Archives of Current Research International

Role of Animal Husbandry in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: A Review

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Animal husbandry is central to global food systems because it supports food security, livelihoods, nutrition and rural economies. At the same time, livestock systems are linked to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water demand and pollution, while also being vulnerable to climate variability. This review examines the role of animal husbandry in climate change mitigation and adaptation, with emphasis on livestock-related emissions, system resilience and sustainable management options. The manuscript highlights enteric methane, manure-derived nitrous oxide, land-use change and energy use as important emission pathways. Improved feeding, methane inhibitors, genetic improvement, efficient manure management, composting, biogas production, grazing management and crop–livestock integration are discussed as mitigation strategies that can reduce emission intensity. Adaptation measures include climate-resilient breeds, diversified livelihoods, adaptive feeding and housing, improved water management, climate services, early warning systems and pastoral mobility. The review also considers climate-smart livestock production, agroecological practices, circular economy approaches and the One Health framework as integrated pathways for improving sustainability. Economic barriers, technological limitations, extension gaps, policy constraints and productivity–sustainability trade-offs remain important challenges. Overall, the review indicates that animal husbandry can contribute to climate change responses when mitigation and adaptation strategies are implemented in a context-specific, economically feasible and institutionally supported manner.

Due Diligence as a Risk Mitigation Instrument in United States Mergers and Acquisitions: A Critical Review of Evidence and Practice

Eric Asamoah, Dominic Acquah — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Companies in the United States capital market continue to pursue mergers and acquisitions at remarkable scale, even as a substantial body of research documents that most acquiring firms fail to create value for their shareholders. Among the explanations offered for this persistent underperformance, deficiencies in pre-acquisition due diligence rank prominently. This paper presents a critical narrative review of how due diligence functions as a risk mitigation mechanism across the M&A process, drawing on peer-reviewed literature from finance, law, strategic management, and information systems.

The review traces due diligence across seven domains—financial, legal, regulatory, operational, cultural, technological, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG)—examining what each dimension investigates and what the evidence says about its consequences for deal outcomes. Several consistent findings emerge. Rigorous financial due diligence constrains the tendency to overpay. Legal and regulatory investigation reduces exposure to post-closing litigation and antitrust risk. Operational assessment disciplines synergy projections. Cultural and human capital due diligence, often underinvested, predicts integration success at least as reliably as strategic fit. Cybersecurity and ESG due diligence are no longer peripheral concerns but have become financially material in numerous US transactions.

The accumulated evidence from the US capital market indicates that acquirers with stronger due diligence capabilities—supported by dedicated M&A teams, high-quality advisers, and deliberate learning across successive deals—achieve meaningfully better outcomes. The paper also identifies persistent gaps: the causal effects of due diligence quality remain difficult to isolate empirically; ESG due diligence lacks a strong theoretical foundation; and the potential of artificial intelligence to transform investigative practice has received almost no academic attention. These are consequential omissions that define a productive agenda for future research.

Phytochemical Profiling of Acacia auriculiformis, Chemical Diversity and Pharmacological Potential: A Review

Shubham Kaushik, Rajesh Kumar, Vani Sahu, Himanshu Sinha — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acacia auriculiformis is a valuable medicinal and industrial plant noted for its environmental adaptation and therapeutic value. The Acacia auriculiformi includes a wide range of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and sterols, all of which are linked to various biological functions. This review summarizes Acacia auriculiformis' phytochemical variety, pharmacological characteristics, and prospective medicinal applications. Relevant scientific literature was rigorously gathered from published research articles, reviews, and ethnomedicinal reports. The result found that bioactive secondary metabolites have strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. Review also revealed pathways including reactive oxygen species scavenging, enzyme inhibition, and cytokine modulation. Emerging applications in nanotechnology, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and natural preservatives emphasise the species' industrial importance. Overall, this paper highlighted that the Acacia auriculiformis tree was found many phytochemical compound they are very helpful to human. This study is unique in that it integrates phytochemical, pharmacological, ethnomedicinal, and new biological findings while also identifying research gaps and future opportunities for evidence-based treatment development.

Adaptation of Crops to Heat Stress with Special Emphasis on Horticulture: Mechanisms, Management, and Breeding Approaches

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Global temperatures are rising at an unprecedented rate, posing a severe threat to horticultural crop production worldwide. Heat stress, defined as a rise in temperature beyond a threshold level sufficient to cause irreversible damage to plant growth and development, adversely affects virtually every stage of the plant life cycle, from germination and vegetative growth to reproduction and yield formation. Horticultural crops, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants, are particularly susceptible to thermal stress owing to their narrow temperature optima for growth and reproduction. This review synthesises current knowledge on the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying heat stress responses in horticultural crops. It further evaluates the agronomic and biotechnological strategies available to mitigate heat-stress impacts and discusses conventional and molecular breeding approaches aimed at improving thermotolerance. Key mechanisms explored include membrane thermostability, impairment of photosynthetic efficiency, induction of reactive oxygen species, activation of heat shock proteins and heat shock transcription factors, and disruption of reproductive processes. The reviewed management strategies encompass agronomic and cultural practices, exogenous chemical applications, and irrigation-based microclimate modification. Breeding approaches discussed include phenotypic selection, marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and CRISPR-mediated genome editing. The review identifies significant research gaps, particularly in the multi-omics characterisation of thermotolerance in underexplored horticultural species, and outlines future priorities for developing heat-resilient cultivars capable of sustaining food security under climate change.

Phosphate-Rich Organic Manure and Pseudomonas in Sustainable Groundnut Production: A Critical Review of Mechanisms, Interactions, and Agronomic Outcomes

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an oilseed legume of considerable nutritional and economic importance across semi-arid tropical regions, yet its rabi (post-rainy winter) season cultivation remains underexploited from the perspective of sustainable soil and nutrient management. The rabi season offers clear agronomic advantages over the conventional kharif crop—higher oil content, better kernel plumpness, and reduced aflatoxin contamination risk—but these benefits are often undermined by phosphorus deficiency, soilborne pathogen pressure, and heavy reliance on synthetic chemical inputs. Phosphate-Rich Organic Manure (PROM) and plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas species have emerged as scientifically credible alternatives that, individually and in combination, can improve phosphorus nutrition, rhizosphere biological activity, and crop performance without the cumulative environmental costs of mineral fertiliser dependency. This review critically synthesises evidence published between January 2000 and February 2026 on the mechanisms, interactions, and agronomic outcomes of PROM and Pseudomonas in rabi groundnut systems. Topics addressed include the preparation chemistry and phosphorus dynamics of PROM; the ecological distribution and multi-mechanistic growth-promoting repertoire of Pseudomonas, encompassing phosphate solubilisation, phytohormone synthesis, siderophore production, direct antibiosis, and induced systemic resistance; the interactive effects of these inputs on rhizosphere microbial communities and soil phosphorus bioavailability; and their combined impact on pod yield, nodulation, kernel quality, and soil biological health. Published evidence indicates that integrated PROM–Pseudomonas systems consistently improve rabi groundnut pod yields by 15–35% relative to uninoculated controls and can substitute 25–50% of recommended synthetic phosphatic fertiliser without significant yield penalty. Persistent research gaps—including the scarcity of multi-location field data, the absence of life-cycle assessments, and limited molecular understanding of plant–microbe signalling under combined treatments—are identified and discussed. The biological and agronomic case for integration is compelling, but translating experimental results into reliable farm-scale delivery will require sustained investment in formulation quality, adoption economics, and supportive policy environments.

Assessment of Biofertilizers and Biozyme Application for Sustainable Chrysanthemum Cultivation

Seema Garcha, Navkiran Kaur, Parminder Singh — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) is one of the most important ornamental crops because of its aesthetic value, diverse flower forms and commercial significance in the floriculture industry. Sustainable chrysanthemum production has received increasing attention owing to concerns about excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers and the need to maintain soil health and environmental quality. Biofertilizers provide a biologically based approach to improving nutrient availability, plant growth and soil fertility through the activity of beneficial microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate- and potassium-solubilizing microorganisms, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhizal fungi and microbial consortia. These microorganisms enhance nutrient cycling, root development, nutrient uptake and plant growth, while also contributing to improved tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and temperature extremes. Biozymes, as organic biostimulant formulations, further support physiological and metabolic processes that promote nutrient utilization, plant vigor and overall crop performance. The combined application of biofertilizers and biozymes through suitable methods, including soil application, seed or cutting treatment, foliar spray and drip irrigation, offers considerable potential for sustainable chrysanthemum cultivation. However, their effectiveness may vary depending on microbial strain, formulation quality, soil characteristics, crop stage and environmental conditions. This review summarizes the mechanisms, applications and benefits of biofertilizers and biozymes in chrysanthemum production and highlights current knowledge gaps and future research needs for developing efficient, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable floriculture systems.

Myofascial Therapies in Muscular Temporomandibular Disorders: Current Evidence, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Muscular temporomandibular disorders represent the most common subtype of orofacial pain conditions affecting the masticatory system, with myofascial pain accounting for the majority of presentations seen in dental and physiotherapy practice. Management of this condition has increasingly incorporated myofascial therapies, a heterogeneous group of manual and minimally invasive techniques that target taut bands, trigger points, and fascial restrictions within the masseter, temporalis, and associated cervical musculature. This review synthesises the current body of evidence on trigger point therapy, myofascial release, intraoral myofascial techniques, fascial manipulation, dry needling, trigger point injection, botulinum toxin, and adjunctive acupuncture and exercise interventions for muscular temporomandibular disorders. Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published over the past fifteen years demonstrate that manual myofascial approaches produce clinically meaningful, though generally short-to-medium-term, improvements in pain intensity, maximal mouth opening, and pressure pain thresholds, with effect sizes broadly comparable to those achieved with occlusal splints and superior to no-treatment or placebo controls. Dry needling and manual therapy appear similarly effective when compared head to head, while botulinum toxin injection shows benefit primarily as an adjunct in refractory cases rather than as first-line monotherapy. Heterogeneity in outcome measurement, treatment dosage, and diagnostic criteria continues to limit direct comparison across studies, and long-term data beyond six months remain sparse. A biopsychosocial framework integrating myofascial techniques with patient education, self-management, and, where indicated, psychological therapy is supported by contemporary clinical guidance. This review outlines the pathophysiological rationale underpinning myofascial interventions, appraises the methodological quality of the supporting literature, and proposes directions for future research aimed at standardising protocols and clarifying mechanisms of action.

The Veterinarian's Role in Food Safety: Ensuring Safe Food from Farm to Fork in the One Health Era

Sandeep Kumar, Gagan Chawla, Abhishek Tiwari, Vinay Kumar — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Food safety remains a major public health concern because animal-derived foods can transmit biological, chemical and physical hazards to consumers when control systems are inadequate. This review examines the role of veterinarians in maintaining food safety across the farm-to-fork continuum within the One Health framework. It discusses veterinary responsibilities in primary production, including herd health management, vaccination, biosecurity, parasite control, welfare oversight, feed and water monitoring, and antimicrobial stewardship. The review also considers the contribution of veterinarians to transport assessment, ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection, slaughter hygiene, milk and dairy safety, veterinary drug-residue control, HACCP verification, zoonotic disease surveillance, epidemiological investigation and outbreak response. Particular attention is given to antimicrobial resistance, emerging zoonotic pathogens, climate-related changes in pathogen distribution, globalised food trade, food fraud and veterinary workforce gaps as current challenges affecting food safety governance. The manuscript further highlights the growing relevance of whole-genome sequencing, digital traceability, precision livestock farming and artificial intelligence-assisted decision support in strengthening surveillance, early detection and risk management. Overall, veterinarians provide essential scientific, regulatory and operational expertise that links animal health, public health and environmental protection. Strengthening veterinary education, laboratory capacity, surveillance infrastructure, residue monitoring, data-sharing systems and intersectoral coordination is therefore necessary to improve food safety outcomes and support practical One Health implementation across diverse production and regulatory settings. These measures may also enhance consumer confidence, regulatory compliance and timely response to hazards throughout increasingly complex animal-source food supply chains at national and international levels.

Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping: Applications in Behavioural Science Research

Bhavana Sajeev, M. J. Mercykutty, Amrith Raj — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) is a flexible modelling approach that connects qualitative understanding with quantitative causal representation, making it useful for examining complex problems in behavioural science research. This methodological article provides an overview of the conceptual foundations, procedural stages and research applications of FCM, with attention to its role in representing stakeholder knowledge, causal assumptions and system behaviour. A structured bibliometric analysis was conducted using records from the Dimensions database and visualised through VOSviewer. The analysis covered 232 publications from 2015 to 2025 and examined publication trends, citation networks, co-authorship patterns, institutional and country-level collaborations, bibliographic coupling and source-level co-citation relationships. The findings show a steady increase in FCM-related publications, especially after 2020, indicating growing academic interest in participatory modelling, scenario analysis and decision-support approaches. The bibliometric maps identify influential documents, collaborative author groups, leading organisations and countries, and clustered sources contributing to the development of the field. The manuscript also describes key methodological steps in FCM construction, including concept elicitation, adjacency matrices, quantitative and qualitative aggregation, network analysis and scenario analysis. Overall, the paper demonstrates that FCM can support behavioural and social science inquiry where uncertainty, perception, causal complexity and stakeholder participation are central to understanding research problems.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Nigerian Spices and Seasonings: Occurrence, Sources, and Health Risk Implications— A Narrative Review with Descriptive Quantitative Analysis

Noela Chinyelu Igwemmar, Sunday Abah, Peter Ayomide Ajibodu — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metal contamination in spices and seasonings is an important food safety concern because of the potential health effects associated with repeated dietary exposure. This narrative review, supported by descriptive quantitative analysis, synthesised evidence from eleven Nigerian studies on the occurrence, sources, analytical methods, exceedance patterns, and health-risk implications of heavy metals in spices and seasonings. The reviewed studies reported lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and other elements at varying concentrations across different spice types and locations. Exceedances of selected permissible limits were reported for cadmium, chromium, nickel, arsenic, and lead, although contamination patterns varied substantially among studies. Reported contamination sources included polluted soils, irrigation water, fertiliser use, atmospheric deposition, adulteration, drying practices, grinding and milling equipment, packaging materials, and storage conditions. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was the dominant analytical technique, while ICP-based methods were used less frequently. Most health-risk assessments reported estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, and hazard index values within acceptable limits for individual spices or seasonings. However, some studies indicated potential concerns related to cumulative exposure, multi-metal intake, bioaccumulation, and long-term consumption. The review highlights the need for broader geographical surveillance, harmonised analytical reporting, routine monitoring of priority toxic metals, and stronger quality-control measures across the spice production and distribution chain in Nigeria.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Non-smoking Women: Three Case Reports

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 90% of malignancies affecting the oral cavity. Although oral SCC is classically associated with tobacco and alcohol exposure, its occurrence in women who do not smoke or drink suggests a changing clinical and epidemiological profile. Case reports focusing on SCC of the lateral border of the tongue in this population remain limited.

Aim: This study reports three clinical cases of SCC located on the lateral border of the tongue in non-smoking and non-drinking women.

Presentation of Case: The patients were women aged 38, 46 and 49 years who sought care for non-healing tongue lesions. Case 1 involved a 46-year-old patient with a 20 mm leukoerythroplakic plaque of fibrous consistency and rough surface, present for 30 days. Case 2 involved a 49-year-old patient with a 14 mm ulcerated lesion with erythematous and indurated margins, fibrous consistency, a smooth surface and central fissuring, present for approximately 40 days. Case 3 involved a 38-year-old patient with a 15 mm plaque-like lesion of fibrous consistency and smooth surface extending to the dorsum of the tongue, present for approximately 60 days. Incisional biopsy confirmed moderately differentiated SCC in all three cases, with muscular invasion in Case 2 and muscular and perineural invasion in Case 3.

Discussion: The cases reinforce that tongue SCC can occur in women without traditional risk factors. Possible non-conventional factors, including HPV infection and molecular alterations, should be considered, although they were not investigated in these cases.

Conclusion: Persistent tongue lesions in non-smoking and non-drinking women require careful assessment, timely biopsy and multidisciplinary management.

Phosphorus Optimisation Strategies for Economically Viable Mungbean Production

Ch. Vidhyashree Venkatarao, S. R. Naga, Prerna Dogra — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Mungbean productivity in semi-arid regions is frequently constrained by inadequate phosphorus availability and limited nutrient-use efficiency. Integrating phosphorus fertilisation with phosphate-solubilising biofertilisers may improve phosphorus availability, crop yield and economic returns, while supporting sustainable soil fertility management under resource-limited production systems.

Aims: The study aimed to determine the optimum phosphorus dose for economically viable mungbean production in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan and to evaluate the response of mungbean to phosphate-solubilising biofertilisers.

Methodology: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season at the Agronomy Farm of S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan, using mungbean cultivar RMG-492. Sixteen treatment combinations were evaluated, comprising four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) and four biofertiliser treatments (control, PSB, Aspergillus awamori and PSB + A. awamori). The treatments were arranged in a randomised block design with three replications. Yield, economic returns and the quadratic grain-yield response to phosphorus were assessed.

Results: Application of 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ significantly improved grain yield, straw yield, net returns and the benefit:cost ratio compared with the control and 20 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, while remaining statistically at par with 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. The maximum net returns from phosphorus application were ₹58,018 ha⁻¹, with a benefit:cost ratio of 3.61. Among biofertiliser treatments, dual inoculation with PSB + Aspergillus awamori recorded the highest grain yield (1268 kg ha⁻¹), straw yield (3140 kg ha⁻¹), net returns (₹55,029 ha⁻¹) and benefit:cost ratio (3.90). The economically optimum phosphorus dose was estimated at 49.77 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, corresponding to a predicted grain yield of 1236.34 kg ha⁻¹.

Conclusion: The study indicates that phosphorus application at 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, supported by dual inoculation with PSB + Aspergillus awamori, can improve mungbean productivity and profitability under the tested semi-arid conditions. The estimated economic optimum dose provides a practical basis for phosphorus management in mungbean production.

Behavioural Patterns, Perception, and Constraints in the Adoption of Biofertilizers: A Study of Potato Growers in Aravalli District

Sandip G. Gareja, Chetan R. Dudhagara — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Potato cultivation in Aravalli district is closely linked with intensive input use and processing-oriented production systems, making farmer acceptance of bio-fertilisers important for sustainable nutrient management. This study examined the socio-economic profile, perception, buying behaviour, and adoption constraints of bio-fertilisers among potato-growing farmers in Aravalli district, Gujarat. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 200 potato growers selected through simple random sampling from 20 villages across Bhiloda, Shamalaji, Meghraj, and Modasa talukas. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, the Weighted Average Mean method, and Garrett’s Ranking Technique. The respondents were mainly from the 36-45 year age group (36.50%), and 39.50% had completed higher secondary education. Large landholders accounted for 50.50% of the sample, while all respondents used micro-irrigation systems. The overall perception towards bio-fertilisers was moderately positive, with a mean WAM score of 3.61. Farmers expressed stronger agreement regarding long-term adoption benefits (4.17) and soil safety (4.11), whereas field demonstrations (3.07) and reliability of visible results (3.09) received comparatively lower scores. Company representatives were the main source of information (47.50%), followed by dealers or retailers (32.50%). Most farmers purchased bio-fertilisers every season (61.50%), exclusively through agro-input dealers, and 52.00% preferred credit-based payment. Product performance (4.27), ease of application (4.14), and dealer recommendation (4.05) were the leading purchase drivers. Garrett ranking identified higher price (74.6), lack of awareness (69.3), and lack of technical knowledge (66.1) as the most important constraints. The findings indicate that improved affordability, practical demonstrations, and technical guidance are central to strengthening bio-fertiliser adoption among potato growers.

The Effect of Stocking Density of Pangasius Fish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) on Water Quality and the Growth of Several Types of Plants in an Aquaponic System

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the effect of stocking density on water quality, fish growth and the growth of selected leafy vegetables in a recirculating indoor aquaponic system using Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerlings. The experiment was conducted for 60 days in the laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture, Late Shri Punaram Nishad College of Fisheries, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh. Four tank groups were used: T0 as the control without plants at three fish per tank, and aquaponic treatments T1, T2 and T3 at three, five and seven fish per tank, respectively. The fish had an initial mean length of 12.2 cm and an initial mean weight of 26.7 g. Indian spinach (Basella alba), coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) were cultivated in duplicate pots in each aquaponic tank using coco peat as the plant-growing medium. Fish were fed commercial floating pellets containing 32% crude protein twice daily at 5% body weight. Water quality parameters were monitored at 15-day intervals, and fish growth was assessed through weight gain, length gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survival. During the experimental period, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH varied among treatments, with the control tank showing comparatively higher ammonia accumulation. At the end of the trial, T2 showed the highest final length, weight gain, average daily gain and specific growth rate, while survival remained 100% in all groups. Plant growth was limited under indoor conditions, particularly because of inadequate lighting, but better overall fish and plant performance was observed in T2. The results indicate that five fish per tank provided the most favourable stocking density under the tested aquaponic conditions.

Evaluation of Yield of Different Strains of Calocybe indica (Milky White Mushroom) under Bihar Conditions

Ram Prawesh Prasad, Bhagshali Patle, Dayaram — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mushroom cultivation is a low-cost enterprise that can utilise agricultural wastes while providing income and nutritional support to rural communities. The milky white mushroom, Calocybe indica, is suitable for warm regions because it grows at relatively high temperatures and can utilise lignocellulosic substrates. The present study evaluated six strains of C. indica, namely Ci-24-201, Ci-24-202, Ci-24-203, Ci-24-204, Ci-24-205 and Ci-24-206, under the agro-climatic conditions of Bihar. The experiment was conducted at the Mushroom House and Mushroom Research Unit, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa. Pure cultures were maintained on potato dextrose agar slants and multiplied on wheat grain spawn. Wheat straw was used as the cultivation substrate. Spawned bags were incubated under dark conditions at 30-35 °C and 85-90% relative humidity, followed by casing with a farmyard manure and garden soil mixture. Observations were recorded for spawn run, days to first harvest after casing, average fruit body weight, yield and biological efficiency, and the data were analysed using a completely randomised design. Among the six strains, Ci-24-206 completed spawn run in the shortest period (19.16 days) and recorded the highest biological efficiency (65.14%). Ci-24-203 produced the highest average fruit body weight (75.41 g) and required the shortest period for first harvest after casing (31.94 days). Ci-24-205 showed the lowest biological efficiency (14.49%) and the lowest average fruit body weight (32.03 g). The findings indicate appreciable strain variability in the growth and yield attributes of C. indica under Bihar conditions, with Ci-24-206 showing superior biological efficiency on wheat straw substrate.

Influence of Weather Parameters on Population Dynamics of Citrus Butterfly and Citrus Leaf Miner

Yougendra Singh, S. B. Singh, Suman Suman, Mahendra Choudhary, Ashish Yadav — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was conducted to examine the seasonal occurrence of citrus butterfly and citrus leaf miner in relation to selected weather parameters under orchard conditions. Observations were recorded from December 2022 to April 2023 in an eight-year-old citrus orchard at the College of Horticulture, Mandsaur. Four plants from each of four orchard locations were selected for weekly observations. The citrus butterfly larval population was recorded from a 0.5 m² area in four directions of each plant and averaged. Leaf miner infestation was estimated from the total number of observed leaves and the number of infested leaves within the same sampling area. Weekly meteorological data, including maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and rainy days, were used for correlation and regression analysis. Citrus butterfly larvae first appeared during the 2nd Standard Meteorological Week, with a population of 0.10 larvae per site, and reached a peak of 2.75 larvae per site during the 13th Standard Meteorological Week. Maximum and minimum temperatures showed positive and highly significant correlations with butterfly larval population, while relative humidity showed a negative and highly significant association. Rainy days showed a positive significant relationship, whereas rainfall had a negative non-significant relationship. Leaf miner infestation was observed from the 50th Standard Meteorological Week, with 5.37% infestation, and reached its maximum level of 36.96% during the 11th Standard Meteorological Week. Maximum and minimum temperatures were positively and highly significantly correlated with leaf miner infestation, while relative humidity showed a negative and highly significant relationship. Rainfall and rainy days showed positive but non-significant associations with leaf miner infestation. The findings indicate that temperature and relative humidity were important weather factors associated with the seasonal abundance of both pests during the study period.

Training Needs of Subject Matter Specialists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras

U. G. Thakare — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Training for Subject Matter Specialists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras is central to effective agricultural extension delivery. The present exploratory study assessed the discipline-wise and common training needs of SMS working in 13 KVKs under Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola, Maharashtra, during 2022–23. Data were collected from 55 respondents (82.08% of the SMS population) across six disciplines using a structured list of training needs measured on a three-point continuum. The results revealed that Agronomy SMS prioritised pulses production (Mean Need Score 3.00) and integrated cropping systems (2.86). Horticulture specialists highlighted hi-tech floriculture (3.00) and protected cultivation (2.78). Animal Science specialists expressed major needs in entrepreneurship development in dairy (2.89) and integrated nutrient management in livestock (2.78). Plant Protection experts required training in bio-pesticides production (2.83) and integrated pest management for fruits and vegetables (2.75). Extension specialists prioritised programme planning and monitoring (2.80) and communication-skill upgrading (2.70). Home Science SMS emphasised women empowerment policies (2.86), value addition (2.71), and drudgery reduction (2.71). Across disciplines, common needs included process documentation (2.46), technical report writing (2.39), and presentation skills (2.37). The findings highlight competency gaps in production technologies, ICT, gender empowerment, and entrepreneurial skills, warranting systematic capacity-building programmes for KVK personnel.

Comparative Analysis of Root Morphology and Bioactive Compounds in Soil-less and Soil Grown Ashwagandha Plants (Withania somnifera L. Dunal)

Madhurya Ray, K. N. Srinivasappa, B. Mohan Raju — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ashwagandha is a medicinal plant that produces withanolides, important secondary metabolites with high medicinal value. Withanolides are predominantly found in the roots; therefore, improving root biomass is relevant for deriving greater benefits from this crop. Aeroponic technology offers a potential approach for maximising root production. However, growing plants in an aeroponic system requires a suitable nutrient solution and spray schedule, as these two components are crop specific. Therefore, the nutrient solution and spray schedule were standardised for ashwagandha plants. Accordingly, standard Hoagland's solution supplemented with an additional 50% N and 50% K, together with a spray schedule of 1 minute ON and 3 minutes OFF, was found to be effective in maximising plant growth. Following this protocol, plants were grown in aeroponic chambers. For comparison, plants of the same age were also grown in a root study structure in the field. When the plants were 120 days old, moisture stress was imposed in aeroponic chambers by reducing the spray frequency to 1 minute ON and 6 minutes OFF and in the field by withholding irrigation for 60 days to examine its effect on root morphology and secondary metabolite production. At maturity, both field-grown and aeroponically grown plants were harvested, and biometric parameters and secondary metabolite contents were measured. The results indicated that field-grown plants had thicker and sturdier roots with different root architecture than aeroponically grown plants, whose roots were thinner and longer. Field-grown plants also had significantly higher secondary metabolite contents, especially withanolides, than aeroponically grown plants under both control and stress conditions.

Evaluation of Physical Properties of Garlic Bulb for Processing Equipment Design

H. Shoba, G. Nagaraja, G. Srinivas — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Physical properties of garlic bulbs are essential for the design and development of post-harvest processing, handling, grading and storage equipment. This study evaluated selected physical, gravimetric and frictional properties of fresh garlic bulbs collected from farmers in Hospet, Karnataka, India, during January to March 2023. Standard procedures were used to determine mass, principal dimensions, mean diameters, sphericity, aspect ratio, projected areas, surface area, volume estimates, density, porosity and coefficient of friction on different contact surfaces. The mean bulb mass was 11.08 g, with mean length, width and thickness of 3.82 cm, 3.20 cm and 2.73 cm, respectively. The arithmetic, geometric and equivalent mean diameters were 3.25 cm, 3.18 cm and 3.19 cm, while sphericity and aspect ratio were 0.83 and 0.84. The mean projected areas perpendicular to length, width and thickness were 9.59 cm², 8.03 cm² and 6.84 cm², with a mean surface area of 31.74 cm². The oblate spheroid, prolate spheroid and ellipsoid volumes were 20.42 cm³, 20.84 cm³ and 17.40 cm³, respectively. True density, bulk density and porosity were 334.34 kg/m³, 110.56 kg/m³ and 66.93%. The coefficient of friction was highest on plywood (0.51), followed by mild steel (0.43), and lowest on glass (0.24). The results indicate that garlic bulbs have moderately spherical geometry, appreciable bulk void space and surface-dependent frictional behaviour. Within the scope of the tested samples, these data may support the design of equipment components used in handling, conveying, grading, storage and related garlic processing operations. The measurements also provide baseline values for selecting screen openings, hopper slopes, storage capacity and suitable contact materials.

Millet Matters: Assessing Farmer Adoption and Outcomes of Foxtail Millet Technologies

A. Srinivas, B. Dayakar Rao — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Foxtail millet is a climate-resilient nutri-cereal with high nutritional value and suitability for dryland agriculture. However, its productivity remains low because of the limited adoption of improved production technologies. This study evaluated the adoption and socio-economic impact of improved foxtail millet (Setaria italica) production technologies demonstrated through FLDs in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) are a proven extension approach for showcasing the performance of improved agricultural technologies in farmers' fields under the supervision of scientists. A total of 180 farmers were selected randomly from the study area using a purposive random sampling method. The selected farmers were beneficiaries of FLDs conducted during 2018-2023 in the Eastern Dry Zone and North-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, and in Andhra Pradesh. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean, correlation analysis and t-test to assess the impact of demonstrated technologies on knowledge, adoption, productivity and profitability. The outcomes revealed a substantial increase in knowledge and adoption of improved agronomic practices, high-yielding varieties, disease and pest management, and timely sowing among FLD beneficiaries in the North-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Yield improvements ranged from 72% to 75% over the pre-FLD stage, contributing to improvements in income levels and fodder yield. Increases in the benefit-cost ratio (25%) and area under foxtail millet (15%-19%), along with improved sustainability of millet farming over the pre-FLD stage, were observed in the North-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In contrast, adoption rates in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka were below 10%. The major production constraints identified were labour scarcity, rainfall during harvesting and damage from wild animals. The marketing constraints were price fluctuations, lack of procurement cooperatives and inadequate processing facilities. The findings highlight the importance of FLDs in improving productivity, profitability and technology adoption in foxtail millet cultivation. Establishing millet processing units, forming FPOs, and strengthening millet value chains and market linkages are recommended to enhance farmers' profits and increase the area under foxtail millet cultivation.

Constraints Faced by Farmers in the Cultivation and Marketing of Garlic in Baran District of Rajasthan, India

Gopesh Kumari, Anil Singh Rawat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Garlic is an important commercial spice crop that contributes significantly to farmers’ income. However, garlic growers face several production and marketing constraints that adversely affect productivity and profitability. The present study was conducted in Baran district of Rajasthan to identify and analyse the major constraints faced by garlic growers in production and marketing. Primary data were collected from 80 garlic farmers during the agricultural year 2023–24 through personal interviews using a structured schedule. The identified constraints were analysed using Garrett’s ranking technique to determine their relative importance. The results revealed that, among the production constraints, poor quality and high cost of garlic cloves emerged as the most severe constraint, with a mean score of 78.00, followed by the high cost of labour during garlic cultivation (76.84) and low management of land due to improper integrated nutrient management (INM) practices (76.47). In marketing, high price variation in the market was identified as the major constraint, with a mean score of 73.51, followed by lack of storage facilities at the field level (68.91) and low market price of garlic at harvesting time (61.41). By ranking constraints according to farmers’ perceptions, the study provides location-specific evidence on the relative severity of the issues affecting garlic cultivation and marketing in Baran district. The findings may help policymakers, extension agencies and other stakeholders formulate appropriate strategies to improve garlic production and marketing efficiency in the study area.

Effects of Fish Waste Silage Supplemented Diet on Growth, Haematology, Carcass and Water Quality Parameters of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Fingerlings

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish waste silage supplementation on growth performance, haematological parameters, carcass composition and water quality in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Four experimental diets were prepared with different inclusion levels of fish waste silage: the T0 control diet without silage, T1, containing 0.5 g silage, T2, containing 1.0 g silage and T3, containing 1.5 g silage per 100 g feed mixture. The diets were formulated to contain approximately 25% crude protein. A total of 120 fingerlings were distributed into four treatment groups with three replicates, with each replicate containing 10 fingerlings, and were fed for 60 days. Growth performance, feed utilisation, haematological indices, carcass composition and selected water quality parameters were recorded during or at the end of the experiment. The proximate composition of the experimental feeds showed crude protein values ranging from 25.00±0.020% in the T0 group to 25.75±0.020% in the T3 group. The highest weight gain, percentage weight gain, the most favourable feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, hepatosomatic index and intestinal somatic index were recorded in the T3 group. Haematological observations showed variation among treatments, with higher white blood cell count and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration in the T3 group, whereas red blood cell count, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and haematocrit were higher in the T0 group. Carcass protein and lipid contents were highest in the T3 group, while moisture, ash and nitrogen-free extract were higher in the T0 group. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, hardness and alkalinity remained within acceptable ranges during the experiment. The results indicate that fish waste silage at 1.5 g inclusion may support growth and feed utilisation in Nile tilapia fingerlings under the present experimental conditions.

Spatio-Temporal Variability in Water Quality Parameters of Wular Lake in North Kashmir

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Freshwater lakes are influenced by seasonal hydrology, local climatic conditions and anthropogenic inputs, which can alter their physicochemical quality over space and time. The present study assessed the spatio-temporal variability of selected water quality parameters in Wular Lake, North Kashmir, during 2024. Surface water samples were collected monthly from eleven locations representing different lake zones: Saderkot, Banwari, Nadihal, Zalwan, Ashtingoo, Kanibath, Watlab, Ningli, Garoora, Hathlangoo and Tulbagh. Observations were grouped into spring, summer, autumn and winter. The parameters examined included air and water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, phosphate, ammoniacal nitrogen, total alkalinity and hardness. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel 2019 and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The results showed marked seasonal and spatial variation in water quality. Dissolved oxygen was comparatively higher during spring and winter, with the highest seasonal mean recorded in winter. Chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand were higher during summer, indicating increased organic pollution pressure during warmer conditions. The lake water remained alkaline, with pH values ranging from 7.2 to 8.8. Total dissolved solids and hardness were higher during winter, whereas alkalinity increased during summer. Phosphate and ammoniacal nitrogen varied across locations, with higher values at selected inflow or relatively stagnant zones. The findings indicate the need for regular monitoring and location-specific management of Wular Lake water quality.

Impact of Nano Fertilisers and Vermicompost on Growth and Yield in Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata L.)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nano-fertilisers are potential alternatives to conventional synthetic fertilisers in sustainable agricultural production. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Student Research Farm, Department of Horticulture (Vegetable Science), School of Agriculture Science, Technology & Research, Sardar Patel University, Balaghat (M.P.), India. The study evaluated the effects of vermicompost and nano-nitrogen applications on the growth, yield and economic performance of pumpkin under field conditions. The experiment comprised nine treatments arranged in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The treatments included a control (T1), the recommended dose of fertiliser (T2), two vermicompost levels (T3 and T4), nano-nitrogen sprays at different concentrations (T5-T7) and integrated applications of vermicompost with nano-nitrogen (T8 and T9). The integrated application of vermicompost and nano-fertiliser, particularly T9 (VC 5.0 t/ha + Nano N @ 2 ml/lit), improved plant growth, yield and economic performance. T9 recorded the highest fruit yield (36,100 kg/ha), average fruit weight (1610 g) and earliest harvest (61.7 days), along with the maximum net return (₹1,89,450/ha) and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio (8.01). This was followed by T8 (VC 2.5 t/ha + Nano N @ 1 ml/lit). In contrast, the control (T1) recorded the lowest productivity and economic return. These findings indicate that integrated nutrient management, particularly the combination of vermicompost and nano-nitrogen, may improve pumpkin productivity, profitability and resource-use efficiency under Rabi-season cultivation.

Design and Development of a Fruit Grading System Using Digital Image Processing in MATLAB

B. Kailashkumar, R. S. Abinaya, S. Balasri, S. Kanishka, S. Vennila — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Traditional fruit grading relies heavily on manual inspection, which is labour-intensive, subjective, and prone to inconsistent decisions in post-harvest handling. This study designed and developed a low-cost fruit grading system using digital image processing in MATLAB integrated with an Arduino UNO-based sorting mechanism. The prototype consisted of a USB camera, controlled illumination, an IR sensor, a conveyor belt, an L293D motor driver, DC gear motors, and collection bins for graded fruits. Images captured in RGB format were processed in MATLAB through conversion to HSV colour space, Gaussian noise reduction, hue-based segmentation, morphological refinement, and feature extraction. The mean hue value, supported by saturation and area information where required, was used to classify fruits into ripe, unripe, and defective categories based on predefined thresholds. Classification results were transmitted to the Arduino through serial communication to actuate the sorting gate. The system was evaluated using 100 samples, including 40 ripe, 35 unripe, and 25 defective fruits from tomatoes, bananas, and mangoes. The prototype achieved an overall classification accuracy of 91.0%, with category-wise accuracies of 95.0% for ripe fruits, 91.4% for unripe fruits, and 84.0% for defective fruits. Processing time ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 s per fruit, supporting a throughput of approximately 60-70 fruits per minute under controlled conditions. The results indicate that MATLAB-based image processing integrated with Arduino control can support practical, repeatable, and cost-effective fruit grading for small- and medium-scale applications.

Effect of Sowing Date and Plant Spacing on Growth, Phenology, Seed Yield, and Seed Quality of Kasuri Methi (Trigonella corniculata L.)

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Kasuri methi (Trigonella corniculata L.) is an important seed spice and leafy condiment valued for its characteristic aroma, nutritional quality, medicinal properties, and commercial importance. Optimising sowing time and plant spacing is essential for improving crop growth, seed yield, and seed quality under semi-arid conditions. The present investigation evaluated the effects of three sowing dates and four plant spacings on growth, phenology, yield, and seed quality of Kasuri methi during the Rabi season of 2023–24 at the Research Farm of SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design with three replications. Treatments comprised three sowing dates, namely 4 December, 11 December, and 18 December, and four plant spacing levels, namely 30 × 10 cm, 30 × 20 cm, 30 × 30 cm, and 30 × 40 cm. Sowing on 11 December recorded the highest plant height (72.22 cm), branches per plant (18.44), leaves per plant (187.69), seed yield per plant (5.43 g), and seed yield per hectare (7.96 q ha⁻¹). Wider spacing (30 × 40 cm) improved individual plant performance, including branches per plant, leaves per plant, pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, test weight, and seed yield per plant. However, closer spacing (30 × 10 cm) produced the highest seed yield per hectare (7.99 q ha⁻¹). The interaction of 11 December sowing with 30 × 10 cm spacing recorded the maximum seed yield per hectare (10.89 q ha⁻¹) and superior seed quality attributes, including germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index-I, and vigour index-II. These findings indicate that sowing Kasuri methi on 11 December at 30 × 10 cm spacing is suitable for improving seed yield and seed quality under comparable semi-arid agro-climatic conditions.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in Western Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Balanced nutrient management is essential for improving crop growth and productivity, particularly in low-input and rainfed production systems. The present investigation was conducted during the Kharif season of 2025 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, India, to evaluate the effect of nutrient management practices on the growth and yield of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in the Western Malwa region. The experiment comprised eight treatments: T₁, control; T₂, 100% recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF; NPK); T₃, 100% farmyard manure (FYM); T₄, 100% vermicompost; T₅, 50% RDF + 50% FYM; T₆, 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost; T₇, 75% RDF + 25% FYM; and T₈, 75% RDF + 25% vermicompost. The trial was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with three replications using the variety GPUP-8, sown at 25 × 15 cm spacing with a seed rate of 10 kg ha⁻¹. Integrated nutrient management treatments improved growth and yield attributes compared with sole nutrient application and the control. Among the treatments, T₅ recorded the highest plant height at 45 and 60 DAS, tillers per plant, panicles per plant, panicle length, grains per panicle, grain yield (905.07 kg ha⁻¹), straw yield (2411.33 kg ha⁻¹) and biological yield (3312.27 kg ha⁻¹). Treatments T₈ and T₇ also performed better than the remaining treatments. The control recorded the lowest values for all parameters. The findings indicate that 50% RDF combined with 50% FYM was the most effective nutrient management practice for improving proso millet performance under the agro-climatic conditions of Western Malwa.

Effect of Edible Coating based on Aloe vera Gel and Moringa Leaf Extract on the Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Florida Beauty

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation evaluated the effect of edible coatings based on Aloe vera gel and moringa leaf extract on the postharvest quality and shelf life of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Florida Beauty. Freshly harvested, uniform fruits were treated with Aloe vera gel at 50%, 75%, and 100%, moringa leaf extract at 60%, 80%, and 100%, and their combinations; untreated fruits served as the control. Sixteen treatments were arranged in a completely randomised design with three replications. The coated fruits were stored for 15 days, and observations on fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, spoilage, and physiological loss in weight (PLW) were recorded at 0, 5, 10, and 15 days of storage. All coating treatments affected the measured quality attributes compared with the untreated control. Fruit weight, length, and diameter declined gradually as storage progressed; however, coated fruits exhibited slower deterioration. Among the treatments, the combined coating of Aloe vera gel + moringa leaf extract (100% + 100%) (T₁₆) was most effective in maintaining physical quality. Under T₁₆, fruit weight declined from 17.01 g at initial storage to 14.86 g on day 15, with a mean value of 16.04 g. The same treatment maintained the highest fruit length (44.91-41.82 mm; mean 43.82 mm) and fruit diameter (33.56-30.81 mm; mean 32.52 mm). Spoilage under T₁₆ was 5.48%, 9.45%, and 20.74% on days 5, 10, and 15, respectively, with a mean of 11.89%, while PLW increased from 1.28% to 11.64% during the same period. The findings indicate that the combined coating treatment helped maintain strawberry quality and reduce deterioration during storage.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Neem Leaf on Blood Profile of Lactating Sahiwal Cattle

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This study evaluated the effect of dietary neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf supplementation on the blood profile of lactating Sahiwal cows.

Aim: To assess the effect of neem leaf supplementation on haematological and blood biochemical profiles in lactating Sahiwal cows.

Method: Twelve lactating Sahiwal cows were randomly allotted to control and treatment groups, with six animals in each group. The control group received a basal diet, whereas the treatment group received neem leaf at 200 mg/kg body weight along with the basal diet. The trial lasted 90 days, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, 60 and 90.

Results: The results revealed that haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC) and total leukocyte count (TLC) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among treatment groups. However, packed cell volume (PCV) increased significantly (P<0.05) within the group. Differential leukocyte count showed significant (P<0.05) changes within the group, with lymphocyte percentage increasing and neutrophil percentage decreasing over time, while monocyte, eosinophil and basophil remained non-significant. The total serum protein, albumin levels and blood urea nitrogen did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the group. The liver enzyme like AST and ALT were non-significant difference between control and treatment group. However, the serum AST showed significant (P<0.05) higher in 60^th day and 90^th days as compared to 0^th and 30^th day. Cholesterol levels increased significantly (P<0.05) over the experimental period.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that supplementation of neem leaf improved metabolic and immune status, suggesting their potential as effective feed additives in lactating Sahiwal cows.

Effect of Slice Thickness and Blanching Pretreatment on the Physicochemical, Nutritional, Colour, and Microbial Quality of Elephant Foot Yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson] Powder during Storage

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson] is a nutrient-rich tuber with high post-harvest perishability. This study evaluated the combined effect of slice thickness (2, 4, and 6 mm) and blanching pre-treatments (water blanching for 3 and 5 min, microwave blanching for 30, 60, and 90 s, and unblanched control) on the physicochemical, nutritional, colour, and microbial quality of cabinet-dried elephant foot yam powder during six months of ambient storage (25±2°C, 60–70% RH). A factorial completely randomised design with three replications was used. Final powder moisture content was 6.5–7.8% (wet basis) with water activity < 0.60. Slice thickness and blanching significantly affected most quality parameters (p < 0.05). Unblanched samples retained higher nutritional constituents (e.g., starch up to 62.82%, ash up to 4.94%), while water blanching caused greater leaching losses. Microwave blanching offered better overall quality retention. During storage, total sugars and reducing sugars increased (7.44% to 7.59% and 2.13% to 2.48%, respectively), while starch, protein, ash, and crude fibre declined. Colour darkened (L* decreased from 19.22 to 14.48). No microbial growth (less than 10 CFU/g detection limit) was detected in any treatment throughout storage. The combination of 2 mm slice thickness with 30 s microwave blanching was most effective overall, providing optimal balance of nutritional retention, colour stability, processing efficiency, and shelf stability. These findings support value addition and industrial utilisation of elephant foot yam.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity among Different Soybean Genotypes

A. S. Jadhav, R. D. Nimbalkar, C. S. Shinde, H. J. Rajput, M. P. Deshmukh — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation was conducted at the Botany Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Pune, during kharif 2021 to assess genetic diversity among 31 soybean genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with three replications. Eleven characters were recorded: days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant, protein content, oil content and percent disease index for pod blight. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among genotypes for all characters, indicating adequate variability for evaluation. Genetic divergence was assessed using Mahalanobis D² statistics, and the genotypes were grouped into nine clusters. Cluster I contained the largest number of genotypes, whereas the remaining clusters were solitary. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster II and Cluster IX, followed by Cluster VII and Cluster IX and Cluster II and Cluster VIII, indicating wider divergence. Cluster IX recorded higher mean values for pods per plant, seeds per pod and seed yield per plant, whereas other clusters showed superiority for oil content, protein content, 100-seed weight, plant height and days to maturity. Seed yield per plant contributed the most to total divergence, followed by days to maturity, oil content, protein content and 100-seed weight. Based on divergence class analysis and cluster performance, genotypes KDS-726, KDS-344, NRC-163, KDS-992, AMS-100-39, KDS-753, SKF-2036 and AMS-2016-1 were identified as useful breeding material for soybean improvement.

Influence of Evaporation Temperature on Moisture Condensation Performance in a Closed-Loop Refrigeration Dryer

Trần Văn Hiếu — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In closed-loop low-temperature drying systems, evaporator dehumidification efficiency is strongly governed by the refrigerant evaporation temperature. Although numerous international studies have examined moisture condensation in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and dehumidification systems, most have focused on airflow modelling, fin-surface design or control optimisation. Experimental investigations linking evaporation temperature to real-time condensation dynamics remain limited, especially for small- and medium-scale closed-loop dryers commonly used in Vietnam. This study experimentally investigated the influence of three evaporation temperatures, t₀ = 5 °C, 0 °C and –5 °C, on the dynamic behaviour of moisture condensation during operation. Experiments were conducted on the same evaporator coil, with constant fin spacing and constant air velocity across the coil, over a 120-minute cycle for each t₀ condition. The results indicated that moisture removal increased rapidly during the first 20–30 minutes because of the large temperature gradient between humid air and the coil surface. When t₀ decreased from 5 °C to 0 °C, the total condensed moisture increased from 2,615 g to 3,025 g after 120 minutes. However, at t₀ = –5 °C, dehumidification performance declined sharply after the initial stage because frost accumulation reduced airflow rate and heat-transfer efficiency. These findings indicate that lower evaporation temperatures enhance initial moisture removal but require appropriate control and defrost cycles to maintain long-term system stability and energy efficiency.

An Analysis of Tomato Marketing Channels, Price Spreads and Marketing Constraints Faced by Tomato Growers in Sonbhadra, Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Sujeet Kumar, Ashutosh Chaturvedi, Srishti Kushwaha — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

India is one of the major cultivators of tomato and has a substantial share in the global market. Uttar Pradesh has a large area under tomato cultivation and contributes significantly to India's tomato production. The present study was conducted in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh region. Tomato cultivation is an important component of the agricultural economy in Sonbhadra, providing employment and income opportunities to rural households. Sonbhadra district has a large tomato-cultivated area and considerable tomato production among the districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. This research was based on primary data collected using an interview schedule. Because agricultural commodities are perishable, disposal of total produce may involve several costs, including marketing and other associated costs. The study identified four marketing channels through which most of the tomato produce was disposed of. The findings indicate that, as marketing intermediaries increase, the producer's share in the consumer price declines. Channel I had the highest marketing efficiency because of direct selling, whereas Channel IV recorded the lowest marketing efficiency. Promoting direct marketing can enhance farmers' income by reducing the role of middlemen and increasing their price share. Price spread increased with each additional intermediary, thereby reducing farmers' returns. The findings further show that the farmer's share in the consumer's rupee was relatively low because of high marketing margins and limited access to efficient marketing services. The absence of proper storage facilities, market intelligence and transportation infrastructure added to these difficulties. Garrett's ranking technique was applied to identify the major constraints in tomato marketing. The main problems faced by farmers included price volatility, dependence on middlemen, lack of cold storage and processing units, high post-harvest losses and inadequate support from government agencies. The study provides useful insights for planners, policymakers, regulatory bodies, institutions and other agricultural stakeholders in framing suitable strategies to improve marketing outcomes for tomato farmers in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Indigenous Plant-based Diets, Nutritional Security, and Sustainability: Evidence from Katghora Forest Division

Poonam Xess, Animesh Shukla, Garima Tiwari — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Indigenous plant-based foods are important components of traditional diets in forest-dependent communities and contribute to nutritional security, cultural continuity and sustainable resource use. This study was conducted to understand the dietary practices of women in relation to food and nutrition security and sustainability through indigenous practices. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 521 women from seven ranges. The study highlights local consumption of plant-based foods. A total of 20 tuber species and five root species belonging to different botanical families were recorded. The average annual consumption of wild fruits was 1.69 ± 0.02 kg/year, with the highest intake reported in the Katghora range and the lowest in the Pali range. Roots and tubers formed the largest share of plant-based consumption in Katghora Forest Division, with an average intake of 10.83 ± 0.03 kg/year. The findings indicate that green leafy vegetables, wild fruits, roots and tubers remain important dietary components among women in the study area, while wild fruits are consumed in smaller quantities. These consumption patterns reflect the role of forest-based foods in the local diets of women in Katghora Forest Division. Women follow traditional ecological knowledge to conserve forests and meet their daily food requirements from forest resources. The study also highlights that women collect plant-based foods from forests using non-destructive harvesting techniques, indicating that sustainability is maintained. The nutritional diets of women in Katghora Forest Division are healthy and balanced. Food security and the sustainable use of resources indicate that acknowledging and properly documenting women's traditional ecological knowledge may support a nutrition-sensitive approach to indigenous food resources and help enhance nutritional security and sustainability.

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Purchase Decisions and Constraints in the Adoption of Farm Implements in Surendranagar District, Gujarat, India

Hardik B. Sapara, D. R. Vahoniya, Bhautik Bagda — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the factors influencing farmers’ purchase decisions for farm implements, the effectiveness of promotional tools and the constraints affecting adoption in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, India. A descriptive survey design was used, and primary data were collected from 200 tractor-owning farmers purposively selected from 20 villages across the Lakhtar, Limbdi, Vadhavan, and Dhrangadhra talukas. Structured personal interviews were conducted from December 2025 to March 2026. The data were analysed using percentage analysis, tabular presentation, Weighted Average Mean scores based on a five-point Likert scale and chi-square tests of association. The findings showed that price/affordability was the most important purchase decision factor, followed by durability and quality, field performance, spare parts availability and after-sales service. Among promotional tools, word of mouth and field demonstrations were the most influential, indicating the importance of farmer experience, peer communication and practical exposure in shaping purchase behaviour. High initial cost, lack of financing or credit facilities, and high repair and maintenance costs were the major barriers to purchase. Chi-square analysis indicated a strong association between landholding size and annual income, while landholding size and income were also associated with tractor horsepower. The study highlights the need for affordable implement options, accessible credit, reliable after-sales services and demonstration-based extension to support wider mechanisation adoption among farmers in the study area.

Stability and Consistency Analysis of a Finite Difference Discretisation Scheme for the Reaction–Diffusion–Advection Equation Governing CO₂ Transport with Source and Sink Terms

Owuor Lucas Otieno, Boniface O. Kwach, Linda Ouma — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The transport of carbon dioxide (CO₂) through reactive porous media involves the simultaneous interplay of molecular diffusion, bulk advection, and concentration-dependent chemical reactions. Accurate modelling of this system requires numerical schemes that are computationally efficient and rigorously verified for stability and consistency. This paper analyses the numerical properties of an explicit finite difference scheme applied to a dimensionless reaction–diffusion–advection (RDA) equation that incorporates both a linear reactive source term and a linear sink term. Starting from the standard three-point central-difference stencil in space and a symmetric Du Fort–Frankel leap-frog update in time, the complete matrix representation of the discrete system is derived. Stability is then examined using the matrix eigenvalue method: the amplification matrix G = A⁻¹B is constructed, and its eigenvalues are computed numerically in MATLAB for a physically representative set of parameters. All eight eigenvalues obtained lie strictly inside the unit circle, indicating that the scheme is numerically stable and that perturbations do not grow in time for the tested configuration. Consistency is verified through a formal Taylor series expansion of the discrete stencil about the exact solution, from which the local truncation error (LTE) is derived and shown to be O(h², k²), indicating second-order accuracy in both space and time. By invoking the Lax Equivalence Theorem, the scheme is interpreted as convergent to the exact solution of the governing PDE as the grid is refined. These findings support the use of the proposed discretisation for simulating CO₂ transport dynamics within the assumptions of the model.

Influence of Phosphorus Levels and Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Black Gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 at the Crop Research Centre, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to study the effect of phosphorus levels and organic manures on the growth, physiological indices and yield of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatments comprised three phosphorus levels (40, 50 and 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) and three organic manure sources, namely farmyard manure (FYM) at 5 t ha⁻¹, vermicompost at 2 t ha⁻¹ and poultry manure at 1.5 t ha⁻¹, along with an absolute control. Phosphorus application significantly improved growth, nodulation, dry matter accumulation, physiological growth indices and yield. The highest plant height (52.90 cm), number of branches plant⁻¹ (7.36), leaf area index (3.62), root nodules plant⁻¹ (27.20), dry matter accumulation at harvest (439.34 g m⁻²), crop growth rate (6.43 g m⁻² day⁻¹ during 40–60 DAS), grain yield (1412 kg ha⁻¹) and straw yield (3130 kg ha⁻¹) were recorded with 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. Among organic manures, vermicompost at 2 t ha⁻¹ produced the highest grain yield (1422 kg ha⁻¹) and straw yield (3045 kg ha⁻¹). The application of 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ with vermicompost at 2 t ha⁻¹ may improve the productivity of black gram under the conditions of the present study.

Determinants of ICT Access and Utilization among Research Faculty at CCS HAU

Meenu Jangra, Vandana Verma, Manju Dahiya — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly important for supporting information access, collaboration and dissemination across the research life cycle. This study assessed access to and usage of ICT tools and techniques among research faculty at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, in 2023. A sample of 120 research faculty members was selected from all colleges of the university, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. ICT tools were examined across data capturing, data structuring and enhancement, data analysis, data publishing and dissemination, communication and collaboration, and strategy and project management. The findings showed stronger access to and use of commonly available tools. For data capturing, usage of digital data ranked highest (WMS 1.03), followed by scanners (WMS 0.85) and speech recognition (WMS 0.81). Coding ranked highest for data structuring and enhancement (WMS 2.22), while photogrammetry remained low (WMS 0.11). Descriptive statistics ranked highest for data analysis (WMS 2.10). Presentation (WMS 1.77) and searching (WMS 1.74) were dominant tools for publication and dissemination, while textual interaction and sharing ranked highest for communication and collaboration (WMS 2.37). Data protector ranked highest for strategy and project management (WMS 2.08). Age showed significant positive correlations with service experience (0.768**) and annual income (0.645**), while service experience was also significantly correlated with annual income (0.606**). The study indicates the need to strengthen access to advanced ICT tools and practical training for research faculty.

Evaluation of Sowing Dates for the Management of Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD) in Soybean (Glycine max L.) in Telangana

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is an important leguminous oilseed crop and is affected by diseases caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses. Among the viral diseases, Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD) is highly destructive and can cause yield losses of about 21-61%. Although resistant cultivars, weed management and other cultural practices are used, their effectiveness may vary with environmental conditions and vector populations. Therefore, understanding the relationship among sowing date, disease severity, vector population and weather parameters is important for YMD management. The present study evaluated the effect of sowing dates on YMD management in soybean and examined the influence of whitefly population and weather parameters on disease severity. The lowest Percent Disease Index (PDI) and highest yield were recorded in the crop sown on 30.06.2025 (D2), whereas the highest disease index and lowest yield were recorded in the crop sown on 15.07.2025 (D3). PDI increased with crop age, reaching higher levels at 82 DAS (36th SMW) in D1, 74 DAS (37th SMW) in D2 and 66 DAS (38th SMW) in D3. In JS-335, the highest mean PDI was 9.5, 14.63 and 17.0% under protected conditions and 24.0, 38.0 and 51.0% under unprotected conditions in D1, D2 and D3, respectively. KDS-726 recorded lower peak mean PDI values than JS-335. The findings indicate that sowing-date adjustment may serve as a useful cultural component for reducing YMD incidence in soybean.

Assessment of Training Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Apple Growers in North- Western Himalayan Region of India (Jammu and Kashmir)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Agriculture remains a key sector of the Indian economy, accounting for 18-20% of GDP and providing livelihoods to around 50% of the population. Efficient agricultural decision-making depends on timely information and farmers' demand for such information. This study assessed the training needs and information-seeking behaviour of apple growers in North Kashmir. A survey method was used in Baramulla district, the largest apple-growing district of Jammu and Kashmir. A sample of 300 apple growers was randomly selected from 15 purposively selected horticultural zones using a proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the most prioritised training area was apple disease management, which ranked first with the highest STNI value of 96.66, followed by training and pruning, which ranked second with an STNI value of 95.66. Government schemes and subsidies had an STNI value of 95.13, while training related to high-density plantation had an STNI value of 95.26. Packaging (48.26), value addition (47.45) and site selection (31.20) were the least preferred training needs. Farmers regularly sought information on disease management, spray schedules, and the price and source of inputs, which ranked first, second and third, respectively. Landholding, source of information and scientific orientation had positive and significant relationships with training needs. Therefore, need-based and cost-effective training programmes should be tailored to strengthen human resource use and support sustainable apple production.

Dynamics of Cropped Area Allocation under Price and Rainfall Variability: Evidence from Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the influence of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and rainfall on cropped area adjustment in Ramanathapuram District. Annual secondary data on cultivated area, MSP and rainfall were collected from official government sources for 2004–05 to 2023–24. The analysis assessed the response of cultivated area to price incentives and climatic variability under semi-arid agricultural conditions. A Nerlovian partial adjustment framework was used to assess acreage response, and an error correction model examined short-run dynamics and adjustment towards long-run equilibrium. Cultivated area was specified as a function of lagged cultivated area, lagged MSP, rainfall and a time trend. Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) tests were employed to examine stationarity before estimating the long-run and short-run relationships. The coefficient of lagged cultivated area was 0.558 and statistically significant, demonstrating strong persistence in acreage allocation decisions. Rainfall had positive and significant effects in both short-run and long-run estimates, whereas MSP remained statistically insignificant in the short run. This suggests that climatic factors play a more dominant role than price incentives in influencing cultivated area decisions under semi-arid conditions. The error correction coefficient was negative and indicated moderate adjustment towards long-run equilibrium, with approximately 40 per cent of disequilibrium corrected annually. The findings indicate that rainfall plays a more direct role than price incentives in cropped area adjustment in Ramanathapuram District. The study suggests that price support policies should be complemented by irrigation development, climate-resilient technologies and risk-mitigation measures to support agricultural decision-making in semi-arid regions.

Assessment of Plankton Diversity and Water Quality in Dahod Reservoir, Madhya Pradesh, India

Shongza Lungleng, Mahendra Kumar Yadav, Shriparna Saxena — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed planktonic diversity and water-quality conditions in Dahod Reservoir, a man-made freshwater ecosystem in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Water and plankton samples were collected twice monthly from four sites between December 2025 and March 2026. Selected physicochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, total alkalinity and total hardness, were evaluated along with phytoplankton and zooplankton composition. A total of 29 plankton genera were recorded, comprising 14 phytoplankton genera from 11 orders and 12 families and 15 zooplankton genera from 5 orders and 13 families. Cyanophyceae contributed 54% of the phytoplankton density, followed by Chlorophyceae (24%), Zygnematophyceae (15%), Dinophyceae (4%) and Bacillariophyceae (3%). Zooplankton density was represented mainly by Cladocera (41%), Rotifera (31%), Copepoda (21%) and Protozoa (7%). Phytoplankton Shannon-Wiener diversity (H') ranged from 2.12 to 2.41, while Simpson's diversity (D) ranged from 0.84 to 0.91. Zooplankton H' ranged from 2.24 to 2.52 and Simpson's D ranged from 0.87 to 0.93. Statistical analysis of the existing dataset indicated significant temporal variation in temperature and TDS, whereas pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, alkalinity and hardness did not differ significantly among months. The dominance of Microcystis sp. and the gradual rise in TDS suggest nutrient enrichment, while the diversity indices indicate a moderately diverse plankton community during the study period.

Integrated Goat Production Systems in India: Strategies for Genetic Improvement and Sustainable Livelihoods

R. Selvam, M. Murugan — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Goat production systems in India are important for rural livelihood security, nutritional support and economic resilience, particularly among smallholder farmers, landless labourers and women. This review synthesises literature published between 2000 and 2025 from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, CAB Abstracts and recognised institutional sources to assess integrated goat production systems in India. The review covers goat genetic resources, breeding strategies, reproductive biotechnologies, nutrition, housing management, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, marketing systems and socio-economic contributions. India has diverse indigenous goat breeds with adaptive traits, including heat tolerance, disease resistance and suitability for low-input production environments. Nevertheless, productivity remains constrained by unorganised breeding, inadequate nutrition, seasonal fodder shortages, limited veterinary access, weak recording systems and inefficient market linkages. Selective breeding, community-based breeding programmes and conservation of indigenous genetic resources are important for improving productivity while retaining adaptive traits. Reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination, oestrus synchronisation, embryo transfer and cryopreservation can support genetic improvement, although field-level adoption remains limited by cost, infrastructure and technical requirements. Scientific feeding, climate-resilient housing and improved health management can enhance animal performance and welfare under diverse agro-climatic conditions. Goat farming also contributes to rural income, employment, manure production and household risk management, but poorly managed grazing and waste disposal may create environmental concerns. The review indicates that sustainable progress requires coordinated strategies involving genetic improvement, farmer-friendly technologies, fodder development, veterinary support, value addition, organised marketing and supportive policies. Integrated approaches can strengthen productivity, environmental responsibility and livelihood outcomes in Indian goat production systems sustainably.