BIONATURE

Comparative Microscopic Study of Epidermal Characters in Blumea laciniata (Roxb.) DC. and Blumea obliqua (L.) Druce

Vimala, S. L. Meena, Dinesh Hans — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Trichomes are found in a wide range of species and are essential to plant development. Trichomes are epidermal appendages that are frequently seen on the leaves, stems, and fruits of plants. There are two types of trichomes: glandular and non-glandular. Blumea species' immature leaves and stem, which were between one and three centimeters away from the stem tip, were divided into slices, peeled out of layers, and examined under a light microscope at X4, X10, X40 and X100. Results show that the most significant difference in the Blumea obliqua (L.) Druce has biseriate glandular trichomes with multicellular foot while Blumea laciniata (Roxb.) DC. has biseriate glandular trichomes with multicellular head and anomocytic type of stomata observed in both species. With the use of a light microscope, authors performed a thorough investigation to categorize and characterize the trichomes present on the stem, as well as on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves of Blumea obliqua (L.) Druce and Blumea laciniata (Roxb.) DC. Because it offers thorough comparative data on the trichome shape and stomatal traits of two prominent species of the genus Blumea, this publication is essential for the scientific community. The study provides important anatomical and taxonomic information that can help distinguish, identify, and classify closely related species. Additionally, characterising glandular and non-glandular trichomes advances our knowledge of plant adaptive traits and their potential pharmacological and ecological significance. Future study on plant anatomy, systematics, medicinal plants, and evolutionary biology will benefit from the discoveries.

Citrullus lanatus Seed Starch–Based Resin for Water Purification: Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization and Batch Adsorption of Heavy Metals

Praveen Kumar Chandel, Ruchika Sharma, Chandra Prakash Gharu — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing contamination of water resources by heavy metal ions causes a significant environmental and public health challenge. In this study, a novel eco-friendly adsorbent synthesized from Citrullus lanatus (water-melon) seed starch. Water-melon seed starch ascorbic acid (WMSSAA) resin characterization was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis as well as Thermogravimetric (TG) - Differential Thermal (DT) analysis. The WMSSAA resin was further investigated for removal of toxic heavy metal ions from the standard aqueous solutions by batch adsorption method. The distribution coefficient and percentage removal of heavy metal ions by WMSSAA resin were determined under the influence of pH range of 2-8. FTIR spectral data favors the formation of chemically modified resin. These data clearly reveal functionalities present on resin. Rough and uneven morphology of resin is confirmed by SEM analysis. The moderate to good thermal stability of resin has been investigated by TG-DTA. The functionality present on resin provides sites for significant adsorption of heavy metal ions Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺. Citrullus lanatus Seeds are agricultural waste. This work applies green chemistry principle through formation of active adsorbent from waste seeds. The work contributes towards sustainable waste water treatment protocol. The results demonstrated that the synthesized resin exhibited high adsorption efficiency, suggesting its potential as a low-cost and sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment.

Culturable Bacterial and Fungal Diversity in Hydrocarbon-impacted Soils of Selected Communities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Eguakun, Patrick Efosa Osemwegie, Richard Otayoor Ablist — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hydrocarbon contamination alters soil physicochemical properties and selectively shapes microbial community structure by favoring hydrocarbon-utilising bacteria (HUB) and stress-tolerant taxa, while potentially suppressing sensitive heterotrophic and fungal populations. This study assessed culturable bacterial and fungal communities in hydrocarbon-impacted soils from three oil-producing communities (Otuan, Imiringi, and Obuna) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Composite soil samples were collected at 0–10 cm and 10–30 cm depths and analyzed using standard culture-based methods. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBC) were higher in surface soils, ranging from 51.0 ± 2.65 to 69.0 ± 3.00 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹, compared with subsurface values of 23.3 ± 2.52 to 45.0 ± 3.00 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹, with significant spatial variation (p < 0.001). Hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria ranged from 18.3 ± 2.52 to 20.3 ± 2.52 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ at 0–10 cm and 11.0 ± 2.00 to 17.0 ± 2.00 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ at 10–30 cm. Total fungal counts ranged from 15.3 ± 2.52 to 21.0 ± 2.65 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ at 0–10 cm and 10.0 ± 2.00 to 13.0 ± 2.00 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ at 10–30 cm. Dominant isolates included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium sp., indicating adaptation to petroleum contamination and bioremediation potential. However, the study was limited by culture-dependent methods, absence of physicochemical data, and small sample size. Future studies should integrate molecular sequencing and broader environmental assessment.

Wood Weathering under Natural and Artificial Conditions: Mechanisms and Degradation Processes

Mewada Thamoung, Siddhartha Arya — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Weathering is one of the most common degradation processes in exposed environments, significantly affecting the aesthetics, durability, and performance of wood. It is a key topic in the field of wood science and technology, focusing on the behavior of wood under long-term environmental exposure. This review aims to examine the mechanisms of wood weathering, including both natural and artificial processes, their effects on wood properties, and potential mitigation strategies. The study is based on existing scientific literature related to wood degradation. Natural weathering occurs in unprotected wood due to factors such as solar radiation, temperature fluctuations, moisture, and oxygen, whereas artificial weathering simulates these conditions under controlled settings for research and evaluation. Weathering results in discolouration, surface degradation, and changes in physical, chemical, and structural properties, mainly due to photodegradation and moisture interactions. Untreated wood undergoes progressive deterioration, while various treatments, including chemical modification, nano-deposition, mechanical processing, and surface modification, can improve its resistance. Overall, weathering remains a major challenge, and the development of sustainable and advanced protective techniques is essential to enhance the durability and long-term performance of wood in changing environmental conditions.

Sustainable Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Maize Crop: Integrating the Ecological Environment, Biocontrol Agents and Modern Technologies Present in the Environment

N. Murugan, N. Vairam, Penugonda Bhavana, N. Santhoshraj, S. Bhuvaneshwaran — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the pest, encompassing its invasion history, taxonomic classification, biological characteristics, and patterns of infestation and crop damage. Furthermore, it evaluates the broader economic implications of fall armyworm outbreaks across affected regions. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, has emerged as a serious constraint to maize production due to its rapid spread, wide host range, and ability to adapt to diverse agro-ecological conditions. It is a highly destructive and migratory lepidopteran pest that poses a significant threat to maize production worldwide. Its remarkable adaptive capacity is underpinned by its polyphagous feeding behaviour, elevated reproductive potential, and documented resistance to multiple classes of insecticides, all of which render its management particularly challenging. Emphasizing eco-friendly strategies such as conservation of natural enemies, use of botanical and microbial agents, and timely monitoring can significantly reduce pest pressure while minimizing environmental risks. In the long term, strengthening integrated pest management practices, promoting resistant crop varieties, and improving farmer awareness will be crucial for sustainable maize production.

Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Productivity: A Review

S. V. Anap, V. N. Anap — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The global challenge of feeding a rapidly growing population whilst simultaneously addressing environmental degradation, climate change, and the depletion of natural resources demands transformative approaches to agricultural production. Agricultural biotechnology has emerged as a powerful suite of tools capable of enhancing crop productivity, improving resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses, and reducing the ecological footprint of farming systems. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of major biotechnological advances relevant to sustainable agriculture, encompassing genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing, RNA interference, marker-assisted selection, and the application of biofertilisers and biopesticides derived from microbial biotechnology. The literature search was conducted across four major academic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The date range for the primary search was set since January 2007, to ensure a minimum of fifteen references from within this recent period. The review examines how these technologies contribute to drought tolerance, disease resistance, nitrogen use efficiency, improved photosynthetic capacity, and nutritional enhancement of staple crops. Socio-regulatory dimensions—including international regulatory frameworks, biosafety considerations, and ethical debates surrounding genetically modified organisms—are critically examined. Despite remarkable scientific progress, significant challenges remain, including regulatory complexity, public acceptance, equitable access, and the need for integration with traditional breeding systems and agroecological approaches. This review concludes that a measured, evidence-based deployment of biotechnological innovations, within inclusive governance structures, offers substantial promise for achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development in the twenty-first century.

Bionomics and Integrated Pest Management of Yellow Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas): Implications for Sustainable Rice Cultivation

N. Murugan, N. Vairam, P. Sandhya Lakshmi, N. Santhoshraj, S. Bhuvaneshwaran — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In Asia, yellow stem borer (YSB) Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the most economically significant and common insect pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.) especially in the irrigated and rainfed lowland ecosystems. It is monophagous, cryptically internally fed, and highly synchronized to rice growth stages, which allows chronic damage to both the vegetative and reproductive stages with symptoms that include the dead heart and white ear and severely diminish the tillering and grain harvest. The review gives a synthesis of YSB taxonomy and geographic distribution, life cycle biology (egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages), damage mechanisms, physiological effects on host plants and variables affecting population dynamics (nitrogen fertilization, planting timing, and climatic variables). The traditional and new management techniques are talked about in the presence of economic threshold levels (ETL) and monitoring devices like pheromone traps. It focuses on integrated pest management (IPM) methods, including cultural control methods (optimal planting dates, balanced fertilization, water management), host-plant resistance (morphological and biochemical), biological control (egg parasitoids such as Trichogramma japonicum, Telenomus spp., Tetrastichus schoenobii), biorational insecticides (e.g., spinosad), selective chemicals (e.g., chlorantraniliprole), and behavioral control (e.g., using the mating dis The review points out the transition of depending on general insecticides with a general approach to sustainable and environmental-friendly strategies to reduce the resistance, recurrence, and environmental hazards. The future directions involve the exploitation of genomic understanding, accuracy tracking, and climate-tolerant IPM as a means of managing this chronic rice pest effectively and in the long-term.