Background: Tea polyphenols are extracted from top two - four young leaves and leaf buds of tea plant, while the bottom leaves of tea shrub are considered as an agricultural waste. Hence, an attempt has been made to utilise them as an alternate source of low-cost natural antioxidant.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Green tea shrub bottom leaves of Camellia sinensis Var. assamica /TV-23 were procured from Estate- Seni Mora Bagan, Karanga kamar, Hazarika Gaon, Tal. Karga Dist. Jorhat, Assam. Proximate analysis, total phenolic (Folin-Ciocalteau) and qualitative analysis (Agilent LC-MS system) for phenolic compounds including antioxidant properties was carried out using standard analytical methods.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results for proximate content were protein (14.43%), lipids (4.44%), total ash (4.94%), crude fibre (33.63%) and moisture (3.20%). A total phenolic content of dry green tea powder extracts prepared by using ethanol was 105.68 mg GAE/g dry tea powder. Total 12 different bioactive compounds were identified by HR-LCMS. The antioxidant properties were DPPH (89.82%), ABTS (74.71%), FRAP (1053.92 &micro; mol Trolox/gram dry tea powder) and metal chelating activity (17.51%). Based on the study we opine that; tea shrub bottom leaves can act as a promising source of low-cost tea polyphenols when extracted with ethanol as a solvent for value added fish product shelf life extension.

Phenolic Content and Characterization of Tea Shrub Bottom Leaves

Background: Mediterranean shrub species cover more than 70% of the total area in Tunisia and in summer when the herbaceous species have wilted, they constitute feeding resource for livestock. The use of tanniniferous shrubs seems to be a good alternative to control gastrointestinal nematodes infections in small ruminants. This study evaluated the in vitro anthelmintic (AH) effect of Ceratonia siliqua (C. siliqua), Periploca angustifolia Labill. (P. angustifolia) and Medicago arborea (M. arborea) against Haemonchus contortus third stage larvae (L3). 
 
Methods: The larval exsheathment assay (LEA) was used to determine the proportions (%) of exsheathment of five acetonic extracts at different concentrations (1200, 600, 300, 150 &mu;g/ml). To confirm the role of tannins in the AH effects of extracts, polyvinyl polypyrolidone (PVPP) was used as deactivating chemical tannins. 
 
Result: The highest % L3 exsheathed was recorded for M. arborea (55.01%) and the lowest value was founded for C. siliqua and P. angustifolia leaves (16.26%). Our results were concentration-dependent (P&lt;0.001). The % of exsheathment increased as the time of incubation increased (P&lt;0.001). P. angustifolia pods recorded the lowest EC50 value (P&lt;0.05). After PVPP addition, all the acetonic extracts showed a restoration of L3 exsheathment values similar to control values (P&lt;0.001).

Effect of Five Mediterranean Shrubs Extracts on Larval Exsheathment of Haemonchus contortus

<div>The main aims of this study were to analyze the chemical composition and total phenolic, and to evaluate the in vitro fermentation and antioxidant activities from some shrubs (Erica arborea, Myrtus communis, Arbutus unedo and Phillyrea latifolia). The determination of the chemical composition, total phenolic, flavonoid contents and the antioxidant activity were investigated by using in vitro methods. The in vitro gas production and ruminal parameters were determined in the presence of goat rumen juice. Total nitrogen content was significantly high with Myrtus communis (p &lt;0.01). Total phenolic and flavonoid content vary by species and season (p &lt;0.01). It can be concluded that all parameters were significantly affected by the seasonal period and the shrubs nature. Expect the OM that was similar regardless the seasonal period.</div>

<div>Chemical properties, antioxidant activities and in vitro fermentation profiles of some shrubs of North Western Tunisia</div>

Background: The work was carried out in the arid environment of south-western Algeria using Retama retama (Forssk.) Webb and Berthel. an indicator shrub for forest protection and restoration. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;The experiment was conducted during the period 2024-2025 in university center of Naama, in the arid region of Na&acirc;ma, Algeria, North Africa.The study of dendrometric parameters such as height, circumference was based on inter-plant measurements,&nbsp; height of the shrubs and circumference of &nbsp;Retama&nbsp;plant. The soil chemical quality&nbsp; was examined by&nbsp; NMR spectroscopy magnetic and diffractometer. The statistical data representation was studied by descending hierarchical classification and correlation using R software. 
 
Result: A height range of&nbsp; 0.2 to&nbsp; 3 m, a crown circumference range from 0.03 m to 13.8 m and an equidistance between 0.2 m and 19.40 m was observed. This study helped&nbsp; to understand the links between dendrometric parameters such as height, circumference and the chemical quality of soil. The chemical analysis of the soil by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, XRD &ldquo;X-ray diffractometer&rdquo; and NMR &ldquo;nuclear magnetic resonance&rdquo;,shows that SiO2&nbsp;represent 90,83%, Al2O3: 7.45%, CaO:1.02%, Fe2O3:0.29%, Na2O and K2O:0.01%, TiO2: 0.09%. The significant dendrometric results of the retama shrub demonstrate a significant ability to combat erosion and improve soil chemical quality through the addition of nutrients and organic matter from the associated fauna of the retama shrub. Dendrometrics are a valuable tool for sustainable forest management in arid regions, as they link tree characteristics to soil quality and the protection of the forest ecosystem.

Combining Dendrometric Parameters and Soil Chemical Properties: An Useful Tool for Valorization of Shrubs in Forests

<div>Background: India ranks first in global livestock production and it is an important subsidiary enterprise that support more than 75 per cent of the rural community. But fodder production is not well practiced in our country and animals generally consume naturally grown grasses and shrubs which are of low quality in terms of protein and available energy. Hence, there is an urgent need to look for new fodder resources that are sustainable in nature and cover our fodder deficit. Keeping the above in view, the present study has been proposed to evaluate the predominant tree fodders and shrubs of Southern Kerala as a quality livestock feed. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted in College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during January-September, 2020 to assess the nutritional value of predominant tree fodders and shrubs in Southern Kerala as a quality feed for cattle. Ten different fodder trees and shrubs that locally fed to the cattle viz., Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), erythrina (Erythrina indica), Drumstick (Moringa oleifera), Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Glyricidia (Glyricidia maculate), Matti (Terminalia elliptica), Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), Cassava (Manihot esculenta), Banana (Musa acuminate) and Mango (Mangifera indica) were selected and analysed for proximate composition, crude fiber and mineral status. 
 
Result: The result revealed that mean values for dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and total ash in tree fodders were 37.07&plusmn;4.02, 18.52&plusmn;1.72, 18.56&plusmn;2.07, 4.68&plusmn;0.51, 8.72&plusmn;0.66, respectively. The study also proved that Sesbania grandiflora (Agathi) is nutritionally superior to other tree fodders with high crude protein (25.24%) and lower crude fiber (8.43%) content. The Neutral Detergent Fiber content of fodder tree leaves varied from 17.34- 65.32 per cent and that of Acid Detergent Fiber from 11.10-48.69 per cent. Phosphorus and potassium status of top feeds comes under the range of 0.26-0.93 per cent and 1.0-2.7 per cent respectively. However the highest amount of Calcium as well as magnesium was found in Moringa oleifera (2.75 and 0.60 per cent respectively).</div>

​Nutritional Evaluation of Predominant Tree Fodders and Shrubs of Southern Kerala as a Quality Livestock Feed

A habitats comprises a range of environmental features that provide adequate resources for wildlife to survive. Consequently, the criteria of habitat selection by animals, combines a wider spectrum of both environmental and other factors, with major prerequisites being food resources, availability of shelter and suitable conditions for reproduction. The den habitat selection of the Chinese bamboo rat (Rhizomys sinensis) was studied in Yuanbaoshan Nature Reserve, Guangxi China. The Vanderloeg and Scavia selectivity index (Ei) indicates that the Chinese bamboo rat shows a preference for all habitat features except for slope, slope position and distance to water (P&gt;0.05). Chi-square goodness of fit test showed that canopy density, shelter from wind, distance between shrubs, shrub density, elevation, southern aspect, human disturbance and food abundance, were the preferred features (P&lt;0.05). With regards to human disturbance, the Chinese bamboo rat preferred places &gt;1000 m away from human habitation. An eastern and southern sloping direction, a 20&deg;^~40&deg; slope and an elevation range of &gt;1800m were more frequently used. The Chinese bamboo rat prefers habitats lying above 1000m in elevation with high shrub density (with shrub separation under 0.1m). Principle component analysis indicates that concealment factors, geographical factors, interference factors, food factors, and water factors affect the den habitat character of the Chinese bamboo rat. Our results support the notion that the habitat preferences of the Chinese bamboo rat are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.

Den habitat selection of the chinese bamboo rat (Rhizomys sinensis) in Northern Guangxi China

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest tribal dominated district in Central India. Baiga and Gond are the main two tribes of the Baihar, Birsa, Paraswada, Langi, Kirnapur, Katangi, Balaghat, Waraseoni and Lalbarra tehsils of Balaghat district. These tribes have enormous knowledge about medicinal properties of the plant species available in natural ecosystems (forests and grasslands). Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the plants used by these tribes for seminal debility and other diseases. 
 
Methods: Survey was carried out during 2019-20 in Biahar, Birsa, Paraswada, Langi, Kirnapur, Katangi, Lalburra and Waraseoni tehsils of the district Balaghat. Judgmental/purposive sampling method used to collect the required information from the tribes of the locality.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Result: Total 35 most important plants were used for curing various diseases and injuries. Along with their botanical description, we explained the method of intake of the plant medicines to cure the diseases. Around 39% of the plants used to cure seminal debility comes under herb category whereas shrub (28%), climber (11%), grass (6%), twiner (6%), small tree (5%) and big tree (5%). Whereas, 76% herbs utilized for curing other diseases, followed by shrub (18%) and twiner (6%).</div>

Ethnobotany of Valuable Medicinal Plants Available in Chhattisgarh Plain Region of Balaghat District, Madhya Pradesh

Background: Cassia auriculata, L., is an imperative medicinal and traditional neutral colour leaf hair dye yielding in India. This is a multipurpose and indigenous, perennial leguminous shrub and widely used as traditional medicine to cure diabetics by the rural peoples. Tanner&rsquo;s cassia is also used as neutral henna and its yields natural golden blonde colouring to hair through the dried leaf powder. Young buds are used for yellow colour dye extraction by textile industries. Screening of high tolerance and best performing genotypes is highly essential in this imperative woody legume shrub to rehabilitate the mass erosion prone gullied and ravine lands for productive purpose of the wasteland and degraded lands. 
 
Methods: Thirty different accessions of Cassia auriculata were assembled and numbered from CA-1 to CA-30 from arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan (India). The experimental trial was conducted at ICAR-IISWC, Research Centre, Kota-Rajasthan, India during 2019-2022. After evaluation, CA-4 genotype was selected as an elite genotype. The elite genotype was used for high density plantation development with resource conservation for green cover development in non-arable ravine lands.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Result: Genetic variation studies of Cassia auriculata indicated that considerable and significant variability, abundant morphometric variations in assembled genotype progenies. Further, genetic divergence analysis was also revealed that nine clusters segregated from 30 genotypes. Thirty genotypes were grouped into nine clusters according overall performance with geographical identity. Finally, C. auriculata (CA-4) genotype was identified and selected as an elite genotype based on its overall superiority in terms of plant growth, higher green biomass, leaf litter biomass, more number branching behaviour and plant coppicing ability which are directly relevant and imperative in soil erosion control, resource conservation and potential rehabilitation effect in resource poor dry regions of non-arable lands.

Genetic Divergence Studies among Indigenous Accessions of Cassia auriculata (L.) Roxb., through Screening and Utilization for Chambal Ravine Rehabilitation

<div>Background: Hydroponics or water-culture-based agricultural systems are devoted to a reasonable prospect for future farming agriculture production. Especially in that region where the fertility of agricultural land is continuously going to there is a decline in groundwater level for irrigation. Hydroponics-based agriculture system realizes an admiring action towards an eco-friendly system and innovative technique to overcome challenges concerning food safety. Hydroponics is an advanced agriculture technique in which the plants grow without soil and without any pesticide use. It is used to grow plants, vegetables and shrubs on vertical as well as horizontal basis in the series and parallel. It could be applied via glass pots, clay pots, PVC pipes and useless plastic buckets and bottles. 
 
Methods: In the present study vegetables, flowering plants and shrubs were grown successfully by the use of mainly three techniques of hydroponics namely Kratky, Wick and DFT methods. This study was continued for two and half years (4th July 2020 to 21st March 2021 and December 2019 to April 2020) with controlled pH and TDS of the nutrient solution and conducted at different Indian climatic, weather and seasonal conditions at Markanda National College,Shahabad Markanda and&nbsp; at&nbsp; the researcher&rsquo;s home. Several vegetables and plants were grown from Kratky, Wick and DFT hydroponics methods under continuous monitoring of pH and TDS of nutrient solutions.&nbsp; 
 
Result: During the conduction of this study of the growth of mustard, ladyfinger, spinach, marigold, daisy basil (Tulsi), cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, peas, peppermint, coriander leaves plants in different sessions; some challenges and opportunities were discussed. The main objective of this research study is to spread awareness about novel types of advanced future agricultural techniques or farming among the farmers and masses, who have an interest in agriculture but cannot fulfill their ambitions towards agriculture farming due to scarcity of agricultural land. The results obtained from the growth of vegetable and plant through hydroponics methods province us to follow an idea to use of such agricultural techniques. We have grown several below said crops/vegetables two or three times and face several problems. It is an opportunity to overcome the world&rsquo;s food scarcity at a large scale, if adopted by a large population all over the world.</div>

<div>Assessing Opportunities and Difficulties in Hydroponic Farming</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: The sacred groves are considered to be ecologically most important area as they are rich in plant diversity. It is considered to be repository of many important medicinal plantspecies including endangered and endemic and many valuable plant species. An ethanobotanical survey was carried out to assess the floristic diversity and it medicinal properties used by the indigenous peoples and local people. The floristic study conducted to understand the status of vegetation an it is important step towards conservation. 
 
Methods: The study was carried out for about one yearby frequent field visit and inperson interview with indigenous peoples to know the medicinal properties of the species. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The study showed presence of 54 medicinal plants out of which 22 are herbs, 12 shrubs, 2 climbers and 17 are tree habits. All the plants are found to be highly medicinal in treating many diseases. The survey reveals the conservation importance of the sacred grove to safe guard the ecosystem for sustainable development.</div>