Archives of Current Research International

Geometric Morphometrics of Dwarf Honey Bee, Apis florea Fabricius Collected from South Gujarat, Western India

Vishalkumar M. Khimani — 2026-08-14

The present study was undertaken to evaluate geometric morphometric variation in the right forewings of Apis florea Fabricius workers collected from seven districts of South Gujarat, viz., The Dangs, Surat, Valsad, Navsari, Bharuch, Narmada and Tapi. A roving survey was conducted during 2025, and foraging worker bees were collected and preserved in 70 per cent alcohol. The right forewings were separated and analysed using geometric morphometric techniques based on nineteen homologous landmarks located at vein intersections and terminations. Landmark coordinates were digitised using tpsDig2 software, and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis was performed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) based on Euclidean distances to determine phenetic relationships among populations. UPGMA analysis grouped the populations into two major clusters. The first cluster comprised the Surat, Tapi, The Dangs, Bharuch and Valsad populations, whereas the second cluster included the Narmada and Navsari populations. Although two distinct clusters were observed, the relatively low overall clustering distances indicated minor geographical variation while confirming the overall morphological similarity of A. florea populations across South Gujarat. The study demonstrates that geometric morphometric analysis of wing landmarks is an efficient and reliable approach for detecting subtle morphological variation and provides valuable information for understanding population diversity, ecological adaptation and conservation of A. florea.

India's Startup Ecosystem in Transition: A Critical Narrative Review of Policy, Innovation and Socio-Economic Transformation

Ashwitha, A. S. Gowda — 2026-08-18

India's startup ecosystem has shifted from a small set of technology clusters shaped by post-liberalisation software capabilities and transnational networks into a large, policy-recognised entrepreneurial system spanning finance, digital platforms, incubation, public procurement and emerging deep-technology sectors. This critical narrative review examines how policy, innovation and socio-economic change have interacted in that evolution, while distinguishing ecosystem scale from demonstrated economic additionality. Literature published from 1 January 1991 to 15 June 2026 was identified through multidisciplinary and economics-oriented scholarly sources, supplemented by Indian institutional materials and citation searching. Evidence was appraised for design quality, representativeness, causal identification, measurement validity and consistency across settings. The synthesis identifies five linked transitions: the formation of metropolitan technology clusters; the institutionalisation of venture capital and startup support; the consolidation of Startup India as a national policy architecture; the rise of digital public infrastructure, FinTech and science-based ventures; and the growing emphasis on inclusion, regional diffusion and deep-technology commercialisation. The strongest evidence supports the conclusion that India's ecosystem has become denser, more connected and more institutionally supported, with wider access to formal recognition, incubators, public capital instruments and innovation networks. Evidence is weaker on whether these changes have caused durable productivity growth, high-quality net employment, equitable capital allocation or sustained venture survival. Administrative counts of recognised startups, reported jobs, patents and supported firms are useful indicators of programme reach but cannot by themselves establish causal socio-economic transformation. Persistent tensions include metropolitan concentration despite national diffusion, patenting without assured commercialisation, financing growth without clear additionality, and greater formal female participation without evidence of equal ownership or investment outcomes. Future research should prioritise longitudinal linked administrative data, quasi-experimental policy evaluation, spatial and gender-sensitive capital analysis, and cohort studies of deep-technology commercialisation. India's next ecosystem phase is therefore likely to depend less on maximising startup counts than on improving survival, innovation quality, productive scaling and inclusive value creation.

From Creative Capital to Sustainable Growth: A Critical Narrative Review of the Global Orange Economy with Special Reference to India

R. Hanumanthappa — 2026-08-18

The orange economy has moved from a regional policy metaphor to a widely used frame for cultural and creative activities whose value depends on talent, symbolic content, intellectual property, design, technological mediation and cultural heritage. Its policy appeal is clear, yet the evidence base is conceptually fragmented: sector boundaries vary across classifications, direct contribution is often conflated with causal growth, and digital expansion can increase both market access and concentration. This critical narrative review examines how creative capital is converted into sustainable economic value globally and assesses the implications for India at a moment when the term “orange economy” has entered explicit national policy discourse. Literature published mainly from 2000 to 15 June 2026 was identified through EconBiz, OpenAIRE, CORE, DOAJ, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar and supplementary Indian searching through Shodhganga, with Crossref and authoritative source pages used for bibliographic and DOI verification. The synthesis distinguishes direct production effects from innovation spillovers, cluster and urban effects, platform-mediated value capture, cultural and social value, environmental sustainability, and distributional outcomes. The evidence indicates that creative industries can support employment, entrepreneurship, exports, diversification and innovation, but these effects are neither automatic nor uniformly distributed. Benefits depend on related capabilities, local institutions, demand conditions, network connectivity, rights regimes and the bargaining position of creators. Platformisation and artificial intelligence expand production and distribution possibilities while intensifying questions of remuneration, discoverability, data rights and market power. India combines unusual strengths in cultural diversity, film and audiovisual production, crafts, design, digital services and a large young workforce, but fragmented measurement, informality, unequal labour conditions and weak evaluation constrain policy learning. Recent investments in creative-technology institutions and content-creation laboratories may strengthen capabilities, but their growth effects remain untested. A sustainable orange-economy strategy therefore requires measurement that captures value chains and distribution, place-sensitive ecosystem policy, creator-centred digital governance, and explicit integration of cultural, social and environmental objectives with economic performance.

Eco-friendly Nanopriming for Seed Quality Enhancement: Mechanisms, Evidence, Safety and Translation in Sustainable Seed Technology

V. Sangeetha — 2026-08-19

Nanopriming has emerged as a seed-treatment strategy in which brief exposure to nanoscale materials is used to modify imbibition, redox signalling, reserve mobilisation, hormonal responses and early stress tolerance. The approach is increasingly described as eco-friendly when nanoparticles are produced by plant extracts, agricultural residues, biopolymers or other lower-hazard routes. That label, however, is often assigned from synthesis chemistry alone, while the environmental burden of precursor production, thermal processing, dose, persistence, residual release and field use remains weakly characterised. This critical narrative review evaluates the evidence linking nanopriming to seed quality enhancement and asks when the technology can reasonably be regarded as environmentally compatible. The literature was selected through live searches of multidisciplinary and agriculture-relevant scholarly sources, with emphasis on verified peer-reviewed studies, direct comparisons, mechanistic work and evidence extending beyond laboratory germination. Across material classes, the most reproducible benefits concern faster or more complete germination, improved seedling vigour and partial recovery of performance under salinity, drought or ageing. Mechanistic support is strongest for controlled changes in water uptake, reactive oxygen species signalling, hydrolytic enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity and ion homeostasis, although the direction and magnitude of these responses depend strongly on particle chemistry, dose, priming duration, seed lot and stress severity. Green-synthesised zinc, iron, selenium and silica systems, chitosan-stabilised particles and carbon-based nanomaterials show promising results, but direct evidence that they reduce life-cycle environmental impacts remains sparse. Field validation, residue tracing, soil and microbiome effects, storage stability, batch reproducibility and comparisons with ionic, bulk and conventional priming controls are major weaknesses. Eco-friendly nanopriming is therefore best treated as a design objective rather than an intrinsic property of nanoscale seed treatment. Progress requires dose-efficient formulations, transparent characterisation, multi-season field trials and environmental assessment that follows the material from synthesis to crop and soil.

Insecticide Resistance in Indian Vegetable Ecosystems: A Critical Appraisal of Toxicological Mechanisms, Resistance Frequencies and Control Options

Satya Narayan Satapathy — 2026-08-19

Vegetable production in India depends heavily on repeated insecticide application, and the arthropod species that dominate these systems have responded with rapid and repeated adaptation. The result is a control problem that is simultaneously toxicological, ecological and institutional, yet the literature describing it remains fragmented across pest-specific and state-specific studies that are seldom read against one another. This critical narrative review examines what is currently known about the toxicology of insecticide resistance in Indian vegetable cropping systems, organised around three questions: which physiological and molecular mechanisms are actually demonstrated in Indian populations, how reliably resistance frequency can be estimated from the available monitoring data, and which control measures are supported by evidence rather than by plausibility alone. Literature was identified through structured searching of accessible scholarly indexes and citation networks, with every retained source verified against its bibliographic record. The synthesis indicates that mechanistic understanding in Indian material is dominated by indirect biochemical inference, principally synergist ratios and enzyme assays, while direct molecular confirmation of target-site alleles or specific detoxification genes remains confined to a small number of pests, chiefly the diamondback moth, the whitefly species complex and the eggplant fruit and shoot borer. Reported resistance ratios span several orders of magnitude for the same compound across studies, but much of this variation is attributable to inconsistent reference strains, differing bioassay formats and unstandardised sampling rather than to true biological difference, which makes national frequency estimates unreliable. Evidence for control tactics is similarly uneven: rotation by mode-of-action group and the deployment of transgenic eggplant rest on comparatively strong reasoning and, in the latter case, on field data from the wider region, whereas insecticide mixtures, synergist-based tactics and many biopesticide recommendations remain supported mainly by short-term efficacy trials that cannot demonstrate durability. Residue monitoring shows widespread but generally sub-threshold contamination of vegetables, indicating that dietary risk and resistance are related but not interchangeable concerns. Priorities identified include a harmonised national bioassay and reference-strain framework, molecular diagnostics deployed at population scale, and management trials designed with resistance durability rather than seasonal yield as the primary outcome.

Gender-responsive Dairy Extension Training in India: A Critical Narrative Review with Special Reference to Rural Bundelkhand

Pragya Ojha — 2026-08-20

Dairy production is central to the livelihood strategies of many rural Indian households, yet extension and training systems frequently treat the household as a gender-neutral production unit. This assumption obscures a recurrent division between women’s responsibility for routine animal care and men’s greater control over livestock assets, external services, marketing, credit and income. The resulting mismatch limits the relevance and adoption of dairy advice. This critical narrative review examines gender-based dairy extension training needs in India, with special attention to rural Bundelkhand, where drought, fodder and water scarcity, dispersed veterinary services, small herds, labour migration and expanding women-owned milk producer institutions create a distinctive training environment. Literature published from 1 January 2000 to 4 June 2026 was selected from accessible scholarly indexes, institutional repositories, official sources and verified journal records. Evidence was appraised for study design, measurement validity, gender analysis, geographical relevance and the extent to which training outcomes were linked to resources, decision authority and service access. Across Indian studies, animal health, feeding and fodder, breeding, housing, clean milk production and calf care consistently emerge as priority technical domains. The literature also reveals less visible needs in financial literacy, record keeping, market participation, digital access, leadership, asset ownership, drudgery reduction and climate-risk management. These strategic needs are often ranked lower because women are excluded from the associated decisions, not because the capabilities are unimportant. Evidence of training effectiveness is positive but methodologically limited by small local samples, cross-sectional designs, self-reported outcomes, weak counterfactuals and inadequate measurement of women’s agency or time burden. For Bundelkhand, a defensible model is village-based, modular and seasonally timed; delivered through women facilitators, self-help groups and milk producer organisations; and linked to veterinary care, inputs, finance, markets and climate adaptation. Evaluation should move beyond attendance and knowledge gain to feasible adoption, animal health, income control, workload, resilience and collective agency.

National Assessment of Extension Gaps and Technology Index in Rapeseed-mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Production: Macro Evidence from KVK Frontline Demonstrations in Rajasthan

Abhilasha Deepa Minz — 2026-08-14

India’s structural deficit in edible oil production remains one of its most pressing agricultural policy concerns, leaving the nation heavily reliant on expensive overseas imports. Rapeseed-Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is arguably the single most strategic crop for curbing this import dependency, with the state of Rajasthan serving as the undisputed heartland of national production. This study offers a comprehensive macro-level evaluation of yield gaps, technological feasibility, and farm-level economic returns by synthesising five years of secondary data (2019–20 to 2023–24) from Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under ICAR-ATARI Zone-II across Rajasthan. Utilising established methodological frameworks, we computed the Technology Gap, Extension Gap, Technology Index (TI), Extension Yield Advantage (EYA), and Index of Realized Potential (IRP) alongside detailed profitability parameters. Across the five-year panel, the mean potential yield (Y_p), demonstration plot yield (Y_d), and local farmers’ practice yield (Y_f) were recorded at 25.70 q/ha, 21.32 q/ha, and 16.10 q/ha, respectively. Notably, the mean Extension Gap (5.22 q/ha) consistently exceeded the Technology Gap (4.38 q/ha). This empirical pattern demonstrates that the bottleneck in Indian mustard production is not a lack of viable technology at research stations, but rather an institutional transfer failure characterised by low seed replacement, unscientific fertiliser application, and delayed pest management. Over the study period, the Technology Index dropped from 22.00% to 13.96%, signifying that improved cultivars and package of practices are increasingly adaptable to real-world farming environments. Adopting CFLD practices yielded an average productivity gain of +32.41% over traditional practices, producing an additional net profit of ₹24,300/ha and raising the Benefit-Cost ratio from 3.45 to 4.08. We conclude with targeted extension recommendations, focusing on seed-hub scaling, micronutrient integration, and digital extension delivery to secure national edible oil independence.

Age-related Comparative Gross Morphological, Biometrical, Histological and Histochemical Studies on the Bursa of Fabricius of Haringhata Black Chicken and Commercial Broiler Chicken

Nowel Chaudhury — 2026-08-14

The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is the primary lymphoid organ unique to birds and is central to the ontogeny of humoral immunity. The present study was undertaken to compare the age-related gross, biometrical, histological and histochemical architecture of the BF between an indigenous breed, Haringhata Black chicken, and a commercial broiler chicken, from day-old to day 60 of post-hatch life. Fifteen birds of each breed were divided into five age groups (day 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60). Grossly, the bursa was an oval, chestnut-sized, creamy-white to pale-yellow sac attached by a short stalk to the dorsal wall of the proctodeum in both breeds. Organ weight, length, width and thickness increased progressively, peaking around days 30–45, and declined by day 60. Histologically, the bursal wall showed a tunica mucosa thrown into plicae lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar follicle-associated and interfollicular epithelia, a lymphoid-follicle-rich lamina propria, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa in both breeds at all ages, with breed-specific differences in plical height, follicular dimensions and epithelial height. The histoarchitecture, including the presence of a more organised cortex, a more cellular medulla, distinct nuclear morphology, abundant connective tissue, greater vascularity and a gradual pace of bursal growth, was observed in Haringhata birds. The epithelial height was greater in Haringhata birds than in broiler birds in all age groups. Histochemical staining revealed neutral and acidic mucosubstances (PAS and Alcian blue positivity) that varied in intensity with age. Collagen fibres increased, whereas elastic fibres decreased progressively with age in both breeds. These findings establish comparative baseline morphometric data on bursal ontogeny in an indigenous and a commercial chicken breed that may assist in correlating structural maturation with age-related immunocompetence.

Morphological and Mitochondrial Cox1-based Molecular Characterization of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Infesting Cattle in Gujarat, India

D. B. Bhinsara — 2026-08-14

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a major one-host tick of cattle in tropical and subtropical zones and causes considerable economic losses through reduced livestock productivity and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Accurate species identification is important for epidemiological studies and the implementation of effective tick control strategies. The present study was conducted to characterise R. (B.) microplus collected from cattle in Gujarat, India, using morphological examination and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene analysis. Adult engorged female ticks were collected from cattle in five representative districts of Gujarat. Partial cox1 gene fragments (510 bp and 643 bp) were amplified by PCR from genomic DNA, and morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys. Representative amplicons were sequenced and compared with sequences in GenBank using BLAST. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the Neighbor-Joining method in MEGA 12. The expected cox1 fragments were successfully amplified by PCR from all representative isolates. Nucleotide identity of 99.13–99.78% was observed with authenticated R. microplus sequences available in GenBank. The Navsari isolate showed 99.56% similarity with the Hubli isolate (MH612840.1), whereas the Junagadh and Patan isolates showed 99.78% identity with Indian reference isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Gujarat isolates clustered within the R. microplus lineage with isolates from India, Pakistan, China, Malaysia, and South Africa, indicating high genetic conservation and low mitochondrial DNA divergence. R. (B.) microplus was reliably identified through morphological observations and cox1 gene sequencing. The high sequence similarity and conserved phylogenetic relationships demonstrated the utility of the mitochondrial cox1 gene as a potential molecular marker for species identification and genetic characterisation, providing baseline information for epidemiological surveillance and future tick management programmes in Gujarat.

Long-Term Extension-Led Capacity Building Accelerates Aquaculture Technology Adoption, Productivity and Livelihood Diversification in Himalayan Smallholder Farming Systems

V. K. Singh — 2026-08-17

This study evaluated the twenty-year impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-led extension interventions on farmers’ knowledge, technology adoption, aquaculture expansion, productivity, and profitability in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, India, from 2004 to 2024.

A longitudinal impact assessment approach was adopted using baseline (2004; n = 25) and endline (2024; n = 65) farmer surveys, supported by on-farm demonstrations of scientific composite fish culture and integrated aquaculture models involving fish–poultry, fish–vegetable, and fish–crop systems. Changes in knowledge levels were evaluated using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s χ² test, while productivity and economic performance among production systems were compared using analysis of variance.

Sustained extension interventions significantly improved farmers’ knowledge of scientific aquaculture practices, with mean knowledge scores increasing from 32.44% to 62.76% (P < 0.001). The proportion of farmers belonging to the high-knowledge category increased more than threefold, while very-low knowledge levels declined substantially. During the intervention period, the number of fish farmers and ponds increased by 296.4% and 305.2%, respectively. Fish productivity increased by 80.0%, whereas net profit increased by 344.4%. Demonstration farms adopting scientific composite fish culture achieved 120.5% higher fish production and 150.9% greater net income compared with conventional practices. Integrated aquaculture systems generated additional economic benefits, with fish–poultry farming recording the highest profitability and increasing net income by 517.7% compared with conventional fish farming.

Efficacy of Nutripearls Fertilizer on Yield Components and Productivity of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Pooja — 2026-08-17

A field experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of 2022 at the Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.), to evaluate the effects of Nutripearls, an organic acid-based granular fertiliser, on the yield components and productivity of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. JR 206). The trial was laid out in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with nine treatment combinations involving graded levels of the Recommended Dose of Fertilisers (RDF) and Nutripearls applied at the tillering and panicle initiation (PI) stages. The results demonstrated significant variations among treatments in yield attributes and overall productivity. Application of 100% RDF + Nutripearls @ 50 kg/ha at the tillering and PI stages (T₂) recorded superior growth and yield parameters, including the maximum number of effective tillers (406.5/m2), panicle length (27.87 cm), and sound grains per panicle (196.27), along with the lowest number of sterile grains per panicle (6.47). Consequently, T₂produced the highest straw yield (7582.20 kg/ha) and harvest index (43.91%), markedly outperforming both 100% RDF alone (T₈) and the untreated control (T₉). Higher doses of Nutripearls (75 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha) did not offer significant improvements over the 50 kg/ha rate. Overall, integrating Nutripearls at 50 kg/ha alongside 100% RDF can enhance nutrient availability and crop partitioning efficiency, indicating its potential for maximising transplanted rice yields under the experimental conditions.

The Socio-Economic and Environmental Implications of Low-Cost Textiles on Consumer Behavior: A Case of Lubwe Town in Chifunabuli District, Zambia

Mumba Flaviour — 2026-08-18

This study examined the socio-economic and environmental implications of low-cost textiles on consumer behaviour in Lubwe Town, Chifunabuli District, Zambia. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 100 respondents using structured questionnaires. The data were analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel through descriptive statistics and a one-sample t-test. The findings showed that income level was the leading socio-economic factor influencing preference for low-cost textiles, identified by 46% of respondents, followed by occupation (18%), education level (14%), family size (12%), and social influence (10%). Respondents strongly agreed that they prioritised price over quality when purchasing textiles (M = 4.41, SD = 0.69) and frequently purchased low-cost textiles because of their availability (M = 4.36, SD = 0.74). Environmental awareness was limited: 42% of respondents reported being not very aware, while 30% reported being unaware of environmental effects associated with low-cost textiles. The main environmental concerns were textile waste accumulation (36%), overfilling of dumping sites (24%), burning of discarded textiles (20%), and littering in public spaces (18%). Awareness campaigns (32%) and affordable sustainable textile options (28%) were the most preferred strategies. The study indicates that affordability strongly shapes textile consumption in Lubwe, while limited environmental awareness and waste-management constraints contribute to concerns associated with textile disposal.

Prevalence of Malnutrition Based on Anthropometric Measurements among Adolescents (10-17 Years) by Gender in the Rural Area of Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, U.P, India

Alok Kumar Saini — 2026-08-20

Adolescence is a critical period of rapid growth and development, and adequate nutrition during this stage is essential for maintaining optimal health. However, malnutrition among adolescents continues to be a major public health concern in rural areas of India, affecting their physical growth, development, and future health outcomes. The present study aimed to assess the nutritional status of adolescents in rural areas of Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, using anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI), and to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among boys and girls. A cross-sectional, non-interventional study was conducted from February to April 2024 in five villages (Dadoopur, Chakoli, Aurawan, Ramachaura, and Miranpur Pinvat) adopted by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow. A total of 225 adolescents aged 10-17 years were selected using a pre-designed questionnaire. The results showed that 52.89% were males and 47.11% were females, with most participants belonging to early adolescence (12-14 years). Gender-wise comparison showed that males had a significantly higher mean height than females (145.66 ± 11.89 vs. 141.73 ± 10.18 cm; p = 0.003). Similarly, males had a higher mean weight than females (36.01 ± 9.24 vs. 34.59 ± 8.78 kg); however, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The mean BMI (World Health Organization [WHO], 2007) of the study population was 17.84 ± 2.39 kg/m². A high burden of wasting (BMI) was observed, with 72.2% of participants classified as wasted, while 26.6% had normal BMI and 0.8% were overweight. Weight-for-age assessment showed that 84.89% of participants were underweight, while 15.11% had normal weight. Stunting was prevalent among 67.54% of adolescents, including mild (31.99%), moderate (27.55%), and severe (8.00%) stunting. The mean height-for-age Z-score (WHO, 2007) was significantly lower among females than males (-1.89 ± 1.01 vs. -1.52 ± 0.88; p = 0.004). The findings indicate a high prevalence of malnutrition and stunting among rural adolescents in Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow. Regular anthropometric assessments and targeted nutritional interventions are essential to improve adolescent growth and nutritional status.

Comparative Analysis of Pathogenicity on Different Plant Parts of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and Pathogenic Variability among Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Isolates

Sushma A. Rao — 2026-08-21

Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, is one of the most destructive bacterial diseases affecting acid lime cultivation. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the pathogenicity of four isolates of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xac1, Xac2, Xac3 and Xac4) on different plant parts of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle), namely leaves, stems, fruits and thorns, and to assess pathogenic variability among isolates using an attached leaf technique under screenhouse conditions. Inoculation induced typical citrus canker symptoms, characterised by water-soaked translucent spots, raised corky lesions and distinct yellow halos. Leaves were found to be the most susceptible plant part, exhibiting the shortest incubation period across all isolates. Among the four isolates tested, Xac2 proved to be the most virulent, producing the earliest symptoms (4 days on leaves) with the shortest average incubation period, while Xac4 was the least aggressive. Significant pathogenic variability was observed among the X. citri subsp. citri isolates, highlighting the importance of selecting virulent isolates for resistance screening and disease management strategies.