Department of Agriculture

Growing consumer preference for livestock products labeled “Raised without Antibiotics” (RWA) or “No Antibiotics Ever” (NAE), escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance due to long use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) along with stringent regulatory restrictions, has intensified the demand for sustainable alternatives. This review summarizes recent advances in non-antibiotic strategies to enhance livestock production while aligning with global regulatory bans on in-feed antibiotics. We first delineate the multifunctional mechanisms of AGPs, primarily through gut microbiota modulation and immunomodulation, to establish a benchmark for alternative efficacy. The core analysis critically evaluates leading antibiotic substitutes, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, organic acids, dietary enzymes, and phytogenic food additives (PFAs). Among all, PFAs rich in terpenoids and phenolics for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gut health promoting properties along with cost-efficiency, scalability, and one health implications are preferred alternative to antibiotics. Further, we underscore emerging technologies such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), hyper-immune egg yolk antibodies (IgY), bacteriophages, genomic medicines, and clays and trace minerals, highlighting commercially approved examples like bacteriophage to control Salmonella. Despite demonstrated success in improving feed efficiency, growth performance, and overall animal health, challenges regarding consistency, bioavailability, and regulatory approval persist. The conclusive evidence positions a strategic combination of these natural and advanced alternatives, particularly optimized PFA formulations, as a viable and sustainable pathway to achieving antibiotic-free animal husbandry, thereby mitigating AMR risks and ensuring future food security.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence cultivation decision and Marketing channel choice of green Malta. In addition, determinants of farmers’ attitude and perception regarding Green Malta cultivation has been examined. A descriptive research approach has been used in the study. Data collection has been carried out from ninety (90) farmers in the districts of Pirojpur and Jhalokathi in Bangladesh. A well-structured questionnaire has been utilized and respondents were reached through in-person interviews. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis have been employed to analyze the data. The results showed that the quantity of production has significant impact on the choice of marketing channels by the Malta farmers. The number of family members, access to loan facilities, and experience on marketing channels have significant effect on the decision to cultivate green malta. Results also showed that experience in farming and marketing channel has significant impact on attitude and perception toward green malta cultivation. South Asian J. Agric. Vol. 11, No. 2, Dec., 2025: 62-70

In this study, we used a multi-faceted approach to understand patterns of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission and persistence in a wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population. Serology data indicated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and persistence during the seven-month sampling period. Traditional disease modelling based on deer-to-deer transmission indicated relatively low prevalence with an R0 of 1.9 and recovery period of 7 days; however, individual-based modelling informed by GPS tracked-movement data captured a potential transmission event. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a recurring pattern of divergent groups of deer-derived sequences with human-derived sequences falling close to each deer-derived cluster. Further, human-derived sequences were frequently sampled months prior to the deer-derived sequences, indicating repeated human to deer spillover. Using multiple types of data as well as both fine and broad scale analyses, we have characterized a pattern of localized outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 within white-tailed deer populations that are likely recurring due to frequent spillover events. Our results suggest that while deer-to-deer transmission occurs over small spatiotemporal scales, SARS-CoV-2 persistence over longer periods and across larger regions is likely driven by repeated spillover from human populations.

ABSTRACT Anthracnose, caused by species of the genus Colletotrichum, is an important disease of fruits and vegetables. Without effective control strategies, anthracnose can result in yield loss, reduced harvest quality and subsequently, monetary loss. A common approach in anthracnose management in conventional production systems is the use of pesticides, primarily fungicides. Although pesticides can control anthracnose in the field, they pose several disadvantages, including high cost, environmental pollution, adverse effects on non-target organisms and health concerns. This paper outlines several interventions used in organic agriculture that have been shown to inhibit Colletotrichum species, reduce the incidence of anthracnose and enhance the growth and yield of the host plants. Employing crop rotation, applying animal manure and wastes, using organic-based fertilisers and practicing cover cropping, green manuring, and no-tillage are some methods that can reduce the incidence and severity of anthracnose in the host plant. In addition, biological control agents (bacteria, fungi, yeasts), plant extracts (and their phytochemicals and essential oils) and volatile organic compounds from microbes and plants have also been proven effective. These, alone or in combination with each other, can serve as control mechanisms against anthracnose. Evidence suggests that such applications can induce host resistance and enhance crop yield. Integrating these materials into agricultural practices highlights their multifaceted role in sustainable agriculture.

Five subfamilies within Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) have larvae that retain their feces as a coat or armor which serves for thermoregulation, camouflage, or barrier to enemies. The construction, retention and repair of these fecal structures are associated with specialized larval morphologies in the tortoise beetles (subfamily Cassidinae) and in the Cryptocephalinae + Lamprosomatinae (Camptosomata), but morphology associated with fecal encrustations on larvae in the Blepharida-group flea beetles (Galerucinae: Alticini) and in Criocerinae have not been examined. Experiments with live larvae of Podontiaquatuordecimpunctata (L., 1767) (or sineguelas leaf beetle, SLB; Blepharida group) reveal the anus opens dorsally and deposits feces directly to the larva’s dorsum; the armor is maintained and is reconstructed. Scanning electron microscopy reveals integumental microtrichia that presumably hold on the feces. This invasive beetle has become an introduced tree-crop pest in the Philippines, so ongoing research seeks to mitigate its population. Insecticidal chemical assays show that fecal armor does not fully protect SLB larvae but delays potency slightly. The study recommends rotating the insecticides (Imidacloprid, Cypermethrin, and Buprofezin) to prevent the development of resistance. Specialized morphology for fecal retention is known in Cassidinae, Camptosomata and is now documented in the Blepharida group. Such morphology and the fecal-building behavior can offer additional phylogenetic information for these beetles.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important legume crop in Ghana, where its productivity is often constrained by suboptimal nitrogen availability. Specific Leaf Nitrogen (SLN), a physiological trait derived from SPAD chlorophyll meter readings, offers a rapid and non-destructive proxy for nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) in crop selection. This study aimed at evaluating the variation in SLN among selected groundnut genotypes in Ghana, with a strategy to identify high-performing and nitrogen-efficient lines that could be prioritised in future breeding programmes. A field experiment was conducted across two cropping seasons, at the Department of Ecological Agriculture, Bolgatanga Technical University, in Ghana. Results indicated significant genotypic variation in SPAD-derived SLN values, pod number, and seed yield. A moderate, statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.497, P < 0.05) was observed between SLN and pod number; while pod yield and seed weight were strongly correlated (r = 0.603, P < 0.01). Plant height, however, did not significantly correlate with SLN (r = 0.219, P > 0.05), indicating that it is not a good predictor of NUE. High SLN values and superior yield traits were recorded by genotypes like Agric Bola and Sumnut-22; indicating their potential as donor parents in NUE-targeted breeding. In conclusion, SLN as determined by SPAD readings is a useful physiological marker for determining the nitrogen efficiency of groundnut genotypes.

Valorization of food waste or food byproducts into higher-value products can benefit the food industry by contributing to the food supply chain. This study aimed to investigate the potential for using waste ice cream as a fermentation substrate for production of ethanol by yeast. Results showed that 2 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, Lalvin EC-1118 (Lallemand Inc.) and Ethanol Red (Lesaffre), were able to ferment an aqueous byproduct of waste ice cream, resulting in the production of ethanol, ∼7% (wt/vol). This most likely occurred due to the utilization of free monosaccharides or sucrose, because they were unable to ferment lactose. Lactase and glucoamylase were added, to increase the availability of fermentable carbohydrates, resulting in 9.77% and 9.30% (wt/vol) ethanol produced by Lalvin EC-118 and Ethanol Red strains, respectively. Both strains were also shown to not utilize the galactose released following the hydrolysis of lactose. Maximum ethanol production, above 13% (wt/vol), was seen in samples treated with a combination of lactase and a protease, suggesting that a lack of nitrogen was stalling the fermentation. A benchtop-scale distillation was performed using a fermented vanilla ice cream treated with protease, lactase, and diammonium phosphate. The distillation was successful, and several fractions with various aromas and odors were collected. Results from this study suggest that that ethanol production is a viable valorization strategy to produce distilled beverage alcohol from waste ice cream, which is expected to be free of protein allergens.

Improving plant toleranceagainst abiotic stress factors is importantfor sustaining global food security. Plants show prolonged, increasedtolerance upon exposure to suboptimal environmental conditions whentreated at the seed stage with certain chemical agents of naturalor synthetic origin, resulting in higher crop yields. Polymers suchas naturally derived hydrogels (HYDR) provide a smart delivery systemfor phytohormones. The protective effect of melatonin (Mel) and FOLICIST(Fol) applied directly or as calcium alginate-based hydrogel coatingswith embedded Mel (HYDR-Mel) was studied in the “Dafni F1”tomato cultivar against salinity stress under in vitro conditions.An array of agronomic and biochemical parameters was evaluated, furtherto detailed material characterization, including germination-relatedparameters (such as the germination rate index, mean germination rate,speed of germination, and emergence index), morphological alternations(such as the main root length and root fresh weight), as well as cellulardamage indicators (such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 content). Findings suggest that engineered HYDR-Melformulations are a promising “green” approach to mitigateabiotic stress effects in plants.

Tobacco is one of the important commercial crops in India. The operations in the cultivation of tobacco crop are different from other crops, performed in odd postures with a potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders and nicotine absorption. The present study aims to find the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) of tobacco farmworkers by conducting a survey and postural analysis during tobacco cultivation. The prevalence of MSD was assessed by surveying 120 tobacco farm workers in southern India (Andhra Pradesh). The data was collected through personal interviews with the help of a developed survey proforma based on the Standard Nordic Questionnaire. The postural stresses were assessed by “Rapid Entire Body Assessment” (REBA), “Body part discomfort Score” (BPDS), and “Overall Discomfort Score” (ODS) techniques. MSD affecting body parts was highest in one or both knees (47%), followed by one or both ankles/feet (43%), shoulders and neck (37%), wrist/hands (27%), lower back (24%), one or both hips/thighs/buttocks (19%) and upper back (10%). REBA scores for transplanting, weeding and harvesting tobacco leaves were 8.0, 8.16, and 8.2 in the “High risk” category requiring “investigation and implement change”. BPDS and ODS were highest in the harvesting of tobacco leaves (50.25 and 3.90), followed by the transplanting of seedlings (39.5 and 3.82) and weeding (40.20 and 2.87) respectively. Postural analysis inferred a higher risk in transplanting seedlings, harvesting tobacco leaves and weeding. Most of the postures adopted had high REBA, BPDS and ODS scores.

Bradyrhizobium sp. DOA9 can nodulate a wide spectrum of legumes; however, unlike other bradyrhizobia, DOA9 carries a symbiotic plasmid harboring type III secretion system (T3SS) and several effector (T3E) genes, one of which encodes a putative type III effector SkP48. Here, we demonstrated the pivotal roles of SkP48 from Bradyrhizobium sp. DOA9 in inhibiting nodulation of various Vigna species and Crotalaria juncea and suppressing nodulation efficiency of Arachis hypogaea. By contrast, the nodulation efficiency of a SkP48 mutant did not differ significantly with the DOA9 wild-type strain on Macroptilium atropurpureum and Stylosanthes hamata. The SUMO domain of SkP48 is primarily responsible for the blocking nodulation phenotype V. radiata. An evolutionary analysis revealed that the SkP48 which contains a shikimate kinase and a SUMO protease (C48 cysteine peptidase) domain, SkP48 is distinct from other effectors previously reported in other bradyrhizobia and pathogenic bacteria. Our findings suggest that the putative T3E SkP48 is a key factor suppressing nodulation and nodule organogenesis in several legumes by activation of effector-triggered immunity through salicylic acid biosynthesis induction, which is deleterious to rhizobial infection. In addition, nodulation may be modulated by the function of defensins involved in jasmonic acid signalling in V. radiata SUT1.