Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Smart mechanization of tapioca planting: Integrating AI and advanced technologies
No full textConventional farming guidelines lack detail, providing crop suggestions without location-based advice. This makes it challenging for farmers to make informed decisions about where to plant crops, affecting their productivity and profitability. The reason for tackling this issue lies in the potential of cassava, a crop that can withstand drought conditions to thrive if the right areas are identified accurately. This evaluation has a look at the way in which advanced technologies as well as artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to revolutionize mechanized cassava planting, with the objective of increasing productivity and sustainability. Cassava, a nutrition base for over 500 million people worldwide, is sourced from India, especially in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala regions. However, its existence is subject to certain problems that are linked to the conventional method of planting, like inconsistency in planting depths, wrong sweating of the stem and clogging of the channel, which all in turn serve to lower yields and increase labor costs. The former factors caused by mechanical devices like two-ploughed and three-ploughed planters have already been close to the economies of scale by achieving better planting efficiencies and consistency, but they are still presenting some difficulties. Some of the latest advances, such as tractor-operated single-row stake cutter-planters and rotary dibble-type planters, provide alternatives that are not only cheaper but also have the highest degree of accuracy when it comes to planters. Furthermore, the introduction of IoT (Internet of Things) and machine learning and the use of big data analytics in farming are the new directions for precision agriculture. This review emphasizes that the research that is continually being carried out, the unbeatable innovation or technological development and the farmer education that is expected to be high enough are crucial for the full realization of smart in cassava cultivation. In this way, we will be closer to a more sustainable type of agriculture and improved food security. By embracing these innovations, agriculture can be modernized, empowering farmers to overcome obstacles and achieve increased productivity. The data and findings highlighted in the review demonstrate the effectiveness of mechanization in revolutionizing practices and bolstering global food security
Advances in site-specific weed management techniques for sustainable crop production
No full textWeeds are amidst the major factors that can adversely affect crop yield. Current weed control methods, such as use of synthetic herbicides and mechanical methods, are widely used and effective, but come with drawbacks like environmental impacts, development of herbicide-resistant weeds and limited labor availability. There is an urgent need to address critical issues such as the use of harmful pesticides, pollution control and the environmental impact on agricultural practices. In recent times, innovative methods have been proposed to address existing limitations and transition toward more ecofriendly weed control approaches. The advancement in automation and information technologies has revealed a new era for weed management, allowing physical and chemical control methods to be tailored for the spatial and temporal variability of weed distributions in agricultural fields. Non-chemical weed control methods could reduce reliance on herbicides and soil tillage. Sensor technologies, including spectral imaging, remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI), are employed to accurately identify and classify weeds. These classifications are then utilized by automated robots to carry out precise mechanical weeding operations. Additionally, imaging and AI-guided robots, in conjunction with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), can assist in both intra-row and inter-row weeding, alongside targeted patch spraying. Site-specific weed management showed around 50 % saving of herbicides by reducing the application dose. This review examines site-specific weed management technologies, assesses their advantages and provides insights onto their potential implementation in agriculture. Nonetheless, further research is needed to incorporate these technologies into conventional agricultural practices
A thorough assessment on the recent pharmacological and therapeutic potential of ellagic acid
No full textThis review comprehensively examines the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of ellagic acid (EA). A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar, employing keywords related to EA’s biological sources, derivatives and efficacy focusing on studies published up to February 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research and mechanistic reviews in English, while editorials, non-English publications and studies lacking direct EA focus or sufficient data were excluded. EA, a dietary polyphenol, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, demonstrating therapeutic potential across various disease areas. Mechanistically, EA modulates key signalling pathways like NF-κB, MAPK and Nrf2/ARE, impacting cellular processes such as apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation. Preclinical studies highlight EA’s efficacy in combating cancer (inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis), cardiovascular diseases (ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress), neurodegenerative disorders (enhancing neuronal viability and reducing neuroinflammation), diabetes (improving glucose homeostasis), liver and kidney pathologies (reducing fibrosis and oxidative damage) and fertility (modulating reproductive hormones and sperm protection). Additionally, EA demonstrates cytoprotective and anti-ulcer effects, protecting against cellular damage and gastric mucosa injury. EA presents a promising therapeutic agent with diverse pharmacological activities. Its ability to modulate multiple signalling pathways and exert protective effects against various pathologies underscores its potential. Further studies will validate efficacy, optimize delivery and explore synergistic effects, ultimately translating preclinical findings into effective clinical applications
Evaluation of host plant preferences of Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith): Insights into oviposition and feeding behaviour
No full textSpodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) commonly known as fall armyworm (FAW), is an invasive pest of maize. It is highly polyphagous, with an expanding host range of nearly 353 plant species across more than 76 families. In this study the feeding preference and ovipositional preference of FAW were evaluated on ten host plants, such as rice, maize, black gram, castor, sesame, onion, tomato, cotton, tobacco and cluster bean. The results of feeding preference studies indicated that, both the 2nd and 3rd instar had a much greater preference for maize, with a mean number of 6.60 larvae/leaf (2nd instar) and 7.20 larvae/leaf (3rd instar) settling after 24 hr out of 20 larvae released. This was followed by castor having a mean number of 4.60, 4.40 larvae/leaf for 2nd and 3rd instar,respectively. Zero feeding preference was observed in cluster bean and rice. In the ovipositional preference studies, maize showed the highest preference, recording a mean of 24.33 egg masses (526.70 eggs/mass) in the no-choice test and 12.33 egg masses (489.00 eggs/mass) in the free-choice test. Black gram recorded the lowest number of egg masses (1.00), with 66.00 eggs/mass in the free-choice test, while castor had the lowest (6.67 egg mass with 64.75 eggs/mass) in the no-choice test
Phytochemical analysis, antibacterial and cytotoxic efficacy of n -hexane extract from Iraqi cultivated Jatropha integerrima: Isolation of stigmasterol and β-carotene using CombiFlash
No full textJatropha integerrima a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is well-known for its numerous secondary metabolites with medicinal applications. This study aims to investigate the phytochemical composition of the n-hexane extract of the aerial parts of J. integerrima grown in Iraq. The work focuses on the identification, separation and characterization of bioactive phytosterols and terpenoids, as well as evaluating the antibacterial activity of the extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of the extract on the B16 melanoma skin cancer cell line was assessed utilizing the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Two chromatographic techniques, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), are used to detect chemicals and for fractionation and isolation, CombiFlash chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used. Two beneficial compounds, β-carotene and stigmasterol, were successfully isolated. The antibacterial assay revealed that the n-hexane extract exhibited significant efficacy, especially against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and demonstrated a notable cytotoxic effect with the highest inhibition rate of 84.00 % on the skin cancer (B16) cell line at a 200 μg/mL concentration. The values of the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extract were 29.86 μg/mL. Theisolated components were characterized by HPLC, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy to verify the existence of stigmasterol and β-carotene. Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antioxidant are the most well -known properties of these compounds. As a result, separating and characterizing these compounds from J. integerrima can thus expose significant information on their possible medical use. This study is the first comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of J. integerrima in Iraq, highlighting its promising medicinal value
Pig manure biochar enhances soil organic carbon, aggregate stability, and microbial biomass in the clay soil of Bangladesh
Full text linkBiochar is a widely used soil amendment that can improve soil physical properties like aggregation. However, little information is available regarding how pig manure biochar improves soil structure formation and organic carbon content in clay soil. This short-term field experiment (120 days) investigated the impacts of biochar on soil organic carbon (SOC) and aggregate stability (MWD) coupling with microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in clay soil under Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.). The experiment consisted of five treatments as follows: (i) Control as no biochar (T0), (ii) inorganic fertilization (triple super phosphate) at 2 t ha-1 (T1), (iii) biochar at 4 t ha-1 (T2), (iv) biochar at 8 t ha-1 (T3) and (v) biochar at 16 t ha-1 (T4). Results showed that large macroaggregates were increased by 1.9, 2.2 and 2.7 times higher, while MWD was increased by 53, 75 and 103 % in the T2, T3 and T4 treatments, respectively, upon biochar incorporation as compared to T0 (P < 0.01). The SOC was increased significantly with all treatments compared to T0 (P < 0.001). Moreover, MBC and GRSP were enhanced by 4.5 and 1.25-fold, respectively, with only T4 biochar treatment (P < 0.001), while T2 treatment had no impact on MBC and GRSP (P > 0.05). SOC, MBC and GRSP were significantly correlated with MWD (P < 0.05), while iron oxides had no impacts on MWD (P > 0.05). The study indicates that biochar, particularly at 16 t ha-1, can potentially enhance MWD, boosting microbial activity and SOC in clay texture soils of southeast Bangladesh
Enhancing the production potential of transplanted sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under a semi-arid environment
Full text linkField experiments were conducted during the rabi seasons of 2021 to 2022 at the Research farm of V.O. Chidambaranar Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu, Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, to assess the suitable planting methods and optimize the age of seedlings to enhance the productivity and profitability of transplanted sesame. The experiment comprised nine treatment combinations having two planting methods (Ridge planting and Flat planting) and four ages of seedlings (12, 16, 20, and 24 days old seedling) along with line sowing (30 x 30 cm) as control were laid out in randomized block design(RBD) and replicated thrice. It may be inferred that ridge planting of 20 days sesame seedlings for transplanting practice gave significantly higher growth, yield parameters, and maximum yield viz., plant height (121.0 cm and 130.0 cm), LAI (4.16 and 4.26) and DMP (2765 kg ha-1 and 3010 kg ha-1 ), Number of branches plant-1 (9.1 and 9.8), number of capsules plant-1 (93.4 and 96.0), Number of seeds per capsule (55.2 and 56.0), seed yield (892 kg ha-1 and 910 kg ha-1 ) and B: C (2.59 and 2.65) as compared to all other treatment combinations. The findings emphasize the potential of this technique for enhancing the productivity of transplanted sesame, and it is profitable to the farmers of semi-arid regions of southern India
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed development accompanies glycosylation and phosphorylation of total soluble and oil body membrane-associated proteins
Full text linkSeed development is a complex process involving a series of physiological and metabolic events. During this process, glycosylation, a post-translational modification, plays a crucial role in protein targeting during cellular signaling, while protein phosphorylation acts as a molecular switch, activating proteins in the signaling cascade essential for development. Sunflower is an important oilseed crop in India and worldwide. Phosphoprotein analysis at three stages of sunflower seed development (20, 30 and 40 days after anthesis (DAA)) has revealed significant stage-specific differences in phosphoprotein and glycoprotein distribution. This analysis provides a metabolic framework for further characterizing the biochemical events associated with seed development. The present investigations will be instrumental in analysing the expression and modulation of glycosylation and phosphorylation of proteins during different phases of sunflower seed development. Additionally, this research offer insights into the regulatory roles phosphorylation and glycosylation as molecular switches in governing seed development in sunflower
Effects of biochar produced from rice straw and oil cake on soil nutrients, growth, yield and nutrient content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Full text linkA pot experiment was conducted to assess the comparative effects of biochar and conventional inorganic NPK fertilizers on wheat growth and nutrient content as well as certain soil chemical and nutritional properties. Biochar produced from oil cake and rice straw were mixed with soils at rates of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% (w/w) and inorganic NPK fertilizer was also mixed separately with soils at rates of 0, ¼, ½, ¾ and 1 of the recommended rate. Biochar increased the fresh weight and dry weight of wheat plant parts significantly. The root biomass and grain yield with oil cake biochar (OCB) were relatively higher than with rice straw biochar (RSB). Biochar application at a 4-5% rate produced maximum wheat root, straw and grain yield which were comparable to the recommended inorganic 1 NPK rate. The study revealed that oil cake biochar (OCB) was more effective in increasing soil organic carbon (OC), whereas rice straw biochar (RSB) was found to be more effective in raising soil pH, soil electrical conductivity (EC) and decreasing soil exchangeable acidity. A similar effect on soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) was also observed with both types of biochar. The soil available ammonium N (NH4 +-N), Olsen P and K content increased with increasing rates of both biochar and inorganic NPK in soils after the harvest of plants. Applying biochar at a rate of 5% resulted in the highest effect on the soil’s chemical and nutritional properties. Maximum N, P and K concentrations in wheat root, straw and grain were found at 4-5% biochar rates, which were significantly higher than inorganic NPK fertilizer rates
Cytological and karyological analysis of interspecific cotton hybrids
Full text linkThis article explores the morphology and karyological characteristics of cotton tetraploids, including Gossypium tomentosum, G. mustelinum, G. hirsutum var. morili, G. hirsutum L. variety AN-Bayaut-2, Bukhara-6 variety, G. barbadense ssp. ruderale and G. barbadense ssp. vitifolium var. brasilense, along with their polyploid plant generations and F1 hybrids. The study describes the morphological traits and karyological features of the resulting allopolyploids. The results generatedoctoploid hybrid combinations, whichwere morphologically analyzed. It was observed that most of the octoploid plants were short, some weremedium-sized and others wereflowerless, displaying morphological irregularities and fragility. The leaves of theseplants werethick but obtained from octoploids (C - generation exposed to colchicine). When the chromosomes of plants from C1 to C4generations were counted, they returned to the tetraploid level (2n = 4x = 52), stabilizing the karyotype structure among the plant generations. At the same time, a process of restoration of the normal course of microsporogenesis was observed. F1hybrids obtained fromthese species and subspecies were observed to differ significantly in several characteristics. The first-generation hybrids exhibited distinct morphological variation. Each hybrid combination differed in traits such as speed of ripening, leaf size and shape, density, size, joint spacing in the first crop, the size of pods and overall development. The hybrid plants demonstrated robust growth, a good fruit set and notable karyological features