Annual Research & Review in Biology

Successful Therapeutic Management of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour in a Non-descript Dog using Vincristine Sulphate

Vinod Kumar Gupta, Lalrinkima, Chiranjeevi Acharya, Sanjeev Kumar — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a naturally occurring contagious round-cell neoplasm of dogs that most commonly affects the external genitalia. A 12-year-old non-descript intact male dog weighing 25.4 kg was presented with a one-month history of persistent preputial bleeding and proliferative penile masses. The dog had mated approximately two months before presentation. Clinical examination revealed multiple firm, ulcerated, cauliflower-like masses over the penis, accompanied by serosanguineous discharge. Diagnostic evaluation comprised a complete blood count, serum biochemical assessment, thoracic and abdominal radiography, and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Survey radiographs showed no evidence of internal metastasis. Giemsa-stained cytological smears contained numerous round cells with round-to-oval nuclei, mildly basophilic finely granular cytoplasm, and distinct peripheral cytoplasmic vacuoles, confirming transmissible venereal tumour. The dog received vincristine sulphate intravenously at 0.025 mg/kg once weekly for five consecutive weeks. Following treatment, the masses regressed completely, preputial bleeding and penile discharge resolved, and no noticeable adverse haematological or biochemical changes were detected. No clinical recurrence was observed during the subsequent two-month follow-up period. This case demonstrates a favourable clinical response to weekly vincristine sulphate in an aged male dog with cytologically confirmed genital CTVT. The findings should be interpreted within the limits of a single case and the relatively short follow-up period.

Evaluation of Tephrosia purpurea and Eucalyptus spp. Leaf Extracts for Eco-Friendly Weed Management in Maize and Brinjal

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Weed infestation is a major constraint to crop productivity, particularly in organic and low-input systems where reliance on synthetic herbicides is restricted. This study evaluated the weed-suppressive potential of botanical extracts in maize and brinjal under field conditions. The experiment was conducted during 2024–2025 at Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture using a Randomised Block Design. Treatments included combinations of kolunji extract, Eucalyptus extract, cow urine and neem oil, along with an untreated control and a weed-free treatment maintained by hand weeding. Weed population, weed dry weight, weed control efficiency, weed index, leaf area index and economic returns were assessed. Among the botanical treatments, T4, comprising kolunji extract 10% + Eucalyptus extract 10% + neem oil 10%, consistently recorded better weed suppression than the other botanical combinations. In maize, T4 recorded the lowest weed population and dry weed weight among botanical treatments at both 30 and 50 DAS, with weed control efficiency of 20.00% and 38.33%, respectively. In brinjal, T4 also showed comparatively better suppression, with 20.69% weed control efficiency at 40 DAS. The weed-free treatment recorded the highest LAI and yield, but T4 produced the highest benefit–cost ratio (1.18). The findings indicate that the kolunji + Eucalyptus + neem oil combination may serve as an eco-friendly component of integrated weed management, although it should be supplemented with other weed-control practices.

Probiotic Potential and Quorum Quenching Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Indigenous Fermented Foods

Arpitha Somayaji, Mohammed Aman — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives: The present study isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from diverse traditional Indian fermented foods and evaluate their functional probiotic potential by assessing probiotic attributes, safety profiles and quorum-quenching (QQ) activity.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen LAB strains were isolated from indigenous Indian fermented foods. The isolates were evaluated for gastrointestinal tolerance through simulated stress tests involving mild (pH 4.0) to extreme (pH 2.0) acidic conditions and 0.5% bile salts. Functional assays assessed colonisation potential through cell surface hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation. Safety was evaluated using haemolysis assays and susceptibility testing against clinically relevant antibiotics targeting cell-wall and protein synthesis. Crude secondary metabolite extracts were screened for QQ activity using a Chromobacterium violaceum biosensor by measuring inhibition of violacein production.

Results: All 15 isolates survived simulated gastrointestinal stress under pH 4.0 and 0.5% bile salt conditions. Strain JUFB showed the highest overall survival, including under extreme acid stress (pH 2.0), and exhibited the greatest cell surface hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation, indicating stronger colonisation-associated potential. Safety assessment confirmed that all isolates were non-haemolytic (γ-haemolysis) and susceptible to the tested antibiotics. Crude extracts from JUFF, JUBM and JUFB showed quorum-quenching activity by inhibiting violacein production in the C. violaceum biosensor without evident bactericidal effects.

Conclusion: The evaluated LAB isolates, particularly JUFB, demonstrated favourable in vitro probiotic viability and preliminary safety attributes. Their quorum-quenching activity suggests potential for disrupting bacterial communication and supports further investigation of selected isolates and metabolites for anti-virulence and anti-biofilm applications.

PGPR and PGPF Mediated Seed Bio-priming for Improving Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Acer oblongum (Himalayan Maple)

Ranjana Juwantha, N. K. Namitha, Shivani Semwal, Pooja Sharma — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Acer oblongum (Himalayan maple) is an ecologically and socio-economically important Himalayan tree species. Poor natural regeneration and inconsistent seed germination in its natural habitats constrain its propagation, conservation, and nursery-scale multiplication.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), used as seed bio-priming agents, on germination percentage and early seedling vigour of A. oblongum under in vitro conditions.

Study Design: The study was conducted using a completely randomised design (CRD) to evaluate the effects of microbial treatments on germination percentage, mean germination time, germination value, peak value, germination index, root length, shoot length, and total seedling length. In vitro analyses were performed using the selected PGPR and PGPF isolates. The experiment comprised seven treatments: an untreated control, P. gessardii, P. mosselii, P. fluorescens, B. subtilis, a bacterial consortium, and Trichoderma spp. Bio-primed seeds were incubated in a germinator, and germination was monitored daily throughout the experimental period.

Results: Microbial treatments significantly affected germination parameters and early seedling performance. The highest germination percentage was observed in seeds treated with Trichoderma (38.40%), followed by Pseudomonas mosselii (34.40%), compared with the control (28.00%). Root length, shoot length, collar diameter, and seed vigour index were highest in seeds treated with Trichoderma, followed by the consortium, compared with the control.

Conclusion: Among the tested treatments, Trichoderma spp. was the most effective and produced the highest germination percentage, germination value, peak value, germination index, root length, shoot length, total seedling length, and seed vigour index in Acer oblongum.

Economic Impact of Replacing Concentrate Mixture with Moringa oleifera and Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) Based Pellets in the Diet of Lactating Barbari Goats

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the economic impact of replacing part of the concentrate mixture with Moringa oleifera and Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf-based pellets, alone and in combination, on feed cost, net return, and the benefit-cost ratio in lactating Barbari goats using partial budget analysis.

Study Design: A four-group comparative feeding trial comprising one control group and three pellet-supplemented treatment groups in which part of the concentrate mixture was replaced with pellets.

Place and Duration of Study: Livestock Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana, India, from May to August.

Methodology: Twenty-four healthy, adult, lactating Barbari goats, balanced for dry matter intake (DMI), body weight, and parity, were divided into four groups of six animals each. The control group (T₀) received a standard diet of roughage and concentrate (60:40), whereas the three treatment groups received the same basal diet, with part of the concentrate replaced by Moringa-based (T₁), Chaya-based (T₂), or combined Moringa-Chaya (T₃) pellets at an inclusion level of 8%. DMI and milk yield were recorded over a 90-day lactation period, and partial budget analysis was used to calculate feed cost, income from milk sales, and the benefit-cost ratio for each group.

Results: Milk yield was numerically higher in all pellet-fed groups than in the control, although the differences were not statistically significant. All three treatment groups had lower feed costs and higher net returns than the control. The combined Moringa-Chaya group (T₃) had the lowest feed cost (INR 26.47/kg goat/day), the highest milk yield (0.59 kg/day), the highest net return (INR 10.11/goat/day), and the best benefit-cost ratio (1.39), compared with INR 28.60/kg goat/day, 0.53 kg/day, INR 4.26/goat/day, and 1.15, respectively, for the control (T₀).

Conclusion: Replacing part of the concentrate mixture with Moringa oleifera and Chaya leaf-based pellets, particularly in combination, may be a cost-effective strategy for improving the profitability of small-scale goat farming while enabling productive use of locally available, environmentally sustainable feed resources. Confirmation through larger, longer-term studies with complete nutrient-composition and statistical data is recommended before widespread adoption.

State of Conservation of Mammalian Wildlife in the Forests of the Tonkpi Region: The Case of the Krozialé Classified Forest, Western Côte d'Ivoire

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Zouan-Hounien Department, located in western Côte d'Ivoire, lies within a forest zone that provides a variety of habitats for numerous wildlife species. However, data on the area's mammalian fauna remain incomplete. This study aimed to determine the diversity, distribution, and threats affecting the mammalian fauna of the Zouan-Hounien Department. Reconnaissance walks (RECCE) and ethnozoological surveys were conducted to inventory mammal species in the field. The study was conducted in four habitat types: Dense Intact Humid Forests, Dense Intact Mountain Forests, Dense Intact Dry Forests, and human-modified areas. Five mammal orders were recorded in this classified forest. Rodentia was the most abundant order (55.72%; N = 825), followed by Primates (20.33%; N = 301), Artiodactyla (10.93%; N = 162), Carnivora (8.64%; N = 128), and Hyracoidea (4.38%; N = 65). Wild mammal species diversity in this protected forest was assessed using the Shannon-Wiener index, which had a value of H = 2.82. According to the Kruskal-Wallis test, the difference in wild mammal species richness was not significant (P = 0.61 > 0.05). Field investigations showed that mammals occurred along the northern, southern, eastern, and western peripheries of the Krozialé protected forest. Human activities threatening the sustainable conservation of mammals in the Krozialé Classified Forest included agriculture, gold mining, hunting, and logging. Mineral exploration drilling occurred at a frequency of 3.71% (N = 20). According to the Kruskal-Wallis test, the difference in wild mammal species richness was not significant (P = 0.43 > 0.05).

Isolation, Screening and Characterization of Cellulolytic Fungi from Decaying Plant Materials for Sustainable Bioethanol Production

Adedoyin Ayowole Bello, Kolawole M. Oladunmoye — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing generation of plant waste presents significant environmental and public health challenges while simultaneously offering an abundant renewable resource for biofuel production. Microbial cellulases play a pivotal role in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, making the isolation of efficient cellulolytic fungi essential for sustainable bioethanol production. This study investigated the occurrence, isolation, screening, and characterization of cellulolytic fungi from decaying plant debris with the aim of identifying promising cellulase-producing strains for bioethanol production. Decaying plant debris samples were collected from domestic sources, processed under aseptic conditions, and cultured using standard microbiological techniques. Distinct fungal isolates were purified and identified based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. Preliminary screening for cellulase production was carried out on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) agar using Congo red staining, followed by quantitative determination of cellulase activity using standard enzyme assays. The cellulolytic potential of the isolates was evaluated by measuring hydrolysis zones and enzyme activity under controlled laboratory conditions. Selected isolates exhibiting superior cellulolytic activity were further characterized for their suitability in lignocellulosic biomass degradation. The findings demonstrated considerable diversity among the isolated microorganisms, with several fungal species exhibiting significant cellulolytic capabilities. The best-performing isolates producing large hydrolysis zones and high cellulase activities were Phanerochaete concrescens and Fusarium solani, producing 12.5 and 2.6 µmol/min/mg respectively indicating their potential application in enzymatic saccharification of decaying plant material. These findings provide valuable insights into the utilization of locally available microbial resources for sustainable waste valorization and renewable energy generation.

Diversity and Richness of Spider Mites on Cucumber and Associated Predatory Mites in the Shivamogga and Davangere Districts of Karnataka, India

M. Latha — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A survey and surveillance study of spider mites on cucumber grown under protected and open-field conditions was conducted from June 2019 to May 2020 in major cucumber-growing areas of Shivamogga and Davangere districts. Two tetranychid mite species were recorded. Tetranychus macfarlanei (Baker & Pritchard, 1960) was the most abundant species in Shivamogga district, whereas Tetranychus urticae (Koch, 1836) was recorded in Davangere district. T. urticae is reported for the first time on cucumber in Davangere district. Among the natural enemies, the predatory phytoseiid mite Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans, 1952) was encountered at all cucumber-growing locations, whereas the predatory coccinellid Stethorus punctillum punctillum (Weise, 1891) was recorded at some locations. These two natural enemies of spider mites are reported for the first time on cucumber from Shivamogga and Davangere districts. The generalist predatory beetle Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781) was observed in Sominakoppa village and at ZAHRS, Navile, while the predatory thrips Scolothrips rhagebianus (Priesner, 1950) was recorded only at ZAHRS, Navile, Shivamogga. The study documented the diversity of phytophagous mite pests under protected and open-field conditions in both districts. The occurrence of locally available predatory mites indicates their potential for evaluation in biological-control programmes.

Comparative Morphological and Histological Characterisation of the Thymus in Haringhata Black and Commercial Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ involved in avian T-lymphocyte development. Comparative information on thymic development in Haringhata Black and commercial broiler chickens is limited.

Aim: The study aims to compare the gross morphology, morphometry, histology, and histochemical features of the thymus in Haringhata Black and commercial broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) during post-hatch development.

Study Design: An experimental study involving Haringhata Black and commercial broiler chickens at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days post-hatch.

Methodology: A total of 30 apparently healthy Haringhata Black and commercial broiler chickens were examined at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days of age. Gross anatomical observations and morphometric measurements (weight, length, width, and thickness of the thymus) were recorded, and the organs were photographed. Microscopic tissue architecture was evaluated using routine histological and histochemical staining techniques. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue staining were performed.

Results: In both groups, the thymus consisted of paired chains of cervical lobes extending from the third cervical vertebra to the thoracic inlet. Thymic weight and dimensions generally increased with age. Commercial broilers showed larger absolute thymic dimensions at several ages, whereas Haringhata Black chickens showed a thicker cortex and a higher cortico-medullary index. Histologically, the thymus was enclosed by a connective tissue capsule with trabeculae that incompletely divided the gland into lobules containing a darkly stained cortex and a lightly stained medulla. PAS and Alcian Blue reactivity generally increased during early development, with age-related variation at 60 days. Cortical and medullary thicknesses, lobule width, and Hassall's corpuscle diameter increased across the sampled ages. At 60 days, Haringhata Black chickens had a thicker cortex, whereas commercial broilers had a thicker medulla and wider lobules.

Conclusion: The study provides baseline gross, morphometric, microscopic, and histochemical data on thymic development in Haringhata Black and commercial broiler chickens. Breed-associated differences were identified; however, the morphological findings alone do not establish functional differences in immune competence or disease resistance. These data may support future comparative anatomical, immunological, and poultry-breeding investigations.

Occurrence of Eretmocera impactella (Walker, 1864) (Lepidoptera: Scythrididae) in Semra Village, Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh, India

Akanksha Chandrakar, Shashi Gupta — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eretmocera impactella (Walker, 1864) is a recognisable microlepidopteran moth of the family Scythrididae that has been reported from several Indian states, but its occurrence in Chhattisgarh had not been documented in the literature reviewed for this study. Field surveys comprising daytime observations and nocturnal light trapping were conducted at multiple localities in Dhamtari District from June 2024 to June 2026. During a daytime survey on 19 April 2026, three adults were observed resting on Bergera koenigii L. in a mixed vegetable agroecosystem at Semra Village, Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh. The individuals were photographed, and identification was based on high-resolution images and external diagnostic characters described in standard taxonomic literature. The observed moths possessed narrow, lanceolate, cupreous-black forewings with four elongated pale yellowish spots, matching the diagnostic appearance of the species. No voucher specimen was collected because a non-destructive sampling approach was followed. No larval feeding or breeding activity was observed on B. koenigii; therefore, the observation represents a resting association rather than a confirmed host-plant record. This study documents the occurrence of E. impactella in Chhattisgarh and adds a regional distribution record for central India. The findings also demonstrate the value of supplementing nocturnal light trapping with active daytime surveys when documenting diurnal or weakly light-attracted microlepidopteran moths.

Influence of Salinity on Heavy Metal Toxicity: Insights from Euryhaline Fishes

Foram Modi, Khushi Patel, S. R. Kaid Johar — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metal pollution in aquatic environments remains a persistent concern because metals accumulate in fish tissues and interfere with essential physiological functions. In euryhaline fishes, metal toxicity is closely linked to salinity, which influences metal uptake, speciation, bioavailability, ion competition, membrane permeability and the energetic cost of osmoregulation. Under low-salinity conditions, fish generally absorb higher metal loads through the gills, digestive tract and, in early life stages, the skin. In contrast, higher salinity often reduces the activity of free metal ions through chloride binding and competition with other ions. However, these effects vary according to metal type, fish species, life stage, exposure duration and water chemistry. The gills, liver and kidneys are the main organs involved in metal uptake, detoxification, ion regulation and excretion, making them particularly vulnerable to toxic injury. At the cellular level, heavy metals can induce oxidative stress, lipid and DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered gene expression and cell death. Salinity may intensify or reduce these effects by changing metal absorption and the energetic demands of salt balance. Fish respond through antioxidant enzymes, metallothioneins, ion transporters, heat-shock proteins and mitochondrial regulation. This review synthesises current evidence on salinity-modulated heavy metal toxicity in euryhaline fishes at physiological, cellular and molecular levels, identifies key knowledge gaps and outlines future research needs for ecological risk assessment, environmental monitoring and fish health.

Insecticide Resistance Evolution in Global Agricultural Pests: Molecular Mechanisms and Management in a Changing Climate

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Insecticides remain the primary tool for suppressing arthropod pests that threaten global food production, yet sustained and intensive use across diverse production systems has contributed to the repeated evolution of resistance in taxonomically diverse pest species. Using a narrative review approach, this article integrates molecular, ecological, and climate-related evidence to examine insecticide resistance as an evolutionary process shaped jointly by chemical selection, pest biology, and changing environmental conditions. This review synthesises current understanding of the molecular basis of insecticide resistance, encompassing target-site insensitivity, enhanced metabolic detoxification, reduced cuticular penetration, and altered behaviour, with particular attention to the genes and mutations that underlie resistance to pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, neonicotinoids, diamides, and microbial toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis. The review then considers how anthropogenic climate change is reshaping the ecological and evolutionary context in which resistance arises, through range expansion, altered voltinism, changes in overwintering survival, and shifts in selection intensity associated with modified pesticide use patterns. Case studies drawn from the fall armyworm, diamondback moth, cotton bollworm, tomato leafminer, aphids, whiteflies, and mosquito disease vectors illustrate how these mechanisms interact with agronomic and climatic pressures in the field. This integrative framing distinguishes the review from mechanism-centred accounts by linking specific resistance pathways to field-level management decisions under shifting climatic and agronomic contexts. The review closes with an appraisal of resistance management strategies, including mode-of-action rotation, biotechnological interventions such as RNA interference and gene editing, and the integration of resistance monitoring into adaptive pest management frameworks. Persistent gaps remain in the translation of molecular diagnostics into field-deployable resistance management, and in anticipating how a warming climate will alter the tempo and geography of resistance evolution. Addressing these gaps will require closer integration between molecular entomology, agroecology, and climate science.