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Ecosystem services provided by water birds in wetlands: A review

J. Papola

ABSTRACT

Water birds have important ecological functions in wetland habitats, contributing significantly to biodiversity and providing a variety of ecosystem services. This review summarizes current research on water birds’ ecological functions in wetland settings, with a focus on their contributions to providing, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. Water birds have an important role in nutrient cycling, seed dissemination, pest management, and trophic regulation, as well as functioning as bio indicators for ecosystem health. Furthermore, they have cultural and recreational significance, promoting ecotourism and traditional customs. The review focuses on how water bird populations influence wetland dynamics through foraging, migration, and nesting activities. Threats to water birds, such as habitat degradation, climate change, and human disturbance, are also examined in light of their cascading impacts on wetland functions.

Key words: Biodiversity, ecological roles, habitat management, wetland conservation

Integrating real-time soil sensor data with precision agriculture: A comprehensive approach to sustainable farming

V. Goel, K. Tanwar and S. Kumar

ABSTRACT

Precision agriculture, which relies on real-time data, is crucial for making farming more efficient and sustainable. This paper delves into an exciting area: how we can use real-time soil sensor data to make farming practices even better. We take a close look at the latest soil sensor technologies and how they can be integrated into precision agriculture systems. Soil sensors have come a long way, offering farmers detailed, up-to-the-minute information about their soil. In this review, we explore these technologies like electromagnetic induction, capacitance, and optical sensors, and discuss how they can be applied in precision agriculture. What makes this review stand out is that we dive deep into how using soil sensors alongside precision agriculture can benefit farming sustainability. We discuss how these sensors help in maintaining soil health, managing water efficiently, optimizing nutrient use, and overall, using resources wisely. Moreover, we evaluate how this integration can lead to more sustainable farming practices. We look at its impact on soil health, water conservation, nutrient management, and taking care of the environment. By bringing together recent research and practical examples, this review provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and farmers alike. It emphasizes the importance of using data to make better decisions in agriculture, ultimately improving productivity while caring for the environment. In summary, this review sheds light on the exciting possibilities of integrating real-time soil sensor data with precision agriculture, offering practical guidance for creating a more sustainable future in farming

Key words: Nutrient management, precision agriculture, real-time data, resource efficiency

Yield assessment of sweet corn cv. Sugar-75 in coastal agro-ecosystem of Odisha

S. Priyadarshini and S.K. Nath

ABSTRACT

Front line demonstration of sweet corn cv. Sugar-75 was conducted at Gokarnapur village of Digapahandi block of Ganjam district to assess its productivity in coastal plain zone of Odisha.The study comprises of 10 farmers in cluster approach during kharif 2023 and 2024 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganjam-II, Berhampur, Odisha. Observation on growth and yield parameters were recorded, and economic analysis was done. The final seed yield was recorded after harvest, and the gross return was calculated based on the prevailing market price.The results from the study conclusively proved that demonstration of the sweet corn variety Sugar 75 recorded higher green cob yield 144.0 q ha1 as compared to farmers practice of normal maize 42.5 q ha-1. The enhancement in the demonstration yield over farmer’s practices turned into 238%. By conducting front-line demonstrations on sweet cornin large scale in farmers field will increase the income level of farmers and improve the livelihood condition of the farming community.

Key words: : Early-maturing, hybrid, resilient, sweet corn

Advancing sustainable agriculture through CRISPR/Cas-mediated crop improvement

T.R. Das, P. Chand and A. Singh

ABSTRACT

CRISPR/Cas is a precise and efficient genome-editing technology that has revolutionized crop improvement by enabling the development of crops that are more productive, resilient, and nutritionally enhanced. As global agriculture faces pressures from climate change, pests, diseases, land degradation, and rising food demand, CRISPR/Cas-based approaches offer unprecedented opportunities for building a sustainable and resilient food system. Compared to traditional breeding and earlier genetic modification techniques, CRISPR/Cas is faster, highly accurate, and capable of achieving desired traits in less time. It enhances crop resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses, improves nutrient uptake, mitigates the effects of heavy metals, and supports plant growth under challenging conditions such as drought, salinity, and heat. Beyond stress resilience, CRISPR/Cas is being used to improve nutritional quality, including ironand zinc-enriched grains, low-gluten wheat for celiac-sensitive individuals, and oilseeds with healthier fatty acid profiles. These improvements not only benefit farmers and consumers but also reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture by decreasing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, thereby conserving water and lowering carbon emissions. Despite these advantages, several challenges remain, including potential off-target genetic edits, difficulties in delivering CRISPR components to certain species, and varying ethical and regulatory frameworks across countries. Addressing these issues requires transparent communication, public engagement, and inclusive policies to ensure equitable access, particularly for smallholder farmers and developing regions. The future of CRISPR/Cas is further strengthened by integration with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and speed breeding. Together, these innovations herald a new era of sustainable agriculture and serve as a cornerstone for global food security, enabling the development of high-yielding, climateresilient, and nutrient-rich varieties that contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key words: Artificial intelligence, CRISPR, crop improvement, gene editing, genomics

Techno-economic feasibility of conventional and eco-friendly refrigerators: A horizontal analysis

I. Kararia and B. Asnani

ABSTRACT

The refrigerators have become an inseparable part of the lives of the millions of people around the globe. The cool temperature in the refrigerator slows down the enzyme activity and bacterial reproduction in the food. Protection of environment by eco-fridge is need of the hour. A study was conducted to compare the techno-economic feasibility of conventional and eco-friendly refrigerator in terms of quality of food, Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Performance of System (POS). The food items namely kheer (traditional Indian recipe prepared by milk, sugar and rice), custard and salad were selected for testing. The samples were then evaluated for their organoleptic appeal. Significant difference was found in quality of food kept in both the refrigerators; at 5 and 1 per cent level of significance. Study also revealed that eco-fridge is more efficient and economical appliance than conventional refrigerator in terms of COP attended during no load and full load condition.

Key words: Coefficient of performance, conventional refrigerator, eco-fridge, organoleptic characteristics

New distributional record of two weedy amaranths as leafy vegetables from Odisha, India

R.C. Misra, P.K. Singh, M.K. Mittal, D.R. Pani and R.K. Gautam

ABSTRACT

Amaranthus, commonly called as “amaranths”, is a wide taxonomic group with a large diversity of species and varieties, embodies several weedy and domesticated forms of great economic importance. A number of species are cultivated as leafy vegetables, pseudo-cereals, food, fodder, medicines and ornamental plants. These are short-lived annual plants which develop vigorously and adapt easily to new environments. During the survey for germplasm collection of minor leafy vegetables and wild relatives of crop plants in parts of Odisha, the occurrence of naturalised populations of two species of wild/weedy Amaranthus viz. Amaranthus blitum L. and A. dubius Mart. ex Thell. were explored from different phyto-geographical zones of the state. On elucidative review, the natural occurrence of these species in the state is found to be new taxonomic records for the flora of Odisha. The present communication deals with information on its taxonomic description, phenology, germplasm collection and photographs to facilitate easy identification and their sustainable use

Key words: Amaranthus, leafy vegetables, new record, Odisha

Evaluation of seed composition of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. (muskdana), an aromatic medicinal plant from Eastern India

A.P. Raina and R.C. Misra

ABSTRACT

Abelmoschus moschatus Medik., commonly known as muskdana or ambrette, an important aromatic and medicinal plant of family Malvaceae, is native to India. It is used traditionally in the treatment of various health ailments across the world. The aromatic seeds of this plant are aphrodisiac, ophthalmic, cardiotonic, antispasmodic and used in the treatment of intestinal complaints. The plant has been extensively studied by various workers for its biological activities and therapeutic potential. In the present paper, the species was explored from Odisha and West Bengal, morphologically described and conserved in the National Gene Bank. The aromatic seeds of A. moschatus were analysed to study the seed composition viz. moisture, mucilage, extractive yield, total sugars, crude oil, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and ash content. It is valued for its scented seeds which contained essential oil content of 0.20 to 0.28% with a strong musky and brandy odour. Seed fixed oil is primarily composed of unsaturated essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and oleic acids which are beneficiary for human health and diet. A.moschatus may therefore, be a good candidate for functional foods, cosmetics as well as pharmaceutics.

Key words: Abelmoschus moschatus, essential oil, muskdana, phyto-chemical, seed germplasm

Archaeological evidence of prehistoric grassland systems in the Southern Aravallis, Rajasthan

S.K. Sharma, A. Sarsavan and
M. Pawar

ABSTRACT

The cup like structures that have been excavated by the ancient men on the rocks are called ‘cup marks’ or ‘Cupules’. The cupules are present at many places in the Aravallis, from its northern part to southern and a good numbers are seen near Jhalo-Ka-Kalwana (Gogunda tehsil) in southern Aravallis in Udaipur district. The confirmed age of the cupules seen in Jhalo-Ka-Kalwana area is not exactly known. These cupules seem contemporary of primary grasslands of the area. It has been predicted that the cupules of Jhalo-Ka-Kalwana area may date back to 10,000 to 20,000 years. It indicates that the grasslands confined around Jhalo-Ka-Kalwana on certain piedmonts may be 10,000 years old or in their existence. The authors invite further studies to establish the age of the grasslands through historical evidences.

Key words: Gogunda tehsil, grassland, prehistorical status, Rajasthan, Southern Aravallis

Ultrasonographic study of gallbladder pathologies in sloth bears: A focus on animal welfare undertaken by Wildlife SOS, Agra, India

S. Ilayaraja, S.S. Maharana, N.K. Adithyan and M.V. Baijuraj

ABSTRACT

The diagnosis of gallbladder pathologies in sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) is a critical aspect of veterinary care as they may lead to significant clinical complications. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures that require chemical immobilization, often stressful for the animals including huge cost involvement of tranquilizing drugs and equipments. This study explores the use of operant conditioning techniques to encourage bears for complying voluntarily towards ultrasonography for non-invasive detection of gallbladder pathologies. Ultrasonographic examination of 48 bears was successfully performed by adopting positive reinforcement technique, revealing that 22.9% were diagnosed with cholecystitis, 6.3% with sludge, and 2.1% with a gallbladder  polyp. The ultrasonographic findings included hyperechoic non-acoustic shadows indicative of sludge, an irregular and hypoechoic thickened gallbladder wall suggestive of cholecystitis, and an echogenic mass protruding from the inner lining of the gallbladder mucosa, consistent with a polyp. Supportive medications along with nutritional management were adopted to enhance the hepatic function. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using operant conditioning as a part of cooperative care program for the effective and non-invasive diagnosis of gallbladder pathology through ultrasonography in bears, potentially improving animal welfare and diagnostic accuracy by reducing the need for chemical immobilization.

Key words: Gallbladder pathologies, non-invasive ultrasonography, operant conditioning, sloth bear

Mammals of Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Odisha, India: An overview

P.S. Mallik, K. Sarangi, N.C. Palei, B.P. Rath and S.N. Acharya

ABSTRACT

Camera traps were deployed at 180 stations in Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary between 14th November 2021 to 28th April 2022 that provided the effort of 4500 trap-days. Out of the 2,767 photo captures, 1,304were mammals belonging to 13 families and 24 large and medium-sized mammals were recorded in the study area. Photos of six threatened species categorised under the IUCN Red List were captured, namely leopard (Panthera pardus), sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), gaur (Bos gaurus), sambar (Rusa unicolor), and four-horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis). Sambar (Rusa unicolour) was found to be the most frequently photographed and four-horned antelope was the most widespread species of this sanctuary. Photographic evidence of mammalian species documented and the importance of conservation of threatened and vulnerable species in the study area were studied. The current camera trap survey is expected to help in formulating management strategies for long-term conservation of mammalian species in Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary.

Key words:Camera trapping, mammalian diversity, Odisha, relative abundance index

Activity time budget of Asian elephants in Northwest India : A case study from Rajaji National Park, India

K. Puri, R. Joshi and K. Dutt

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken to understand the activity time budget of Asian elephants in Rajaji National Park, North West India. A total of three elephants were selected from an identified group (one adult female, one sub-adult female and one juvenile). Besides, a solitary adult male elephant was also identified separately for observing the activities. Activities were classified into three broader heads – feeding, movement and associated other behavioural activities. Literature reveals that the budgeting of different activities within a specified period of time provides an opportunity to analyses their strategies of behavioural patterns which can also help in the management of the species. This type of field study is of paramount importance and it’s outcomes being significant can be incorporated in the management plans.

Key words: Activity time budget, Asian elephants, behavior, Rajaji National Park

Assessment of community led conservation efforts and butterfly diversity of periphery of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Angul, Odisha, India

M. Pawar and A. Sarsavan

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken to understand the activity time budget of Asian elephants in Rajaji National Park, North West India. A total of three elephants were selected from an identified group (one adult female, one sub-adult female and one juvenile). Besides, a solitary adult male elephant was also identified separately for observing the activities. Activities were classified into three broader heads – feeding, movement and associated other behavioural activities. Literature reveals that the budgeting of different activities within a specified period of time provides an opportunity to analyses their strategies of behavioural patterns which can also help in the management of the species. This type of field study is of paramount importance and it’s outcomes being significant can be incorporated in the management plans.

Key words: Angul, butterflies, community restoration, ecology, habitat, land-use