<div>Background: The importance of standardized organic fertilizers with relatively balanced levels of NPK elements, in order to increase the role of organic fertilizers as a source of nutrition for plants which at the same time can improve soil physical, chemical and&nbsp; biological properties and can increase the role of organic fertilizers as a medium for growth and development of biological agents so that they can increase its role as a biopesticide and biofertilizer, thereby simultaneously increasing crop productivity on marginal land. 
 
Methods: This research was conducted in the period June-November 2019 at South Konawe Regency Southeast Sulawesi Indonesia and in the Integrated Laboratory of Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kendari Halu Oleo University. Assessing and formulating organic fertilizers by taking into account the composition of the ingredients which include; C/N ratio of the total material, elemental content of NPK, C-Organic content, moisture content and pH, to produce standardized organic fertilizers, with relatively balanced levels of NPK elements. The field research was arranged in a randomized block design consisting of 3 treatments including B0 = Inorganic fertilizer (control); B1 = Organic fertilizer formula A + agens hayati Biofresh; B2 = Organic fertilizer formula B + agens hayati biofresh. Each treatment was repeated 3 times, which in total there were 9 experimental units. 
 
Result: The formulation of organic fertilizers by taking into account the composition of the ingredients can produce organic fertilizers of a standard quality, with relatively balanced levels of NPK elements, effectively increasing the ability of biofresh biological agents, so as to increase the disease suppression index by 30.12%, with an increase in productivity of 14.31% of non-standard organic fertilizer treatments. And with the efficiency of using biofresh biological agents of 70.6%.</div>

Standardized Organic Fertilizer Formulations and their Effectiveness in Enhancing the Role of Biological Agents to Increase Disease Resistance and Maize Productivity in Marginal Lands

<div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Low nutrient content in ultisol soils and the result of Maydis leaf rot are a major problem in efforts to increase corn productivity in Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The use of organic materials and biological agents is one of the solutions in increasing disease resistance and corn productivity in the environmentally friendly ultisol lands. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the biological agent Biofresh combined with various types of organic material to increase resistance to Maydis leaf rot and maize productivity in ultisol lands.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Methods: Research in April-August 2017 in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. With 21 units of experiments using a random block design with 7 treatments in combination of Biofresh with organic material &lsquo;Bokashi&rsquo;. consists of: B0 = Inorganic fertilizer; B1 = Organic material of cow dung; B2 = Biofresh Biological Agent; B3 = Biofresh biological agent combined with cow dung organic matter; B4 = Biofresh biological agent combination with bokashi cow dung and straws; B5 = Biofresh combination of biological agents with bokashi cow dung and soybean Sitter; B6 = Biofresh Biological agent combination with all Cow, straw and soybean bokashi.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Result: The results showed that the combination of Biofresh with organic material in the form of bokashi at a dose of 5 tons ha-1 was very effective in increasing the durability and productivity of corn plants in ultisol land. The combination of Biofresh biological agents with bokashi containing cow&rsquo;s feses, straw, and soy litter can reduce Maydis leaf blight leaf blight disease by 47.36% and increase production by 53.54%. Disease suppression index is positively correlated with maize crop productivity in Ultisol land.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Increase Resistance to Maydis Leaf Blight and Productivity of Maize in Ultisol Soils with A Combination of Organic Material and Biological Agents Biofresh</div>

<div>Background: Maize is an important cereal crops as it is a good source of nutrition and raw material for industries. Among various pathogens attacking maize crop, banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) caused by Rhizoctonia solani f.sp sasakii is a potential threat for quality maize production. It affects all the plant parts at every stage of crop growth.&nbsp; 
 
Methods:&nbsp;The present investigation was carried out at Regional Research Station Uchani, Karnal of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the efficiency and efficacy of biorational products (Cowpathy) such as Vedic Krishi inputs viz., Beejamrit and Jiwamrit, compost extract and biocontrol agents with the objective to manage banded leaf and sheath disease and increasing yield of maize.&nbsp; 
 
Result: All the biorational products were found quite effective in controlling the disease and enhancing the yield attributes. Seed treatment with Achook (Neem based fungicide containing azadirachtin) @ 2 g/l of seed was found most effective in controlling disease upto 51.77 per cent. Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 ml/kg followed by Beejamrit @ 10 ml/kg were also found effective in reducing the disease incidence as compared to control. These are economic, reliable and viable sources and hold good promise for use in organic and sustainable agriculture.</div>

Field Efficacy of Cowpathy Products and Biological Control Agents in Controlling Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight Disease and Increasing Maize Yield

Snakebites are considered a neglected tropical disease that affects thousands of people worldwide. The available anti-venoms are associated with numerous side effects. As an alternative, researchers have extensively studied the plants in order to obtain some unusual treatment. The current study was conceded to evaluate the effects of salix nigra (Black willow) against krait snake venom acetylcholinesterase and its role as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant agent. Standard protocols of Ellman, Meyer, Gyamfi and Ruch were used for enzyme inhibition, anti-cancer and free radicals scavenging assays respectively. The methanolic extract of Salix nigra proved to possess neutralization properties against krait snake (Bungarus Sindanus) venom acetylcholinesterase. Statistical data of the results showed that Salix nigra extract inhibited the krait venom acetylcholinesterase through concentration dependent manner. Kinetic analysis using Lineweaver Burk plot revealed that Salix nigra caused competitive type of inhibition i.e. km value increased while Vmax remain constant with an increase of extract&rsquo;s concentration. The calculated IC50 value of Salix nigra was found to be 177&micro;g/ml. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, extract showed good scavenging potential with IC50 value of 317&micro;g/ml. Similarly, using H2O2 free radicals, the % scavenging of the extract at 100, 250, 500 and 1000&micro;g/ml was 41, 54, 69 and 74% in comparison with ascorbic acid. Moreover, the extract exhibited good cytotoxic activity against brine shrimps in a dose dependent manner. The present work suggests, for the first time, that Salix nigra extract can be used not only as a potent inhibitor of snake venom acetylcholinesterase but also for the eradication of free radicals along with significant anticancer activity.

Promising inhibition of krait snake&rsquo;s venom acetylcholinesterase by Salix nigra and its role as anticancer, antioxidant agent

<div>Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the most important leguminous crop around the world. Fusarium wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is a major biotic constraint in chickpea production. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of plant extracts, fungicides and bio-agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris under in vitro and field conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Plant extracts and fungicides were evaluated using poison food technique while antagonistic activity of bio-agents was studied using dual culture technique under in vitro conditions. Field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different plant extracts, fungicides and bio-agents against Fusarium wilt at Experimental Area of Plant Pathology, CCS HAU, Hisar. 
 
Result: Among thirteen plant extracts evaluated in vitro, neem leaves extract was found to be the most effective in inhibiting mycelial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris followed by datura leaves&rsquo; and garlic cloves&rsquo; extract which were statistically at par. Out of six plant extracts tested against Fusarium wilt under field conditions, seed treatment with extracts of neem and datura leaves at 10% concentration were most effective and curtailed the wilt incidence by 39.02 and 34.14% along with 7.55 and 6.83% enhanced seed yield. Among fungicides, carbendazim 50 WP was the most toxic fungicide in restricting colony diameter of the pathogen with the least EC50 and EC90 values of 1.28 and 15.24 ppm a.i. followed by azoxystrobin 23 SC with corresponding values of 1.57 and 49.16 ppm a.i., respectively. Seed treatment with carbendazim 50 WP and azoxystrobin 23 SC were superior over other treatments and provided 88.41 and 85.98% reduction in disease incidence along with 12.85 and 10.99% higher seed yield over control. Among the bio-agents tested, T. viride and T. harzianum gave the best results in suppressing the pathogen growth in vitro and in minimizing the disease incidence coupled with improvement in seed yield under field conditions. The present study has provided chemical and non-chemical measures for integrated management of chickpea wilt.</div>

<div>Construing the Role of Plant Extracts, Fungicides and Bio-agents in Ameliorating Fusarium Wilt Management in Chickpea</div>

India&rsquo;s rich biodiversity holds a great significance in country&rsquo;s agricultural, economical and social growth. However, biodiversity is severely threatened by various factors such as population growth, urbanization, deforestation and climate change. In India, the Biological Diversity Act of 2002 has been framed for addressing these threats through a structured framework for conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. The Act establishes a three-tier structure composed of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). The NBA and SBB oversee and regulate biodiversity management, while also empowering local BMCs to actively participate in bio-resources conservation efforts at the grass root level. It is crucial to sustain India&rsquo;s rich biodiversity for future generations through effective implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and related policies. Sustainable and equitable use of biological resources is the only way to protect the rights of indigenous communities and it requires a balance between the IPR and the CBD principles which is aptly attained through BD Act, 2002.

Protecting India&rsquo;s Biodiversity: The Role of the Biological Diversity Act 2002: A Review

Background: The utilization of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) has increased significantly as an effective tool of assisted reproductive technology. Sperm capacitation is a process of membrane maturation allowing the acrosome reaction to take place. Ionomycin is a calcium ionophore that induces the acrosome reaction by increasing calcium cycling across phospholipid membranes. The aim of this study was to enhance the cleavage rate and development of bovine embryos.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Bovine ovaries were collected from the central slaughter house. Oocytes were obtained from follicles and were let to mature for 24 h. Frozen bull semen thawed in 37&deg;C water and transferred to a discontinuous percoll gradient (Sigma GE17-0891-01). The spermatozoon pellet was separated into four groups after resuspension in bovine in vitro fertilization media (BO-IVF): control without additives; with DMSO and with ionomycin (25 and 50 nM) and kept in an incubator for three hours. The oocytes matured under commonly used media (TCM-199) for 24 h. The mature oocytes were then fertilized for 18-24h. The embryos were cultured in SOF medium until the seventh day to study cleavage rate and blastocyst rate.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;The results indicated that 50 nM ionomycin supplementation considerably reduced cleavage while DMSO and 25 nM ionomycin supplementation had no effect on cleavage percentage. Moreover, when compared to the other groups, ionomycin at 25 nM significantly increased blastocyst development. In conclusion, the highest rate of blastocyst development was observed in the capacitation medium supplemented with 25 nM ionomycin, apparently due to the importance of calcium and metabolism in spermatozoa for fertilization and embryo development.

The Role of Ionomycin in the Improvement of in vitro Fertilization and Increasing the Rate of Bovine Embryo Development

<div>Background: Foot and root rot disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is a destructive soil borne disease of lentil (Lens culinaris). The present experiment was conducted to determine the inhibitory effect of thirteen plant extracts and two bio-control agents on in vitro mycelium growth of S. rolfsii.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of Pulse Research Center, RARS, BARI, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh during rabi season in 2015. Seven isolates of S. rolfsii were collected from foot and root rot affected lentil plant. Antifungal activity of thirteen botanicals and two biocontrol agents (T. harziznum and T. viride) was tested against a fast growing isolate (Sc-38) of the pathogen following poisoned food technique.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Out of thirteen botanicals, only Black cumin inhibited colony growth of S. rolfsii, where the colony diameter ranged 0.00-6.00 cm at different days after incubation. A moderate inhibition was achieved with Tulsi at 3, 6 and 9 DAI compared to control. Amendment of PDA with compost and liquid T. harziznum and T. viride remarkably inhibited the colony growth of S. rolfsii compared to control. Efficacy of four treatments of biocontrol agents was much better than botanical treatments. Two botanical extracts (Black cumin and Tulsi) and biocontrol agents (T. harzianum and T. viride) were found effective against S. rolfsii.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Antifungal Activity of Botanicals and Biological agents against Sclerotium rolfsii Causing Foot and Root Rot Disease of Lentil

<div>Background: A two-year field study was carried out during the Kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the Institutional farm of ANDUAT Kumarganj in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The research aimed to assess the effects of seed biopriming and foliar application using biocontrol agents and liquid biofertilizers on the growth and yield of Moong bean. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Seed biopriming typically involves the application of beneficial microorganisms to enhance germination potential. The present investigation was carried out on two varieties of green gram i.e., NDM-1 (Collect from ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P) and Sikha (collect from IIPR, Kanpur, U.P) and seed biopriming with two different biocontrol agents (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viridae) used in different concentration and two different liquid biofertilizers (Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria @20% respectively.) following Randomised block design with three replication. The experiment comprised of sixteen biopriming along with hydropriming and control. Seed had been treated with control (T0), seeds soaked in distil water/hydropriming (T1); PF @ 25% (T2); PF @ 50% (T3); PF @ 75% (T4); TV @ 25% (T5); TV @ 50% (T6); TV @75% (T7); liquid ASP @ 20%(T8); liquid PB @ 20% (T9); T2&nbsp;+ foliar spray of PF @ 2 g/l (T10); T3&nbsp;+&nbsp; foliar spray of PF @ 2 g/l&nbsp; of water (T11); T4 + foliar spray of PF @ 2 g/l of water (T12);&nbsp; T5&nbsp;+ foliar spray of TV @ 2 g/l of water (T13);&nbsp; T6&nbsp;+ foliar spray of TV @ 2 g/l of water (T14); T7&nbsp;+ foliar spray of TV @ 2 g/l of water (T15); T8&nbsp;+ foliar spray of ASP @ 2 g/l of water (T16); T9&nbsp;+ foliar spray of PB @ 2 g/l of water (T17). 
&nbsp; 
Result: Seed bio primed with pseudomonas fluorescens @ 75% (T4) was found very effective in both Kharif&nbsp; season (2023 and 2024), which enhance the Plant height, No. of branches/plant, No. of pods/plant, seed yield and its attributes .The seed yield/plant for this treatment was 4.46 gm and 4.03 gm respectively&nbsp; followed by seed biopriming with pseudomonas fluorescens @50% + foliar application of pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2 g/l&nbsp; of water (T10) on 30 and 45 DAS&nbsp; in both kharif season as compared to non-primed seed 1.73 gm and 1.99 gm respectively.</div>

Effects of Seed Treatment and Foliar Application by using Biological Control Agents and Liquid Organic Fertilizers on Development and Yield on Moong Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

The biological method of weed control is an effective option. Before implementing bio-agents, there is a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in interactions by multiple agents against weeds. This covers knowledge of how plants integrate and prioritize their responses to multiple attackers. Across the globe, terrestrial ecosystems are known to be characterized by a huge diversity of species and a corresponding diversity of interactions between these species. These include species of different trophic levels of habitats on the same food chain. Plants undoubtedly play significant role as intermediaries in interactions between the insect and microbial populations with which they are involved. Plant interactions brought forth by one species can have cascading impacts on other species, influencing their abundances and the composition of communities. Several research efforts are underway to develop highly effective biological control agents to reliably control a problematic broad spectrum of weeds. Sustainable and ecosystem-compatible weed management for controlling weeds by biological means, such as insects, bio-agents, myco-herbicides and harmful Rhizobacteria. Their interaction with cultural practices and allelochemicals are some biological components of sustainable agriculture. Hence, biological agents enhance efficiency and restrict the detrimental effect of weeds compared to weeds being left alone. The challenge is to identify appropriate microbe/bioagents, which reduce weed growth. Logically, biological weed management is the only way to control weeds in eco-friendly weed management.

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Standardized Organic Fertilizer Formulations and their Effectiveness in Enhancing the Role of Biological Agents to Increase Disease Resistance and Maize Productivity in Marginal Lands

Increase Resistance to Maydis Leaf Blight and Productivity of Maize in Ultisol Soils with A Combination of Organic Material and Biological Agents Biofresh

Field Efficacy of Cowpathy Products and Biological Control Agents in Controlling Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight Disease and Increasing Maize Yield

Promising inhibition of krait snake’s venom acetylcholinesterase by Salix nigra and its role as anticancer, antioxidant agent

Construing the Role of Plant Extracts, Fungicides and Bio-agents in Ameliorating Fusarium Wilt Management in Chickpea

Protecting India’s Biodiversity: The Role of the Biological Diversity Act 2002: A Review

The Role of Ionomycin in the Improvement of in vitro Fertilization and Increasing the Rate of Bovine Embryo Development

Antifungal Activity of Botanicals and Biological agents against Sclerotium rolfsii Causing Foot and Root Rot Disease of Lentil

Effects of Seed Treatment and Foliar Application by using Biological Control Agents and Liquid Organic Fertilizers on Development and Yield on Moong Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Pioneering Innovations in Biological Weed Control: A Comprehensive Review