International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

Longitudinal growth of bones occurs through endochondral ossification within the epiphyseal growth plate (GP) of the skeleton. The effect of growth hormone (GH) on the expression of the membrane sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE1) and anion exchanger (AE2) during skeletal growth was investigated using an ex-vivo model of rat bones. Tibia and metatarsal bones from day 10 pups were used for the investigation. The bones showed a steady rate of growth in the DMSO control media after 48 hours of incubation. The addition of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to the culture media resulted in a direct stimulation of the whole bone growth, the whole growth plate length, and the whole growth plate density of chondrocytes. No significant changes (P>0.05) between the DMSO control and rhGH-treated were noted. Incorporation of membrane inhibitors (NHE1 and AE2) (5-(N-ethyl-N-isoprophyl) amiloride [EIPA] and (4,4-diiodothiocyano-2,2-stilbenedisulphonate) [DIDS] respectively in the culture media in the presence of rhGH remarkably suppressed the whole bone growth, whole GP length, GP chondrocytes population, and tissue expression of NHE1 (Na+/H+ antiporter) and AE2 (HCO3 anion exchanger) along the GP. Using NHE1 and AE2 rabbit polyclonal antibodies, tissue expression of Na+/H+ antiporter and AE2 HCO3 anion exchangers were significantly higher in rhGH than DMSO control cultured bones. The hormonal treatment appeared not to have direct stimulating effects on the growth of the bone, but may have an indirect metabolic effect that enhances chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. EIPA and DIDS Plasma membrane inhibitors can still suppress longitudinal bone growth in the presence of rhGH.

Keywords: Long bone growth, Membrane transporters, Growth plate chondrocytes, Growth hormone.

Agriculture and animal husbandry cannot be separated from pest and disease attacks, which can cause losses to farmers. Pathogenic microbes generally cause disease in plants and livestock. Synthetic chemicals can cause poisoning in other living organisms, leading to the development of microbial resistance. Liquid smoke is a renewable natural material derived from biomass pyrolysis that can be used as an antipathogenic agent. The various pyrolysis processes and lignocellulose types, including hardwood, softwood, and nonwood, produce liquid smoke with differing chemical compositions, particularly phenol, due to their distinct lignin compositions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of liquid smoke phenols derived from the temperature stratification technique (200 and 400℃) and three raw materials of forest-industrial waste against pathogenic microbes: Xanthomonas oryzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV). The liquid smoke used for antimicrobial analysis was obtained from Tectona grandis, Pinus merkusii, and Andong bamboo (Gigantochloa pseudoarundinaceae (Steudel) Widjaja). The liquid smoke concentrations used for the antimicrobial analysis were 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30%, and for the plant antiviral, it was 1%. The results showed that pine liquid smoke at 400°C and 30% concentration had a higher inhibitory effect on X. oryzae. The teak liquid smoke (400°C, 30%) had a higher inhibitory diameter for S. aureus. Bamboo liquid smoke (400°C, 30%) had a higher inhibitory diameter for F. oxysporum than the other treatments. Teak liquid smoke (400°C, 1%) had a more substantial inhibitory effect on BCMV in Chenopodium amaranticolor.

Keywords: Antimicrobial, Liquid smoke, Lignocellulose, Pathogenic microbes, Pyrolysis.

The study focuses on the intensive cultivation of Azolla caroliniana L. and Lemna minor L. using wastewater from residential complexes to achieve high biomass productivity. The results of the analysis indicate that the obtained biomass, due to its high content of protein and nutrients, can be widely in demand as high-quality, economical, and environmentally friendly feed for freshwater fish. Azolla and Duckweed, in addition to effective water purification, provide a significant biomass yield per square meter and create an optimal nutrient medium for feed production. The produced biomass significantly enhances the efficiency of fish feed and contributes to increased economic benefits in the fish industry. The prospect of successful use of plant biomass generated in the process of biological wastewater treatment as fish feed contributes to environmental protection and rational waste management, which is both a scientific novelty and of practical significance.

Keywords: White amur fish, Duckweed, Azolla, Water temperature, Natural food, Growth rate.

Integrated pest management in wetland rice is a crucial strategy for enhancing the sustainability of this agricultural system. The study aims to examine sustainability and the factors that influence it. Respondents were 187 people from the total population of farmer households in Siak Regency, Riau Province. Data analysis using Rapid Appraisal with multidimensional scaling. The results of the study showed that four dimensions were included in the “quite sustainable” category, namely ecology (52.46), economy (65.53), social (69.12), and institutions (68.80), and “less sustainable” for technology (48.01), sustainability status was included in the “sustainable” category, with an average value of 60.78 percent. Soil pH is the most critical attribute for the sustainability of the ecological dimension. The economic dimension, with factors such as availability of capital, the dependence of household income sources on agriculture, availability of pest control facilities, and the price of dry-harvested grain, has a significant weight in agricultural decisions. The social dimension includes various factors, including participation in training, local knowledge of pest and disease control, farmer motivation to implement integrated pest management, farming experience, and periodic observations. The technological dimension refers to the physical, biological, and mechanical methods used for control. Finally, the institutional dimension is shaped by the availability of integrated pest management resources, access to information, and the presence of agricultural extension officers, pest control officers, and pest control teams.

Keywords: Integrated pest management (IPM); Multidimensional; Sustainability; Wetland rice.

Artificial insemination has transformed animal production. The technology facilitated rapid genetic improvement, maximizing the potential of male animal breeders. One component of the technology is cryopreservation. The process involves several techniques for cooling, freezing, and thawing. Exposing sperm cells to different temperatures can reduce sperm viability, thus affecting fertility. The supplementation of amino acids in the semen freezing medium served a crucial biological role in preventing cell damage. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of proline supplementation on the motility and velocity of cryopreserved goat sperm. Various concentrations of medium supplementation were used to cryopreserve goat semen (0, 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003g). The processed goat sperm cells were subjected to the slow-freezing method of cryopreservation. Post-thaw sperm motility and velocity were assessed using the Computer Aided Sperm Analyzer Machine. Based on the results obtained from the experiment, it was noted that the addition of 0.001 and 0.002 g of proline significantly (P<0.05) enhanced overall motility, progressive motility, and rapid motility, while reducing immotile sperm cells. The velocity, on the other hand, remained constant across treatments. According to these results, proline supplementation rates in the freezing medium, ranging from 0.001 to 0.002g, enhanced the quality of post-thaw goat sperm during cryopreservation.

Keywords: Cryopreservation; Goat, Frozen sperm; Motility, Proline, Amino acid.

This research was aimed to investigate the combination of microencapsulated-leaf extracts (mLEs), namely Cannabis sativa (mCSLE), Cannabis indica (mCILE), and Mitragyna speiosa (mMSLE) under in vitro fermentation. The experiment was conducted to assess their efficiency on different treatments; T1: control (un-supplemented), T2: mCILE+mCSLE, T3: mCILE+mMSLE, T4: mCSLE+mMSLE, and T5: mCILE+mCSLE+mMSLE. A completely randomized design was assigned to the supplementation of three mLEs randomly at 6% DM and various aspects of in vitro rumen fermentation were measured. The addition of three mLEs quadratically (P<0.05) mitigated the gas kinetics, specifically reducing the gas rate constant for the insoluble fraction and cumulative gas at 96 hours while linearly increasing their promoters, IVDMD, and ruminal NH3-N. This supplementation had a positive effect to increase the concentration of propionate (C3) and total VFA concentration, whereas it decreased the VFA proportion, particularly acetate (C2), butyrate (C4), and C2:C3 ratios, and CH4 production when compared with the control in this experiment (P<0.05). Additionally, all of the mLEs supplementation treatments raised the pH of the rumen, which led to more of the dominant microbial population. These included Ruminococcus albus followed by Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Megasphaera eldenii, Butyrivibro fibrisolvens, and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus. Contrarily, the mLEs addition dynamically reduced Methanobacteriales populations (P<0.05). The findings indicated that the combined of three mLEs might be a viable substitute for phytonutrient-based antioxidant supplements in animal feed additives.

Keywords: Chitosan encapsulation, Feed additives, Natural phytonutrients, Rumen manipulation, Methane emission.

Madiun Regency is the largest porang producing region in Indonesia, with the widest area of cultivated land. The region is expected to serve as a sustainable porang agribusiness development model, encompassing increased production, improved farmer income, and alignment with ecological conservation principles. This study aims to assess the sustainability status and identify the most sensitive attributes influencing the sustainability of the porang agribusiness in Madiun Regency. A survey was conducted with 368 porang farmers, and data were analyzed using the Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) method with the RAP-Porang Agribusiness approach. The analysis covered five dimensions: economic, social, ecological, institutional, and cultural. The results indicate that the porang agribusiness in the region falls into the “less sustainable” category with a sustainability index score of 46.01. The cultural dimension recorded the highest score (57.46), reflecting the deep-rooted traditional values associated with porang farming. In contrast, the ecological dimension showed the lowest score (28.14), highlighting the urgent need to enhance farmers’ ecological awareness to ensure long-term sustainability. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions, particularly in environmental management, to promote the sustainable development of porang agribusiness in the region.

Keywords: Agribusiness, Amorphophallus muelleri B, Multidimensional Scaling, Porang, Sustainability.

Winter wheat is a strategic food crop in many countries. This crop is susceptible to a wide range of pathogens that can cause yield losses of up to 50-100%. The most important element in obtaining a high-quality harvest is properly selected soil cultivation, since it directly ensures favorable water, nutrient, and thermal conditions, as well as good aeration. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of soil cultivation methods in winter wheat cultivation against fungal diseases. The research was conducted in the experimental fields of the Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection (FRCBPP) in Krasnodar, Russia, in 2022-2023. The experimental plots included two technologies – non-moldboard and moldboard tillage. The manifestation degree of the primary pathogens of leaf and root diseases of winter wheat was compared in experimental plots. The study revealed that the growth of phytopathogens on the non-moldboard tillage plot was higher than on the moldboard one. Thus, in 2023, climatic conditions favored the growth of pathogens. As a result, the incidence of powdery mildew was 3.3 times higher, yellow spot – 1.5 times, septoria – 1.3 times, and root rot – 1.2 times. The economic efficiency on the moldboard tillage plot was also higher, amounting to 6.45 t ha-1, whereas that on the non-moldboard tillage plot was 5.11 t ha-1. In 2024, no apparent effect of soil cultivation methods on disease development was found in the experimental plots. This is due to weather conditions and low pathogen growth. However, the impact of cultivation on crop yield was clearly visible. The yield on the moldboard tillage plot was t ha-1; on the non-moldboard one – 3.66 t ha-1. We can conclude from this research stage that moldboard tillage has several advantages, including reducing the incidence of winter wheat diseases and increasing grain yield.

Keywords: Non-moldboard and Moldboard tillage; Winter wheat; Leaf pathogens; Root rots; efficiency; Yield.

This study aims to explore the effect of electroacupuncture on the role of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a biomarker of physiological function in sterile female cats while analyzing hematological parameters such as mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and differential leukocyte count. A total of nine sterile female cats were divided into three groups, namely P1 as a control without electroacupuncture stimulation, group 2 P2: sterile female cats were given electroacupuncture at points BL18, SP6, and SI3, and group three P3: cats were given electroacupuncture at points ST36, BL19, and LIV3 (=LR3). Electroacupuncture was administered five times at intervals of three days, with each session lasting 10minutes. Blood was taken after the last electroacupuncture session was completed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and followed by the Tukey Post Hoc test. The results of the analysis showed that ALP levels between the treatment groups were significantly different (P<0.05). There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in MCH, MCHC, or MCV levels. The differential leucocyte value was still within the normal range. The conclusion of this study showed that the administration of electroacupuncture, combined with specific acupuncture points, can potentially reduce ALP levels in sterile female cats.

Keywords: Electroacupuncture, Alkaline Phosphatase, Sterilized Cats, Reproduction, Alternative Treatment.

The limited availability of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions, compounded by the adverse effects of climate change, necessitates the adoption of efficient and sustainable irrigation strategies to optimize agricultural productivity. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of drip irrigation and hydroponic systems in terms of water use efficiency (WUE), crop yield, plant growth and nutrient management in arid regions of Jordan. The WUE of the hydroponic system was significantly higher (61.3kg/m³) than that of drip irrigation (18.9kg/m³), and the hydroponic system yielded slightly higher crop production (9.2kg/m²). In terms of vegetative growth, the hydroponic system increased plant height (92.7cm) and leaf area (1,450cm²/plant) due to its ability to precisely deliver water and nutrients. Water management under hydroponic systems -including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient concentrations- is highly efficient. Under the drip irrigation system, the soil moisture was maintained at proper levels but did not use water and nutrition optimally, especially in dry regions, which faced unfavorable environmental conditions including high temperature (exceeding 28.5°C), low humidity (45.0%), and intense solar radiation (22.3MJ/m²/day) in summer seasons. Although hydroponics demonstrates the highest water-saving potential and crop performance, its high initial costs and technical expertise requirements may hinder its mass adoption. Nevertheless, drip irrigation is still a viable and cost-effective alternative to conventional farming systems. These results highlight the importance of implementing irrigation practices tailored to specific contexts to improve WUE and agricultural sustainability in dry regions.

Keywords: Drip Irrigation, Hydroponic Systems, Water Use Efficiency (WUE), Crop Yield, Arid Regions, Water Scarcity.

An evaluation of the environmental impact and cost-benefit performance of management strategies for Chinese kale cultivation was conducted in Thamuang District, Kanchanaburi Province, during the period from March to May 2024. The study compared an Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) strategy with two conventional farming practices commonly adopted by local growers. Results indicated that the IRM approach significantly reduced both the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) and field impact ratings, with values of 87.16 and 27.58, respectively, compared to the higher values observed under traditional farmer practices. The elevated EIQ values associated with conventional methods were primarily attributed to the frequent and intensive use of insecticides such as fipronil and related chemical compounds. A risk level analysis according to the EIQ field use rating revealed that the IRM strategy presented a low risk, while both farmer practices fell under the moderate risk category. An economic analysis of insecticide usage, labor costs, yield, and return on investment demonstrated that the IRM strategy involved significantly lower production costs (13,440 Thai baht/ha), representing a reduction of 22.75 to 32.59% compared to conventional farmer practices. The benefit-cost ratio, indicating the relationship between total yield value and combined insecticide and labor costs, was highest for the IRM strategy (13.32) compared to ratios of 10.72 and 9.45 for the two farmer groups, respectively.

Keywords: Chinese kale, Insecticide resistance management, Environmental impact quotient, Benefit-cost ratio, Pest management.

Bee diseases significantly hinder the development of the beekeeping industry and reduce its profitability. The use of various chemical origin preparations for treating bee diseases ensures that the infestation of bee colonies is kept to a minimum. However, the preparations have a negative impact on the bee body and contaminate bee products. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a new phytopreparation in the conditions of West Kazakhstan region. The phytopreparation was developed using medicinal plants native to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The therapeutic dose of phytopreparation (10 and 15mL/1L of 20% and 50% sugar syrup) was established using the laboratory method of dosed feeding. The research and production experiment demonstrated that the phytopreparation exhibits a pronounced anti-varroosis and anti-nosemosis effect. In the treatment of varroosis, the intensity of invasion is reduced to a safe level when used by the method of feeding at a dose of 10-15mL/1L sugar syrup in the spring period, the therapeutic efficiency is 86-85.7%, when irrigated in the specified doses – 84.3-85%. In the treatment of nosemosis, the preparation’s effectiveness reaches 100%. The preparation can also be used for complex treatments and systematic therapeutic and preventive protection of bee colonies, as well as to stimulate the development of healthy bee colonies, an increasing their productivity.

Keywords: Honey bee, Varroosis, Nosemosis, Treatment, Phytopreparation.

This study was designed to compare the effects of different treatments on the expression of the IL-12 gene and its role in the healing of diabetic wounds. An experimental approach was employed to evaluate a novel treatment combining atmospheric nitric oxide (NO) and NPH insulin cream, which has been shown to impact IL-12 gene expression and enhance diabetic wound healing. A total of 24 diabetic rat samples were divided into four groups based on the treatment received: a) DC (Diabetic Control), b) DI (Diabetic + Insulin), c) DNO (Diabetic + Nitric Oxide), d) DINO (Diabetic + Insulin + Nitric Oxide) Gene expression analysis of the IL-12 gene was performed using RT-PCR. Comparisons were made among the four groups (DC, DI, DNO, and DINO) to understand better the impact of these treatments on IL-12 mRNA expression. The result was a statistically significant decrease in IL-12 expression in the DINO group compared to the DC group (P=0.0437). Since higher expression of the IL-12 gene is associated with inflammation and chronic wounds, its reduction indicates improved healing. Notably, nitric oxide (NO), which has antimicrobial properties, appeared to suppress IL-12 expression in the DNO group, suggesting that NO contributes to reduced inflammation and promotes faster wound healing.

Keywords: Interleukin-12; IL-12; Wound healing; Diabetic wound; Cold atmospheric nitric oxide; NPH Insulin.

For millennia, medicinal herbs have been utilized to enhance health and address many ailments, including infertility and reduced fertility in female animals. This review seeks to examine current research on the effect of medicinal herbs in enhancing fecundity and addressing infertility in female animal models, including rats, mice, and rabbits. Narrative reviews were conducted on 45 scientific articles published between 2014 and 2024. The findings indicated that extracts from 41 plant species belonging to 29 families significantly influenced reproductive hormone control, folliculogenesis, restoration of the estrous cycle, and enhancement of fertility indices. The species comprise Myrianthus arboreus, Rumex vesicarius, Jatropha tanjorensis, Schumanniophyton magnificum, Allium cepa, Allium ampeloprasum, Glycine max L., Curcuma longa L., Nigella sativa, Salvia officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Moringa oleifera, and Viscum album. The primary bioactive substances identified include polyphenols, flavonoids, isoflavones and phytoestrogens, which contribute to the regulation of hormonal equilibrium (estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH), mitigation of oxidative stress, and enhancement of ovarian morphology, oocyte quality, and the estrous cycle. Certain plant medicines, including Punica granatum, Withania somnifera, Tribulus terrestris, Phyllanthus muellerianus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Cinnamomum verum, are efficacious in managing polycystic ovarian syndrome, reinstating reproductive function, and enhancing fertility. This study highlights the necessity of advancing medicinal plant extracts as a safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly therapeutic alternative to improve female reproductive health and promote the sustainability of animal populations.

Keywords: Animal models; Female fertility; Infertility; Phytoestrogens; Medicinal plants.

The study examined the effect of a preparation made from walnut leaves and fruits on treating dyspepsia in calves. The primary research method was a comparative analysis of morphological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of the blood of calves with dyspepsia. The calves were divided into experimental (10 specimens) and control groups (11 specimens). The results showed that using the walnut-based preparation helped reduce the level of leukocytes, increase the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, improve metabolic processes, and increase immunity. The most pronounced effect in the experimental group was observed by the 10th day of the study when the number of erythrocytes increased by 24.7%, the hemoglobin content by 10.3%, and the total protein by 8.1%. There was also a significant decrease in residual nitrogen and catalase, indicating an acceleration in the elimination of toxic metabolic products. Including a walnut-based phytopreparation in the treatment regimen for calves with dyspepsia accelerated their recovery by 5-7 days compared with the control group. Thus, plant-based medicines can become an effective alternative to traditional antibiotic therapy. The obtained data confirm the prospects of using phytopreparations in veterinary medicine and the need for further research to optimize their dosage and application methods.

Keywords: Productivity, Component, Erythrocytes, Leukocytes, Total protein, Albumin.

The growing threat of insect pests and rising global human population in crop production drives farmers to rely on synthetic pesticides, but its misuse threatens health and the environment. Botanical insecticide offers a sustainable biochemical alternative in integrated pest management (IPM). This review integrates ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and taxonomy to identify insecticidal plants utilized by indigenous and local farmers in the Philippines. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 32 unique studies of high methodological quality and low bias risk selected from electronic databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Wiley Online Library) and expanded search (Google Scholar and ResearchGate) were gathered from June 2024 to December 2024. A total of 112 primarily native plant species across 91 genera and 45 families were reported with insecticidal properties. Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae were the most reported families, with Capsicum, Cymbopogon, and Gliricidia sepium as the most cited genera and species. Less explored species Coriaria intermedia, Selliguea taeniata, Homalanthus fastuosus, and Tetrapilus borneensis were also documented. Leaves were the most used plant part, extracted mainly through mechanical methods and applied via direct spraying. Network analysis identifies plant species used against key rice and corn pests, rice bugs, black bugs, and armyworms, providing a basis for further exploration of potential application against emerging global pest fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Botanical bioactive compounds identified can lead to growth abnormalities, feeding deterrence, and mortality. This review underscores traditional knowledge in sustainable pest management. Further phytochemical, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to validate efficacy and safety for broader application.

Keywords: Insecticidal plants, Pest management, Ethnobotany, Crop protection.

Nowadays, the production of feed mixtures from non-traditional perennial forage plants has become a promising area in Kazakhstan and worldwide. The current study evaluates the effects of the Topirum feed mixture, composed of local montmorillonite and green biomass of Rumex K-1 and Jerusalem artichoke, on the growth and metabolic health of sheep, to assess its ability to compensate for the deficiency in the daily diet of farm animals in arid regions. The experimental group, supplemented with 200g of Topirum daily, showed a significant improvement in average daily weight gain (220-280g) compared to the control group (140-170g), leading to a 24.1% weight increase over 30 days. Hematological analysis revealed substantial increases in red blood cell (RBC) count (33.9%) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels (18.5%) in the experimental group, indicating enhanced oxygen transport. Biochemical analysis indicated improved protein metabolism and nutritional status, with significant rises in protein (17.1%), albumin (26.2%), glucose (39.6%), and creatinine (70.0%). The activity of alkaline phosphatase also increased by 93.2%, confirming active musculoskeletal growth. These results suggest that Topirum effectively enhances growth and metabolic health in sheep, supporting its potential application in livestock nutrition to improve productivity in arid regions.

Keywords: Rumex; Helianthus; Bentonite; Blood biochemistry; Sheep.

Ball pythons or Python regius are well-known exotic pets, because of their gorgeous colors and patterns, particularly the albino morphs. There are different types of albino ball pythons, including the Candy and Candino variants, which differ in color intensity. In the Candino morph, the yellow color compared with the standard albino morph becomes a dark yellow, and the white stripe turns purple. In contrast, the Candy variants show a gold color that is more intense than both the standard albino and Candino morphs. The variation of the tyrosinase gene (TRY gene) expression is the major cause of the difference in coloration of the albino morph. This study is the first to report the expression levels of the TRY gene in these two albino morphs, Candy and Candino. The results indicate that the TRY gene expression in both variants is significantly lower than in wild-type ball pythons. Specifically, expression is reduced by a factor of 7.88 for the Candy variety and by 36.93 for the Candino variety. This means that the TRY gene expression in Candy is 4.69 times higher than in Candino. These results suggest that the TRY genes in both Candy and Candino morphs are still active and capable of expression.

Keywords: Ball python, Python regius, Tyrosinase, Level of expression.

Changes in climatic conditions in agricultural environments have significantly altered how we produce food. The introduction of more resilient species and technologies that enhance their productive potential has been continually studied. In this context, sorghum is a promising crop for cultivating areas less favorable for corn. When combined with growth-promoting and bioprotective bioinputs, it can support the establishment of the crop and mitigate the effects of adverse environmental conditions. This study evaluated the effect of applying Azospirillum brasilense and nicotinamide on the gas exchange and growth characteristics of sorghum plants under water deficit stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments were: T1 (control), T2 (foliar application of nicotinamide at 200mg L-1), T3 (foliar application of A. brasilense at 2mL L-1), and T4 (combined application of nicotinamide and A. brasilense). It was found that the application of both products, either together or separately, increased the gas exchange capacity of the plants after water stress, along with a gain in root volume ranging from 86% to 127%, which was accompanied by increased dry weight accumulation in both the shoot and the root system. We conclude that foliar application of A. brasilense and nicotinamide, alone or in combination, promotes improvements in gas exchange and growth in sorghum plants subjected to water stress, particularly in the root organs.

Keywords: Sorghum bicolor L., Azospirillum brasilense, Nicotinamide, Regenerative agriculture.

This study elucidates the protective role of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) in mitigating drought stress responses in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. IR64). Through controlled application of 4 ppm ABA and 10% PEG 6000-induced drought stress, we investigated physiological and molecular adaptations, including: Morphological modifications (29.4% reduction in plant height, 49.9% shorter roots), Oxidative stress markers (10.2-fold increase in H₂O₂, 7-fold higher MDA levels), Photosynthetic efficiency (39.5% chlorophyll reduction), Cellular integrity (44.7% elevated electrolyte leakage), Gene expression patterns of OsSLAC1, OsCatA and Mn-SOD. Notably, ABA application demonstrated significant protective effects: 35.4% reduction in oxidative damage, 28.7% improvement in membrane stability, 22.1% enhancement of photosynthetic capacity. Gene expression analysis revealed treatment-specific activation of the ABA-dependent OsSLAC1 pathway and differential regulation of antioxidant genes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into ABA-mediated drought tolerance, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against water deficit stress in rice cultivation.

Keywords: Relative mRNA level, Drought stress, ABA-dependent pathway, Slow anion channel associated-1, Biochemical analysis R.

The effectiveness of micronutrients, complex fertilizers with chelated trace elements, and biofertilizers in oil flax cultivation under rainfed conditions in southeastern Kazakhstan remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of foliar fertilization using tank mixes of macro- and micronutrients, complex fertilizers (brands: 13-40-13, 12-12-36, 3-11-38), and the biofertilizer Terra Sorb Complex on the productivity and seed quality of oil flax. Field experiments were conducted on light chestnut soils in the Almaty region during favorable weather conditions with adequate soil moisture and moderate temperatures. Results showed that treatments involving four foliar applications of a tank mix containing MACRO+MICRO elements and NPK fertilizers with chelated elements significantly increased seed count per capsule by 2.1seeds compared to the control. The highest 1000-seed weight (7.2g) was achieved with three or four foliar applications of macro- and micronutrient tank mixes or complex fertilizers with chelated elements, combined with pre-sowing biofertilizer treatment. The maximum seed yield (0.89t/ha) was observed with four foliar applications of MACRO+MICRO elements or NPK fertilizers with chelated elements, representing a 19.2% increase over the control. Additionally, fat content in seeds reached 42.0%, and protein content peaked at 28.4% with foliar treatments. These findings highlight the potential of foliar fertilization to enhance oil flax productivity and seed quality under rainfed conditions.

Keywords: Oil flax, Micronutrient, Crop foliar fertilization, Seed yield, Seed quality.

Maize production in Pakistan faces ongoing challenges, including low germination percentages and restricted seedling growth, which ultimately reduce crop yields. This study investigated the synergistic effects of gamma irradiation and magnetically treated water on the germination and early seedling growth of maize seeds. Tap water was magnetized using a 211mT magnetic field for durations of 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes. Simultaneously, maize seeds were subjected to gamma irradiation at doses of 50, 100, 150, and 200Gy. Principal Component Analysis and heatmap visualization analysis were used to assess treatment efficacy. Results showed that the highest gamma dose (200 Gy) significantly decreased germination to 33% in T4 and negatively affected seedling growth. In contrast, lower doses (50, 100, 150Gy) combined with magnetic water treatments enhanced germination percentages to 66, 86, and 73% in T1, T2, and T3, respectively and improved growth compared to control. The best result (86%) observed under 100 Gy gamma irradiation and 30min magnetic treatment. This integrated approach using an optimal dose of gamma irradiation along with magnetically treated water presents a promising, eco-friendly strategy to improve maize germination and vigor, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural productivity.

Keywords: Maize seeds, Magnetically treated water, Gamma irradiation, Dose optimization.

The application of reproduction-related biotechnologies, such as artificial insemination in goats, cannot proceed on farms where production records are not available. One of the requirements in adopting AI is early diagnosis of pregnancy, which will facilitate estrus synchronization and avoid the risk of abortion. Both laboratory assays and diagnosis are available. However, they require laboratory equipment and a highly skilled technical person. The use of non-invasive pregnancy detection using barium chloride as a test solution is evaluated. The efficiency of determining pregnancy in 36 heads of 1-year-old Philippine Native goats was carried out at different concentrations (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5g). The time consumed before the formation of precipitate (sec) and the quality of the precipitate were evaluated. The result shows that regardless of BaCl2 concentration, pregnancy can be detected. The results obtained show that treatments with higher concentration of BaCl2, requires shorter period for precipitate formation is shorter as compared to treatments with lower concentration. The difference between periods consumed among treatments is highly significant (P<0.05) from Week 1 to Week 7 of the study, with Treatment 4 recording the shortest time consumed for the precipitate to occur. In terms of visibility of the precipitate, there was no significant difference between treatment means 7 days after breeding. However, as the pregnancy progresses, the difference between the treatment means (P<0.05) was significant. Treatment 4 developed more visible precipitate as compared to the other treatments, and this observation was noted throughout the study. Therefore, utilizing BaCl2 to detect early-stage pregnancy in goats is an effective, low-cost procedure with the same accuracy as ultrasound diagnosis. According to this study, 4.5g BaCl2 is a better visual indicator for non-invasive pregnancy diagnosis.

Keywords: Goat, Pregnancy diagnosis, Non-invasive method, Barium chloride.

At the Warin Chamrap Municipality landfill in rural Thailand, informal garbage sorting workers face potential health risks from exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), a known carcinogen. This study assessed the dermal exposure risk among 139 workers using a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data was gathered via structured interviews on demographics, knowledge, and preventive behaviors. Soil samples from six sorting areas were analyzed for chromium by the Ubon Ratchathani University Laboratory Center using ICP-OES (PerkinElmer Optima 8000). Health risk assessments were conducted in accordance with U.S. EPA guidelines. Soil chromium concentrations were found to range from 7.60 to 13.31mg/kg, which is below Thailand’s threshold of 212mg/kg. Workers demonstrated good knowledge (68.3%) and exhibited preventive behaviors (63.3%), although some misconceptions persisted. Dermal exposure levels ranged from 1.98×10⁻⁶ to 8.36×10⁻⁶mg/kg-day. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were within acceptable limits. Despite the low levels of exposure, ongoing education, improved health services, and more vigorous enforcement of protective measures are essential for long-term worker safety.

Keywords: Health risks, Chromium, Informal workers, Garbage sorting, Landfill.

Non-destructive techniques such as spectroscopy are widely used to authenticate the geographical origins of food and agricultural products. This study presents an integrated approach using shortwave near-infrared (SWNIR) spectroscopy, dimensionality reduction, and artificial neural networks (ANN) to authenticate Robusta coffee beans from four regions in Indonesia: Temanggung, Toraja, Dampit, and Lampung. Spectral data collected in the 954–1700 nm range were transformed using three linear dimensionality reduction methods—principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The resulting feature sets were used to train ANN classifiers. PCA, PLS, and LDA score plots demonstrated clear clustering among coffee origins. Results show that the LDA–ANN combination achieved the highest classification accuracy of 100%, along with perfect values for precision, recall, specificity, and F1-score. In contrast, PCA–ANN and PLS–ANN reached accuracies of 97.9 and 96.2%, respectively. The ROC and AUC analysis further confirmed the superior separability of LDA-based classification, showing no overlap between sample classes. These findings highlight the potential of SWNIR spectroscopy combined with LDA and ANN for rapid, reliable, and non-destructive geographical authentication of Robusta coffee.

Keywords: Artificial neural network; Geographical origin; PCA; PLS; LDA.

This study evaluated the physiological, hematological, and biochemical changes in Red Sokoto goats undergoing rumenotomy. Five healthy (N=5) Red Sokoto bucks, aged 6 months to 1 year and weighing 10–15kg, were utilized for the study. The goats underwent rumenotomy after being prepared and anaesthetized, and their normal physiological clinical parameters including rectal temperature, pulse and respiratory rates were evaluated. Other physiologic indices evaluated were; packed cell volume, hemoglobin, red and white blood cells count, differential neutrophils, lymphocytes, and serum biochemical markers which includes; ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, creatinine, and glucose. These parameters were evaluated at baseline (pre-surgery) and immediately post-surgery, then subsequently at days 2, 7, and 14. The physiological parameters fluctuated within the normal range. There was no significant difference between baseline and postoperative values (P>0.05). There was a decreasing trend in the mean PCV, Hb, and RBC before and after the rumenotomy but it was not significant. The total WBC and differential leukocyte counts pre and postoperative have no significant changes (P>0.05), and the mean values were within normal physiologic reference limit. There were no remarkable changes (P<0.05) observed in all the selected serum biochemical indices evaluated, except for BUN between days 0 and 7, and the mean values were within the normal range. This study demonstrates that rumenotomy in Red Sokoto goats did not elicit significant systemic physiological, hematological and biochemical alterations. These findings underscore the importance of meticulous perioperative management in minimizing surgical stress and associated complications. This finding provides valuable insights into the goats physiological, hematological and biochemical responses to rumenotomy, thereby contributing to advancements in veterinary surgical techniques and enhancing animal welfare.

Keywords: Rumenotomy, Red Sokoto Goats, Physiological, Hematological, Biochemical.

A leading task of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s agroindustrial complex is to raise the productivity of crops and the quality of the obtained product while reducing production costs. The study aimed to evaluate the productivity and adaptability of 20 sugar beet hybrids under the agro-climatic conditions of the North Kazakhstan region. Field studies were conducted over three growing seasons (2021-2023) at the Agrobiological Station of M. Kozhbayev University. A randomized complete block design was employed with three replications. Data on root yield, sugar content, and sugar yield were collected, and statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between hybrids. Phenological observations and soil fertility assessments were also conducted to evaluate the adaptability and performance of the hybrids. Among the tested hybrids, 10 were identified as superior based on their yield, sugar content, and sugar yield. Kazakh hybrids Abulkhayir, Pamyati Abugalieva, and Aysholpan and international hybrids Patriot (Ukraine), Dunyasha (Germany), and Yampol (Poland) achieved the highest yields, ranging from 469.5 to 494.5 t/ha. This represented a 12.2-18.7% increase compared to the standard variety Aksu. This research offers practical guidance on selecting sugar beet hybrids that are more compatible with the local climate and soil conditions. The study highlights the potential of specific sugar beet hybrids to enhance productivity and contribute to regional sugar self-sufficiency in North Kazakhstan. Additionally, it provides effective agro-technical practices, such as strategies for managing weeds and pests, to optimize the cultivation of sugar beets.

Keywords: Sugar beet hybrids; Agroclimatic adaptation; Yield and sugar content; Northern Kazakhstan; Food security.

Heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses significant threats to aquatic organisms affecting their physiological and biochemical functions. This study evaluates the impact of aqueous nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) co-exposure on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense mechanisms, histopathological alterations, and metal bioaccumulation in brain and muscle tissues of Tilapia fish. Fish were divided into four groups: Group A (Control), Group B (Ni exposure), Group C (Cr exposure), and Group D (Ni-Cr co-exposure), and exposed to metals for a specific duration. Oxidative stress biomarkers, including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), were measured along with antioxidant enzyme contents such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and reduced glutathione (GSH). The results demonstrated a significant increase in TBARS and ROS levels, indicating oxidative stress, while antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD, and GSH) declined significantly, suggesting impaired defense mechanisms. Histopathological examination revealed structural alterations in both brain (neuronal degeneration, necrosis of neurons, microgliosis, and vacuolization) and muscle (necrosis of myocytes, inflammation, and disorders in the arrangement of muscle fibers) in fish of the Ni-Cr co-exposure group. Metal bioaccumulation analysis showed a higher concentration of Ni and Cr in the brain compared to muscle tissue with the highest accumulation occurring in the combined metal exposure group. These findings highlight the toxic effects of Ni and Cr co-exposure in aquatic organisms, emphasizing the need for stricter pollution control measures to safeguard aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords: Nickel, Chromium, Tilapia fish, Oxidative stress, Antioxidant enzymes, GSH, Histopathology, Metal bioaccumulation.

Post-milking teat dipping of dairy cattle into antiseptic solutions (Teat dipping) to protect the teats has been widely recognized in various dairy farming countries, which can minimize contamination of the teats from pathogenic bacteria. However, dairy farmers still rely on synthetic antiseptics, where their use can leave suitable residues indirectly in the milk dairy cows produce. The purpose of this study was to obtain the content and dose of citrus fruit peel (Citrus reticulata) eco-enzyme by analyzing phenol, tannin, ethanol, acetic acid and its sensitivity effect on Streptococcus sp. bacteria so that it can be used as a natural teat dipping solution in dairy cows. The method used in this research is an experimental study with a completely randomized design which is seen from the level/dose of Eco-enzyme based on citrus peel, as follows: D1. Synthetic Antiseptic (control), D2. Eco-enzyme solution (30%), D3. Eco-enzyme solution (60%), D4. Eco-enzyme solution (100%). The results of the orange peel eco-enzyme solution research show a significant effect on phenol content (11.3-75.5mgGAE/gr), tannins (0.05-0.89%1000 ppm), ethanol (1.99-2.92%), acetic acid (0.21-0.57%) and inhibition against Streptococcus sp. bacteria (2.87-6.75mm), and it can be concluded that citrus fruit peel (C. reticulata) eco-enzyme solution treatment D4 can be used as a natural antiseptic candidate for teat dipping solution in dairy cows.

Keywords: Eco-enzyme; Citrus reticulata; Teat dipping; Natural antiseptic; Dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to develop a foam-mat spicy seasoning powder from chili placenta, a by-product of processed vegetables and fruits, to identify the appropriate type and amount of foaming agents to obtain a product with good physicochemical properties. Six foaming agents were evaluated: Methocel™, egg albumin, various ratios of Methocel™ and egg albumin, distilled monoglyceride, maltodextrin, and sodium chloride. The most effective formulation consisted of Methocel and egg albumin in a 2:1.5 ratio, supplemented with 1.5% distilled monoglyceride, 15% maltodextrin, and 5% sodium chloride. After drying at 70°C for 3 hours, the obtained product had a solubility of 86.23%, a dispersibility of 0.236%, a total phenolic content of 1.382mg gallic acid equivalents per gram (eq./g), a DPPH antioxidant activity of 261.18µg Trolox eq./g, and a capsaicin content of 3,163.67 SHU, which was at a moderate spiciness level. The product demonstrated a shelf life of at least two months and met microbiological safety standards, indicating its potential for development as a commercial seasoning derived from agricultural by-products.

Keywords: Capsaicin, Methocel™, Egg albumin, Maltodextrin, Foaming properties.

Samosir local shallots from North Sumatra are considered superior regional commodities, yet their cultivation is constrained by increasingly limited genetic resources and low productivity, primarily due to small bulb size. To address this limitation, genetic enhancement through induced mutation was explored using the chemical mutagen colchicine. This study aimed to assess the effects of colchicine on the morphophysiological, anatomical, and cytogenetic characteristics of Samosir local shallots. A factorial randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications was used. The first factor was the accession of Samosir local shallots (accessions Siunong unong Julu, Simamora 3, and Tipang 2), and the second factor involved soaking shallot bulbs in differing concentrations of colchicine solution for 24 hours, including control with distilled water, as well as concentrations of 200ppm, 400ppm, and 600ppm. The results showed that the Tipang 2 accession had higher plant length 6 weeks after planting (WAP), bulb diameter, dry weight of bulb/plant, bulb grading I, and harvest index compared to the Siunong, Unong Julu, and Simamora accessions. The 600ppm colchicine treatment tended to accelerate harvest time and increase bulb grading I. However, observations of the number and density of stomata showed non-significant differences among the Samosir shallot accessions subjected to colchicine treatment. A significant interaction was observed between Tipang 2 and 600 ppm colchicine, resulting in increased plant height. Additionally, increasing colchicine concentration from 0 to 600ppm enhanced total chlorophyll content in the Tipang 2 accession. Karyotyping and flow cytometry analysis indicated that the number of diploid chromosomes in Samosir local shallots remained stable after colchicine treatment, confirming that polyploidy induction was not observed in the M1 generation.

Keywords:Colchicine, Chlorophyll contents, Mutation, M1 generation, Samosir local shallots.

The indigenous people in the state of Sarawak widely cultivate hill paddy in Malaysia. The study examines the levels of technical and scale efficiency, productivity, and the determinants of technical efficiency among indigenous smallholder farms in the Belaga district. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, and data were collected from 148 farmers using the non-probability convenience sampling method. The results revealed that the mean overall technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were 0.856, 0.901, and 0.950, respectively. In terms of productivity, only 45 of the decision-making units were found to operate at an optimal production level. Farmers’ education, experience, age, and household size were found to have a negative relationship with technical efficiency, while association membership and distance to farm exhibited a positive relationship. The study supports interventions that target region-specific constraints to enhance efficiency, productivity, and improve food security among rural indigenous communities in Sarawak.

Keywords: Technical efficiency, Hill paddy farming, Indigenous smallholders, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Scale efficiency, Productivity determinants.

Nitrogen (N) is a macronutrient needed in significant quantities by corn plants, but the fertilization efficiency is often limited. In this context, organic materials increase soil fertility and efficiency of N. The application of maggot frass enriched with zeolite is also an alternative to increase N efficiency. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the enrichment of maggot frass with zeolite and N fertilizer doses on agronomic traits and efficiency of sweet corn plants. A Complete Randomized Block Design was used with 3 replications at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University. The first factor was N dosage with 3 levels, 0kg ha-1, 150kg ha-1, and 300kg ha-1. The second factor was the application of maggot frass consisting of zero maggot frass, maggot frass, maggot frass 95% + zeolite 5%, and maggot frass 90% + zeolite 10%. Meanwhile, the variables included plant height, leaf area index, plant dry weight, sweet corn yield, and agronomic efficiency. The result showed that the application of N increased growth. The highest agronomic efficiency value was achieved at a dose of 150kg ha-1 of 18.883kg-1N and treatment of maggot frass + zeolite 5%.

Keywords: Nitrogen, Efficiency, Maggot frass, Zeolite, Agronomy.

The global annual deficit of feed protein exceeds 30 million tons, with Russia accounting for approximately 2–2.5 million tons of this shortfall. A notable trend in contemporary animal husbandry is the increasing substitution of conventional animal-derived protein sources with plant-based and single-cell microbial proteins, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on traditional feed components. The main sources of plant protein are legumes (soybeans, peas, fodder beans, and lupine, etc.). Lupine – a legume with a high content of protein and fiber is of great interest. This article presents the results of obtaining a plant protein concentrate by enzymatic treatment of lupine and assessing its nutritional value for use in animal husbandry. White lupine of Dega variety (Republic of Tatarstan) was used in the work. Lupine seeds were pre-treated in an EM-150 feed extruder (Russia) at the production site of “GreenTex Scientific and Technical center” LLC (Kazan). The concentration of total nitrogen, true protein, fiber, fat, ash, pectin, and starch was determined in the seeds before and after extrusion. Enzymatic hydrolysis of lupine was carried out with enzyme preparations from Novozymes (Denmark) and Production Association “Sibbiopharm” LLC (Russia) in a laboratory shaker-incubator Kuhner ISF1-X (Switzerland) with subsequent separation of the solid and liquid fractions by centrifugation. The solid sediment (protein concentrate) was dried, and both total and true nitrogen contents were quantified. During enzymatic hydrolysis, the majority of lipids present in the extruded lupine were released into the hydrolysate. When using Novozymes enzyme preparations, the maximum yield of reducing substances (RS) reached 1.66% after 5–6 hours of hydrolysis, compared to 1.55% after 10–12 hours in the absence of extrusion pretreatment. In contrast, enzymatic treatment with Sibbiopharm preparations resulted in a higher RS yield of 2.2%, achieved within just 1.5 hours. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (Shimadzu, Japan) revealed structural modifications in the carbohydrate and protein components, indicating significant biochemical transformations during hydrolysis. The protein concentration in the final product increased from 39.8% to 47.58%. Evaluation of the amino acid composition on the NIRS™DS 2500 analyzer showed that enzymatic treatment of lupine seeds allowed increasing the amount of amino acids from 25.95 to 42.08%, including replaceable amino acids increase from 9.97 to 15.21% and essential amino acids increase from 15.98 to 26.87%. The resulting protein concentrate from lupine can be used for feeding farm animals and poultry in order to balance diets in terms of protein and amino acids content.

Keywords: Lupine, Protein concentrate, Extrusion, Enzymatic hydrolysis, Amino acids, Protein, Feed protein.

The Toba frankincense tree (Styrax paralleloneurus) is valued for its high-quality resin, which is traditionally extracted through stem tapping. This practice induces plant defense mechanisms and may influence the activity of endophytic bacteria, particularly their ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a key phytohormone involved in plant growth. Although the economic and taxonomic aspects of frankincense trees have been well studied, their microbial associations remain underexplored. The aim of this study was to compare IAA production and the characteristics and abundances of endophytic bacteria isolated from tapped and untapped S. paralleloneurus. Bacterial isolates were obtained, macroscopically characterized, assessed for IAA production, and taxonomically identified. The results revealed a higher diversity and abundance of endophytes in tapped trees (17 isolates) than in untapped trees (7 isolates). Furthermore, isolates from tapped trees exhibited significantly higher IAA production (14.44ppm) than the isolates from untapped trees (1.13ppm). The highest IAA-producing isolate was identified as Kocuria palustris, highlighting the potential role of tapping in fostering beneficial plant–microbe interactions. These findings suggest that tapping may alter the microbial ecology of S. paralleloneurus by enhancing tree growth and resilience.

Keywords: Endophytic bacteria, IAA production, Styrax paralleloneurus, tapping, Kocuria palustris.

Bacopa monnieri (Bm), commonly known as Brahmi, is one of the most economically important medicinal plants with high global demand, especially in Thailand. Bacoside-A, the principal pharmacologically active compound in Brahmi, plays a key role in its therapeutic efficacy. However, both biomass and bacoside yields are typically low and inconsistent in naturally field-grown plants, posing challenges for large-scale pharmaceutical production. This study aimed to enhance bacoside-A production in Brahmi by developing an effective foliar application of copper sulphate (CuSO₄) under Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponic cultivation. Six-week-old seedlings were treated with 250 and 500µM CuSO₄ by foliar spray, and samples collection was carried out at multiple time points (1, 2, 3, and 7 days post-treatment). Biomass, bacoside-A content, and expression of bacoside biosynthetic genes were subsequently analysed. The results found that Brahmi seedlings treated with 250 and 500µM CuSO₄ showed slight increases in fresh and dry weights at 3 and 7 days post-treatment, although these differences were not statistically significant compared to the control. In contrast, seedlings harvested at early time points (1 and 2 days post-treatment) exhibited significantly higher bacoside-A content than those harvested at later time points (3 and 7 days) and the untreated control. Gene expression analysis revealed that the BmACCT (acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase) gene was highly upregulated early a time point (12 hours) after exogenous CuSO4 application, while both BmOSC (oxidosqualene cyclase) and BmGT (glycosyltransferase) genes showed high expression at a later time point (24h) post CuSO4-treated Brahmi. Conversely, the BmbAS gene exhibited consistently stable expression across all time points post-treatment. These findings suggested that foliar application of CuSO₄ can enhance bacoside-A production in B. monnieri, potentially improving its medicinal value through elicitor-induced metabolic regulation.

Keywords: Bacopa monnieri; Gene expression; Plant elicitors; Secondary metabolites.

This research provides new records of the Geosesarma sp. population dynamics in the Meneoreh Mountains, Kulon Progo, Indonesia, since this crab was first discovered. This research aims to find out the latest information about population dynamics, which includes size distribution and sex ratio, growth patterns through the relationship between carapace width (CW) and body weight (BW), recruitment patterns, growth performance, and mortality of Geosesarma sp. The research was carried out from June 2023 to May 2024. The research location is in the Menoreh Mountains (07 o44.874’LS, 110o08.066’E) which is divided into three stations. The results showed that the sex ratio of the three stations was 1:0.4, 1:0.58, 1:0.6; The size distribution of males is more dominant than females, where at Station 1 the male CW size ranges from 9.7–11mm, and 6.9–8.2mm for females, Station 2 ranges from 8.9–9.7mm, Station 3 shows the CW is 7.5–8.4mm, and 6.5–7.4mm. The CW-BW relationship shows that the growth pattern of male crabs is positive allometric (b > 3), and that of female crabs is isometric. The growth coefficient shows a slow growth pattern (K<2). Station 1 showed that male experienced peak recruitment in July (18.56%), while females experienced peak recruitment in October (20.13%); at Station 2 in June (17, 34%) and May (20.38%); while station 3 in May was 16.89% and 24.06%. Crab mortality is caused by natural death and minimal fishing exploitation.

Keywords:Vampire Crab; Geosesarma; Population Dynamics; Freshwaters Crabs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of boron and zinc fertilizers, applied individually and in combination, on the productivity of newly developed domestic sugar beet hybrids in southeastern Kazakhstan. Two hybrids, Bolashak and Abulkhair, were treated with foliar applications of boron (YaraVita Bortrac150), zinc (YaraVita Zintrac700), and their combinations at various concentrations, alongside a basal dose of N₃₀₀P₁₅₀K₃₀₀. Treatments were applied at four key growth stages: 4–8 leaf stage, 10–12 leaf stage, leaf closure within rows, and between rows. The highest boron (47.0mg.kg⁻¹) and zinc (37.0mg.kg⁻¹) concentrations were found in Bolashak hybrid at row closure with Bortrac150 (1.5L ha⁻¹) and Zintrac700 (0.5L ha⁻¹). Boron uptake was generally higher than zinc, particularly by the Bolashak hybrid roots compared to the Abulkhair hybrid, especially when treated with “Background + B + Zn10” at 647.5g ha-1. The highest zinc uptake was recorded in the Abulkhair hybrid leaves with the application of YaraVita Bortrac150 (1.5L ha-1) and YaraVita Zintrac700 (0.5L ha-1), amounting to 384.3g ha-1. To produce one ton of biomass, Bolashak required 1256.3g ha⁻¹ boron and 727g ha⁻¹ zinc, while Abulkhair needed 1153.9 and 751.2g ha⁻¹, respectively. The highest root yield (82.0t ha⁻¹), sugar content (18.1%), and sugar yield (14.8t ha⁻¹) were recorded in Bolashak. Abulkhair reached a maximum root yield of 80.9t ha⁻¹, sugar content of 17.9%, and sugar yield of 14.4t ha⁻¹ with combined B and Zn in “N₃₀₀P₁₅₀K₃₀₀ + B + Zn10” treatment. These findings suggest optimal B and Zn foliar applications can significantly improve sugar beet productivity and quality under local agro-climatic conditions.

Keywords: Sugar beet, Boron, Zinc, Foliar feeding, Yield.

The study evaluated clonal micropropagation of Kamchatka bilberry (Vaccinium praestans Lamb.) using three forms collected from their natural range (Korsakovskaya, Iturupskaya, and Khabarovskaya). During surface sterilization, 100 explants per treatment (form × sterilant × exposure) were tested in triplicate. Subsequent stages used 10 plants per treatment in triplicate with factorial designs as follows: (i) shoot proliferation—medium strength × cytokinin level × biostimulant; (ii) rooting—auxin type × auxin dose × biostimulant. Data were analyzed by factorial ANOVA, and means were separated by the least significant difference at α = 0.05 (LSD₀.₀₅). The highest survival rate of V. praestans explants (92–97%) at the stage of introduction into in vitro culture was found when they were sterilized with 0.2% silver nitrate solution at the exposure time of 10 minutes. The highest values of number of V. praestans microshoots in in vitro culture at the stage of proliferation were observed in options with the 1/2 Woody Plant Medium, the maximum length of microshoots was observed upon addition of 1.0mg L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine + 0.1mL L⁻¹ HB-101 preparation. The rooting percentage of V. praestans explant in vitro culture on 1/2 WPM medium with the addition of both IBA and IAA at concentrations of 1.0-2.0mg L⁻¹was 80-96%. Increasing the concentration of 6-benzylaminopurine promoted a 1.2–1.5-fold increase in the V. praestans microshoots in vitro and a slight decrease in their average length. The maximum number and length of V. praestans roots in vitro at the stage of rhizogenesis were observed on the 1/2 Woody Plant Medium with addition of 2.0mg L⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid + 0.1mL L⁻¹ HB-101 preparation. The highest survival rate of V. praestans regenerated plants (90–96%) during adaptation to non-sterile conditions ex vitro was noted when transplanted in May on peat + zeolite 1:1, peat + river sand 1:1, peat + perlite 3:1. The survival rate of the V. praestans plants obtained by the method of clonal micropropagation 14 days after transplantation in open ground conditions of Kostroma region, Russia was 81–90%.

Keywords: Forest berry plants, Growth regulators, Kamchatka bilberry, In vitro, Nutrient medium, Woody Plant Medium, 6‑BAP, IBA/IAA, Sphagnum mulching, Acclimatization.

Microbes play a vital role in sustaining dairy farm ecosystems by supporting soil fertility and plant growth. The nutrient supply from microbes directly influences the quality of soils and the productivity of forage crops such as alfalfa and legumes, which serve as essential feed for livestock. Alfalfa and legume plants, being important feeds for the livestock, are mostly planted around the farming area. Studying in microbial diversity and their soil-enriching potential is crucial. This study aimed to identify beneficial soil microorganisms and root nodule bacteria from alfalfa and legume plants for potential use as biofertilizers in dairy farming. Soil samples were collected from a dairy farm and dried, while nodules were collected from alfalfa and leguminous plants. Microbial enumeration of soil and root nodule microbes, followed by qualitative and quantitative screening of isolates degrade cellulose, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. Molecular identification of selected strains was conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results showed revealed that a higher bacterial and microbial population in legume-cultivated soil compared to alfalfa. Among the isolates, 34 isolates exhibited cellulolytic activity, while eight isolates demonstrated potential nitrogen fixing ability and IAA production. Molecular analysis identified 18 bacterial strains from soil and nodules with significant cellulolytic potential. In conclusion, this study successfully isolated and characterized bacterial strains with promising and great potential applications in sustainable dairy farm programs.

Keywords: Agriculture, Farming, Microorganism, Nutrient cycle.

Upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple cereal in upland farming systems; however, its inherently low productivity often necessitates intercropping to enhance overall land use efficiency. Among intercropping strategies, integration with legumes has shown promise due to their nitrogen-fixing ability and contribution to system sustainability. Nevertheless, most existing studies have primarily emphasized total system productivity, with legume yield often disproportionately influencing outcomes. The present study aimed to improve the performance of upland rice by evaluating increased seeding rates and identifying the more suitable legume intercrop for optimizing both rice yield and system productivity. A two-factor experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A consisted of varying seeding rates of rice, while Factor B represented two intercropping systems: rice intercropped with mungbean (Vigna radiata, CS-M) and rice intercropped with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata, CS-C). The data collected for both rice and legumes included the leaf area index (LAI), the dry matter yield (DMY), and the land equivalent ratio (LER). For rice, it also included the harvest index (HI), the number of panicles, the number of filled grains per panicle, the weight of 1000 seeds, and the grain yield. For legumes, it also included the number of branches and pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, the weight of 100 seeds, and the seed yield. The results showed that CS-C at a rate of 75kgha⁻¹ (SR-2) gave the most rice grain production and Land Equivalent Ratio of 1.18. These results were attributed by higher 1000-seed weight and grain yield of rice, and high harvest index. In contrast, rice yields under the CS-M and CS-C systems were 60% and 38% lower, respectively, compared to sole rice cultivation, regardless of seeding rate. The reduced yield in the CS-M system was likely due to excessive shading caused by the dense branching of mungbean plants, which suppressed rice growth. Overall, the study suggests that intercropping upland rice with cowpea at a seeding rate of 75kgha⁻¹ offers a more effective strategy to enhance rice productivity and land use efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate legume species and optimizing planting density to improve the performance of upland rice-legume intercropping systems.

Keywords: Upland rice, Legumes, Cropping system, Seeding rate, and productivity.

This research evaluated the effect of ground corn particle size on the physical and chemical quality of pelleted feed for native chickens within the framework of developing strategies for the poultry feed industry to optimize corn-based formulations. The experimental material consisted of dry shelled corn (12% moisture) obtained from a commercial corn drying facility. The corn was cleaned to remove impurities and classified into three particle size categories: coarse (mesh 10–18, >1000µm), medium (mesh 20–30, 500–1000µm), and fine (mesh 40–100, <500µm). The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with three dietary treatments (P1: coarse, P2: medium, P3: fine), each replicated ten times, resulting in 30 experimental units. Each unit consisted of a mash diet and its corresponding pellet form. Parameters measured included physical quality (particle size distribution, angle of repose, bulk density, pellet durability, pellet hardness, and pellet dimensions) and chemical quality (moisture, crude protein, amino acids, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and calcium). The results demonstrated that particle size and feed form primarily affected physical rather than chemical quality. Finer particles reduced flowability and storage efficiency, thereby impairing mash quality without altering nutrient composition. In pellet feed, medium-sized particles produced the most favorable outcomes, characterized by the highest pellet durability index, balanced hardness, and the lowest fines. Coarse particles increased hardness, whereas fine particles reduced pellet durability. Overall, pelleting consistently improved physical quality compared with mash feed, while nutrient composition remained stable. These findings suggest that pelleting with a medium particle size is the most effective strategy for enhancing feed efficiency without compromising nutritional value.

Keywords: Ground corn, Particle size, Pellet quality, Native chicken.

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are uniquely adapted to survive in extreme arid environments, yet remain vulnerable to various physiological and environmental stressors such as heat, dehydration, transport, and infectious diseases. These stressors disrupt cellular homeostasis and trigger oxidative stress—a pathological state resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress leads to molecular damage, affecting lipids, proteins, and DNA, which contributes to impaired physiological function and an increased mortality risk. In recent years, oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and protein carbonyls have gained attention for their potential utility in monitoring health status and predicting survival outcomes in camels. This review synthesizes current knowledge on oxidative stress mechanisms in camels and evaluates the prognostic significance of key oxidative biomarkers across a range of pathological conditions, including parasitic infections, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal and urinary obstructions, and transport-related stress. Studies consistently report elevated MDA and depleted antioxidant enzymes in non-surviving camels, suggesting that these markers may be potential early indicators of critical illness. However, considerable variability in biomarker profiles exists due to differences in disease stage, sampling methods, and environmental influences. Despite these challenges, oxidative stress biomarkers show promise as non-invasive, practical tools for early detection of physiological compromise and mortality risk. Integration of oxidative profiling into herd health monitoring, along with the development of point-of-care diagnostic tools, could enhance camel healthcare, particularly in remote and resource-limited settings. This review highlights the need for standardized protocols, longitudinal studies, and advanced biosensing technologies to fully realize the diagnostic and prognostic potential of oxidative stress biomarkers in dromedary camel medicine.

Keywords: Camels, Biomarkers, Camel health management, Oxidative stress, Survival prediction.

A persistent challenge for Kazakhstan’s compound feed industry is the disproportionately high reliance on grain-based inputs, which constitute approximately 60–80% of feed formulations. By contrast, in Western Europe this share typically does not exceed 12–15%, largely due to the broader incorporation of food-industry by-products. A major by-product of Kazakhstan’s food industry is sugar beet pulp. Raw beet pulp has a moisture content of up to 93% and a shelf life of only three days. As a result, it is typically pressed and then dried using energy-intensive technologies, particularly drum dryers powered by natural gas. This study aims to develop an extrusion technology for combining pressed sugar beet pulp with feed components, enabling the replacement of imported dry beet pulp with domestically produced pressed pulp. The core concept of the research is the utilisation of pressed sugar beet pulp as a moisture-retaining agent during extrusion, using dry feed components as the sorbent. The cost of extruding pressed sugar beet pulp with dry feed components is three times lower than the cost of producing dry beet pulp using a natural gas-powered drum dryer. This study confirms that the extrusion process remains stable under the following conditions: inclusion of up to 10% pressed beet pulp with a moisture content of 65%–74%; an extrusion temperature of 80–165°C; and a screw rotation speed of 500 rpm. The practical significance of this research lies in reducing the production cost of compound feed.

Keywords: Rye; Peas; Sugar beet pulp; Compound feed; Extrusion.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing forage and conventional concentrate with alternative local feed ingredients such as cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta), Gamal leaves (Gliricidia sepium), and palm kernel meal-based concentrate on ration consumption, fiber digestibility, milk production, milk fat content, and the fatty acid composition of milk produced by Peranakan etawa (PE) goats. Four dietary treatments were applied: ration A (50% forage and 50% conventional concentrate), ration B (15% cassava leaves, 35% Gamal leaves, 15% palm kernel meal-based concentrate and 35% conventional concentrate), ration C (15% cassava leaves, 35% Gamal leaves, 25% palm kernel meal-based concentrate, and 25% conventional concentrate), and ration D (15% cassava leaves, 35% Gamal leaves, 35% palm kernel meal-based concentrate, and 15% conventional concentrate). The results indicated that forage substitution had no significant effect (P>0.05) on neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter consumption, hemicellulose, cellulose, and fiber digestibility. Milk yield ranged from 1.30 to 1.41kg/day, with ration C yielding the highest milk fat content (5.89%). Regarding the fatty acid profile, ration B delivered the highest concentration of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, 41.69%), while ration C produced the lowest proportion of saturated fatty acid (SFA, 56.98%). Overall, the stability of consumption and fiber digestibility, combined with the advantageous milk fatty acid composition observed in ration B, suggests that this formulation is a promising strategy for producing high-quality milk in tropical livestock systems under sustainable and economically feasible conditions. The outcomes of this study suggest that future research should explore the long-term effects of substituting local feed on animal health and reproductive performance, as well as its economic feasibility for smallholder farmers in tropical regions.

Keywords: Goat milk production, Local feed sources, Cassava leaves, Palm kernel meal, Sustainable livestock nutrition.

Parthenocarpy, fruit development without fertilization, is a valuable trait in tomato breeding, especially under high-temperature conditions that impair pollination. In this study, the tomato cultivar ‘CH 154’ was confirmed to exhibit facultative parthenocarpy, producing seedless fruit under heat stress. The whole genome resequencing of ‘CH 154’ and a seeded cultivar (‘CH 267’) led to the identification of 71 SNP loci associated with parthenocarpy. These loci span eight hormone-related gene groups, including ARF19B, ARF2A, ARF3, ARF5, TIR1, PAD1, MET1, and AP3, while only ARF19B contained polymorphic SNPs differentiating the two cultivars. Two SNP markers within ARF19B, SL-SNP59758072 and SL-SNP59761199, were developed using tetra-primer ARMS-PCR, demonstrating a hundred percent correlation in genotype discrimination associated with parthenocarpy. This marker system offers a novel, reliable tool for marker-assisted selection (MAS) targeting parthenocarpy, providing a foundation for developing heat-resilient, seedless tomato varieties.

Keywords: Facultative, Number of seeds, Heat tolerance, Whole genome sequencing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a groundbreaking tool in agricultural extension and marketing that offers new ways to enhance productivity and efficiency. The study investigates the application of AI in the development of agricultural practice in Jordan from the perspectives of key stakeholders like farmers, agribusiness professionals, extension officers, and technology consultants. A cross-sectional survey with 380 participants was used to evaluate AI performance in agricultural decision-making and operational performance. The findings indicate moderate-to-high consensus on applying AI to increase productivity with mean ratings of 3.47-3.63. AI’s role in agricultural extension registered high consensus with mean ratings of 4.65-4.78 for its benefits, indicating its significant role in knowledge dissemination and resource use. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) findings validate the efficacy of the model in forecasting high composite reliability (0.988) and high correlation (r = 0.884) of AI adoption to better agricultural extension services. The findings are promising, even if the study recognizes limitations as data being cross-sectional in nature and self-report biases. In conclusion, for the realization of the full potential of AI in agriculture, investment is advised in AI training, infrastructure, and policy. The future research needs to analyze regionally and gender-differentiated gaps and identify the long-term implications of AI use in agriculture to ensure that there is sustainable development in agriculture.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Agricultural Extension, Marketing, Technology Adoption, Jordan, Structural Equation Model, Agriculture.