epiphytotic conditions. Results: The analysis of variance showed significant genetic variability for most traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for yield per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, and hundred-seed weight indicated the predominance of additive gene action and suggested that selection would be effective. Clusters per plant and pods per plant showed significant correlations with seed yield and were major contributors to yield. Principal component and factor analyses explained 60.5% of the total phenotypic variation, with traits grouped into three biologically meaningful factors related to plant architecture, seed and disease attributes, and yield. Three different types of Smith–Hazel selection indices consistently identified DGGM 122 and DGGM 170 as superior genotypes, although rankings varied with economic weighting and multicollinearity, illustrating limitations of conventional selection indices. In contrast, the Multi-trait Genotype–Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) effectively integrated multiple correlated traits and identified DGGM 122, DGGM 13, DGGM 119, DGGM 116, and DGGM 3 as superior ideotype-like genotypes with balanced performance for yield, yield components, and disease resistance. Strengths–weaknesses analysis indicated the trait-specific advantages and limitations of selected mutants. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that MGIDI provides a robust and unbiased framework for simultaneous multi-trait selection and the identification of promising EMS-induced mungbean mutants for future breeding programmes.
The present study was undertaken to comparatively evaluate cocktail dairy fudge (CDF) and market fudge. The CDF was prepared using basundi, shrikhand, butter and ghee residue (GR), and its sensory qualities, chemical properties and colour values were evaluated against commercially available market fudge. The properties of CDF (MS1) were compared with three different market fudge samples (MS2, MS3 and MS4). Sensory evaluation was carried out using a nine-point hedonic scale by seven semi-trained judges, while chemical properties and instrumental colour values were analysed using standard methods. The CDF recorded sensory scores of 8.45 for colour and appearance, 8.47 for body and texture, 8.21 for taste and 8.37 for overall acceptability. It showed lower moisture (1.64 %), fat (14.77 %), protein (7.23 %), ash (0.97 %), pH (4.50) and water activity (0.5637), and higher reducing sugar (10.95 %), total sugar (75.52 %) and acidity (0.85 %) than the market fudge samples. Significant differences were observed in colour values (L*, a* and b*) among the samples, with CDF recording values of 32.35, 7.81 and 12.66, respectively. Overall, the CDF exhibited desirable sensory qualities, chemical properties and colour values compared with commercial market fudge, indicating good potential as a value-added dairy confectionery product for the effective utilization of GR.
Grain discolouration in rice (Oryza sativa L.), driven by climate-induced temperature and humidity shifts, severely degrades seed viability and seedling vigour during storage. This study evaluated the physiological deterioration of discoloured seeds of paddy cv. Jyothi under ambient storage and compared the efficacy of synthetic fungicides and eco-friendly biological dressings. In a completely randomised design, seven treatments were evaluated: T1 (Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg), T2 (Mancozeb @ 2 g/kg), T3 (Trichoderma viride @ 10 g/kg), T4 (Bacillus subtilis @ 10 g/kg), T5 (Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg), untreated discoloured control (T6), and untreated healthy control (T7). The treatments had four replications and were monitored monthly for six months (0 to 6 months after storage [MAS]). Discoloured seeds initially (0 MAS) showed immediate physiological deficits, experiencing a 24.7% reduction in Seedling Vigour Index I (SVI-I: 974 vs. 1294) and a 7.1% reduction in SVI-II (1364 vs. 1468) compared to the healthy baseline. Over six months of ambient storage, the untreated discoloured control (T6) deteriorated rapidly, falling to 78.00% germination at 6 MAS, thereby failing the 80% Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standard (IMSCS). Conversely, Carbendazim (T1) was highly effective in arresting physiological decay, maintaining a superior 90.00% germination rate, 8.19 cm shoot, 20.84 cm root, and 0.186 g dry weight at 6 MAS (SVI-I: 2600, SVI-II: 1673; +43.3% SVI-I and +20.5% SVI-II over T6). Treatments with Trichoderma viride (T3) and Mancozeb (T2) also successfully preserved viability at 86.00% germination, with T3 achieving the highest seedling dry matter accumulation (0.188 g, +5.6% over T6) and SVI-II (1618, +16.5% over T6). These findings demonstrate that proactive seed dressings with systemic fungicides (Carbendazim) or biological agents (Trichoderma viride or Bacillus subtilis) are effective strategies for preserving physiological quality above the 80% certification threshold under ambient storage.
Pulses have a vital and diverse role in agricultural systems and the food habits of people around the world. Among them, cowpea is a traditional and important pulse crop. It is a potential source of vegetable protein for the majority of Kerala's population. Crop improvement programmes aim to breed crops for diverse objectives, and developing high-yielding cowpea genotypes is a major and challenging objective in any breeding programme. To identify potential segregants with high yield and yield-contributing characters from an inter-varietal cross of cowpea, an experiment was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Kerala Agricultural University during 2023. In this research, the advanced generation of a cross between Vellayani Jyothika, a high-yielding variety susceptible to pod borer, and EC 98668, an exotic germplasm line resistant to pod borer but with low yield, was evaluated for genetic variability and to isolate promising segregants with high seed yield and yield-contributing characters. Parameters such as phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV), heritability (H2) and genetic advance (GA) were estimated for nine quantitative characters from 230 plants belonging to 23 families. Grain yield per plant, number of pods per plant, plant height and pod length recorded high PCV and GCV, which indicated the existence of ample variability for these traits in the population; the narrow differences between PCV and GCV indicated a negligible environmental effect on trait expression. Number of pods per plant, plant height, pod length, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and grain yield per plant recorded high heritability alongside high GAM. This indicates lower environmental influence and strong, fixable additive genetic variance in trait expression. Segregants with high yield and yield-contributing characters were identified and advanced to subsequent generations.
Bed bugs (Cimicidae) are haematophagous ectoparasites whose resurgence represents a growing nuisance in urban environments. In Côte d'Ivoire, their presence has been documented in Abidjan, but no data were available for the northern part of the country. This study aimed to inventory Cimicidae in public places in Korhogo and to assess the level of infestation by type of site. Collections were carried out in approximately thirty sites (bus stations, markets, schools, restaurants, garages, public administrations, university campus) over four months spanning the rainy season (August–September 2024) and the dry season (November–December 2024). Bed bugs were captured manually after visual inspection and aerosol spraying and then identified in the laboratory using dichotomous keys. A total of 4,518 specimens were collected, exclusively in five bus stations. Two species were identified: Cimex hemipterus (96.77 %) and Cimex lectularius (3.23 %). The Dianra station accounted for 66.42 % of the captures. The sex ratio was skewed in favour of females (65.03 % versus 34.97 % males). No significant difference was observed between the two seasons. These results indicate that bus stations constitute the main hotspots of infestation and passive dispersal of bed bugs in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Targeted entomological surveillance, hygiene measures and environmental management at these transit sites may help reduce the risk of further dispersal in northern Côte d’Ivoire.
