Synergistic exploration of Surfactin-capped silver nanoparticles: bioinformatics insights, antibacterial potency, and anticancer activity.

Surfactin lipopeptides (LPs) are a compelling class of biosurfactants with notable antimicrobial and anticancer properties. This study presents a novel approach by integrating bioinformatics tools to assess the drug potential of Surfactin, specifically focusing on its antibacterial, antifungal activities, and cancer cell-line toxicity. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Surfactin, a biosurfactant derived from KLP2016, as a capping agent, both in the presence and absence of Surfactin, to evaluate its impact on nanoparticle stability and bioactivity.

Research on cuttings and flower yield improvement of marigold cv. Siracole for sustainable production through Jeevamrit application.

A sustainable approach of farming involves using desi-cow waste products helps to improve soil biology. Jeevamrit, a traditional biofertilizer, enhances soil health and organic carbon and also reduces the need for farmyard manure, hence minimizing carbon footprint and supports eco-friendly agriculture. The present study investigated the effectiveness of Jeevamrit compared to chemical fertilizers and growth regulators for maintaining a healthy mother block of marigold.

A new species of genus Oedaspis Loew and new distribution records of Acidiostigma Hendel & Goniurellia Hendel from India (Diptera: Tephritidae).

A new species of genus Oedaspis Loew, Oedaspis nauniensis Maneesh & Hancock, sp. nov., is described from Himachal Pradesh, India and Oedaspis Loew, Acidiostigma bomiense Wang and Goniurellia lacerata (Becker) are newly recorded from India.

Comprehensive insights on association mapping in perennial fruit crops breeding - Its implications, current status and future perspectives.

In order to provide food and nutritional security for the world's rapidly expanding population, fruit crop researchers have identified two critical priorities: increasing production and preserving fruit quality during the pre- and post-harvest periods. The genetic basis of these complex, commercially important fruit traits which are uniquely regulated by polygenes or multi-allelic genes that interact with one another and the environment can be analyzed with the aid of trait mapping tools. The most interesting trait mapping approach that offers the genetic level investigation for marker-trait associations (MTAs) for these complex fruit traits, without the development of mapping population, is association mapping.

Exploitation of heterosis and combining ability potential for improvement in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a vital vegetable crop known for its nutritional and economic significance, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Studying heterosis and combining ability in okra is crucial for enhancing its yield, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases.

Fritillaria steroidal alkaloids and their multi-target therapeutic mechanisms: insights from network pharmacology.

Medicinal Fritillaria herbs, known for their rich content of steroidal alkaloids, have emerged as promising candidates in the treatment of chronic diseases due to their diverse pharmacological properties. Leveraging advancements in network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study explores the multi-target mechanisms through which these alkaloids exert therapeutic effects. The integration of bioinformatics, systems biology, and pharmacology in drug discovery has provided insights into the molecular interactions and pathways influenced by Fritillaria steroidal alkaloids.

Integrative approaches to improve litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) plant health using bio-transformations and entomopathogenic fungi.

Bio-transformations refer to the chemical modifications made by an organism on a chemical compound that often involves the interaction of plants with microbes to alter the chemical composition of soil or plant. Integrating bio-transformations and entomopathogenic fungi into litchi cultivation can enhance symbiotic relationships, microbial enzymatic activity in rhizosphere, disease suppression and promote overall plant health. The integration of biological formulations and entomopathogenic fungi can significantly influence growth, nutrient dynamics, physiology, and rhizosphere microbiome of air-layered litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.

Impact of planting density and shoot thinning on alstroemeria flowering, soil attributes and cost economics.

A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of various planting densities and levels of shoot thinning on cut flower yield, quality, soil chemical properties and cost economics in the commercially cultivated alstroemeria cultivar 'Capri'. The experiment involved three planting densities (4, 6 and 8 plants/m) along with three shoot thinning levels (10 %, 20 % and 30 %). It was observed that higher planting density (4 plants/m) promoted the length of cut stem, early bud formation, and flowering, optimal quality parameters, including maximum stem thickness, cut stem weight, floret quantity/stem, floret size, number of flowering stems/plant (yield) and vase life.

Buckwheat: An Underutilized Himalayan Crop with Multifaceted Nutraceutical Benefits.

The human population is growing and alternate food options are needed to provide food and nutritional security to mankind. Reduced agricultural output as a result of climate change and increased demand for grains because of continuous population growth have created a gap between demand and supply of food. Buckwheat is a pseudocereal crop plant with high nutritional value that can be included as an alternate food in our diet.

Optimizing leaf nutrient status, growth, and yield parameters in high-density apple orchards (cv. Super chief) via integrated drip irrigation and fertigation techniques.

Nutrients and water are important ecophysiological components for apples' development and productivity. The combination of high-density plantation, drip irrigation, and weekly fertigation not only conserves irrigation water, but also reduces cultivation costs compared to conventional methods. Leaf nutrient analysis provides insight into nutrient levels and assists in determining irrigation and fertigation schedules.

Demographic analysis and biotic potential of (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on pea.

The fall armyworm (FAW), (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly destructive polyphagous pest that primarily damages maize.

Understanding the dynamics of infestation in pomegranate orchards of Himachal Pradesh, India (year 2018, 2019 and 2021) and its management strategies.

This study investigates the prevalence and dynamics of pomegranate wilt disease induced by across the Kullu, Mandi and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh (India), revealed notable spatial and temporal variations in nematode populations and galling severity across the regions. The highest average nematode infestation of 9.25 % was observed at Nauni with highest counts of average second-stage juvenile (J2) larvae (449 larvae per 100 cc of soil) followed by Hurla (Kullu) with 7.

Dissipation behaviour and dietary risk evaluation of pesticides on cucumber.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is the world's most widely consumed salad vegetable, and it is frequently treated with pesticides to prevent pest and disease outbreaks. Pesticide residues in food commodities impede trade and pose a major health risk.

Method validation, residue behaviour and dietary risk assessment of insecticides (cyantraniliprole, acetamiprid, flubendiamide and its metabolite, des-iodo flubendiamide) in or on broccoli using LC-MS/MS.

Residue behaviour and dietary risk assessment of cyantraniliprole, flubendiamide and acetamiprid in broccoli were carried out using the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) technique coupled with LC-MS/MS. The QuEChERS technique was validated on parameters such as linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, matrix effects, limit of quantification (LOQ), specificity, retention time and ion ratio as per SANTE (Directorate General for Health and Food Safety) guidelines to attest to the specificity, accuracy and precision of the analytical method in estimating insecticide residues in and on broccoli heads and cropped soil. The LOQ of the method for all three insecticides was 0.

Dissipation kinetics and the evaluation of dietary risks associated with deltamethrin, ethion, fenazaquin, and fenpropathrin on bell pepper (Solanum annuum L.).

Bell peppers, a globally significant crop, face infestations from various pests. In a study, bell peppers were treated with deltamethrin, ethion, fenazaquin, and fenpropathrin at recommended and double the doses, repeated twice with a 10-day interval. The QuEChERS method underwent validation for linearity, matrix match, accuracy, and precision in bell pepper matrices for residue analysis.

Surviving the stress: Understanding the molecular basis of plant adaptations and uncovering the role of mycorrhizal association in plant abiotic stresses.

Environmental stresses severely impair plant growth, resulting in significant crop yield and quality loss. Among various abiotic factors, salt and drought stresses are one of the major factors that affect the nutrients and water uptake by the plants, hence ultimately various physiological aspects of the plants that compromises crop yield. Continuous efforts have been made to investigate, dissect and improve plant adaptations at the molecular level in response to drought and salinity stresses.

Unveiling the potential of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for growth promotion and phytochemical enrichment in Valeriana jatamansi Jones.

Medicinal plants are rich sources of pharmaceutically important compounds and have been utilized for the treatment of various diseases since ancient times. Valeriana jatamansi Jones, also known as Indian valerian, holds a special place among temperate Himalayan medicinal plants and is renowned for its therapeutic properties in addressing a variety of ailments. The therapeutic potential of V.

Unraveling the enigma of root-knot nematodes: from origins to advanced management strategies in agriculture.

Integrated management strategies, including novel nematicides and resilient cultivars, offer sustainable solutions to combat root-knot nematodes, crucial for safeguarding global agriculture against persistent threats. Root-knot nematodes (RKN) pose a significant threat to a diverse range of host plants, with their obligatory endoparasitic nature leading to substantial agricultural losses. RKN spend much of their lives inside or in contact by secreting plant cell wall-modifying enzymes resulting in the giant cell development for establishing host-parasite relationships.

Epigenetic regulation of abiotic stress responses in plants.

Plants face a wide array of challenges in their environment, both from living organisms (biotic stresses) and non-living factors (abiotic stresses). Among the major abiotic stressors affecting crop plants, variations in temperature, water availability, salinity, and cold pose significant threats to crop yield and the quality of produce. Plants possess remarkable adaptability and resilience, and they employ a range of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms to respond and cope with abiotic stresses.

Taxonomic Identification and Nutritional Profiling of Wild Isolates of the Pink Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus djamor (Agaricomycetes) from Northwestern Himalayas (India).

For generations, individuals have been incorporating wild edible fungi into their diets. Precisely identifying mushrooms is essential for harnessing their potential benefits for human use. Specifically, the taxonomical identification of Pleurotus species is known for its complexity.

Green ripe fruit in tomato: unraveling the genetic tapestry from cultivated to wild varieties.

This article comments on: Cui L, Zheng F, Li C, Li G, Ye J, Zhang Y, Wang T, Hong Z, Ye Z, Zhang J. 2024. Defective mutations in , , and genes lead to formation of green ripe fruit in tomato.

Influence of planting dates and fertilizer modules on yield of chrysanthemum and soil health.

Background: Optimum planting date and appropriate fertilizer module are essential facets of chrysanthemum cultivation, to enhance quality yield, and improve soil health. A field-based study was undertaken over multiple growing seasons in 2022 and 2023, where six different planting dates, viz., P:June 15, P:June 30, P:July 15, P:July 30, P:August 15 and P:August 30 and two fertilizer modules, FM:Jeevamrit @ 30 ml plant and FM:NPK @ 30 g m were systematically examined using a Randomized Block Design (factorial), replicated thrice.

Assessment of Plant Growth Promotion Potential of Endophytic Bacterium B. subtilis KU21 Isolated from Rosmarinus officinalis.

The current study aimed to evaluate the plant growth-promoting (PGP) potential of endophytic strain Bacillus subtilis KU21 isolated from the roots of Rosmarinus officinalis. The strain exhibited multiple traits of plant growth promotion viz., phosphate (P) solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), lytic enzymes production, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity.

Characterization of Alternaria blotch disease of apple in Himachal Pradesh, India: insights on morphology, pathogenicity, and molecular features.

Background: Alternaria blotch disease in Himachal Pradesh, India, caused by Alternaria spp., adversely affects apple cultivars, resulting in reduced fruit size and quality accompanied by premature leaf fall.

Methods And Results: Sixteen Alternaria isolates from apple growing regions underwent comprehensive analysis including morphology, pathogenicity, and molecular characterization.

Impact of Parthenium hysterophorus L. on floristic diversity in Dhauladhar foothills of Himachal Pradesh.

Parthenium hysterophorus L. has become a weed of global concern owing to its fast expansion and invasive character. In order to study the status of this noxious weed and its impact on floristic diversity in Dhauladhar foothills, the study was conducted during the year 2021-2022 in culturable wastelands of Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.