Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots and are the key functional group in soils. Several methods have been used traditionally to assess the mycorrhizal potential to colonize

plants. The AM fungus is always quantified through direct analysis of field soil. However, the information obtained through this method is inaccurate and thus, there was the need to compare it with the most

probable number (MPN) and trap culture techniques. The MPN and trap culture assay experiments were

laid out in a glasshouse at the National Museums of Kenya in a Completely Randomized Design and

replicated four times. MPN assay results revealed that the dilution levels differed significantly in root

infectivity and percentage root colonization as quantified, and both of them reduced from the highest to

the lowest dilution series. The standard media (commercial inoculant) elicited higher root infectivity than

field soil. Besides, sorghum roots in standard media at dilution 4-4 had 18.75% root colonization intensity

whereas in the same dilution level in soil, there was no root colonization. Four AMF genera (Scutellospora,

Gigaspora, Acaulospora, and Glomus) were extracted in both field soil and trap culture. Moreover, a total

of 42 and 78 spores were isolated and identified in field soil and trap culture respectively. These findings

provide new insights into AMF species infectivity, colonization, and sporulation.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is one of the vital millets which responds well to added nitrogenous

fertilizers and agronomic management practices. Based on the facts, a field experiment was carried out

at Instructional Farm, The Neotia University, West Bengal to study the effect of nitrogen management

and spacing on the growth, yield attributes and yield of finger millet during kharif season of 2023. The

soil of the experimental field contains 58.29% sand, 21.78% silt and 19.93% clay and having 356 kg ha-1

available N, 26.75 kg ha-1 available P2O5, 360 kg ha-1 K2O and 0.46 % organic carbon. The experiment was

laid out in split plot design, replicated thrice, having four levels of nitrogen viz., N0, Control, N1, 20 kg

N ha-1, N2, 40 kg N ha-1, N3, 60 kg N ha-1 and three spacings: S1, 15 cm × 10 cm, S2, 20 cm × 10 cm, S3 25 cm

× 10 cm. The variety of finger millet was CFMV 1 (Indravathi). Results showed that application of 60 kg

N ha-1, i.e., N3 recorded significantly higher values ofall the growth attributes, yield attributes, seed yield

(18.59 q ha-1) and straw yield (26.04 q ha-1) of finger millet. Among various spacings studied, S3, i.e., 25

cm×10 cm spacing recorded highest seed yield (15.75 q ha-1) and straw yield (23.44 q ha-1) of finger millet.

The results concluded that cultivation of finger millet can be done with 60 kg N ha-1 and 25 cm × 10 cm

to obtain higher growth and productivity of finger millet in the coastal part of West Bengal.

The field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, School of Agriculture and Allied Sciences,

The Neotia University, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, during the kharif season of 2023 to study the effects

of organics and spacing on the growth attributes, yield attributes, yield and economics of brahmi. Key

soil characteristics include sand (58.89%), silt (21.64%) and clay (20.03%) in the top 15 cm layer. The soil’s

chemical composition includes a pH of 7.43, electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.62 dS m-1 and nutrient levels

such as 368 kg ha-1 of available nitrogen, 25.75 kg ha-1 of available P2O5 and 323 kg ha-1 of exchangeable K

and 0.36% organic carbon. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design, replicated thrice, including

four levels of organics (M1: 2T Cow dung compost /ha, M2: 2T Cow dung compost/ha + Jeevamruta, M3:

3T Cow dung compost/ha, M4: 3T Cow dung compost/ha + Jeevamruta) and four spacings (S1: 20 × 10 cm,

S2: 20 × 20 cm, S3: 30 × 10 cm, S4: 30 × 20 cm). Results indicated that the highest plant height (36.21 cm),

dry matter accumulation (181.45 g m-²), Leaf Area Index (0.87) and Crop Growth Rate (3.34 g m-² day?¹)

were observed with 3T Cow dung compost/ha + Jeevamruta. Application of 3T Cow dung compost/ha +

Jeevamruta also recorded maximum number of rooted slips (879.41 m-2), dry wt. of leafy twigs with roots

(234.20 g m-2) and green herb yield (183.16 q ha-1) of brahmi. Among the spacing’s 30 × 20 cm spacing i.e.

S4 recorded highest number of rooted slips (748.66 m-2), dry wt. of leafy twigs with roots (215.95 g m-2)

and green herb yield (146.86 q ha-1).

A multi-location field experiment was conducted with 39 white seeded finger millet genotypes including

one check which were laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications at research station

farms of Vizianagaram, Bangaluru, Hanumanmatti, Mandya, Ranchi and Coimbatore. The study aimed

to identify stable white seeded finger millet genotypes across the locations. AMMI analysis and thirteen

stability indices based on AMMI were estimated and further non-parametric method of simultaneous

selection index was calculated. Large portion of variation was captured by locations (66.7%) followed by

GEI and genotypes. Four principal components significantly contributed 94.6% GEI. The AMMI1 biplot

identified VR 1000 27.9 q/ha) and GE 4803 (25.7 q/ha) as stable high yielding genotypes. AMMI2 biplot

identified GE 4943, GE 4916, GE 2329, GE 5155 and PRM 901 as highly stable genotypes irrespective of

yield. Thirteen AMMI based stability indices revealed that PRM 901, GE 2329, PRM 902 and GE 4916 were

most stable genotypes. However, synchronized selection for yield and stability revealed VR 1000 as the

best white seeded finger millet with both high yield and stable expression over six locations.

Keratin is a fibrous protein available in hair, nails, horn, hoofs, wool, hair, feathers and epithelial cells

in the outermost layers of skin. It is subdivided into alpha-keratins and beta-keratins, based on the

structure of polypeptide chains. Keratin can be extracted by several methods viz., chemical hydrolysis,

enzymatic and microbial treatment, dissolution in ionic liquids, microwave process, steam explosion,

and thermal hydrolysis. It is a natural protein polymeric biomaterial and has been used in the fields of

textile fibre, textile finishing & auxiliaries, film, hydrogel, sponges and scaffolds, and cosmetics. The

underutilized coarser and waste wool, and other hair fibres can be used for extraction of keratin, while

addressing the sustainable management of such bio-wastes. Keratin biomaterial has many advantages

over the conventional biomolecules, namely unique chemistry due to its high sulphur content, notable

biocompatibility, propensity for self-assembly, and intrinsic cellular recognition. Keratin polymer-based

biofibres are strong and elastic, and have requisite moisture wicking properties, making them a new class

of material for textile application. Substrates developed using keratin and blends show hypoallergenic and

antimicrobial properties, making them a preferred a choice for clothing and other applications. Properties

of paper produced from the feather fibre and wood pulp were compared with the hand-sheets, made

of 100% wood pulp. This paper reviews the characteristic of keratin biomaterial, its extraction process

and different end applications.

Kale is a green leafy vegetable that is rapidly gaining popularity in the entire world due to its nutritional richness. Its higher concentration of antioxidants and other health-benefiting compounds coupled with its industrial use, which has significantly increased in recent decades, compared to other vegetables, are some potential factors that have made many people interested in consuming it. Global kale production is reported to be globally hampered by Alternaria Leaf Spot diseases as one of the major biotic factors. This disease is not new but it has become more severe and worse in kale in recent years. This paper gives insights into the importance of kale, kale production requirements, biotic and abiotic constraints to kale production, Alternaria leaf disease, practices that contribute to increased disease severity, current ALS management and prospects for sustainable disease management approaches such as the utilization of biological, botanical and cultural and integrated management approaches.

Intercropping is one of the ancient cropping systems that involves growing two or more crops together

in the same field. Effective intercropping system management warrants to prevent crops from competing

for space, moisture, nutrients, sunlight, and other resources. Combining legumes and non-legumes in an

intercropping system offers significant benefits, such as reducing moisture scarcity and nutrient stress,

while boosting overall productivity and soil health. Legumes play a key role in enhancing the soil’s

chemical, biological, and physical properties, which helps counteract the declining productivity often

seen in cereal-based cropping systems. The critical factors are choosing the right intercrops, determining

the optimal nitrogen doses for non-legumes, and considering the benefits of biological nitrogen fixation

(BNF) from legumes. Assessing the benefits of intercropping compared to sole cropping is vital for

determining agricultural productivity. Intercropping systems should be evaluated for increased crop

productivity and resource-use efficiency and their impact on soil health. This review highlights the

potential of legume-based intercropping systems in improving soil quality.

Protected cultivation, encompassing various methods such as greenhouses, polyhouses, and shade nets,

has emerged as a transformative approach for achieving sustainable rural development. This literature

explores the multifaceted benefits of protected cultivation, highlighting its potential to enhance rural

economies, improve environmental sustainability, and foster social well-being. By examining case

studies and empirical evidence, the literature delves into the economic advantages for farmers, including

increased yields, higher quality produce, and enhanced income stability. Environmental benefits such

as resource efficiency, reduced pesticide usage, and climate resilience are also analyzed. Furthermore,

the social impact on rural communities, including gender inclusion, community engagement, and

skill development, is discussed. The literature reviews existing policies and institutional frameworks

that support protected cultivation and identifies technological innovations driving the sector forward.

Challenges and barriers to widespread adoption are critically examined, with recommendations for

effective implementation strategies.

Bamboo is commonly used natural raw materials for construction of houses, huts etc since ancient

times. In modern construction industry, steel is mainly used as reinforced materials along with concrete

to improve the mechanical strength of the structures. However, due to high cost of steel, corrosion

problem, high energy and emission of greenhouse gas during manufacturing process, researchers found

alternative reinforcement raw materials like plant fibres, waste from mining industry and agricultural

waste. Bamboo is one of the raw materials having high potential to be used in replacement of steel due to

its low cost, natural resources and have good mechanical properties. It has been used in the preparation

of composite and wood based panels. This review highlights the various applications of bamboo agro

residues as reinforcement in cement concrete and bamboo-composite for construction.

Sustainable crop production is an integral part of food production system. Food and agriculture allied

sector depend on the natural resources, so future food production will depend on how well these resources

are conserved and used. Crop productivity is impacted by urban land expansion and by higher water

demand from other sectors. Observation for last five year (2018 to 2023) in different block of Jhargram

district revealed that, digitalisation holds considerable potential to transform the food, agriculture and

soil productivity system. Mobile devices, proper data analytic, high quality satellite imagery in different

pocket, precision equipment, and artificial intelligence – among others – could contribute greatly to

increase productivity, sustainability and resilience across the district for higher crop output. Use of

appropriate and new technological developments could make it possible for farmers to monitor their

crops and livestock with greater precision, to fine-tune applications of inputs (such as fertilizers and feed

supplements), and to use large amounts of data to determine optimal agriculture production choices.

There is a growing urgency for governments to realign policies in light of the emerging challenges and

opportunities. Changing policies for credit system, crop insurance scheme to food growers of Jhargram

and adjoining tribal belt in agriculture is seldom easy, as potential impacts on rural livelihoods, income

distribution, and competitiveness create significant uncertainties.