Frogeye leaf spot (FLS), caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora sojina K. Hara, is an economically important foliar disease of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) that threatens production in warm and humid growing regions worldwide. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pathogen biology, disease epidemiology, economic impact, and management strategies, with a particular emphasis on research from India and international contexts. The pathogen exhibits high genetic diversity and race complexity, and the emergence of quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicide resistance has complicated chemical control. Integrated disease management combining host resistance, cultural practices, and judicious fungicide use remains essential. Recent advances in genomics, molecular markers, and novel biocontrol agents offer promising tools for sustainable FLS management. This review highlights key research findings, identifies knowledge gaps, and discusses future directions for improving disease control in the face of evolving pathogen populations and changing climatic conditions.
A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2024 at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to assess the effect of various rice establishment methods and weed management strategies on weed ecology, crop growth, yield attributes, and the overall productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment followed a split-plot design with 3 establishment methods; transplanted rice (TPR), puddled direct seeding (WDSR) and un-puddled dry direct seeding (DDSR) in main plots and 4 weed management treatment; weedy check, mechanical weeding, chemical weeding and weed free in sub-plots. The findings revealed that DDSR recorded the highest weed density and biomass, which could be attributed to the lack of puddling and standing water conditions. In contrast, TPR was more effective in suppressing weed population, thereby achieving the lowest weed density, enhanced weed control efficiency (WCE) and superior yield performance. Among weed control methods, weed free was most effective, showing the lowest weed infestation and highest grain yield, followed by chemical weeding. TPR combined with weed free also recorded the highest net returns and B:C ratio (2.56). In contrast, weedy check plots showed maximum yield losses. The study concludes that TPR along with weed free treatment shows most efficient and profitable strategy.
A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2022-2023 at Research Farm of Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand with an objective to assess integrated weed management practices on weed dynamics, growth and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.,). The experiment consisted of ten weed management treatments were laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Amongst weed management treatments -pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1 kg/ha fb1 HW (30 DAS) significantly reduced the weed density, dry weight of grassy and non-grassy weeds while recorded highest weed control efficiency (70.7%). Amongst various weed management treatments, maximum grain and straw yield (4233 and 5020 kg/ha, respectively) was also recorded with pendimethalin 1 kg/ha PE fb 1 HW (30 DAS) followed by pendimethalin 1 kg/ha PE fb metribuzin 42% + clodinafop- propargyl 12% WG (0.210 + 0.06 kg/ha) PoE (premix). Superiority of these treatments were proved by increment of yield of grain to the tune of 139.6 and 130.9% respectively over weedy check and only 3.8% and 7.3% respectively lesser than the weed free treatment. Pendimethalin 1 kg/ha PE +1 HW (30 DAS) also proved to be more effective in improving yield attributes like spikes/m2, spike length (cm), no. of grains/spike, grain weight/spike (g) and 1000 grain weight (g).
An experiment titled “Foliar supplementation of micronutrients on palash for enhanced productivity of rangeeni lac, Kerria lacca” was conducted during 2023–24 in the village of Gadpichhawadi, Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. The study was conducted to analyze the effect of various micronutrient treatments on lac productivity using Palash (Butea monosperma), the host plant for the Katki crop. Brood lac inoculation (BLI) was carried out, and multiple productivity parameters were assessed. Among the treatments, T1 (Zinc) consistently outperformed others. The average number of stick lac per plant was greatest in T1 (27.00) and lowest in the control, T7 (15.33). Similarly, T1 produced mean maximum stick lac length (55.00 cm), weight per 30 cm (42.33 g), scraped weight per 30 cm (20.33 g), The mean fresh weight of 100 lac cells was 6.73 g, while their dry weight was (3.98 g) were all significantly higher in T1 . The highest mean yield of stick lac per plant was recorded in T1 (5.70 kg) and minimum in T7 (2.40 kg). T1 recorded the greatest sex ratio of lac insects, with a value of 3.08 per 2.5 cm², followed by T4 (2.99), and lowest in T7 (2.30). In economic terms, the highest net profit per tree was obtained in T1 (Rs. 1769.39), followed by T4 (Rs. 1730.39), and lowest in T7 (Rs. 661.44). The cost-benefit ratio was also maximum in T1 (1:7.84), indicating the superior efficiency of zinc application. The results clearly demonstrate that zinc treatment significantly enhances both productivity and profitability in lac cultivation on Palash trees.
The present study investigated the seasonal dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera larval population in relation to weekly meteorological variables during the rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25. Weekly larval density per plant was recorded and examined in relation to mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and sunshine hours. Larval population remained negligible during early winter but increased sharply from the 10th SMW onward, attaining peak densities of 8.500 larvae/plant in 2023-24 and 8.200 larvae/plant in 2024-25. To quantify weather–population relationships, Poisson generalized linear models with lagged weather variables were employed. During 2023-24, temperature at one-week lag showed a highly significant positive effect (β = 0.263; p = 0.001), indicating nearly a 30% increase in expected larval density per 1 °C rise, while sunshine at one-week lag was also significant (β = 0.247; p = 0.044). In contrast, during 2024-25, sunshine at one-week lag exerted the strongest influence (β = 0.797; p < 0.001), corresponding to more than a two-fold increase in larval abundance per additional sunshine hour, whereas temperature at two-week lag showed a significant negative effect (β = -0.236; p = 0.032). Relative humidity and rainfall exhibited weak or inconsistent associations in both seasons. The findings highlight the importance of antecedent thermal and solar conditions in regulating H. armigera larval population dynamics and provide insights useful for weather-based pest management strategies.
An adequate supply of nutrients is crucial for the growth, development and flowering characteristics of guava plant. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at H.R.C., Patharchatta, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand with ten treatment combinations of different doses of macro (N, P, K, Ca) and micronutrients (Zn, B, Fe), replicated thrice with an aim to ensure better flowering parameters which simultaneously enhances the early and qualitative crop production of guava cv. Sardar. Thus, it can be concluded from the experiment that the best results were recorded with the treatment T5 (75% RDF+BMN+2FMN) during both the years 2022-23 and 2023-24.
The rhizosphere microbiome plays a vital role in enhancing plant health, productivity and resilience under diverse climatic stress conditions. In the present study, 52 isolates of bacteria were obtained from the rhizosphere of four Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes and thoroughly screened for plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, biochemical characteristics, and multi-stress tolerance. A stepwise screening strategy was employed, in which preliminary qualitative screenings of PGP characteristics narrowed down to the selection of 16 active isolates testing positive for all the examined traits. These were then subjected to biochemical characterization, yielding seven isolates that consistently demonstrated the varying metabolic activities (viz., Catalase, Cellulase, Urease, MR-VP, Oxidase, Amylase, Caseinase, Gelatinase and Citrate utilization). Multi-stress tolerance screening revealed three extremely stress resistant strains i.e., PG5-4, PG5-12 and PG186-35, that showed admirable adaptive behaviours towards salinity, drought, temperature and pH stresses. To determine the trait-isolates correlations, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was utilized at every selection step, attaining robust statistical confirmation of functionally proficient bacterial strains. This trait-based, multivariate approach not only streamlined the selection process but also facilitated the formulation of ecologically effective PGPR biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture. Thus, the research proposes that the above strains have substantial potential for the development of a climate-smart PGPR consortium biofertilizer, particularly suited for legume-based cropping system under very adverse environmental conditions.
Pantja is a newly registered medium sized, dual purpose goat breed found in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, India. As meat and milk of goat is highly preferred by Indians, its farming is vital for the agro economy in Indian subcontinent. Studies have been done on the growth performance of Pantja goat. However, studies on it’s immunological parameters like response to vaccination and immunity against diseases is lacking. As it is a newly registered breed and considered as an important source of income for the poor people living in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, it’s characterization against robustness for various diseases is also important. This study was carried out to study the post vaccination antibody response in Pantja breed of goat against PPR. To evaluate the antibody response generated after vaccination by PPRV/Sungri/96 strain, five goats were vaccinated by one ml reconstituted PPRV/Sungri/96 vaccine sub-cutaneously and serum samples were tested at different time intervals for studying the antibody response. The development of PPRV neutralizing antibodies was measured using a virus neutralization test (VNT). All five animals exhibited neutralizing antibody response from seven to ten days post vaccination and maintained protective antibody titre upto 91 days post vaccination. The present study shows that Pantja goat exhibits strong protective titre as early as seven days post vaccination against PPR.
Glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSPs), produced exclusively by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), are key contributors to soil aggregation, carbon sequestration, and rhizosphere stability. The present study investigated species-specific variation in Total Glomalin-related soil protein (TGRSP) and easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) in the rhizosphere soils of ten bamboo species and examined their association with fungal abundance, AMF colonisation, biochemical characteristics, and plant growth responses. Both TGRSP and EE-GRSP contents were significantly higher in the rhizosphere of all bamboo species compared to bulk soil, with pronounced interspecific differences; Dendrocalamus asper exhibited the highest EE-GRSP, while Bambusa nutans showed the lowest EE-GRSP content. Fungal population analysis revealed CFU values within ecologically functional ranges, and microscopic examination confirmed the presence of AMF hyphae, vesicles, and spores, indicating active mycorrhizal colonisation. UV–visible spectrophotometric analysis of glomalin extracts showed broad absorption features with peaks around 230 and 320 nm, suggesting a structurally complex, proteinaceous macromolecule containing aromatic and amine functionalities rather than simple phenolic compounds. Seed germination bioassays demonstrated a clear dose-dependent response, with half-strength glomalin showing minimal inhibition, whereas full-strength glomalin and aromatic amines markedly suppressed germination. Overall, the results highlight the strong influence of bamboo species on AMF-mediated glomalin production and demonstrate the ecological significance of GRSPs in rhizosphere functioning, soil stability, and plant–soil interactions, with implications for sustainable soil management and bamboo-based agroecosystems.
Biomass feedstocks including corn cob, pine needles, rice straw, and bamboo leaves were pyrolyzed to obtain bio-oils. Among these, corn cob yielded the highest bio-oil output (19.6% w/w), followed by pine needles (18.9%w/ w), rice straw (13.8% w/w), and bamboo leaves (13.5% w/w). Bio-oil based formulations (BOBFs) were prepared from each bio-oil by mixing 40 mL of bio-oil, 30 mL of ethanol, 2 g of saponin, and 30 mL of the aqueous phase of bio-oil. These BOBF were evaluated for antifungal activity under in vitro conditions and showed complete inhibition of Alternaria brassicae and Botrytis cinerea at higher concentrations of 600 ppm and 400 ppm, respectively. Among the formulations, corn cob BOBF exhibited the highest percent inhibition at 1500 ppm, outperforming those derived from other biomass sources. The remaining formulations also demonstrated strong dose-dependent antifungal activity, with inhibition increasing by more than 1.2-fold as concentrations rose. Overall, corn cob residue proved to be the most efficient feedstock for producing pyrolysis bio-oil and holds strong potential as a sustainable agent for crop protection against fungal pathogens.
Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women and a major contributor to global cancer mortality. The survival of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), regulated largely by the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, drives therapeutic resistance, metastasis, and tumor relapse. Contemporary chemotherapeutic strategies intended to target the transformed cells have not been proven to be effective due to recurrence, drug resistance, and poor prognosis, besides substantial toxicity to normal tissue too. Natural products including curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa have been shown to possess pleiotropic therapeutic and chemopreventive properties along with their potential to inhibit Wnt-mediated stemness by suppressing the β-catenin, a key effector of the Wnt signaling pathway. The poor bioavailability and rapid metabolic degradation of curcumin have restricted its therapeutic use, thereby prompting the synthesis of curcumin-natural product conjugates. The present study employed an in-silico approach to analyse curcumin conjugates targeting β-catenin. A panel of ligand molecules, including curcumin, p-coumaric acid, its conjugate, and a reference β-catenin inhibitor (R9Q) were selected for the molecular docking process against the target protein, β-catenin. Molecular docking and interaction analysis revealed that the designed conjugates displayed improved binding affinity, and stability compared to native curcumin. These findings support the rational design of natural product-based conjugates as potential therapeutic leads targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer stem cells.
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with breast cancer being one of the most prevalent and aggressive malignancies in women. A subpopulation of breast cancer cells, known as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), drives tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance due to their self-renewal and pluripotency. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is crucial for maintaining BCSC properties, with β-catenin serving as a central effector that promotes stemness, survival, and tumor relapse. Conventional therapies often fail to eliminate BCSCs, resulting in poor prognosis and frequent recurrence. Natural compounds like curcumin exhibit anticancer activity with minimal side effects, yet their clinical utility is limited by low bioavailability and efficacy. To overcome these challenges, we designed a curcumin-glucose bioconjugate aimed at inhibiting β-catenin (PDB ID: 7AFW) in BCSCs. Molecular docking studies of curcumin, glucose, selected bioconjugate, and a known β-catenin binder (R9Q) revealed that the curcumin-glucose conjugate effectively interacts with key residues of β catenin, suggesting potential inhibition of signaling. By targeting β-catenin, the conjugate is expected to disrupt BCSC self renewal and survival, thereby impacting the breast cancer cell population and reducing tumor progression and relapse. These in silico findings provide a foundation for further in vitro and in vivo studies to validate the curcumin-glucose bioconjugate as a promising therapeutic strategy against breast cancer stem cells.
White-rot fungi are important microbial resources in industrial and environmental applications due to their ability to produce ligninolytic enzymes. Among these, laccases and extracellular blue copper oxidases are of particular interest because of their broad substrate specificity and lignin-degrading potential. In this study, two previously identified white-rot fungal isolates Trametes hirsuta (PSF7) and Schizophyllum commune (WRPF6), were evaluated for laccase production using guaiacol as substrate. Both isolates exhibited significant enzymatic activity indices of 1.3 ± 0.024 mm and 1.12 ± 0.022 mm, respectively. PSF7 showed the highest laccase activity, reaching 97.92 U/mL on the 12th day of incubation, followed by WRPF6 at 55.63 U/mL on the 15th day. Laccase oxidized guaiacol using molecular oxygen as the electron acceptor, highlighting the strong oxidative enzyme systems of these isolates. These findings suggest that PSF7 and WRPF6 are promising candidates for diverse industrial and biotechnological applications, including biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass, textile dye degradation, and food or pharmaceutical processing.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a vital global food crop, but drought severely limits its productivity. This study evaluated the potential of a drought-tolerant plant growth-promoting bacterium (PGPB), Serratia sp. SRK14, to enhance maize performance under water-limited conditions. The isolate exhibited strong plant growth–promoting traits, including efficient solubilization of zinc (117.24±2.00%), phosphate (136.28±1.88%), and potassium (172.34±0.64%), high siderophore production (136.49±2.63%), and positive indole-3-acetic acid production, indicating its potential to improve nutrient availability and root development. Under polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000)–induced osmotic stress (10–40%), SRK14 maintained appreciable growth up to 30% PEG, demonstrating tolerance to moderate drought stress. Greenhouse evaluation of maize under drought at 45 days after sowing revealed that SRK14 inoculation significantly enhanced plant growth compared with uninoculated controls. Shoot length, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight increased by 9.38%, 49.04% and 9.52%, respectively. Root growth was markedly improved, with increases of 42.86% in root length, 23.53% in root fresh weight, and 24.78% in root dry weight. Inoculated plants indicating better tissue hydration and membrane stability reflected through increased relative water content (46.7%) and reduced relative electrolyte conductivity (30.17%). Additionally, SRK14 enhanced stress mitigation through increased catalase activity (11.49 µmol min-¹ g-¹ FW) and proline accumulation (19.50 mol g-2 FW). The present study demonstrates that Serratia sp. SRK14 combines strong PGP traits, stress tolerance, and protective effects on plant physiology, highlighting its promise as a bioinoculant for improving maize performance under water-limited conditions.
The study was conducted with the aim to find out the effect of ginger and turmeric supplementation on the growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings. A total of 270 fingerlings were divided into 6 groups including control (C). The group C was fed with basal feed and the treatment groups T5, T5B5, G2, G5, G8 were fed with turmeric powder @ 0.5%, turmeric @ 0.5% + black pepper powder @ 0.5 %, ginger powder @ 2%, 5% and 8% respectively. Different biochemical parameters ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, globulin and cholesterol content were estimated after 60 days of feeding. T5B5 group had higher ALT (23.62±4.269) and AST (261±26.845). No significant difference in total protein and globulin contents amongst different treatments was observed, however, the control treatment had significantly (p<0.05) higher albumin (1.008±0.0634) content. The results suggest that dietary supplementation with ginger and turmeric influences biochemical responses in C. carpio fingerlings, highlighting their potential role as functional feed additives in aquaculture.
Weed management remains a critical challenge in modern agriculture, adversely affecting crop productivity, input-use efficiency, and profitability. Prolonged dependence on chemical herbicides has resulted in herbicide-resistant weeds, environmental contamination, and regulatory constraints, while labour shortages and rising costs limit the effectiveness of manual and semi-mechanical methods. This study presents the design and development of a four-wheel remotely controlled mechanical weeding machine aimed at reducing labour dependency and chemical herbicide use. The system features a four-wheel-drive configuration powered by four 250 W BLDC motors operated through H-bridge motor driver modules, enabling precise speed and directional control. A 2.4GHz radio-frequency transmitter–receiver system is used for remote operation, while a linear actuator allows controlled engagement of the weeding implement. The overall design emphasizes modularity, operational safety, and ease of field serviceability, providing a scalable and sustainable mechanical weed management solution.
Climate change with expected continuing changes in rainfall pattern and shifting temperature cycles are expected to have significant negative effects on food and water security, agriculture and economic rise of the country. Climate change is likely to have a serious and lasting impact on agriculture sector in India. The most significant effect of climate change is seen in the clear phenomenon of rising global temperatures, commonly referred to as global warming. There was a worldwide increase (0.4-0.7 °C) in temperature. The study was conducted in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Total 143 respondents were selected. Results indicated that majority of farmers were middle aged, middle level educated, males, having main occupation farming with middle level farming experience, low annual income with high economic motivation, had medium scientific orientation. Majority of the respondents had medium level of information seeking behavior, majority of farmers have observed significant shifts in climatic patterns over recent years. Specifically, (77.6%) of the farmers strongly agree that temperatures have increased compared to previous years, indicating a widespread acknowledgment of rising heat levels. This is further supported by (66.4%) who strongly agree that the intensity of summer heat has increased, and (53.8%) who strongly agree that high temperatures and heat waves have become more frequent. This growing heat stress is a critical concern, especially for agricultural activities.
As a natural biological process impacting nearly half the world’s people, menstruation is often surrounded by myths, societal restrictions, and limited accurate information. This study investigates the information-seeking behavior of (140) female undergraduate students at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, regarding menstruation using online survey proforma. The primary objectives were to identify the origins of their menstrual wellness knowledge, the correctness and completeness of the information received, and their preferred methods of seeking knowledge about menstrual health. Collected data was analyzed and results shows that in the era of internet and social media participants till today turned to their mothers for guidance on menstrual concerns, like hygiene, problems faced, and solutions. A total of 55% of respondents relied on personal sources for resolving menstruation-related issues, doctors (22.86%) and internet searches (20%) were also commonly used. These findings might be getting attention of parents, government and health organizations, school and university administrators for planning and implementing menstrual health awareness in community.
