Soybean Seeds (Glycine max L.) Extract Against Cytokine Storm in ARDS Rat Model through Inhibiting Inflammation Marker

Several studies have suggested that "cytokine storms" are significant causes of the severity of COVID-19. Controlling and inhibiting the cytokine storm in COVID-19 could prevent the spread of COVID-19 and saves patient lives. Soybean (Glycine max L.) is known to have various biological activities. This study aims to examine bioactive compounds in SSE and the effect of SSE on the ARDS rats model. A total of 25 Sprague Dawley Lipopolysaccharide-induced rats were used. Determination of serum IL-1β, IL-12, and lung TNF-α levels was performed by ELISA method. NF-κB and IFN-γ expression were determined by the qRTPCR method. IL-6 expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry assay. The bleeding, inflammation, and alveolus collapse score were analyzed using the HE staining method. The results showed that SSE could decrease the level of IL-1β, IL-12, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-kB, and IFN-γ and improve the bleeding, inflammation, and alveolus score in the lung. SSE could decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve lung condition in ARDS rats model. © 2023, Bogor Agricultural University. All rights reserved.

Effect of Some Plant Growth Hormones on the Performance of Artemisia vulgaris L. Cuttings

In the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many plant material such as artemisia (Artemisia vulgaris L) have received renewed attention as cheap, easy-to-make treatment for many infections. However, the proliferation of artemisia from seeds is often a lengthy process. Here we investigated the role of commercial (Indol-3-butyric acid - IBA, Natural Rooting Hormone Powder - NRHP, Apple Cider Vinegar - ACV) and cottage-made (coconut water - CW and aloe vera gel - AVG) rooting hormone, and water as control (CONT) on the proliferation of artemisia cuttings in a greenhouse experiment in 2021. The survival of artemisia cuttings did not differ significantly (P > .05) across the treatments. The highest number of stems (19) and plant height (138.0 cm) was observed from CW + AVG, and the differed significantly from the others (P < .05) from the others. AVG produced the highest number of leaves per plant (1466), followed by CW (1317), CW + AVG (1278), and IBA (1241). The leaf dry weight was highest in CW + AVG, followed by those of CW and IBA. A similar pettern was observed for the root dry weight. The findings from this study showed that cottage-made plant based (coconut water and aloe vera gel) growth hormone has comparable effect to commercially available IBA on overall performance of artemisia cuttings. This study has great implications for low-tech proliferation of artemisia.

Characterization of varieties biofortified in iron and zinc and local varieties of common bean

Iron and zinc are important minerals in humans in sub Saharan Africa, whose deficiency is known as "hidden hunger" due to the lack of recognised symptoms in the early stages. Although iron deficiency is the most prevalent, zinc is also involved in inhibition of replication of viruses, including the corona virus (COVID-19). In North Kivu and South Kivu provinces where more than 50% of common bean is produced and consumed in Democratic Republic of Congo, 36% and 47% of preschool children are anemic due to iron deficiency. This paradox is mainly due to insufficiency of iron-rich foods. The aim of this study is to characterise 59 iron and zinc biofortified varieties together with six local varieties of common bean for a potential selection programme in Butembo town in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We focused on 15 qualitative and five quantitative parameters. The qualitative parameters were helpful to distinguish the different morphotypes and for cluster analysis. In addition to the descriptive statistics, the quantitative data were used for Pearson correlation and for principal component analysis, PCA. Qualitative parameters enabled grouping of the study genotypes into 14 morphotypes according to the aspect and colour of the seed coat, the colour around the hilum and the size of seeds. Clustering grouped the 65 genotypes into 12 clusters with the most similar genotypes grouped in the same cluster. Quantitative parameters showed that the study genotypes were dissimilar (P=0.00). A positive correlation was obtained between the days to flowering and the days to maturity (P<0.05) and between the number of pods per plant and the days to flowering. A strong correlation was found between the number of pods per plant and seeds per pod (P<0.01). In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between the 100 seed weight and the number of seeds per pod. The PCA represented on two perpendicular axes showed 64.1% of the total variance of which the 42.3% is explained by the first axis and 21.8% by the second axis. Overall, the study genotypes are morphologically and quantitatively different and thus can be used in a selection programme.

Evolution of oilseed sector in Romania - an analysis from the perspective of effects produced by the COVID-19 pandemic

Romania ranks first in the European Union for the production of sunflower seeds, third for the production of soybeans and seventh for the production of rapeseed. The paper aims to analyse the effects produced by the COVID-19 pandemic on the evolution of the oilseed sector in Romania. Thus, the following indicators were analysed: evolution of areas under oilseeds, total oilseed production and average yields, as well as the volatility of selling prices for oilseeds. The results of the study reveal that Romania has been the largest producer of sunflower seeds in the European Union. The average yields in sunflower, soybeans and rapeseed have shown great variations in the analysed period. According to Eurostat data, it can be noticed that although Romania is the third large producer of oilseeds in the EU, the average yields continue to be low compared to those from other large EU producers. Yields are also among the most volatile in the EU. The selling prices for soybeans showed a higher increase in the year 2020 than in 2019 in Romania, compared to the increase in the average selling prices of the EU-27 (+9.89%). The selling prices for rapeseed also had a higher increase in 2020 than in 2019 in Romania, compared to the increase in the average selling prices of the EU-27 (+2.31%).

Sustainable access of quality seeds of genetically engineered crops in Eastern Africa - Case study of Bt Cotton.

The genetically engineered bollworm-resistant Bt cotton hybrid varieties offer opportunities for reducing crop losses and enhancing productivity. In Eastern Africa region, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya have approved and released Bt cotton in 2012, in 2018, and in 2019, respectively. The region has potential to grow cotton in over 5 million hectares. For commercial plantings in Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya, hybrid Bt cotton seeds have been imported from India. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, high shipment costs, bureaucratic procedures for importing seeds, and foreign exchange shortages, farmers have not been able to access Bt cotton seeds. Stakeholders are seeking local production of seeds to provide sustainable access by farmers at affordable cost. Country case studies reveal the importance of enhancing capacity for local seed production and extension advisory services. Revival of the cotton sector needs enhanced public-private partnerships to pave the way for sustainable seeds access in the region.

Olfactory Loss and Brain Connectivity after COVID-19: Structural Follow-Up at One Year

Seed treatment is important for protecting seed and seedling from pests and/ or pathogens. Seed treatment can be performed generally in two ways: industrial seed treatment (IST), performed by seed companies, or on-farm treatment (OFT). These treatment technologies will affect the final quality of the process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the seed quality profile of ISTs and OFTs in Brazilian agribusiness in terms of functional quality and dose application effectiveness (DAE). Seed samples treated by both processes were collected in 6 producing states of Brazil, Mato Grosso, Goias, Parana, Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, and Santa Catarina. To evaluate the functional quality of the treatments, the coating percentage was determined by high-resolution image analysis with GroundEye (R) equipment, and the insecticide active ingredient DAE amount was determined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Image analysis proved to be a promising technique to evaluate seed coating, in addition, samples treated with "on farm" technology had greater variation and heterogeneity in coating and active ingredient dose, while samples treated industrially showed greater homogeneity, uniformity, effectiveness of applied products. There was a strong positive correlation between coating with phytosanitary products and DAE in treated corn seeds, important parameters in the evaluation of the quality of the treatment.

E‐commerce and supply chain resilience during COVID‐19: Evidence from agricultural input e‐stores in China

COVID‐19 has caused major disruptions to agricultural supply chains around the world. Researchers and policy‐makers are interested in identifying means to reduce the disruptive effects caused by the pandemic. We investigate the impacts of COVID‐19 on the operation of e‐commerce stores (in short, e‐stores) specialising in agricultural inputs. The difference‐in‐differences method (DID) is employed to estimate the causal relationship between COVID‐19 and online sales of agricultural inputs using data from 54,244 agricultural input e‐stores registered in 118 prefecture‐level cities across 15 provinces and hosted on two major Chinese e‐commerce platforms. The results show that COVID‐19 led to a substantial growth in monthly sales of agricultural input e‐stores, and this growth of online sales varied across store scales and by types of agricultural inputs. In particular, e‐stores selling seeds and seedlings experienced a larger growth in sales than stores selling agricultural machinery and implements, and the mid‐ and larger‐scaled e‐stores experienced more growth of sales than micro‐ and small‐scaled e‐stores. Further analysis reveals that the growth of online sales of agricultural inputs was driven mainly by an increase in the quantity of customer orders (QCO). The findings of this paper underscore the importance of e‐commerce in ensuring the resilience of the agricultural supply chain during the pandemic period.

Anti-viral compounds from Jatropha curcas seed extract with anti-HIV-1 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 action

Many studies have dealt with the medicinal properties of Jatropha curcas;however, there are limited studies on the scope of its antiviral potential. This is a fact associated with the current challenges posed by HIV-AIDS and COVID-19, which has reinforced the need to expand the knowledge about its antiviral resource. Based on the search for natural products with anti-HIV-1 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities, this work analyzed the extract of J. curcas seed, the structure of the plant whose antiviral references were not found in the literature, and the compounds that can potentiate it as a candidate for herbal medicine. GC-MS analysis was used to screen for the active substances of the J. curcas seeds, and the literature was searched to find those with anti-HIV-1 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 indication. The results showed they have 27 compounds, of which glycerol 1-palmitate, stigmasterol and gamma-sitosterol were shown to have antiviral action in the literature. Regarding glycerol 1-palmitate, no detailed description of its antiviral action was found. Stigmasterol and gamma-sitosterol act as anti-HIV-1 and anti-SARS-CoV-2, respectively, inhibiting the reverse transcriptase of HIV-1, the proteases 3CLpro, PLpro and the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2. However, despite the fact that the extract of J. curcas seeds consist of antiviral compounds that fight against the etiological agents of HIV-AIDS and COVID-19, it is concluded that there is a need to deepen this evidence, by in vitro and in vivo assays.

Role of tissue culture as applied in seed potato multiplication to improve food security: a review

Rapid population growth, natural and man-made factors (COVID-19 and the lack of a social safety net) have led to an increase in the demand for food, which calls for significant improvements to the food system worldwide to supply food more efficiently with the same or fewer resources. Potatoes have great potential to contribute to food security and incomes for rural smallholder farmers, as well as provide nutritious, affordable food for urban consumers. The availability of disease-free and certified seed potatoes of better-performing varieties remains limited. The use of tissue culture to provide a disease-free seed potato is therefore crucial to ensuring food security. A key goal of this paper is to summarize the work done on various aspects of seed potato multiplication, and how it can improve the food security of smallholder farmers. The systematic review method was applied to summarize how tissue culture application can produce excess disease-free seed potatoes to improve food availability for marginal farmers. The most effective way for farmers in developing countries or areas prone to natural or man-made disasters to increase their incomes and improve nutrition is to use high-quality certified seeds. Tissue cultures are used worldwide to produce pre-basic, virus-free seed potatoes. Early Generation Seed (micro-tubers, cuttings and mini-tuber), multiplication of mother plants and production of apical rooted cutting for seed production for field planting are popular. The activities of diseases-free seed production start at the laboratory and end at the field with seed production for planting. In general, three major steps were used in seed potato multiplication: (1) Tissue culture (to produce disease-free tissue culture plantlets);(2) Production of cuttings (involves two important stages: (i) multiplication of mother plants and (ii) production of apical rooted cutting for planting) for further multiplication and (3) production of seeds for field planting.

Preface

The 2nd Agrifood System International Conference (ASIC)Professor Jurnalis Kamil Convention Hall, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 8-9 November 2022"Research advancement and innovations in agroecology and smart agrifood systems.”The 2nd Agrifood System International Conference (ASIC 2022) was successfully held on 8-9 November 2022. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, this event was held virtually via the zoom platform, directly from Professor Jurnalis Kamil Convention Hall, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This event was organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas, Indonesia, and became a part of the event to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the faculty. The theme of the ASIC 2022 was: "Research advancement and innovations in agroecology and smart agrifood systems.”There have been numerous revolutions in agriculture, which have improved competency and led to record-breaking yields and gains. The latest process is "smart farming,” contributing to humanity's survival and future prosperity. Smart farming presents numerous prospects for pervasive interconnection and database computer technology as part of Industry 4.0. Smart farming is the idea of agricultural practice in a creative manner while utilizing cutting-edge technology to improve the quantity and quality of agricultural goods. New methods to assure global food safety are part of the future of the food manufacturing industry. It enables farmers to boost yields more effectively and efficiently. Fertilizers, labor, seeds, and water are just a few resources that can be saved. Smart farming has supporting applications, including land management, selection of varieties, minimizing synthetic fertilizers and pesticide inputs, and replacing them with environmentally friendly inputs. Research and related technological innovations have been carried out but have yet to be adopted and properly integrated.The main objective of this conference was to provide a venue for exchanging knowledge, scientific advancement, and innovative ideas among researchers, academicians, governments, and organizations. The scope includes plant breeding and crop production, soil management, plant protection and food safety, the socio-economic of agriculture and natural resources, and all topics related to agriculture. The committee received more than two hundred paper s coming from 46 institutions, national and international. We encourage student presenters from undergraduate to doctoral programs to present their papers;hence, around 25% of s come from them.The conference program was divided into two main segments: plenary and parallel. The plenary session invited 13 speakers from within and outside the country and was attended by 610 participants during the two days' activities. On behalf of the committee, we greatly appreciate the seven speakers contributing and sharing their knowledge at this event: Dr. Silvain R Perret, Scientific Director of CIRAD, France;Mr. Pierre Ferrand from FAO, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific;Prof. Norman Uphoff, SRI Scientist from Cornell University, USA;Dr. Jauhar Ali, Rice hybrid breeder from IRRI, Philippines;Dr. Trevor A. Jackson, Plant protection scientist from IAPPS/ Coordinator Region XII;Prof. Shamshuddin Jusop, Soil Science Scientist from UPM, Malaysia;and Dr. Wahono: Drone creator from UMM, Indonesia. We also introduced five invited speakers from the Faculty of Agriculture: Dr. Irawati Chaniago - Crop Production;Dr. Dini Hervani - Plant Breeding;Dr. Eka Candra Lina - Plant Protection;Dr. Yuerlita - Socio-economics of Agriculture;Dr. Hery Bachrizal Tanjung - Agricultural Extension. In addition, we have provided an online workshop conducted as a side event on successfully publishing an article in IOP-EES Proceeding.Finally, let me express my sincere gratitude to all presenters, participants, and committee members who contributed significantly to this event's success. Special thanks go to the Rector of Universitas Andalas and the head of the research institute and community service of Universi as Andalas for all the support during the event. We hope to deliver the 3rd ASIC in 2024.Warmest regards,Dr. My SyahrawatiChairperson of the Organizing CommitteeList of Documentations, Conference Committee, Conference Schedule, Parallel Schedule, List of Presenters are available in this Pdf.

COVID-style gene surveillance to fight wheat fungus

See PDF] First reported in Brazil in 1985, wheat blast disease spreads through infected seeds, crop residues and spores that can travel long distances in the air. "Wheat is a staple food for 35 per cent of the world's population, so a disease that threatens pandemic potential could cause serious food security implications,” she told SciDev.Net. "Thanks to the prompt and public release of genomic data by the international scientific community through the OpenWheatBlast initiative, we were able to detect, track, and characterise the fungal lineage responsible for recent wheat blast outbreaks,” said lead author Sergio Latorre Ochoa from University College London.

Development of nutritional biscuits for children, rich in Fe and Zn, by incorporation of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds powder, a healthy pharma food in current post COVID 19 period

During preparatory operations of pumpkin, for cooking and processing, usually peel and seeds are discarded as waste but pumpkin seeds are rich in macro and micro nutrients, a potential source of pharma foods. In present study biscuits were developed from pumpkin seeds powder, rich in Fe and Zn, for children to strengthen innate and adaptive immune system to combat current COVID 19 outbreak scenarios. Chemical analyses of pumpkin seeds powder, white flour and developed biscuits, with 0, 5, 10 and 15% replacement level of pumpkin seeds powder, were performed. Ash, fat, fiber, Fe and Zn contents were significantly higher in pumpkin seeds powder as compared to white flour. By increasing the replacement level of pumpkin seeds powder with white flour, a significant increase in ash, fat, fiber, Fe and Zn, in biscuits was observed. In control (T0) the contents were, ash (0.57%), fat (30.36%), fiber (0.37%), Fe (2.44 mg/100 g) and Zn (1.45 mg/100 g) but when supplementation level was increased to 15% (T3) these contents were increased as, ash (1.65%), fat (32.46%), fiber (1.24%), Fe (4.23 mg/100 g) and Zn (4.37 mg/100 g). In current post COVID 19 scenario adequate supply of healthy diet, balanced with pharma foods could play a basic role in boosting immune system of the children. Concerns of the food processors has raised the choice of new food products enriched with immunity booster nutrients. These nutritious biscuits can be developed, marketed and consumed at mass levels to provide the basic nutrients to the developing communities.

Fruit characterization and plant quality of Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) during the early nursery stage

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) fruits and seeds, and to evaluate the effects of provenance, substrata, and fertilizer on germination and plant quality in nursery. Design/Methodology/Approach: The fruits and seeds from Spanish cedars were collected in three different towns: C-32 (Francisco Trujillo Gurria), C-40 (Ernesto Aguirre Colorado), and C-41 (Carlos A. Madrazo). Those towns are in Plan Chontalpa, Tabasco, Mexico. After they were harvested, the samples were morphometrically characterized. Seed production efficiency (SPE), germination (%), and Dickson Quality Index (DQI) were estimated. Two completely randomized experimental designs with factorial arrangement of treatments were used. The factors were the provenance, four or three substrata, and two levels of GreenfoolR 600 fertilizer. Results: Fruits of 3.46 cm in length and 1.81 cm in width were collected;the mean number of seeds per fruit was 49.36. Seed production efficiency ranged from 48.1% to 52.72%, with 32.86% germination. The seeds from Town C-41 obtained the highest germination percentage, with the use of black soil:sand as substrate. The plants fertilized and developed in black soil:sand substrate obtained a higher DQI. Study Limitations/Implications: The activity restriction caused by the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic was the main limitation. The lower number of producers and plantations from Town C-32 was the implication. Findings/Conclusions: Fruit and seed characteristics were different among provenances. The provenance impacted on seed germination, but not on the plant quality index (DQI). Instead, the substrate and fertilizer impacted on the DQI.

Reviews of articles on medicinal herbs

Efficacy and safety of ginger on the side effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Based on these studies, the authors undertook a systemic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of using ginger in the symptomatic management of chemotherapy side effects in breast cancer patients. [...]more large, highquality RCTs using uniform methodology are required to evaluate ginger's safety and efficacy in this population. [...]the current study assessed the potential of E. purpurea in preventing and treating respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in people with respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2.

Mutual Effects of Zinc Concentration and Ratio of Red-Blue Light on Growth and Nutritional Quality of Flowering Chinese Cabbage Sprouts

The nutritional quality and biomass of various sprouts can be enhanced by Zn and red-blue light, especially the Brassica sprouts. However, the combined effects of this two on sprouts are rarely reported. In this study, different Zn concentrations (0, 1.74, 3.48, 10.43 and 17.39 mM) were combined with two ratios of red-blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (R: B = 1:2, 1R2B;R: B = 2:1, 2R1B, at 70 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD, 14 h/10 h, light/dark) to investigate their mutual effects on the growth, mineral elements, and nutritional quality in flowering Chinese cabbage sprouts (FCCS). Fresh weight, dry weight, contents of organic Zn, soluble sugar, vitamin C, total flavonoids, total polyphenol, FRAP (ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power) and DPPH (radical inhibition percentage of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) were significantly increased by Zn supplement (10.43 and 17.39 mM) and 2R1B, while hypocotyl length and moisture content were decreased remarkably by Zn supplement. Total glucosinolates contents in the sprouts increased dramatically under 2R1B compared with 1R2B, while photosynthetic pigments contents decreased. Heat map and principal component analysis showed that 2R1B + 17.39 mM Zn was the optimal treatment for the accumulation of biomass and health-promoting compound in FCCS, suggesting that a suitable combination of light quality and Zn supplement might be beneficial to zinc-biofortified FCCS production.

Optimization of high protein and zinc composite flour formulation with response surface methodology

Covid-19 pandemic had limited people's movement despite the demand to remain productive and maintain good health. Therefore, it was necessary to provide foods which are easy to distribute, durable, nutritious, and easily transformable to increase immunity. This research aims to develop a composite flour (TK) formula with optimal proportion of wheat flour (TT), snakehead fish flour (TIG), pumpkin flour (TBuL), and pumpkin seed flour (TBiL) which then enriched with zinc. The resulting TK is expected to be used as an ingredient for nutritious snacks containing high protein and zinc. The research was conducted in four stages, namely the making of each constituent flour, determining the best formulation with the Response Surface Methodology using Central Composite Design model, characterizing the physicochemical properties of TK and making meatballs, biscuits, and unting-unting from the TK. The three products were tested on experimental animals for their metabolic responses. The optimization of the formula resulted in three optimal formulations, namely formula A, B, and C with the proportion of TT:TIG:TBuL:TBiL respectively as follows 55:20:15:10;56.65:20:13.35:10;57.98:20:12.02:10. The most optimal formula of composite flour was formula A with the highest protein (26.12%) and zinc (18.06 mg/kg) content among other formulas. Then, zinc was added into Formula A using microencapsulation, and TK with protein content of 26.74% and zinc of 56.8 mg/kg were obtained. The histopatology observation on experimental animals showed that the three products made from TK did not cause necrosis of the liver or cell infiltration in the kidneys.

Ukraine's market of certified seed: current state and prospects for the future

The production of high-quality seeds and planting material is the basis for increasing the efficiency and sustainability of crop production. The main aim of this article is to develop proposals to ensure that supply meets the demand in the seed and planting material market Ukraine. The future prospects are also discussed. The paper uses statistical and comparative analysis. The patterns of foreign trade in seeds and planting material to and from Ukraine are analyzed. The high level of import dependence of Ukraine leads to excessive exposure to instability in the world seed market. The development of seed production in Ukraine is discussed and analyzed along with the ways for improving commercial circulation of seeds and planting materials. The export volumes of grains and oilseeds in 2020 were the highest of those over the last three decades and amounted to USD 18.7 million, which is almost twice more than in 2019. Corn seeds dominate in exports (72%). The volume of imports of seeds of grains and oilseeds exceeded exports by 22 times in value and, in 2020, amounted to USD 409.4 million. In the total volume of imports, imports of sunflower seeds accounted for 53%. The upward trend of seed imports has been maintained since 2010. It was the result of increased demand for imported seeds by large- and medium-sized agricultural producers. In 2020, COVID-19 gave impetus to the development of domestic seed production and foreign breeding companies within the country. Prospective ways to accelerate the development of the organization of the Ukrainian seed and planting material market are outlined. Ukraine has prospects for increasing the export of seeds of grains and oilseeds by expanding its production by foreign companies operating in Ukraine. Solving problems of competitiveness seed production in Ukraine will make it possible to strengthen the role of domestic breeding in the seed market, as well as to use the best foreign varieties through their commercial circulation.

Potential Health Survey of Traditional Spices & Herbs in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19: A Review

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global public health pandemic disease emerged from the novel strain of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome. It is the most significant respiratory illness that has affected the world since World War II. Currently, there is no globally approved drug for the treatment of pandemic COVID-19 except for some recently approved vaccines. Instead, various non-specific treatment options are being utilized by different countries. While some of these are effective, there is a lack of well-documented studies on the impact of traditional medicines on the management of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in silico. For thousands of years, traditional healers have been using various herbs and spices products and dietary plants to treat various diseases. This review aims to provide information on the use of traditional spices & herbs in COVID-19 protection and treatment and present the main characteristics of these products and their potential antiviral actions. Various databases were searched for articles related to the use of various herbs for the treatment of viral infections. Many of these studies show that various plant compounds can be utilized for the treatment of viral infections. This study aims to summarize the common used of herbal products and dietary supplements with potent bioactive compounds in treatment or prevent of COVID-19.

SwasthPhasal: An E-farming Web Portal

Agriculture has been India's main profession for centuries. According to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, the need for edible grains will increase to 345 million tones in the next decade, however its role in India's GDP has recently declined. The current situation of farmers is disappointing as most of them live in severe poverty. They have to take loans to make ends meet and at times it becomes difficult to repay the loan. Our portal aims at providing crop seeds and fertilizers at cheap prices. The option of renting farming equipment would also be available. The cutting-edge technology which has been used over the past few years, has been lagging when it comes to farming. The main reason for this is both the disregard of these technologies and also the inaccessibility. Though farmers strive hard, even in this 21st century, they are bamboozled by third party retailers, which increases their poverty. In this covid pandemic, there was a huge demand for the agricultural products but it was difficult to get all the materials as well as information online. The solution to all the problems is Agro marketing which would make everything easy and secure. E-Farming provides a way for farmers to buy produce with only a basic knowledge of how to use the internet. This website is a centralized approach to guide farmers in all aspects and display current market prices of various products without brokers' cost. It will also include various government agricultural programs and access to new cultivation techniques. [2] The farmer will also be helped in the harvesting process by giving them a 6-day weather forecast and a schedule via SMS provided by the system. Along with this, they will be able to connect with agro health advisors to raise their queries regarding crop health and efficient farming techniques. © 2022 IEEE.

An inaugural survey of cereal, oilseed and vegetable crop diseases in the Yukon Territory in 2020

Various kinds of field crops growing on two commercial farms in the Whitehorse area of the southern Yukon Territory were surveyed for diseases in summer 2020 by staff of the Agriculture Branch of the Government of Yukon. They included barley, wheat, canola, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and turnips. Fields were visited one or more times during July and August. The incidence and severity of diseases were visually assessed on a crop-by-crop basis and samples were collected for laboratory analysis of the pathogens present, if any. Both infectious and non-infectious diseases were present on most crops. The infectious diseases were caused by various species of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi that were common on these crops growing in other areas of Canada. INTRODUCTION AND METHODS: The 2020 field crop disease survey is believed to be the first organized study of its kind on agricultural crops in the Territory. In his book, "An Annotated Index of Plant Diseases in Canada . . . ", I.L. Conners lists over 300 records of plant diseases on trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses in the Yukon that were published by individuals who were surveying forests and native vegetation mainly for federal government departments, universities and other agencies (Conners 1967). The objectives of the 2020 survey were: (1) to determine the kinds and levels of diseases on selected Yukon crops, (2) to identify the major pathogen species attacking Yukon crops, and (3) to use the results to plan future surveillance activities aimed at helping producers to improve their current disease management programs. All of the fields included in the 2020 survey were situated on two commercial farms, which were designated as Farm #1 and #2, in the Whitehorse area in the southern Yukon (Fig. 1). The crops surveyed included cereals (barley and wheat), oilseeds (canola) and vegetables (beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and turnips). Fields were visited one or more times in the mid- to late growing season (July/August) at a time when damage from diseases was most noticeable. Symptoms were visually assessed on a crop-by-crop basis by determining their incidence and severity. Incidence was represented by the percentage of plants, leaves, heads, kernels, etc., damaged in the target crop, while severity was estimated to be the proportion of the leaf, fruit, head, root/canopy area, etc., affected by a specific disease as follows: Proportion of the canopy affected based on a 0-4 rating scale, where: 0 = no disease symptoms, 1 = 1-10% of the crop canopy showing symptoms;2 = 11-25% showing symptoms, 3 = 26- 50% showing symptoms, and 4 = > 50% showing symptoms. Photographs of affected plants were taken and sent to plant pathologists across Western Canada for their opinions on causation. Where possible, representative samples of plants with disease symptoms were packaged and sent to the Alberta Plant Health Lab (APHL) in Edmonton, AB for diagnostic analyses. Background information, such as the general cultural practices and cropping history, was obtained from the producers wherever possible. GPS coordinates were obtained for each field to enable future mapping Cereals: Individual fields of barley (11 ha) and wheat (30 ha) located at Farm #1 were surveyed. The barley was a two-row forage cultivar 'CDC Maverick', while the wheat was an unspecified cultivar of Canada Prairie Spring (CPS) Wheat. Plant samples were taken along a W-shaped transect for a total of five sampling points for the barley field (< 20 ha) and ten sampling points for the wheat field (> 20 ha). The first visit, which occurred on July 30, involved visual inspection and destructive sampling wherein plants were collected and removed from the field for a detailed disease assessment at a lab space in Whitehorse. There, the roots were rinsed off and the plants were examined for disease symptoms. The second visit to these fields, which occurred on August 27, only involved visual examination of the standing crop. Oilseeds: A single 40 ha field of Polish canola (cv. 'Synergy') was examined o