Volume-12, Issue-9, September 2026

Abstract

Current estimates state that the global leather industry produces 600 million m³ of effluent annually. Since tannery effluents are toxic with high salinity, and contain several recalcitrant organics, they cannot be broken down by conventional biological treatment methods. Biological treatment options are more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, as they rely on microorganisms. Recently, fungi have garnered attention from the research community for their potential use in the remediation of wastes and wastewaters. A number of filamentous fungi are found naturally in wastewater treatment systems as spores or vegetative cells which metabolize organic substances, e.g., Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor, etc., which produce key enzymes like lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and laccase. These enzymes break down persistent organic pollutants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dyes, and pesticides. Other fungi like Aspergillus spp., Irpex lacteus, and Fusarium spp. bioaccumulate heavy metals and degrade complex organic compounds. Tannins represent one of the least biodegradable substances in tannery wastewaters, with high recalcitrant compounds. Further, several biophysical, enzymatic, cellular, and metabolic advantages of fungi have advantages in tannery effluent treatment. The current review with an introduction on tannery treatment delves into the fungal bioremediation in detail. The recent developments in this area are also covered to update the readers on the developments in genomics and proteomics. Additional methods, viz., enzymatic treatment, strain improvement, scale-up biological processes, and microalgae applications, can enhance the quality and efficacy of the treatment.

Keywords: Chemical oxygen demand (COD), tannery wastewater effluent (TWE), white-rot fungi (WRF), Reverse osmosis, Tannase.

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Abstract

Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a key crop for the economy of Côte d'Ivoire. However, domestic production remains insufficient to meet domestic demand, resulting in a sugar deficit for the country. This low productivity is largely due to fungal diseases, which cause considerable economic losses. Whilst several control methods have been used, some pose risks to human health. It is against this backdrop that this study was conducted, the objective of which was to evaluate the in vitro effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens strains against Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium subglutinans and Schizophyllum commune, which cause diseases in sugarcane in Côte d'Ivoire. To this end, 150 soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of healthy and diseased sugarcane plants for the isolation and phenotypic and molecular identification of Pseudomonas fluorescens strains. In vitro antifungal tests were then carried out. The results showed that strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens were isolated and identified from the rhizosphere of both healthy and diseased sugarcane plants. In vitro tests showed that 95 per cent of the bacterial strains inhibited the mycelial growth of the three fungal pathogens, with inhibition rates ranging from 40.16 ± 6.9 per cent to 80.65 ± 6.5 per cent. These results suggest that Pseudomonas fluorescens, when tested under field conditions, could be used effectively as a biocontrol agent against fungal diseases in sugarcane crops in Côte d'Ivoire.

Keywords: Sugar cane, Pathogenic fungus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Côte d'Ivoire.

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Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is the seventh most important crop in terms of area in Nepal, with the capability of providing abundant minerals and vitamins. The productivity of this crop is less than half the world's average productivity, which is associated with imbalance in male-to-female flower ratio. To address this issue, a field experiment was carried out at the farmers' field of Godawari municipality, Fakalpur, Kailali, Nepal during the summer season of 2023/24 to evaluate the effect of different generation cutting on growth, sex expression, and yield of cucumber cv. Malini. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments viz; T1 (No cutting: Control), T2 (First generation cutting: 2G), T3 (Second generation cutting: 3G), and six replications. Each plot consisted of 2 rows and each row consisting of 5 plants with spacing 100 cm × 100 cm. Each replication size was 40 m² so total field size for research was 240 m² consisting of 18 plots each of size 5 m × 2 m. The results indicated that treatment T3 (Second generation cutting: 3G) had a significant effect on phenological parameters, mainly male and female flowers of primary and secondary branches, female flowers on tertiary branches, and male-to-female flower ratio of primary, secondary and tertiary branches. Similarly, yield parameters, mainly number of fruits per plant (6.05) and yield per hectare (21.48 mt/ha) were found to be significantly superior under treatment T3 (Second generation cutting: 3G). Among the different generation cuttings, treatment T3 (Second generation cutting: 3G) was found to be significant over control. It can be concluded that the second generation cutting (3G) can be judiciously used for increasing the sex expression and yield attributes of cucumber.

Keywords: 3G cuttings, Male flower, Female flower, Sex ratio.

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Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess genotypic variability in growth, biomass allocation, photosynthetic pigments and leaf gas-exchange characteristics of twelve tomato genotypes under pot culture conditions in the temperate climate of Kashmir. The experiment was conducted during 2018 and 2019 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, using a completely randomized design with four replications. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for plant height, shoot and root dry weight, shoot/root ratio, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. Among the genotypes, 2016/Todvar-9 exhibited the highest plant height (82.13 cm), root dry weight (3.03 g plant⁻¹), chlorophyll a (1.28 mg g⁻¹ FW), chlorophyll b (1.04 mg g⁻¹ FW), total chlorophyll (2.32 mg g⁻¹ FW) and carotenoids (0.32 mg g⁻¹ FW). It also recorded the highest net photosynthetic rate (18.57 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹), transpiration rate (2.08 mmol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹) and stomatal conductance (237.10 µmol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹). Genotypes 2016/Todvar-7 and 2016/Todvar-10 also exhibited relatively higher physiological activity, whereas 2016/Todvar-2 and 2016/Todvar-3 generally recorded lower values. The results demonstrate substantial genotypic variability in physiological and photosynthetic attributes, with 2016/Todvar-9 showing superior overall physiological performance under the experimental conditions. This genotype warrants further evaluation for yield and adaptation under temperate conditions of Kashmir and for potential use in tomato improvement programmes.

Keywords: Tomato; Genotypic variability; Photosynthesis; Chlorophyll; Gas exchange; Temperate Kashmir.

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Abstract

The present study was undertaken to develop paneer thokku using oil-, vinegar- and lemon juice-based formulations and to evaluate their physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics. Three formulations were evaluated: oil-based paneer thokku (C), vinegar-based paneer thokku (T1) and lemon juice-based paneer thokku (T2). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed among the formulations for physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics. Vinegar-based paneer thokku (T1) recorded the lowest pH (4.42), highest titratable acidity (0.89%) and lowest total plate count (1.21 log₁₀ cfu/g), whereas oil-based paneer thokku (C) recorded the highest product yield (120.85%). T1 also exhibited the lowest moisture content (45.82%). Coliforms and yeasts and moulds were not detected in any of the formulations. Lemon juice-based paneer thokku (T2) recorded the highest sensory scores for appearance and colour (8.08), flavour (8.56), juiciness (8.02), texture (8.06), saltiness (8.01) and overall acceptability (8.12). Among the formulations evaluated, lemon juice-based paneer thokku (T2) was the most preferred based on overall sensory acceptability and showed potential for further product development.

Keywords: Paneer, paneer thokku, acidulants, vinegar, lemon juice, value addition, sensory quality, microbial quality.

References

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idairyj.2024.106038

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Abstract

Studies on propagation and conservation of an endangered medicinal herb - Picrorhiza kurrooa reveals that the seed germination did not occur in darker conditions and seem to be photoblastic. Among various treatments the species showed 93.33±2.88% germination when the seeds were germinated in a medium of 0.125mM GA₃ with mean germination time (MGT) of 8.0±0.866 days as against the MGT 18.66±0.57 days of controlled seeds (seeds without any treatment). In field conditions however, the seeds germinate only when placed on the upper layer of soil covered with a thin film of water exposed to light. Although the plants grew nicely on various soils, maximum plant survival and vigorous growth was obtained in loamy and sandy loam textured soils. The plants responded to various nutrient treatments and in loamy textured the maximum dry biomass was shown by the plants treated with nitrogen (500mg/kg soil) produced 9.50±2.50gm dry biomass and the plants treated with NPK (500mg/kg soil) produced 9.16±4.481gm dry biomass as against the control of 4.83±0.473gm in loam textured soils. In sandy loam (1:2) textured soils the plants treated with nitrogen and NPK (500mg/kg soil) produced the dry biomass of 13.66±0.581 and 10.16±0.763gm respectively as against the control of 5.06±1.401gm per individual. The experimental manipulations also reveal that the species has a potential to propagate through underground stem cuttings in sandy loam soils. The cuttings treated with IAA, IBA and GA₃ showed 93.33, 80.0 and 95.0% survival in top segments while as 60.0, 55.0 and 68.0% survival in basal segments respectively as against the control of 75.0% in top and 42.10% in basal segments.

Keywords: Picrorhiza kurrooa, endangered medicinal plant, propagation, growth regulators, NPK treatments, seed germination, ex situ conservation.

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Abstract

The study attempts to analyze sources and distribution of rural households' income from farm and non-farm activities and examines the extent of income inequalities across farm sizes. The study is based on primary data collected from 200 farm households of Nagaland through a multi-stage simple random sampling technique. The results indicate that nearly half of the income is from non-farm sources (48.57 percent). Contrary to the popular belief that farming is the principal source of income for rural farm households, the study shows that households derive nearly half of their income from non-farm sources. Another significant finding from the analysis is that across farm size, farm size and farm income show a positive relationship, whereas farm size and non-farm income show an inverse relationship. The non-farm income is most unequally distributed among sources of income, followed by other farm income. The estimation of Gini ratio also reveals that income inequality is higher among marginal and small farmers.

Keywords: Farm income, Non-farm income, Participation, Gini coefficient.

References

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2. Chand, R., Prasanna, P. A. L., & Singh, A. (2011). Farm size and productivity: Understanding the strengths of smallholders and their livelihoods. Economic and Political Weekly, *54*(26/27), 5-11.
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Abstract

Horticulture-voltaic systems - the co-location of photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation with horticultural crop production on the same land - are emerging as a central strategy for climate-resilient horticulture. This in-depth review examines the technology, engineering, intercultural operations and empirical evidence for horticulture-voltaics applied to fruit, vegetable and flower crops. We cover solar panel technologies, system architectures, the full design-component and engineering stack (mounting heights of 2.5-5 m, panel spacing and tilt, deep-buried armoured cables, structural safety under ASCE-7-16 wind loads, smart irrigation integration), the electrical architecture (module/string voltage, inverter, battery, transformer, grid connection), and intercultural operations adapted for sub-array horticulture. Empirical evidence shows that shade relieves heat and drought stress, with grape +277% (Mediterranean, LER 3.54), tomato and chiltepin doubled or tripled (Arizona), and partial shade increasing floral abundance in flowers. Shading must stay below ~30% for fruit crops and 20-40% for most vegetables and flower crops. With continued research and engineering, horticulture-voltaics can deliver climate-adaptive, resource-efficient and energy-positive horticultural systems.

Keywords: agrivoltaics; horticulture-voltaic; climate-resilient horticulture; photovoltaic; solar energy; fruit crops; vegetable crops; flower crops; shading; ground coverage ratio; wind load; intercultural operations.

References

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Abstract

Declining soil fertility in Sri Lanka's dry zone necessitates the integration of organic manures with inorganic fertilizers for sustainable crop productivity. A pot experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil at the University Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, to evaluate the effects of different organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Cucumis anguria L. cv. Chandani. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with 13 treatments and 10 replicates. The treatments included T1 (100% inorganic fertilizer, control), T2-T4 (100% compost, cattle manure, and poultry manure), and T5-T13 (combinations of 75%, 50%, or 25% inorganic fertilizer with complementary organic manure) based on the recommended NPK rate of 150:75:100 kg/ha. Measurements were taken from 2 to 8 weeks after planting, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with mean separation by Tukey's HSD at p<0.05. At 8 weeks after planting, T10 (50% inorganic fertilizer + 50% poultry manure) recorded the highest vine length (215.08 cm), leaf number (100.70), branch number (8.10), chlorophyll content (119.81 SPAD units), leaf area (4029.7 cm²), root length (166.98 cm), shoot dry weight (153.69 g), and root dry weight (16.896 g), along with the highest fruit yield (32.50 fruits/vine; 1.461 kg/vine; 14.61 t/ha) - a 174.62% increase over the control - and the highest net profit (Rs. 382,574.60/ha). Therefore, the 50:50 combination of inorganic fertilizer and poultry manure is recommended for profitable and environmentally friendly Cucumis anguria L. production in the dry zone of Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Crop growth parameters, Organic-inorganic fertilizer integration, Poultry manure, Soil fertility, Yield enhancement.

References

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Abstract

Tecomella undulata (Rohida) is an economically and ecologically important timber yielding tree species of the Indian arid region. It is also a valuable multipurpose tree for agroforestry and range management systems, where its adaptation to drought prone environments and contribution to soil and ecosystem restoration can support the rehabilitation of degraded rangelands and enhance the resilience of production systems in arid and semi-arid regions. Understanding its population distribution, phenological behaviour and morphological variability is therefore important for identifying suitable genetic resources for tree improvement programmes, conservation, agroforestry based land use systems and restoration programmes. T. undulata exhibits considerable phenotypic variation, particularly in flower colour, canopy architecture, and reproductive characteristics. The present study was conducted to assess the density and distribution pattern of the species and to evaluate the flowering and fruiting pattern and compare pod, seed, and leaf characteristics among three flower colour morphotypes. The survey was conducted in eight districts of Rajasthan and identified and marked fourteen populations of Rohida for assessment of population structure and marked one population at Bhadrajun village of Jalore district, Rajasthan for phenological studies. In the survey it was observed that orange morphotype was dominant and found to be more followed by the yellow and red flowered morphotypes in Rajasthan respectively. Flowering occurred from December to March, with peak flowering during February and March, whereas fruiting extended from April to June, reaching maximum intensity in the month of May. The results also revealed that orange flowered morphotype exhibits highest flowering and fruiting percentages throughout the reproductive season. Whereas morphological evaluation revealed considerable variation among three different colour morphotypes. The orange morphotype recorded the greatest pod length (23.09 ± 0.19 cm) and leaf length (9.45 ± 0.07 cm), whereas the yellow morphotype exhibited the shortest pods (21.79 ± 0.18 cm) but the widest pods (1.95 ± 0.13 cm). The results of the study revealed significant intra-specific variability in T. undulata, highlighting the orange morphotype as a most abundant morphotype exhibiting greater observed phenological and morphological traits at the study sites, thus making it a promising candidate for further genetic evaluation and production of quality planting material.

Keywords: Tecomella undulata, genetic and Morphological variability, Morphotypes, Phenology, Rajasthan.

References

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Abstract

Globally, the hidden costs attributed to food systems amount to US$12.7 trillion annually, about 10% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while agriculture accounts for only 4% of global GDP. Africa has distinguished levels of hunger and malnutrition that are incompatible with the African Union's agenda for 2063. Almost 300 million people in Africa are estimated to be at risk of intensifying hunger due to the destructive impacts of conflict, climate variability and extremes, economic slowdowns and downturns. This research review highlights the status of global food, nutrition, and water security, factors affecting food security, effects of food insecurity, and food safety and value addition in Africa. The qualitative research review is based primarily on literature review from secondary data sources. Food systems have become the central theme among food actors and scholars to comprehend and adequately address food, nutrition, and water security. African governments need to incorporate sustainability and climate resilience strategies to achieve food, nutrition, and water security. Most African countries have limited awareness of food security, nutrition, and water issues, as evidenced by the lack of comprehensive policies and initiatives. The consequences of these issues are profound, and substantial action is required to prevent Africa from becoming desolate in the coming decades.

Keywords: Food systems, climate change, food supply chain, food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition, dietary energy.

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Abstract

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) production is severely constrained by powdery mildew, caused by the obligate biotrophic fungus Erysiphe necator, which affects leaves, shoots, flowers and berries and reduces yield and fruit quality. Field experiments were conducted during two consecutive seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) at Thondamuthur, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, on Thompson Seedless grapevines in a randomized block design with seven treatments and four replications, to evaluate the bio efficacy of Thyme oil 40 EC formulation at 0.025, 0.050, 0.075 and 0.1 per cent against powdery mildew, in comparison with Hexaconazole 5% EC and Thiophanate methyl 70% WP and an untreated control. In the pooled analysis of both seasons, Thyme oil 40 EC at 0.1 per cent recorded the lowest percent disease index of 5.70, 6.02 and 5.52 after the first, second and third sprays and 84.23 per cent disease reduction over control, closely comparable with Hexaconazole 5% EC at 84.90 per cent and superior to Thiophanate methyl 70% WP at 82.60 per cent. Thyme oil 40 EC at 0.1 per cent also recorded the highest pooled yield of 7537.50 kg per acre and the highest benefit: cost ratio of 2.95 among all treatments, and no phytotoxic symptoms were observed at any concentration tested. These findings indicate that Thyme oil 40 EC at 0.1 per cent is functionally comparable to standard fungicides and can be considered a viable, economically advantageous prophylactic option for the management of grape powdery mildew.

Keywords: Grapevine, Powdery Mildew, Thyme Oil, Erysiphe necator, Bioefficacy, Yield.

References

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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of the year 2021 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to study the effect of organic manure and bioenhancer on growth and yield of mothbean under loamy sand soil. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Total sixteen treatment combinations comprised of four organic manures (castor shell compost @ 0.750 and 1.000 t/ha; FYM @ 4 t/ha and the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN: 20 kg N ha⁻¹)) and four bioenhancer treatments viz., Beejamrut (seed treatment @ 200 ml/kg) + Jeevamrut (soil application @ 500 l/ha), panchgavya @ 3% at 50% flowering and 15 days after spray, Beejamrut (seed treatment @ 200 ml/kg) + Jeevamrut (soil application @ 500 l/ha) + panchgavya @ 3% at 50% flowering and 15 days after spray and water spray. The RDN treatment recorded the highest plant height (40.41 cm), branches plant⁻¹ (13.31), pods plant⁻¹ (41.84), seed yield (743 kg ha⁻¹), gross returns (₹54,490 ha⁻¹), net returns (₹21,554 ha⁻¹) and benefit:cost ratio (1.65), while castor shell compost at 1.0 t ha⁻¹ was generally comparable for several traits. Among bioenhancers, the combined application of Beejamrut + Jeevamrut + Panchgavya produced the highest plant height (40.70 cm), branches plant⁻¹ (13.61), root nodules plant⁻¹ (44.79), pods plant⁻¹ (41.72), seed yield (736 kg ha⁻¹) and stover yield (1244 kg ha⁻¹), while Beejamrut @ 200 ml/kg + soil application of Jeevamrut @ 500 l/ha at 5th week after sowing and panchgavya @ 3% at 50% flowering and 15 days after first spray were generally comparable for several traits. Whereas the interaction between organic manure and bioenhancer was non-significant for the measured growth and yield traits. The findings indicate that mothbean fertilized with 20 kg N/ha OR castor shell compost 1 t/ha along with 40 kg P₂O₅/ha to obtain higher yield and net returns. While in case of bioenhancers seed treatment of Beejamrut @ 200 ml/kg + soil application of Jeevamrut @ 500 l/ha at 5th week after sowing OR panchgavya @ 3% at 50% flowering and 15 days after first spray to obtain higher yield and net returns.

Keywords: Beejamrut, Jeevamrut, Panchgavya, organic manure, mothbean, bioenhancer, seed yield

References

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Abstract

The rhizosphere of native Himalayan plants represents a potentially valuable reservoir of microorganisms adapted to distinctive edaphic and climatic conditions. The present study was undertaken to isolate culturable bacteria from the rhizosphere of Rhododendron arboreum and evaluate their plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) characteristics. Thirteen rhizospheric soil samples were collected from different locations in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 56 morphologically distinct bacterial isolates were recovered and screened for nitrogen-fixing ability, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. Among the isolates, 18 (32.14%) exhibited phosphate-solubilizing activity, five (8.93%) showed nitrogen-fixing ability, while seven isolates each (12.50%) were positive for siderophore, HCN and IAA production. Six promising phosphate-solubilizing and six IAA-producing isolates were subsequently selected for quantitative evaluation. Considerable isolate-dependent variation was observed in both traits. Phosphate solubilization ranged from 307.86 to 879.57 µg mL⁻¹ during different incubation periods, with isolate Dha1(1) recording the highest overall mean (798.99 µg mL⁻¹), followed by D3(10) (701.85 µg mL⁻¹). Quantitative IAA production ranged from 18.72 to 68.37 µg mL⁻¹, with Dha1(1) exhibiting the highest mean production (64.13 µg mL⁻¹). The occurrence of isolates possessing multiple plant growth-promoting characteristics demonstrates the functional diversity of culturable bacteria associated with the R. arboreum rhizosphere. The findings identify the northwestern Himalayan R. arboreum rhizosphere as a promising source of indigenous PGPR for further characterization and evaluation as microbial inoculants for sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: Rhododendron arboreum; PGPR; rhizosphere; phosphate solubilization; IAA; siderophore; nitrogen fixation; Himalayas.

References

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Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the pathomorphological and haematobiochemical changes in PPR affected goats of Malwa region, Madhya Pradesh. During six months duration, 500 goats were screened irrespective of age, sex and breed with 100 goats showing clinical symptoms similar to PPR were taken for study. Haematobiochemical analysis revealed significantly decreased haematological parameters, leukocytosis with significant neutrophilia and lymphopenia. On biochemical analysis, significant changes were observed in total protein and ALT values. Gross and microscopic lesions suggestive of PPR were observed in respiratory, digestive and lymphoid system in lungs, abomasum and mesenteric lymph nodes and presence of intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusion bodies evident in epithelial cell lining of bronchi and bronchioles, respectively.

Keywords: Goats, Gross and Microscopic changes, Haematobiochemical changes, Histopathological changes, PPR.

References

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Abstract

Macroscopic and microscopic observations were performed on papillomas located in the periauricular region of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), with comparison to the same anatomical region in buffaloes with normal skin. The macroscopic features of the papillomas in situ, as well as the microscopic features observed by light and electron microscopy, were described. The changes identified in the epidermal and dermal layers were predominantly proliferative, involved both regions, and supported a diagnosis of fibropapilloma. Degenerative changes were also observed in the epidermis, together with small virus-like particles located from the spinous layer toward the more superficial layers. Transmission electron microscopy also revealed areas of perinuclear degeneration, tonofibrils arranged around the nucleus and involved in the formation of intercellular bridges, melanin granules, and occasional cytoplasmic vacuoles. In these layers, in particular, osmiophilic virus-like particles were observed within the nucleus and in the intracytoplasmic spaces.

Keywords: buffalo, skin, papilloma, cutaneous papillomatosis.

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Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is cultivated throughout northern Côte d'Ivoire. However, it is threatened by poor soil quality, which reduces production. Our overall objective was to provide producers with technical itineraries to contribute to increased okra productivity. Therefore, planting beds consisting of flat ground (TP), ridges without polyethylene film cover (BSP), and ridges with polyethylene film cover (BAP) were prepared at densities of 20,000 and 80,000 plants per hectare. Fertilizers (F1, F2, F3, F4) were applied to the plants in three or four fractions. The trials were arranged in completely randomized blocks with three replications of four factors. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATISTICA 7.1 for analysis of variance (ANOVA) and XLSTAT version 2019 for principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that planting beds, planting density, fertilizer types, and application frequency significantly influenced vegetative parameters and okra weight (P < 0.001 at 5%). The highest weights were obtained with BAP (428.7 g), D20 density (610.2 g), and F4 fertilizer (856.4 g). The combination of these factors led to 48 technical itineraries. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the technical itineraries based on recorded growth and yield parameters revealed that all variables are positively oriented and strongly correlated with the F1 axis (86.06%). The distribution of the different technical itineraries along the axes allowed for the identification of the best technical itinerary: BAP/D20/F4/3AP. The correlation matrix revealed significant positive correlations between the parameters studied (r > 0.5; P < 0.001). This suggests that choosing this technical approach could contribute to food security and increase producers' income.

Keywords: okra, technical itinerary, production, Côte d'Ivoire.

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25. Siemonsma, J. S. (1982). Okra (Abelmoschus spp.) cultivation, a tropical fruit-vegetable (with special reference to Côte d'Ivoire) [PhD thesis, Wageningen Agriculture University].
26. Thiaw, M. A., Ndiaye, D., Séne, M., Mbaye, T., & Baldé, M. (2019). Yield evaluation of six okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) varieties under the agro-climatic conditions of Sédhiou, Senegal. African Journal of Environment and Agriculture, *2*(1), 69-75.
27. Traoré, M. S., Doumbouya, M., Siéné, L. A. C., Coulibaly, L. F., N'guettia, T. V. F., Condé, M., Drogba, B. J.-M., & Kouadio, A. F. B. (2021). Effect of sowing date and fertilization on the phenology and growth parameters of an early millet variety in Korhogo, north-central Côte d'Ivoire. International Journal of Advanced Research, *9*(10), 270-279. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/13545.

Abstract

Macroscopic and microscopic observations were performed on fragments of normal skin from the periauricular region of buffaloes. The analysis demonstrated that the skin of this species has a structural organization similar to that observed in other mammals, including humans, and consists of two main layers: the epidermis and dermis. Evaluations were conducted sequentially by light microscopy and electron microscopy, allowing characterization of the epidermis, basement membrane, and dermis, as well as their respective cellular and tissue subdivisions. The findings revealed morphological similarities between buffalo skin and that of other mammalian species.

Keywords: buffalo, skin, dermis, epidermis.

References

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Abstract

The introduction and subsequent establishment of non-native tilapias in freshwater ecosystems have generated increasing ecological and fisheries-management concerns in India. Species belonging to the genus Oreochromis, particularly Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Mozambique tilapia (O. mossambicus), possess a combination of biological characteristics—including broad environmental tolerance, trophic plasticity, early sexual maturation, repeated reproduction, parental care and the capacity to exploit disturbed habitats—that can facilitate establishment outside their native ranges. Although tilapia are economically important aquaculture species and can contribute substantially to food production and rural livelihoods, their occurrence in open rivers and reservoirs presents a potential challenge for the conservation of indigenous fish assemblages when populations become established at high abundance.

This review synthesizes available evidence on the ecological interactions between introduced tilapias and indigenous fishes in Indian rivers and reservoirs. Particular attention is given to competition for food and space, overlap in trophic niches, occupation of spawning and nursery habitats, potential effects on recruitment, modification of benthic and littoral habitats, and changes in fish-community structure. Evidence from Indian systems indicates that ecological responses are not uniform. Historical observations from Kabini Reservoir and other water bodies have associated tilapia establishment with changes in the abundance of indigenous fishes, whereas food-web modelling in a tropical Indian reservoir demonstrated that O. mossambicus negatively affected indigenous catfishes but O. niloticus did not produce uniformly negative effects across fish groups (Khan and Panikkar, 2009). More recent investigations provide evidence of rapid establishment in Panam Reservoir, Gujarat, where O. niloticus increased to more than 20% of the reported catch by 2023 following an apparent escape from cage culture, and of trophic plasticity in O. mossambicus in the Bhima River (Sajina et al., 2026; Khare et al., 2026).

The available evidence supports a precautionary and ecosystem-specific approach rather than assuming that all tilapia populations inevitably produce identical ecological outcomes. Effective management should combine prevention of escape, pathway regulation, early detection, systematic fisheries monitoring, ecological risk assessment, targeted population control where justified, and responsible aquaculture biosecurity. Further research using standardized long-term datasets, stable-isotope analysis, molecular approaches, recruitment studies and ecosystem modelling is required to distinguish correlation from causation and to quantify the consequences of tilapia establishment for indigenous fish diversity and fisheries production in Indian inland waters.

Keywords: Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis mossambicus, invasive fish, indigenous fish diversity, trophic competition, river fisheries, reservoir fisheries, aquaculture escape, ecological impact, India.

References

1. El-Sayed, A.-F. M., & Fitzsimmons, K. (2023). From Africa to the world—The journey of Nile tilapia. Reviews in Aquaculture, *15*(Suppl. 1), 6-21.
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3. Khan, M. F., & Panikkar, P. (2009). Assessment of impacts of invasive fishes on the food web structure and ecosystem properties of a tropical reservoir in India. Ecological Modelling, *220*(18), 2281-2290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2009.05.020
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5. Sajina, A. M., Vaisakh, G., Kumar, K. L., Kumari, S., Das, A. K., Manna, R. K., Solanki, J. K., Ali, Y., & Das, B. K. (2026). Introduction pathways and ecological impacts of Nile tilapia in a large tropical reservoir of India: Implications for management. Aquatic Living Resources, *39*, 10. https://doi.org/10.1051/alr/2026003
6. Trivedi, A., Pathak, R. K., & Agniwanshi, S. (2021). Status of exotic fishes from the Yamuna River (Ganga Basin), Uttar Pradesh, India: A review. Uttar Pradesh Journal of Zoology, *42*(24), 1123-1126.

Abstract

Inorganic fertilizer was introduced to farmers in the past century by the government to replenish nutrients absorbed by crops grown in the fields. The fertilizer consumption rate has not yet been determined since then. The study was therefore undertaken to: (i) establish the growth rate at which inorganic fertilizer is applied by farmers, (ii) determine the trend in the consumption of inorganic fertilizer by farmers, (iii) disaggregate different types of fertilizer nutrients applied in the country in general and in particular by districts, and (iv) determine factors influencing fertilizer consumption. The study used time-series data obtained from FAOSTAT Fertilizer by Nutrient and AfricaFertilizers IFDC. Data on total fertilizer nutrients and their composition covered the period from 1994 to 2024, while data on consumption covered the period from 2014 to 2025. Microsoft Excel was used to capture data, after which it was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to calculate mean, variance, standard deviation, annual and compounded growth rates, trendlines, linear regression analysis, and instability index. Results revealed that the mean fertilizer consumption over 30 years was 5,700 tons, with minimum and maximum consumption rates of 3,500 tons and 7,800 tons, respectively. The growth rate in consumption increased steadily, with a mean growth rate of 9.3%. The compounded annual growth rate was 64.5%, with the highest and lowest rates of consumption being 17.1% and 4.4%, respectively. The mean nitrogen consumption was 3,892 tons, with a minimum consumption of 3,310 tons and a maximum of 4,350 tons. Phosphorus consumption recorded a mean of 1,431 tons, with a maximum of 1,580 tons and a minimum of 1,190 tons. The mean potassium consumption was 1,036 tons, with the lowest consumption of 850 tons and the highest consumption of 1,301 tons, respectively. The trend in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium consumption expressed modest growth over the period under study. Nitrogen was trending at a higher level than the latter two, which were at slightly different levels. Large quantities of fertilizer were distributed to Berea, followed by Maseru district, while the districts with the lowest quantities were Mokhotlong and Qacha's Nek districts, respectively. Consumption of fertilizer is influenced by fragmented fields, prohibitive costs, ineffective input subsidy policy, lack of institutional support, and inaccessibility by highlands farmers. It is recommended that fertilizer programmes be established by the government, funded by donors and development agencies, in the Southern and highlands regions where the application rate is too low due to inaccessibility and unaffordability.

Keywords: Fertilizer consumption, trend analysis, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, Lesotho.

References

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Abstract

The traditional Baree, or homestead-based production system, is an important component of rural landscapes in Assam. Often perceived simply as a household garden, Baree is in fact a multifunctional socio-ecological system where biodiversity, food production, livelihoods, traditional knowledge and human well-being are closely interconnected. A typical Baree may contain many plant species including fruit trees, vegetables, spices, medicinal plants, bamboo and other multipurpose species, together with birds, insects, soil organisms and other associated biodiversity. These components collectively provide food, income, ecosystem services and cultural benefits. This review examines the Baree from a socio-ecological perspective with a focus on its contributions to biodiversity conservation, food and nutritional security, livelihood diversification and human well-being. It also discusses emerging pressures such as commercialisation, land-use change, biodiversity loss, changing lifestyles, erosion of traditional knowledge and climate change. The review argues that the value of Baree should not be assessed only through its direct economic output. Its ecological, nutritional, social and cultural functions must be considered together. Recognizing Baree as a multifunctional socio-ecological system can support more sustainable, biodiversity-friendly and climate-resilient approaches to rural development in Assam.

Keywords: Baree, socio-ecological system, biodiversity, food security, livelihoods, Assam.

References

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Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) technology is a promising biotechnology method for enhancing stress tolerance and nutritional quality in agricultural plants. Although tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major vegetable crop consumed worldwide and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, tomato fruits naturally contain low levels of GABA. GABA technology involves the introduction or alteration of genes involved in GABA production using contemporary methods, including genetic transformation, metabolic engineering, and gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9). The enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) produces GABA from glutamate, and altering the genes governing this enzyme can greatly boost GABA accumulation in tomato fruits. High GABA levels in tomato improve plant resistance to environmental stressors, including salt, drought, and temperature fluctuations, in addition to offering extra health advantages such as decreasing blood pressure and reducing stress in humans. The creation of GABA-enriched tomato aids in the creation of functional foods with higher nutritional content. This technique offers enormous promise for future agriculture and horticulture by enhancing crop quality, productivity, and health benefits, despite several limitations, such as governmental approval, biosafety issues, and public acceptance of genetically modified crops.

Keywords: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Solanum lycopersicum, metabolic engineering, CRISPR/Cas9, functional food.

References

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Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis (Foe), the causal agent of vascular wilt disease of oil palm, is known to secrete a range of extracellular cell wall-degrading enzymes during infection, yet the enzyme profiles of geographically distinct isolates have received little comparative attention. This study examined the production of endoglucanase, exoglucanase, β-glucosidase and pectinase by four pathogenic strains of Foe originating from Nigeria (isolate N), Ghana (isolate G) and Cameroon (isolates CA and C1), grown in submerged culture under a range of physico-chemical conditions. Enzyme activity was assayed colorimetrically using the dinitrosalicylic acid and O-toluidine methods, and total extracellular protein was determined by the Lowry method. All four isolates produced measurable activity of all four enzymes on both carboxymethylcellulose and pectin as sole carbon sources, although the two substrates did not differ significantly in the overall enzyme yield they supported. Pectin favored slightly higher endoglucanase and exoglucanase output, whereas carboxymethylcellulose favoured β-glucosidase and pectinase. Enzyme production peaked on the fourth day of incubation, at pH 5.5 (except β-glucosidase, which peaked at pH 7.5), and at 30°C, with activity declining markedly outside these optimal ranges. These results confirmed that Foe possesses the enzymatic machinery required to breach the oil palm cell wall, and show that carbon source, incubation time, pH and temperature all shape how much of that machinery the fungus expresses. This information should assist future work on isolate characterization and on host-pathogen interaction in vascular wilt disease.

Keywords: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis, oil palm, vascular wilt, cell wall-degrading enzymes, cellulase, pectinase.

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