Morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes upon sucking insect-pest infestations.

The effects of sucking insect-pests on the morpho-physiological and biochemical changes in the leaves of four cotton genotypes-Bio 100 BG-II and GCH-3 (highly tolerant); KDCHH-9810 BG-II and HS-6 (highly susceptible)-were examined. Compared to tolerant genotypes, susceptible genotypes showed a decrease in relative water content, specific leaf weight, leaf area, photosynthetic rate, and total chlorophyll content, with an increase in electrolyte leakage. Hydrogen peroxide and total soluble sugar content were higher in susceptible plants. In contrast, resistant plants had higher levels of total soluble protein, total phenolic content, gossypol content, tannin content, peroxidase activity, and polyphenol oxidase. The findings demonstrated that the Bio 100 BG-II and GCH-3 genotypes effectively offset the impact of sucking insect-pests by modifying the factors mentioned above. The KDCHH-9810 BG-II and HS-6 genotypes could not completely negate the effects of sucking insect-pests. Customized metabolites and total soluble protein are more efficient in protecting cotton plants from damage brought on by infestations of sucking insects and pests. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01253-w.

Biostimulation of Anaerobic Digestion Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) for Increasing Biogas Production from Cattle Manure.

The effect of synthesised IONPs employing a nontoxic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent for increasing biogas and methane output from cattle manure during anaerobic digestion (AD) was investigated in this study. Furthermore, the UV-visible spectra examination of the synthesized nanoparticles revealed a high peak at 432 nm. Using a transmission electron microscope, the average particle size of IONPs observed was 30-80 nm, with irregular, ultra-small, semi-spherical shapes that were slightly aggregated and well-distributed. IONPs had a polydisparity index (PDI) of 219 nm and a zeta potential of -27.0 mV. A set of six bio-digesters were fabricated and tested to see how varying concentrations of IONPs (9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 mg/L) influenced biogas, methane output, and effluent chemical composition from AD at mesophilic temperatures (35 ± 2 °C). With 18 mg/L IONPs, the maximum specific biogas and methane production were 136.74 L/g of volatile solids (VS) and 64.5%, respectively, compared to the control (p < 0.05), which provided only 107.09 L/g and 51.4%, respectively. Biogas and methane production increased by 27.6% and 25.4%, respectively using 18 mg/L IONPs as compared to control. In all treatments, the pH of the effluent was increased, while total volatile fatty acids, total solids, volatile solids, organic carbon content, and dehydrogenase activity decreased. Total solid degradation was highest (43.1%) in cattle manure + 18 mg/L IONPs (T5). According to the results, the IONPs enhanced the yield of biogas and methane when compared with controls.

Organic Farming and Bio-Nanomaterial Conflux: A Way Forward for Sustainable Agriculture.

Increasing population pressure and decreasing cultivable land brought the agricultural sector at an alarming situation of food production particularly in the developing countries. To feed the burgeoning population, the agriculture sector needs to become more productive and diversified while facing the adversity of climate change and limitations of natural resources. During 1960-70, the improved irrigation facilities, the use of fertilizers and pesticides in the cultivation of high yielding varieties of cereals successfully led to the Green revolution in India. In the present scenario, the low irrigation and fertilizer use efficiencies, poor pesticide application and delivery are amongst the important issues in developing countries that need to be addressed for getting higher productivity. Also, fertilizer and pesticide usage also had severe associated environmental consequences like eutrophication, resistance and resurgence in pest, toxicity to non-target organisms, residues in food and feed, accumulation in the environment, etc. In such conditions, organic farming, a traditional practice coupled with the exploration of bio-nanoparticles to achieve a sustainable production system seems to be a better option. This review focuses on current research developments in the areas of bio-nano-enabled crop nutrition, protection, post-harvest management, and the possibility of bio-nanomaterials and organic farming confluence to revolutionize the agricultural sector by ensuring sustainable food security for coming generations.