The present study was conducted during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Research Farm of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur. The performance of a rice-wheat cropping system was evaluated under four production systems: P1 (Natural Farming), P2 (Organic farming), P3 (Conventional Practices), and P4 (Soil Test based practices). Results indicated that conventional and soil-test-based farming achieved higher productivity than organic and natural farming in both crops. Among the production systems, soil-test-based farming resulted in significantly higher rice grain yields (28.77 and 36.80 q/ha) and straw yields (38.23 and 48.25 q/ha) than natural farming (grain yields: 24.83 and 30.23 q/ha; straw yields: 33.83 and 42.61 q/ha) and organic farming (grain yields: 24.97 and 32.30 q/ha; straw yields: 32.55 and 43.74 q/ha) at harvest in 2022 and 2023, respectively. For wheat, soil-test-based farming resulted in numerically higher grain yields (35.71 and 32.74 q/ha) and straw yields (52.45 and 48.95 q/ha) than natural farming (grain yields: 20.08 and 12.63 q/ha; straw yields: 30.66 and 18.80 q/ha) and organic farming (grain yields: 24.55 and 21.75 q/ha; straw yields: 38.54 and 32.73 q/ha) at harvest in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Rice grain and straw yields improved slightly during the second year across all production systems, whereas wheat grain and straw yields decreased during the second year. The findings indicate the strong performance of conventional and soil-test-based farming for maximizing crop productivity under the irrigated conditions of Bihar, while highlighting the scope for further optimization of organic and natural farming systems.

Twenty-one Schiff bases were synthesized from 2,4,5-trichloroaniline and characterized by instrumental techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy. The compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit nitrification in soil nitrifying bacteria under controlled laboratory conditions over 28 days at three different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%), with N-serve and Dicyandiamide (DCD) used as nitrification inhibitors. All the tested compounds showed markedly higher ammonium-N levels (33-185 mg kg-1) and lower nitrate-N levels (23-137 mg kg-1) compared to the control treatment with urea alone. The synthesized compounds were found to be extremely efficient nitrification inhibitors (15-77%) and enhanced soil microbial activities including soil respiration (32.2-34.0 µg CO2-C per g), dehydrogenase activity (43-46.4 µg TPF per g soil per 24 h) and microbial biomass carbon (537.2-556.3 µg gm-1), compared to other treatments, demonstrating superior microbial activity and soil health. The most important compounds identified from the series were C21, C20, and C3. Pair t-test was performed within the treatment concentration and found that all the treatments differed significantly in terms of mean responses from each other. Statistical and machine leaning models such as stepwise multiple linear regression, artificial neural network (ANN), support vector regression and random forest were used to validate the quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) of the synthesized compounds with their nitrification inhibition property. ANN models developed based on feature variables selected from random forest regression were found to be the best fitted models for predicting nitrification inhibition activity at 1%, 5% and 10% of treatment doses.

The study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, to evaluate the thermal indices such as Growing Degree Days (GDD), Helio-thermal Units (HTU), Photo-thermal Units (PTU), thermal use efficiency (TUE) and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of different potato varieties viz. V1- Kufri Bahar, V2- Kufri Pushkar and V3- Kufri Lima under different planting dates viz. D1- 10th October, D2- 25th October, D3- 10th November and D4- 25th November. The results revealed that D1 sown crop recorded highest AGDD (1237.1°C days), AHTU (5833.3°C day hours), APTU (13646.4°C day hours), D4 sown crop recorded highest TUE (0.16 gm-2 °C days) and the maximum RUE was found in D2 sown crop i.e. 0.65 g MJ-1during crop season 2019-20 whereas, in 2020-21, D1 recorded highest AGDD (1130.9°C days), APTU (12420.6°C day hours), D4 recorded highest AHTU (5978.8°C day hours), D2 sown crop recorded highest TUE (0.23 gm-2 °C days) and RUE (1.59 g MJ-1). Among different varieties, Kufri Lima accumulated maximum AGDD (1002.5°C day and 1068.5°C days), AHTU (4062.1°C day hours and 5806.7°C day hours), APTU (11003.6°C day hours and 11716.9°C day hours), the maximum TUE and RUE was observed in Kufri Pushkar (0.16 gm-2 °C days and 0.21 gm-2 °C days) and (0.54 g MJ-1 and 1.37 g MJ-1) respectively, during both the crop seasons. The findings show the importance of selecting an optimum planting time and variety for maximizing potato yield. This becomes especially relevant in the context of increasing climate variability in semi-arid regions and north-western plains of India.

Rhizoctonia solani is a major soil-borne pathogen that causes severe agricultural damage to maize, rice, soybean, and potato. The increasing resistance of pathogens to conventional fungicides and environmental concerns necessitate the development of new, effective, and eco-friendly antifungal compounds. Guided by a comparative docking study, 5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their antifungal efficacy against R. solani. Several derivatives exhibited strong antifungal activity (EC50: 3.6 to 196.56 μg/mL), particularly those with halogen-substituted phenyl rings. The compound, 5-((2,4-dichlorophenoxy)methyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (A-3), showed the highest activity comparable to the reference fungicide hexaconazole (EC50 = 2.33 μg/mL). Structure-activity relationship analysis and ergosterol inhibition activity affirmed their potential as effective agricultural fungicides, while ECOSAR model predictions indicated their promise as environmentally safe bioactive compounds for plant disease management.

The pharmaceutical and food sectors have increasingly recognized the medicinal value of the kiwi plant, leading to extensive research on its bioactive constituents. Kiwi are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that exhibit strong antioxidant properties by inhibiting oxidative damage to biomolecules. The present study investigates the antioxidant potential of commercially available kiwi-based products correlates the findings with existing literature. Phytochemical screening was conducted on the basis of previous studies to identify antioxidant compounds. In silico analysis identified three key molecular targets such as MICB, TNF, and CD209 using the STRING database. Bioactive compounds reported from kiwi and papaya leaves were subjected to molecular docking, revealing chlorogenic acid (-3.87 kcal/mol), epigallocatechin (-5.54 kcal/mol), and kaempferol (-1.89 kcal/mol) as top candidates showing good binding affinities against prioritized target CD209, MICB and TNF, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations and ADMET profiling, highlighted their therapeutic potential which need to be further validated using in vitro and in vivo studies.

The main aim of this study was to develop an eco-friendly edible coating based on fenugreek gum (FG) functionalized with finger millet phenolic (FMP) extract and to evaluate its effect on the postharvest quality of Kinnow mandarins. Coating formulations comprising FG, GP1 (10

Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP) and its block copolymers with chlorophenylmaleimide monomers (chloro group substituted at ortho OCPMI, meta MCPMI, and para PCPMI positions) were synthesized using ethyl (S)-2-(ethyl isobutyrate)-(O-ethyl xanthate) (EIEX) as a xanthate mediator. The resulting block copolymers PNVP-b-POCPMI (ortho-chlorophenyl maleimide), PNVP-b-PMCPMI (meta-chlorophenyl maleimide), and PNVP-b-PPCPMI (para-chlorophenyl maleimide) were characterized using 1H NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA-DTA, GPC, and XRD. These block copolymers, with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, were found to self-assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous solutions, which were further studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cytotoxicity was assessed via the MTT assay on Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cells treated with polymer concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 mu M. Nuclear morphological changes in Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cells were analyzed using DAPI and AO/EtBr staining. The block copolymers demonstrated anticancer activity, with higher cell viability observed at increased polymer concentrations, suggesting their potential for future development in human anticancer therapies.

Amphiphilic block copolymers are increasingly utilised in nanomedicine due to their ability to self-assemble into micelles that effectively encapsulate hydrophobic drugs. In this study, we present the synthesis and comprehensive characterisation of a novel amphiphilic block copolymer comprising poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSA) as the hydrophilic segment and poly(methacryloyl valine) (PMAV) as the hydrophobic block. The PSSA segment was synthesised via RAFT polymerisation using a trithiocarbonate-based chain transfer agent, enabling controlled molecular architecture. PMAV was derived from l-valine, a naturally occurring, biocompatible amino acid, contributing hydrophobicity. The resulting PSSA-b-PMAV copolymer was characterised using NMR, FTIR, GPC, DSC, TGA, XRD, DLS, and TEM. Micelle formation in aqueous solution was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy using pyrene as a probe, and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined. Amphotericin B (Amp B), a hydrophobic antifungal agent with known systemic toxicity, was successfully encapsulated into the micellar core. Encapsulation significantly enhanced Amp B's aqueous solubility and reduced its cytotoxicity, as demonstrated by in vitro assays. The hydrophilic PSSA corona provided excellent colloidal stability, while the PMAV core enabled efficient drug loading and sustained release. Overall, the study establishes PSSA-b-PMAV as a promising, biocompatible nanocarrier platform for the delivery of water-insoluble therapeutic agents.

Maydis leaf blight (MLB) is a dreadful disease caused by Bipolaris maydis, rendering a loss of up to 70

Ensuring a safe and secure supply of nutritious food for the ever growing global population necessitates the development of new eco-friendly fungicides to increase global food output by minimizing plant disease losses. Because of their broad biological relevance, imines are a promising target for fungicide development. To optimize the structure of imine derivatives for improved antifungal activity, twenty-seven Schiff bases derived from halogen-substituted benzenamines were prepared and characterized using spectral analysis in the present study. These compounds were investigated further for their in-vitro antifungal bio-efficacy against Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Most of the compounds were effective against the test fungi with EC50 values ranging from 0.99 to 190.51 μg/mL. The substitution of chlorine at the phenyl ring attached to the carbon of the imine group resulted in the highest antifungal activity against both test fungi. The most effective antifungal compounds displayed >80% inhibition of the lanosterol-14α-demethylase enzyme.

In this study, poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) [poly(AAc-co-AAm)] hydrogels were synthesized via free radical polymerization using acrylic acid (AAc), acrylamide (AAm), and N, N '-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker. The synthesized hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, H-1-NMR, TGA, and SEM to confirm structural integrity, crosslinking, and thermal stability. Swelling behavior was evaluated at varying temperatures (30 degrees C, 35 degrees C, and 45 degrees C) and pH (3.0-8.0). Maximum equilibrium swelling was observed for poly(AAc-co-AAm)3 due to higher hydrophilic group content, reaching saturation within 3 h. Swelling increased with both temperature and pH due to hydrogen bond disruption and ionic repulsion. TGA demonstrated a three-step decomposition, indicating stability up to similar to 180 degrees C. Adsorption studies were performed by using methylene blue (100 mg/L) with 12 mg of hydrogel at pH 8.0. Optimal dye uptake occurred within 8 h. Adsorption increased with increase in dye concentration (20-100 mg/L), and the hydrogel showed enhanced adsorption at higher pH due to deprotonation of carboxylic groups. Kinetic analysis confirmed the pseudo-second-order model (R-2 > 0.995) best described the process, indicating chemisorption. Freundlich isotherm (R-2 = 0.998) best fit equilibrium data, suggesting multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. These findings validate the hydrogels as efficient, pH-sensitive, and thermo-responsive adsorbents for dye removal applications.

A guar gum (GG)-grafted-(polydimethylamino-co-polyacrylamido sulfonic acid) [GG-g-(PDMAEA-co-PAMPS)] hydrogel was developed as a promising material for wound dressings. The hydrogel was synthesized by grafting poly(dimethylaminoethacrylate) (PDMAEA) and poly(acrylamidopropyl sulfonic acid) (PAMPS) onto guar gum (GG), and its structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Rheological assessments demonstrated its mechanical robustness and self-healing properties while swelling studies revealed pH-sensitive behavior. Biocompatibility was confirmed through cell viability assays, showing minimal cytotoxicity and the hydrogel exhibited a bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. In a rat full-thickness chronic wound model, the hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing, enhanced collagen deposition, reduced inflammation, and promoted angiogenesis. These results underscored the potential of the GG-g-(PDMAEA-co-PAMPS) hydrogel as an effective solution for chronic wound management.

Actinobacteria belonging to genus Streptomyces are a versatile group actively involved in global C cycle with abilities to degrade several recalcitrant substrates. Inhabiting diverse ecological niches, they are active in different pH and temperature regimes thus a source of robust enzymes for exploitation in bioprocessing. Compost is one such habitat supporting huge microbial diversity, lignocellulolytic actinobacteria being predominant in community. In this study, two actinobacterial strains isolated from compost through enrichment culture, identified as Streptomyces thermoviolaceous S1 and S2, showed lignocellulolose degrading enzyme production. When grown on rice straw under solid state fermentation they disrupted lignocellulose matrix. Structural changes in solid substrate were observed by non-invasive techniques SEM, XRD and FTIR. Alkali extraction of fermented solids removed about similar to 33 % lignin from rice straw while buffer extracts showed high specific activities of all three components of cellulases, xylanase (84 IU/ mL), laccase (59 IU/ mL) and lignin peroxidase (26 IU/ mL). S. thermoviolaceous S2 showed better enzyme activities, lignin removal and cellulose enrichment than S1 (53.03 % and 49.01 % by S. thermoviolaceous S2 and S1 respectively). Alkali extraction led to efficient lignin removal than buffer extraction as evident from higher absorbance of alkali extracts (@205 nm) which was corroborated by higher recovery of acid precipitable lignin. Better cellulose enrichment enabled higher glucan loading and higher sugar yields upon enzymatic saccharification than uninoculated substrate. This study outlined a green like process involving biological treatment of rice straw with S. thermoviolaceous strains for delignification, lignin recovery and simultaneous lignocellulose degrading enzyme production for biomass processing.