ABSTRACT This survey studied potential human health risks through mostly consumed vegetables such as brinjal, sweet gourd, papaya, tomato, bitter gourd, snake gourd, sponge gourd, and bottle gourd in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Fe, and As were analysed in the samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean level of heavy metals in vegetables followed the descending order of brinjal > snake gourd > bitter gourd > sponge gourd > sweet gourd > tomato > bottle gourd > papaya. Estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index, and carcinogenic risk value revealed that these vegetables have no negative impact on human health. Furthermore, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation analysis indicate that metal sources may be common. It was concluded that the studied vegetables may not cause human health risk and further investigations should be conducted on a larger scale.

Development and optimization of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-xanthine oxidase magnetic nanoparticles for rapid screening of XOD inhibitors from Trichosanthes anguina (snake gourd) with molecular docking approach.

Ten species of Cucurbitaceae Juss. were morphometrically analyzed based on their leaf characteristics using taxonomic analysis to provide information about the links between these types of plants. Numerical characteristics, including leaf length, petiole length, leaf breadth, and lamina length, are positively correlated with the resolved taxonomic relationships of different species within the same genus, according to taxonomic component analysis. A key factor in uniting the species within a genus is the principal component analysis results of five quantitative characters based on a similarity matrix, which demonstrate a significant correlation between leaf length and leaf breadth, leaf base nerve number, and the ratio of leaf lamina length to petiole length. However, they also significantly separate the species from one another. Morphometric features supported the Cucurbitaceae's current categorization. Following the extraction of the characters that significantly influenced the similarity between the chosen Cucurbitaceae species, it further displays the component matrix of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Ctenolepis garcinii (Burm.f.) C. B. Clarke, Cucumis melo L., Cucumis setosus Cogn., Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C. Jeffrey, Momordica balsamina L., Momordica dioica roxb ex willd, Mukia maderaspatana (L.) Roem., Solena amplexicaulis (Lam.) Gandhi and Trichosanthes cucumerina L.

Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina var. anguina) is an annual, day neutral climbing type herbaceous vegetable crop belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family with chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 22. Developing high yielding and well-adapted snake gourd cultivars is essential to meet the growing demands of a rising global population. This study was carried out using a line × tester mating design to assess the combining ability and genetic potential of diverse snake gourd lines for key morphological characteristics. The objective was to identify superior parental combinations and promising F1 hybrids with high specific combining ability (SCA) for further breeding programmes. A set of seven diverse snake gourd lines were crossed with two well-adapted testers. The resulting F1 hybrids, along with their parental lines, were evaluated for morphological traits, including growth parameters, flowering parameters, fruit parameters and biochemical parameters. Data analysis revealed significant differences among genotypes for all evaluated traits. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were estimated and promising lines and hybrid combinations exhibiting high GCA and SCA for desirable traits were identified. The results of this study provide useful information on the genetic control of morphological traits in snake gourd and confirm that the line × tester analysis is an effective tool for identifying superior parental combinations for breeding programmes aimed at developing improved snake gourd cultivars with enhanced agronomic performance.

GATA transcription factors are ubiquitous in plants, where they regulate target gene expression to modulate plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. The GATA gene family has been identified in numerous plant species, with characterization reported in cucumber and melon among Cucurbitaceae crops. However, the GATA gene family remains unstudied in most other Cucurbitaceae species. Here, we systematically identified GATA genes in 10 Cucurbitaceae species (watermelon, cucumber, melon, pumpkin, wax gourd, sponge gourd, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, chayote, snake gourd) using the latest high-quality genomic datasets. A total of 281 GATA genes were identified across these 10 species, and phylogenetic analysis clustered them into four subgroups (Groups A, B, C, D). For watermelon GATA (ClGATA) genes, cis-acting element analysis revealed abundant stress-responsive elements in their promoter regions. Predictions of ClGATA protein secondary and tertiary structures showed random coils as the dominant secondary structural component, with subgroup-specific tertiary characteristics supporting functional synergy within each subgroup. Intraspecific synteny analysis identified 7 segmentally duplicated ClGATA gene pairs, with no tandem duplications detected, indicating segmental duplication drove the expansion of the ClGATA family. Transcriptome reanalysis under 17 types of abiotic and biotic stresses showed ClGATA7 exhibited significant differential expression under 5 abiotic and 3 biotic stress types, and ClGATA11 showed significant differential expression under 3 abiotic and 5 biotic stress types. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validation of 6 key ClGATA genes further confirmed the role of ClGATA7 in mediating abiotic stress responses, with consistent down-regulation under low temperature in both leaf and root tissues. Protein-protein interaction prediction identified potential interactions among 21 of the 24 ClGATA proteins, including a direct interaction between ClGATA7 and ClGATA17. These findings advance our understanding of GATA gene family evolution and function in Cucurbitaceae. Given the broad stress responsiveness of ClGATA7 and ClGATA11, they are highlighted as priority candidate genes for functional studies and genetic improvement of stress tolerance in watermelon.

In Saudi Arabia, cucurbit crops such as zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) and snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) are major vegetables and key dietary components, yet their associated viral threats remain poorly understood. We surveyed symptomatic cucurbit samples from greenhouses and open fields in the Al-Ahsa and Qatif regions. The detection methods employed included PCR, RCA, and Illumina NGS. Based on nucleotide sequence comparisons and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis, we identified three viruses, i.e., TYLCV, WmCSV, and ToLCPalV, present as both single and mixed infections. Sequence analyses revealed a novel strain, TYLCV-Hasa, representing a distinct lineage of TYLCV. Analysis revealed that recombination occurred solely in the DNA-A components of the identified viruses, while DNA-B segments showed no evidence of recombination. Notably, no DNA satellites were detected, suggesting cucurbits may act as independent reservoirs of begomovirus diversity. These results provide a comprehensive genomic insight into cucurbit-infecting begomoviruses in Eastern Saudi Arabia. The discovery of TYLCV-Hasa and evidence of recombination raise concerns about the emergence of novel viral variants that could pose risks to cucurbit cultivation. The results establish a foundation for advanced molecular surveillance and breeding strategies, contributing to improved food security and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable agriculture.

Pre-endophytic colonization of snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.) with Piriformospora indica (1% w/v), followed by individual pre-colonizations with Bacillus velezensis (108 CFU mL-1) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; 1% w/v), significantly mitigated the incidence and severity of snake gourd mosaic disease under laboratory and field conditions. The endophytic treatments effectively suppressed the titres of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), as confirmed by DAC-ELISA and DAS ELISA analyses. Among the treatments, P. indica pre-colonization resulted in the lowest viral load and delayed symptom expression, followed by B. velezensis and AMF. Enhanced activities of defense-related enzymes viz., peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, catalase and ascorbic acid oxidase were recorded in P. indica-colonized plants, indicating the induction of systemic resistance. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the induction of a novel 31.57 kDa protein in AMF-treated plants, while, P. indica and B. velezensis colonization altered overall protein profiles relative to the control. Field evaluations demonstrated a marked reduction in disease incidence (88.36% in P. indica, 92.95% in B. velezensis and 99.74% in AMF treatments at 90 DAS), improved vegetative growth and yield, with P. indica recording the highest yield (7.04 kg plant-1).

Vegetables play a vital role in Tamil Nadu’s agricultural economy, contributing to rural employment, household income and food security. The state produces about 5 per cent of India’s total vegetables, with cucurbits particularly bitter gourd, ridge gourd and snake gourd - occupying a significant share of 4.50 per cent. Dharmapuri district has emerged as a major production center for these crops; however, spatial disparities and structural changes in their cultivation remain underexplored. To address this, the present study analysed the degree of concentration, specialization and competitiveness of cucurbit crops in Dharmapuri and its major blocks - Karimangalam and Palacode using secondary data from 2014-15 to 2023-24. A two-tier analytical framework was employed, wherein the Modified Location Quotient (LQ) measured spatial dominance and the Modified Shift-Share Analysis (SSA) assessed structural transformation and regional advantage over time. The findings revealed strong concentration of bitter gourd, ridge gourd and snake gourd, supported by favorable agro-climatic and market conditions. Positive growth and regional shift effects confirmed Dharmapuri’s competitive position. The study highlights Dharmapuri’s strategic role in strengthening Tamil Nadu’s vegetable sector and emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions for sustaining regional competitiveness.

The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are central regulators of plant growth and stress responses. This study presents a pan-genome analysis of bZIP genes across nine Cucurbitaceae species: cucumber, watermelon, melon, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, wax gourd, monk fruit, snake gourd, and Herpetospermum pedunculosum. We cataloged 502 bZIPs (350 core, 151 dispensable) in 12 subfamilies. Intron variation was the primary source of intrasubfamily diversity; core-only subfamilies showed lower polymorphism and stronger purifying selection. Core bZIPs mainly originated from whole-genome/segmental duplication, while dispensable bZIPs expanded via small-scale duplication. Integrating 393 transcriptomes revealed that both core and dispensable bZIPs contribute to development and abiotic-stress responses, with dispensable members more specifically hormone-induced and core bZIPs engaging broader gene-interaction networks. This pan-genome survey delineates bZIP genomic architecture, evolutionary dynamics, and functional specialization in Cucurbitaceae, providing a robust resource for downstream mechanistic studies and molecular breeding.

The study attempts to examine the costs, returns and relative profitability of bitter gourd and snake gourd production and socio-economic characteristics of sample farmers in two selected villages of Mymensingh district. Two villages namely Noudar and Solimpur under Trishal upazila in Mymensing district. Data were collected from the study areas by direct interview method. The duration of data collection was June 2024 to May 2025. Total 100 sample farmers from two villages were selected by multi-stage random sampling method. Collected data were processed and analyzed. Both tabular and statistical techniques were used. In this study, Regression analysis, STATA software were used for the results. In the study Cobb-Douglas production function model was used. Secondary data were also used in the study. The major findings of the study are: i) farmers of Noudar received higher gross and net returns than those of Solimpur, ii) benefit-cost ratio of bitter gourd farming was 1.82 and it was 1.34 for snake gourd farming. Bitter gourd production was profitable compared to Snake gourd, iii) years of schooling in Noudar was 5.9 and it was 4.5 in Solimpur. For bitter gourd farming, the co-efficient of multiple determinations R2 was 0.98 and F-value was 237.42. F-value of the estimated production function was significant at 1% probability level which implied good fit of the model. The co-efficient of multiple determinations R2 was .86 and F-value was 20.79. The F- value was significant at 1% probability level which implied good fit of the model. However, the production of bitter gourd and snake gourd vegetables were profitable in the study areas. Measures should be taken to ensure easy availability of chemicals fertilizers and other essential agricultural inputs to the farmers.

Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina var. anguina L.) is a diploid, monoecious annual woody climber popularly known as Snake tomato or long tomato belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The crop has significant levels of minerals (0.5%), fibre (0.5%), protein (0.5%), fat (0.3%) and carbohydrates (3.3%). Considering the economic significance and medicinal potential of the crop, the present investigation was carried out employing seven lines and two testers to develop 14 hybrids through a Line × Tester mating design. The hybrids Tenali Local × PKM 1, Siddapur Local × PKM 1 and Raikur Local × PKM 1 possessed significantly high standard heterosis, corresponding for earliness, yield and quality parameters resulting as superior hybrids. On the basis of its yield potential and earliness characters, the hybrid Tenali Local × PKM 1 outperformed all other hybrids with a yield of 7.64 kg/plant, the hybrid showed 94.78% standard heterosis over commercial check. The hybrid Tenali Local × CO-2 manifested superior quality parameters like ascorbic acid, fruit protein content and fruit carbohydrate content, which further can be used in breeding programme.

Postharvest fungal decay is a leading cause of economic and nutritional losses in the horticultural sector, particularly in tropical regions with diverse produce. This study aimed to identify the predominant fungal species associated with the spoilage of a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including several understudied tropical varieties, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Sixty-five decaying samples from thirteen types of produce (e.g., banana, jackfruit, coconut, bilimbi, snake gourd, lime) were collected from local markets. Fungal isolation was performed on Potato Dextrose Agar following surface sterilization of tissue segments. Pure cultures were identified morphologically based on macro- and microscopic characteristics. A total of 85 fungal isolates were obtained, representing nine genera. Aspergillus was the most prevalent genus (30.6% frequency), followed by Rhizopus (22.4%) and Fusarium (14.1%). The results revealed strong host-specificity; Aspergillus dominated hard-shelled/tart fruits (52.4% incidence), Rhizopus was the primary pathogen in vegetables and gourds (35.3%), and Penicillium was specific to fleshy fruits like lime. This study provides a crucial baseline profile of the spoilage mycobiota in the region, highlighting the need for tailored postharvest management strategies to mitigate losses in both common and regionally significant produce, thereby enhancing food security.

BackgroundPolyploidy is a key driver of germplasm innovation in plants, contributing significantly to speciation and the evolution of cultivated crops. Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. is an economically important crop, valued for its edible, medicinal, and industrial properties. This study aims to explore new germplasm resources of T. cucumerina with desirable traits such as high yield and stress resistance by analyzing and comparing the morphological characteristics, anatomical traits, and root powder microscopic features of diploid and autotetraploid T. cucumerina.Results(1) The most effective method for inducing autotetraploidy was soaking explants in a 0.05% colchicine solution for 72 h, which resulted in the highest explant survival rate (70.67%) and autotetraploid induction rate (31.33%), yielding 145 autotetraploid plants. (2) Flow cytometry and root-tip chromosome counting confirmed that diploid plants had a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 22, while autotetraploid plants had 2n = 4x = 44. (3) On MS medium supplemented with 6-BA (3.0 mg/L), KT (3.0 mg/L), NAA (1.0 mg/L) and 360.36 mg/L Ca²⁺, autotetraploid stem segments exhibited the highest shoot induction, with a proliferation coefficient of 6.43. (4) The optimal rooting medium for autotetraploid plantlets consisted of MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L NAA, achieving a 100% rooting rate. Following acclimatization and transplantation of regenerated autotetraploid plantlets, the survival rate reached 92%. (5) Compared to diploid plants, autotetraploid plants displayed significantly larger nutritional organs (leaves, stems, roots), enhanced growth parameters (leaf width, stomatal length, stomatal width, root fresh weight, and root dry weight), and more developed cellular structures (palisade tissue, spongy tissue, vascular tissue, starch granules, parenchyma cells, and cork cells).ConclusionThis study successfully induced autotetraploidy in T. cucumerina and established an efficient artificial regeneration system. Compared to diploid plants, autotetraploid plants demonstrated significant improvements in morphological characteristics, anatomical traits, and growth parameters. These findings provide valuable resources for breeding new varieties and advancing genetic research on T. cucumerina.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide. In 2023, approximately 1.1 million metric tons of tomatoes were produced in Indonesia (Statista, 2024). However, emerging viruses are a major threat to tomato production. To identify viruses infecting tomato, nine leaf samples showing virus-like symptoms including mosaic, yellowing, leaf curling, and malformation on leaves were collected from open field and greenhouse in Kediri (sample nos. 1 to 4) and Malang (sample nos. 5 to 9) district of Indonesia in November 2023. Dip preparation of symptomatic leaves using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identified rigid rod virus particles of about 300 nm length in two samples (sample nos. 6 and 7), indicating the presence of Tobamovirus. To confirm the TEM results, symptomatic leaf samples were further analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using detection primers for tomato-infecting Tobamovirus (Sui et al. 2017). The samples were positive only for tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV). To confirm presence of the other viruses, a pooled sample from all nine plants was screened by next generation sequencing (NGS). Total RNA was extracted from symptomatic leaves using RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany) and a transcriptome library was generated using the TruSeq Stranded Total RNA LT Sample Prep kit (Illumina, San Diego, CA). NGS was performed using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 system (Macrogen Inc. Korea). De novo transcriptome assembly of the 85,515,472 quality-filtered reads was performed using Trinity software (r20140717), yielding 208,673 contigs. BLAST analyses of the contigs against the GenBank viral reference database identified that 13 large contigs were clearly virus sequnces, such as pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (PepYLCIV), pepper vein yellows virus (PeVYV), tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), and ToMMV. The ToMMV contig (60,606 mapped reads, sequencing depth of 1,435.76) had a nearly complete genome sequence of 6,374 nt and showed 99.34% identity (99% coverage) with ToMMV isolate SC13-05 (GenBank accession no. KX898033) isolated from tomato in the USA (Sui et al. 2017). As a result of PCR and RT-PCR assays using species-specific primers for individual leaf samples, five of nine tomato samples were positive for ToMMV, and they were coinfected with one other virus, ToCV or PepYLCIV, respectively. The amplified products of 289 bp for ToMMV-IND-TO6 and -IND-TO7 were sequenced and deposited in GenBank under accession nos. PQ117551 and PQ117552, respectively. These Sanger sequences shared 99% nt identity with the NGS-derived sequences. Tomato mottle mosaic virus is an emerging virus belonging to the genus Tobamovirus and the family Virgaviridae. ToMMV was first reported from tomato in Mexico in 2013 (Li et al. 2013), and then has been reported in China, USA, Israel, and Spain (Ambrós et al. 2017; Sui et al. 2017). ToMMV mainly affects tomato crops but has also spread to pepper, eggplant, pea, and Chinese snake gourd (Jin et al. 2023). In Indonesia, PepYLCIV, PeVYV, and ToCV have been reported in tomato (Hermanto et al. 2024; Koeda et al. 2020). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ToMMV infection in tomato in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Further research is necessary to determine the prevalence of ToMMV in vegetables including tomato, and careful monitoring for ToMMV is required to prevent the spread of the virus to other crops and significant yield losses.

ABSTRACT Many organic agricultural waste materials can be used as sustainable resources to improve soil fertility, crop performance and fruit quality in intensive and organic agricultural systems. This study was conducted during the rainy seasons in 2021 and 2022 to determine the impact of sole and combined applications of poultry manure (PM) and crop residue of cowpea (CP) or soybean (SB) on the performance and quality of snake tomato (Trichosanthes cucumerina). Treatments with three application rates of PM (50%, 100%, and 150%), CP (50%, 100%, and 150%), SB (50%, 100%, and 150%), and a control were tested in a trial arranged as a randomised complete block design with three replications. The study revealed that among the sole applications, PM performed better than sole applications of CP and SB in terms of effects on yield, vitamins, minerals and proximate compositions. All treatments with combined applications of PM and residues of cowpea (CP) or soybean (SB), at both the lower and the higher application rates, significantly improved all parameters measured compared with the control. The study also showed that due to their C:N ratios, the PM + CP combinations performed better than the PM + SB combinations. The study concluded that there was a consistent increase in the performance, yield and quality characteristics of the test crop with the application of 100% CP + 50% PM, indicating that this can be successfully used as a soil amendment for improved performance and quality attributes of the test crop in the study area.

Dysregulation of tryptophan metabolism activates Kynurenine (KYN), which facilitates tumor immune escape and ovarian cancer progression frequently results in high mortality due to delayed diagnosis. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2) enzymes are primarily responsible for dysregulation in tryptophan metabolism. It was well understood that KYN became life-threatening, causing a cancerous condition. Recently, the urge has been satisfied with potential phytochemicals. Phytochemicals of Taxus baccata, Nelumbo nucifera, Saraca asoca, Trichosanthes cucumerina, Aracauria columnaris and Hymenocallis littoralis were chosen to target kynurenine activation. The molecular docking analysis of IDO1 and TDO2 with 368 phytochemicals reveals higher binding energy for Hinokiflavone, Hippeastrine, Campesterol, Clionasterol, [Formula: see text]-sitosterol, Violaxanthin, [Formula: see text]-amyrin and [Formula: see text]-carotene compounds, which were further analyzed to determine the pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of hit compounds. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis was performed to determine the electronic effect of hit compounds, resulting in sturdy stability for Campesterol, Clionasterol and [Formula: see text]-sitosterol. Molecular dynamic simulation of protein–ligand complexes was further confirmed by the Desmond module V3 of Schrödinger software investigating phytochemicals possessing pharmacological effects with higher binding stability, promising a strategic approach to synthesizing phytochemicals encapsulated nanocarriers for drug delivery to combat tryptophan loss. This in silico approach portrays the interaction of beneficiary phytochemicals with IDO1 and TDO2 in ovarian cancer, restoring the tryptophan homeostasis, thus expanding the scope for in vitro and in vivo studies and hastening drug discovery and delivery.

Due to a crisis in tomato production in Nigeria, driven by economic factors, tomato leaf miner infestation and post-harvest losses, many households have turned to the consumption of snake tomato (Trichosanthes cucumerina) as an alternative (Olorunbi, 2024). In May 2023, disease symptoms were observed on mature T. cucumerina plants grown over an area of 0.26 ha on Iyana Iba farm, Lagos State, Nigeria (6° 28’ 4.812'', 3° 13’ 9.985''). In subsequent months, the disease affected numerous fruits in the field. Affected fruits exhibited rot and visible necrosis with occasional whitish mycelium present on diseased areas (Fig. 1). The fungus responsible for the rot was identified using morphological characteristics and molecular analysis. Colonies isolated on potato dextrose agar were fast growing, filling a Petri dish within 48 hours. The mass of mycelium was somewhat fluffy and whitish brown in colour (Fig. 2). The isolates had septate hyphae with globose ascospores, 10 µm in diameter, consistent with Byssochlamys nivea. The internal transcribed spacer region was amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4 (White et al., 1990). The resulting amplicon (GenBank Accession No. PV786811) had 99.03% identity with an isolate of. B. nivea (AY753338.1), confirming the identity of the pathogen. A pathogenicity test was conducted using three-day-old 5 mm mycelial plugs of pure isolated fungus which were inoculated into surface-disinfected T. cucumerina (10 weeks old) fruits using a sterile cork borer. The wound was sealed with plastic film and the fruits incubated at 25 ±1°C for seven days. The symptoms which developed in the inoculated fruits were similar to those observed in the field. Re-isolation of the fungus confirmed B. nivea as the cause of rot in T. cucumerina. No symptoms developed on control T. cucumerina plants inoculated with a sterile agar plug (Fig. 3) This is the first report of Byssochlamys nivea causing rot on T. cucumerina in Nigeria. The disease shares characteristics with apple rot caused by B. nivea in the USA (Biango-Daniels., et al., 2019; Wang & Hodge, 2021). Byssochlamys nivea has been reported as a thermophilic fungus able to grow between 25–55°C (Pavan et al., 2021), hence its ability to adapt to tropical regions. The implications for Nigeria's food security situation are significant given its potential to cause devastating losses in an already food insecure nation. Thanks to Central Research Committee University of Lagos for funding this research.

Genetic diversity analysis in cultivated Snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) genotypes by RAPD, ISSR, and SSR markers

An experiment was accomplished in the Horticulture Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from March-June 2024 to study the influence of supplement liquid manure on growth and yield of snake gourd. Supplement liquid manure applications viz., frequency, T0: control (BARI recommended fertilizers doses), T₁: 100% RFD + Liquid manure (once) and T2: 100% RFD + Liquide manure (twice) were used in this experiment arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data on growth, yield and quality attributes parameters were taken in which all the treatments showed significant variations. The maximum leaves number (10.0), leaf area (147.0 sq.cm), highest SPAD value (50.1) and maximum female flower per plant (58.0) were found in twice application (T2) of liquid manure. Furthermore, maximum number of fruits per plant (53.0), maximum single fruit weight (0.61g) and maximum snake gourd yield (29.8 t/ha) were found in T2, whereas, the minimum was found from control (T0) in case of all parameters. Therefore, it can be concluded that the supplement liquid manure applied as T2 is easy and effective liquid manure that has the potential to increase the growth and yield of snake gourd. J. Bangladesh Acad. Sci. 49(1); 147-152: June 2025

Introduction: Water is essential for life, and managing water resources is crucial in addressing the global issue of water pollution. Water pollution occurs when substances alter its physical, chemical, or biological properties, harming living organisms. Domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities release pollutants into the environment, contributing to this contamination. Ancient texts, such as those by Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhatta, mention various herbal methods for water purification. Specifically, Acharya Vagbhatta highlights a purification technique involving a decoction of herbs like Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Adhaki (Cajanus cajan), Yavakshar (Hordeum vulgare), Patola (Trichosanthes cucumerina), Balhik (asafoetida), Ushan (Piper nigrum), Shreeparni (Gmelina arborea), and Shalmali (Bombax ceiba). This herbal combination is believed to neutralise poisons in water and other substances, rendering them safe. Need of the study: Modern water purification methods often involve chemicals like chlorine, which can produce harmful byproducts like Trihalomethanes (THMs) that pose significant health risks, including cancer. To address this, ancient texts, particularly those by Acharya Vagbhatta, suggest natural methods for purifying water. One such method, Bilvadi Jala Nirvishikarana yoga, involves a decoction of plants like Bilva, Adhaki, Yavakshar, Patola, and others, which detoxifies contaminated substances. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this traditional purification technique through in-vitro experiments. All results will be evaluated at a 95% significance level to assess their statistical relevance and determine the study outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Bilvadi Jala Nirvishikaran on different samples of polluted water. Materials and Methods: The experimental in-vitro study will be conducted by the Department of Agadatantra at Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Salod (H), Wardha, Maharashtra, India at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India from January 2025 to February 2025. The present study will be completed between January and February 2025. Polluted water samples will be collected from the Pavanar and Dham rivers in the Wardha district. Poisoned water samples will be prepared by adding Dhatura and organophosphorus compound powder to plain tap water. All the samples will be tested for physicochemical parameters before and after the administration of Bilvadi Jala Nirvishikaran yoga. The results will be compared among all samples.