Kernel Extract Research Articles

Transcriptome analysis of the genes and regulators involving in vitamin E biosynthesis in Elaeagnus mollis diels.

Elaeagnus mollis is an important newly developing woody oil plant species and the vitamin E (VitE) content in its kernel oil is relatively high. In the present study, the VitE component content and functional genes involving in VitE biosynthesis in E. mollis kernel at different developmental stage were investigated. The VitE content increased with kernel development, reaching up to ~ 7.96mg/g oil in kernel mature stage. The content of tocopherol was much higher than that of tocotrienol and γ-tocopherol became the dominant component. E. mollis kernel extracts had relatively strong antioxidant capacity. We identified 17 genes (16 VTEs and 1 homogentisic acid geranylgeranyl transferase (HGGT)) directly involving in VitE biosynthesis in RNA-Seq data. Phylogenetic and qRT-PCR results indicated that the annotation and reliability of the RNA-Seq were accurate. Transient overexpression of EmVTE3 and EmWRKY13 in tobacoo leaves increased and decreased the VitE content to 192.18 and 118.29µg/g, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression analysis elucidated that the blue module showed significant correlation with tocopherol content. Co-expression network analysis revealed that 2-methyl-6-phytobenzoquinone methyltransferase (MPBQ-MT/VTE3) played a vital role and EmWRKY13 may be a key negative regulator in E. mollis VitE biosynthesis. This study not only revealed the traditional VitE biosynthesis pathway in E. mollis, but also set a solid foundation for future genetic breeding of this species.

Eco-friendly Management of Powdery Mildew of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Pea (Pisum sativum L) is an important crop grown all over the world, in India commonly known as "Matar". India is ranked second in both area and production of pea globally. Erysiphe polygoni DC causes powdery mildew in pea, it is a one of most devastating disease. An experiment was conducted at the SKNCOA farm in Jobner during the Rabi season of 2021. Six natural products, including Panchgavya (10%), Butter milk (10%), Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE 10%), Duranta (10%), Parthenium (10%), and Mehandi (10%), were used as two foliar sprays. During the assessment, all treatments were shown to be effective against powdery mildew of pea, although Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE 10%) and Panchgavya (10%) were determined to be the best treatments for controlling powdery mildew disease in pea.

Pistacia vera and its Combination with Cisplatin: A Potential Anticancer Candidate by Modulating Apoptotic Genes.

Many bioactive phytochemicals have essential significance for handling various diseases and developing new drugs. The aim was to investigate the anti-tumor activity and the underlying mechanisms of pistachio pericarp extract (PPE) and pistachio kernel extract (PKE) alone and combined with cisplatin (CP) in the treatment of prostate cancer. The effects of the PPE, PKE, and CP alone and PPE and PKE in combination with CP (PPE+CP and PKE+CP) on the proliferation of PC-3 cells were determined using the MTT assay. The fold changes of BAX, BCL-2, P53, KLK2, TNF, TGF, and NANOG expression against β-actin were determined by real-time technique. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and repeated measure tests. These research results indicated that a greater anti-proliferative effect of the PPE and PKE was shown in combination with CP compared with treatments using the PPE and PKE or CP alone. The extracts and Cisplatin in vitro had good synergistic effects on the inhibition of the proliferation of PC-3 cells. The IC50 values of PKE+CP were 4.141, 2.140, and 0.884 ug/mL, and PPE+CP were 2.754, 2.061, and 0.753 ug/mL after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h treatment, respectively. Also, this result presented that the mRNA expression of BAX and P53 increased, and BCL-2, KLK2, TNF, TGF, and NANOG decreased in PC-3 cells. The finding of this research showed for the first time the anti-carcinogenesis effects of separately and in the combination of PPE, PKE, and CP on the PC-3 prostate cancer cells via modulating some genes and that it may be nominated for the herbal anti-cancer medications.

Efficacy of botanicals against red pumpkin beetle and their impact on pollinator diversity in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivation

This study aimed to assess insect pollinator diversity in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) and evaluate the bio-efficacy of botanicals for pest management while considering their impact on pollinators. Seven pollinator species were identified, with Hymenopterans, particularly honey bees, dominating. Apis dorsata (67.40%) was the most common pollinator, followed by Apis florea (14.28%). Other pollinators included species from Halictidae, Sphecidae, Syrphidae, and Pieridae families. Among the botanicals tested, Azadirachtin seed kernel extract (5%) and leaf extract (10%) effectively managed the red pumpkin beetle (Raphidopalpa foveicollis) with minimal harm to pollinators. Post-application, pollinator activity slightly increased after three to five days. The study highlights the effectiveness of neem-based botanicals in reducing pest populations while conserving pollinators, emphasizing the value of eco-friendly pest control in promoting sustainable pumpkin farming, improving both yield and crop quality.

Efficacy of Newer Insecticides against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda on Maize

The effectiveness of various newer insecticides against fall armyworm was assessed. The different treatments were spray viz., flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, neem seed kernel extract, Bacillus thuringiensis and control. The overall mean of the two sprays revealed that the most effective treatment was chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC recorded the lowest larval population followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, neem seed kernel extract. During the yield observation, it was observed that a significantly higher yield was obtained in chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC treated plots which is followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and NSKE 5 %. Maximum percentage increase in yield over control was obtained from chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC treated plots which are followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and NSKE 5 %. The economics of various treatments based on net profit and cost of plant protection revealed that the highest cost: benefit ratio was observed in plot treated with emamectin benzoate 5% SG followed by Beauveria bassiana, chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, NSKE, Metarhizium anisopliae, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC.

Formulation and characterization of nanoemulsion biopesticide from Balanite aegyptiaca seed kernel extract

Consumers’ growing awareness and desire for food free of pesticide residues led to the incubation of this research work. The study aimed at developing a nanoemulsion formulation of Balanite aegyptiaca seed kernel extract for use as a biopesticide. A preliminary study was carried out on the solubility and miscibility of surfactant, carrier, and deionized water utilizing the low-energy spontaneous emulsification method. Information from the study was then used to plot a ternary phase diagram (TPD) showing both the isotropic zone and the anisotropic zones, from which a point with a surfactant, oil, and water ratio (20:20:60) was selected from the isotropic zone for the formulation. The developed nanoemulsion was tested for stability and thermostability, and both results revealed the system was stable. Similarly, the physiochemical properties of the developed nanoemulsion system were characterized, and the results showed that the system revealed the following properties: mean particle size of 173.2±21.6, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.403±0.038, surface tension of 32.53±0.71, viscosity of 37.33±0.67 mPas, and a pH of 4.92±0.02. The formulation appears homogeneous, clear, and transparent, which further indicates it’s a nanoemulsion formulation. Therefore, the nanoemulsion formulation of B. aegyptiaca seed kernel can serve as a safe and environmentally friendly substitute for synthetic pesticides in the management of plant diseases.

Caesalpinia bonducella Seeds Extracts are Non-toxic to the Gut Bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as Substantiated by In vitro and In silico Studies

The seed kernels of Caesalpinia bonducella, a traditional medicinal plant in India, are widely used to treat various disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome. The seed kernel possesses anti-bacterial properties against many pathogenic bacteria. However, their impact on Lactobacillus spp., a prominent gram-positive gut bacterium, has not been studied till date. The present study employed both in vitro and in silico methods to illustrate the effect of seed extract of C. bonducella against Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. For this, disc diffusion assay was performed with 100, 500, and 1000 µg/ml of aqueous and methanolic seed extract against L. rhamnosus and E. coli, and the zone of inhibition was measured. While both the extracts inhibited the growth of E. coli, it did not show any zone of inhibition against L. rhamnosus. The latter possess surface layer proteins, SlpX and SlpA, which prevented the influx of the phytocompounds of C. bonducella, as demonstrated by molecular docking using Autodock Vina. Docking results showed that the binding of the phytocompounds to the SlpX and SlpA proteins was not in the active pockets. These findings conclude that C. bonducella seed kernel extracts are safe against the gut bacteria L. rhamnosus.

The Effect of Gold Nanoparticles and Apricot Kernel Extract on the Osseointegration of Dental Implants - A Rabbit Model

Introduction The osseointegration of dental implants is critical to their longevity and success. Various factors such as surface modifications, both additive and subtractive, systemic drug administration, growth factors, and plasma derivatives can influence osseointegration. Aims and Objectives This study aimed to study the effects of gold nanoparticles and aqueous extract of apricot kernels on the osseointegration of titanium implants in the tibia of rabbits. Materials and Methods Apricot kernels were dried, grounded, and dissolved in water to obtain an aqueous extract. It was filtered and stored in the refrigerator at 4oC. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared by mixing 3 ml of 0.02 mM hydrogen tetrachloroaurate with 1 ml of olive leaf extract. The mixture was stirred vigorously for 15 minutes on a heater stirrer at 50oC. Titanium screw implants were sterilized in an autoclave at 120oC with 15 pounds per square inch for 30 minutes. Sterilized implants were stored in sealed containers until use. The study was carried out at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Iraq. The ethical approval for the study was obtained from the institutional animal care and use committee, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq, on 15/04/2023 on reference no UM.VET.2023.013. Nine healthy male adult white New Zealand rabbits aged between 10-12 months were utilized for the study. Three pure titanium implants, each of a type, were placed in each tibia. The implants were categorized as follows: control group (18 uncoated implants) and experimental group (36 coated implants). The implant placement was divided into three groups: controls with uncoated implants (n=18), AuNPs-coated implants (n=18), and apricot kernel extract-coated implants (n=18). General anesthesia was induced by intramuscular injection of ketamine hydrochloride 50mg (1ml /kg of body weight) plus xylazine 2% (0.2 ml /kg of body weight). The AuNPs-coated implants were implanted in the superior osteotomy site in the tibia. The apricot kernel extract-coated implants were implanted in the inferior osteotomy site and the uncoated implants were implanted in the middle osteotomy sites. Histological and histomorphometric tests were performed on all bone implant blocks at one-week, two-week, and three-week intervals after implant placement. The results were evaluated based on the amount of bone formation, cellular components, and inflammation. Tabulated data were statistically analyzed using SPSS v23.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY) using ANOVA with a statistical significance of p <0.05 Results We observed a significant amount of osteogenesis with reduced inflammation in AuNPs-coated implants and apricot kernel extract-coated implants compared to untreated implants. The osteoclastic activity was significantly higher in untreated implants than the treated implant sites. A statistically significant association was observed between coated implants and untreated implants. Conclusion The application of gold nanoparticles and aqueous extract of apricot kernels appears to be promising in reducing inflammation and improving bone apposition on the titanium implant surface. However, this preliminary investigation warrants further research.

An innovative walnut cracker: Self-grading and multi-station extrusion mechanism with high efficiency.

The walnut cracking process is the most critical and delicate step for achieving high-quality kernels. The traditional method for cracking (manually) is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and tedious. The existing cracking approaches are low production efficiency and serious walnut kernel breakage. Increasing cracking efficiency with minimum kernel breakage has been a challenging issue in the preliminary processing of walnuts. Therefore, this study develops an innovative walnut cracker with self-grading and multi-station extrusion, combined with theoretical investigation and experiment verification. First, a statistical analysis of walnut physical properties was conducted, including dimensions, shell thickness as well as shape characteristics. The mechanical properties of walnut cracking were examined by a series of experiments. Based on mechanical theory, a grading mechanism was designed for preliminary processing before walnut cracking. Then a shaftless screw conveying mechanism and an extrusion cracking mechanism were developed. To evaluate the cracker's performance, a comprehensive examination was carried out. The experiments yielded impressive results, with a grading rate of 87.3%, a shell-breaking rate of 91.50%, and a kernel-exposed rate of 84.72%. These outcomes signify a substantial improvement in production efficiency while minimizing kernel breakage. The developed walnut cracker plays a crucial role in walnut processing and kernel extraction, thereby elevating economic value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: A self-grading multi-station extrusion walnut cracker is developed, which includes a grading mechanism with a shaftless screw conveyor and a grid-type trommel screen for conveying and classifying walnuts. This cracker can adapt to different walnut varieties by changing the gap-adjusting guide to control the breaking gap. Compared to similar extrusion-type walnut crackers, the developed cracker not only incorporates preliminary classification but also exhibits superior performance. HIGHLIGHTS: A novel multi-station extrusion mechanism for walnuts cracking is developed. The cracker can accommodate various walnut sizes for self-grading and screening. The design with semi-arc plates converts extrusion force into alternating stress. The shell-breaking rate and kernel-exposed rate achieves 91.50% and 84.72%.

Management of Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) Using Biopesticides and Botanicals

The field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2023 at the Organic Research Farm Karguaji, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (U.P.). Nine treatments were tested: neem oil, garlic bulb extract, Bacillus thuringiensis, karanj oil, panchgavya, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and a control, under a randomized block design. Three sprays of treatments were applied. The results showed that neem oil at 2 ml/L resulted in the minimum shoot damage (7.82%), followed by Bacillus thuringiensis at 5 gm/L and NSKE at 5 ml/L. To manage fruit infestation caused by brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Bacillus thuringiensis and neem oil were themost effective treatments, followed by Beauvaria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The maximum yield and highest cost benefit ratio were found with Bacillus thuringiensis (1:3.15), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae (1:3.07) and Beauveria bassiana (1:3.04).

Antimicrobial activity of apricot kernel extract loaded carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles against multidrug resistant wound-skin infection bacteria

In recent years, skin and soft-tissue infections, particularly due to multidrug resistance bacteria (MDR) are generating a serious health crisis to human health. Thus, the current investigation tried to find new promising alternatives such as herbal therapy and biopolymer nanotechnology to combat MDR microbes. Apricot kernels extract was prepared and its amygdalin content was determined by HPLC analysis. Carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (CMC NPs) encapsulated with amygdalin extract (Am ext) were synthesized and characterized through their morphology, particle size, zeta potential and thermal analysis. The antibacterial activity of Am ext, CMC NPs and CMC-Am ext NPs were evaluated against MDR bacteria. Moreover, to confirm the antibacterial action of the samples, bacterial DNA fragmentation analysis was performed. Furthermore, the cyanide ions released from bacterial breakdown of amygdalin was confirmed using Nanocolor Cyanide 08 Test 0–31 kits. The HPLC analysis indicated that amygdalin extracted efficiently from the apricot kernels. The CMC-Am ext NPs exhibited spherical shaped and mono dispersed particles of size 28 nm; physical stability and thermal compatibility. Additionally, CMC-Am ext NPs have significant antibacterial action on all MDR microbes in synergy with Am ext. Moreover, the results confirmed that the cyanide ions were released from amygdalin breakdown by the action of bacteria. Furthermore, the DNA fragmentation analysis confirmed that both Am ext and its nano-encapsulated form caused bacterial cell death by inducing DNA damage. Therefore, these findings demonstrate CMC-Am ext NPs as a novel potential therapeutic agent which can be used as an alternative to the current antibiotics against MDR bacteria.

Facile synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Nigella Sativa extract and its role as catalyst in production of bio-oil and degradation of methylene blue dye

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using an environmentally benign biogenic approach employing an extract of kernels of Nigella Sativa (kalonji). The presence of primary and secondary metabolites in Nigella Sativa extract acted as the capping and reducing agent. The as-synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using various advanced techniques i.e., UV, SEM, XRD, EDS, TGA, DSC, and FTIR spectra. UV characterization of ZnO NPs revealed a peak within the 350-400 cm−1 range, confirming their successful formation. XRD spectra revealed that the particles possess a nano-rods and platelets structure, with an average size of 65 nm. XRD analysis revealed that the particles possess a size of 65 nm with a nano-rods and platelets structure. FTIR spectra of the ZnO NPs exhibited a peak at a wavenumber range of 500–600 cm−1. The newly fabricated ZnO NPs were utilized in a pyrolysis reaction for the production of high-yield bio-oil, resulting in a maximum yield of 65.6 % at 350 °C. The spectra of the bio-oil display distinct peaks at 1340 cm−1, 2923.6 cm−1, and 1617 cm−1, which suggest the existence of phenolic and carbonyl chemicals. After incubating for 24 h under UV light, they also demonstrated significant catalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. The highest degradation was recorded to be an average of 71 % in 60 min of UV exposure. Taken together, ZnO NPs developed by eco-benign methods have the potential to be implemented as a novel catalytic system in the production of bio-oil as well as the remediation of dye-harboring industrial wastewater.

Image restoration model for microscopic defocused images based on blurring kernel guidance

Defocus blurring imaging seriously affects the observation accuracy and application range of optical microscopes, and the blurring kernel function is a key parameter for high-resolution image restoration. However, its solving process is complicated and high in computational cost. Image restoration based on most neural networks has high requirements on data sets and the image resolution after restoration is limited because of the lack of quantitative estimation of blurring kernels. In this study, an image restoration method guided by blurring kernel estimation for microscopic defocused images is proposed. First, to reduce the blurring kernel estimation error caused by the positive and negative difference in microscopic defocused imaging, a defocused image classification network is designed to classify the input defocused images with different defocus distances and directions, and its output images are input into the blurring kernel extraction network composed of the feature extraction, correlation, and blurring kernel reconstruction layers. Second, a non-blind defocused image restoration model to restore the high-resolution images is proposed by introducing the blurring kernel extraction module into the restoration network based on U-Net, and the blurring kernel estimation and image restoration losses are jointly trained to realize image restoration guided by blurring kernel estimation. Finally, the experimental results of our proposed method demonstrate significant improvements in both the peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index measure when compared to other methods.

Combined metabolomics and bioactivity assays kernelby-productsof two native Chinese cherry species: The sources of bioactive nutraceutical compounds

Cherry kernels are a by-product of cherries that are usually discarded, leading to waste and pollution. In this study, the chemical composition of 21 batches of cherry kernels from two different cherry species was analyzed using untargeted metabolomics. The in vitro antioxidant activity, cellular antioxidant activity, and antiproliferative activity of these kernel extracts were also determined, and a correlation analysis was conducted between differential compounds and biological activity. A total of 49 differential compounds were screened. The kernels of Prunus tomentosa were found to have significantly higher total phenol, total flavonoid content, and biological activity than those of Prunus pseudocerasus (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that flavonoids had the greatest contribution to biological activity. The study suggests that both species of cherry kernel, particularly Prunus tomentosa, could be a potential source of bioactive compounds that could be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

Field Efficacy and Economics of Certain Biopesticides and Chemicals against Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

In the kharif season of 2023–2024, a field experiment was carried out at the in Eight treatments—Spinosad 45SC, Ha NPV 1X109ml/min, Neem seed kernel extract 10% WP, Emamectin Benzoate 5%SG, Azadirachtin (Neem oil) 0.03% WSP, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC, Bacillus thuringienssis 4% WSP, and untreated Control—were used in the RBD experiment. Each treatment was replicated three times. After the first and second sprays, data on the Helicoverpa armigera larval population showed that all treatments were much beter than the control. Following Chlorantraniliprole (18.5%SC) (0.323) as the least amount of larvae was recorded among all the treatments, Spinosade (45%SC) (0.456), Emamecttin benzoate (5%SG) (0.578), Azadirachtin (Neem oil) 00.03%EC (0.712), Neem seed kernel extract (10% The highest documented larval population in this case was 1x108CFU (1.112) of Bacillus thuringiensis. However, the treatment that produced the best yield (15.36 q/ha) was chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC. An intriguing outcome was obtained when the cost-benefit ratio was calculated. The study found that, when compared to a control plot of 1:1.04, the most effective and cost-effective treatment was Chlorantraniliprol 18.5 SC (1:3.65), followed by Spinosade 45% SC (1:3.26), Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (1:2.94), and Azadirachtin (Neem oil) 00.03%EC (1:1.89), Neem seed kernel extract 10% WP (1:1.92), Ha NPV 1X109 POB ml/min (1:1.62), and Bacillus thuringiensis 1x108CFU (1:1.58).0.978, 1X 109 POB/ml/min. WP) (0.845), and Ha NPV 1X 109 POB/ml/min (0.978) were the next five treatments.

Effect of Pretreatments on the Chemical, Bioactive and Physicochemical Properties of Cinnamomum camphora Seed Kernel Extracts.

Cinnamomum camphora seed kernels (CCSKs) are rich in phytochemicals, especially plant extracts. Phytochemicals play a vital role in therapy due to their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Extracts from CCSK can be obtained through multiple steps, including pretreatment, extraction and purification, and the purpose of pretreatment is to separate the oil from other substances in CCSKs. However, C. camphora seed kernel extracts (CKEs) were usually considered as by-products and discarded, and their potential bioactive values were underestimated. Additionally, little has been known about the effect of pretreatment on CKE. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pretreatment methods (including the solvent extraction method, cold pressing method, aqueous extraction method and sub-critical fluid extraction method) on the extraction yields, phytochemical profiles, volatile compounds and antioxidant capacities of different CKE samples. The results showed that the CKE samples were rich in phenolic compounds (15.28-20.29%) and alkaloids (24.44-27.41%). The extraction yield, bioactive substances content and in vitro antioxidant capacity of CKE pretreated by the sub-critical fluid extraction method (CKE-SCFE) were better than CKEs obtained by other methods. CKE pretreated by the solvent extraction method (CKE-SE) showed the best lipid emulsion protective capacity. Moreover, the volatile substances composition of the CKE samples was greatly influenced by the pretreatment method. The results provided a fundamental basis for evaluating the quality and nutritional value of CKE and increasing the economic value of by-products derived from CCSK.

Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Biopesticides with Emamectin Benzoate against Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in Cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. Capitata (L.)

A field trial was conducted during rabi season 2023-2024 at Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments each replicated thrice using a variety Green Soccer (546). The treatments viz., Emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP, Spinosad 02.50 % SC, Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC, Neem seed kernel extract 5%, Beauveria basssiana 1x 108CFU/ml, Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP and along with an untreated control against plutella xylostella in cabbage.The data on larval population of Diamond back moth over control on first and second spray overall mean revealed that all treatments were significantly superior over control.Amomg all the treatments minimum larval population was recorded in in T3 Spinosad 02.50 %SC (1.045) followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate5%SG (1.212), T2Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (1.345),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108 CFU/ml (1.512),T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0 % SC (1.667),T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5 % (1.934),T7 Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP (2.133).While, the highest yield (298q/ha) was obtained from the treatment T3 spinosad 02.50%SC as well as B:C ratio (1:5.76) was obtained high from this treatment. It followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (276q/ha) (1:5.53),T2 Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (269q/ha)(1:5.42),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108CFU/ml (259q/ha) (1:5.24), T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC(249q/ha)(1:5.04), T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5% (233q/ha) (1:4.65), T7 Azadirechtin 00.03% WSP(215q/ha)(1:4.42) and the lowest yield and B:C ratio is recorded in T0 Control (186q/ha) (1:4.05).

Field Efficacy and Economics of Selected Biopesticides and Chemicals against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Earias vittella (Fabricius) on Okra

The field trial was conducted at Central Research Field, Department of Entomology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during kharif season 2023.The experiment was laid out in in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments each replicated thrice using variety Kashi Chaman. The treatments viz., T1 Beauveria bassiana 1.5% T2 Spinosad 45%SC T3 Neem seed kernel extract 10%WP T4 Emamectin Benzoate 5SG T5 Fipronil 5SC T6 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC T7 Azadirachtin 0.03%WSP 300PPM (5ml/lit) and along with untreated control T0 against Earias vittella in okra. The data on percentage of shoot and fruit infestation of okra shoot and fruit borer first and second spray mean revealed that all treatments are significantly superior over control. Among all the treatments lowest per cent shoot and fruit, infestation was recorded in T6 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC (8.46) (9.44),, T2 Spinosad 45% SC (9.95) (10.44),, T4 Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (11.83) (11.85),, T5 Fipronil 5%SC (12.96) (12.91),, T3 Neem seed kernel extract 10% WP (14.82) (13.27), T1 Beauveria bassiana 1.5% (15.94) (14.62) and T7 Azadirachtin 0.03%WSP 300PPM (5ml/lit) (16.97) (14.79) and is significantly superior over the control (23.78) (23.26). While The highest yield was recorded in T6 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC (210.2q/ha),as well as B:C ratio (1:6.54), T2 Spinosad 45%SC (195.7q/ha) (1:6.02),, T4 Emamectin benzoate 5SG (163.4q/ha) (1:5.17), T5 Fipronil 5SC(149.2q/ha) (1:4.69), T3 Neem seed kernel extract10%WP (138.4q/ha) (1:4.42),, T1 Beauveria bassiana 1.5% (131.7q/ha) (1:4.00), T7 Azadirachtin 0.03%WSP 300PPM (5ml/lit) (120.2q/ha) (1:3.71), as compared to T0 control (90.2q/ha) (1:2.96).

Nutraceutical Potential of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) Hull: Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity, and Liver Protection.

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum), a traditional Taiwanese crop enriched with phenolic compounds and betalain pigments, is associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. This study analysed the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of extracts from both the hull and kernel of Djulis. The hull extract, which contained higher levels of flavonoids and exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to the kernel extract, was selected for further in vivo studies. These experiments showed that oral administration of the Djulis hull crude extract significantly mitigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice by increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reducing plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and enhancing liver levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4). Additionally, the extract demonstrated potential in inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, a critical signalling pathway in inflammation and apoptosis, offering insights into its protective mechanisms. These findings underscore Djulis hull's potential as a functional food ingredient for ALI prevention and propose a valuable application for agricultural by-products.

Pentagalloyl Glucose and Gallotannins from Mangifera Indica L. Seed Kernel Extract as A Promising Antifungal Feed Additive, In Vitro, and In Silico Studies

Recently, the valorization of agro-industrial wastes through their exploration of their bioactive compounds has become a necessary trend to maximize their applications in various production sectors, particularly animal feeding. In the study, mango seed kernels were used as agro-industrial wastes to extract gallotannins fraction (GF) and pentagalloyl glucose (PGG). The GF and PGG were mixed with poultry feeds to investigate their potential ability to control Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) growth and inhibit its production of aflatoxins (AFs). Ketoconazole was used as an antifungal standard. GF and PGG combat the growth of A. flavus, with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 21.7 ± 1.7 and 20 ± 0 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, GF and PGG showed promising results in preventing the production of AFs (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) at 5 and 10 mg/100-gram feed. Furthermore, to explain the mode of action of PGG as an antifungal agent, a molecular docking study has been performed against Type 1 Polyketide Synthase (PKS), which is found in many toxigenic Aspergillus species and has a highly active Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP) domain that is implicated in thiol ester-bound intermediates involved in fungal polyketides, fatty acids, and other non-ribosomal peptide formation, which are highly implicated in the construction of aflatoxin biosynthesis. The promising results prompt us to use mango seed extract as a cheap source of gallotannin components as a safe feed additive for reducing fungal and mycotoxin contamination in animal feeds.