ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Mutualism paradigm aligns biodiversity with sustainable development. - Biodiversity acts as a driver for prosperity rather than a constraint. - Integrated policy mixes unlock powerful synergies for global goals. - Reciprocal benefits are vital to moving beyond mere coexistence.ABSTRACTMainstreaming biodiversity into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is currently hampered by a prevailing “coexistence” paradigm, which treats conservation and economic development as separate, often conflicting domains. This fragmentation leads to persistent policy silos and unresolved trade-offs, undermining long-term sustainability. This study aimed to critically diagnose the structural limitations of this approach and proposes a transition toward “mutualism”—a framework where biodiversity and development objectives are mutually reinforcing. Adopting a critical review methodology, we synthesized evidence from policy, economic, and scientific sectors. We analyzed specific instruments, such as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), to identify the institutional, financial, and social barriers currently constraining their effectiveness. The novelty of this paper lies in the conceptualization of ‘mutualism’ not merely as an ecological metaphor, but as an operational framework for the SDGs that moves beyond the traditional “do no harm” principle to actively engineering reciprocal benefits. We concluded that while existing instruments show promise, they fail to achieve systemic change due to a lack of strategic alignment. To operationalize mutualism, we recommend a strategic shift focusing on three pillars: implementing coherent policy mixes that integrate regulatory and fiscal instruments, establishing inclusive governance to manage trade-offs, and mobilizing finance that rewards verifiable ecological and social synergies.

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Examines mercury accumulation in leaves and roots of nine mangrove species near gold mines- Shows mangroves can stabilize, extract, and accumulate mercury- Evaluates translocation, bioaccumulation, and phytoremediation potential- Identifies mangroves as indicators of mercury contamination- Supports selecting suitable mangrove species for reforestation of contaminated coastsABSTRACTThis study aims to determine the ability to analyze the accumulation of mercury heavy metals in mangrove organs (leaves and roots) and sediments in potentially polluted areas of the coastal mangrove ecosystem of Sekotong, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This research was conducted on mangrove ecosystems adjacent to conventional gold processing areas. Mercury content analysis was carried out on nine types of mangroves found (Avicennia marina, Bruguiera cylindrica, Clerodendrom inerme, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa, Scyphiphora hydrophyllaceae, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Lumnitzera racemosa) including leaves, mangrove roots and sediments found under the stands of each type. Sample testing using the AAS (Atomic Absorbtion Spectrophotometer) method. The results showed that the content of mercury heavy metals in the lower substrate of each type of mangrove showed an average of 0.30±0.122 ppm, which was on average lower than the average accumulation of mercury in leaves (0.48±0.716 ppm) and roots (0.33±0.204 ppm). Further analysis showed that four mangroves had the ability to phytostabilize against mercury heavy metals with an average value of TSFs of more than one (Bruguiera gymnorrihza, Clerodendrom inerma, Lumnitzera racemosa, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea), and five others as phytoextractors (Avicennia marina, Bruguiera cylindrica, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, and Rhizophora stylosa) with the value of TSFs>1. The interval of leaf BAFs was between 0.02-15.73 with an average of 2.65±4.961 leaf BAFs and root BAFs between 0.04-4.33 with an average of 1.45±1.280 while the FTD value of Sekotong mangrove leaves at the interval (-0.48)-8.12 with an average of 1.10±2.275 and the root FTD at the interval (-5.55)-3.87 with an average of -0.10±2.449. Root FTD values showing a negative mean value (-0.10±2.449) indicate that the distribution of mercury tends to be higher in the upper part of the plant (leaves).

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS• Reviews global ballast water management for ecological sustainability• Integrates technological, policy, and social perspectives• Links ballast water control to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)• Identifies hybrid treatment systems as most effective and eco-safe• Proposes strategies for harmonized global compliance and cooperationABSTRACTBallast water is crucial for the stability and safety of ships but poses significant environmental, economic, and public health risks due to the introduction of invasive species, pathogens, and pollutants into marine ecosystems. This review explores the ecological impacts of ballast water discharge, including biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and public health threats from pathogens and harmful algal blooms. Economic consequences, such as damage to fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal infrastructure, are discussed, along with the social impacts on communities reliant on marine resources. Existing regulatory frameworks, such as the International Maritime Organization's Ballast Water Management Convention, and national policies aim to mitigate these challenges but face implementation and enforcement hurdles. Advancements in treatment technologies are reviewed, including mechanical, chemical, physical, and emerging methods like advanced oxidation processes, electrochlorination, and nanotechnology. Integrated treatment systems are highlighted for their potential to address the limitations of single-method approaches. Case studies illustrate successful implementations, while challenges in cost, scalability, and compliance are identified. The review emphasizes the alignment of ballast water management practices with sustainable development goals, advocating for innovation, international collaboration, and capacity building to enhance effectiveness. Future directions include the optimization of treatment technologies, harmonization of regulations, and incentivization of compliance to achieve global environmental and economic resilience. This review underscores the urgency of advancing sustainable ballast water management to protect marine ecosystems, support coastal economies, and promote public health worldwide.

HIGHLIGHTSSeed encapsulation using alginate and B. cereus BTH21 for biocontrol of wilt disease in eggplant.ABSTRACTBacterial wilt is a major plant disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum that infects important crops, such as eggplant, causing wilt, stunted growth, and reduced yield. The biocontrol of the pathogen can be done by employing antagonistic bacteria, yet direct inoculation into the soils are often ineffective due to low population of the pathogen in the soils, which also easily washed away by watering activity. Seed encapsulation technique, using alginate, zeolite and peat, containing antagonistic bacteria Bacillus cereus BTH21 to control R. solanacearum is the novelty proposed in this research. Hence, this research aimed to develop alginate seed-encapsulation technique containing Bacillus cells as a mean to biologically control R. solanacearum in eggplant. Endophytic Bacillus cereus BTH21 strains was isolated from healthy eggplant tissue obtained from Kediri, East Java Province, Indonesia. Subsequent isolation, purification and molecular identification confirmed the identity of the strain. Three seed-encapsulation formulations were made: a) control (no encapsulation); b) alginate + zeolite + Bacillus (Al+Z+B); and c) alginate + peat + Bacillus (Al+P+B). A field experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) where the alginate-encapsulated eggplant seeds were sown along with deliberate R. solanacearum inoculation (107 cfu/mL) into the soils. Observations were carried out every 7 days from 0 – 49 days after sowing (DAS) on several parameters, i.e., incubation period, infection rate, germination percentage, plant height, and number of leaves. The data were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test at a significance level of P < 0.05. The results showed that both seed encapsulation formulations prolonged incubation period (15 and 13 DAS) compared to the control (10 DAS), reduced infection rate, increased germination rate, as well as higher agronomic performances (plant height, number of leaves) compared to the control at 7 – 49 DAS. Overall, this results indicated the potential of alginate seed-encapsulation techniques containing biocontrol agents to control plant diseases.

HIGHLIGHTS- Wild banana morphology links to high peel flavonoid content.- Klutuk banana peel has the highest antioxidant potential.- Morphological traits can predict nutraceutical value in bananas.- Banana peel waste is a valuable source of natural antioxidants.- Conservation of wild germplasm is crucial for bioactive compounds.ABSTRACTBanana is a commodity with high genetic diversity in Indonesia, often leading to identification issues due to synonymy and homonymy. Accurate morphological characterization is essential for germplasm management and breeding programs. Concurrently, high consumption of banana generates significant banana peel waste, which is a potential source of bioactive compounds like flavonoids. This study aimed to characterize the morphology of four banana varieties (Cavendish, Kepok, Raja, Klutuk) from the Yogyakarta Banana Germplasm Garden and analyze the total flavonoid content (TFC) in banana peels. Morphological characterization was conducted following the IPGRI descriptor list, and TFC was measured spectrophotometrically and expressed as mg Quercetin Equivalent per gram (mgQE/g). The results revealed distinct morphological profiles for each variety, with the wild-type Klutuk banana exhibiting the tallest pseudostem and seedy fruit. The TFC analysis showed a significant variation, where Klutuk peel had the highest content (0.453 mg QE/g), followed by Kepok (0.386 mg QE/g), Cavendish (0.146 mg QE/g), and Raja (0.139 mg QE/g). The high flavonoid content in the morphologically distinct Klutuk variety suggests a correlation between its wild morphological traits and enhanced production of defensive phytochemicals. These findings underscore the value of morphological data for identifying cultivars with high nutraceutical potential, promoting the utilization of banana peel waste as a source of natural antioxidants.

HIGHLIGHTSThis article identifies and characterizes three native plant communities in the Songkhla Lake Basin, highlighting their distinct species composition, coastal zonation patterns, and ecological value. It reveals high plant diversity across remnant dryland coastal habitats and documents key native species that define each community type. The study emphasizes the negative impacts of human activity and land policies on native vegetation and offers baseline floristic data that support conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable land-use planning.ABSTRACTThe remnant dryland coastal vegetation of the Songkhla Lake Basin, Songkhla, Thailand, was investigated in this study. Twenty vegetation plots were established to represent each vegetation subtype. Using Braun-Blanquet cluster analysis and the Jaccard similarity index, the vegetation was classified into three distinct communities: (1) the Coastal Woodland Community, located farthest inland and dominated by Dipterocarpus alatus Symington; (2) the Coastal Scrub-Shrubby Tree Community, situated inland from the coastal zone, with Dipterocarpus chartaceus Symington, Neolitsea zeylanica (Nees & T. Nees) Merr., and Psychotria asiatica L. identified as dominant species; and (3) the Coastal Scrub Community, occurring near the shoreline and characterized by densely clustered vegetation dominated by Mischocarpus sundaicus Blume, Planchonella obovata (R.Br.) Pierre, and Vitex pinnata L. Vegetation profiles for each community were delineated. Significant degradation and decline of native plant communities in the Songkhla Lake Basin have been caused by conservation activities involving the introduction of fast-growing non-native species and by governmental land tax policies.

HIGHLIGHTS- Castanopsis tungurrut prefer mid-altitude forest habitat- The population show clumped pattern on steep slopes- Vegetation cluster shift with altitudinal gradient- Cisarua is the highest density of Castanopsis tungurrut ABSTRACTCastanopsis tungurrut is an endangered species that has received limited attention in terms of research, with scarce ecological information and description of its native distribution area, the Cibodas Biosphere Reserve. This study aimed to investigate the ecological characteristics, vegetation clusters, population structure, and habitat preferences of C. tungurrut along the altitudinal gradient. To assess the vegetation, a total of 41 plots were used, with dimensions of 20 × 20 m for trees, 10 × 10 m for poles, 5 × 5 m for saplings, and 2 × 2 m for wildings. The results revealed that the vegetation in four different locations (Cibodas, Bodogol, Cisarua, and Selabintana) within the altitude range of ca. 750 - 1800 meters above sea level (m asl) could be grouped into three distinct zone clusters based on the dominant species. These clusters were named Zone I (ca. 500 - 1,000 m asl), Castanopsis-Lithocarpus and Schima wallichii forest characterized by the dominance of Castanopsis tungurrut, Maesopsis eminii, and Schima wallichii; Zone II (ca. 1,000 -1,500 m asl), Castanopsis and Schima wallichii forest, dominated by Castanopsis (Fagaceae forest) and Schima wallichii; and Zone III (ca.1,500-2,400 m asl), Schima wallichii, Castanopsis, and Altingia excelsa forest where Schima wallichii, Castanopsis, and Altingia excelsa were prevalent. C. tungurrut was found to dominate at elevations between ca. 750 and 1,500 m asl, gradually decreasing in higher elevations or even absent. It exhibited a clumped distribution pattern, favoring steep to highly steep habitats. The highest population density was observed in Cisarua (53.1 individuals/ha), followed by Bodogol (25 individuals/ha), Cibodas (10.7 individuals/ha), and Selabintana (5 individuals/ha). These findings emphasize the species' selective habitat preferences, particularly with regard to altitude and slope factors, which should be taken into consideration when planning conservation efforts.

HIGHLIGHTS- Bacillus sp. probiotics can replace 100% inorganic phosphate fertilizer.- Sorghum stem diameter strongly correlates with juice volume.- Juice yield was not affected by phosphorus dose or Bacillus sp. colony size.- Sorghum juice sugar content reached 11.77–12.75% Brix.- Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria improved phosphorus availability in ultisol. ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to observe the effects of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) combined with different phosphorus fertilizer levels on the juice characteristics of the BMR sorghum mutant line. The research was carried out at the Edufarm of the Faculty of Animal Science, Andalas University, Padang, using a randomized block design (RBD) with four treatments and four replications. The treatments were as follows: P0 = Urea + KCl + 0% TSP + PSB; P1 = Urea + KCl + 50% TSP + PSB; P2 = Urea + KCl + 75% TSP + PSB; and P3 = Urea + KCl + 100% TSP (control). The PSB used was obtained from Waretha Probiotics, consisting of Bacillus sp. culture at a dose of 10 mL per planting hole, equivalent to 10⁷ cfu/g. The parameters measured were sugar content (%Brix), volume of stem juice (mL), and the correlation of various parameters with stem juice volume. The results showed that the application of probiotic Bacillus sp. and different dosages of phosphorus fertilizer did not result in significant differences for all parameters (P > 0.05). Sugar content and juice volume ranged from 11.78 to 12.75 (%Brix) and 188.75 to 218.5 (mL/stem), respectively. The correlation coefficient analysis indicated significant positive correlations between stem diameter (r = 0.575*) and fresh stem weight (r = 0.504*) with the volume of sorghum stem juice. It was concluded that the application of PSB from Bacillus sp. can replace phosphorus fertilizer, producing sugar content and juice yield comparable to the 100% P fertilizer treatment. A correlation was observed between stem diameter and fresh stem weight with stem juice volume. PSB was found to play a crucial role in increasing phosphate availability to plants. The implications of this research include the potential production of forage sorghum with high Brix content for ruminant energy and Water-Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) for silage production.

HIGHLIGHTS- Integrative insights into Non-microbial and Microbial Biostimulants.- Focus on enhancing significant secondary metabolites and plant quality.- Comprehensive analysis of sustainable agricultural practices.- Future scope and positive research directions in Biostimulants.- Role of biostimulants in stress resilience. ABSTRACTIn recent decades, biostimulants have become recognized as organic alternatives for promoting sustainable agricultural practices, extensively applied across agriculture, horticulture, ornamental plants, and greenhouses. Unlike biofertilizers and biopesticides, biostimulants are derived from plants, animals, and microbes and classified by their chemical composition. They are primarily divided into non-microbial and microbial biostimulants. Non-microbial biostimulants include humic substances, seaweeds, Chitosan, protein hydrolysates, amino acids, and inorganic compounds, while microbial biostimulants consist of plant growth-promoting bacteria and beneficial fungi. This review paper consolidates the recent positive effects of biostimulants on sustainable agriculture and outlines potential research areas for the future. Biostimulants serve as biocontrol agents that promote plant growth and development, also reported to enhance the production of valuable industrial therapeutic secondary metabolites. Traditionally, plants with medicinal properties have been used for natural remedies, and biostimulants aim to elevate the secondary metabolite content in these therapeutic plants. Additionally, the significance of both microbial and non-microbial biostimulants is touched upon. A review of existing literature indicates that biostimulants significantly boost nutrient absorption, enhance resilience against abiotic stress, replenish nutrients, and improve soil quality.

HIGHLIGHTS- Gigantochloa apus shows strong potential for structural and engineered uses.- Axial and nodal variations significantly affect bamboo fiber anatomy.- Relative density and strength make G. apus suitable for construction and furniture.- Derived fiber ratios indicate limited papermaking suitability.- G. apus offers broad utilization potential for sustainable industriesABSTRACTThis study assessed the morphological, anatomical, derived ratio, and physico-mechanical properties of string bamboo (Gigantochloa apus [Schult.f.] Kurz ex Munro) grown in Baguio City, Philippines, to establish comprehensive property data and explore potential applications. Six mature culms were sampled and tested for its properties following the IAWA, ISO, and ASTM standards. Results revealed that culm diameter and wall thickness decreased significantly by 37.30% and 46.60%, respectively, toward the top portion. Anatomical analysis showed significant decreases in fiber length, fiber diameter, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness by 15.33%, 13.86%, 24.05%, and 8.43%, respectively, from bottom to top. All derived ratios varied significantly between the node and internode portions. The node portion exhibited higher values for cell wall fraction, Runkel ratio, Muhlsteph ratio, rigidity coefficient, and Luce’s shape factor. Radial and volumetric shrinkage decreased by 29.47% and 31.01%, respectively, toward the top, while shear strength dropped by 47.20%. In contrast, basic relative density, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and compression strength showed no significant variation along the culm. These findings highlight that G. apus is suitable for diverse applications including furniture, handicrafts, construction, engineered bamboo, and biomass products.