Defence Life Science Journal
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Improvement in Seed Performance and Fruit Yield through Seed Nano-Priming with Silver Nanoparticles in Capsicum (Capsicum annum L.)
Get PDFThe present study investigated the effects of seed nano-priming with bio-synthesised silver nanoparticles-SNP on germination, seedling establishment, and fruit yield in capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) cv. HC-201. Though nanoparticles are being developed for various potential applications, several concerns are related to their agricultural use. In the present study, seeds were treated by soaking with SNP solutions (25-1000 mg L-1) for 16 h before placing for germination. Seed pre-treatment with 200 mg L-1 SNP improved seed germination to 86.0+3.2 % over the control (66.7+3.2 %) and the other nano-priming treatments. The rate of germination was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in the treated (Timson’s Index: 43.7+2.4) than in the control (Timson’s Index: 35.1+2.4) seeds. The pre-germination treatment also enhanced germination potential and emergence index. Seedling development was better in seeds treated with 200 mg L-1 SNP (53.3+3.2 %) than in the control (42.0+3.2 %). However, the higher concentrations of SNPs inhibited seed germination parameters. Pre-treatment with 75 mg L-1 SNP for 16 h resulted in higher fruit yield (170.9+16.5 g) over the control (141.4+16.5 g) and other treatments. Thus, the results revealed improved seed germination, seedling growth, and fruit yield in response to pre-treatment with 75-200 mg L-1 SNP in capsicum
Wastewater: A Reservoir of Antibiotic Resistance - Exploring the Impact on Public Health and the Environment
Get PDFHuman waste carries more than just waste; it houses a hidden world of microorganisms, including some alarming residents: Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB). The overuse of antibiotics in medicine has fueled the rise of these “superbugs” in wastewater, posing a double threat to both human health and the environment. For humans, ARB in wastewater directly translates to infections that are harder to treat with traditional antibiotics. This especially concerns children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Beyond humans, ARB can contaminate water, soil, and food, potentially disrupting ecosystems and harming aquatic life. The impact does not stop there. ARB in agriculture can infect livestock, jeopardizing food safety and productivity. This, in turn, affects tourism, trade, and various other sectors. Confronting this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach. Regular monitoring of water, soil, and food helps identify contamination early. Tracking infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance patterns allows for targeted interventions. Ultimately, effective wastewater treatment and responsible antibiotic use are key to curbing the rise of these superbugs and safeguarding our health and the environment
Effects of Exercise, Games, and Dance on Trace Element Concentrations in Human Saliva
Get PDFPhysical activities and sports are an essential part of our life. The interest of the younger generation in physical health is rapidly increasing. Therefore, there is also a need to identify and correct sport-linked misbalances and mineral imbalances. Saliva is an easy-to-collect, harmless biological fluid that might help us. Exercise is known to affect the trace elements level in biological substances. We aimed to highlight the significance of saliva as a mineral status biomarker. Sixty-eight healthy subjects participated in the study. Twenty-nine participants performed exercises, 26 played cricket games, and 13 participated in dance activities. Saliva samples were taken just before and after all three activities. Sixteen elements were analysed through inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP‒MS). Among the 16 elements, four, namely, sodium (Na), boron (B), potassium (K), and iron (Fe), significantly varied. A substantial increase in trace element concentrations in saliva (p < 0.05) was observed after games (Fe), dances (Na, K, and Fe), and exercise activities (p < 0.05) (B, Na, and K). A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the trace element concentration in saliva was observed after cricket (B) activity, and a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the Fe concetration was observed after exercise activity. Our study highlights the use of saliva as a potential biomarker for mineral status evaluation. Saliva might be a beneficial tool for correcting mineral-associated imbalances in sports. If we successfully identify mineral deficiency through saliva, then there are also chances to diagnose mineral-based deficiency diseases at an early stage. To achieve this goal, further detailed research is needed. More research with a large population size is needed, considering the effects of changes in the intensity and regularity of physical activities on saliva composition and the associations of trace elements with health conditions
Modern Approaches to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: A Review
Get PDFThe world has taken cognizance of the emergence of the threat of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in a big way and has recognised the limited antimicrobial options before mankind. The ubiquity of bacteria and their role in our lives makes it urgent for us to solve this problem in a multifaceted manner. As the development of novel antimicrobials is few and difficult to come by, we need to manage our present antimicrobial arsenal prudently and also manage antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections by applying various alternatives available in the scientific field to treat the diseases. An excellent option is to use new and old clinical therapeutic techniques and molecules to control AMR. Different strategies such as the application of bacteriophages alone and in combination with nano-based and liposomal delivery systems, and the usage of molecular adjuvants and probiotics can fight directly and indirectly against AMR bacteria. In addition, biological molecules such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, stem cells, and antimicrobials in conjunction with bacteriophages can be game changers in mitigating the emerging antimicrobial resistance pandemic
Incidence of Insect Pests on Vegetable Crops in Trans-Himalayan Ladakh India A Survey
Get PDFInsect pests are among the most critical constraints limiting vegetable production in trans-Himalayan Ladakh. However, there is limited information about the extent of crop damage, which hinders the development of effective pest management approaches for vegetable growers. The present study, therefore, aimed to identify farmers’ perceptions of the most damaging insect pests of vegetable crops and the extent of crop damage in the Ladakh region. A standard questionnaire was used to interview individual vegetable growers (n=586) about their perception regarding insect pests in four major vegetable-producing valleys in the region. Most farmers (87.9 %) perceived insect pest attacks on vegetable crops have increased in the past ten years. Among the insect pests reported by the growers, onion maggot was ranked the most damaging by 58.4 % of the respondents, followed by aphids (22.7 %), the caterpillar of cabbage butterfly (16.0 %), and cutworms (2.9 % of the respondents). Of the farmers surveyed, 35.5 % of vegetable growers reported that the onion maggot caused over 70 % damage to onion crops. The result of the study will enable the researchers, extension personnel, administrators, and policymakers to prioritize developing strategies for managing these key insect pests in the region. To our knowledge, no such data for the region is available
Integration of Allelopathy for Sustainable Weed Management in Agriculture: A Review
Get PDFInhibiting plant growth and development, weeds cause crop failure, causing a significant threat to agricultural output. Compared with any other pest, weeds reduce agricultural yields. Consequently, synthetic herbicides have become widely used for weed control. However, the widespread use of synthetic herbicides affects ecosystems and human health. The numerous adverse effects of synthetic herbicides have prompted scientists to seek less harmful alternatives. It is possible to significantly decrease the use of pesticides by implementing the method, i.e., allelopathy. In writing this review, we aimed to help readers better understand many allelopathic species that produce useful allelochemicals for both organic and conventional farming. The main goal of this research topic is SDG 2: Zero Hunger. The objectives of this SDG are to improve nutrition, achieve food security, eradicate hunger, and advance sustainable agriculture. The study also helps to understand the dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems and the relationships between plant species, which are crucial for sustainable land management and agricultural productivity. It is secondary to SDG 15 (Life on Land). Allelopathy is becoming increasingly significant in sustainable agriculture despite these obstacles, providing a way to cut chemical inputs while still controlling weeds effectively. We expect that more studies will be conducted into allelopathy as a weed management strategy for a complete, long-term, and ecologically acceptable weed control plan
Role of Personality Traits, Self-Efficacy and Procrastination on Cyberloafing Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Study
Get PDFThe internet has revolutionised the way work is carried out and has contributed significantly to the enhancement of organisations, employees and students. With time, internet usage in organisations and institutes has taken a new turn. One such concern of internet usage is cyberloafing. Cyberloafing has caused an obvious drop in employee and student productivity, and subsequently cost organisation much time and money. Studies have tried to identify factors that influence cyberloafing behaviours; however, have led to few inconclusive arguments. With a total sample size of 315 (females=181 and males=134), the present study aims to understand how self-efficacy mediates and procrastination moderates the relationship between personality traits and cyberloafing behavior. Using a survey research design, the data was collected through online and paper-pencil modes. Pearson’s product moment correlations and stepwise regression revealed that personality traits have connection with cyberloafing behavior. Moreover, moderated-mediation analysis showed that self-efficacy does not act as a mediator for personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion) and cyberloafing. Similarly, procrastination too does not moderate the relation between the two variables. The present study sheds light on existence of cyberloafing at workplace and academics, and emphasises on the importance of understanding the factors influencing cyberloafin
The Golden Superfruit: Unveiling the Nutritional Riches and Multifaceted Health Benefits of Seabuckthorn
Get PDFSeabuckthorn, binomially named Hippophae rhamnoides L., is widely recognised as a nutritional powerhouse due to its exceptional nutrient profile. This hardy shrub produces small, tart berries packed with an array of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Seabuckthorn berries are particularly rich in vitamin C and also contain significant amounts of vitamins A and E, as well as B-complex. The berries are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, including the rare omega-7 fatty acid, which is believed to support skin health and mucous membrane integrity. It has also garnered significant attention owing to its potential anticancer properties. The plant contains a rich array of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like quercetin, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which have been associated with the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells and suppression of angiogenesis, which demonstrates promising antiproliferative and antitumor effects in assorted studies. However, its use as an anti-cancer agent requires further research elucidation for understanding its advantages over conventional cancer therapies. This review article unveils the unique nutritional composition of Seabuckthorn and its significance as a functional food, covering its potential applications in promoting overall health and addressing specific nutritional deficiencies
Phytoremediation by Bio-Energy and Aromatic Plants: A Multidimensional and Ecologically Feasible Method of Remediation
Get PDFHeavy metals have been considered to be a serious environmental threat that has adverse impacts on human health as well. To reduce its risk, a new integrated phytoremediation-bioenergy approach could be a viable solution. These crops offer double advantage of phytoremediation as well as the production of valuable by-products like essential oil and this approach contributes to the circular bioeconomy. The growth of aromatic and bioenergy plants keeps heavy metals out of the food chain. It allows for the long-term use of contaminated land, which creates new approaches to addressing pollution problems. This review article mainly highlights how phytoremediation is coupled with bioenergy and essential oil production, along with managing post harvested biomass. The current review also offers a thorough summary of these plants’ utilization in years to address pollution issues and their potential to produce essential oil and bioenergy to meet future energy needs