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The study aims to determine the inheritance pattern of different morphological features of the external ear in three generations from five states of India to assess the similarities between P1, F1, and F2 generations. The research involved 62 families, each with 124 grandparents P1 (62 males and 62 females), 124 parents F1 (62 males and 62 females), and 82 F2 generations (53 males and 29 females), a total of 330 samples, ranging in age from 1 to 75 years. All the samples were collected from five different states of India: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Maharashtra. The external ear is distinct in terms of shape, size, and orientation. Its morphological variation aids in the determination of genetic inheritance. Fisher exact test was performed to assess the inter- generation association of morphological characteristics of the ear. Similar to other body characteristics, it is established that the auricle shape, lobule shape, and ear lobule attachment are also inherited. The associations of ear traits in three generations were studied, and the results might be used in forensic identification.

The ex-vivo biochemical changes of different body fluids also referred as aging of fluids are potential marker for the estimation of Time since deposition. Infrared spectroscopy has great potential to reveal the biochemical changes in these fluids as previously reported by several researchers. The present study is focused to analyze the spectral changes in the ATR-FTIR spectra of three body fluids, commonly encountered in violent crimes i.e., semen, saliva, and urine as they dry out. The whole analytical timeline is divided into relatively slow phase I due to the major contribution of water and faster Phase II due to significant evaporation of water. Two spectral regions i.e., 3200–3400 cm −1 and 1600–1000 cm −1 are the major contributors to the spectra of these fluids. Several peaks in the spectral region between 1600 and 1000 cm −1 showed highly significant regression equation with a higher coefficient of determination values in Phase II in contrary to the slow passing Phase I. Principal component and Partial Least Square Regression analysis are the two chemometric tool used to estimate the time since deposition of the aforesaid fluids as they dry out. Additionally, this study potentially estimates the time since deposition of an offense from the aging of the body fluids at the early stages after its occurrence as well as works as the precursor for further studies on an extended timeframe.

Oats ( Avena sativa L.) is a multipurpose, popular, nutritionally rich cereal crop widely used for food, feed, and fodder. In India, it is cultivated on nearly 0.25 M ha in the northern, northwestern, and central regions and has recently expanded to the eastern region, mainly for fodder purposes. Breeder seed (BS) production data were collected from the AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization (FC&U) for a period of 24 years (1998–1999 to 2021–2022). Several fodder oat varieties have been developed and introduced into the seed chain in India over the past 24 years to suit different agro-climatic conditions. However, analysis reveals a narrow genetic base at the varietal level, with a few old and popular varieties (Kent, OS-6, and OS-7) sharing > 70% of the genome in varietal development. To encourage the cultivation of new varieties and replace older ones, adequate BS production is vital to ensure a regular supply of quality seeds for sustainable livestock production, providing nutritious and cost-effective fodder. With a few exceptions, the amount of BS indent and the number of varieties has increased, indicating growing demand and awareness of new varieties. At the institutional level, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) (Jhansi) contributed the highest to BS production (29.8%), followed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) (Ludhiana; 13.7%), AAU (Anand; 10.8%), and G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) (Pantnagar; 9.9%). A moderate varietal replacement rate (22.9%) was observed for recently developed varieties (< 5 years) over the past 3 years (2019–2020 to 2021–2022). However, their contribution has significantly increased from 0.2% (2018–2019) to 26.2% (2021–2022). We estimated certified seed production (194,040 q) for 2023–2024 based on the available BS (485.1 q), assuming the seed chain operates at 100% efficiency. This production could cover 0.19 M ha of fodder oats in 2024–2025. The ARIMA model estimated that BS production and the number of varieties in the seed chain would reach 734.2 q and 28, respectively, by 2026–2027. Additionally, breeding approaches and improved management practices for enhanced seed production were discussed, and a roadmap was proposed to meet the demand for quality fodder oat seed in India.

Finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L.) is a nutritionally rich but underutilized crop found in semi-arid regions and drylands worldwide. To identify their genetically diverse and well-adapted genotypes to local conditions, a total of 162 germplasm lines, along with eight check varieties, were assessed during the rainy seasons of 2023 and 2024. The morphological characterization adhered to the Distinctiveness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) guidelines established by the PPV & FR Authority. The data collection concentrated on 14 qualitative traits and 13 quantitative traits. Significant variation was observed across all the traits. Specific traits such as earhead length, finger length, number of productive tillers, stover yield, and grain yield exhibited high heritability and significant genetic advance. The diversity index ranged from 0.162 for seed shape to 1.436 for ear shape. Grain yield demonstrated the most significant positive correlations with flag leaf width (0.503) and finger number (0.320). Cluster analysis classified the genotypes into six distinct clusters, with cluster 6 being highly diverse and possessing early maturing genotypes. PCA identified five principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1, collectively accounting for 70.1% of the total variation. The study identified genetically diverse and promising genotypes, establishing a solid foundation for targeted selection and breeding. The enhanced integration of molecular tools like genome-wide association studies may facilitate the precise selection of genotypes. The findings offer critical insights for selecting high-performing genotypes appropriate for cultivation and for improving breeding programs in this region.

Background The morphological features of the external ear have been studied and found to be imparting significant uniqueness for the personal identification purpose, including gender and population studies. This study aims to investigate the bilateral variations of the external ear between males and females within the population of southern Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 150 healthy individuals, consisting of 75 males and 75 females, were chosen for this study. This research prioritized a variety of morphological features of both ears, including auricle length, auricle width, lobule length, lobule width, tragus to antihelix, and anterior crus to notch, subjected to the morphometry for the study of bilateral differences. Initially, the morphometric data was evaluated descriptively. To further examine the deviation, student’s t-test and the Wilcoxon test was employed. Result The external ear morphology showed significant bilateral and sex-based differences. In female samples, the mean auricle length of the left and right ears was found to be 4.361 cm (± 0.49) and 4.397 cm (± 0.323), respectively. In males, the mean auricle lengths for the left and right ears were observed to be 4.36 cm (± 0.45) and 4.619 cm (± 0.422), respectively. Additionally, with the exception of tragus to antihelix distances, male samples showed higher values for auricle width, length and width of lobule, and anterior crus to notch. Auricle length and width of both the ears were found to be significantly different between male and female samples ( p  < .001). The male samples showed differences between the two sides, especially in auricle width, lobule length ( p  < .001), and tragus to antihelix ( p  < 0.05). However, the auricle width and lobule length demonstrated statistically significant bilateral asymmetry in female samples. Conclusion Ultimately, the variation among the same individuals, as well as between males and females was observed that allowed to identify a markedly significant difference between the two groups. Predominantly, males exhibit a considerably higher value than females. The results of this study underscore the insights on bilateral differences in the morphology of external human ear that may significantly contribute in personal identification for anthropology and forensic stand point.

Pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br., syn. Cenchrus americanus [L.] Morrone) is a climate-resilient cereal and a vital fodder source in arid and semi-arid regions. Identification and characterization of diverse inbred lines are essential for developing superior forage composites and hybrids with enhanced yield and stress resilience. In this study, 96 fodder pearl millet inbreds along with four checks were evaluated during rainy season 2024 and summer seasons 2025 for 29 morpho-physiological and root architectural traits, complemented by molecular characterization using 46 polymorphic SSR markers. Significant genotypic variation and strong genotype × season interactions were observed for key yield and physiological traits, indicating substantial environmental responsiveness. Correlation analyses identified stem girth, plant height, dry matter yield, and major root traits as major determinants of green fodder yield. Morphological clustering grouped genotypes into five clusters, with maximum divergence between Clusters II and V. SSR analysis detected 203 alleles across 46 loci (average: 5.28 alleles per locus; PIC = 0.62), and population structure analysis resolved six genetic groups highlighting their potential use as heterotic parents. Based on combined phenotypic and molecular diversity, selected inbreds were randomly intermated to develop eight fodder composites. Two composites exhibited 17–20% higher green fodder yield than the best check cultivar. These results demonstrate that integrating morphological and molecular diversity enables effective parental selection and rapid development of superior high-biomass fodder pearl millet composites.

Lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.) is the second most significant winter leguminous fodder crop after berseem in India. Breeder seed (BS) is the first stage of the seed production chain, as it is the base material for producing foundation and certified seeds. In India, lucerne BS demand has been reduced by 85.58% during the last 24 years (1998–1999 to 2021–2022), declining from 2150 kg to 310 kg. Out of 14 varieties released and notified so far, only nine varieties entered the seed chain since 1998–1999. It shows narrow varietal diversification and, hence, needs robust breeding programs towards enriching genetic variability and varietal development. The present study also highlights the disparity in BS demand and production over the years and puts forth the possible reasons behind the reduction in BS demand and production in the country. Out of the nine varieties, the BS demand of Anand-2 (53.11%) was highest, followed by Type-9 (19.44%) and RL-88 (13.60%). Varietal replacement rate (VRR) was found to be moderate, i.e., 23.67% for the varieties having <5 years old age in the last 3 years (2019–2020 to 2021–2022). It has also been estimated that BS produced (233 kg) during 2021–2022 can cover the approximate area of 6,300 ha at farmers’ fields in 2024–2025 if the seed chain functions 100%, effectively. The present study provides a holistic overview of lucerne BS demand and production, challenges in BS production, and the way forward to develop more varieties and surplus BS production in the country.

Introduction: Entrepreneurship in agricultural sector is a key enabler of rural development and economic growth. This research delves into the entrepreneurial behavior of vegetable growers involved in polyhouse protected farming and focuses on the factors that influence their entrepreneurial pursuits. Methods: The research employed a mixed sampling methodology and the data collection was done by personally interviews. Whereas, data were analyzed using various statistical techniques including Entrepreneurial behavior index computation and Kendall’s tau correlation. Results: The results of the study reveal noteworthy associations between factors such as farm income, experience in protected cultivation, area allocated for polyhouse cultivation and extension contact with entrepreneurial behavior. Notably, income consistently demonstrated a positive correlation with all aspects of entrepreneurial behavior, while experience and extension contact also exhibited significant positive relationships. Conversely, education level displayed a negative correlation with risk-taking ability but a positive correlation with other dimensions such as cosmopoliteness and innovativeness. However, family size and gender did not demonstrate significant associations with entrepreneurial behavior. Discussion: The findings underscored the intricate nature of entrepreneurial behavior among vegetable growers which necessitate tailored interventions to foster entrepreneurship in this sector. The research recommends policy measures like financial incentives, enhanced access to extension services and promoting collaboration among polyhouse cultivators to encourage entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to overcome financial barriers, improve technical knowledge and address structural challenges, ultimately fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and agricultural development.

This research examines the synergistic impacts of hybrid nanofillers, particularly silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 ) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), in polyethene (PE) network nanocomposites. The nanocomposites are methodically arranged and characterized for predominant mechanical and electrical execution. Tensile tests uncover a significant upgrade in mechanical properties, with test C showing a tensile quality of 83.2 MPa, flexible modulus of 3.6 GPa, and stretching at a break of 11.8%. Electrical conductivity estimations demonstrate an outstanding change, with test C coming to 1.1×10 −4 S/m Comparative investigation with related works exhibits the competitive points of interest of the crossover nanocomposites, adjusting with later improvements within the field. Morphological examination through checking and transmission electron microscopy affirms the successful scattering and interconnectivity of cross-breed nanofillers inside the polymer network. Affectability examinations emphasize the significance of preparing parameters in fitting nanocomposite properties, whereas recreation studies give hypothetical bits of knowledge into microstructural angles impacting by and large execution. This study contributes to the advancing scene of hybrid nanocomposite materials, advertising a promising road for the improvement of progressed materials with improved multifunctionality.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate and standardize the protocol for enhancing recovery of oil and quality from cold pressed wild apricot kernels by using various enzymes. Wild apricot kernels were ground into powder in a grinder. Different lots of 3 kg powdered kernel were prepared and treated with different concentrations of enzyme solutions viz. Pectazyme (Pectinase), Mashzyme (Cellulase) and Pectazyme + Mashzyme. Kernel powder mixed with enzyme solutions were kept for 2 h at 50(±2) °C temperature for enzymatic treatment before its use for oil extraction through oil expeller. Results indicate that use of enzymes resulted in enhancement of oil recovery by 9.00–14.22 %. Maximum oil recovery was observed at 0.3–0.4 % enzyme concentration for both the enzymes individually, as well as in combination. All the three enzymatic treatments resulted in increasing oil yield. However, with 0.3 % (Pectazyme + Mashzyme) combination, maximum oil recovery of 47.33 % could be observed against were 33.11 % in control. The oil content left (wasted) in the cake and residue were reduced from 11.67 and 11.60 % to 7.31 and 2.72 % respectively, thus showing a high increase in efficiency of oil recovery from wild apricot kernels. Quality characteristics indicate that the oil quality was not adversely affected by enzymatic treatment. It was concluded treatment of powdered wild apricot kernels with 0.3 % (Pectazyme + Mashzyme) combination was highly effective in increasing oil recovery by 14.22 % without adversely affecting the quality and thus may be commercially used by the industry for reducing wastage of highly precious oil in the cake.