Grasslands form a crucial ecological component of tropical dry deciduous forests, providing forage for herbivores and indirectly sustaining apex predators like tigers. This study assessed grass diversity, habitat distribution, palatability, and conservation implications in the Kawal tiger reserve (KTR), Telangana, India, through systematic field surveys conducted between 2020 and 2023. Using transects and quadrats across 16 ranges, 74 grass species belonging to 44 genera were documented, representing approximately 4.84% of India’s grass flora. Taxonomic analysis revealed dominance of subfamily Panicoideae (66.21%), reflecting its C4 photosynthetic efficiency and ecological adaptability. Species were distributed across five habitat types, with open grasslands (48.68%) and open moist areas (22.97%) serving as primary reservoirs of diversity and forage. Palatability analysis indicated that 21.62% of species were exceptionally good (Grade A), 50% good (Grade B), and 28.37% medium quality (Grade C), suggesting limited availability of highly nutritious forage, potentially constraining herbivore carrying capacity. Awn analysis showed a near balance between awnless (54.05%) and awned (45.95%) species, highlighting trade-offs between herbivore preference and long-term ecological resilience. While all species are currently listed as Not Evaluated by the IUCN, localized threats-livestock grazing, invasive species (Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus), and habitat degradation-pose risks to grassland integrity. Comparisons with regional studies confirm that KTR is moderately rich in grass diversity within the central Indian tiger landscape.

The study aimed to assess and identify the superior khejri (Prosopis cineraria) provenance in the western arid drylands through habitat site characterization using GIS mapping, in-situ variability studies, germination and progeny-cum-provenance trial. Eight provenances among the nine identified were selected for in-situ study based on their distinct growth characteristics. The analysis of various morphometric traits revealed significant differences among provenances, emphasizing their genetic variability. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive relationship between plant height and both stem girth (r = 0.70*) and crown diameter (r = 0.93**), indicating the importance of considering tree height as a reliable indicator of early growth assessment during provenance selection. Germination (ranging from 75% in Karola (Jalore) to 82% in Lamba (Jodhpur) also indicated the variable germination potential of these provenances. Subsequently, in progeny-cum-provenance trial, at 5 months after transplanting (MAT), no significant differences in plant height were observed among the provenances. However, at 15 MAT, significant variations in plant height emerged, with Absar (Churu) exhibiting a height of 87.22 cm. By 25 MAT, all provenances displayed further increases in plant height, with Bhadriya (Jaisalmer) attaining the greatest height of 181.11 cm. Based on the ranking of growth across the three-time intervals, the study concluded that Absar consistently demonstrated superior growth performance. Thus, Absar can be identified as the most favourable provenance considered for khejri cultivation in the western drylands.

Water use efficiency (WUE) and biomass yield were evaluated in released berseem varieties and breeding lines. The study included single-cut variety JBSC-1, three multi-cut varieties (Wardan, Bundel Berseem-2, Bundel Berseem-3), six single-cut lines (NU/7/5/15, NU/2/14/2015, NU/2/19/2015, NU/2/23/2015, Ex-8, FAO5), and four multi-cut lines (IL-16-1, IL-16-2, IL-16-3, IL-13-106), grown under pot conditions. Daily plant water requirements were recorded after 10, 20, and 40 consecutive days of irrigation, corresponding to 20, 30, and 40 days after sowing. Among multi-cut lines, IL-16-1 (3.4 g fwt plant-¹ kg-¹ water) and IL-13-106 (3.2 g fwt plant-¹ kg-¹ water) exhibited the highest WUE, whereas among single-cut lines, NU/2/19/2015 (12.8 g fwt plant-¹ kg-¹ water) and NU/2/14/2015 (12.2 g fwt plant-¹ kg-¹ water) showed superior performance. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) was observed among all photosynthetic pigments. The levels of photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, and membrane stability index showed contrasting associations with green fodder yield, negative in multi-cut and positive in single-cut genotypes. Significant differences (p <0.05, p <0.01) were detected in plant height and dry fodder yield across the evaluated varieties. WUE, assessed on both a fresh and dry matter basis, exhibited a negative association. Notably, the single-cut variety JBSC-1 recorded the highest dry-matter-based WUE (0.23 g dwt plant-¹ kg-¹ water at 10 days) among all varieties tested.

Goat augments small and marginal farmer’s income by providing livelihood support to landless and economically weaker section of the society. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitability of B. diffusa L. as green fodder for goats under ravenous soil condition. Twelve male Barbari goats were randomly divided into two groups. In one group, B. diffusa was offered alone as green fodder and in second group, B. diffusa along with 200g chickpea straw was offered for a period of 21 days. The dry matter content in fresh B. diffusa biomass was only 10.07 percent. A metabolism trial was conducted using metabolic cages. Significant (P<0.001) difference was observed between two treatment groups in DMI, live body weight and CPI. However, DCP%, CP, NDF, EE digestibility were statistically similar between both the groups. TDN % was 49.61 with sole feeding of B. diffusa (P<0.05). Mineral balances for Ca, K and N were recorded higher (P<0.001) with chickpea straw + B. diffusa fed group. Rumen fermentation and haematological parameters remain unchanged for both the groups. Study indicates that B. diffusa can be used as non-conventional feed resource with adequate supplementation of chickpea straw.

The potential of rice straw as an energy source for ruminants is substantial and depends on improving its cell wall composition through genetic enhancement. This study mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for key straw quality traits, including dry matter, ash, nitrogen, lignin, silica, cellulose, hemicellulose, and digestibilityusing 133 rice lines genotyped with 133 SSR markers. A total of 37 significant marker-trait associations were detected, with eight markers influencing multiple traits and three linked to all traits except silica. Candidate genes included OsSND2, OsMYB55/OsPL and PGIP for cellulose content, OsNADH-GOGAT2 for nitrogen content and OsPG1 for hemicellulose content. These loci, genes and associated markers offer valuable tools for breeding dual-purpose rice varieties that combine high grain yield with superior, more digestible straw.

A study was carried out to assess the physical characteristics (colour, odour, pH, mould growth, dry matter content, and palatability for ruminants) and palatability of various silages made from 25 to 75% mulberry leaves with fodder crops like maize and napier grass (75–25%) in six combinations. All silages had acidic pH ranging from 5.35 to 4.32 with light green to dark green colour and had a sweetish scent odor. Silage with 75% mulberry leaves and 25% maize had the highest palatability (87%), whereas the lowest palatability was observed with sole mulberry silage (45%). The present study indicates that mulberry leaves can be utilized as an excellent substrate for silage making in conjunction with other fodder crops for feeding the ruminant animals.

This study investigates gender-specific roles in agroforestry across 700 randomly selected households in 14 blocks of Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, from February 2024 to March 2025. Cultural and traditional biases often marginalize gender considerations in the agroforestry management. This study revealed that men favour Tectona grandis and Eucalyptus spp., while women prefer Mangifera indica and Eucalyptus spp. Males play a dominant role in agroforestry system. They enjoy the highest access to resources and have decision-making rights. Males view ten hindrances in adoption of agroforestry, the highest being limited availability of products and suggest five recommendations, the highest being training on production of value-added products to increase the adoption of agroforestry systems. The interventions suggested by the farmers have the potential to boost tree productivity and farmer’s income, emphasizing the need for inclusive strategies to reinforce agroforestry systems in the region. This study revealed that male dominance in society still overshadows the needs and role of women in agroforestry. A societal change in mindset and strong policy intervention is the only hope for women empowerment.

The study examines variations in plant diversity across an altitudinal gradient of up to 2600 m above mean sea level (amsl) in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. Using a survey questionnaire method, we analysed changes in tree diversity, habitat similarity, and the ecosystem services provided by documented vegetation. Local residents were interviewed to gather their perceptions of ecosystem services and the traditional uses of available plant species in their surroundings. This study documented a total of 235 plant species, identifying each by its altitude range and ethnobotanical significance. Among these species, 211 were found at an altitude range of below 1200 m amsl, while 199 and 95 species were recorded at 1200–1900 m amsl and 1900–2600 m amsl, respectively. The species were grouped under nine major ethnobotanical uses. More than one-third (38.3%) of species were classified as medicinally important and traditionally used by local inhabitants in hilly areas. Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most prominent families, with 24 and 23 species, respectively. The most dominant genus was Ficus, represented by seven species. The Sorensen similarity index showed the highest similarity between lower and middle elevation communities, while the lowest similarity was between high and low elevations. Beyond their ethnobotanical uses, all documented tree species provided ecosystem services, such as 77 species offered provisioning services, 46 provided regulatory services, 20 contributed to cultural services, and 24 supported ecosystem processes. These findings highlight the critical role of vegetation in sustaining ecosystem services and the need for conservation strategies that integrate traditional knowledge.

This study evaluated the effect of nitrogen fertilizer application rates on desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) morphology, dry matter accumulation and nutritive values across three harvests. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-¹ nitrogen (N) rates across 90, 120, and 150 days of harvests. Average plant height (PH), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), and leaf length per plant (LLPP) were recorded. Leaf-to-stem ratio (LSR), fresh forage mass (FFM), dry matter accumulation (DMA), and nutritional contents were assessed. Average PH, NTPP, NLPP, LSR, and DMA were significantly higher across N rates and harvest days. The interaction effect was significant for LLPP and FFM. At 150 kg ha-¹, the highest DMA value was recorded at 150 days, whereas crude protein (CP) content, in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) were at 90 days of harvest. N rates and harvest days had a significant effect on phosphorous and calcium contents. However, higher acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) values were obtained with low fertilizer rates and later harvests. Therefore, greater than 100 kg ha-¹ N rates and above 100 days of harvest resulted in higher DMA, CP, IVDMD, and ME of desho grass, which should be recommended to obtain feed with optimum nutritional value.

The study was carried out in the Aciyurt pasture of Ulas district of Sivas province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey to determine the area covered with plants, botanical composition and frequency values of plants in pastures with different plant densities. NDVI data was created using 10 m resolution Sentinel 2A satellite images of April and May 2021 and 4 different vegetation densities (very high, high, medium and very low) were determined. The proportions of the area covered with herbs, grasses, legumes and other family plants, and the proportions of grasses, legumes and other family plants in the covered area varied 57.2-96.9, 16.7-42.4, 4.0-21.3, 33.2-50.8, 29.4-43.9, 5.1-21.9 and 34.2-65.5%, respectively. The most common species in the pasture were Festuca ovina (57.51%), Bromus tectorum L. (44.65%), Convolvulus assyricus (39.23%), Veronica orientalis Mill. (26.31%), Medicago sp. (22.89%) and Alyssum pateri Nyὰr (21.43%).