<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Tick population in India has developed resistance against all commonly available acaricides and there have been only limited research activities to develop novel acaricides due to the enormous costs involved. Therefore, alternative therapy is need of the hour to tackle the acaricidal resistance. 
 
Methods: The present study envisages Annona squamosa seed based synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for its acaricidal potential. Mean size of ZnO-NPs was 292.75 nm as per scanning electron microscope. Zeta potential of ZnO-NPs was (-) 38.9 mV. ZnO-NPs showed characteristic intense peaks in XRD analysis at 2&theta; of 31.89&deg;and 45.64&deg; due to its crystalline nature. In FTIR, the peak observed at 3754.73 cm-1 may be due to (-) OH stretching and deformation. ZnO NPs showed a strong absorbance peak at 300 nm confirmed the stability of nanoparticles. 
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Result: Critical analysis of reproductive index study with ZnO-NPs revealed consistent acaricidal property of 2% ZnO-NPs even in the next generation of tick. Cytotoxicity evaluation revealed absence of aggregation as well other morphological changes of RBC, which indicated safer use of synthesized ZnO NPs on the animal body.</div>

Green Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and Its Acaricidal Action against Rhipicephalus (B). microplus

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum greecum L.) is an important self-pollinated seed spice crop belonging to family Fabaceae. Fenugreek production and productivity in the study area is very low as compared to its potential yield mainly due to inappropriate application of fertilizer rates and plant spacing. Hence, field experiment was conducted in 2022 at Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. The objective of study was to investigate and determine optimum inter row spacing and NPS fertilizer for growth and yield of fenugreek. 
 
Methods: Treatments consisted of four NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and four inter-row spacing (10, 20, 30 and 40 cm) that gave a total of 16 treatments laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. 
 
Result: The ANOVA result indicated that the main effects of fertilizer rates, inter-row spacing and their interactions significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected most traits investigated. Accordingly, the highest number of pod (17.10) and seed yield per plant (13.70 g) were recorded by application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 40 cm inter row spacing. The maximum total above ground biomass (3.46 t ha-1) and seed yield (1.60 t ha-1 ) were obtained by application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 10 and 20 cm inter row spacing, respectively. Moreover, the economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit (279,130 ETB ha-1 ) with marginal rate of return of 2,976% was obtained by 150 kg NPS ha-1 with 20 cm inter row spacing. Hence, 150 kg ha-1 NPS with 20 cm inter row spacing could be recommended for production and productivity of fenugreek in Wolaita area.

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Optimization of NPS Fertilizer Rate and Row Spacing for Growth and Yield of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) at Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Small pod hot pepper is grown as an annual crop and produced for its fruits. It is one of the most important vegetable crops for fresh consumption, for processing and as a spice (for making stew). The current study aimed to identify the response of different NPS and N fertilizer rates on growth, yield and yield components of small pod hot pepper production in West and Kellem Wollega zones and to determine the optimum and appropriate application rates of NPS and N fertilizer in the study area. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted at HaroSabu Agricultural Research Center on station, Sedi Canqa and Lalo Qile sub sites of Kellem Wollega zone, Western Ethiopia, during the 2020 and 2021 main cropping seasons. Thirteen fertilizer combinations were used as experimental materials. 
 
Result: The combined analysis of variance for total yield and other agronomic traits revealed highly significant differences in, plant height, plant canopy length, number of pods per plant and total dry pod yield; whereas days to flowering, days to maturity, number of primary branches per plant, pod length, pod diameter and pod weight revealed non-significant effect. In this experimentation, the combination of 150 kg/ha NPSand 150 kg/ha N(urea) fertilizer rate was found superior in terms of economic yield (marketable yield), and yield component parameters. The marginal rate of return also directed the highest net benefit from the combined fertilizer rate of 150 kg/ha NPS and 150 kg/ha N(urea). Thus the combined fertilizer rate of 150 kg/ha NPS and 150 kg/ha N(urea) is recommended&nbsp; for the yield increment of small pod hot pepper in the studied areas of Western Oromia.

Effect of NPS and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Rates for Small Pod Hot Pepper Production (Capsicum annuum L.) Variety at Kellem and West Wollega Zones

Industrial use of nanoparticles and their accumulation during the recent decade have created an urgent need to assess their environmental implications. The current study deals with the evaluation of acute toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in the albino mice (Mus musculus). Lethal dose of these nanoparticles in albino mice injected via intravenous route were found to be 550 mg/kg body weight (BW). Exposure of the albino mice to sub-lethal concentrations of these nanoparticles resulted in altered hematological parameters such as a significant increase in white blood cells (WBCs), a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets count. NPs significantly elevated the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea and creatinine. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney showed that sub-lethal doses of CuO-NPs, in liver, led to rupture of hepatocytes, dilation of sinusoid space, hemorrhaging in hepatic tissues, and congestion of the central vein with red blood cells leading towards ultimate rupture. On the other hand, the kidney showed ruptured renal capsule, loss of urinary space, swelling in glomerulus, degeneration in podocysts, and cytoplasmic vacuolization

Evaluation of acute toxicity and effects of sub-acute concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on hematology, selected enzymes and histopathology of liver and kidney in Mus musculus

Background: Optimal seed germination and synchronized establishment of vigorous seedlings play a vital role in mitigating the initial challenges associated with germination and subsequent growth stages. The primary objective of this research was to determine the optimum concentration and duration of seed priming because more or less may not be effective in achieving the desired outcomes. 
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Methods: A laboratory experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with four replications under controlled conditions in a BOD incubator. The temperature and humidity were maintained at 20oC and 70%, respectively, for the desired duration. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanoparticles (NP)-based ZnO on the establishment of healthy seedlings, employing priming durations of 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours and concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm. 
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Result: The findings revealed that among all the priming durations, 10 hours was the most effective. The treatments T3&nbsp;and T4&nbsp;(75 and 100 ppm of ZnO, respectively) were identified as the most suitable concentrations, achieving 100% seed germination along with higher fresh and dry weight of the shoot and roots. Additionally, these treatments attained 50% germination (T50%) in 1.16 and 1.18 days, as compared to 3.95 days in the control group. It was followed by T4&nbsp;of 12 hours and T3&nbsp;of 8 hours, which recorded 96 and 92% of seed germination, respectively. An inverse relationship was observed between electrical conductivity (EC) and germination (%), as well as between 50% germination (T50%)&nbsp; and germination performance. Furthermore, the total chlorophyll content (including chlorophyll a and b) was maximized in T4&nbsp;and T3&nbsp;at 10 hours of priming. The correlation matrix analysis indicated that the highest positive correlation was observed at 10 hours, whereas T50% exhibited a negative correlation across all durations. The findings suggest that seed priming with (NP)-based ZnO with 75 and 100 ppm at 10 hours enhanced seed germination and promoted the establishment of more vigorous seedlings compared to the rest of the tested concentrations and durations.&nbsp;

NPS Based-seed Priming with ZnO: A Study to Optimize the Concentration and Duration for the Establishment of Barley Seedlings

<div>Background: Aquaculture is one of the most rapidly expanding food production sectors. Due to intensification, declining water quality parameters negatively impact fish production and the surrounding environment. Thus, it is essential to maintain optimum water quality parameters and aquatic ecosystems for sustainable fish production. This study aims to synthesize nanoparticles (NPs) and evaluate their efficiency against ammonia in cultured fish tanks under diverse conditions. 
 
Methods: Bacillus megaterium from the soil sample was isolated and identified. Iron oxide NPs were synthesized using Bacillus megaterium collected from soil samples and characterized by DLS-zeta potential, UV-vis, XRD, FTIR&nbsp;and TEM analysis. Next, synthesized NPs were evaluated under ex-situ and in-situ conditions to determine their efficacy in removing ammonia from Common carp, Cyprinus carpio culture tanks. 
 
Results: B. megaterium was isolated, identified, and 16S rRNA gene PCR-amplified sequences confirm the identification of B megaterium. DLS-zeta potential, UV-vis, XRD, FTIR&nbsp;and TEM analysis revealed the quality of synthesized NPs. B. megaterium from the soil sample was isolated and identified. The mean zeta potential of the biosynthesized NPs was between -4.65 to -6.45 mV and had an average size of 5 nm. The concentration of ammonia in aerated tanks treated with iron NPs reduced to less than 0.03 mg/dL from 0.3 mg/L. Also, fish mortality in these tanks was significantly controlled with the application of NPs. The application of NPs considerably reduced fish mortality in these fish tanks. Iron oxide NPs from B. megaterium can produce high-quality NPs that are efficient in removing ammonia from fish culture tanks. Further, exploratory studies are necessary to determine the efficacy of iron oxide NPs on aquatic organisms cultured in different environments.</div>

Bacteria-Mediated Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Efficiency in Ammonia Removal from Fish Culture Tanks

<div>Background:&nbsp;Nanoplastics (NPs) become one of the most threatening substances for living organisms in the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Due to their small size and high surface area, few studies have revealed their toxic impact on mainly marine organisms. However, there is scarcity on NPs impact on mammalian cells.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: We used 200-900 nm polyethylene nanoparticles (PE-NPs) to evaluate their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on mammalian Vero E6 cell line using MTT and Comet assays. 
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Result: Characterization of the selected PE-NPs confirmed their nano spherical shape, size and their low-density type. Serial dilution of PE-NPs decreases cell viability with 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) 91 &mu;g/mL (at 24 h sampling time), 26 &mu;g/mL (48 h) and 22 &mu;g/mL (72 h) and an average IC50&nbsp;= 46 &mu;g/mL. Treatment of Vero E6 cells with the average IC50 significantly affects the genomic integrity by decrease of % DNA in head, increase of % DNA in tail, tail length (&mu;m) and tail moment, in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, PE-NPs of the low-density type, that is widely used in different products including coatings and films, have cytotoxic and genotoxic effect on mammalian cells. NPs deserves more attention and further studies are needed to focus on their molecular mechanisms in vitro.</div>

Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Polyethylene Nanoparticles on Normal Monkey Kidney Vero E6 Cell Line

Background: Modern agriculture heavily relies on chemical fertilizers, which can harm the ecosystem. Applying fertilizers based on nanoparticles (NPs) topically at ppm levels provides a faster and more efficient way to capture essential nutrients for plant growth and development. The &ldquo;green&rdquo; synthesis of NPs has become more and more popular as a means of achieving sustainability and environmental protection. Nano-fertilizers have been used to increase crop yields. 
 
Methods: In the present study, zinc, iron and manganese NPs were green synthesized and characterized. Their aqueous solution assessment was also carried out on the tomato, chilli and brinjal crop seed germination. The extract of the pea peel biomass is used as the reducing agent to synthesize ZnO, Fe2O3 and MnO2 NPs. The triplicates of each crop, consisting of sterilized 20 tomato, chilli and brinjal seeds, were sprayed with ZnO, Fe2O3 and MnO2 NPs at varying concentrations (10, 20 and 50 ppm). 
 
Result: Through peak-matching and the formation of an FT-IR band in the 400-800 cm-1 region, XRD examination verified that the NPs were produced. UV-visible spectroscopy proved the particles&rsquo; direct band gap nature, whereas FE-SEM showed their spherical shape, agglomerated multiform and globular dispersion. The particles&rsquo; diameters ranged from 40 to 120 nm. The maximum germination frequency (25.00) of brinjal seeds was observed in Mn with seed vigour (88.33), followed by ZnFeMn (23.75) and Zn (22.50) NPs for 20 ppm. Zn was found effective for germination in all crop seeds with germination frequency (20.00 to 22.50). This study demonstrated the importance of green nanoparticles, which are economical and environmentally benign, on seed germination. Therefore, we must develop new approaches to address various challenges and ensure sufficient food for everyone. A useful tool for assisting farmers in implementing new techniques and guaranteeing steady agricultural yields is nanotechnology.

Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles using Pea Peel Biomass and Their Assessment on Seed Germination of Tomato, Chilli and Brinjal Crop

Background: The present study was conducted at the Animal House Unit, Biotechnology Research Center, Al-Nahrain University, Iraq, Baghdad.This study aimed to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and investigate the impact of varying concentrations of Ag NPs on biochemical parameters, antioxidant defense system, lipid peroxidation, Histology and Immunohistochemistry in Male Rat Kidney.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: There were fifty male rats (150&ndash;170 g) utilized. Five groups, each with ten rats, were created from the animals. Group II, III, IV and V received oral administration of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag NPs) at doses of 1/150 LD50, 1/100 LD50, 1/50 LD50 and 1/25 LD50 mg/kg BW/day for a duration of three weeks, with the first group serving as the control. At the end of the experiment, blood and kidney samples were collected to look at a number of factors.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Treatment with Silver Nanoparticles (Ag NPs) different concentrations reduced kidney content in comparison to control for glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)and glutathione reductase (GR). When rats were treated with varying quantities of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), their protein levels were considerably lower than those of the control group.Treatment with various quantities of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) raised the urea and creatinine levels significantly, urea and creatinine concentration increases are considered to be significant markers of renal failure.&nbsp;

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Biochemical Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by Chemical Reduction Method on Male Rat Kidney Functions and Antioxidant Defense Systems

Background: This study focused on Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) from multiple concentrations of Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) on oxidation of lipids, the defence system of antioxidants and biochemical measurements in the liver of male mice. 
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Methods: Twenty male Albino Mice weighing 25-30 g were used in the study. Animals were categorised into four groups, each comprising 10 mice. The initial group served as the control. Groups II, III and IV received oral administration of Tin oxide nanoparticles at 50, 25 and 10 mg/kg weight body per day for four weeks. Blood and liver samples were collected after the experimental period to investigate various parameters. 
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Result: Treatment with Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPsin) varying concentrations elevated levels of in comparison to the control group, the liver and kidneys exhibited reduced glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The protein contents of rats were significantly reduced when they were administered iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) at concentrations that differed from those of the control group.&nbsp; Treatment with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) at varying concentrations substantially increased urea and creatinine. In mice, an increase in urea and creatinine concentration is a substantial indicator of liver dysfunction. In mouse liver homogenates, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly reduced when treated with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) at varying concentrations. Conversely, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly increased. It is clear that iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) induce pronounced hazardous effects in the liver of mice in a dose-dependent manner, Biomarkers for the detrimental effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) may include estimating lipid peroxidation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and biochemical parameters.