Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Rapanea melanophloeos (Myrsinaceae)

Regina Chepkorir — 2026-10-16

Background: Endophytic fungi associated with medicinal plants may produce compounds with antibacterial effects, but the culturable fungal endophytes of Rapanea melanophloeos remain insufficiently characterised.

Aims: This study aimed to isolate fungal endophytes from the leaves, stem bark and roots of Rapanea melanophloeos and evaluate their antibacterial potential.

Study design: Fresh material was collected in March 2024 from the Botanical Garden at Egerton University and used to isolate endophytic fungi. The resulting cultures were maintained on potato dextrose agar.

Place and Duration of Study: The work was conducted in the Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology Laboratory, Egerton University, between March and December 2024.

Methodology: Root, stem and leaf segments underwent surface disinfection using 70% ethanol, followed by 2% sodium hypochlorite and sterile distilled water. Fungal isolates were cultured on potato dextrose agar, and their antibacterial activity was assessed by a dual-culture assay. Inhibition-zone diameters were recorded in millimetres. The bacterial panel comprised Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC259923), Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), Streptococcus agalactiae, Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC70063) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853).

Results: A total of 25 fungal endophytes were recovered, with most isolates originating from stem bark (75%), followed by roots (17%) and leaves (8%). Across the bacterial tests, inhibition-zone diameters ranged from 11.5 to 44.6 mm. All recovered isolates inhibited E. coli, with reported zones of 11.5–32.5 mm.

Conclusion: Endophytic fungi associated with R. melanophloeos showed antibacterial potential and may constitute sources of biologically active compounds of pharmaceutical interest.

Molecular Characterization of Bemisia tabaci Populations Using Mitochondrial COI Gene Sequencing

Swati P Shinde — 2026-10-16

Background: Whiteflies associated with vegetable and cotton crops can be difficult to identify reliably using external morphology because Bemisia tabaci represents a cryptic species complex.

Aims: To assess the population dynamics and host association of whitefly populations across vegetable and cotton crops using molecular identification, and to evaluate species dominance to inform targeted integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Study Design: Cross-sectional molecular diagnostic study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, during 2025.

Methodology: Whitefly specimens were collected from five host crops representing diverse botanical families, namely okra, tomato, cotton, brinjal and cucumber. Genomic DNA was extracted, followed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Sequences were analysed using NCBI-BLAST for species identification and submitted to the GenBank database for accession assignment.

Results: Molecular diagnosis and sequence alignment confirmed that all whitefly populations collected across all host crops belonged to Bemisia tabaci, showing high sequence homology with GenBank reference entries. Corresponding GenBank accession numbers were assigned to sequences from each host. The consistent identification of B. tabaci across solanaceous, malvaceous and cucurbitaceous crops reflects its high polyphagy and broad host range in the surveyed ecosystem.

Conclusion: Bemisia tabaci is the dominant whitefly species infesting vegetable and cotton crops in the region. Rapid gene sequencing serves as an accurate diagnostic tool, though further fine-scale genetic resolution of cryptic biotypes (e.g., MEAM1, MED or Asia groups) is essential for tailoring biotype-specific IPM programmes.

Trends in Groundnut Production and Resource-use Efficiency in Rajasthan, India

Satinderpal Singh — 2026-10-17

Groundnut is an important oilseed crop in Rajasthan, where changes in cultivated area, production and productivity have implications for farm-level resource management. The present study was conducted to analyse the economic performance and resource-use efficiency of groundnut cultivation in Rajasthan, with special reference to Hanumangarh district. The study examined the trends in area, production and productivity of groundnut in Rajasthan and analysed the resource-use efficiency of groundnut cultivation in the selected study area. Compound growth rate analysis was employed to examine the trends from 1990–91 to 2024–25, while farm-level data were used to estimate costs and returns and to fit a Cobb–Douglas production function. The results revealed that the area, production and productivity of groundnut in Rajasthan increased at annual rates of 4.09, 7.37 and 3.16 per cent, respectively. The estimated Cobb–Douglas production function yielded a production-elasticity sum of 1.04, slightly above unity; statistical evidence for a difference from constant returns to scale was not available. The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.831, indicating that 83.1 per cent of the variation in the dependent variable was explained by the selected input variables. The resource-use efficiency analysis indicated that plant protection chemicals were under-utilised, whereas seed, farmyard manure, fertiliser, irrigation, human labour and machine labour were over-utilised. The findings suggest that improved allocation and balanced utilisation of production resources could enhance the economic efficiency and profitability of groundnut cultivation in the study area.

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Samia ricini and Samia canningi Populations from Assam, India Using Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I Gene Sequences

Nimiksha Devi — 2026-10-17

Background: Molecular comparison of eri silkworm populations from Assam may assist species identification and assessment of their relationships with reference populations.

Aims: To characterise Samia ricini (Donovan) and the related species Samia canningi (Hutton) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) from different agroclimatic zones of Assam using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene, and to determine their phylogenetic relationships with isolates from other regions.

Study Design: Laboratory-based molecular characterisation study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Sericulture and Biocontrol Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India, during 2023–24 and 2024–25.

Methodology: Genomic DNA was extracted from adult moths reared from seed cocoons of S. ricini (Titabor, Udalguri, Nagaon and Kamrup) and S. canningi (Mariani). A partial COX1 fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the universal primers LCO1490 and HCO2198 and sequenced. Sequences were compared with reference sequences in GenBank, and phylogenetic trees were constructed by the neighbour-joining method in MEGA 11.

Results: COX1 was amplified in all samples. The S. canningi isolate from Mariani showed 100% sequence identity with a Nagaland isolate (MT385729.1) and 93.01–96.81% similarity with isolates from Japan, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. The S. ricini isolates from Titabor, Udalguri, Nagaon and Kamrup showed 95.67–100% similarity with isolates from India and other countries. All Assam isolates clustered within their respective species groups.

Conclusion: The COX1 gene is a reliable marker for species authentication and phylogenetic assessment of eri silkworms, and the Assam S. ricini populations are closely related to those reported from other parts of India and abroad.

Field Screening of Rice Genotypes against Leaf Folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee)

N. R. G. Varma — 2026-10-17

Rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee), damages foliage and can reduce the performance of rice crops. Identifying rice genotypes with comparatively stable field resistance may support breeding programmes aimed at pest management. The present study evaluated rice genotypes against the leaf folder at the Rice Research Centre, ARI, Rajendranagar, during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025. The field screening included the susceptible check TN1 and the resistant check W 1263. The genotypes were evaluated in three replications, and leaf-folder infestation was encouraged through adult releases under netting. Damage was assessed as the percentage of leaves showing injury, and reactions were classified using the International Rice Research Institute's Standard Evaluation System. In 2024, the recorded leaf damage ranged from 11.7% to 62.2%, whereas in 2025 it ranged from 3.4% to 51.0%. The genotype RP 5490-PTB-1-1-2 maintained a moderately resistant reaction in both seasons, with 16.9% and 16.6% damaged leaves, respectively. The resistant check W 1263 recorded 11.7% and 5.4% damaged leaves, respectively. NPK 8 showed moderate resistance in 2024 but was moderately susceptible in 2025. Although reactions varied across seasons, RP 5490-PTB-1-1-2 exhibited the most consistent moderate resistance among the evaluated test cultures. Its field response indicates potential for further assessment as a resistance source, subject to validation across locations and infestation levels.

Judging Mathematics Teacher Quality under School Performance Contract Accountability: Experiences of Senior High School Teachers in Ghana

Prince Baah Acheamfour Senior — 2026-10-17

Background: Mathematics teacher quality encompasses pedagogical competence, professional practice and students’ learning outcomes. In Ghanaian senior high schools, School Performance Contracts (SPCs) emphasise accountability and measurable performance targets, potentially creating tensions between examination-based evaluations and broader professional standards. However, mathematics teachers’ experiences of these accountability expectations and their implications for judging teacher quality remain underexplored. This study explored how SPC accountability shapes mathematics teachers’ understandings and experiences of teacher quality, professional practice, and student performance in Ghanaian senior high schools. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Five mathematics teachers with approximately three to fifteen years of teaching experience participated in individual semi-structured interviews conducted in September 2026. Interviews were audio-recorded with verbal consent, transcribed, anonymised, and analysed thematically using an approach informed by Braun and Clarke. Five interrelated themes were developed: accountability through monitoring and answerability; student results as a powerful but contested measure of a good mathematics teacher; pedagogical adaptation and professional learning; a motivation–pressure paradox; and accountability without equal ownership of performance. Participants described examination results as prominent in judgements of teacher effectiveness, while also defining good mathematics teaching through learner-centred instruction, problem solving, practical application, and professional collaboration. SPC expectations were perceived as encouraging instructional adaptation and effort while also increasing workload and pressure. Participants further questioned attributing student outcomes primarily to teachers when performance is jointly shaped by students, parents, school leadership, and contextual conditions. The study argues that SPCs function not only as accountability mechanisms but also as evaluative environments that shape which dimensions of mathematics-teacher quality become most visible.

Impact of Floor Space Allocation on Physiological Parameters in Post-Weaned Indigenous Lambs in an Intensive Production System

Anjali Arya — 2026-10-17

Sufficient space is important for ensuring humane treatment, limiting stress and maintaining animal health in intensive production systems. When animals are housed in restricted spaces, their ability to maintain internal physiological conditions may diminish, resulting in adverse physiological changes. An experiment was designed to study the effects of space allowance on the physiological parameters of post-weaned indigenous lambs under an intensive production system. Eighteen lambs aged 3 to 4 months were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (0.8 m², 0.7 m² and 0.6 m² per lamb). Physiological parameters were monitored at fortnightly intervals over the 210-day experimental period. The rectal temperatures of the experimental animals differed significantly (P<0.05) among treatments. Specifically, mean rectal temperatures in T1 (101.38±0.08) and T2 (101.40±0.08) were similar, whereas the T3 group (101.69±0.05) had a higher mean rectal temperature. Pulse rate did not differ significantly among treatment groups. The mean respiration rates were 30.25±0.23, 30.71±0.23, and 31.13±0.24 in T1, T2, and T3 treatment groups, respectively, indicating significant differences (P<0.05). In conclusion, this experiment demonstrated that space allowance significantly influenced certain physiological parameters in post-weaned indigenous lambs under an intensive production system, indicating that reduced space may induce thermal stress.

Effect of Canopy Manipulation and Intercropping on Growth and Yield of Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Dilip Choudhary — 2026-10-18

Background: High-density planting can alter cotton canopy development, and crop performance may also respond to canopy regulation and intercropping.

Objective: This study assessed the effects of canopy manipulation and legume intercropping on the growth and yield of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under the arid conditions of Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 at the College of Agriculture, S.K. Rajasthan Agricultural University. Nine canopy manipulation treatments, comprising three spacings with or without de-topping or mepiquat chloride application, were combined with three cropping treatments (sole cotton, cotton–mungbean and cotton–clusterbean) in a factorial randomised block design with three replications. Mepiquat chloride was applied twice at 25 ppm on 45 and 60 days after sowing.

Results: Based on pooled results, cotton at 90 × 15 cm spacing with two mepiquat chloride sprays produced the highest seed cotton yield (2,231 kg ha⁻¹) and stalk yield (6,877 kg ha⁻¹). Corresponding yields under 90 × 15 cm spacing with de-topping at 100 cm were 2,176 and 6,722 kg ha⁻¹, respectively; these treatments were statistically comparable. Intercropping had no significant effect on cotton plant population, seed cotton yield or stalk yield. Sole cotton produced the highest pooled seed cotton yield (2,104 kg ha⁻¹) among cropping treatments.

Conclusion: Plant spacing and canopy management influenced cotton yield under the study conditions, whereas intercropping did not significantly affect cotton yield.

Effect of Nano Dap on Productivity of Soybean (Glycine max L.) in Central Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abhishek Gami — 2026-10-22

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 at Shri Vaishnav Institute of Agriculture, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to examine the effect of Nano DAP on soybean (Glycine max L.) productivity. Eleven treatments, comprising an absolute control, 75% or 100% of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF), and combinations of these doses with Nano DAP foliar applications at 2 or 4 ml L⁻¹ and seed treatment at 5 ml kg⁻¹ seed, were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications. The soybean cultivar JS-9560 was used. Growth and yield attributes varied among the treatments. The combination of 100% RDF, foliar application of Nano DAP at 4 ml L⁻¹, and seed treatment at 5 ml kg⁻¹ seed (T11) recorded the highest plant height (64.42 cm), number of nodules per plant (49.82), and dry matter per plant (21.07 g). This treatment also recorded the highest number of pods per plant (43.87), grain yield per plant (14.81 g), seed yield (17.73 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (26.87 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (44.61 q ha⁻¹). However, seed, straw, and biological yields under T11 were statistically at par with those under T8, T9, and T10. The harvest index was not significantly influenced by treatment. These findings indicate that Nano DAP, when combined with conventional fertilisation, may support soybean productivity under the experimental conditions.

Socio-Personal, Economic, and Psychological Profiling of Rural Youth Engaged in Agriculture: Evidence from Telangana, India

Rayirala Rakesh — 2026-10-22

Understanding the characteristics of rural youth who remain engaged in agriculture can support locally appropriate extension planning. This study assessed 17 socio-personal, economic, communication and psychological characteristics of rural youth engaged in agriculture in Suryapet district, Telangana, India. An ex-post facto, cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 120 respondents selected by simple random sampling from four villages using a pre-tested, structured interview schedule. Frequencies, percentages, arithmetic means and standard deviations were used for descriptive analysis. Most respondents were aged 26–35 years (60.83%), male (80.83%) and married (57.50%). Joint families accounted for 69.16%, while 58.33% reported family sizes of 4–7 members. Intermediate to postgraduate education was reported by 72.50% of respondents. Marginal and small landholdings accounted for 59.17%, and agriculture combined with animal husbandry was the most common occupational category (30.83%). Medium annual family income was reported by 55.84%. The medium category predominated for extension contact (67.50%), mass media exposure (55.00%), social participation (67.50%), economic motivation (73.34%), risk orientation (48.33%), scientific orientation (51.67%), innovativeness (50.83%) and achievement motivation (49.17%). The findings provide a descriptive profile of the surveyed farming youth and may guide the planning of locally relevant agricultural extension and capacity-development activities. Conclusions beyond the selected villages should be drawn with caution.

Economic Implications of Borewell Failure and Groundwater Irrigation Economics in North Eastern Karnataka, India

P. Arpitha — 2026-10-22

Groundwater irrigation plays a crucial role in sustaining agricultural production in North Eastern Karnataka, but increasing groundwater stress and borewell failures have raised the economic risks faced by groundwater-dependent farmers. The study analysed borewell failure, investment risk and groundwater extraction costs in six districts, namely Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal and Ballari. Primary data were collected from 360 groundwater-irrigated farmers during 2024–25 through multistage random sampling. Negative binomial distribution analysis was employed to estimate borewell success and failure probabilities and the number of wells required to obtain one successful borewell. Borewell investment, ownership costs and groundwater extraction costs were estimated to assess the economic implications of groundwater irrigation. The results revealed substantial spatial variation in the probability of borewell success, ranging from 0.15 in Koppal to 0.40 in Raichur, with failure probabilities of 0.85 and 0.60, respectively. The number of wells required to obtain one successful borewell was highest in Koppal (6.66) and Ballari (6.25), compared with Raichur (2.50) and Yadgir (3.12). Consequently, the investment required for one successful irrigation borewell was highest in Ballari (₹7,39,024) and Koppal (₹6,33,367), while it was lower in Yadgir (₹2,15,011) and Raichur (₹2,26,802). Groundwater extraction costs were highest in Ballari (₹300.80 per acre-inch) and lowest in Bidar (₹149.91 per acre-inch), with an overall average of ₹207.08 per acre-inch. The negative externality due to borewell failure averaged ₹38,394 per farm per annum. The findings highlight substantial spatial differences in groundwater-related investment risk and economic burden. District-specific groundwater assessment, recharge enhancement, micro-irrigation and risk-sensitive financial support are important for improving the sustainability of groundwater irrigation in North Eastern Karnataka.

Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)-Based Outlier Treatment and Intervention Modelling for Forecasting Indian Standard Natural Rubber Grade 20 (ISNR 20) Prices

K. Shameem Fathima — 2026-10-22

Background: Natural rubber prices exhibit substantial fluctuations, creating challenges for accurate forecasting and market decision-making. Outliers and structural changes associated with policy interventions may influence time-series modelling and forecast accuracy. However, the combined treatment of outliers and policy interventions in forecasting Indian Standard Natural Rubber Grade 20 (ISNR 20) prices remains insufficiently explored.

Aims: To develop a forecasting framework for monthly Indian Standard Natural Rubber Grade 20 (ISNR 20) prices that accounts for both outliers and the July 2015 Rubber Production Incentive Scheme (RPIS) intervention.

Study Design: Time series analysis combining ARIMA-based outlier detection, series cleaning, Bayesian intervention analysis and forecasting.

Place and Duration of Study: Kottayam market, Kerala, India; January 1995 to December 2025.

Sample: 372 monthly observations of ISNR 20 prices (Rs/100 kg); the last 36 months (2023–2025) were held out for testing.

Methodology: The workflow had four steps: ARIMA-based outlier detection, series cleaning, modelling of the RPIS intervention and forecasting.

Results: The price series was non-stationary (ADF = −2.19, P = .49) and became stationary after first differencing (ADF = −6.53, P < .01). Three outliers were detected: a level shift in October 2008 and additive outliers in November 2011 and August 2012. Average post-intervention prices (Rs 13,443) were lower than the counterfactual prices expected without the intervention (Rs 15,816; 95 per cent credible interval 14,538–17,081), an average effect of −15 per cent (95 per cent CrI: −21 to −7.5 per cent), with a posterior probability of an effect of 99.89 per cent. The final ARIMA (1,1,0) model, evaluated on the 36-month hold-out, gave an RMSE of 2626.35 and a MAPE of 11.27 per cent.

Conclusion: Outlier handling and intervention modelling can be combined in one framework for agricultural price forecasting, and treating outliers before intervention modelling gives a more stable baseline. Prices after July 2015 were lower than those implied by the pre-July 2015 dynamics, but this should be interpreted as an association rather than a causal effect of RPIS alone.

Production Function Analysis of Shrimp Farming in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India

D. R. Palwe — 2026-10-22

Shrimp farming contributes to coastal aquaculture production, but the relationships between production inputs and yield may differ according to farm size. This study examined these relationships among shrimp farms in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. Primary information was obtained through structured interviews with all 70 operational farms identified among 78 registered farms in Shrivardhan, Murud, Alibag and Uran. A Cobb–Douglas production function was estimated for four farm-size categories (0–2, 2–4, 4–6 and >6 ha) and for the aggregate sample, using feed, seed, labour, lime and bleaching powder as explanatory inputs. Feed elasticities for the four categories were 0.324, 0.518, 0.933 and 0.884, respectively; corresponding seed elasticities were 0.639, 0.603, 0.020 and 0.151. In the aggregate model, estimated feed and seed elasticities were 0.646 and 0.390, respectively. Reported coefficients of determination ranged from 0.900 to 0.992 across farm-size groups, with an aggregate value of 0.908. Other input coefficients were generally smaller, and negative estimates occurred for labour and bleaching powder in selected larger farm categories. Overall, the estimates indicate that feed and seed are important correlates of shrimp production in the surveyed farms, although their relative contributions vary by farm size. These results provide a local basis for examining input allocation in shrimp farming without establishing causal effects or optimal application rates.

Random Forest and Bayesian Additive Regression Trees as Alternative Propensity Score Estimators for Matching in Observational Data

Naomi Kollongei — 2026-10-22

Propensity score matching (PSM) is widely used to improve comparability between treatment groups in observational studies, but its performance depends on treatment-model specification, covariate overlap, and post-matching balance. This study compares Random Forest (RF) and Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) as alternative propensity score estimators using the public Lindner percutaneous coronary intervention dataset (n = 996; 698 abciximab-treated and 298 control observations). Propensity scores were estimated with RF and BART and used for nearest-neighbour matching. Descriptive predictive diagnostics included the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), log-loss, and Brier score; balance was assessed using standardised mean differences (SMDs). BART yielded an AUC of 0.7250, log-loss of 0.5422, and Brier score of 0.1816, compared with 0.5813, 0.7875, and 0.2265 for RF. Matching retained 280 treated-control pairs for RF and 269 pairs for BART. Across measured baseline covariates, the maximum absolute post-match SMD was 0.2782 for RF and 0.0935 for BART; the propensity-score distance diagnostic was excluded from the baseline-covariate maximum. The reported matched-sample outcome contrasts were 0.2900 for RF and 0.3900 for BART. Because the RF interval was obtained by ordinary non-parametric bootstrap after nearest-neighbour matching, it is treated as exploratory rather than as formal matching-based inference. The BART interval summarises variation across posterior propensity-score design draws and is not interpreted as a complete posterior interval for the causal effect. The results show that flexible treatment models can differ materially in predictive fit and covariate balance, while also demonstrating the need to separate predictive performance, balance, overlap, and uncertainty when interpreting matched observational analyses.

Mapping Agricultural Entrepreneurship Research in India: A Bibliometric Analysis

Shalini Dash — 2026-10-22

Aims: This study aims to assess the research landscape of agripreneurship in India by identifying publication trends, influential authors, major research themes, collaborative networks, and emerging research areas. Additionally, it seeks to highlight existing knowledge gaps within the field.

Study Design: Bibliometric analysis employing performance analysis and science mapping techniques.

Place and Duration of Study: The study analysed journal articles concerning agricultural entrepreneurship in India, published from 2000 to March 2025.

Methodology: A total of 3,208 research articles were retrieved from the Lens.org database using the keywords "Agriculture," "Entrepreneur," and "India." To ensure relevance and quality, only journal articles were included. The Biblioshiny application, part of the Bibliometrix R package, was utilised to analyse annual scientific production and citation patterns. For keyword co-occurrence analysis and network visualisation, VOSviewer was employed. A minimum threshold of three keyword occurrences was set to construct the bibliometric maps.

Results: The analysis shows an increasing focus on Indian agricultural entrepreneurship (agripreneurship) research, especially in the last ten years. Key areas of study have been sustainable entrepreneurship, precision farming, digital advancements, and agribusiness initiatives led by young people. Although research output has increased in research publications, gaps remain in interdisciplinary collaboration, empirical support, and policy applicability. The lack of cooperation between academic institutions, industry, and policymakers underscores the necessity for more robust institutional connections.

Conclusion: In India, research on agripreneurship is advancing, with a growing focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and entrepreneurship among young people. Bridging current knowledge gaps through interdisciplinary studies, enhanced institutional partnerships, and targeted policy measures can aid in building an inclusive and sustainable agripreneurial ecosystem. Future studies should prioritise empirical evaluations, real-world case analyses, and practical models to bolster rural development and agricultural resilience.

Insect Pest Complex and Natural Enemy Fauna Associated with Chickpea under the Agro-climatic Conditions of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India

Sapavat Sravani Chouhan — 2026-10-22

Chickpea cultivation is constrained by various insect pests that affect crop growth and productivity. The seasonal abundance of these pests and their associated natural enemies varies with agro-climatic conditions. However, location-specific information on insect pest complexes, natural-enemy populations and their relationships with weather parameters remains limited for Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. A field investigation was conducted at the Instructional Farm of Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, during the rabi season of 2022–2023 to document the insect pest complex of chickpea and associated natural enemies and to examine their seasonal abundance in relation to weather variables. Chickpea was raised under unprotected conditions in a 10 m × 10 m plot with 30 cm × 10 cm spacing. Ten plants were randomly selected, and observations were recorded weekly from crop emergence to harvest. Four major insect pests were recorded: chickpea aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch); tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius); semilooper, Autographa nigrisigna; and gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). Two important natural enemies, the ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, and spiders of Thomisus spp. were also observed. A. craccivora reached a maximum population of 18.6 aphids/plant during the sixth standard meteorological week (SMW); S. litura reached 3.0 larvae/plant during the fourth SMW; A. nigrisigna reached 1.0 larva/plant during the seventh SMW; and H. armigera reached 3.1 larvae/plant during the second SMW. Among natural enemies, C. septempunctata and Thomisus spp. reached maximum populations of 3.30 and 2.80 individuals/plant during the third and fourth SMW, respectively. Aphid abundance was significantly and positively correlated with sunshine hours (r = 0.578), tobacco caterpillar with evening relative humidity (r = 0.603), and semilooper with maximum temperature (r = 0.744) and sunshine hours (r = 0.594). Spider abundance was significantly and positively associated with evening relative humidity (r = 0.750), whereas no significant weather association was detected for C. septempunctata. The observations provide a field-based description of the pest and beneficial arthropod complex occurring on chickpea at Bilaspur and establish seasonal windows for monitoring.

Evaluation of Pest Management Modules against the Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) Infesting Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

J. V. Italiya — 2026-10-22

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is a major destructive pest of chickpea causing considerable yield losses throughout India. Given its importance, an experiment was conducted to evaluate different pest management modules for their efficacy against H. armigera in chickpea. Pest management modules viz., bio-intensive module, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module and chemical-intensive module were developed and evaluated under field conditions during the rabi seasons of 2024-25 and 2025-26. The IPM module consisted of marigold as a border crop; installation of bird perches at 50/ha; spraying of Bacillus thuringiensis 1% WG @ 20 g/10 litres of water at 30 DAS; spraying of Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) 5% @ 500 g/10 litres of water at 45 DAS; and spraying of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 0.006% @ 3 ml/10 litres of water at 60 DAS. Of the evaluated modules, the lowest larval population (1.54 larvae/10 plants) and pod damage (13.78%) as well as the highest seed yield (2345 kg/ha) and ICBR (1:10.92) were recorded in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module. The chemical intensive module with moderate efficacy stood second in suppressing the pest, whereas the bio-intensive module, despite recording the lowest pest-suppression efficacy among the three modules, registered the second-highest ICBR (1:10.39), higher than that of the chemical intensive module (1:6.05), owing to the comparatively low cost of bio-pesticidal inputs.

Assessment of Physical Characteristics of Different Cocoa Types (Theobroma cacao L.) Cultivated in Bastar Plateau of Chhattisgarh, India

Manjari — 2026-10-23

The present investigation was conducted during 2025–26 at the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Research-cum-Instructional Processing Unit, Krantikari Debridhur College of Horticulture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, to characterise the physical properties of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pods and beans cultivated under Bastar Plateau conditions. Three traditionally recognised cocoa types, Forastero, Criollo and Trinitario, were evaluated using 20 mature pods from each type. Pods were assessed for length, width, weight, surface area, pod size, bulk density, true density, porosity, volume, moisture content, shell weight, mucilage weight, number of seeds per pod and seed weight per pod. Twenty beans from each type were evaluated for bean length, bean width, individual bean weight and moisture content. Forastero recorded the highest mean pod length (18.78 cm), pod width (9.29 cm), pod weight (523.83 g), pod volume (513.51 cm³), shell weight (393.40 g), mucilage weight (46.56 g), seed number (42.90 pod⁻¹) and seed weight (83.88 g pod⁻¹). Criollo recorded the highest surface area (369.07 cm²), true density (1.04 g cm⁻³), bean width (13.31 mm), individual bean weight (1.34 g) and bean moisture content (7.15%). Based on the tabulated data, Forastero recorded the highest bean length (22.31 mm), followed by Trinitario (21.62 mm) and Criollo (20.92 mm). Trinitario recorded the highest porosity (53.06%). The results demonstrate distinct phenotypic and physical variation among the evaluated cocoa types and provide baseline information for germplasm characterisation, grading, post-harvest handling and preliminary processing system development in the Bastar Plateau.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Grain Yield and Nutritional Traits in Biofortified Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

K. Ramakrishna Vital — 2026-10-23

Biofortification in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a sustainable approach to addressing micronutrient malnutrition; however, developing high-yielding biofortified varieties requires a thorough understanding of the interrelationships among yield components and nutritional traits. The present study was conducted during kharif 2025 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Maruteru, Andhra Pradesh. It used correlation and path coefficient analyses to evaluate 18 traits in 34 biofortified rice genotypes and determine the associations between yield components and nutritional quality. The experiment was laid out in an alpha-lattice design with two replications. Genotypic correlation analysis revealed that ear-bearing tillers per plant, panicle length, grains per panicle, test weight, hulling percentage, milling percentage, head rice recovery, amylose content, protein content, iron content, and zinc content exhibited positive and significant associations with grain yield per plant. In contrast, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, and plant height showed negative associations with grain yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed that grains per panicle, test weight, milling percentage, amylose content, iron content, and zinc content exerted high positive direct effects on grain yield per plant and showed strong positive correlations, whereas the remaining positively correlated traits contributed primarily via indirect effects. Furthermore, a low genotypic residual effect of 0.1590 indicated that the 18 evaluated traits accounted for 97.47% of the total genotypic variability in grain yield per plant, confirming the adequacy of the traits chosen for path analysis. Since grains per panicle, test weight, milling percentage, amylose content, iron content, and zinc content exhibited both strong positive correlations and high positive direct effects on grain yield, direct selection for these traits is recommended as an effective strategy for the simultaneous improvement of grain yield and micronutrient density in rice breeding programmes.

Effect of Nozzle Type and Discharge Rate on Spray Characteristics and Insecticidal Bioefficacy in Chickpea and Bottle Gourd Using a Battery-Operated Knapsack Sprayer

Thokchom Macedonia Devi — 2026-10-23

Background: Nozzle type and discharge rate can affect spray deposition and pest management when battery-operated knapsack sprayers are used in field crops.

Objective: To assess the effects of nozzle type and discharge rate on spray deposition characteristics and insecticidal bioefficacy in chickpea and bottle gourd using a battery-operated knapsack sprayer. A two-factor completely randomised design comprising four nozzle treatments, three discharge-rate settings and three replications was used.

Place of Study: SWCE Farm Research Station and Vegetable Farm Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, India, in 2025–26.

Methodology: Three nozzle types, namely hollow cone (N₁), flat fan (N₂) and solid cone (N₃), were selected for performance evaluation using a battery-operated knapsack sprayer under laboratory and field conditions, while a control nozzle (N₄) was included for comparison. Spray characteristics were evaluated using water-sensitive papers, and parameters such as droplet density, spray coverage, volume median diameter (VMD), number median diameter (NMD), droplet deposition and homogeneity factor (HF) were analysed using ImageJ software. Additionally, bioefficacy was evaluated in terms of pest numbers before spraying and at 3, 7 and 14 days after spraying.

Results: In chickpea, the hollow cone nozzle operated at a high discharge rate resulted in the lowest relative thrips population (26.23%). In bottle gourd, the hollow cone nozzle recorded the lowest relative populations of aphids (36.74%) and whiteflies (23.59%). Overall, the results demonstrated that nozzle type and discharge rate significantly influenced spray quality, canopy coverage, droplet distribution and pest control efficiency. Statistical analysis confirmed that all main effects and interactions were highly significant (p < 0.01), and the coefficient of variation remained low, indicating the precision and reliability of the findings.

Conclusions: The study concluded that the hollow cone nozzle performed best for chickpea and bottle gourd when operated at higher discharge rates. The findings indicate that crop-specific nozzle selection can significantly enhance pesticide application efficiency, improve pest management, reduce chemical wastage and minimise environmental contamination. Therefore, adopting appropriate nozzle–discharge-rate combinations can contribute to sustainable and precise crop protection practices.

Novel Technologies for Pectin Extraction from Non-edible Plant Materials

Ashitha Mariya Shaji — 2026-10-16

Background and Aims: Pectin recovery from agricultural residues has attracted interest because processing conditions influence yield, purity, macromolecular architecture, functionality and the environmental burden of production. This narrative review evaluates conventional acid extraction and emerging processing options for obtaining pectin from non-edible plant tissues and agro-industrial by-products.

Approach: Peer-reviewed studies and reviews were examined to identify relationships among botanical matrices, extraction mechanisms, processing parameters, analytical characterisation and applications. Particular attention was given to microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and instantaneous controlled pressure drop (DIC) pretreatment, supported by discussion of enzyme-based, solvent-based and hybrid strategies. Cross-study comparisons were interpreted cautiously because yield definitions, extraction conditions and product characterisation differ.

Synthesis: MAE and UAE can shorten extraction or enhance mass transfer under specified conditions, whereas DIC modifies tissue porosity before subsequent pectin solubilisation. Performance is not uniform across feedstocks. For example, a pumpkin-peel MAE study reported a model-predicted extraction yield of 18.05% at 94.8 °C for 5 min, while three validation experiments under the optimised conditions yielded a mean of 22.8 ± 1.94%. In contrast, a berry study found that conventional citric-acid extraction produced the highest yield for most tested matrices. Galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification, molar-mass distribution, branching and acetylation are more informative than yield alone for evaluating suitability. Environmental benefits require system-boundary-specific evidence, including heating, solvent production, alcohol recovery and drying.

Conclusion: Emerging technologies provide feedstock-dependent opportunities for process intensification and tailored pectin recovery; however, they cannot be ranked universally on yield, purity, energy requirement or sustainability. Priorities include controlled head-to-head trials, rigorous reporting of recovered pectin, pilot-scale techno-economic assessments, life-cycle inventories and application-specific performance testing.

Sustainable Valorization of Sericulture Host Plant Waste for Biochar and Activated Carbon Production

Rubi Sut — 2026-10-22

Sericulture generates recurring lignocellulosic residues through the pruning and management of mulberry, castor, tasar and muga silkworm host plants. These residues are often underutilised, although some may serve as feedstocks for biochar and activated carbon production. This narrative review examines published evidence on the characteristics of host-plant residues, relevant thermochemical conversion routes, resultant carbon materials and their potential agricultural and environmental applications. Slow pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, carbonisation, gasification and chemical activation are considered in relation to feedstock composition and processing conditions. Studies on mulberry and castor residues demonstrate biochar or activated carbon production, while investigations of selected tasar host-plant materials show adsorption and electrochemical applications. Reported effects include altered soil nutrient availability, water-holding capacity and contaminant adsorption, although findings depend on feedstock, processing temperature, activating agents and application conditions. For example, mulberry-stalk biochar has been examined in soil nutrient studies, whereas activated carbons derived from castor and Terminalia residues have been evaluated for wastewater treatment. Evidence is less extensive for muga host plants, and conversion studies cannot be assumed to establish benefits for silk production. Important research needs include comparative feedstock characterisation, controlled field trials, assessment of mulberry leaf and cocoon outcomes, and evaluation of processing costs and life-cycle performance. Biochar production therefore represents a plausible waste-valorisation pathway, but its agronomic and economic benefits require further host-plant-specific validation.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Supply Chain Management: Applications, Evidence, Implementation Constraints, and Future Directions

Joel Mtango — 2026-10-18

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly investigated as decision-support technologies for supply chain management (SCM), yet their value depends on the nature of the decision, data availability, organisational capability and the methods used to evaluate outcomes. This critical narrative review examines applications across demand forecasting, inventory planning, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, risk management and sustainability. It brings together relevant peer-reviewed reviews, conceptual contributions and empirical studies, and distinguishes evidence from operational deployments from results reported in literature syntheses or simulations. The literature supports the practical relevance of data-driven prediction, pattern detection and decision augmentation, but it does not establish uniform improvements in cost, forecast accuracy, resilience or environmental performance across settings. Reviewed research also identifies integration costs, fragmented data, process misalignment, model drift, limited transparency and governance concerns as barriers to realising benefits. Recent work on generative AI broadens possible applications to document-intensive processes, synthetic scenarios and interactive decision support, while indicating that field-based validation remains limited. A process-oriented framework is proposed in which analytics inform planning, procurement, manufacturing, distribution and inventory decisions under continuous human oversight. The review argues that useful evaluations should compare AI-supported decisions against relevant operational baselines, account for service levels and cost trade-offs, and document transferability across sectors and resource settings. Future research should prioritise longitudinal field studies, cross-organisational coordination, responsible deployment and context-sensitive applications in emerging economies.

Occurrence of Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Mango Orchards of Peddapalli District, Telangana, India

A. Nithish — 2026-10-18

Diagnostic field visits to mango (Mangifera indica L.) orchards in Peddapalli district, Telangana, India, were undertaken after reports of damage to inflorescences, tender leaves and fruit during the 2025 flowering and fruiting season. In March–April 2025, thrips were collected from affected mango trees in Katekenapalli and Pattipaka villages, Dharmaram mandal, by tapping plant material over a white sheet and preserving collected insects in 70% ethanol. Four sample entries were submitted for specialist morphological identification at the ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru. Thrips parvispinus (Karny) was identified in all four entries, while Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) was also identified in three. Field photographs documented withered panicles and superficially scarred fruit. The findings establish the presence of T. parvispinus among thrips recovered from mango in these two villages; however, co-occurrence of another thrips species and the absence of systematic population counts, yield comparisons and diagnostic feeding studies prevent species-specific quantification of crop damage. The observation extends district-level evidence of T. parvispinus associated with mango in India, where its occurrence on the same host has previously been reported elsewhere. Standardised seasonal surveys and specimen-linked diagnostic records are warranted to establish prevalence and economic importance.