Residue management plays a crucial role in enhancing soil organic carbon
stabilization by promoting soil aggregation. The current study examined the impact of
various residue management practices on soil physico-chemical properties and formation of
different sizes aggregates in rice-sunflower cropping system on sandy clay loam soil at
Agricultural Research Station, Tornala, Siddipet district, Telangana state during rabi 2022-23
and 2023-24. Compared to residue burning or removal, residue retention followed by zero till
Sunflower resulted in an increase in water-stable large macro aggregates, mean weight
diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) by 41.70%, 35.10%, and 17.08%
respectively. Residue incorporation treatments increased MWD and GMD by an average of
17.28% and 10.26%, respectively, over the residue-burning treatment. Residue retention
followed by zero till Sunflower recorded the highest proportion of >4.75 mm (26.99%) and
4.75-2.00 mm (23.64%) size fractions and the lowest proportions of these fractions were
recorded with residue burning with 14.37% and 15.15%, respectively. In contrast, the highest
proportions of 2.00–0.5 mm (43.67%) and 0.5–0.25 mm (15.44%) size fractions were
observed under residue burning, followed by residue removal + RDF which recorded 41.10%
and 14.64%, respectively. Soil organic matter was significantly higher in treatments
involving straw incorporation, particularly in those with residue incorporation as such + RDF
(T 4 -8.20 g kg⁻¹) and C: P ratio adjustments (T 6 -8.10 g kg⁻¹).

Plants have evolved intricate systems to recycle intracellular components essential for
their metabolic processes and developmental changes, enabling efficient nutrient reuse and
proper disposal of protein complexes, and malfunctioning organelles. One significant pathway in
this process is autophagy, which employs specific vesicles to capture and transport cytoplasmic
material to the vacuole for degradation[2]. Research highlights that selective autophagy plays a
crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by recycling cellular components. In the early and
intermediate developmental stages of maize (Zea mays) endosperm, autophagy influences seed
maturation and nutrient storage, an area that warrants further exploration. A study utilizing
quantitative real-time PCR identified autophagy-related gene (ATG) members in the pepper
genome, analyzing their expression in response to heat and other abiotic factors. The results
revealed 15 core ATG components, comprising 29 ATG proteins with conserved functional
domains. Under normal conditions, the expression of CaATG genes exhibited specific patterns
related to tissue type and developmental stage. Given the benefits of ATG genes, such as
enhanced growth, increased yields, and improved stress tolerance, boosting their expression
could offer significant agricultural advantages. Challenges of this study are Gene Families and
Genetic redundancy, regulation specific to tissues and development, limited tools and markers.
This review explores the potential of manipulating autophagy to enhance crop production under
various environmental challenges[5].

A survey was conducted in year 2023 and 2024 to assess the incidence of Fusarium wilt in
major tomato growing areas across five districts of Jammu region— Udhampur, Jammu, Reasi,
Samba and Kathua. The overall incidence of Fusarium wilt was recorded 22.08 per cent, 21.41
per cent and 21.69 per cent, respectively in year 2023,2024 and mean of both the years. Among
the surveyed locations, the highest incidence was observed in Udhampur district followed by
Reasi, Jammu, Samba district. Conversely, the lowest incidence was recorded in Kathua district.
Pathogen isolation was performed using infected tissues from the root and collar regions on
potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Based on morphological characteristics and microscopic
observations, the pathogen was identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Sacc.) W.C.
Snyder and H.N. Hans. Pathogenicity of the isolated fungus was confirmed through artificial
inoculation of tomato seedlings under controlled conditions.

The phytochemical screening of pomegranate and mosambi peels reveals a rich
composition of bioactive compounds that contribute to their nutritional and medicinal potential.
Despite the promising bioactive profile of pomegranate and mosambi peels, the study faced
several challenges. Standardizing extraction conditions to ensure consistent phytochemical yield
proved difficult due to variability in peel maturity, storage conditions, and regional cultivar
differences. Moreover, translating these findings into scalable applications demands further
investigation into compound stability, synergistic interactions, and regulatory compliance for
functional food and pharmaceutical integration. The study identified the presence of flavonoids,
tannins, phenols, terpenoids and saponins in both peels, highlighting their strong antioxidant and
antimicrobial properties. Notably, pomegranate peel exhibited alkaloids, reinforcing its
traditional use in pharmacological applications, while mosambi peel contained higher flavonoid
and fixed oil concentrations, making it an excellent source of natural antioxidants. The absence
of cardiac glycosides, steroids, phlobatannins, and quinones suggests limited cardiovascular-
related effects. Given their bioactive profile, these peels hold promise for utilization in functional
foods, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and eco-friendly antimicrobial agents.
To maximize their therapeutic potential, efficient extraction and processing techniques are
crucial for improving bioavailability. This study emphasizes the importance of valorizing fruit
peels as valuable bio-resources, promoting sustainable waste management while enhancing
health and industrial applications.

The study aimed to analyze the starch extracted from red and white rice physico-chemically and structurally. The alkaline steeping procedure was utilized to extract the starch. Alkaline extraction is the most effective method for extraction of starch from rice, yielding an impressive 70% of the total starch. The extraction yield was found to be 58% and 65%, in white rice and red rice, respectively. The results revealed red rice contained moisture 11.80%, ash 0.50%, crude fat 0.51%, crude protein 0.32%, water absorption 109 g/100g-1, oil absorption 76.60 g/100g-1, starch 82.50% and amylose 25.71 % whereas in white rice moisture was 11.20%, ash 0.25%, crude fat 0.34%, crude protein 0.46%, water absorption 81 g/100g-1, oil absorption 56.60 g/100g-1, starch 86.33% and amylose 17.23%. The peak of crystallinity degree obtained in XRD of red rice was 19 ɵ and white rice was 20 ɵ, respectively. The FTIR results revealed the peak of maximum intensity spectral bands at red rice 1012.77cm-1 and 998.62cm-1 of white rice. This study compares the physicochemical properties of red and white rice starches using FTIR, XRD, proximate composition, amylose content, starch yield, and water/oil absorption capacities. Despite challenges like compositional variability and limited red rice data, we identified distinct differences in amylose content and crystallinity, influencing functional properties. Red rice starch showed higher yield and unique molecular traits, suggesting suitability for health-focused products. These findings bridge knowledge gaps, support rice breeding, and promote red rice for sustainable food applications.

Molecular markers are crucial tools in modern plant genetics and breeding, enabling the detection of genetic
polymorphisms at the DNA level. These markers, which include RFLP, RAPD, SSR, SNPs, and others,
provide critical insights into genome structure, diversity, and gene-trait associations without being
influenced by environmental factors. This review explores the classification, properties, and diverse
applications of molecular markers in plant science. Key uses include DUS testing, seed health diagnostics,
variety identification, genetic purity assessment, germplasm conservation, genetic diversity studies, QTL
mapping, and marker-assisted selection (MAS). Advancements from hybridization-based to PCR-based and
sequence-based markers have significantly improved marker specificity, throughput, and cost-efficiency.
Techniques like next-generation sequencing and DNA chip technology have further revolutionized
genotyping accuracy and speed. Despite their many benefits, molecular markers have not been widely used
in regular seed testing because of challenges, including high implementation costs and the need for
specialist knowledge. They should become more accessible, nevertheless, as a result of continuous attempts
to standardize processes and falling prices. The development of more robust and affordable marker systems,
as well as the integration of genetic data with phenotypic and environmental data for thorough variety
identification, are the main goals of future research.

A study assessed micronutrient levels and their relationship with soil properties in Renapur
Tahsil, Latur District. From 20 villages, 100 soil samples were classified into Inceptisols,
Entisols, and Vertisols. In Inceptisols, Fe, Zn, Mn, and B ranged from low to high levels,
while Cu was uniformly high. Entisols showed low to medium Fe and Zn, high Mn and Cu,
and varied B levels. Vertisols had moderate Fe, low Zn and Mn, high Cu, and mostly low B.
Overall, Zn was largely deficient (59%), followed by Fe (33%), Mn (42%), and B (34%) at
low to moderate levels; Cu was high in all samples. Nutrient indices rated Zn as low, Fe, Mn,
and B as moderate, and Cu as high. Micronutrients negatively correlated with pH and
CaCO₃, but positively with organic carbon. The findings highlight the need for soil order-
specific micronutrient strategies to improve fertility and productivity.

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) is a major fruit crop of arid and semi-arid regions. In this
investigation, the jujube floral biology and pollen germination of nine cultivars were studied.
Pollen quality is important for growers and breeders. The study was carried out at CCSHAU
Regional research station Bawal to determine in vitro pollen germination in ber to remove the
hurdle of breeding in ber. Pollen traits of varieties were studied using an in vitro medium
containing 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % sucrose to determine the best sucrose concentrations
for germination. In the second step, the germinated pollen was counted 1, 4, 6, 10, 12, and 24
hours later until there was no further germination. The best germination rates were found in 15 %
sucrose concentration in most of the varieties. Pollen germination rates were recorded
periodically from one hour to 24 hours in 15 % sucrose, and the results showed that pollen
germination rates increased after 6 hours of being placed in culture media. The percentage of in
vitro germination of pollen tubes among the varieties was also found to be different. Among the
nine varieties, the highest pollen germination per cent (80%) was found in variety Chhuhara.

An experiment entitled “Influence of combination of herbicides on mixed weed flora in Wheat (TriticumaestivumL.)” was conducted at
Birsa Agricultural University Farm, Ranchi, and Jharkhand during Rabiseason during 2021-22.The experiment was led out in randomized
block design (RBD) with twelve treatments and replicated thrice with the variety DBW 187 under irrigated conditions. The treatments
comprised Pendimethalin@1000g a.i/ha(PE), Pendimethalin@1500g a.i/ha(PE), Pyroxasulfone 85%WG @127.5g a.i/ha(PE),
Pendimethalin@1250g a.i.(PE)+Pyroxasulfone 85%WG @127.5g a.i/ha(PE), Pyroxasulfone @ 127.5g a.i/ha + metsulfuron @ 4g a.i/ha
(tank mixPE),Results revealed that application of Pyroxasulfone @ 127.5g a.i/ha + metsulfuron @ 4g a.i/ha (tank
mixPE) exhibited the lowest total weed density (31.3and 47.0/m 2 ), total weed dry weight (11.3 and 31.5 g/m 2 ) and the highest weed control efficiency (80.9 and 79.1 %) at 30 and 60 days after sowingrespectively. Similarly, application of Pyroxasulfone @ 127.5g a.i/ha + metsulfuron @ 4g a.i/ha (tank mix PE) alsorecorded the highest yield attribute viz; spikes/m 2 (418), number of grains/spike (44.8), 1000 – grain weight (46.5 g), grain yield (5.81 t/ha), straw yield (6.65 t/ha) and net return (₹ 77696/ha) among herbicidal treatments.

Indian groundnuts are available in different varieties, and the awareness and concern
for quality and attributes is growing steadily among groundnut growers and processors.
Hence, understanding the farmers' tastes and preferences in selecting groundnut varieties is
essential for the successful adoption of groundnut varieties. This study was taken up with the
objective of assessing the farmers’ preferences of groundnut varieties and their attributes
among farming community in Telangana State as the traits and performance of the varieties
is crucial in selection for cultivation. For this purpose of the same, a Groundnut Preference
Index (GPI) was developed to rank varieties as per the preferences of the farmers based on
traits like pod yield, kernel yield, oil content, shelling percentage, and stress tolerance. The
results revealed a clear preference for the K6 variety, which ranked highest with a GPI score
of 1034.34, owing to its superior pod and kernel yield, oil content, and resistance to biotic
stresses. Tag 24 and Kadiri Lepakshi also performed well but did not surpass K6 in overall
performance. Farmers prioritized traits directly linked to productivity and profitability, such
as pod yield, kernel yield, and oil content, while resilience traits like drought tolerance and
pest resistance ranked lower. These insights emphasized the need for breeding programs to
focus on high-yielding, profitable varieties, while extension services must highlight the
economic benefits of adopting those varieties by the farming community.