Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International

Green Technologies for Wastewater Treatment: A Critical Narrative Review of Biological, Bio-derived and Hybrid Approaches and Their Translation to Practice

Ritesh Jain, Jaspreet Kaur, Satinder Kaur Khattra — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Conventional activated-sludge treatment remains energy-intensive, chemically demanding and poorly suited to the recovery of the water, nutrients and energy that wastewater contains. Interest has consequently shifted towards green technologies that treat wastewater through biological, bio-derived or low-input physicochemical processes while lowering carbon and chemical footprints. This critical narrative review examines the principal families of such technologies, namely constructed wetlands and related nature-based systems, phytoremediation with aquatic macrophytes, microalgal and algal–bacterial processes, bioelectrochemical systems, bio-derived adsorbents such as biochar and biosorbents, green-synthesised nanomaterials and solar-driven photocatalysis, and green-oriented bioreactor and electrochemical configurations, before considering how these approaches support resource recovery within a circular-economy framing. Evidence was drawn from scholarly indexes and citation searching, appraised for methodological adequacy, and synthesised thematically rather than catalogued study by study. The available evidence indicates that several green technologies achieve treatment performance approaching or matching conventional processes for specific pollutants, particularly organic matter, nutrients and selected dyes and metals, while offering co-benefits in energy demand, sludge production and resource recovery. Confidence in these conclusions is nonetheless constrained by a predominance of laboratory and short-term studies, uneven geographical representation, inconsistent reporting of operating conditions, and limited long-term field validation. Reported performance varies widely with feedstock, climate and reactor configuration, and mechanistic plausibility has frequently outpaced demonstrated field effectiveness. The synthesis identifies scale-up reliability, standardised performance reporting, life-cycle and techno-economic assessment, and integration into hybrid treatment trains as the most pressing priorities. Green technologies are best understood not as uniform replacements for established infrastructure but as context-dependent components whose value depends on matching process to wastewater type, local conditions and recovery objectives.

Nanosensors and Geospatial Technologies for Early Crop-stress Detection in Precision Agriculture: A Critical Multiscale Synthesis

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Crop stress develops through a sequence that begins with molecular and biophysical perturbation, progresses through physiological dysfunction, and only later becomes visually apparent. Precision agriculture therefore requires sensors that can shorten the interval between stress onset and actionable diagnosis while preserving spatial context. This critical narrative review examines the complementary roles of nanosensors, plant-wearable and implantable electronics, proximal sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite remote sensing, and geographic information systems in early crop-stress detection. Literature published from 2000 to 1 June 2026 was selected through live searches of accessible scholarly indexes, DOI registries, publisher records, institutional repositories, and citation networks, with foundational studies retained where necessary. The evidence shows that nano-enabled interfaces can measure early biochemical, ionic, volatile, electrical, and microclimatic signals at high temporal resolution, whereas geospatial technologies reveal the distribution, persistence, and management relevance of stress across canopies and fields. Optical nanotube sensors, surface-enhanced Raman probes, electrochemical microneedles, ion-selective wearables, and flexible leaf sensors have demonstrated biologically meaningful signals before visible symptoms in controlled or pilot field settings. Yet most remain constrained by sparse sampling, crop-specific calibration, bio-interface effects, power and communication burdens, uncertain durability, and limited agronomic validation. Geospatial methods are operationally more mature, particularly thermal and multispectral imaging for water stress and hyperspectral imaging for disease and nutrient-related changes, but they often infer stress through non-specific proxies that are confounded by canopy structure, atmosphere, soil background, phenology, and co-occurring stresses. The strongest future architecture is therefore not a contest between nanoscale and landscape-scale sensing. It is a multiscale system in which physiologically specific plant sensors anchor and interpret spatial imagery, while remote sensing directs where high-specificity measurements and interventions are most valuable. Progress depends on prospective field trials, reference measurements, uncertainty-aware data fusion, interoperability, lifecycle safety assessment, and decision thresholds linked to economic and agronomic outcomes.

Nanotechnology in Apiculture: A Critical Narrative Review of Colony Health, Pollinator Safety, Nano-enabled Quality Control and Bee-product Valorisation

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nanotechnology is increasingly intersecting with apiculture through engineered nanoparticles, nanoformulated crop-protection products, nano-enabled analytical sensors and nanostructured delivery systems for bee-derived materials. Yet the evidence is fragmented across apicultural science, entomotoxicology, food analysis, materials science and biomedical engineering, making it difficult to distinguish interventions that plausibly benefit managed colonies from technologies that merely use bee products as raw materials or expose pollinators to new hazards. This critical narrative review evaluates the principal application domains and their evidential maturity. The strongest direct apicultural evidence remains limited: chitosan nanoparticles have shown colony-performance benefits in a field study, while silver- and zinc-based nanomaterials have demonstrated activity against important bacterial and fungal bee pathogens, largely under laboratory conditions. In contrast, a broader toxicological literature shows that engineered metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles and nanopesticide formulations can alter survival, gut integrity, microbiota, detoxification, immunity and behaviour in bees, with outcomes depending on particle composition, size, carrier system, dose and exposure duration. Nano-enabled honey analysis is technically more mature, with nanoparticle-modified optical, colorimetric and electrochemical platforms demonstrating sensitive discrimination of adulteration, botanical origin and antimicrobial residues, although validation across commercial supply chains remains incomplete. Bee products also function as reducing, capping or cargo materials in nanomaterial synthesis and nanodelivery; these developments may increase the value of honey, propolis, royal jelly, venom and even dead bees, but should not be conflated with demonstrated improvements in colony health. The central translational challenge is therefore not whether nanotechnology can be applied to apiculture, but whether a given nano-enabled system provides a reproducible advantage over conventional practice without creating unacceptable risks to bees, hive products, consumers or surrounding ecosystems. Future research should prioritise field-scale comparative trials, lifecycle and residue studies, nano-specific characterisation in hive matrices, colony-level safety endpoints and fit-for-purpose regulatory assessment.

Rainwater Harvesting for Climate-resilient Agriculture: A Critical Appraisal of Field-scale Gains, Catchment-scale Trade-offs and Institutional Constraints

Nilotpal Das, Gururaj Dasannavar, Anupurba Saha, Hasim Kamal Mallick — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rainfed cropping supports the majority of the world's cultivated land and a large share of global crop production, yet it remains acutely exposed to intra-seasonal dry spells and to the shifting rainfall regimes associated with a warming climate. Rainwater harvesting, understood as the deliberate capture of precipitation or of locally generated runoff for productive agricultural use, has therefore acquired a central position in adaptation policy and in dryland development programmes. The present article offers a critical narrative review of the evidence linking rainwater harvesting to climate-resilient agriculture, drawing on peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and June 2026 and identified through openly accessible bibliographic databases and scholarly indexes, supplemented by citation tracing and verification against digital object identifier records. Four analytical themes structure the synthesis: the agronomic performance of in-situ and ex-situ systems, the hydrological consequences of aggregating many small structures within a catchment, the methodological adequacy of siting and design studies, and the socio-institutional determinants of sustained use. The evidence indicates that field-scale yield and water-productivity gains are real but strongly conditional, being largest in low-rainfall seasons, on responsive soils, and where water capture is combined with nutrient inputs. Confidence in catchment-scale conclusions is considerably weaker. Modelling studies disagree about whether extensive adoption redistributes water benignly or depletes downstream flows, and the disagreement is traceable to differences in model structure, calibration data and the treatment of evapotranspiration rather than to settled physical understanding. Siting frameworks remain dominated by geospatial multi-criteria procedures that are seldom validated against observed structure performance. Adoption evidence reveals substantial disadoption and uneven distribution of benefits, which conventional biophysical potential assessments do not capture. Rainwater harvesting is best interpreted as a conditional risk-management technology whose net contribution to resilience depends on placement, complementary inputs and institutional arrangements rather than on the practice itself.

An Overview of Diseases Affecting Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is an important pulse crop cultivated mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. The crop contributes significantly to food and nutritional security because of its high nutritional value and suitability for rainfed and less intensive production systems. A variety of biotic stresses, however, limit its productivity, with Fusarium wilt, sterility mosaic disease and Phytophthora blight being among the important diseases. The causal organisms, modes of transmission, environmental requirements and epidemiology of these diseases vary widely, and they require disease-specific as well as integrated management approaches. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne vascular disease caused by Fusarium udum that can cause severe losses in susceptible cultivars. Sterility mosaic disease (SMD) of pigeon pea is caused by the Pigeon pea sterility mosaic virus-I (PPSMV-I) and Pigeon pea sterility mosaic virus-II (PPSMV-II) and is vectored by the eriophyid mite Aceria cajani, which causes mosaic symptoms, excessive vegetative growth and partial or complete sterility. Excessive rainfall, high humidity and waterlogged conditions favour the development of Phytophthora blight of Pigeon pea caused by Phytophthora drechsleri f. sp. cajani. Recent studies have revealed considerable variability among F. udum isolates and among viruses associated with SMD, highlighting the importance of broad-based host resistance. New opportunities for disease management are emerging, owing to advances in molecular diagnostics, genome-wide association studies, validated molecular markers and biological control. This review summarises the major diseases of Pigeon pea, their symptoms, causal organisms, epidemiology, host resistance screening and management options, with special emphasis on host resistance, biological control and integrated disease management.

Soybean Diseases in a Changing Climate: Major Pathogen Threats, Integrated Management and Emerging Strategies with Special Reference to India and Gujarat

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is among the world's most important oilseed and protein crops and contributes substantially to global food, feed, edible oil and industrial supply chains. Its high protein and oil content, wide adaptability and capacity for biological nitrogen fixation make it an economically and ecologically valuable crop. Soybean productivity, however, is constrained by a diverse complex of fungal, oomycete, bacterial, viral and nematode pathogens that attack roots, stems, foliage, pods and seeds at successive stages of crop growth. The relative importance of individual diseases varies with cultivar, pathogen population, cropping system and prevailing weather, so that disease management must be regionally interpreted rather than uniformly prescribed. In India, disease pressure is particularly relevant to the major soybean tracts of central and western India, where rust, anthracnose, charcoal rot, aerial blight, yellow mosaic disease, bacterial pustule and plant-parasitic nematodes can all cause economic loss in favourable seasons. Gujarat represents a distinctive production environment in which monsoon variability, high temperature, intermittent moisture stress, soil characteristics and intensive cropping jointly shape the disease spectrum, yet state-specific epidemiological information remains comparatively limited. This review synthesises published literature on the biology, symptomatology and epidemiology of the major soybean diseases; examines the disease scenario in India with particular reference to Gujarat; and evaluates the components of integrated disease management, including host resistance, healthy seed, cultural practices, biological control, vector management and judicious chemical protection. Advances in molecular diagnostics, marker-assisted and genomic breeding, genome editing, remote sensing and artificial intelligence are appraised for their potential to shift soybean disease management from reactive treatment towards predictive, location-specific prevention. Priority research gaps and future perspectives for sustainable soybean protection are identified.

Reducing Resource Dependency in Aquaculture through Agricultural Waste-based Feed Innovations

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aquaculture is increasingly important to global food systems, yet its expansion depends on reliable supplies of nutritionally balanced and environmentally responsible feed ingredients. Fishmeal and fish oil remain valuable because of their nutrient density and palatability, but their availability, price volatility, and ecological implications have encouraged research into alternative resources. Agricultural residues and agro-industrial by-products offer opportunities to recover proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, pigments, and functional compounds while reducing disposal burdens. This comprehensive review examines the suitability of crop residues, fruit and vegetable by-products, oilseed meals, brewery residues, animal manures, aquaculture sludge, and other agro-industrial streams for aquafeed development. It evaluates physicochemical, chemical, enzymatic, and biological processing approaches, including extrusion, hydrolysis, fermentation, insect bioconversion, algal cultivation, and single-cell protein production. The review emphasises that waste-derived ingredients cannot be assessed solely on crude composition: digestible nutrient supply, anti-nutritional factors, contaminants, palatability, process yield, energy demand, water consumption, and supply-chain traceability must be considered together. A systems framework is proposed that links feedstock characterisation, hazard screening, bioprocessing, formulation, feeding trials, life-cycle assessment, and circular nutrient recovery. Evidence from recent reviews indicates promise for fruit by-products, fermented plant proteins, insect meals, brewery residues, and microbial ingredients, while also revealing substantial variation among species and processing conditions. Future research should prioritise standardised testing, techno-economic analysis, transparent life-cycle assessment, regional value-chain design, and regulatory harmonisation. Agricultural waste valorisation is therefore best understood as a context-specific portfolio of technologies rather than a single universal replacement for conventional feed ingredients.

Physiological Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) Seeds Subjected to Water Stress

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Water availability is a key determinant of seed germination and early seedling establishment, whereas water deficit restricts imbibition and delays the metabolic processes required for successful germination. This study evaluated the physiological quality of strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) cv. Sensação seeds subjected to polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000)-induced water stress. Seeds were exposed to osmotic potentials of 0.0, −0.1, −0.2, −0.3, and −0.4 MPa under controlled laboratory conditions in a completely randomised design with four replicates of 50 seeds. Germination, first germination count, germination speed index, root length, and shoot length were evaluated. Water stress markedly reduced the first germination count, with a significant decline observed as early as −0.1 MPa, indicating that early seed vigour was impaired even under moderate osmotic restriction. In contrast, final germination, germination speed index, and shoot length were not significantly affected within the tested range. Root length showed a decreasing trend with increasing stress intensity, although this response should be interpreted cautiously because it was not consistently supported by both parametric and non-parametric analyses. Overall, the results indicate that the first germination count was the most sensitive indicator of PEG-induced water stress in strawberry seeds, demonstrating that early vigour is affected before final germination capacity is substantially compromised under the evaluated conditions.

Native Plant Diversity and Livelihood Services in Functioning Agroforestry Systems of the Western Himalayan Foothills

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Agroforestry may support native biodiversity and rural livelihoods, but integrated evidence from functioning systems in the western Himalayan foothills remains limited. This study assessed native tree diversity, vegetation structure, ecosystem services, and livelihood contributions in agroforestry systems in Dunga, Thano, and Chandrabani villages of Uttarakhand, India. Vegetation was evaluated using phytosociological attributes, the Importance Value Index, diversity indices, and rank–abundance patterns, while socio-economic information was obtained from 30 households. Dunga and Thano agroforestry systems each contained 10 tree species and recorded Shannon diversity values of 2.092 and 2.087, respectively. Chandrabani contained seven species and had a Shannon diversity value of 1.729. The adjoining pure forest stands showed lower Shannon diversity values of 1.368 and 1.495 and were strongly dominated by Shorea robusta. Rank–abundance patterns indicated a more even distribution of species in the agroforestry systems. Households reported fuelwood, fodder, fruit, soil-conservation, shade, and microclimate-regulation services, although the reported levels varied among villages. Multiple regression analysis explained 54.2% of the variation in annual household income. Dependency score was positively associated with income, whereas forest dependency and family size were negatively associated with income. These findings indicate that diversified agroforestry systems can contribute to native plant conservation and locally important livelihood services, although the limited sampling design restricts wider generalisation.

Genetic Variability, Character Association, Path Coefficient and Genetic Divergence Analysis in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv) Genotypes

Tauheed Ali, Divya Singh, Rajat Srivastava — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate genetic variability, character association, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence among eight foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) genotypes, including one check variety. The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications during the rabi season. Observations were recorded for twenty-five quantitative traits, including plant height, leaf length, leaf width, panicle length, peduncle length, stem diameter, leaf area index, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, panicle weight, biological yield, harvest index and seed yield per plant. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied, indicating substantial genetic variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for leaf area index at 30 DAS (78.57% and 228.57%), leaf area index at 90 DAS (66.67% and 157.39%), stem diameter at 30 DAS (73.19% and 123.52%), stem diameter at 60 DAS (67.15% and 105.86%) and seed yield per plant (79.98% and 29.38%), suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and the potential effectiveness of selection for these traits. Seed yield per plant was positively associated with harvest index, panicle length at 60 DAS, leaf area index at 30 DAS and panicle weight at the genotypic level. Path coefficient and genetic divergence analyses were undertaken to assess direct trait effects and diversity, respectively. Among the evaluated genotypes, K4 (V7) recorded the highest seed yield per plant (7.34 g), whereas GPL-11 (V3) exhibited the highest panicle weight (15.00 g). These genotypes may therefore constitute useful genetic resources for breeding programmes aimed at developing high-yielding foxtail millet cultivars.

Assessment of Youths' Interest in Agriculture in Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed youths' interest in agriculture in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The objectives were to examine youths' perception of agriculture, evaluate their involvement, identify factors influencing their interest and determine the challenges they face in agriculture. A multistage sampling procedure was used. Primary data were collected from 70 selected youths through a close-ended questionnaire, while 66 valid questionnaires were analysed. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and regression in SPSS version 23. The findings showed that 42.4% of respondents had a very positive perception of agriculture, while 16.7% had a positive perception. The results also indicated that 47.0% of respondents associated agricultural engagement with income generation, food security and job creation, and that 47.0% spent 5-10 hours daily on agricultural activities. Factors reported to influence youths' interest included insufficient access to knowledge, information and education, limited access to land, inadequate access to financial services, market accessibility, lack of agricultural inputs, limited access to extension services and inadequate basic infrastructure. The main challenges were lack of access to agricultural land, limited financial resources, insufficient knowledge and skills, market-access constraints, lack of determination and lack of willingness. Regression results showed that age, educational qualification, marital status, years involved in farming, average hours spent on agricultural activities, limited access to land, lack of agricultural inputs, limited access to extension services, lack of basic infrastructure and selected land- and finance-related challenges had statistically significant relationships with youths' interest in agriculture. The study concludes that, although youths in the study area showed notable interest in agriculture, their engagement was constrained by resource, knowledge, market and infrastructure-related factors. Strengthening agricultural education, improving access to land and finance, enhancing extension support and investing in rural infrastructure may improve youth participation in agriculture in Esan West LGA.

Seasonal Occurrence of Major Defoliators, Sucking Pests and Natural Enemies in Soybean and their Association with Rainfall

Sonal Nage, Y. D. Charjan, R. S. Wankhade, Jayashri Ughade, Sunil Bhalkare — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Soybean is one of the most important oilseed crops, but its productivity is severely constrained by the seasonal occurrence of insect pests and their interaction with prevailing weather conditions. Information on the population dynamics of major soybean insect pests, their natural enemies, and their association with rainfall under the agro-climatic conditions of Vidarbha is limited, making it difficult to develop timely and location-specific pest management strategies. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the Agriculture Research Station, Achalpur, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra, India, to investigate the seasonal occurrence of major defoliators, sucking pests, and natural enemies in soybean and their association with rainfall. Weekly observations were recorded on major insect pests, including leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), girdle beetle (Obereopsis brevis), green semilooper (Chrysodeixis acuta), and tobacco leaf-eating caterpillar (Spodoptera litura), along with important natural enemies such as ladybird beetles, green lacewings, and spiders. The results revealed that the incidence of leafhopper and whitefly commenced during the 31^st SMW, with peak populations occurring during the 37^th and 38^th SMWs, respectively. Girdle beetle infestation commenced during the 34^th SMW and reached its maximum during the 37^th and 36^th SMWs in 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively. Among the defoliators, green semilooper and tobacco leaf-eating caterpillar attained peak populations during the 37^th and 39^th SMWs, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a non-significant association between rainfall and most insect pests during both cropping seasons. However, the spider population showed a significant positive correlation with rainfall during 2020–21 (r = 0.652). Natural-enemy populations fluctuated throughout the cropping period in correspondence with pest activity. The findings indicate distinct seasonal patterns in the occurrence of soybean insect pests and their natural enemies, while rainfall was significantly associated only with spider abundance during 2020–21.

Influence of Quarry Rehabilitation on Soil Physico-chemical Properties in Bofa, Kilifi County, Kenya

Tunje Mwamuye Pole, Mwakio Tole, Suhaila Hashim — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Quarrying activities create significant health, environmental, and visual impacts that must be addressed through the implementation of rehabilitation practices. This process usually begins and proceeds through key steps determined by the targeted final ecosystem and its successional phases. During rehabilitation, soil quality is among the most important factors affecting ecosystem integrity and is determined by physicochemical and biological characteristics that influence ecosystem structure and function. Many rehabilitation efforts have lacked clear objectives and meaningful monitoring of rehabilitation progress. Additionally, the literature indicates that many previous ecosystem rehabilitation studies have used inaccurate, time-consuming, and costly approaches. This study assessed changes in selected soil physicochemical properties and how they were influenced by quarry rehabilitation at different stages. Soil bulk density (BD), organic matter (OM), pH, nitrate (NO₃⁻–N), nitrite (NO₂⁻–N), ammonium (NH₄⁺), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were analysed in rehabilitated quarries. The plots from which samples were collected were categorised as early (<10 years), intermediate (11–20 years), and mature (>20 years). Control samples were also collected from undisturbed virgin sites and abandoned, naturally recovering sites. BD, OM, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and phosphate differed significantly (P < .0001) at α = 0.05 across all study plots. As expected, BD decreased as soil OM increased: early plots had almost twice the BD of mature plots, whereas OM was highest in virgin and mature plots. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations were highest in intermediate plots, while ammonium and phosphate concentrations were highest in mature plots; in contrast, CEC was highest in virgin plots. Soil nutrient ions, particularly nitrate, are affected by differences in soil management, leaching, and denitrification, while changes in phosphate concentrations may reflect differences in weathering and sorption processes over time. As rehabilitation plots matured, soil OM increased, thereby increasing the availability of cation-exchange sites. Soil pH, which affects nutrient solubility, ranged from near-neutral to weakly alkaline values (7.7–8.3) and did not show abrupt changes with rehabilitation. The study concluded that OM, ammonium, and phosphate showed the clearest rehabilitation-related patterns, while CEC remained highest in virgin plots. These physicochemical parameters were therefore the most responsive to quarry rehabilitation and may have potential as indicators for monitoring rehabilitation status.

Effects of Zanthoxylum armatum Harvest Residue Incorporation on Soil Properties, Yield, and Fruit Quality

Binru Yang, Heng Shao — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The sustainable management of agricultural residues is essential for improving resource utilisation and maintaining soil fertility in plantation systems. This study investigated the potential of composting and applying Z. armatum harvest residues as an organic amendment for soil improvement and crop production. A field experiment with five treatments (CK, T1, T2, T3, and T4) was conducted to evaluate the nutrient characteristics of the different residue components, compositional changes during composting, and the effects of compost application on soil properties, yield, and fruit quality. The results showed that leaves contained higher concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg than branches and thorns, whereas branches and thorns had higher lignin and cellulose contents. Composting significantly reduced organic carbon, lignin, and cellulose contents while increasing nutrient concentrations, resulting in a more stable, nutrient-enriched organic amendment. The application of composted residues significantly improved soil fertility by increasing soil organic matter by up to 58.7%, alkaline hydrolysable nitrogen by 42%, available phosphorus by 66%, and available potassium by 42%, while reducing soil pH and decreasing bulk density by up to 24.6%. These effects increased with the compost application rate, and the high-rate treatment (T3, 15 t·hm^-2) produced the greatest improvement. In addition, residue compost application enhanced the fresh pepper yield, dry pericarp yield, and fruit quality characteristics of Z. armatum. Compared with the control, T3 increased fresh pepper yield by 13.88% and dry pericarp yield by 25.17%, while increasing hydroxy-α-sanshool content to 17.28 mg·g^-1, oil yield to 0.78%, and volatile oil content to 8.24 mL·100 g^-1. Overall, composting and returning Z. armatum harvest residues to plantations represent an effective strategy for converting agricultural waste into valuable organic amendments, improving soil quality, and promoting the sustainable production of Chinese prickly ash.

ICT Use in Agricultural Marketing among Farmers in Lagelu, Oyo State, Nigeria

M. O. Oyedokun, O. A. Egbetokun, T. C. Idowu — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become important tools for improving agricultural marketing by enhancing farmers' access to market information, reducing transaction costs, and strengthening linkages with buyers. Despite these benefits, effective utilisation of ICTs for agricultural marketing remains limited among many smallholder farmers in rural Nigeria. This study assessed farmers' access to and use of ICTs for marketing agricultural produce in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 farmers from five randomly selected villages. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that farmers had a moderate level of access to ICTs, with mobile phones being the most accessible and widely used communication tool. Most respondents used mobile phones primarily to contact buyers and negotiate prices, while the use of internet-based applications, such as WhatsApp and online search tools, remained relatively low. Major constraints to ICT utilisation included the high cost of data subscriptions, poor network connectivity, erratic electricity supply, limited digital skills, and the high cost of smartphones. The study concludes that although ICTs have considerable potential to improve agricultural marketing, their effective utilisation is constrained by infrastructural, economic, and capacity-related challenges. It is therefore recommended that government and relevant stakeholders strengthen rural ICT infrastructure, improve access to affordable internet-enabled devices and data services, and promote digital literacy through agricultural extension programmes to enhance farmers' participation in digital agricultural marketing.

Urban Growth and Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics in the Municipality of Ziguinchor, Senegal, West Africa : A Remote Sensing Approach

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Urbanisation is a major driver of landscape transformation in West Africa, resulting in the gradual conversion of natural areas into built environments and the degradation of ecosystem services. In Ziguinchor, this process is reflected in the continuous expansion of built-up areas at the expense of vegetation cover, while knowledge of long-term Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) dynamics remains limited. This study aimed to map the LULC classes of the Municipality of Ziguinchor, analyse their spatio-temporal dynamics between 1986 and 2026, and assess the principal landscape transformations associated with anthropisation and the conversion of landscape units.

The study used a remote-sensing approach based on Landsat imagery from the TM, OLI, and TIRS sensors, processed through supervised classification in ENVI Classic 5.3 and QGIS. LULC changes were analysed using transition matrices, the annual vegetation loss rate, and the anthropisation index. The results show a substantial increase in built-up areas, from 1,252.8 ha in 1986 to 1,992.6 ha in 2026, while vegetated areas decreased from 577.44 ha to 421.92 ha over the same period. The analyses also indicate increasing human-induced landscape transformation and declining stability of vegetation formations, which were predominantly converted into urban areas. These findings provide a basis for integrating higher-resolution satellite data, applying machine-learning methods, and assessing the effects of urbanisation on ecosystem services to inform sustainable land-use planning and the conservation of green spaces in the Municipality of Ziguinchor.

Morphological Relationships among Plant Architecture, Yield Components, and Seed Quality of Safflower under different Irrigation Intervals

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a drought-tolerant oilseed crop with considerable potential for sustainable production in water-limited environments. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation interval and cultivar on growth, yield, biomass partitioning, seed quality, and trait relationships of two safflower cultivars (Giza and Dongla) under Sudanese conditions. A factorial experiment was conducted using three irrigation intervals (7, 14, and 21 days). Growth, yield components, biomass, harvest index, and seed quality traits were measured, and Pearson's correlation analysis was used to examine relationships among agronomic traits. Significant varietal effects (P < 0.05) were observed for several growth and yield-component traits. Giza produced significantly taller plants and greater dry matter, whereas Dongla produced significantly more heads per plant and exhibited a higher harvest index, reflecting contrasting growth and assimilate partitioning strategies. Irrigation interval significantly affected some vegetative growth traits, but had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on seed yield, harvest index, or seed quality. Likewise, although the 7-day irrigation interval produced the highest numerical seed yield, this difference was not statistically significant. Correlation analysis showed that plant height and leaf area were positively associated with seed production, whereas branch number promoted head formation but exhibited trade-offs with vegetative growth. Seed yield was more closely associated with harvest index than with total biomass, highlighting the importance of assimilate partitioning for productivity. These findings demonstrate that safflower can maintain yield and seed quality under moderate deficit irrigation, indicating that irrigation intervals of up to 21 days can reduce irrigation frequency without significant yield penalties. The results also support variety-specific cultivar selection, with Giza better suited for biomass production and Dongla for efficient reproductive allocation under water-limited conditions in Sudan.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations and Geochemical Speciation in Dumpsite Soils Derived from Coastal Plain Sands in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Gloria, Emmanuel Essien — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed the concentrations and geochemical speciation of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, and V in dumpsite soils derived from coastal plain sands in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Automechanic, paint-processing, and abattoir dumpsites were investigated in Etinan, Uyo, and Ikot Ekpene, with uncontaminated soils serving as controls. Soil samples were collected from 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm depths and analysed for physicochemical properties, total metal concentrations, and six operationally defined geochemical fractions using sequential extraction and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Metal mobility and contamination indices were also evaluated. Waste deposition altered soil properties, with dumpsite soils generally showing higher pH, organic matter, exchangeable bases, and base saturation than control soils. Heavy metal concentrations were markedly elevated at all affected sites, particularly in automechanic and paint-processing soils. Lead and cadmium occurred in appreciable proportions in water-soluble, exchangeable, and carbonate-bound fractions, indicating comparatively greater potential mobility and bioavailability. Chromium, nickel, and vanadium were more strongly associated with reducible and residual fractions, although measurable proportions occurred in non-residual forms. The results demonstrate that waste type influenced both metal accumulation and geochemical partitioning. While stable fractions accounted for part of the metal burden, the occurrence of metals in labile fractions indicates potential for leaching, plant uptake, and broader environmental exposure. Improved waste segregation, controlled disposal, and periodic soil monitoring are therefore required in the study area.

Forecasting of Land Cover Changes in the Upper Krishna River Basin of Maharashtra, India

S. S. Nagarkar, S. B. Nandgude, A. A. Atre, S. D. Gorantiwar, M. R. Patil — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Human activities are altering natural land cover and influencing climate-related processes, making land-cover monitoring and forecasting important for sustainable resource management. This study assessed historical and projected land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Upper Krishna River Basin of Maharashtra, India. LULC maps for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were prepared from Landsat and Sentinel imagery using a random forest classifier in Google Earth Engine. A digital elevation model, slope data, and a road-distance map were integrated with the classified maps in the QGIS-MOLUSCE cellular automata–artificial neural network framework. The model was trained with the 1990 and 2010 LULC maps, validated by comparing simulated and observed conditions for 2020, and then used to project LULC for 2030. The simulation achieved an overall accuracy of 74.50% and a validation kappa value of 0.72. Between 1990 and 2020, woodland and agricultural land declined, whereas built-up and barren areas expanded; the area under water bodies remained comparatively stable. The 2030 projection indicates further decreases in water bodies, woodland, and agricultural land, together with continued increases in built-up and barren areas. These projected changes suggest continuing pressure on vegetated land and surface-water resources. The findings provide a spatial basis for land-use planning, watershed management, and conservation-oriented decision-making in the Upper Krishna River Basin.

Study on Tissue Culture and Rapid Propagation of Different Peony Cultivars

Shangguan Li, Pengqi Yue, Yingxue Lei, Xiaolin Cai, Jiujin Xiao, Sinan Zhang — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

An efficient in vitro propagation system is essential for the rapid multiplication and conservation of peony germplasm resources. In this study, young stem segments, shoot tips, and scale buds of three Paeonia suffruticosa cultivars, ‘Yu Louzi’, ‘Peng Zhouzi’, and ‘Yin Zhihong’, were used as explants to evaluate the effects of surface sterilisation, explant type, and culture medium composition on shoot induction, shoot proliferation, and root induction.

Explant contamination decreased progressively with increasing sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) sterilisation intensity, with treatment T4 providing the highest sterilisation efficiency. Among the explant types, contamination rates consistently followed the order scale buds > shoot tips > young stem segments, and the lowest contamination rate (5.1%) was recorded for young stem segments of P. suffruticosa ‘Yin Zhihong’. During primary culture, young stem segments exhibited the highest shoot induction capacity, and MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L^-1 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) and 0.5 mg L^-1 gibberellic acid (GA₃) produced the highest shoot induction rate (89.5%). During shoot proliferation, MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L^-1 6-BA, 0.1 mg L^-1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 0.1 mg L^-1 kinetin (KT) provided the highest proliferation efficiency, with a maximum proliferation coefficient of 4.68. Root primordium induction remained difficult under all treatments. Although 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L^-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.3 mg L^-1 NAA promoted root primordium formation, a stable adventitious root system was not established, and the highest root primordium induction rate was 32.4%.

These findings demonstrate that appropriate explant selection and optimisation of culture media can effectively improve shoot induction and proliferation in peony. However, root induction remains the principal constraint to establishing an efficient in vitro propagation system, highlighting the need for further optimisation of rooting conditions.

Genetic Variability and Agronomic Performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed genetic variability, agronomic performance, and breeding potential of 51 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes from the genebank of the Agricultural Research Corporation and three farmer-preferred varieties under irrigated conditions at the Kassala and Gash Station (Kalahoot Scheme) Farm during the 2023 and 2024 summer seasons. Analysis of variance, estimates of genotypic and phenotypic variance, coefficients of variation, broad-sense heritability, and expected genetic advance were used to characterise genetic variability and selection potential. Combined-season plant height ranged from 69 to 153 cm, number of capsules per plant from 26 to 88, and seed yield from 125 to 853 kg ha⁻¹. H44 produced the highest combined seed yield, while H22 and H29 exhibited superior capsule production. High GCV, moderate-to-high heritability, and substantial genetic advance were observed for plant height, branching, capsule number, and seed yield, indicating considerable exploitable genetic variation and potential for selection. Significant genotype × season interactions for several traits, particularly seed yield, demonstrated differential responses to seasonal conditions, whereas 1000-seed weight was comparatively stable. H44, H57, H69, H32, H81, H36, H22, and H29 were identified as promising breeding materials based on agronomic performance and genetic potential. These genotypes provide valuable parental resources for future sesame improvement in Sudan, particularly for developing high-yielding cultivars adapted to variable irrigated environments. Multi-location and multi-year testing, followed by targeted selection for yield stability, adaptation, and synchronised maturity, is recommended to accelerate their utilisation in Sudanese breeding programmes.

Coconut Shell Biochar-Derived Graphene Oxide for Ciprofloxacin Removal from Pharmaceutical Wastewater: Synthesis, Characterization, Optimization and Regeneration

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly ciprofloxacin, persist in aquatic environments due to their chemical stability and low biodegradability, posing ecological and public health risks. This study reports the synthesis of graphene oxide from coconut shell biochar (CS-GO) as a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent for ciprofloxacin removal from pharmaceutical wastewater. CS-GO was prepared via a modified Hummers’ method and characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), revealing a heterogeneous, porous-looking surface morphology, abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, and crystalline features favourable for adsorption. Batch adsorption experiments were designed and optimised using Response Surface Methodology–Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD) to evaluate the effects of adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature, pH, and initial ciprofloxacin concentration. Under optimised conditions (0.926 g CS-GO, 28.5 min, 28 °C, pH 7.4, 59.652 mg/L ciprofloxacin), a maximum removal efficiency of 95.4% was achieved. Adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.9475), indicating monolayer coverage on a homogeneous surface, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 1.5555 mg g⁻¹. Desorption and reusability studies demonstrated that CS-GO retained over 90% of its adsorption capacity after five cycles, confirming its structural stability and regeneration potential. Post-treatment physicochemical analysis revealed substantial reductions in ciprofloxacin concentration and other pollutants, with water quality approaching regulatory standards. These findings highlight the potential of CS-GO as a low-cost, eco-friendly, and effective adsorbent for pharmaceutical wastewater remediation, contributing to circular economy practices through the valorisation of agricultural waste.

Increased Production of Hybrid Corn (Zea mays L.) in Sinaloa, Mexico through the Application of Sewage Sludge and Traditional Fertilizer

José Guillermo Galindo Reyes — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Sewage sludge (SS) contains organic matter and plant-available nutrients that may contribute to soil fertility and reduce reliance on inorganic fertilisers. However, its agricultural use requires careful evaluation because of potential microbiological and chemical risks.

Aim: This study evaluated whether partial substitution of conventional fertiliser with SS could improve hybrid corn (Zea mays L.) production and replenish selected soil nutrients under field conditions in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Method: Six 6 × 8 m plots were established with SS/fertiliser proportions of 0/100, 5/95, 10/90, 15/85, 20/80, and 25/75. The experiment was conducted from October 2025 to March 2026. Soil pH, organic carbon, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. Crop responses included estimated yield, plant height, number of grains per cob, and fresh cob weight.

Results: The 20/80 and 25/75 SS/fertiliser treatments produced higher agronomic values than the fertiliser-only control. Estimated yields reached 10.2 and 10.4 tonnes/ha, respectively, compared with 9.2 tonnes/ha in the control. The 25% SS treatment also reached 253 cm plant height, 528 grains per cob, and 270 g fresh cob weight. The higher-SS treatments also showed favourable changes in measured soil nutrient variables.

Conclusion: Moderate substitution of inorganic fertiliser with SS may support hybrid corn productivity and nutrient recycling under the conditions evaluated. Nevertheless, its agricultural use should remain cautious because sewage sludge may contain pathogenic microorganisms and potentially harmful contaminants.

Comparative Nutrient Profiling of Kitchen Food Waste, Cow Dung, and Their Bio-slurries in Kilifi County, Kenya

Allan Mwajoha, Elisha Otieno Gogo, Simon Muti — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Kitchen food waste and cow dung are potential feedstocks for anaerobic digestion, but their comparative physicochemical characteristics and the nutrient properties of their resulting bio-slurries require direct evaluation. This study determined the physical and chemical properties of kitchen waste and cow dung feedstocks and assessed the effects of anaerobic digestion on the corresponding bio-slurries. The study was conducted at the Pwani University Integrated Biogas Research Unit in Kilifi County, Kenya, during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 growing seasons. Kitchen waste and cow dung were digested separately in a Flexi biogas system after each feedstock was mixed with water at a 1:1 ratio. Seventeen physical and chemical parameters were evaluated, including bulk density, dry matter, moisture content, pH, ammonium, nitrate, bicarbonate, electrical conductivity, and exchangeable macro- and micronutrients. Kitchen waste and cow dung feedstocks showed a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.999977) and no significant difference (t(16) = 1.0155, p = 0.325). Their bio-slurries were similarly strongly correlated (r = 0.999983), with no significant difference (t(16) = 1.0288, p = 0.319). Anaerobic digestion did not significantly alter kitchen waste or cow dung properties relative to their raw feedstocks. The findings indicate that both feedstocks produced bio-slurries with comparable physicochemical characteristics, supporting the potential use of kitchen waste as an alternative or complementary feedstock where cow dung is limited.

VCA4D Analysis of the Coffee Value Chain in Idjwi Island, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo

Nshembe Chishungu Eric Nice, Kavuya Katya Jeannot, Baudouin Michel — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coffee is an important livelihood and commercial crop on Idjwi Island, yet the value chain remains weakly structured and producers have limited access to finance, technical support, processing, certification and higher-value markets. This study applied the Value Chain Analysis for Development (VCA4D) framework to assess the functional, economic, social and environmental dimensions of the Idjwi coffee value chain. A mixed-methods design covered 340 respondents, comprising 300 producers, 20 processors, 10 traders and 10 cooperative or institutional actors. Among producers, the mean coffee plot size was 1.50 ha, mean annual production was 1,491 kg, mean revenue was USD 1,207 and mean net profit was USD 902. Only 31% of producers had access to credit, 50% had received training and 60% reported dissatisfaction with coffee income. Fertiliser use was not significantly associated with production in the ANOVA (F = 0.61, p = 0.436), whereas training had the largest positive regression coefficient for net profit (+USD 29.48). Mean net profit was slightly higher in Idjwi-North (USD 925.05) than in Idjwi-South (USD 881.00). Qualitative findings indicated continued dependence on local collectors, limited processing and quality-control capacity, and uneven cooperative support. Social and environmental findings highlighted household livelihoods, gender and youth participation, agroforestry, soil conservation and water management. Overall, improved training, cooperative governance, finance, processing, quality management and direct market linkages are central upgrading priorities.

Analysis of Allocative Efficiency among Rice Farmers under Anchor Borrowers’ Programme in Benue State, Nigeria

A. Soom, P. Saleh, S. T. Alam — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study analyses the cost efficiency of rice farmers under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme in Benue State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 125 beneficiary and 130 non-beneficiary rice farmers under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier cost analysis. The results revealed that the mean ages were 44 and 46 years for beneficiary and non-beneficiary rice farmers, respectively. The average household size was 8 persons for both categories; the average farm sizes were 2.76 and 1.94 hectares for beneficiary and non-beneficiary rice farmers, respectively, and the average farming experience was 11 years for both categories. The results of the stochastic frontier cost function revealed that the total cost of production for beneficiary rice farmers was positively and significantly determined by the costs of farmland and seed at P≤0.01, labour at P≤0.05, and pesticides at P≤0.10. For non-beneficiary rice farmers, the total cost of production was positively and significantly determined by the costs of farmland, seed, fertiliser, herbicides, and pesticides at P≤0.01. The inefficiency-effects results showed that cost efficiency for beneficiary rice farmers increased with sex at P≤0.01 but decreased with extension contact at P≤0.05, while cost efficiency for non-beneficiary rice farmers increased with education at P≤0.10. The mean allocative efficiencies of 38.8% and 62.1% for beneficiary and non-beneficiary rice farmers, respectively, suggest that the allocative efficiency of the farmers can be increased by 61% and 38% under the existing technology. It was concluded that rice production by both categories of farmers in the study area was below the cost frontier (100% cost efficiency). The study recommended increasing farmers’ access to quality education and providing adequate training programmes to enhance their efficiency. It also recommended policies that make credit more accessible to farmers to help address their inefficiency problems.

Antibiotic Resistance in Phosphate Solubilizing Burkholderia cepacia: Eco-Safety Implications for Application of Microbial Inoculants in Sustainable Agriculture

Chinyere Augusta Ajuzieogu, Azibaobebh Mary Amos — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The challenges of food insecurity and soil degradation posed by the use of agro-chemicals have led to the search for green strategies (microbial inoculants) to ensure sustainable agriculture. However, it has been reported that certain microorganisms with the potential for use as microbial inoculants express antibiotic resistance which presents safety implications for environmental and public health if these microorganisms are employed as inoculants. This study evaluated the antibiotic resistance profile of a phosphate-solubilizing bacterium recovered from a farm soil. Composite soil samples were collected from farmland at Onuebum Community, Bayelsa State. The samples were analysed for pesticide residues and physico-chemical properties using standard methods. Isolation and screening of bacterial isolates for phosphate solubilization potential were performed following standard microbiological techniques. Out of six (6) isolates recovered, only one bacterium was positive for phosphate solubilization. The bacterium was evaluated for antibiotic resistance using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method, and was further identified via 16S rRNA sequencing. Detection of antibiotic resistance genes was performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results revealed that the soil had an organochlorine pesticide residue [Heptachlor epoxide (4.08 µg/kg)] above the maximum residue limit (0.6 µg/kg). Soil pH, nitrate, and phosphate were 4.10, 1.46 mg/kg and 0.82 mg/kg, respectively. The bacterium was identified as Burkholderia cepacia. B. cepacia expressed multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) to cephalosporins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, and a β-lactam combination agent, with a MAR index of 0.6. PCR confirmed the presence of erm and blaTEM genes in Burkholderia cepacia, providing genetic evidence for its resistance to macrolides and cephalosporins. These findings suggest that while Burkholderia cepacia has potential as a biofertilizer due to its phosphate-solubilizing ability, its MAR raises ecological safety concerns regarding its use as an inoculant. Therefore, further research involving the exploration of plant growth-promoting traits in soil microorganisms and eco-safety assessments is recommended to determine their suitability for application as inoculants in agriculture.

Local Knowledges and Plants Conservation in Two Communities in the Menoua Division (Western Cameroon)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Rural communities in the Menoua Division (West Region, Cameroon) rely heavily on plant biodiversity for healthcare, nutrition, and socioeconomic needs. However, changing lifestyles and ecosystem degradation threaten the sustainability of these resources and the transmission of associated traditional knowledge.

Objective: This study aimed to inventory useful plant species in the Bafou and Baloum communities and to document their associated traditional uses.

Methodology: Semi-structured and structured interviews were conducted with 120 informants. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including Frequency of Citation (FC) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), were applied to analyse traditional medicinal and food plant uses.

Results: A total of 110 medicinal species were identified for 34 ailments across 12 organ systems, predominantly digestive disorders (35.3%) and systemic/infectious diseases (26.5%). Leaves (~50%) were the primary plant part harvested, decoction was the main preparation method, and oral administration predominated. High agreement was found for abdominal pain (ICF = 0.7 in Bafou and 1.0 in Baloum) and malaria (ICF = 0.8 in Baloum). Older adults (≥50 years) were identified as the primary custodians of this knowledge. A total of 93 edible species were recorded, led by Musa paradisiaca L., Zea mays L., and Allium cepa L., which had the highest frequencies of citation.

Conclusion: These findings provide a foundation for pharmacological validation and highlight important components of nutritional resilience in rural populations. The concentration of traditional knowledge among older generations underscores the need for continued documentation to reduce the risk of knowledge erosion.

Evaluation of Integrated Weed Management Strategies for Enhancing Soybean Yield and Profitability

Y. P. Shingade, R. Ghatak, A. Thaokar, A. V. Deshmukh, A. Sarda — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 on clayey soil at the Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, School of Agricultural Sciences, G.H. Raisoni University, Saikheda, Pandhurna, Madhya Pradesh, to assess the effects of integrated weed management practices on soybean growth, yield and economics. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised T₁: control (no weeding); T₂: hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS; T₃: pendimethalin 30% EC (PE) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha⁻¹; T₄: imazethapyr 10% SL (POE) @ 100 g a.i. ha⁻¹ at 20 DAS; T₅: pendimethalin 30% EC (PE) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ + one hand weeding at 30 DAS; T₆: straw mulching after sowing; and T₇: pendimethalin 30% EC (PE) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ + imazethapyr 10% SL (POE) @ 100 g a.i. ha⁻¹. The predominant weed flora observed in the experimental field included Parthenium hysterophorus, Euphorbia hirta, Digera arvensis and Lagasca mollis among broad-leaved weeds; Cynodon dactylon, Echinochloa crus-galli, Eragrostis major, Poa annua and Sorghum halepense among grasses; and Cyperus rotundus among sedges. Other weed species were present at relatively lower densities. Among the different weed management treatments, T₇, comprising pendimethalin 30% EC (PE) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ + imazethapyr 10% SL (POE) @ 100 g a.i. ha⁻¹, recorded superior soybean growth and yield attributes. The treatment resulted in a plant height of 46.25 cm, 5.55 branches plant⁻¹, 40.68 pods plant⁻¹ and a grain weight of 6.48 g. The same treatment also recorded the highest grain yield (13.65 q ha⁻¹) and stover yield (25.80 q ha⁻¹). In terms of economic returns, T₇ recorded the highest gross returns (₹34,013 ha⁻¹), net returns (₹18,246 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.15). The superior performance of this treatment may be attributed to effective suppression of the predominant weed flora, which reduced weed competition and facilitated better utilisation of available nutrients, moisture and other growth resources by the soybean crop. Based on the findings of the experiment, the application of pendimethalin 30% EC (PE) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ followed by imazethapyr 10% SL (POE) @ 100 g a.i. ha⁻¹ (T₇) proved to be the most effective treatment for improving growth, yield attributes, grain and stover yields, and economic returns of soybean under the clayey soil conditions of the experimental site.

Screening of Little Millet, Panicum sumatrense Germplasms for Resistance against Shoot Fly

S. Amruth, Prabhu C. Ganiger — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) is a vital climate-resilient small millet grown extensively in arid and semi-arid regions. However, seedling mortality caused by shoot fly, Atherigona pulla (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Muscidae), remains a primary biotic constraint, leading to substantial dead-heart formation and yield reductions. Field screening of 99 diverse little millet germplasms was conducted in an augmented block design at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, during two consecutive seasons (Kharif 2023 and Kharif 2024) under natural field infestation. Infestation levels were evaluated based on the percentage of dead-hearts recorded at 21 and 28 days after emergence (DAE) and were categorised using a standard 1–9 rating scale (Highly Resistant to Highly Susceptible). Variation in dead-heart damage was observed among the evaluated genotypes across both seasons. In Kharif 2023, the mean dead-heart percentage ranged from 5.00% to 53.33%, whereas in Kharif 2024, it ranged from 5.00% to 55.00%. Genotypes GPMP 609, GPMP 675, OLM 203 and GPMP 728 consistently displayed high levels of resistance, exhibiting the lowest mean dead-heart incidence (5.00% to 6.67%) with a score of 1. Other promising highly resistant entries included GPMP 642, GPMP 709, GPMP 669, GPMP 611, GPMP 671, GPMP 641 and GPMP 714. Conversely, germplasms GPMP 745, GPMP 700, GPMP 607 and the check DPLV 1 recorded severe infestations (53.33% to 55.00%) and were categorised as Highly Susceptible (score 9). The stable highly resistant genotypes identified in this investigation provide valuable donor germplasm for host-plant resistance breeding programmes aimed at developing pest-resilient, high-yielding cultivars of little millet without relying heavily on synthetic chemical interventions.

Comparative Field Performance Evaluation of Rotavator with L-Shape and C-Shape Blades

Ayush, Asif Beg, Alpana Joshi, Lilesh Patel — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rotavators are widely used active tillage implements for seedbed preparation, and the geometry of the working blade is a primary determinant of draft, power demand, fuel economy, and the quality of soil pulverisation and residue incorporation achieved in a single pass. Among commercially available designs, L-shape and C-shape (curved-sweep) blades remain the two most common working tools fitted to tractor-drawn rotavators in South Asian farming systems. This study presents a comparative field evaluation of L-shape and C-shape rotavator blades mounted on a 1.8 m working-width, tractor-operated rotavator and tested at three forward speeds (2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 km/h) at a constant tilling depth of 10 cm in a sandy loam field. The L-shape blade consistently required higher draft force and PTO power (6.1–8.2 kW) than the C-shape blade (4.9–7.1 kW) across speeds of 2.0–4.0 km/h, while also consuming more fuel (2.8–4.5 l/h vs. 2.5–4.0 l/h). However, the L-shape blade produced finer soil pulverisation (mean clod size 10 mm vs. 18 mm at 3.0 km/h), whereas the C-shape blade provided better residue mixing (75% vs. 60% at 4.0 km/h). Thus, the C-shape blade is more energy-efficient (saving 12–15% fuel), while the L-shape blade performs better in soil fragmentation, presenting a clear trade-off between energy use and tillage quality depending on speed. From 2.00 to 4.00 km/h, the reported energy values increased from 58.0 to 66.5 kJ/m³; C-shape blade wear increased from 11.2 to 14.4 mg/ha, while L-shape blade wear increased from 14.4 to 16.0 mg/ha and remained 2.8–3.2 mg/ha higher.

Digital Floristic Documentation and Preliminary Assessment of Understory Vegetation in a Sal-Dominated Forest of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Understorey vegetation contributes substantially to forest biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, yet rapid preliminary documentation may be constrained by limited field time, taxonomic expertise, and survey resources. This study presents a georeferenced digital floristic reconnaissance of understorey plants in the Manduwala Forest Region of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Undergraduate forestry students conducted opportunistic field observations, photographed herbaceous and shrubby plants, and recorded locations using GPS-enabled cameras. iNaturalist supported preliminary identification, while accepted nomenclature and broad distributional status were subsequently checked using recognised taxonomic resources and relevant literature. Following conservative review, 25 observation records were retained. Eighteen records represented herbaceous or other low-growing forms and seven represented shrubs. The documented flora included native, introduced, disturbance-associated, and potentially invasive taxa, with several records retained only at genus level and two requiring further taxonomic verification. Because the reconnaissance did not use standardised quadrats, transects, repeated sampling, or abundance measurements, the records cannot be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory or as estimates of species richness, frequency, cover, or relative abundance. The observations therefore constitute presence records rather than a quantitative description of understorey community structure. Nevertheless, the approach generated traceable photographic and georeferenced records that can support preliminary biodiversity documentation, student training, and the identification of taxa and locations requiring systematic follow-up surveys.

Vegetable Harvest Residues as Alternative Forages: Feed Value, in Vitro Fermentation, Methane Production, and Digestibility of Fresh, Ensiled, and Pelleted Tomato Plant Residue

Mahmoud O. A. Elfaki, Unal Kilic — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Vegetable harvest residues are increasingly evaluated as alternative forage resources for ruminants, but their nutritive value depends strongly on crop species, preservation method, and processing form. This study evaluated the post-harvest green aerial vegetative parts (stems and leaves) of greenhouse-grown tomato plant residues (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Vermilenza F1) processed into three forms: fresh residue (TR-F), residue ensiled in laboratory-scale silos without additives for 60 days (TR-S), and residue dried and pelleted into 6-mm cylindrical pellets (TR-P). Chemical composition, cell wall fiber fractions, relative forage quality indices, in vitro gas production kinetics, methane production, and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) were determined. Processing significantly affected the nutritive value and fermentation parameters (P < 0.05). The pelleted form (TR-P) exhibited the highest relative feed value (RFV) alongside lower crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose contents compared with the fresh form (TR-F). However, TR-P exhibited the highest acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP) content, indicating heat- or pressure-induced protein binding and reduced protein availability. Ensiling (TR-S) resulted in the highest relative forage quality (RFQ) and the lowest methane production (5.79 mL/200 mg DM), but reduced total gas production, energy values, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, microbial protein synthesis (MPS), and organic matter digestibility (OMD) compared with the fresh form (TR-F). The fresh form displayed the highest fermentation activity and energy potential, showing the greatest total gas production (79.85 mL/200 mg DM), 24-h gas production (47.43 mL/200 mg DM), metabolizable energy (ME; 8.49 MJ/kg DM), net energy for lactation (NE_L; 5.53 MJ/kg DM), SCFA (1.04 mmol/L), MPS (2.49 mg/mL), and OMD (77.79%). In vitro true digestibility was slightly lower in TR-P (64.39%) than in TR-F (66.74%) and TR-S (66.21%). Tomato plant residue showed promising potential as an alternative source of roughage for ruminants. Although fresh tomato residue retained the highest biological energy and fermentability, ensiling with or without additives is recommended as the most effective preservation strategy to ensure aerobic stability and mitigate enteric methane emissions. Pelleting serves as an efficient densification and handling alternative, provided processing temperatures are controlled to minimize heat-induced protein binding to fiber fractions. Further in vivo studies are needed to evaluate intake, digestibility, and animal performance.

Studies on Bud Mycoflora of Cultivated Tea Plants, Camellia sinensis(L).O.Kuntze in North East India: A Case Study-I

Sukumar Debnath — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bud-associated fungi represent a component of the microbial community of tea plants, but information on their occurrence in cultivated tea buds remains limited. The present study examined the culturable bud mycoflora of two tea cultivars, TS-520 and Tinali 17, collected from Rydak Tea Estate in the Dooars region of North Bengal, India. Buds were placed aseptically on Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol agar using a modified leaf-impression approach. Five buds were used per plate with five replications for each cultivar, giving 25 buds per cultivar. Plates were incubated under laboratory conditions at 22–28°C, and fungal colonies were identified on the basis of cultural and morphological characteristics. A total of 89 colonies were recovered, comprising 45 colonies from TS-520 and 44 from Tinali 17. TS-520 yielded five fungal genera, whereas seven genera were recorded from Tinali 17. Rhizopus spp. and red-pigmented Penicillium were detected only in Tinali 17, representing 4.54% and 6.81% of its recovered colonies, respectively. Cladosporium, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium, Trichoderma, white sterile colonies and yeast forms occurred in both cultivars, although their proportional representation varied. Yeast forms and white sterile colonies constituted the largest fractions in both cultivars. The observations demonstrate cultivar-associated variation in culturable bud mycoflora and provide preliminary information for further investigation of fungal communities associated with tea buds.

Climate Experience and Climate-smart Agriculture Adoption among Smallholder Farmers in Southwestern Nigeria

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is promoted to strengthen smallholder farming systems under climatic variability, yet adoption determinants remain context-specific, particularly where awareness is widespread. This study examined the association between farmers’ experience of changing weather conditions and reported CSA adoption among smallholder farmers in southwestern Nigeria, while accounting for selected socioeconomic and agricultural-information characteristics. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 190 farmers. Descriptive statistics characterised respondents, weather-change experience and CSA adoption. Because the adoption outcome was highly imbalanced, Firth-penalised logistic regression was used. CSA awareness was reported by 187 respondents (98.4%). Frequent experience of changing weather conditions was reported by 157 respondents (82.6%), and 174 of 188 respondents with valid responses (92.6%) reported at least occasional experience. Among 176 respondents with valid adoption responses, 168 (95.5%) reported using at least one CSA practice and eight (4.5%) reported non-adoption. The regression model, based on 173 complete observations, identified experience of changing weather conditions as the only statistically significant predictor of reported adoption (OR = 10.401, 95% CI: 3.118–34.694, p < 0.001). Gender, education, farm size and extension information were not statistically significant. The findings indicate a positive association between direct climate experience and reported CSA adoption, but the cross-sectional design does not support causal inference. Climate-adaptation interventions may therefore benefit from linking farmers’ observed weather experiences with locally relevant CSA options and decision support.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability and Multivariate Analysis of Major Agro-morphological traits in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Germplasm

Kebede D. Lemu, Christian U. Agbo — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

For germplasm to be effectively conserved and utilised, the characterisation and evaluation of phenotypic traits are crucial for enabling future breeding efforts. The trial was carried out at Bako Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 main cropping seasons. The aim of this study was to determine the extent and nature of phenotypic variability and character associations among 185 accessions of Ethiopian sorghum germplasm. The trial was laid out in a 37 × 5 incomplete block design arranged in a row × column configuration with two replications, and each plot consisted of a single 5 m row with inter- and intra-row spacings of 0.75 and 0.20 m, respectively. Sixteen quantitative traits and anthracnose severity were assessed to evaluate phenotypic variability. Mean squares revealed highly significant (P < 0.01) differences among sorghum accessions for the tested quantitative traits due to genotype, season, and their interaction, indicating substantial genetic variability. The highest estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were observed for panicle weight, leaf width, flag leaf width, above-ground fresh biomass, and mean grain yield ha⁻¹. High heritability and genetic gain, expressed as a percentage of the mean, were observed for panicle weight, panicle length, leaf length, and days to flowering. PCA identified days to physiological maturity, leaf length, and leaf count per plant as significant factors contributing to the observed variability. While anthracnose had a significant negative correlation (-0.34) with grain yield, leaf length, leaf width, flag leaf width, and panicle width showed significant positive correlations with grain yield. Leaf and panicle characteristics were identified as important yield-related factors, indicating that direct selection for these traits could enhance yield. The genotypes ETSL100474, ETSL100072, ETSL100032, ETSL100235, and ETSL100100, which were identified as superior accessions for anthracnose tolerance, grain yield, and yield-related traits, may be exploited by breeders.

Assessment of Arthropod Biodiversity in Brinjal Agroecosystem with Special Reference to Insects and Spiders

Ejazul Haq, Parvez Qamar Rizvi — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) supports a diverse arthropod community comprising pest and beneficial groups.

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the biodiversity and relative abundance of arthropods associated with the brinjal agroecosystem and to record the occurrence of insect pests and beneficial arthropods at the order and family levels during two consecutive cropping years.

Study Design: Field-based observational study of arthropod diversity and abundance in a brinjal agroecosystem.

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, during two consecutive cropping years.

Methodology: The experiment was carried out in an area measuring 25 m × 15 m. Twenty plots measuring 5 m × 3.5 m were marked on the land. Forty-day-old desi brinjal seedlings were transplanted into different plots at a spacing of 75 cm × 75 cm. Arthropods were collected at regular 15-day intervals, starting one month after transplanting and continuing until the end of the cropping season. Visual inspection, sweep-net sampling, and pitfall trapping were adopted for the collection and enumeration of arthropods. For visual observations, five plants were randomly selected from the respective plots. Five sweeps were performed per plot during each sampling period, and pitfall traps were placed to capture soil-dwelling arthropods. Specimens from all collected samples were identified and counted according to their higher taxonomic groups, i.e., order and family. Relative abundance, Shannon diversity, Simpson's diversity, and Pielou's evenness indices were calculated accordingly.

Results: A total of 39 arthropod families belonging to 12 orders were recorded. Hemiptera (relative abundance, 40.98-42.12%) was the most abundant, followed by Coleoptera (14.61-15.75%), Hymenoptera (9.55-10.88%), Araneae (7.99-8.19%), Acarina (6.08-6.89%), and Lepidoptera (5.89-6.18%). Aphididae was the most abundant family within Hemiptera (10.24-11.18%), whereas Coccinellidae was the dominant family within coleoptera (7.59-8.51%). Beneficial arthropod families were also recorded.

The values for Shannon diversity (H') ranged from 3.096 to 3.141, while Simpson's diversity index (D) and Pielou's evenness index (J) ranged from 0.939 to 0.943 and from 0.845 to 0.857, respectively, indicating relatively stable arthropod diversity across the two consecutive years.

Conclusions: The present findings revealed that the brinjal field supported diverse pest and beneficial arthropod fauna. The presence of natural enemies, together with relatively stable diversity indices, indicates the need to conserve this biodiversity through the adoption of eco-friendly pest management strategies aimed at sustainable brinjal production.