Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir

Spot blotch (SB), caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, is a major yield-limiting disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the warm, humid agroclimatic zones of South Asia. The development of resistant cultivars through molecular approaches offers a sustainable strategy for managing this disease. This study aimed to identify resistant genotypes and associated single-nucleotide polymorphism markers in a panel of 187 spring bread wheat lines via field-based phenotyping and genome-wide association study (GWAS). The panel was genotyped via the DArTSeq genotyping-by-sequencing platform and evaluated for SB resistance under artificially inoculated field conditions across two crop seasons (2019-2020 and 2020-2021) at Agua Fria, Mexico. Significant phenotypic variation was observed, with genotypes BGD54, IND56, and BGD55 showing high levels of resistance, indicating their potential as resistance donors. GWAS identified multiple marker‒trait associations (MTAs) linked to SB resistance, with seven stable MTAs consistently detected across years and models, located on chromosomes 3D, 5A, 3B, and 1B, and explaining 3.86%-18.17% phenotypic variance. Most of these MTAs colocalized with previously reported genomic regions for SB resistance. In silico analysis revealed candidate genes within these regions encoding potassium transporters, zinc finger proteins, glutathione S-transferases, FBD domain proteins, leucine-rich repeats, protein kinases, dirigent proteins, and cytochrome P450 enzymes. The identified stable MTAs and associated candidate genes offer valuable resources for marker-assisted selection and functional validation in wheat breeding programs targeting SB resistance.

ABSTRACT Microplastics are a major environmental pollutant, threatening ecosystems and human health. This study investigates microplastic contamination and its associated ecological risks in the sediments of Wular Lake, Kashmir—a Ramsar-designated site. Sediment samples collected from 32 locations were analyzed for microplastic abundance, composition, and pollution hazard. Microplastics were present at all sites, with concentrations ranging from 300 to 1,280 particles per kilogram of dry sediment (p/kg dw) and a mean of 835.6 p/kg dw. Hotspots exceeding 1,000 p/kg dw included sites WL19, WL5, WL2, WL10, and WL20, with the northeastern region being the most contaminated. White (26.9%) and blue (25.5%) particles were predominant, and fibers constituted 74.7% of all morphotypes. Raman spectroscopy identified nylon/polyamide as the primary polymer type (74.7%), followed by polypropylene (18.1%) and polyethylene (6.2%). Pollution Hazard Index (PHI) values ranged from 515 to 15,926, indicating significant contamination and high ecological risk at the majority of sites. These findings reveal widespread microplastic pollution in Wular Lake sediments, characterized by distinct hotspots and elevated environmental risk. The results underscore the urgent need for improved waste management, stronger regulatory measures, and continuous monitoring to protect the ecological integrity of this critical Himalayan wetland.

Considering today’s challenges regarding climate change and rapid depletion of conventional fossil fuels, algae-based fuels seem to be promising and sustainable alternatives via various conversion methods. Despite growing interest in algal-based applications, the full potential of algal biomass as a versatile and sustainable feedstock remains underutilized as it is abundantly available when compared to terrestrial plants. The biomass from algae can be used for producing biofuels and chemicals as they are high in proteins, carbs, and lipids. Producing fuel from algae remains commercially challenging because cultivation and harvesting demand significant energy and incur high costs. At the pilot scale, these challenges often create major bottlenecks in converting algae into biofuels or biochemicals. Adopting an integrated algae biorefinery approach can help lower both energy use and expenses. Such systems enable the simultaneous recovery of biopolymers, biochemicals, biofuels, and biofertilizers with better cost-effectiveness than traditional processes. Ultimately, making algae-based production more economically feasible strengthens its potential role in advancing a green economy. This review articulates recent advances in chemical, thermochemical, and biochemical conversion processes of algae-based biomass. Chemical transesterification, thermochemical processes such as gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal treatments, and biochemical conversion methods like fermentation, anaerobic digestion, and photobiological techniques are discussed in this review. For biochemical conversion methods such as fermentation, anaerobic digestion and photobiological techniques are mentioned towards the end of this review.

Organic waste represents a valuable reservoir of ligno-cellulosic materials, creating a favorable environment for the proliferation of cellulolytic bacteria. The microbial degradation of cellulose plays a pivotal role in sustaining material cycling within the biosphere. The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the physico-chemical properties of organic waste and to isolate and identify cellulose-degrading bacterial strains. Samples were collected from diverse sources, including agricultural residues, aquatic weeds, and kitchen waste, at multiple sites around Dal Lake and the Shalimar campus of SKUAST-K. A total of 24 bacterial isolates were obtained, of which five exhibited pronounced zones of hydrolysis on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) agar plates following Congo red staining. These five isolates were subjected to morphological characterization, Gram staining, and biochemical profiling, with identification guided by Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. The results revealed that the majority of the potent cellulolytic strains belonged to the genus Bacillus. This study highlights the potential of such bacterial species to utilize cellulose as a cost-effective carbon source, thereby offering promising applications in biodegradation processes and the production of therapeutic agents. The findings provide a foundation for harnessing cellulolytic bacteria in sustainable waste management and biotechnological innovations.

Agricultural biotechnology has emerged as a critical frontier in addressing the multifaceted challenges of 21st-century food systems, driven by a growing global population and the intensifying impacts of climate change. This review explores the transformative potential of modern biological tools, including genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and multi-omics integration, in enhancing crop resilience and productivity. By synthesizing current research, the paper highlights how these technologies mitigate both biotic stresses, such as viral and fungal pathogens, and abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Beyond yield enhancement, biotechnology plays a pivotal role in nutritional biofortification and environmental stewardship, notably through the reduction of synthetic pesticide reliance and the sequestration of carbon emissions. The analysis further discusses the transition toward a circular bio-economy, utilizing agricultural residues for bio-refining and biodegradable packaging. However, the global adoption of these innovations remains uneven, hindered by stringent regulatory frameworks, public safety concerns, and policy lags in developing regions.1 To realize the goal of a sustainable "Evergreen Revolution," the review emphasizes the necessity of harmonized biosafety guidelines and the integration of artificial intelligence with molecular breeding. Ultimately, biotechnology stands as an indispensable pillar for ensuring global food security, offering precise solutions to maintain ecological balance while meeting the demands of a projected population of nine billion by 2030.

Kiwi (Actinidia Deliciosa A. Chev.), an introduced fruit crop in Jammu & Kashmir, India, is affected by a number of diseases, particularly root diseases that reduce its yield potential significantly. The present investigation was conducted during the months of July-September 2025 using rhizospheric soil samples collected from kiwifruit orchards in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The study aimed to isolate native Trichoderma spp. from kiwifruit rhizosphere soils and evaluate their compatibility with commonly used fungicides under in vitro conditions. Sixteen Trichoderma isolates were obtained using the serial dilution technique on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and purified through single spore/hyphal tip methods. Based on rapid radial and profuse mycelial growth, and early sporulation at 25 ± 1 °C, two fast growing isolates, TAR-2 (Trichoderma Arihal isolate 2) and TWA-3 (Trichoderma Warpora isolate 3), were selected for compatibility studies. Fungicide compatibility was assessed using the poisoned food technique. Results revealed significant variation in growth inhibition among fungicides. Carbendazim 50 % WP (0.1 %) and Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP (0.2 %) exhibited near-complete inhibition (>99 %) of both isolates, indicating strong incompatibility. In contrast, Mancozeb 75 % WP (0.3 %) and Metalaxyl 35 % WS (0.1 %) showed negligible inhibition (<1 %), demonstrating high compatibility. Copper oxychloride 50 % WP (0.3 %) and Fosetyl-Al 80 % WP (0.1 %) caused moderate, concentration-dependent reductions in mycelial growth but did not completely suppress colony development, suggesting partial compatibility. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments at the 5 % level of significance. The findings highlighted that non-benzimidazole fungicides such as Mancozeb, Metalaxyl, Copper oxychloride, and Fosetyl-Al can be safely integrated with selected Trichoderma isolates in integrated disease management (IDM) programmes for kiwifruit. Conversely, Carbendazim-based formulations should be avoided when applying these biocontrol agents. The study reinforced the importance of selecting fungicides that are compatible with beneficial rhizospheric microorganisms for sustainable orchard management.

Abstract Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici , significantly reduces wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) yields when uncontrolled. This study developed predictive models for stripe rust severity using weather variables. Field experiments were conducted from 2017 to 2019 at the Research Farm, Chatha, using susceptible wheat variety PBW 343 in a randomized block design with four replications. Disease severity was assessed weekly using the modified Cobb scale. Additional historical weather and disease data from 2005 to 2017 were incorporated to develop comprehensive forecasting models. Strong positive correlations were observed between disease severity and maximum temperature ( r = 0.89–0.91) and minimum temperature ( r = 0.75–0.91), while morning relative humidity showed negative correlation ( r = −0.80). Rainfall exhibited no significant correlation with disease progression. Two multiple linear regression models were developed: for 2005–2017, Y = −502.14 + 0.64 X 1 + 8.57 X 2 + 3.04 X 3 + 1.42 X 4 + 0.58 X 5 ; and for 2017–2019, Y = 322.57 + 9.41 X 1 − 4.14 X 2 − 2.56 X 3 − 0.71 X 4 + 0.26 X 5 , where Y represents disease severity and X 1 – X 5 represent weather parameters. Both models explained approximately 89%–91% of variation in disease severity. Spore concentration increased 84% from 51st to seventh standard meteorological week during 2017–2019. These models provide quantitative tools for predicting stripe rust severity using readily available weather data, enabling timely disease management decisions and supporting sustainable wheat production.

Present study was aimed at assessing protective efficacy of outer membrane protein (OMP) vaccine in comparison to inactivated whole cell antigen vaccine after challenge with homologous serogroup (O2) of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in broiler chickens. The outer membrane proteins were extracted by sarcosyl method and protein concentration was determined by nanodrop spectrophotometer. The study comprised of 120 birds divided into 6 groups. The birds were subcutaneously immunized twice with primary vaccine in the first week followed by booster vaccine in second week. The protection rate of 82% was found in whole cell inactivated antigen, 91% in OMP vaccine and 27% among the unvaccinated group. The antibody (IgG) response was found significantly higher in OMP vaccine group than whole cell antigen group. In unvaccinated groups chicks, the antibody titer never reached to the protective level till the termination of experiment. The bacteria were re-isolated from the infected broiler chickens for the confirmation of induced infection and were characterized using standard cultural and biochemical tests belonging to O2 serogroup. Our study demonstrated that the outer membrane protein (OMP) vaccine provided significantly higher protection (91%) and antibody response compared to the inactivated whole cell antigen vaccine (82%) against Escherichia coli O2 infection in broiler chickens. Birds vaccinated with OMP exhibited fewer pathological lesions and a stronger immune response. The findings underscore the potential of OMP-based vaccines as a safer, more immunogenic alternative for controlling colibacillosis.