Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Botanicals for managing insect pests in rice: An eco-friendly strategy for sustainable rice production
Full text linkRice, a staple crop for over half the global population, faces severe yield losses due to insect pests, such as the rice stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) and minor insect pests, which are significant threats to global food security. Traditional reliance on chemical pesticides for pest control has negatively impacted the environment, human health and non-target organisms. This has necessitated a shift toward sustainable pest management strategies that minimize chemical inputs. Botanicals, derived from plants as essential oils, extracts and secondary metabolites, have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative due to their biodegradability, targeted efficacy and reduced environmental footprint. These plant-based compounds act through various mechanisms, including antifeedant activity, growth inhibition, oviposition deterrence, ovicidal effects and toxicity, effectively disrupting pest lifecycles without harming non-target species. Studies underscore the potential of botanicals in suppressing pest populations and mitigating crop losses, making them vital components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. When incorporated into IPM programs alongside biological control agents, cultural practices and resistant rice varieties, botanicals enhance pest control efficacy while preserving ecosystem balance and promoting biodiversity. Their use aligns with sustainable agriculture principles, offering a viable path to reduce pesticide dependency and ensure long-term agricultural resilience. This review highlights the critical role of botanicals in IPM for rice cultivation, emphasizing their potential to mitigate pest impacts while supporting environmentally sustainable and economically viable food production systems
Latent concepts for area enhancement of mangrove forest: A novel approach through geospatial studies
Full text linkDespite their vital roles in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and coastal protection, mangrove ecosystems have historically faced degradation from pollution, deforestation and human activity. Mangrove restoration faces several challenges, including deforestation due to unsustainable logging for timber and fuelwood, as well as habitat loss from coastal development projects such as ports and resorts. The expansion of aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming, has led to the large-scale conversion of mangrove areas into degraded or unproductive land. Huge restoration projects have been started all over the world to deal with these issues. Geospatial technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information System), GPS (Global Positioning System), remote sensing and satellite imagery have made it easier to find suitable sites for restoration, which was a challenging task in the past. These technologies also enable the acquisition of large amounts of data. Topography, soil quality, land use and biodiversity are some of the factors that influence the process of identifying possible restoration sites. Although obstacles like ecosystem complexity, lack of data and methodological constraints still exist, developments in machine learning and radar remote sensing provide promising paths to obtaining vital information. Conservation efforts are being bolstered by data integration and predictive modeling-driven evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. This review examines the cutting-edge geospatial technologies and their critical role in surmounting obstacles and promoting the rehabilitation and re-establishment of mangrove habitats
Fruit consumption: Exploring consumer demand for exotic fruits in India - Trends and preferences
Full text linkExotic fruits, characterized by their unique flavors, vibrant colors and diverse nutritional profiles, have gained significant popularity in the Indian retail market, reflecting changing consumer preferences and a growing awareness of health benefits. This study explores the fruit consumption, import statistics of fruits and consumer preferences for exotic fruits in Coimbatore city, focusing on demographic characteristics, market availability and the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes influencing purchasing decisions. A survey was conducted to assess the demographic profile of exotic fruit consumers, revealing a predominantly educated and diverse group, with a significant proportion aged 31-45 years. Market analysis identified a wide range of imported fruits, highlighting their price points and seasonal availability. A conjoint analysis was performed to understand the importance of various attributes, including fruit appearance, taste, price and packaging size. Results of the study indicate that vibrant colors and competitive pricing are critical factors in consumer choices, with taste preferences favoring mild sweet and tangy flavors. The study also presents utility values for different product combinations, emphasizing the importance of aligning marketing strategies with consumer preferences. Ultimately, this research contributes to the understanding of consumer behavior regarding exotic fruits and offers practical recommendations for stakeholders in the fruit supply chain
Multi-index based analysis of genotype × environment interaction and selection of superior maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids
Full text linkGenotype-environment interaction (GEI) plays a critical role in genotype adaptation, making it essential for selecting stable, widely adapted genotypes for cultivation. GEI estimation enables the identification of genotypes that perform consistently across diverse conditions. Models and stability indices derived from fixed-effect and/or mixed-effect models are frequently utilized for analyzing GEI and selecting genotypes. In this study, thirty hybrids developed through a diallele fashion, along with two checks, were grown across three environments during kharif 2023. Analysis of variance revealed significant contributions from the environment and GEI, alongside genotypic effects for eight traits studied, covering flowering, plant architecture and yield. Plot yield (t/ha) was subjected to additive main effects and multiplicative interaction effects (AMMI) analysis to study the stability and genotype interactions with the environment. The first two principal components (PCs) of AMMI analysis explained 69.1% and 30.9% of the total variation, respectively, identifying stable hybrids such as MH-TN-15 and MH-TN-30. The Genotype-genotype×environment (GGE) biplot further highlighted the adaptability and stability of all the genotypes, with the first two PCs explaining 86.11% of the G+GE variation. A multi-trait stability index (MTSI) was employed to select stable and high-performing genotypes across multiple traits. A comprehensive analysis of all the genotypes through various indices showed that hybrids MH-TN-15 and MH-TN-30 were consistently selected as stable and high-yielding genotypes across all indices, demonstrating higher yields than check hybrids and being identified for cultivation. These methods underscore the importance of combining yield and stability metrics for effective genotype selection in varied environments
Traditional insights into ITK and its delineation for sustainable crop protection
Full text linkThe challenge of producing sufficient food to feed the growing population is aggravated by pests and diseases, with insect pests alone causing 15-20 percent losses in food production. Despite the availability of numerous synthetic and conventional pesticides, traditional practices, known as Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK), have been utilized by farmers for generations and have been adequate to date. These practices are deeply rooted in local culture and are environmentally safe. ITKs are a wealth of agricultural wisdom intertwined with religious and cultural beliefs that have significantly contributed to plant protection. It considers the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural environment. In the context of the current scenario, it is essential to preserve and safeguard these traditional practices. Numerous government centres and policies are dedicated to this goal, recognizing the importance of documenting ITK for future use. Although ITKs were initially practiced without scientific validation, modern research has characterized and supported many of these methods. This review emphasizes the significance of Indigenous Technical Knowledge, the support systems in place and the necessity of detailed documentation and scientific characterization of ITK in use. By focusing on preserving and validating ITKs, we can reduce reliance on harmful chemical pesticides, promote sustainable agricultural practices and ensure food safety and security
Morphological diversity and genetic potential of Aloe barbadensis Mill. accessions from diverse agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu, India
Full text linkAloe barbadensis Mill. is a medicinal plant of great importance, widely cultivated for its therapeutic properties. However, limited research has been conducted on the morphological diversity of Aloe vera germplasm in India. This study assessed the morphological diversity of 40 A. vera accessions collected from different agro-climatic regions in Tamil Nadu, India. Eight quantitative morphological descriptors were evaluated. Significant variations were observed for all the studied traits, indicating substantial morphological diversity among the accessions. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three principal components (PC’s) accounted for 72.90% of the total variation. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into three main clusters based on morphological similarity. Associations were found between several traits, with correlation analysis showing significant positive correlations between plant size, leaf dimensions and yield-related traits. High broad-sense heritability estimates were observed for several characteristics, suggesting the potential for genetic improvement through selection. The findings highlight the morphological diversity in Tamil Nadu A. vera germplasm, which can be exploited for the genetic improvement and development of effective conservation strategies for this valuable medicinal plant. The morphological diversity observed in this study can be attributed to the diverse agro-climatic conditions and geographical locations from which the accessions were collected
Advancements and future prospects in micropropagation techniques for major palm species: Date palm, oil palm, arecanut, and coconut
Full text linkPalms are widely distributed across warm temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions, showcasing their ecological significance and adaptability to diverse environments. Classification schemes play a crucial role in organizing the vast diversity of palms and provide valuable insights into their evolutionary adaptations. These frameworks enhance our understanding of key species such as date palms, oil palms, and coconuts. Micropropagated palm seedlings are economically essential for global palm industries of food, biofuel, and cosmetics, because they ensure consistent growth, increased yield, and disease resistance. Clonal propagation of superior cultivars is made possible by this technique, maximizing land utilization and increasing yield per hectare. Micropropagated seedlings support large-scale commercial plantations and promote sustainable agriculture in response to the growing demand for palm-derived products worldwide. Furthermore, governments and research- driven initiatives are fostering the adoption of tissue culture methods to meet market needs. To facilitate large-scale propagation, micropropagation techniques have been developed for palms, such as date palms, oil palms, coconuts, and arecanuts. These techniques produce consistent, disease-free planting materials through tissue culture. However, despite their potential, tissue culture techniques face challenges, including low effectiveness, high rates of contamination, and scaling limitations, particularly due to the recalcitrant nature of palm tissues to in vitro conditions. Improvement in tissue culture methods can support sustainable agriculture, drive economic growth, and conserve biodiversity. By enhancing propagation techniques, tissue culture has the potential to address global issues such as environmental sustainability and food security. To fully realize the potential of palms and ensure their continued use in industry and agriculture, further research and development in palm micropropagation are essential
Development and ergonomic evaluation of hand held vegetable seedling transplanter
Full text linkEfficient vegetable production is essential to meeting growing food demands, requiring innovative solutions to reduce labor intensity and enhance productivity. Vegetable cultivation, especially for small farmers, demands innovative and affordable solutions to enhance productivity and reduce labor-intensive practices. The mechanization of agricultural processes has become increasingly important in reducing the physical strain and time-intensive nature of traditional farming operations, paving the way for innovative tools that enhance efficiency and user comfort. Transplanting of seedlings, a highly drudgery-oriented operation, is mainly performed by women. A hand held seedling transplanter has been designed and developed for transplanting vegetables seedlings based on the anthropometric dimensions of the user population. The number of seedlings transplanted per min using the handheld seedling transplanter ranged from 19 to 21, compared to 16 to18 using the conventional method. By using the hand held seedling transplanter, a significant reduction in the cost of operation was achieved, with 11.44 to 16.52% savings in cost reported. The average working heart rate while transplanting using the seedling transplanter was 103 bpm, compared to 120 bpm for conventional transplanting. The average energy expenditure while transplanting the seedlings using the seedling transplanter was 7.72 kJ min-1, compared to 10.94 kJ min-1. The performance evaluation of the designed transplanted indicted an increase in human productivity and a decrease in musculoskeletal discomfort during the transplanting process. The introduction of ergonomic and cost-effective solutions, such as the handheld seedling transplanter, not only improves productivity and reduces operational costs but also promotes sustainable practices while prioritizing the well-being of farmers
An updated checklist of the vulnerable bamboo Schizostachyum (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
Full text linkThe current study examines the genus Schizostachyum in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) in Sumatra, Indonesia. This bamboo genus is native to Indonesia and is one of the most diverse in Sumatra. The BBSNP is recognized as a World Heritage Site. However, the current data of Schizostachyum spp. in Sumatra, especially in the BBSNP area, has not been well documented. The study of Schizostachyum at the BBSNP needs to be done. The field survey was conducted in December 2022 and June 2023 using the exploration method to explore and record the Schizostachyum bamboo. The survey was undertaken in three resorts, namely Sukaraja Resort, Pemerihan Resort, and Balik Bukit Resort. The results discovered five Schizostachyum, namely Schizostachyum brachycladum, Schizostachyum caudatum, Schizostachyum cf. silicatum, Schizostachyum zollingeri, and an unidentified species. A novel candidate was found scrambling in the hills along the river area of the enclaved village and spreading to the secondary forest of Kubu Perahu, Balik Bukit Resort. This paper offered an updated checklist of Schizostachyum spp. from BBSNP, including the proper botanical name, synonyms, local name, locality of occurrence, and citation of voucher herbarium specimens
Influence of IBA concentrations, zinc synergy and carrier agents on rooting and shooting attributes of rough lemon rootstock cuttings
Full text linkAdequate indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentration enhances cutting success rates and promotes uniform root growth, resulting in healthy plants with the desired traits and higher yields. This research investigated the effects of different IBA concentrations (2000 ppm and 4000 ppm) on the rooting and shooting characteristics of rough lemon cuttings. The present study employed a random block design with nineteen treatments, each with three replicates. Furthermore, primary root count, secondary root count, root diameter, root length, fresh root mass, dry root mass root volume, rooting, root-to-shoot ratio, shoot diameter, shoot length, shoots number, leaves number, sprouting percentage, survival percentage, fresh shoot mass, dry shoot mass and leaf area were studied. The present study also employed a comparative analysis of carrier agents, i.e., talc and activated charcoal, in the application of IBA for rough lemon cutting propagation. The research explored the synergistic effects of zinc and IBA on the rooting and shooting aspects of rough lemon stem cuttings. The 2000 ppm IBA performed better than 4000 ppm in the rooting and shooting parameters of the rough lemon. The application of (activated charcoal powder + 2000 ppm IBA + 0.50 % ZnSO4) concentration had better effect on various shooting parameters of rough lemon cuttings. Cuttings treated with activated charcoal as a carrier agent for IBA demonstrated superior performance. Zinc at concentrations of 0.25 % and 0.50 % with IBA (2000 ppm and 4000 ppm) demonstrated superior performance as compared to IBA alone (2000 ppm and 4000 ppm) in various morphological attributes of rough lemon. This study highlights the optimization of horticultural practices for the successful propagation and cultivation of rough lemon plants