Volume-12, Issue-6, June 2026

Abstract

For decades, the severity of parasitic infection in small ruminants has been measured using fecal egg count (FEC).  Genetic resistance to parasitic infection varies among individual animals and flocks, making this trait economically important, particularly in small ruminants. Heritability estimates for FEC across different breeds, populations, and time periods range from low to moderate. This paper reviews studies reporting genetic parameter estimates for FEC in different populations. It also focuses on FEC as a genetic marker and a means for selecting small ruminants for parasitic resistance — a threshold trait for which the underlying variable is fecal egg count. Non-genetic factors affecting FEC are also discussed herein.

Keywords: Small ruminants, fecal egg count (FEC), heritability, parasitic resistance, genetic parameter.

References

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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2019 at the Hill Millet Research Station, Rajendrapur Farm, N. A. U., Waghai to study the efficacy of combined herbicides in summer black gram (Vigna mungo L.). The soil was characterized as clayey, low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, and fairly rich in available potassium. The study comprised ten weed management treatments: T₁: Pendimethalin 900 g ha⁻¹ as pre-emergence + one hand weeding (HW) at 30 days after sowing (DAS); T₂: Sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop-propargyl (ready-mix) 250 g ha⁻¹ as post-emergence at 20 DAS; T₃: Imazethapyr + pendimethalin (RM) 750 g ha⁻¹ as pre-emergence; T₄: Imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) 70 g ha⁻¹ as pre-emergence; T₅: Imazethapyr + propaquizafop (RM) 125 g ha⁻¹ as post-emergence at 20 DAS; T₆: Quizalofop-p-ethyl 100 g ha⁻¹ post-emergence at 20 DAS; T₇: Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 100 g ha⁻¹ post-emergence at 20 DAS; T₈: Two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS; T₉: Unweeded control; T₁₀: Weed-free treatment. These treatments were evaluated on black gram cv. GU-1, arranged in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. 
The results indicated that plant population was unaffected by the treatments; however, growth parameters were significantly influenced. T₁₀ (weed-free treatment) recorded the tallest plants and highest number of branches, followed by T₁ and T₂. Yield attributes such as number of pods per plant and pod length showed significant variation, whereas seeds per pod, test weight, and harvest index were not significantly affected. The highest seed yield (1083.33 kg ha⁻¹) and haulm yield (2456.79 kg ha⁻¹) were recorded under T₁₀, closely followed by T₁, T₂ and T₈. Economic analysis revealed that although the highest gross returns were obtained under weed-free conditions, the maximum net returns (₹54,812 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (1:2.86) were achieved with T₂ treatment. Thus, sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop-propargyl applied at 20 DAS proved to be the most economically viable and efficient weed management practice for summer black gram under South Gujarat conditions. 

Keywords: Black gram, Herbicides, Growth, Yield, Economics.

References

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Abstract

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Yojana was launched by the Government of India in 2019 to promote the use of solar energy in agriculture, reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, and ensure sustainable irrigation. The present study was conducted in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh, which had one of the highest numbers of installed solar irrigation pumps under the scheme. A total of 100 beneficiary farmers were selected randomly, and data were collected through a structured interview schedule. The study assessed the knowledge and adoption levels of beneficiary farmers regarding solar agricultural pumps under PM-KUSUM. The findings revealed that respondents possessed a satisfactory level of knowledge about the scheme, with the highest awareness observed regarding the environmental friendliness of solar pumps (MPS 86.20), reduction in irrigation costs (MPS 85.60), and future sustainability (MPS 84.70). The adoption level was also encouraging, as most respondents perceived the scheme as beneficial for farmers (MPS 85.40), ensuring sustainable irrigation (MPS 83.60), and providing a better alternative to diesel and electric pumps (MPS 82.40). However, challenges such as high initial investment costs, delays in registration and subsidy disbursement, limited technical guidance, and reduced efficiency during cloudy weather were reported by farmers. The study concludes that PM-KUSUM has significantly contributed to promoting renewable energy use and improving irrigation facilities among beneficiary farmers. Strengthening extension services, ensuring timely financial support, and providing regular technical assistance can further enhance the effectiveness and adoption of the scheme. 

Keywords: PM-KUSUM Yojana, Solar Agriculture Pump, Beneficiary Farmers, Sustainable Agriculture, Farm Income.

References

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[19] Naruka, P. S., Singh, K., & Meena, O. P. (2022). Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of solar technologies in agriculture. Indian Journal of Extension Education, *58*(2), 112-117. 
[20] Patel, R., Sharma, A., & Verma, S. (2024). Impact assessment of PM-KUSUM scheme on agricultural sustainability and farmers' income. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, *14*(3), 521-530. 
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[25] Singh, V., Choudhary, D., & Meena, B. L. (2023). Awareness and utilization of solar irrigation pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. Indian Journal of Extension Education, *59*(4), 91-96. 
[26] Verma, S. K., Patel, M. M., & Yadav, R. (2022). Solar irrigation and sustainable water management in agriculture. Journal of Water Management, *30*(3), 145-153. 
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Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of JADAM Liquid Fertilizer (JLF), specifically molasses-based and salt-based formulations, using different plant material sources on the growth, yield, and profitability of snap beans. The experiment was conducted from April to July 2025 at the Vegetable Production Area of Bataan Peninsula State University – Abucay Campus, Bangkal, Abucay, Bataan. A split-plot design following the Randomized Complete Block Design was used, with two JLF formulations as the main plot treatments and three plant material sources (weed, banana trunk, and their combination) as the sub-plot treatments. The experiment was replicated three times. 
Results showed that while most growth and yield parameters did not differ significantly among treatments, the molasses-based JADAM liquid fertilizer showed numerical advantages over the salt-based formulation in plant height, flowering, and yield-related traits. A significant interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for days to flowering, with molasses-based JLF combined with weed or weed+banana trunk producing the earliest flowering. Among the plant material sources, the banana trunk and the combination of weed and banana trunk produced numerically competitive results. Among treatment combinations, molasses-based JLF combined with banana trunk (J1S2) yielded the highest gross income, net income, and return on investment, making it the most profitable option based on observed trends. Therefore, the use of molasses-based JADAM liquid fertilizer with banana trunk is recommended as a cost-efficient and sustainable fertilizer option for snap bean production, noting that most treatments were statistically comparable in agronomic performance.

Keywords: Growth, JADAM Liquid Fertilizer, Molasses, Plant Material Sources, Snap Beans, Yield.

References

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Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a vital staple crop for over 800 million people globally, yet its early growth stages are highly vulnerable to weed infestation due to slow canopy development and low initial nutrient uptake. Soil-weed interactions play a central role in determining cassava growth and yield, as soil physical, chemical, and biological properties influence weed emergence, growth, and competitiveness. Climate change further complicates weed management by accelerating weed phenology and favouring drought-adapted species, potentially reducing cassava yields by up to 59% under unmitigated scenarios. Key soil factors include texture, moisture, bulk density, pH, nutrient availability, and microbiome composition, which affect both crop performance and herbicide efficiency. Dominant cassava weeds such as Cyperus rotundus, Imperata cylindrica, and Commelina benghalensis exhibit specific soil affinities. Mechanisms of interference include asymmetric nutrient competition, allelopathic effects mediated by soil microbes, and serving as pathogen reservoirs. Their aggressive growth can reduce cassava yields by 30–80% if unmanaged. Integrated soil–weed–cassava management strategies — including soil texture-specific herbicide application, cover crops, mulching, conservation agriculture, and decision support tools — enhance crop competitiveness while improving soil health. Future research priorities include microbiome-mediated allelopathy, precision herbicide application, seed bank modelling under variable tillage, soil health indices predictive of weed pressure, and climate-smart cover crop mixtures. Advancing these integrated and site-specific approaches is essential to sustainably mitigate weed impacts, improve cassava productivity, and enhance agro-ecosystem resilience under changing environmental conditions. 

Keywords: Allelopathy, weed competitiveness, soil properties, herbicide–soil dynamics, integrated weed management, cassava.

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Abstract

 This review examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) on the agricultural sector in India. It provides a detailed analysis of the traditional agricultural landscape, highlighting its inherent challenges, before delineating the various applications of AI/ML that are revolutionizing farming practices. A critical comparison between AI/ML-driven methods and conventional approaches demonstrates the superior efficiency, precision, and sustainability offered by these advanced technologies, supported by quantifiable benefits. The report further explores the future trajectory of AI/ML in Indian agriculture, discussing emerging technologies, crucial policy implications, and the significant scalability challenges that must be addressed to unlock the full socio-economic and environmental potential of AI/ML for a resilient and sustainable agricultural future in India.

Keywords: Indian Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning.

References

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Abstract

A year-long aeromycological investigation was conducted during the academic session 2024–25 to assess the diversity and seasonal distribution of indoor fungal flora in the library of Government College for Women, Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir, UT), India. Fungal sampling was performed using the settle plate method at two indoor locations—corridor and bookshelf environments. A total of 28 fungal species belonging to several genera were recorded. The dominant genera included Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Mucor and Rhizopus. Several species exhibited perennial occurrence, indicating adaptation to indoor microclimatic conditions, while others showed marked seasonal variation with peaks during summer and monsoon months. Quantitative analysis revealed higher fungal load on bookshelf surfaces compared to corridor samples, suggesting that cellulose-rich substrates, dust accumulation and reduced air circulation favour fungal persistence. Diversity index analysis showed high species richness and evenness, indicating a stable and heterogeneous indoor fungal community. Seasonal trends demonstrated increased fungal incidence during warmer and more humid periods, reflecting the influence of environmental factors on fungal growth and sporulation. The frequent detection of allergenic and opportunistic species such as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. highlights potential health risks and biodeterioration concerns. The findings emphasize the importance of regular aerobiological monitoring, improved ventilation and humidity control to ensure healthy indoor air quality and preservation of library materials. 

Keywords: Aeromycology, indoor air, airborne fungi, seasonal variation, library environment, fungal diversity.

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Abstract

The primary problem confronting global agriculture today is to satisfy the escalating food requirements of a burgeoning population while managing evolving patterns of insect pest infestations and environmental circumstances. Insects are the most diverse assemblage of organisms on Earth, with numerous species offering significant ecological and economic advantages to humanity. However, certain insect species impose considerable harm on crops by feeding directly and by transmission of viral and other diseases to plants and humans indirectly. These harmful insects are commonly referred to as insect pests. The widespread application of synthetic chemical pesticides has elicited societal concern due to their detrimental impacts on human health, non-target species, and the ecosystem. Given these conditions, there is a growing necessity to implement biologically derived insecticides as safer as well as sustainable options. In this context, biorational pesticides have gained considerable attention in recent years. Being primarily of natural origin, these pesticides exert minimal negative impacts on the environment while providing effective control of insect pests. Insect pests continue to pose serious threats to agricultural productivity, food security, and public health worldwide. Biorational formulations have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional pesticides by utilizing naturally occurring compounds and ecological principles to manage pest populations effectively. The present review comprises the recent knowledge on biorational formulations and their applications in insect pest management. It also examines various strategies for the formulation and deployment of biorational products within integrated pest management (IPM) programs, highlighting their potential to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly, and effective pest control practices. 

Keywords: Biopesticides, Microbial pesticides, Insect pest management, Semiochemicals.

References

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Abstract

Environmental cases related to recycling slag-concrete, ceramic, and electronic waste have been reported periodically. The practice of improperly discarding electronic waste in developing countries should be eliminated. Not only concrete but also solid-state battery (SSB) waste is becoming a future source for recycling processes. The problem is that Cs-137, a radioactive alkali metal with high solubility, can be present in fly ash used for alkali-activated materials (AAM). Mixing AAM with water and cellulose forms new solid materials for applications ranging from small electronic components to large building materials. 
This review utilized Science Direct and PubMed-based search engines with keywords: Cs-137 and Cs-137 doping. Identification and screening were performed on electronic waste and concrete using Bayesian network and Bayesian analytic approaches to find supporting references on radioactive Cs-137 exposure in groundwater, aquifers, and seawater. The focus was on electronic waste and slag-concrete; nuclear hazard disaster scenarios were excluded. 
The results yielded 16 supporting references on Cs-137 in electronic waste, 13 references on Cs-137 hidden in slag-concrete, and 7 references on recycling Cs-137 from fly ash as alkali-activated materials (AAMs), plus one figure showing a mat display made from waste cable at an exhibition. Radioactive Cs-137 in groundwater, hidden Cs-137 in concrete, Cs-137 in electronic devices, gamma-ray generators, waste furnace byproducts from steel production for SSB factories, perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and AAMs are discussed. The conclusion emphasizes that radioactive Cs-137 exposure in groundwater should be widely known, and monitoring should be conducted by people everywhere. 

Keywords: Alkali-Activated Materials (AAMs), Cs-137, Fly ash, Groundwater, Leukemia, Market challenge.

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Abstract

Native chickens are widely raised in Indonesia due to their adaptability, distinctive meat characteristics, and economic value. However, their growth performance is generally lower than that of commercial broiler chickens, creating a need for natural feed additives to improve productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented papaya seed (Carica papaya) and dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus spp.) extracts administered through drinking water on the allometric growth patterns of native chickens. A completely randomized design consisting of four treatments and five replications was employed. The treatments included drinking water without fermented extract (P0), drinking water supplemented with 4% fermented papaya seed extract (P1), 4% fermented dragon fruit peel extract (P2), and a combination of 2% fermented papaya seed extract and 2% fermented dragon fruit peel extract (P3). Body weight and morphometric parameters, including neck length, body length, wing length, upper thigh length, lower thigh length, shank length, chest width, and chest circumference, were measured and analyzed using a power regression model (Y = aXᵇ) to determine relative growth coefficients. The results showed that the correlation coefficient (r) ranged from 0.622 to 0.956, indicating strong to very strong relationships between body weight and morphometric traits across all treatments. All observed parameters showed relative growth coefficient values of b < 1, indicating negative allometric growth patterns. The combination treatment (P3) tended to produce the highest body weight compared to the other treatments, suggesting improved nutrient utilization efficiency and growth performance. In conclusion, supplementation with fermented papaya seed and dragon fruit peel extracts through drinking water influenced the growth performance of native chickens while maintaining negative allometric growth patterns in body morphometric development. 

Keywords: Allometric growth, native chicken, fermented papaya seed, dragon fruit peel, morphometric traits, phytogenic additive.

References

[1] Mariandayani, H. N., Darwati, S., Khaerunnisa, I., & Prasasty, V. D. (2023). Growth performance of Indonesian three-breed cross chicken associated with growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 2 genes. Veterinary World, *16*(12), 2471-2478. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.2471-2478

[2] Dissa, M., Yesuf, Y. K., & Belete, E. (2023). Effect of papaya (Carica papaya) seed as phytogenic feed additives on egg performance, egg quality and blood serum biochemical constituents of layer hens. Veterinary Medicine and Science, *9*(6), 2747-2754. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1295 
[3] Corimayhua-Silva, A. A., Elías-Peñafiel, C., Rojas-Ayerve, T., Guevara-Pérez, A., Farfán-Rodríguez, L., & Encina-Zelada, C. R. (2024). Red dragon fruit peels: Effect of two species ratio and particle size on fibre quality and its application in reduced-fat alpaca-based sausages. Foods, *13*(3), Article 386. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13030386 
[4] Xu, F., Wu, H., Xie, J., Zeng, T., Hao, L., Xu, W., & Lu, L. (2023). The effects of fermented feed on the growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune function, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, morphology, and microflora of yellow-feather chickens. Animals, *13*(22), Article 3545. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13223545 
[5] Dewi, G. A. M. K., Umiarti, A. T., & Wirapartha, M. (2022). Impact of fermented dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus sp.) juice in drinking water on the performance and quality of Japanese quail eggs. KnE Life Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kls.v7i3.11127 
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Abstract

Regarding the Cs-137 exposure cases on 2 September 2025, the Environment Minister of the Republic of Indonesia declared a plan to pursue civil and criminal legal action against both PT Peter Metal Technology as the first party and the Management of Modernland region Cikande, Serang District, Banten Province, as the second party. The ministry stated that after decontamination at the first point, the radiation rate is then below the permitted threshold of 0.4 microsieverts per hour, the same as before exposure. A comprehensive health investigation will be conducted for employees and surrounding residents. Executing Cs-137 SOP waste handling and revealing that carelessness in SOP is a crime are the aims of this study. The hypothesis is that radioactive Cs-137 waste found in foods, spices, and cloves in Indonesia originated from negligent and careless handling of scrap iron exposure sewage waste steels from ex-batteries and electronic devices. The method involved 
hypothesis testing using parsimony, Bayesian analysis, and network analysis on Cs-137 in non-nuclear reactor pollution. The results are presented in two tables and two figures that support the understanding of waterborne, highly soluble Cs-137 in alkali-activated materials (AAM). The discussion explains why waste SOP handling should be strictly enforced globally. Cs-137 from waste could be more hazardous than Fukushima and Chernobyl disasters because the locations are not detected by people; only then leukemia prevalence is highly reported. The conclusion emphasizes that with the transformation to electric cars, Cs-137 doping in ceramic industry 4.0, and alkali-activated concrete, the hazardous nature of Cs-137 should be handled with restrictive covenants until the value and enjoyment of adjoining land and seawater shrimp are preserved. 

Keywords: Alkali-Activated Material, Cs-137, Electronic waste, Fly Ash-Slag Concrete, Geopolymer.

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Abstract

Agricultural crop yield and field performance are strongly influenced by seed quality. Crop establishment is sometimes hampered by unfavourable environmental factors such as high temperatures, moisture stress, soil salinity, and nutritional deficiencies. By applying fillers, binders, nutrients, growth regulators, insecticides, biofertilizers, and beneficial microorganisms to seeds, seed pelleting improves germination and the early growth of seedlings. Research findings indicate significant improvements in germination percentage, seedling vigour, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, nodulation, disease resistance, and yield quality in crops such as rice, soybean, mung bean, cowpea, sorghum, cotton, onion, black gram, and French bean. Pelleting beneficial microbes, seaweed extracts, micronutrients, and biofertilizers enhances crop sustainability and performance. Despite challenges with time and cost, especially in unusual seed combinations, seed pelleting remains a promising and economically viable approach for improving seed performance and raising agricultural production. In current agriculture, this review study emphasises the uses, advantages, and significance of seed pelleting for sustainable crop production systems. 

Keywords: Seed quality, Seed pelleting, Crop yield, Agricultural sustainability.

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