143 research outputs found
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Systematic Review of Integrated Weed Management Strategies in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivation
Get PDFWeeds are a major constraint in maize cultivation, causing global yield losses that average about 37%, with studies reporting a range of 20% to 80% depending on weed pressure and management.
Effective weed control is therefore critical, particularly during the vulnerable period between 4 to 7 weeks after sowing. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current approaches to Integrated Weed Management (IWM) in maize cultivation to support farmers, researchers, and agricultural specialists in identifying more sustainable and effective weed control strategies. Although various weed control methods exist, comprehensive comparison of their effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term implications for soil health and productivity in maize-based systems remain limited in the literature. A systematic search was conducted across major scientific databases including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Keywords such as “Integrated Weed Management,” “biological methods,” “chemical weed control,” “mechanical methods,” “cultural practices,” and “herbicide risks” were used to identify relevant studies. Articles were screened and selected based on relevance and methodological quality. The findings indicate that while chemical herbicides are widely used due to their efficiency and lower labor requirements, overreliance on them can lead to soil degradation, herbicide resistance, and environmental harm. In contrast, IWM approaches that integrate crop rotation, mechanical control, cover crops, bioherbicides, and precision agriculture techniques offer more sustainable outcomes. The review highlights the potential of herbicide-resistant maize cultivars and natural herbicides in reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals. Future research should focus on optimizing IWM combinations tailored to specific agroecological zones and improving the adoption of sustainable practices at the farm level
Environmental Fate and Toxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review
Get PDFZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly utilized in agriculture, electronics, and medicine, raising concerns about their environmental fate and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to review the fate, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of ZnO NPs in aquatic ecosystem. This review was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Finding indicates that ZnO NP fate in aquatic ecosystems is governed by key environmental factors, including pH, ionic strength, and DOM. ZnO NPs tend to aggregate in high-salinity environments, whereas acidic conditions enhance dissolution, leading to increased Zn²⁺ ion release and potential toxicity. Smaller ZnO NPs exhibit higher reactivity and bioavailability, increasing their potential for bioaccumulation. Bioaccumulation of ZnO NPs is influenced by concentration, exposure time, and particle size, with smaller nanoparticles being more readily absorbed by aquatic organisms. Toxicity varies depending on exposure duration and environmental conditions, with DOM playing a mitigating role by reducing Zn²⁺ ion availability. Additionally, ZnO NP exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, developmental abnormalities, and behavioral changes in aquatic organisms, highlighting the need for regulations and tailored risk assessments that account for water chemistry variations to mitigate ecological risks. Future research should focus on long-term impacts, including multi-species interactions and trophic transfer, to improve mitigation strategies
Influence of Taxation Policy on the Employment of Production Factors in Agriculture Sector Using a CGE Modelling Approach
Get PDFThis study investigates the impact of indirect taxation on employment in Afghanistan's agriculture sector, addressing the lack of research on its short-term macroeconomic effects, particularly in agricultural sub-sectors. To fill this gap, a general equilibrium model integrated with a social accounting matrix was used to quantify employment responses across ten scenarios, testing 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% changes in the 2018 indirect tax volume. The findings reveal a direct correlation between indirect taxes and labor and capital employment, where tax reductions led to a decline in employment across all agricultural categories. In contrast, tax increases had the opposite effect. Forestry contributed the most to employment growth under rising tax scenarios, followed by opium, vegetables, cereals, fruits, and livestock. The study highlights the need for alternative job opportunities and effective tax revenue management to mitigate labor market disruptions and support sustainable agricultural development
Geochemical and Petrographic Analysis of Metamorphic Rocks in Aliabad Mountain, Kabul Block, Afghanistan
Get PDFThe Kabul Block, a key geological feature in Afghanistan, comprises sedimentary, metamorphic, and volcanic rocks, including those of Aliabad Mountain. Despite its significance, Aliabad Mountain has received limited geochemical study. This research characterizes the lithological variations, chemical composition, and mineralogical properties of its metamorphic rocks to elucidate their protolith nature and tectonothermal history. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and petrographic analyses were conducted on 15 rock samples collected from five localities across Aliabad Mountain. Samples were powdered, pelletized, and analyzed using a calibrated XRF spectrometer. Results indicate a silicate-rich composition, with SiO₂ ranging from 60–72 wt%. One lithological unit shows elevated Fe (5.0–6.5 wt%), Ti (0.3–0.5 wt%), Mn (0.05–0.08 wt%), and Zr (0.015–0.02 wt%), suggesting a mafic or hydrothermally altered protolith. Another unit is enriched in phosphorus (0.1–0.5 wt%) and contains apatite and trace Cu (0.001–0.003 wt%), indicating a felsic, phosphate-bearing origin. Ni (0.002–0.004 wt%) and Co (0.008–0.012 wt%) were detected only in the oxide-rich lithology, while Au, Ag, Pd, Nb, and W were below detection limits, ruling out metallic mineralization. Petrographic analysis reveals biotite gneisses and amphibolites with sedimentary textures, supporting a paragneiss origin. These findings enhance understanding of the Proterozoic Kabul Block’s geological evolution and suggest potential for construction material sourcing due to the rocks’ stable mineralogy, despite limited economic mineral potential
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Chemical and Non-chemical Insecticides Against Onion Thrips in Field Conditions
Get PDFOnion thrips pose a significant threat to onion crops worldwide through their feeding habits, which can lead to visible damage and potential yield loss. This research aimed to investigate the effects of chemical and non-chemical insecticides on the management of onion thrips. This experimental study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, to evaluate the efficacy of different chemical insecticides, a botanical insecticide, attractive plant, and intercropping for the management of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) (Thysanoptera; Thripidae) on onion crops in 2023. Seven treatments were applied with three replications in a randomized complete block design. The first data collection occurred on July 12, 24 hours before the application of insecticides. Subsequent data were recorded 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after each spray application. Three chemical insecticides were tested: carbaryl (Sevin® 85% WP) at a rate of 650 g/hectare, cyhalothrin (2.5% EC) at a rate of 550 ml/hectare, and cypermethrin (10% EC) at a rate of 400 ml/hectare. Additionally, a botanical insecticide derived from Melia azedarach (water extract of seeds) was applied at a rate of 12 L/hectare. After three applications, carbaryl showed significant efficacy compared to the other two chemical insecticides, while the botanical insecticide did not yield significant results. Attractive plants and intercropping demonstrated significant results when the leaves of the onions began to harden
The Impact of Russian Knapweed's Extracts on Open Wound Healing Process in Rabbits
Get PDFSkin is the body's outermost layer; therefore, it is more at risk and is injured by many factors such as surgery, illness, and burns. Numerous drugs are used to heal these wounds, each of which has several drawbacks, limitations, and side effects. So, it is important to prepare a substance that is accessible, cheap, without limitations and defects, with or without low side effects. Therefore, we decided to conduct a study to investigate the effects of extracts of Russian knapweed on open wound healing in rabbits. This research was conducted on 18 rabbits in the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of Kabul University. Russian Knapweed root and stem extract were extracted using the decoction method. Then, a deep open wound was created in the animal's skin by a scalpel blade, and extracts were applied. The rabbits were randomly divided into the three (control, root, stem) groups. Results obtained from this research show that the vital signs of rabbits during the research were typical also on the fourth day; the root and stem groups had the highest healing rate, respectively. There is a significant difference compared to the control group, P < 0.05. On days 7th, 10th, and 13th, the stem group had the highest healing rate, but the difference between this group and the control and root groups was insignificant P˃0.05. Generally, the results of this study show that the Russian Knapweed root and stem extract obtained by the decoction method did not have a good effect on wound healing. However, on the fourth day of wound evaluation, more than 50% of wounds in root and stem groups were healed
Residue and Human Risk: A Reassessment of Aminoglycoside Residues in Edible Tissues
Get PDFAminoglycosides are a group of antibiotics widely used in both human and veterinary medicine, primarily for the treatment of bacterial infections. These drugs, including gentamicin, neomycin, and tobramycin, are poorly absorbed when taken orally and are therefore primarily administered via injection, although oral formulations are also available for the treatment of certain enteral infections. The primary concern with the use of aminoglycosides in veterinary medicine, especially in food-producing animals, is the potential risk for drug residues in products such as meat, milk, and eggs, staples of the human diet. Antibiotic residues can be harmful to humans, potentially causing adverse effects or contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, the pharmacokinetics of aminoglycosides, particularly their limited absorption when ingested orally, raise significant questions about the justification for current withdrawal times. Since these drugs are poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, the risk of residue accumulation capable of producing adverse effects in consumers is minimal. The aim of this review is to investigate whether current withdrawal times for aminoglycosides, particularly when residues are ingested orally by humans, are scientifically justified. The review evaluates the pharmacokinetic profiles, regulatory guidelines, and the associated risks of drug residues from oral exposure. The findings suggest that the risk of residue-induced adverse effects is negligible, as oral aminoglycosides are poorly absorbed and primarily act locally within the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, the review argues that current withdrawal times may be unnecessary and need to be reevaluated. Further research on residue persistence in food products following oral administration is necessary to optimize withdrawal guidelines
Hundred Medicinal Plants used as Anti-diabetic in Traditional Medicine in Afghanistan
Get PDFDiabetes mellitus remains a critical global health challenge, with Afghanistan disproportionately affected due to limited access to conventional treatments. Despite extensive traditional use of medicinal plants for diabetes management, no prior systematic review has comprehensively documented Afghanistan's anti-diabetic flora, their bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, or preparation methods. This study bridges this gap through a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 100 medicinal plants from Afghanistan's ethnomedicine, analyzing their anti-diabetic potential using exclusively peer-reviewed ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and biomedical literature (2000–2024). Databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, regional repositories) were searched with keywords: "Diabetes Mellitus," "Traditional Medicine," "Phytochemicals," "Anti-diabetic plants," AND "Afghanistan." Inclusion criteria encompassed in vitro/in vivo/clinical studies on Afghan plants; exclusions were non-peer-reviewed sources, conference abstracts, and studies lacking methodological clarity. Fabaceae (14 species), Lamiaceae (9), and Asteraceae (8) emerged as dominant families. Flavonoids (65% of plants), alkaloids (25%), and saponins (20%) were primary bioactive compounds, with key mechanisms including insulin sensitization (e.g., Trigonella foenum-graecum), α-glucosidase inhibition (e.g., Cinnamomum tamala), and antioxidant effects (e.g., Zingiber officinale). This synthesis validates Afghanistan's ethnobotanical heritage as a viable resource for diabetes management, though clinical trials and standardization protocols are urgently needed to translate traditional knowledge into evidence-based therapies
Optimization of One-Dimensional Functions Using the Golden Section Search Method
Get PDFThis paper addresses the problem of one-dimensional function optimization using the Golden Section Search Method. The primary objective is to determine the point at which a given unimodal function achieves its minimum within a bounded interval. The importance of such methods lies in their applicability to various scientific and engineering problems where analytical solutions may be complex or intractable. The study aims to explore both the theoretical background and practical implementation of the method, supported by an illustrative example. The research method involves analytical derivation of conditions for extrema, an explanation of unimodality, and step-by-step application of the Golden Section technique. The expected result is an accurate approximation of the function's minimum point with a specified level of precision, demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of the method in minimizing unimodal functions without requiring derivative information
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Mulches on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties Under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir
Get PDFMulching is a widely adopted agronomic practice for improving soil health, conserving moisture, and enhancing crop productivity, particularly under temperate conditions. A field experiment was conducted during 2020–21 at SKUAST-Kashmir to evaluate the effects of different organic and inorganic mulches on soil physico-chemical properties and moisture–temperature regimes under potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation. The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments, including six colored polyethylene mulches and three organic mulches, along with an un-mulched control. Soil parameters such as pH, organic carbon, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density, available N, P₂O₅, K₂O, soil moisture, and temperature were assessed before and after the experiment. Results revealed significant improvements in soil properties under both mulch types compared to the control. Plastic mulches, particularly black and green polyethylene, reduced soil pH, EC, and bulk density while enhancing soil moisture retention and thermal conditions. Among organic mulches, farmyard manure mulch recorded the highest organic carbon, reduced EC, improved nutrient availability, and maintained favorable soil temperature and moisture levels. Overall, mulched treatments significantly increased available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the initial soil status and the un-mulched control. Black polyethylene mulch and farmyard manure mulch consistently outperformed other treatments in improving soil hydrothermal regimes. The findings highlight the potential of both organic and inorganic mulches to enhance soil quality and support sustainable potato production under temperate conditions