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Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] is a crucial crop in dryland agriculture due to its exceptional drought tolerance and rich nutritional profile. Integrating pearl millet into agroforestry systems holds promise for enhancing the socioeconomic status of smallholder farmers while also offering environmental benefits. A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2022-23 at the Main Experimental Station, Agroforestry, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.). The experimental site is situated at 26°27’ N latitude and 82°12’ E longitude, with 113 m elevation from mean sea level. Three varieties of pearl millet (V1: GK-1183, V2: Virat-9, and V3: Kaveri Super Boss) were raised in a shisham-based silvi-pastoral system with the application of four nitrogen levels (N0: control, N1: 60 kg ha−1, N2: 80 kg ha−1, and N3: 100 kg ha−1). The field experiment was laid out in a two-factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant population, plant height (cm), number of tillers, nodes, internodes, leaves, leaf area index, plant weight (g), and fodder yield (q ha⁻¹) were recorded to assess the effect of different nitrogen levels on the growth and fodder yield performance of various pearl millet varieties. Additionally, cost of cultivation, gross return, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) were calculated to evaluate the economic feasibility of introducing pearl millet into the agroforestry system. The data were analyzed using a two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% level of significance (p = 0.05) with the assistance of OPSTAT software. Among all three varieties, Kaveri Super Boss exhibited significantly higher plant height, number of nodes and internodes, leaf area index, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and green and dry fodder yield but does not have a significant effect on initial and final plant population. Nitrogen levels had variable responses on plant population, plant height, number of leaves, nodes and internodes, leaf area index, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and green and dry fodder yield at harvest, and maxima of these parameters was recorded for the application of 100 kg nitrogen ha−1. Net returns and benefit-cost ratio was highest for the combination of Kaveri Super Boss (V3) and 100 kg nitrogen ha−1.

Land and water are the most necessary natural resources because the entire life system depends on them. It requires proper management to achieve maximum utilization. When used in conjunction with Arc GIS, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a promising model for simulating the agricultural watershed since it can forecast runoff, sediment and nutrient transport, and erosion under various management scenarios. Furthermore, the model is better at evaluating both the spatial and non-spatial variation of hydrological methods under a very large watershed. This study uses the methodology employed by the SWAT model for the estimation of surface runoff and sediment yield and discusses in detail the setup of the model computer file needed by the model sensitivity analysis parameter and validation area unit. SWAT is a well-known hydrological modeling method used in many hydrologic and environmental simulations. Over 17 years (2005-2021), 212 studies were found from various peer-reviewed scientific publications listed on the SWAT online database (CARD). Applicability studies were divided into five categories: water resources, streamflow, erosion, land-use planning and agricultural settings, climate change scenarios, and model parameterization. Hydrologic phenomena and adaptations in various river basins have been investigated. They mostly examined environmental impacts and preventive techniques to ensure an understanding of effective environmental regulation. Streamflow susceptibility to climatic changes was shown in climate change studies. Modeling streamflow parameters, model modifications, and basin-scale calibrations were investigated. Future simulation aspects such as data sharing and the opportunity for improved future analysis are also discussed. A multimodal approach to future simulations, as well as more efforts to make local data available, are both very good ideas.

In South Asia, declining water tables due to increased irrigation and labor shortages for manual weeding pose significant challenges for wheat production. Additionally, herbicide resistance, often resulting from poor management practices, further complicates weed problems. The objective of this study was to assess the impacts of traditional irrigation regimens (IRs) and herbicide application on wheat crops. The findings showed that when irrigation was applied at 100 mm CPE (IR 4 ), and at 40 mm CPE (IR 1 ), different combinations of herbicide to weed managment were tested. In comparison to the other treatments, application of irrigation at 40 mm cumulative pan evaporation (IR 1 ) along with the Pendimethalin 1000 g ha −1 (pre-em) in combination with clodinafop-propargyl 10% + metribuzin 22% + sulfosulfuron 4.2% at a rate of 1125 g ha −1 at 30 DAS (WM 1 ) produced the best results in terms of crop yields, economic returns, relative water content, consumptive use, rate of water use, water use efficiency, water productivity, energy input–output, energy returns, energy productivity, energy intensity, specific energy, energy efficiency, maximum field capacity, available soil water, and soil profile moisture extraction pattern. The only exceptions were Pendimethalin 1000 g ha −1 (pre-em) combined with carfentrazone ethyl 20% + sulfosulfuron 25%WG), at the rate of 100 g ha −1 at 30 DAS (WM 2 ) and the weed-free treatment (WM 5 ), where the differences were not statistically significant. The yield of wheat grain (14.26 kg ha −1 ) and straw (14.41 kg ha −1 ) decreased as the unit dry matter production of weeds increased. The study recommends exploring additional weed control strategies and irrigation management options in future improve wheat yields in conventionally-tilled systems.

Yellow sarson ( Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson) is an essential oilseed crop where the multilocular ovary trait enhances yield potential. Elucidating the inheritance pattern of multilocularity will empower breeding efforts. This study aimed to dissect the genetics governing ovary locule number in yellow sarson using crosses between multilocular (Pant Pili Sarson 1, NDYS) and bilocular (Pant Girija, B9) lines. F 1 , F 2 and backcross generations were developed and analyzed for segregation of locule number. Results revealed monogenic dominant inheritance of the multilocular trait. All F 1 progeny exhibited multilocularity, indicating dominance. The F 2 population displayed Mendelian 3:1 segregation of multilocular to bilocular phenotypes, confirming control by a single dominant locus. Backcrosses to multilocular parents produced all multilocular offspring, while crosses to bilocular parents exhibited 1:1 segregation, validating the model. These findings contrast with previous reports of recessive inheritance in Brassicaceae, likely reflecting differing genetic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the single dominant gene uncovered simplifies breeding efforts to enhance this beneficial high-yielding trait. By elucidating the genetics underlying multilocularity in yellow sarson, this work empowers breeding programs seeking to improve yield through enhancement of the multilocular ovary trait.

The present study has been carried out in C. batrachus to evaluate the oxidative stress induced by herbicide pretilachlor through analysing level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of different antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue. Fish were exposed to different sub lethal test concentrations of pretilachlor based on 96 h LC 50 value. The durations of exposure were 30, 45 and 60 days. Herbicide concentration and exposure duration dependent changes in the level of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities were observed. Maximum level of LPO was observed in fish exposed to maximum test concentration of herbicide at all duration of exposure. For a particular test concentration the maximum LPO was seen at 45 days which was followed by decrease at 60 days of exposure. In a similar way, activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increases with increasing duration of exposure initially and then decreases. No significant changes in GR activity was observed because GSH: GSSG ratio is more resistant to exposure of pretilachlor. Results clearly indicated that herbicide pretilachlor changes the antioxidant status of fish therefore its excessive and improper use in agricultural fields must be avoided.

Availability of the germplasm of suitable crops for cultivation in environmental stress prone and resource poor terrains is crucial for food security in these regions. Rich diversity of millets, which are highly tolerant to extreme weather conditions, is obtainable in the Central Himalayan Region (CHR). However, biochemical evaluation of available germplasm for food security is a major apprehension yet to be addressed properly. In this backdrop expeditions were conducted to tap and evaluate the germplasm variability of finger millet [ Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.]. Germplasm accessions (314) having traits of agronomic importance were collected and evaluated for three consecutive years. In addition to set of biochemical traits, yield was recorded to find out suitable germplasm for large scale cultivation/breeding programme. At flowering stage variability in antioxidants level of leaves such as glutathione and ascorbate ranged from 105.27 to 423.63 mmol g −1  FW and 4.89–10.21 mmol g −1  FW respectively. Extensive variableness in the activity of enzymes which are important for multiple abiotic stress tolerance viz., catalase (115–855 mmol H 2 O 2 decomposed min −1  mg −1 protein), peroxidase (1.24–6.35 mmol substrate min −1  mg −1 protein), superoxide dismutase (1236–2963 enzyme U mg −1 protein), glutathione reductase (0.53–2.14 mmol substrate min −1  mg −1 protein), ascorbate peroxidase (1.86–7.04 mmol substrate min −1  mg −1 protein), monodehydroascorbate reducatase (1.11–4.41 mmol substrate min −1  mg −1 protein), dehydroascorbate reducatase (0.34–1.36 mmol substrate min −1  mg −1 protein) was also recorded. Worldwide Abiotic/environmental stresses hamper agricultural production. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic defence system precisely controls this situation. Hence, biochemical evaluation might be an appropriate strategy for identification of suitable germplam to combat the problem of food security in such areas.

Feral swine are known reservoirs of various pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii . Here, we report the first national survey of viable T. gondii in feral swine in the USA. We paired serological surveys with parasite isolation and bioassay to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of these parasites. From 2012–2017, sera and tissues from 1517 feral swine across the USA were collected for the isolation of viable T. gondii. Serum samples were initially screened for antibodies to T. gondii , and then the tissues of seropositive feral swine were bioassayed in mice. Antibodies were detected in 27.7% of feral swine tested by the modified agglutination test (1:25 or higher). Antibody positive rates increased significantly with age, with 10.1% of juveniles, 16.0% of sub-adults and 38.4% of adults testing seropositive. Myocardium (50 g) from 232 seropositive feral swine was digested in pepsin and bioassayed in mice. Viable T. gondii was isolated from 78 feral swine from 21 states. Twelve of the 78 isolates were pathogenic to outbred Swiss Webster mice and 76 of the 78 isolates could be propagated further in cell culture and were genotyped. For genotyping, deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from cell culture-derived tachyzoites was characterized by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism using the genetic markers SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Genotyping revealed 15 ToxoDB genotypes, including 43 isolates for genotype #5 (haplogroup 12), 11 isolates for #24, four isolates for #2 (haplogroup 3), two isolates for each of genotypes #3 (haplogroup 2), #4 (haplogroup 12), #216, #221, #289 and #297 and one isolate for each of genotypes #1 (haplogroup 2), #39, #66, #260, #261 and #299. Genotype #5 was the most frequently isolated, accounted for 57% (43/76) of the isolates, followed by #24, accounted for 14% (11/76). Genotypes #260, #289, #297 and #299 are new types. Genotype #289 was highly virulent to mice and originated from feral swine collected in Louisiana on the same day at the same location. Genotype #216 was previously demonstrated to be highly virulent to mice. Our results indicate moderate genetic diversity of T. gondii in feral swine in the USA, with the genotype #5 (haplogroup 12) dominant in the continental USA, whereas genotype #24 (10/14) was dominant in Hawaii, suggesting different population structures of the parasites among the two distinct geographical locations.

Himachal Pradesh is a northern state of India and is located to the southern of the mighty Himalaya. The agro-climatic conditions are favourable for the cultivation of off-season vegetables. One alternative is to control Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagel (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with indigenous natural products derived from cow and plant extracts. To reduce the usage of pesticides during crop protection, the current study was conducted with several indigenous natural products with the goal of assessing the toxic, ovicidal behaviour and its influence on pest growth and development. Results showed that mixtures of different extracts from plants and cow by-products, especially Dashparni ark, could be an economic approach for the management of A. ipsilon . In all the products, A. ipsilon mortality ranged from low to moderate levels in the laboratory in first, second and third instar larvae, which decreased with subsequent instars and was observed to be very low in fourth, fifth and sixth instar. The egg hatchability of A. ipsilon was decreased with increase in the concentration of all evaluated products. Compared to other checked natural products, Dashparni Ark demonstrated the highest ovicidal performance at various concentrations. The normal growth of A. ipsilon was hampered by the recommended concentration (10%) of the various natural products used against fourth instar larvae, which increased the lifespan of fourth, fifth, and sixth instar larvae and pupa while decreasing the longevity of males and females, shortening the lifespan of oviposition, and decreasing fertility. The findings showed that it is possible to use indigenous natural products as one of the components for managing A. ipsilon to decrease over-reliance on insecticides under field and greenhouse conditions.

To analyse the disease burden of pseudoexfoliation (PXF) disease stages from East and South India. Prospective hospital based study of patients seen at 4 tertiary centres. Consecutive old and new patients of pseudoexfoliation with normal intraocular pressure (IOP), raised IOP (PXF with Ocular hypertension, OHT) and irreversible disc/field changes (pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, PXG) seen from April 2016-March 2017 at a tertiary centre in Odisha, East India and 3 centres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, South India, recruited into the prospective study were screened for baseline characteristics. The clinical and demographic details including visual acuity, laterality, intraocular pressure (IOP) with details of medical/surgical therapy at presentation were collected from the hospital database at all 4 centres. The World Health Organization WHO visual criteria were used for defining visual impairment/absolute blindness in different disease stages. The visual impairment/blindness rates with comorbidities in the anterior/posterior segment in PXF, OHT and PXG at baseline were compared and the influence of age, IOP fluctuations and laterality was analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Of 6284 PXF eyes (of 3142 patients) included from all centres, OHT and PXG was seen in 2.1% and 29% respectively which included 3676 (>50%) bilateral PXF eyes. Reversible visual impairment rates caused by PXF associated co-morbidities in PXF and OHT were 33% and 26% respectively with cataract being the major cause (67% in PXF and 74% in OHT). Irreversible blindness rate was higher in bilateral PXG eyes (30.5%) compared to bilateral PXF (23.2%) or bilateral OHT (21.6%) with overall absolute blindness rates of 28.2% at presentation. Older age (p<0.001), bilaterality and higher baseline IOP were significantly associated with higher rates of blindness in PXF eyes. Pseudoexfoliation is associated with ≥30% visual impairment across all stages and 28% absolute blindness rate which is a huge hidden burden of glaucoma. Adequate disease staging and assessment of comorbidities is required for accurate prognostication at baseline and reducing avoidable pseudoexfoliation blindness.

The objective of present review is to provide a scientific overview of sugarcane as a potential feedstock for biofuel and use of genome editing approach for improvement of industrial and agronomical traits in sugarcane. Sugarcane, a perennial tropical grass with a high biomass index, is a promising feedstock for bioethanol production, and its bagasse, rich in lignocellulosic material, serves as an ideal feedstock for producing second-generation bioethanol. To improve the conversion of sugarcane biomass into biofuels, developing varieties with improved biomass degradability and high biomass and sucrose content is essential. The complex genome architecture and earlier lack of sequence data hindered biotechnological advancements in sugarcane, but recent genome sequence updates offer new opportunities for sugarcane improvement. The first genetically modified sugarcane was developed in 1992 by Bower and Birch using microprojectile bombardment of embryogenic callus. Since then, transgenic techniques have rapidly evolved, leading to the advancement of genome editing technologies. Application of genome editing tools particularly CRISPR/Cas system has been successfully used in sugarcane for editing. Recently, multiple alleles of the magnesium chelatase and acetolactate synthase genes in sugarcane have been successfully edited through multiplexing. Additionally, CRISPR-edited sugarcane varieties with modified cell wall components and increased sucrose content for enhanced bioethanol production have been developed. At the end, the future of CRISPR-edited crops will depend on how well regulatory frameworks adapt to the rapidly evolving technology.