Present paper deals with crosslinking, oxidation, reduction, complex formation and enzymatic degradation of flour components like starch, protein and water soluble non-starch polysaccharides (WSNSP), contribute to the dough characteristics and bread properties. Peak viscosity and pasting viscosity of wheat starch showed 21% and 18% increase respectively, in presence of 1% RYE-WSNSP. Loaf volume of the wheat flour breads increased to a significant (p<0.05) level (12%) due to presence of 1.5% RYE-WSNSP. In presence of 10 units of xylanase, loaf volume of standard wheat flour bread increased to 44 ml. Evaluation of the effect of RYE-WSNSP on the baking loss showed no significant difference between samples. RYEWSNSP delayed staling significantly (p<0.05) during storage as expressed by crumb firmness measured after 48 hours. Stress relaxation measurements showed that rate at which stress decayed was delayed by RYE-WSNSP in a wheat flour bread. RYE-WSNSP have a slight but significant (p<0.05) influence on transition enthalpy of gelatinization of a sample of starch as well as a sample of wheat flour. However, RYE-WSNSP did not cause any significant effect on retrogradation of starch. But at a water content of 43.4% transition enthalpy of a wheat flour sample decreased by 25% in presence of 0.25% RYE-WSNSP.

Trichoderma species are well-known for their biocontrol potential and plant growth-promoting abilities. The research conducted used ITS sequencing analysis to pinpoint eight different Trichoderma isolates. A phylogenetic tree confirmed their genetic relationships with known species of Trichoderma, including T. yunnanense, T. atrobrunneum, T. longibrachiatum, and T. harzianum. During Dual culture tests, T. harzianum (SPT6) showed the highest level of inhibition (79.91%) against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The ability to

solubilize phosphate, produce IAA, and exhibit siderophore activity differed among the various isolates, with SPT6 demonstrating the greatest amounts of soluble phosphorus and IAA (45.95 µg/ml). The volatile substances released by Trichoderma isolates significantly hindered the growth of S. sclerotiorum mycelium (38 to 62.43%). In a greenhouse study, tomato seeds treated with T. harzianum in treatment T1 achieved the highest germination rates (93.66%) and seedling vigor (2088.77). T1 reduced the damping off of seedlings, resulting in the lowest mortality rate (1.66%) among seeds treated with Trichoderma. There were improvements in growth factors such as shoot and root length, as well as fresh and dry weight, due to Trichoderma treatment, with SPT6 showing the most significant impact compared to other treatments. These findings highlight the potential of Trichoderma isolates as effective biocontrol agents and their ability to enhance plant growth, suggesting they could be useful in sustainable farming practices.

Sodic soils are one of the biggest limitations to the production of various foods around the globe, soil decay, nutrient cycling as well as microorganisms’ equilibrium. This paper describes the isolation, characterization, and consortium development of native halophilic bacteria to be used in biofertilizer-mediated sodic soil reclamation in Maharashtra, India. Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter sp. and Klebsiella sp were 16S rRNA sequenced and assessed in terms of their halotolerance, enzyme activity, and compatibility among themselves. The resultant consortium had a high growth promoting properties of plants whichcomprised of  fixation of nitrogen, solubilization of phosphate and secretion of exopolysaccharide (EPS) in salty environment. Field work on soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Phule Sangam) showed that there were impressive agronomic and soil enhancements: pod and seed counts rose by more than 300%, seed weight had quadrupled, and soil pH and exchangeable sodium percentage were reduced by 40-50%. Increased availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as increased content of organic carbon, all signified nutrient regeneration and alleviation of sodicity through the activity of microbes. The osmotic stress-tolerant functional resilience of the consortium indicates synergistic roles of hormonal signaling and ionic homeostasis regulation in the rhizosphere. A biosafety of antibiotic sensitivity was established and this makes it a good fit in the field. This paper has defined native halophilic microbial

consortia as an effective and economical alternative to the use of gypsum reclamation and it is also an environmentally friendly reclamation that is low-cost. These consortia fit the FAO and ICAR models of resilient agroecosystems in salt-impacted areas by enhancing the crop production capacity of soils through reestablishment of soil biological activity and implementation of microbial biotechnology. 

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is a climate-resilient minor cereal valued for its nutritional profile and adaptability to rainfed systems, yet its productivity is severely hindered by blast disease caused by Pyricularia setariae and P. grisea. This study evaluated the efficacy of selected fungicides and bioagents against Pyricularia spp. through in vitro and field trials at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth during the Kharif 2024–2025 season. In vitro assays revealed that Trichoderma harzianum achieved complete mycelial inhibition (100%), while Pseudomonas fluorescens showed moderate inhibition (63.51%). Among fungicides, Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG, Tricyclazole 75% WP, and Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP exhibited total inhibition of fungal growth. Field evaluations demonstrated that Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG significantly reduced disease intensity (PDI ~15%) and achieved the highest disease control (65.59%), followed by Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP and Tricyclazole 75% WP. Bioagents provided moderate disease suppression but were less effective than chemical treatments under field conditions. Notably, Pseudomonas fluorescens significantly enhanced grain yield (11.75 q/ha), indicating its dual role in disease suppression and plant growth promotion. The results underscore Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG as the most potent fungicidal treatment and highlight the promise of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens for integration into eco-friendly and sustainable

blast management strategies in Foxtail millet. Together, these findings advocate for an integrated disease management approach combining chemical and biological agents to mitigate blast incidence and enhance Foxtail millet productivity.

Pesticides are vital tools in modern agriculture and public health, but their extensive use has raised serious ecological and health concerns. This review comprehensively examines the classification, environmental behavior, and health impacts of major pesticide groups including organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids. Drawing from extensive literature and national data, we highlight pesticide usage patterns in India, residue levels in food crops, and associated chronic health effects such as cancer,

neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and respiratory illnesses. Special attention is given to residue detection in vegetables across Indian states and the carcinogenic mechanisms triggered by prolonged pesticide exposure. The review also explores regulatory measures and sustainable pest control alternatives like biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Our findings underscore the urgency for policy reforms, improved farmer awareness, and environmentally safer pest control technologies to balance agricultural productivity with public and environmental health.

Emerging contaminants (ECs), including pharmaceutical residues, personal care products (PCPs), endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), microplastics, and nanoparticles, are increasingly reported in Ghana’s aquatic environments. These substances resist conventional wastewater treatment and may bioaccumulate, posing serious risks to ecosystems and public health. This review synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed studies, technical reports, and Environmental Protection Agency data to assess the sources, occurrence, and persistence of ECs in wastewater. Findings show that pharmaceuticals and PCP ingredients are frequently present in treated effluents, while microplastics and nanoparticles act as carriers of adsorbed pollutants. Long-term exposure to these contaminants is linked to antimicrobial resistance, endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, and ecological toxicity. Ghana currently lacks EC-specific regulations and systematic monitoring programs, while data remain sparse and fragmented. Most treatment facilities rely on primary or secondary processes that are ineffective in eliminating trace contaminants, and advanced methods such as ozonation, activated carbon, and membrane technologies are rarely applied due to financial and technical barriers. Low-cost alternatives, such as constructed wetlands and biofiltration systems, have shown promise in other contexts but remain under-explored locally. This study identifies critical knowledge gaps, weak institutional frameworks, and technological limitations that constrain effective management of ECs in Ghana. It emphasizes the urgent need for national monitoring frameworks, clear discharge standards, affordable treatment upgrades, and public awareness initiatives, including pharmaceutical take-back schemes. Lessons from international experiences, notably the European Union’s wastewater directives and Sweden’s pharmaceutical stewardship programs, offer practical pathways for safeguarding Ghana’s water quality, ecological integrity, and public health.

Speed breeding is a technique that accelerates the development of high-performing crop cultivars by reducing the time, space, and resources needed for selection and genetic advancement. This method allows plant breeders to efficiently produce superior crop types while streamlining processes to reduce costs and minimize revenue losses. By integrating traditional breeding methods with speed breeding, breeders can select elite genotypes with enhanced yields, nutritional qualities, and stress resilience. Effective selection

methods such as SSD, SPD, and SPS contribute to quicker homozygosity and evaluation of crops. Although further research is needed to explore potential negative effects on plant development, speed breeding presents a resource-efficient approach to genotyping and phenotyping, adaptable to meet local needs.

Hydroponic farming combined with smart technology is a new approach that shows potential for efficient and sustainable crop production. This method delivers nutrients directly to the roots of plants, doing away with the need for soil and saving water. In “smart farming,” sensors, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are employed to provide continuous monitoring of plant vitality, nutrient levels, and soil conditions, hence facilitating fine-grained control and optimization. The technology-driven approach increases crop yield, accelerates rates of growth, and maintains optimal conditions year-round, independent of weather or other environmental factors. Furthermore, smart farming encourages environmentally safe pest management techniques, reduces the amount of waste generated, and reduces the need for organic chemical inputs. This innovative approach could have a profound impact on the agriculture industry by promoting regionalized food production, improving food security, and incorporating more resilient farming techniques. This in-depth analysis explores current hydroponics trends while highlighting new developments in automated artificial intelligence (AI) systems, data acquisition, remote cultivation, and domotism. In addition, the paper highlights the many applications and benefits of hydroponic smart

farming technology, highlighting the conditions that must be met to attain effectiveness in this cuttingedge field. It also looks at future objectives and possible breakthroughs, opening the door for more developments in hydroponic smart farming.