Annual Research & Review in Biology

Survey on Anthracnose Disease of Chilli Caused by Colletotrichum capsici in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

2026-08-07T10:05:58+00:00

Chilli anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum capsici is a major constraint to chilli production in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. A roving field survey was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2023–24 and 2024–25 to assess disease severity across six districts: Jaunpur, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Azamgarh and Sonbhadra. Two blocks were selected in each district, two villages were surveyed in each block and three plots were assessed in each village. Disease severity was recorded at fruit maturity using a 0–5 numerical scale and expressed as the per cent disease index. Anthracnose was observed in all surveyed districts during both seasons. Jaunpur recorded the highest pooled district mean disease severity (46.94% PDI), followed by Azamgarh (46.72%), Mirzapur (44.95%), Sonbhadra (41.10%), Bhadohi (39.11%) and Varanasi (38.70%). At the village level, the highest pooled severity was recorded at Lohgajar in Jalalpur block, Jaunpur (52.11%), whereas the lowest was recorded at Khajuri in Cholapur block, Varanasi (35.46%). District-level severity was generally higher in 2024–25, although seasonal values varied among locations. The observed spatial variation indicates heterogeneous disease pressure across the surveyed area. The findings identify Jaunpur and Azamgarh as comparatively high-risk districts and provide a field-based basis for prioritising location-specific surveillance and integrated disease-management measures.

Determination of Viral Titers in Autologous Vaccines Used for the Treatment of Cutaneous and Teat Papillomatosis in Cattle

2026-08-08T10:56:14+00:00

Bovine papillomatosis causes cutaneous and teat lesions that can impair milking and reduce the economic value of affected cattle. This study aimed to standardise the preparation of autologous vaccines for field use against bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection and to determine the viral titers of vaccine suspensions before chemical inactivation. Teat and body wart samples were collected from 50 cattle aged 1–10 years in the Burdur region. DNA extracted from the lesions was analysed by type-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BPV types 1 and 2. Autologous vaccines were prepared from the collected tissues, and preparations derived from BPV-positive samples were assessed by microtitration in L-929 fibroblast cells. Viral titers were calculated using the Spearman–Kärber method. BPV type 2 was detected in 44% of the animals (n = 22), whereas BPV type 1 was detected in 12% (n = 6). The reported average titer range for vaccines prepared from teat warts was Log₁₀TCID₅₀ 10¹⁸–10¹⁹·⁵, while the range for vaccines prepared from body warts was Log₁₀TCID₅₀ 10²⁰·⁵–10²²·⁵. Thus, preparations derived from body warts had higher reported titers than those derived from teat warts. These findings provide preliminary data for viral-load assessment during autologous vaccine preparation. Further batch-level standardisation and evaluation of clinical efficacy, immune responses, and dose–response relationships are required before the reported titer ranges can be linked to treatment outcomes.

Assessment of the Follicle-stimulating Activity of Cissus aralioides on the Vaginal Epithelium of Cavia porcellus

2026-08-12T06:41:09+00:00

This study evaluated the effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Cissus aralioides on vaginal epithelial changes in female guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) as an indirect indicator of oestrogenic activity. Sixty female guinea pigs aged 3–4 months and weighing 350–600 g were used after preliminary vaginal cytology confirmed anoestrus. The animals were allocated to four groups receiving distilled water, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, or 600 mg/kg of the aqueous extract by oral gavage for 12 days. Vaginal smears were collected every three days and stained using the Papanicolaou method. The oestrogenic index was calculated as the percentage of superficial keratinised cells among 200 counted cells. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of polyphenols, catechin and gallic tannins, flavonoids, quinones and saponins, while alkaloids and sterols/polyterpenes were not detected. Body weight did not change significantly after treatment. On days 9 and 12, the oestrogenic index increased significantly in the 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg groups compared with the control group (p < .05). The highest values were observed at 400 mg/kg, reaching 81 ± 23.3% on day 9 and 77 ± 13.74% on day 12 (p < .05). These findings may suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of C. aralioides induces vaginal epithelial changes that are indirectly compatible with oestrogenic stimulation in guinea pigs, particularly at doses of 400 mg/kg and above. The main limitation of this study is the scarcity of medicinal plants due to deforestation and rapid urbanisation.

Evaluation of Murraya koenigii Leaf Extract for Enhanced Fish Health and Growth Performance

2026-08-12T06:52:30+00:00

This study evaluated the aqueous leaf extract of Murraya koenigii (ALM) as a phytogenic feed additive for Etroplus suratensis, focusing on phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, growth, haematological and serum biochemical responses, antioxidant status, and tissue morphology. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, while LC-HRMS profiling of the aqueous extract identified 44 compounds. ALM inhibited Aeromonas hydrophila in vitro at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.312 ± 0.00 mg/ml. Fish were fed diets containing 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2% ALM for 60 days. Growth performance improved across supplemented groups, with the 2% group recording the highest final weight (9.31 ± 0.017 g), weight gain (5.11 ± 0.011 g), and specific growth rate (1.32 ± 0.001%) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.47 ± 0.002). Dietary ALM was associated with changes in haematological indices and serum total protein, albumin, albumin-globulin ratio, glucose, and alkaline phosphatase, whereas alanine and aspartate transaminase activities did not differ significantly. Hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased with supplementation. Histological observations indicated larger intestinal villi and altered hepatocyte morphology in treated fish. No mortality or visible distress occurred in the acute oral limit test at 2000 mg/kg body weight. These findings support further evaluation of ALM as a potential phytogenic feed additive for E. suratensis.

Effects of Apichi and Ash Broth, Applied Alone and in Combination, on Pest Damage and Yield of Guinea Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Burkina Faso

2026-08-13T12:19:50+00:00

Vegetable production faces numerous constraints, particularly insect pests, which substantially reduce crop yields. To address this problem, many farmers rely on synthetic pesticides, often unregistered, thereby posing serious risks to human and animal health as well as to the environment. This situation highlights the need for effective alternative pest management strategies. In this context, the present study was conducted to improve the productivity of Guinea sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) through the use of two botanical pesticides in the commune of Loumbila, Burkina Faso. The experiment was established using a randomised complete block design with four treatments: T0 (untreated control), T1 (Apichi), T2 (ash broth), and T3 (Apichi + ash broth), with four replicates. The efficacy of the two botanical products was evaluated based on vegetative growth parameters, pest infestation intensity (number of damaged leaves), and leaf yield. The results showed that the combined treatment (T3) was the most effective in controlling sorrel pests. At 28 and 35 days after sowing (DAS), T3 recorded the lowest levels of pest damage, with averages of 12.70 and 16.75 damaged leaves, respectively, compared with 18.70 and 27.70 damaged leaves in the untreated control (T0). Regarding leaf yield, T3 produced the highest value (2.78 kg m^-2), followed by T2 (2.53 kg m^-2), T1 (1.89 kg m^-2), and T0 (0.50 kg m^-2). These findings suggest that the combination of Apichi and ash broth represents a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides for sustainable Guinea sorrel production.

Association of ZmLOX3 Status with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Responses to Salt Stress in Maize

2026-08-18T12:47:32+00:00

Aims and Study Design: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can alter plant responses to salinity, but their effects depend on host genotype and may intersect with oxylipin signaling. We tested whether the maize 9-lipoxygenase gene ZmLOX3 and Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM 197198 were associated with contrasting responses in B73, its near-isogenic knockout line B73lox3-4, and the West African cultivar EV8728SR.

Place and Duration of Study: The assay was conducted in the Laboratory of Phytopathology and Plant Biology at the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, from February to March 2024.

Methodology: Non-inoculated and inoculated plants were exposed to 0, 68, or 102 mM NaCl. Data were analyzed using full salinity × inoculation × genotype models, followed by multiplicity-adjusted contrasts.

Results: Salinity reduced growth, dry biomass, and tissue water status and increased Na⁺/K⁺ ratios. AMF responses varied by organ, genotype, and salinity: inoculation increased leaf biomass in several treatment combinations but reduced root biomass or relative water content in others. Three-way interactions were detected for leaf (P = 5.12 × 10⁻⁵), root (P = 7.74 × 10⁻⁷), and stem (P = 3.33 × 10⁻⁷) Na⁺/K⁺ ratios. Under severe salinity with AMF, the model-estimated root Na⁺/K⁺ ratio was 0.180 in B73, 0.0239 in B73lox3-4, and 0.0580 in EV8728SR. EV8728SR generally had the greatest absolute productivity, whereas relative stress indices sometimes favored B73 or B73lox3-4. Salinity also reduced mycorrhizal intensity, arbuscular abundance, and spore density.

Conclusion: ZmLOX3 status was associated with AMF responses in root ion balance and water relations, but the knockout did not show universal salt tolerance. Selection should therefore combine absolute productivity, relative stability, ion homeostasis, and organ-specific AMF responses.

Assessment of Entomofauna Associated with Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) (Malvales: Malvaceae) in Burkina Faso

2026-08-21T12:47:17+00:00

Background: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is cultivated for its fibre, leaves, seeds, and diverse household and industrial uses, but information on the insects associated with the crop remains limited in Burkina Faso.

Aims: This study aimed to assess insect diversity across the different phenological stages of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) in Burkina Faso.

Study Design: Field collection of insects associated with kenaf, followed by morphological identification in the laboratory.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the experimental station of the Institute for Rural Development (IDR) in Gampèla and at the Fundamental and Applied Entomology Laboratory, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, between 28 July and 1 December 2025.

Methodology: Insects were collected using yellow sticky traps (von Moericke traps, Ø = 27 cm, h = 10 cm) and pitfall traps (yellow plastic containers, 10 cm in diameter, buried flush with the soil surface). Traps were installed at 6:00 a.m. and retrieved 24 h later. During each sampling session, four traps of each type were used. The pitfall traps contained a solution composed of 92% water, 1% surfactant, and 7% glycerol, which was renewed at each collection. The yellow sticky traps were positioned at canopy height.

Results: The results revealed high insect diversity, with 45 species belonging to 31 families and 8 orders. Coleoptera was the most represented order. Among the species of agronomic importance identified, Amrasca biguttula was the most abundant, followed by Podagrica decolorata and Spermophagus niger. The composition of the entomofauna varied across the three different phenological stages of the crop. The reproductive stage exhibited the highest species richness, with 44 recorded species, whereas species distribution was more even during the vegetative stage.

Conclusion: These results provide baseline information that may support the development of integrated pest management strategies for Hibiscus cannabinus.

Adoption of Better Management Practices in Penaeus vannamei Aquaculture: A Critical Review with Special Reference to South India

2026-08-07T12:56:10+00:00

Better Management Practices (BMPs) have become a central instrument for disease prevention, resource efficiency, food-safety assurance and environmental improvement in Indian whiteleg shrimp aquaculture. This critical narrative review examines the technical content, adoption, determinants and reported outcomes of BMPs in Penaeus vannamei production, with particular attention to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the wider southern Indian coastline. Literature published from 2000 to 21 April 2026 was identified through accessible scholarly indexes, publisher records, citation searching and authoritative institutional sources, with earlier foundational studies retained where necessary. The evidence indicates that BMP adoption is substantial but uneven. Practices offering immediate and observable private returns, including feed control, seed screening and aeration management, generally face fewer adoption barriers than practices whose benefits depend on coordinated action, such as crop synchronisation, fallowing, shared water management and disease reporting. Indian disease-burden, efficiency and adoption studies demonstrate the scale of preventable loss and identify plausible management levers, but they do not isolate the causal effect of BMP adoption. Most adoption evidence remains cross-sectional, geographically concentrated and dependent on self-report. Objective residue testing and a randomised extension intervention from Vietnam provide stronger evidence that well-designed training can improve antimicrobial stewardship, although transferability to South India requires direct evaluation. The principal implementation constraints arise from unequal access to assets, trusted advice, collective organisation, traceability and risk finance. Future research should prioritise longitudinal, quasi-experimental and randomised evaluation; linkage of residue-testing, training and cluster records; and regionally representative studies outside Andhra Pradesh. BMP policy is most likely to be effective when information and finance support practices with private returns, while collective-benefit practices are reinforced through credible group governance and carefully designed market or insurance incentives.

Natural Farming for Sustainable Crop Production and Soil Health: A Critical Comprehensive Review

2026-08-12T06:47:33+00:00

Natural farming has moved from a group of locally adapted, low-external-input practices to a prominent agricultural policy proposition, particularly in India. Its appeal rests on the linked aims of reducing dependence on purchased agrochemicals, rebuilding soil biological function, maintaining crop production and improving farm profitability. Yet the label encompasses heterogeneous systems, and evidence for particular components is often stronger than evidence for the complete package. This critical narrative review examines natural farming as an agroecological redesign strategy, with emphasis on crop productivity, soil health, nutrient sufficiency, water relations, biodiversity, farm economics and implementation at scale. Literature available from 1990 to 5 June 2026 was identified through accessible scholarly indexes, bibliographic searches, institutional sources and citation tracing. Direct comparative evidence from Indian natural-farming programmes was integrated with higher-level evidence on organic amendments, soil cover, reduced disturbance, crop diversification and microbial inoculation. The strongest and most transferable support concerns permanent or frequent soil cover, organic-matter return, diversified rotations and intercrops, and reduced reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides. These practices can improve soil aggregation, moisture retention, microbial biomass and several regulating ecosystem services. Direct field studies in south-eastern India indicate that well-managed natural farming can maintain or increase yields and reduce production costs in some settings, while recent landscape evidence shows comparable yields, higher profits and improved farmland bird abundance. Confidence is nevertheless moderated by short experimental duration, treatment bundles that prevent attribution to individual practices, uneven geographical coverage and limited nutrient budgets. Biological activity cannot create phosphorus, potassium or other exported elements, and nitrogen supply may become constraining in high-yielding systems without legumes, recycled biomass or other accountable sources. Natural farming is therefore best understood as context-specific ecological intensification rather than universal input elimination. Credible scaling requires phased transition, soil- and crop-specific nutrient accounting, independent long-term trials, multidimensional monitoring and adaptive safeguards for farmers whose production systems have high nutrient demand.