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Eco-toxicological impact of wood preservatives and its sustainable mitigation strategies: A review

J. Papola and R. Kumar

ABSTRACT

 Wood preservatives are both organic and inorganic additives which are extensively utilized to improve the longevity and resilience of wooden products. Nonetheless, their usage causes considerable environmental threats. Wood preservatives, such as creosote and  chromated copper arsenate, zinc and copper compounds have the potential to leach into soil and water, causing toxicity in aquatic ecosystems and possible bioaccumulation within food chains. Furthermore, these preservatives may also pollute water sources, negatively impacting microbial communities and aquatic life. This paper investigates the harmful effects of these preservatives on the ecosystem. The study highlights the necessity for sustainable alternatives and regulatory measures to reduce the ecological impact of wood preservatives, stressing the significance of environmental safety in choosing and application of these chemicals.

Key words: Chemicals, ecosystem, environment, preservation, wood preservatives

Role of sulphur in plants and soil: Advances and implications

V. Goel, A. Bali and R. Kumar

ABSTRACT

Sulphur, a vital nutrient for plants, plays a crucial role in the formation of proteins, vitamins, and chlorophyll. This paper investigates the significance of sulphur in both plants and soil, emphasizing its essential functions in plant growth and development. The authors have explored how sulphur contributes to the synthesis of important amino acids, supports enzyme activity, and is necessary for chlorophyll production, which is key for photosynthesis. The recent advancements in the availability of sulphur in soil, its cyclical transformation through ecosystems, and innovative fertilization methods that ensure plants get the sulphur they need has been highlighted. The paper reviews the negative impacts of both sulphur deficiency and excess, such as poor plant health and soil degradation, and presents new technologies and strategies for monitoring and managing sulphur levels effectively. This research is particularly valuable because it sheds light on modern techniques and approaches that can significantly
enhance crop health and soil quality. Application of these advanced technologies and methods will be helpful for supporting sustainable agricultural practices and better environmental management which in turn may lead to more resilient farming systems and improved food security.

Key words: Amino acids, chlorophyll, plant growth, soil quality, sulphur, sustainable agriculture

Genetic analysis of seed yield determining factors in biparental progenies of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

P. Chand and T.R. Das

ABSTRACT

The experiment was conducted for the genetic analysis of seed yield determining factors in 625 half-sib progenies developed from a biparental cross beyween two blackgram lines (L-207 × L-400) by using North Carolina Design–II. The mean squares due to females were of higher magnitude in comparison with those due to males and interactions, indicating greater diversity among females. The differences between parents were also highly significant for most of the characters, indicating that the parents
differed significantly divergent to create high variables in the F2 population and thus giving ample scope for selection. The results revealed that additive genetic variances were higher in magnitude than dominance genetic variance for pods per plant, seed yield per plant, clusters per plant, branches per plant, and 100-seed weight. Additive However, traits viz., days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, seeds per pod, and pod length expressed higher dominance variance than additive variance, indicating that these characters were governed by non-additive gene action. The study demonstrates that both additive (fixable) and non-additive (non-fixable) components of genetic variance were involved in governing the inheritance of most of the quantitative traits. Biparental mating of selected segregants might not only break the undesirable linkages, if any but also allow the accumulation of favorable genes that could be useful for the genetic improvement of traits in blackgram. In the present study, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percent of the mean was recorded for the seed yield per plant, pods per plant, pod length, 100-seed weight and seeds per pod indicating that the additive gene action is involved in the genetic control of these traits. In future breeding programmes, selection can be very effective for the improvement of these traits for enhancing the genetic yield potential in this crop. The results of the genotypic correlation coefficient between the different characteristics revealed that the seed yield per plant had a significant and positive association with the traits viz., pods per plant, clusters per plant, 100-seed weight, seeds per pod and pod length. These results would be quite substantial with the dwarfing genes and intense selection programme for a plant type, which involves several component traits related to productivity

Key words: : Biparental mating, blackgram, correlation, genetic variance, heritability, transgressive segregants

Global trajectory of organic agriculture: Trends, challenges, and opportunities for a sustainable planet

K. Sushmita, P. Sharma and S.P. Lal

ABSTRACT

Organic agriculture has become a cornerstone of sustainable development, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable farming practices. This paper depicts its remarkable growth trajectory as documented in the 25th edition of “The World of Organic Agriculture”. During 2000-2022, global organic farmland expanded over 500% to 96.4 million hectares across 188 countries, driven by favourable policies, consumer awareness, and market demand. Oceania leads with 53.2 million hectares, while Europe and Latin America showcase policy-driven and export-oriented growth. Asia, led by India’s 2.48 million organic producers, and Africa, aligning traditional practices with organic standards, demonstrate notable producer engagement. In 2022, the organic food and beverage market reached €135 billion, reflecting a 9.7% annual increase. Key markets like the United States, Germany, and China dominate sales, while Switzerland and Denmark lead in per capita consumption and market share. Challenges such as certification costs, geopolitical tensions, and infrastructure gaps hinder growth but are offset by emerging opportunities like technological integration, diversification beyond food products, and policy innovation. Study emphasizes the importance of cohesive global policies, research in climate-resilient farming practices, and strengthening market infrastructure to ensure equitable access for smallholders and scale organic farming as a transformative force. With its holistic approach, organic
agriculture is poised to redefine global food systems, advancing environmental conservation, economic resilience, and social equity

Key words: Certification, consumer demand, farmland, organic, policy innovation

Yield assessment of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) variety Arjun in Ganjam District, Odisha

S. Priyadarshini, S.K. Nath,D.  Sarangi and S.K. Mohanty

ABSTRACT

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.), commonly known as ragi has a wide ecological and geographical adaptability and resilience to various agro-climatic adversities. It requires low external input and highly suitable for drought conditions and marginal lands. Front line demonstration of ragi variety Arjun was conducted at two villages Kusumi and Bagalati of Kukudakhandi block of Ganjam district with 10 farmers in cluster approach system during kharif 2023 and 2024. The final seed yield was recorded after harvest, and the gross return was calculated based on the prevailing market price. The results proved that demonstration of the finger millet variety Arjun (OEB-526) recorded an average yield of 17.6 q ha-1, compared to farmers variety Budha Mandia 11.68 q ha-1. The finger millet variety Arjun, when cultivated with proper nutrient application and plant protection measures, produced 51% higher yield compared to traditional farming practices. Thus, the local finger millet variety can be substituted by high yielding variety Arjun which can increase the income level of farmers and improve their livelihood conditions.

Key words: Drought, finger millet, frontline demonstration, yield

Effect of farm yard manure on yield related attributes of turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) under semi-controlled polyhouse

F.A. Parry, A. Masood, R. Anayat and N. Singh

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted under semi-controlled poly house with four treatments (0, 5, 10 and 15 tonnes of Farm yard manure per hectre) at Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station, Gurez, SKUAST-K (J&K) during Rabi -2022 to find out the optimum dose of FYM for improving yield related attributes of turnip under protected condition. Among the treatments studied, significantly highest root weight (145 g), weight of leaves (65.66 g), root diameter (24.66 cm), early maturity (35 days after sowing) and total yield (348 q ha-1) were obtained with the application of 15 tonnes of FYM per hectre.

Key words: FYM, organic manure, poly-house, turnip

Influence of deficit irrigation on French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars under North Eastern Region of India

G.P. Mishra, Lala I.P. Ray, A.K. Singh, N.J. Singh, P.M.N. Rani and A. Mishra

ABSTRACT

Freshwater used in the irrigation sector is dwindling and has become a scare commodity in the 21st century. Northeastern Region (NER) of India harboring the highest rainfall receiving zones of the globe and having average annual rainfall more than the national average also experiences in-situ soil moisture stress during the winter season which drastically affects crop production. Under such scenarios, “deficit irrigation” strategy can be followed to meet crop demands, without much compromising on potential yields. Pulse crops grown during winter season can be suitably accommodated under deficit irrigation regimes. A field experiment has been laid out with split plot experimental design with four deficit irrigation regimes under main plot and three French bean varieties, viz., Arka Arjun (V1), Arka Sharath (V2) and Zorin bean (V3 ) under sub plot treatment. This experiment was replicated thrice. Deficit irrigation regime consists of irrigating the crop at a certain level of available soil moisture depletion (ASMD), viz., M1 (20% of ASMD), M2 (40% of ASMD), M3 (60% of ASMD) and M4 (80% of ASMD). The results revealed that, irrigation regime followed with M1 being at par with M2 exhibited superior performance in terms of growth and yield. The highest seed yield was recorded under 20% ASMD (M1 treatment) with 1.02 t ha-1, similarly under the sub-plot treatment zorin bean variety registered highest seed yield with 1.10 t ha-1 and benefit cost ratio of 2.18. The farmers of NER region may be suggested growing the Zorin bean under deficit irrigation regime M2 , i.e., at irrigating the crops at 40% of available soil moisture depletion.

Key words: Available soil moisture, deficit irrigation, winter, terminal moisture stress, zorin bean

Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme: New distributional record of naturalized cherry tomato from Odisha, India

R.C. Misra

ABSTRACT

The genus Solanum is one of the wide ranging, economically important and taxonomically challenging plant genera of flowering plants. Wide extent of genetic variability among and within the species, wild crop relatives and many heirloom cultivars make its identification much confusing. S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, a botanical variety and small fruited cherry tomato, is native to Mexico and Andes mountains in South America. While exploring germplasm collection of wild crop relatives in parts of Odisha, the occurrence of a naturalized taxonomic variety of cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme was explored from tribal inhabited Kandhamal, Balangir and Kalahandi districts of Odisha. After critical review of published literature on distribution, its natural occurrence was found to be new report for the flora of Odisha and represent a new distributional record for Eastern and Central India. The present report deals with its taxonomic description, habitat/ecology, germplasm collected and conserved and field photographs for easy identification and further economic utilization.

Key words: Cherry tomato, Eastern and Central India, germplasm, new plant record

Identification of high zerumbone content in volatile oils of shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) from Odisha, India

A.P. Raina and R.C. Misra

ABSTRACT

Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Smith (Family Zingiberaceae) is a rhizomatous aromatic perennial species widely distributed throughout Southeast Asian countries, mainly found in India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The rhizomes have wide applications for traditional as well as medicinal purposes and are extensively used in the treatment of inflammation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, bacterial infections, fever, flatulence, allergies and poisoning. The paper presents botany, traditional medicinal uses and bio-chemical characterization of essential oil of underground rhizomes of Z. zerumbet germplasm maintained at NBPGR Base Centre, Cuttack. Rhizomes showed a high essential oil content of 1.27 to 1.96% on DWB. Detail oil composition analyzed by GC/FID and GC/ MS identified elite germplasm of Z. zerumbet (IC-647593) having high zerumbone content as the most predominate sesquiterpenoid compound (>77.42%) present in the essential oil, confirmed over the years. Other major constituents present in the essential oil were α-humulene (5.65-6.71%), camphene (3.47- 4.10%), humulene oxide I (4.33-5.22%), humulene oxide II (5.12-5.71%), cayophyllene oxide (2.52-2.94%) and camphor (1.90-2.05%). Zerumbone, a monocyclic sesquiterpene compound,is of tremendous importance due to its antitumor activity. Our studies suggested that Z. zerumbet assembled from Odisha, Eastern India having high oil and zerumbone content can be a potential natural source of zerumbone which has a high pharmaceutical demand.

Key words: Essential oil, medicinal properties, rhizome, shampoo ginger, zerumbone

New distributional records of lichen species from Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Kerala, India

S.A. Zachariah, S. Joseph and R. Ajanthi

ABSTRACT

This study presents the first comprehensive survey report of lichen species in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a wetland ecosystem and popular tourist destination in Kerala, India. A total of 19 lichen species were identified. Two of these species, Bacidia incongruens and Physcia clementei, are found to be new records for the state of Kerala. The findings highlight the biodiversity potential of the sanctuary and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect this unique and sensitive ecosystem.

Key words: Lichenized ascomycota, new records, taxonomy, wetlands

Significance of macro and microminerals in fish diet: An overview

D. Bhatt and A. Vijayan

ABSTRACT

Aquatic animals possess specialized physiological mechanisms enabling the absorption and retention of essential minerals from their diet and surrounding water. However, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the trace element requirements, bioavailability, and underlying physiological processes in aquaculture species. Research on the mineral nutrition of farmed fish and crustaceans has been relatively limited, despite the critical role of these elements in supporting growth, metabolism, and overall health. Trace and inorganic minerals are indispensable for sustaining physiological functions and optimal development in aquatic organisms. Therefore, precise mineral requirements must be considered in feed formulations to prevent deficiencies and reduce the environmental impact. Excessive release of minerals from uneaten feed or excretion can contribute to eutrophication, posing a challenge to sustainable aquaculture practices. Bridging these research gaps is essential for advancing aquafeed development and promoting environmentally responsible aquaculture.

Key words: Fish, macro-minerals, metabolism, micro/trace minerals, nutrition

Diversity of Lepidoptera species in Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

S. Vijayan

ABSTRACT

The objective to comprehend the diversity Lepidoptera, the current study was conducted at Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, between September 2023 and February 2024. Under the study, 72 species of butterflies from 13 families and 59 genera were identified. The Nymphalidae family had the highest relative abundance (23 species) when family-wise relative abundance was calculated. Erebidae were second (ten species) followed by Pieridae (nine species), Papilionidae (six species), Geometridae (five species), Crambidae and Lycaenidae (each four species), Noctuidae, Pterophoridae, Pyralidae and Sphingidae (each two species), Hesperiidae and Riodinidae (each one species). It was clear from Pareto charts that the cumulative line was dominated by the Nymphalidae family. In recent times, research on Sepidoptera species has expanded on college and university campuses as well as research stations. The diverse range of butterflies and moths on college campuses are supported by the expansive campus with its trees, serene surroundings, and irrigated garden filled with host plants. This study will aid in the development of efficient conservation strategies and provided insightful information on the diversity of butterfly fauna in Anna University Campus, Tamil Nadu.

Key words: Anna University, butterflies,diversity, Lepidoptera, moths, nymphalidae