Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Current outlook and future promise of ethnomedicinal study in Western Odisha, India: An overview
No full textThe indigenous folk medicinal practices in India has received the utmost significance in healing a wide range of acute and chronic ailments since the early Vedic period. Odisha is one of India\u27s tribal belts where tribal peoples embrace 11.95 % of global biodiversity in diverse ways. The Western region of Odisha, characterized by abundant forests and hills, is predominantly inhabited by over 60 tribal communities, including the Kutia Kandha, Binjhals, Gond, Krishan, Khadiaand Luhura etc. These tribes rely on forest resources for their daily needs and medicinal herbs. This review aims to compile and analyze information on medicinal plants and their therapeutic properties documented in various regions of Western Odisha by different researchers and also to identify their research gaps. It is also possible to determine which plants are most commonly used against most frequently suffering ailments that will aid in a more in-depth investigation of those species. It could offer new information about how to develop a unique drug. On the subject of medico-folklore and pharmacognosy in different districts of Western Odisha, literature and data from various journals, databases and books, have been gathered, analyzed and the missing regions have been discovered. According to the findings, many locations in Western Odisha have not been visited recently for research. The seasonal tour of the forest parcels with local healers may unearth undiscovered therapeutic plants. Native tribes are a precious source of herbal medicines, as they have practiced from generation to generation. Proper documentation followed by pharmacological analysis and clinical trial is very essential for the discovery of natural remedies that benefit both ecological sustainability and human health
LED farming – An innovative technique of productive and effective crop cultivation
No full textThe United Nations conference on Trade and Development has projected that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas. In response to the growing demand for food in urban settings, indoor farming-particularly through Controlled Plant Production Systems-offers a viable solution. Among the critical factors influencing indoor cultivation, light availability and quality are especially limiting. The intensity and spectral composition of light are essential for maximizing crop productivity per unit area. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have emerged as a transformative tool in indoor cultivation, serving as an efficient and highly effective light source. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) used LED lights to grow plants in space during the 1960s. Later, in the 1980s, Japan began utilizing LEDs for high quality vegetable and fruit production. In addition, LED lights in horticultural crops have been applied intensively, providing specific wavelengths of light to meet the crop demand. LED technology offers numerous advantages including, lower heat generation, higher energy efficiency and reduced power consumption, making it a sustainable choice for indoor farming. Red and blue LED lights, in particular, are more efficient and promote higher photosynthetic rate, flowering , bioactive compound production and overall crop yield. LED light consumes only 25 % of the energy used in conventional lighting systems, which significantly reduces operational costs. The paper reviews the significance of LED farming and its effects on crop growth, crop quality and yield. It also explores the application of LEDs in speedy breeding and algal photobioreactors. Further, it underscore LEDs potential to revolutionize urban agriculture and highlights the need for future research focused on optimizing spectral combinations and improving cost-efficiency
Cucumis sativus f. hardwickii (Royle) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes (Cucurbitaceae): A new distributional record to the flora of Telangana state, India
No full textCucumis sativus f. hardwickii (Cucurbitaceae), a wild variant of cucumber, is reported as a new distributional record from the Adilabad and Komaram Bheem Asifabad districts of the newly formed Telangana State. The communication provides a detailed taxonomic description of the plant, phenology, and first-time distribution of the forma in Telangana
Enhancing biomass production in multifunctional agroforestry: A review of strategies and benefits
No full textThe decline in the global forest area has increased the demand for timber and forest products, necessitating sustainable forestry practices. Agroforestry integrates trees with crops and livestock, offering multifunctional benefits including soil improvement, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. This review explores agroforestry’s diverse roles, emphasizing biomass production enhancement through optimized planting methods, nutrient management and water conservation. It highlights the environmental, economic and social benefits of agroforestry while addressing sustainable land use. Agroforestry enhances soil quality through improved nutrient cycling and biodiversity. Researchers indicated that agroforestry practices reduce the soil temperature (3.37-9.25 %) and increase the soil moisture considerably (10-20 %). They also reduce the soil erosion by 50 % thus stabilizing soil structure. An increase in soil organic carbon (40 %), nitrogen storage (13 %) and accessible nitrogen and phosphorus (46 % and 11 %) availability was also reported by many. In pest management, it considerably reduces flies (38 %), pollen beetles (57 %), wheat stem sawflies (37 %) and aphid damage by 13 % while increasing farm income. Agroforestry represents a viable strategy for sustainable land management, food security and ecological restoration. Tailored models can improve economic returns, environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Further research should refine best practices and integrate advanced technologies to maximize the benefits
Performance of irrigation and fertigation levels on growth and yield potential of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) under drip system in western zone of Tamil Nadu
No full textThe field trial was conducted at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, farm unit during the Rabi and Kharif seasons in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The objective was to evaluate the influence of various fertigation on the productivity of chia. The trial followed a randomized block design (RBD) consisted twelve treatments, duplicated thrice. The outcomes indicated that various irrigation and nutrient management practices substantially impacted chia performance. Plant height, branch counts, leaf area, dry matter production and yield variables (spikes count) were consistently greater in drip fertigation @ 75 % pan evaporation until 30 days after sowing + 100 % pan evaporation until 60 days after sowing + 125 % pan evaporation until 90 days after sowing with 125 % RDF (25 % as normal fertilizer + 75 % as water soluble fertilizer). In both research years (Rabi 2022 and Kharif 2023), the identical treatment resulted in a considerably greater seed yield of 842 and 772 kg ha-1 and biological yield of 3518 and 3159 kg ha-1, respectively. However, when comparing the mean values of the two years, there was a notable reduction in the performance of chia in the second year. The changes detected were dose-dependent and supplement of drip fertigation @ 75 % pan evaporation until 30 days after sowing + 100 % pan evaporation until 60 days after sowing + 125 % pan evaporation until 90 days after sowing with 125 % RDF (25 % as normal fertilizer + 75 % as water soluble fertilizer) concluded better in the crop development and higher potential of yield, gross and net return in chia during both the season. On contrary returns per rupee invested (B: C ratio) was found superior in surface irrigation with soil application of 100 % RDF (T13) in both the season
Assessment of genetic variability and principal component analysis (PCA) for rice starch viscosity traits
No full textRice quality evaluation has a significant impact in deciding consumer acceptability and its suitability for various end-user applications. In the current investigation, we have evaluated a set of 54 genotypes, including landraces, popular varieties and basmati accessions for amylose content and viscosity profile to study the significant componential traits that contribute to rice quality through PCA. These cultivars were also categorized based on stability ratio, a valuable attribute that signifies rice\u27s stability and cooking quality. Significant variation was found between the cultivars for all traits evaluated in the study. PCA was employed in the study to investigate the relationship between viscosity profile parameters and AAC and their contribution to phenotypic variability among these accessions. PCAanalysis revealed the maximum contribution of the first two PCs (76.41 %) to the total variability. Further, based on their stability ratio, the accessions were categorized into three stability groups: 12 cultivars in the high, 39 in the medium and 3 in the low stability ratio category. The study led to the identification of traits that contributed the maximum to the observed variation and these findings can be efficiently utilized in determining the rice quality and the end-use application of rice starch. The findings of this study can be directly applied in breeding programs to improve consumer-preferred rice varieties by selecting high-quality parental lines and targeted genetic improvement and in food processing industries by tailoring rice for specific end-use applications and optimizing processing conditions based on viscosity parameters
Revolutionizing weed management with nanotechnology: A review
No full textNanotechnology offers innovative solutions across various fields, including agriculture. By manipulating matter at the nanoscale (1-100 nm), nanotechnology facilitates the development of more efficient, durable and environmentally sustainable agricultural products. Key applications include nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides and nanoherbicides, which enhance crop yields while mitigating environmental impact. For instance, nanoherbicides provide improved efficacy and targeted weed control, addressing challenges associated with conventional herbicides, such as resistance and soil contamination. Furthermore, nanotechnology enables the development of controlled -release herbicide systems, reducing toxicity and enhancing crop safety. Additionally, nanoparticles play a crucial role in soil health, water purification and pest management. Nanoparticle production techniques, such as top-down and bottom-up approaches, enable precise material engineering for agricultural use. However, the potential adverse effects of nanomaterials, such as toxicity and cellular damage in plants, necessitate careful consideration. The integration of nanotechnology in agriculture promises increased productivity, environmental sustainability and enhanced food safety. Continued research and development are essential to address the challenges and optimize the benefits of nanotechnology in agriculture
Exploration of the descriptive phyto-geography of genus Rubus: A systematic review with global and Indian perspectives
No full textThe genus Rubus L., belonging to the family Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae and tribe Potentilleae, with over 1454 species worldwide, plays a crucial role in ecological systems and is considered one of the most invasive groups of species in the world. Along with its invasive nature, different species of this genus are valued for their nutritional and medicinal benefits. Despite its importance, the phyto-geographical distribution of Rubus remains underexplored, particularly in terms of its global and regional (Indian) biodiversity. Rubus species are predominantly distributed across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with their natural range extending from sea level to elevations of approximately 4500 meters. This review investigates the phyto-geographical distribution patterns of Rubus species, exploring their ecological adaptations and distribution across diverse global landscapes. We synthesize findings from a wide range of biogeographical studies, examining key determinants and factors influencing species distribution, climate resilience and spread across different continents. Ecological aspects are also addressed, emphasizing their role in pollination as well as their pharmaceutical benefits. Additionally, the review focuses on Rubus species in India, a region known for its distinct ecosystems and high levels of endemism. By integrating global and regional perspectives, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the phyto-geographical dynamics of Rubus, offering valuable insights for future research on this genus
Nutrient-rich or anti-nutritional challenge? Evaluating Senna spectabilis (DC.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby for sustainable animal feed production
No full textThis study investigated the nutritional composition and anti-nutritional factors of Senna spectabilis as a potential fodder for animal feed. Key parameters such as crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter, digestibility and anti-nutritional factors like phenols, tannins, saponins and nitrates were analyzed from the five formulations named from SS1 to SS5. The results showed significant variations across the species in terms of digestibility and energy content, with formulations SS1 and SS4 demonstrating superior digestibility and higher Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). On the other hand, formulation SS5 exhibited higher crude fiber content and lower digestibility, making it less efficient as a feed source. Anti-nutritional factors such as saponins and nitrates were found to be highest in formulation SS1, which could affect feed intake and livestock health if present in excessive amounts. The study also noted moderate levels of tannins and phenols in several species, which could impact nutrient absorption for animals. Additionally, concentrate feed mixtures were considered in comparison to fodder-based feeds for their influence on livestock growth and performance. These findings suggest that careful selection of feed ingredients, considering both nutritional and anti-nutritional parameters, is essential for optimizing livestock nutrition. Formulations with lower levels of anti-nutritional compounds like SS2, offer more sustainable feed options, while further research is required to understand the effects of these compounds on livestock health and performance
Assessing the performance of pigeon pea varieties against major pod borer complex from Eastern part of India
No full textPod borer complex in pigeon pea are the major constraints for successful cultivation with drastically yield reduction. Therefore, varietal evaluation of pigeon pea against major pod borer complex was carried out at the experimental farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal, India for two consecutive years. A total of 13 pigeon pea varieties such as BAHAR, PUSA-9, MA6, ASHA, PUSA2001, ICPL 87, PUSA992, PUSA991, MARUTI, CORG 9701, UPAS 120, BRG 2, NDA1 were sown in 20 m2 plot with three replication using randomized block design. Number of larvae of Helicoverpa armigera and Maruca vitrata were recorded from 10 randomly selected plants at weekly intervals from flowering to maturity of pods whereas fifty pods were screened for Melanagromyza obtusa at pod formation, pod filling and pod maturity stages. The pooled data of two years results showed a significant variation of pod borer infestation among the varieties of pigeon pea. The study showed that among the screened varieties, Pusa 9, Pusa 991 and MA 6 exhibited the minimum infestation level of H. armigera (0.35, 0.43 and 0.54 larvae/plant), M. vitrata (1.54, 1.69 and 2.08 larvae/plant) at all pods developmental stages. The similar performance of these varieties was also noticed against M. obtusa. Therefore, the study identified some promising varieties which may be useful for future breeding programme and these varieties will be also suitable in the integrated pest management programme of pigeon pea.